Chapter 3


BELLE did not know how long she remained in the castle's gardens, her thoughts consumed by the challenges ahead and the unresolved tension between her and Adam.

She knew that they needed to work together to break the curse, and she couldn't bear the thought of being left in the dark about his plans.

As she sat there on the stone bench in front of the rose bushes, Belle's mind raced with questions and possible solutions. She considered the information Lenore had shared and the importance of understanding what truly happened to the Enchantress in D'Arque's asylum.

Her determination to uncover the truth and help Adam grew stronger with each passing moment. Belle let out a shaky breath as she kept her gaze fixed on the roses ahead of her.

She knew she would have to have an open and honest conversation with Adam about the importance of working together to break Lenore's new curse. With resolve in her heart, she made a mental plan of what she would say when she saw him next, determined to bridge the gap and mend the rift that had formed between them and strengthen their bond as they faced the challenges that lay ahead.

As Belle contemplated her approach to speaking with her husband, she noted a young maid about her age with short, wispy blonde hair that framed her face in stray wisps and strands, tending to the flowers in the garden. Something about the girl's appearance tugged at her memory, and a spark of recognition flickered in her mind as she recognized this girl as the baker's daughter back in the village.

Brielle, she remembered the young woman's name was, who always made it a habit of slipping an extra roll or bread loaf into Belle's apron pocket whenever she came to her father's shop to buy bread.

She'd always had kind words for Belle and Belle had been on the brink of striking up a friendship with her until the fateful night Phillippe had come home riderless, without her father in tow.

"Brielle?" Belle called out tentatively, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

The maid turned around, her colorless grey eyes widening with surprise as she saw Belle. She blinked in recognition, and a warm smile broke across her face.

"Belle?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with astonishment.

Belle's heart leaped with joy as she realized that her hunch had been correct. It was indeed Brielle, the baker's daughter, and the girl whom she had always hoped to be able to call a friend.

"Brielle!" Belle exclaimed, rushing towards her, enveloping the maid in a warm embrace. "I can't believe it's you, after all this time! But what are you doing here?" she asked, quietly and confused, confusion laced in her voice. Brielle returned the hug, her eyes shining with delight.

"I've been working here in the castle a while now, Princess," she shyly explained. "After you and the Prince were married, I found myself drawn to the beauty of this place and found work here in the castle, most of the time alongside Mrs. Potts in the kitchens. It's an honor to serve, Belle."

Belle smiled warmly, grateful for the unexpected reunion. "I'm so glad to see you again," she said. "And I could use a friend right now. There's something important I need to discuss with Adam."

Brielle nodded in understanding, her smile faltering somewhat. "I'll do whatever I can to help, Belle," she offered. "Just let me know how."

Belle smiled, touched by the blonde's kindness and grateful for her newfound friend by her side.

She felt a surge of hope and renewed determination to bridge the gap between her and Adam and face the challenges of breaking her curse together. Belle quietly shared her concerns with Brielle, informing her of the new witch Lenore's anger and pain that had compelled her to curse Belle as punishment for Adam doing nothing to stop her sister's death.

She confided in the maid too about Adam's plan to travel to D'Arque's asylum. She explained how he was determined to keep her safe and had refused to allow her to accompany him on what he considered to be a perilous journey.

Brielle listened attentively, her thin, nearly translucent eyebrows furrowing in thought as she processed the information, her expression worried.

She understood the complexity of the situation and the depths of Belle's feelings for the Prince.

"That does sound like a difficult situation," Brielle murmured empathetically. "But perhaps there's a way to make him see that you can be a valuable ally in breaking this new witch's curse. You two are a team, after all, Belle."

Belle nodded gravely, appreciating Brielle's understanding. "I've tried to explain that to him," she confessed with a pained grimace, "but he's so determined to protect me. I need to find a way to show him that we can face this challenge together, as a couple."

Brielle offered the princess a reassuring smile. "You'll find a way, Belle," she said with confidence. "Your love for each other is strong, and that can overcome any obstacle. If there's anything I can do to help you, please don't hesitate to ask. Anything I can do to help you, I will."

Belle felt a sense of comfort knowing that she had a new friend by her side who understood the difficulties and complexities of her situation and was willing to offer support.

With renewed determination, she knew she would find a way to bridge the gap between her and Adam, ensuring that they faced the challenges ahead of them as a united front.

