Chapter 10
"Joss Hathaway, British Ambassador to Bretagne"
"The British Ambassador to our kingdom, Master," Cogsworth announced as we stood in the castle entrance while the ambassador walked into the castle. He was a man who could often pass for an older version of Gaston, but more refined than he, much to my relief.
"Your highnesses," he said, bowing to us. "I've received your summons and understand you wish to make plans to evacuate for England. I can assure that you are not the only one as you are very well aware."
"That is correct, Joss," Adam remarked. "Napoleon is more than likely going to be issuing threats against us and we cannot tolerate the risk of our kingdom."
With those words, we led Joss up to the library where we would learn where our escape was going to be and how it was going to go.
"I understand that a majority of your subjects wish to fight against Napoleon," Joss explained later in the library. "I can assure you that his majesty is more than willing to accommodate such as a request. But, I must ask you on behalf of his majesty's government, are you willing to adapt to life in our kingdom?"
This was a question that came fully out of nowhere. Of course, we were more than willing to temporarily live our lives according to the English customs, but why ask us?
"And if you are wondering why this is a genuinely strange question, this is just a formality."
"As this would only be temporary," Adam answered. "We are willing…but, please be aware that I was an animal for 10 years and…"
"That is completely understandable, my prince," he interrupted, getting up and pacing back and forth in front of me and Adam. "The animal in you is, I'm sure, willing to come out and fight Napoleon."
"Well, not exactly that," Adam chuckled nervously. "But, when you've been under a curse for so long, the urge doesn't leave you that easily."
Then he turned his attention over to me.
"As for you, Princess," he said. "I understand that you are quite the intellectual. How good are your researching skills?"
"Um, I'm more of a genuine bookworm, Mr. Ambassador," I chuckled nervously, my foot tapping beneath all my petticoats. "But when it comes to coming up with researching, I can try and make something of an effort."
Then another thought came to my mind concerning my father.
"But, not to change the subject so quickly," I added. "My father was a former soldier for the deposed king of France. I don't know how his knowledge of military warfare would also be, but if he can help…"
Little did any of us realize that Papa was standing in the doorway and listening. Before I could finish my sentence, he stepped into the library.
"Mr. Ambassador," he interrupted, causing Joss to stand up and face him. "Like my daughter said, I am a former soldier for his majesty, Louis XVI and have some military knowledge."
"Some military knowledge, you say?"
"Papa, I hope you know what you are doing," I warned, getting up to face him. "The last thing I want is for you to be fighting at your age."
"He won't be fighting, Princess," reassured Joss. "Any knowledge of war is greatly appreciated…"
"Maurice."
"Maurice, of course."
Then another request came to my mind. It was concerning the space we were in, the library that was given to me by Adam when he was still an animal. I finally plucked up the courage to rise and walk to one of the many bookshelves that harbored all of the books that I love.
"Belle, what is it?" Adam asked as I took one of the books off the bookshelf with my gloved hand. "What's wrong?"
I turned back to my husband and the ambassador with a look of genuine concern on my face.
"Mr. Ambassador," I asked. "If you ever decide to take Bretagne from the French and if you occupy this castle as a headquarters, will you ensure that this library is not to be harmed in any way?"
The idea of having these books harmed was an idea that I refused to accept nor believe. This library was more than a gift from Adam, it was my sanctuary, both as a captive and now as a princess.
"Why, of course, your highness," he stammered, a slightly confused look on his face. "I may not guarantee it, but…"
"Please, guarantee it," I ordered firmly. "These books are like children to me. Make sure they aren't harmed."
"Belle, this is war," Papa said. "Nothing…"
"Papa, please!" I cried in a sharp voice. "Please…if anything were to happen to this library, this castle or the kingdom…I could never live with myself."
Haven said my peace, the Ambassador got to his feet and promised me to honor the request I had bestowed upon him.
"I can do whatever I can to ensure that everything will be protected," he promised, giving me a warm smile and turning back around to Adam.
"There is something else I must ask of you, Mr. Ambassador," I added, suddenly realizing that I needed to ask about LeFou and Stanley. "In our kingdom, there are two men who love each other and they want to fight with the Highlanders of Scotland. Will they accept them?"
"That will be something to be taken up with the Duke of Gordon, princess," he answered. "What are their names?"
"Lefou and Stanley."
"Then I will see what I can do, your highness," he answered. "I can imagine the Duke of Gordon will have spots for them in his ranks. The 92nd Highlanders are the most decorated soldiers in Scotland. They have no fear."
With the promises made and the reassurance that LeFou and Stanley would have a chance with the 92nd Gordon Highlanders, attention then turned towards how and when we would be evacuating Bretagne for the safety of Great Britain.
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Meanwhile, another British ambassador was making his way to the kingdom of Bordeaux to engage in a similar meeting with one of our closest allies.
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