As Belle silently considered her options, she knew that her best chance of accompanying Adam to D'Arque's asylum was to maintain secrecy, at least, until the moment was right.

She turned to Brielle with a determined look brimming behind her eyes. "Brielle, my friend," she began, her voice low and urgent, "I need your help. I can't let Adam face this challenge alone, and I believe I can convince him to let me go with him if I'm already there when he arrives."

Brielle's eyes widened at her princess's words, but it was clear by the look in her new friend's eyes that the blonde understood the precariousness of her predicament.

"What can I do to help, Belle?" she asked without hesitation.

Belle glanced around the gardens to ensure no one was listening, then leaned in closer to Brielle and kept her voice low as she whispered, "I need to sneak into one of the carriages that will accompany Adam. I'll hide in the litter alongside a few of the guards he plans to take with him. They'll be sworn to secrecy if I tell them not to tell, and no one else will know that I'm there, Brielle."

Brielle's eyes widened at the princess's audacious plan, but she did not immediately outright refuse Belle's request for her help, and Belle had some hope.

Brielle hesitated as Belle laid out her plan to sneak into one of the carriages accompanying the Prince. She understood Belle's determination to help and be with her husband, but she was also cautious about going against the wishes of the Prince, knowing if she were caught, it would likely cost her this job she had worked so very hard and gone through an extensive interview process with Cogsworth to get.

"Belle," Brielle began, her voice filled with concern, "I want to help you, as your servant, yes, but more importantly as your friend, but going against the Prince's wishes is a serious matter. He's only trying to protect you."

Belle nodded, appreciating Brielle's cautious approach. "I know, Brielle, but I can't stand by while Adam faces this danger alone. We're a team, and I believe I can make a difference in breaking the curse."

Brielle sighed, torn between her loyalty to Belle and her understanding of the Prince's protective nature.

"I…I'll do my best to arrange it," Brielle finally conceded. "But please, Belle, be extremely careful. The trip won't be without its risks. If you'll have me, let me come with you. I don't like the thought of you going alone."

With a sense of trepidation, Brielle agreed to assist Belle in her plan only when the princess offered a curt nod of her head, signaling Brielle had her permission to come with her and hide alongside her in one of the carriages, understanding the depth of her friend's determination and love for the Prince.

As they moved forward, they realized they would need to tread carefully to ensure their actions didn't jeopardize their relationships or Belle's mission to break the curse. With a heavy heart and a sense of duty, Brielle quickly and quietly escorted Belle out of the gardens and towards the palace stables, where a small handful of men were preparing the horses for Adam's impending departure.

As they approached the stable, Belle could feel her nerves fluttering with anticipation and uncertainty. Brielle discreetly approached one of the guards, a burly man named Jacques, and leaned in to speak with him in hushed tones barely above a whisper.

"Jacques," Brielle nervously began, "there's something the princess and I need your help with, and it must remain a secret from the Prince," she said urgently.

Jacques raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "What is it, Brielle?"

Brielle quickly explained Belle's plan to sneak into one of the carriages accompanying Adam, emphasizing the importance of keeping the princess's presence hidden from the Prince. Jacques exchanged glances with his fellow guards, and they seemed to deliberate the request.

Finally, Jacques nodded, his expression filled with a mix of determination and understanding for the princess.

"We owe the Prince a lot, but we also know how much he cares for Lady Belle," he said. "We'll help you, but she'll have to be discreet and stay out of sight, Brielle."

Belle stepped forward, her gratitude evident in her eyes as she addressed the apprehensive guards.

"Thank you all. I promise I'll be careful, and I truly appreciate your assistance in this."

One of the other guards, Henri, spoke up. "We'll do our best to make it work, Princess, but this is a risky endeavor. You must be cautious."

Belle nodded, her determination unwavering. "I understand, Henri. We have to do whatever it takes to break this curse and protect our future."

With the guards' cooperation secured, Belle and Brielle were ready to proceed with their daring plan, knowing that their determination and unity would guide them through the challenges that lay ahead.

The women were briefly left alone as they waited nervously in the stables, until one of the guards, Phillipe, returned with a carefully packaged meal for the women.

He had discreetly ventured into the kitchens and managed to sneak away with an extra two servings of food that Mrs. Potts was preparing for the Prince's departure, fussing, and fretting over the meal, and as usual, the Head of House was preparing too much, far too much for the Prince to eat on his own.

Phillippe handed the bundled lunch to Belle, a hint of a mischievous smile playing on the man's lips.

"Here, Lady Belle," he said, "a little extra sustenance for the journey. Mrs. Potts will have our heads if she finds out."

Belle accepted the lunch shyly with a grateful nod, her eyes reflecting her appreciation for the man's risk.

"Thank you, Philippe," she said sincerely. "This will be a great help."

Brielle chimed in, echoing Belle's gratitude. "Yes, thank you for your kindness. Don't worry about Mrs. Potts, Phillippe. If she finds out, tell her I took it."

Philippe chuckled, understanding the gravity of the situation and the importance of supporting their princess in her mission.

"Just be careful, both of you," he cautioned. "The path to D'Arque's takes us straight through the heart of the Wolves' Woods."

Belle and Brielle exchanged uneasy glances at the guard's mention of the Wolves' Woods. The forest was notorious for its dark reputation, filled with packs of ferocious hungry wolves and eerie spirits that were said to roam its depths. It was a place where travelers rarely ventured if they could at all help it, and those who did rarely returned.

Belle's voice trembled slightly as she responded, "Thank you, Phillippe. Brielle and I will be as careful as we can."

She tightened her grip on the packed lunch the guard had given her and with the unexpected food in hand and the guard's assistance, Belle and Brielle were now better prepared for the journey ahead of them. As they waited for the opportune moment to slip into the carriages unnoticed, their resolve remained unwavering, fueled by the love and unity that bound them together, as new friends.

Belle and Brielle found a secluded spot in the stables, away from the prying eyes of the castle's staff, and settled down to enjoy the lunch Phillippe had provided. The packaged meal was a welcome respite during their secretive plans and both women were famished. The enticing aroma of their meal filled the musty air of the stables, teasing their senses with its delicious fragrance. Inside the bundle, as they carefully unwrapped it together, the women found a delectable selection of treats.

There were freshly prepared sandwiches, the bread soft and warm, with fillings that included sliced roast beef, creamy cheese, and crisp lettuce. Among the sandwiches, they found an assortment of colorful fruits. Juicy strawberries, plump grapes, and slices of sweet melon beckoned to them, and to complete their meal, there was a small dessert—a delicate pastry filled with velvety cream and dusted with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar. Its flaky, golden-brown crust hinted at the indulgent delight within.

Brielle took a bite of her sandwich and let out a contented moan. "Phillippe may have a future as a secret food smuggler, Princess. We'll have to remember this the next time you take it upon yourself to sneak out of the castle," she quipped, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Belle chuckled, savoring the taste of the sandwich. "He certainly knows how to bring some comfort to a risky situation," she agreed. "But we mustn't forget our purpose. We need to figure out a way to find out the truth about the Enchantress's imprisonment in the asylum."

As they continued to eat, Belle and Brielle discussed their journey and possible ways to maintain their secrecy. They shared stories of their pasts, and Belle was grateful for the newfound camaraderie and support of her friend.

As Brielle and Belle continued to savor the meal, as they were finishing off the last few bites of their dessert, Phillippe returned to the stables with an urgent expression on his face. He glanced around cautiously before approaching them.

"Ladies," he said in a hushed tone, "the Prince is preparing to depart. You need to hide in the second carriage outside quickly, or it's all three of our heads if you're caught."

Belle and Brielle exchanged a quick nervous look, realizing that their moment had come. Belle had been hoping for a little more time than this, but she had no time to mull it over in her mind as she helped Brielle hastily gather their belongings and quickly concealed themselves in the shadows as Philippe led them to the waiting carriage.

The sound of approaching footsteps grew louder, and Belle's heart pounded in her chest as she heard Adam's voice now echoing through the castle stables.

"Is everything prepared?" he asked one of the men who would accompany him.

"Indeed, Your Highness," the guard replied. "We're ready to leave at your command."

Adam's footsteps drew nearer, and Belle and Brielle held their breath, their hearts racing as they remained hidden within the litter of the second carriage as the guard Phillippe had instructed them to do, their faces now cloaked in darkness.

Out of the window, Belle could see the guard himself motion to the other men under his command to maintain their secrecy, and she felt a wave of relief and gratitude wash over her for Phillippe's aid.

In front of their carriage, the first carriage's door creaked open, and Belle could hear Adam's voice as he stepped inside.

"Let us be off, then, Henri, if you're ready," he commanded. Belle strained to hear as the carriage in front of theirs could be heard moving, and then their carriage began to move, and Belle and Brielle exchanged glances, their eyes filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

They were now on their way to the asylum, hidden away from Prince Adam's watchful eye, determined to uncover the truth and break the curse that threatened Belle's future.

As the carriage rolled forward on its journey to the asylum, Adam sat inside the litter, a heavy weight of regret settling upon his shoulders. He found himself lamenting to Philippe, who was inside the litter with him, his voice now tinged with sorrow.

"Phillippe, my friend, I wish I could have said goodbye to Belle before I left," Adam confessed, his words filled with a deep sense of longing. "But I couldn't find her, and I know she was upset with me. I didn't want to waste any more time. I will not let my wife suffer this but I could not let her come with me."

Phillippe nodded sympathetically, understanding the complex emotions that Prince Adam was grappling with.

"Your Highness, Lady Belle cares deeply for you," he offered gently. "I'm sure she'll…understand your reasons for this journey," he confessed, choosing his words carefully and hoping his eyes did not give him away.

Adam appreciated the guard's words of comfort but couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the thought of leaving without saying a proper farewell to the woman he loved. As the carriage continued down the muddied path that would take them through the thick dense forest that was the Wolves' Woods, he couldn't shake the unease that came with the uncertainty of what lay ahead.

Hidden in the shadows of the second carriage, Belle listened intently to Adam's words as her husband expressed his regret about not coming to find her to say goodbye.

Her heart ached with a mixture of longing and understanding. Beside her, Brielle, sensing Belle's inner turmoil, leaned closer to whisper words of comfort to her friend.

"He loves you deeply, Belle. All of us who work and live in the castle can see it," she whispered. "He's doing what he believes is best for you, even if it's difficult."

Belle quietly nodded in agreement, grateful for Brielle's support and wisdom. She knew that their separation was only temporary and that their love was sure to guide them through the challenges they faced.

As the carriage continued its journey towards the unknown, Belle held onto the hope that their shared determination and unity would ultimately lead her and Adam to break her curse and secure their happily ever after. As the two carriages ventured deeper into the heart of the dark forest, the atmosphere outside the litter grew increasingly eerie. The horses became unsettled, their senses detecting something amiss in the shadows and the underbrush. Their hooves shuffled nervously on the uneven forest floor.

Suddenly, a startled cry from one of the two horses pulling Belle's carriage pierced the tense silence that had settled in the air. It had struck a root or a stone, injuring its hoof.

The injured horse whinnied in pain, causing the carriage to jolt and sway. As the injured horse whinnied in pain and the carriages came to a halt, Lumiere, who had been riding alongside Belle's carriages, his keen senses immediately detected an unexpected presence within the Prince's company.

Lumiere dismounted from his horse and approached Belle and Brielle's hidden location.

His expression was a mix of concern for the injured horse and a growing suspicion that something was amiss. He leaned in closer to the carriage, determined to assess the situation.

"Master, I will see if there is anything inside that we can use to treat the poor beast," Lumiere muttered to himself, partly to express his growing frustration that their journey was now being held up substantially by this unexpected delay depending on how badly the horse was hurt.

As he opened the carriage door and peered inside, the man's eyes widened in surprise and then narrowed in anger to see Brielle and Belle concealed within, the women clutching onto one another for support. His voice took on a hushed, yet sharp and frustrated tone as he quietly addressed them.

"What is the meaning of this?! Why are you here, risking your safety and the Master's trust?" he demanded, his tone now furious.

Belle and Brielle exchanged apprehensive glances, knowing they had been caught in their attempt to accompany Prince Adam on his journey to speak with and confront D'Arque. Lumiere's stern and disappointed gaze bore down on the women, demanding an explanation for their reckless actions.

Lumiere's uncharacteristically stern gaze swept over Belle and Brielle as he confronted the women. He was a tall and dashing figure with an air of sophistication, his French accent adding to his charm. His lips twitched as he toyed with the ends of his ponytail in an agitated fit as he waited for their response.

Belle, ever perceptive, quickly sensed something amiss in Lumiere's demeanor.

His eyes seemed to linger a little longer on Brielle, and she couldn't help but deduce that Lumiere was attracted to the petite blonde. As the realization dawned on her, Belle struggled to suppress a knowing smile, understanding that this unexpected attraction might work in their favor.

Lumiere, flustered by his feelings and the unexpected discovery, awaited their explanation, unaware that Belle had unraveled a part of his mystery.

Belle, her heart heavy with the knowledge that they had been discovered, decided to speak honestly to Lumiere.

She confessed, "Monsieur, I couldn't let Adam confront D'Arque alone. The curse the Enchantress's sister placed on me, and me alone, is as much my problem to deal with as it is Adam's. I know he wants to protect me, but I couldn't bear to be left behind."

Lumiere, still taken aback by the revelation of Belle's presence, considered her words carefully. His concern for their well-being was evident, but he could sense the determination in the princess's voice.

He sighed, his initial frustration giving way to understanding. "Very well, Ma Cherie. I understand your reasons, Belle, though I do wish you had informed the Prince. You must know that when the Master discovers your presence here, and he will, he will not take it lightly. And I…I cannot help you deceive him."

Belle's heart sank at Lumiere's words, realizing the gravity of her decision. She had hoped for his support, but she understood his loyalty to Adam and his sense of duty.

"I appreciate your honesty, Lumiere," Belle replied with a sigh, her voice filled with resignation. "I will face the consequences of my actions when the time comes. But please, help us now, for the sake of the injured horse and our mission to uncover the truth."

Lumiere hesitated for a moment, torn between his loyalty to the Prince and his sympathy for Belle's plight. Finally, he nodded reluctantly. "Very well, we will tend to the horse. But be prepared for the Prince's reaction when he learns the truth."

Belle knew that she had set a difficult path for herself and that the challenges ahead would be steep. With Lumiere's support, they would attend to the injured horse and continue their journey, all the while knowing that they would eventually have to face Adam and the consequences of their actions.

Though before Lumiere could assist the guards in tending to the injured horse, Prince Adam's frustration steadily grew. He had grown impatient with the delay and decided to investigate the situation himself.

Stepping out of his carriage, Adam approached the scene, his expression a mix of confusion and annoyance.

"Lumiere, my friend, what is taking so long?" he demanded, his voice firm.

Lumiere, realizing that time was running out to keep Belle and Brielle's presence a secret from the Prince, quickly became flustered.

He tried to block Adam's path to the second carriage, desperately attempting to buy more time.

"Your Highness, it is nothing to worry about. The men and I are just attending to the injured horse. You need not trouble yourself."

But Adam was determined to see for himself, and as he moved closer to the carriage, a sense of unease settled in. Adam pushed past Lumiere's attempts to stop him, his curiosity and growing concern overriding any hesitation. As he reached the carriage, he swung open the door, his eyes widening in astonishment as he gazed upon Belle and Brielle, who were concealed within.

The women stared back at him, their expressions a mixture of surprise and apprehension.

Belle's attempt to accompany him on this journey had been discovered, and she knew that she would have to face his reaction.

Adam's voice was filled with a mix of emotions as he finally spoke, his tone a blend of shock, confusion, and frustration.

"Belle...Brielle? What is the meaning of this?"

The moment hung in the air, and the fate of their journey, their relationship, and the breaking of the curse remained uncertain.

Belle hesitated, searching for the right words to explain herself. She could see the disappointment and frustration in Adam's eyes, and she knew that their path forward had just become more complicated.

Before Belle could utter a response, Lumiere stepped forward, attempting to defuse the tension.

"Your Highness, there's a reasonable explanation for their presence," he began, his voice trembling with uncertainty.

But Adam's patience was wearing thin, and he cut Lumiere off with a stern look.

"Explanations can wait, Lumiere, my friend," he said, his gaze fixed on Belle. "We'll discuss this later."

With that, the scene hung in the balance, and Belle could sense the storm of emotions brewing within Adam. Their journey, their love, and their quest to break the curse were all at a critical juncture, with uncertainty and challenges looming on the horizon.

The silence in the carriage seemed to stretch on for an eternity as Adam continued to study Belle and Brielle, his expression unreadable.

Belle could feel the weight of his disappointment and concern pressing down on her, and it gnawed at her heart.

Finally, Adam spoke, his voice measured but filled with a complex mix of emotions.

"We will continue to D'Arque's asylum, as planned," he declared, his eyes never leaving Belle's. "But we will discuss your actions and their consequences upon our return."

With that, he turned and retreated to his carriage, leaving Belle and Brielle to their thoughts and the lingering uncertainty of what awaited them on this journey and upon their return to the castle.

The air was thick with unspoken words, and the path forward was shrouded in uncertainty, leaving their quest to break the curse hanging in the balance.