Chapter 4

"Will Anything Ever Be the Same Again?"

I must say that when Christopher revealed to me about his stress from fighting in Italy, all I could think of doing what was best for him. Ever since we first met that night at the ball, we both made a vow to be there for one another. Following the revelation at breakfast, I decided to take my horse, Major, around the grounds for a walk while also giving myself more time to digest the situation.

"You know something, Major," I said to my loyal horse. "This growing threat against our kingdom to join Napoleon or else, doesn't it seem like everything may never be the same?"

Of course, Major had to nudge me on my shoulder in a playful manner.

"I know, I know, I hope the same thing happens that France returns to what it was before he came along."

Looking out at the gardens, the very gardens where Chris and I walked that night at the ball, I couldn't help but think if all this would still be standing when all was said and done. The fears of being targeted for death made me also think of what transpired not too long ago when my stepmother tried to reverse my happily ever after.

"I've always said a dream is a wish your heart makes, Major," I said. "But it can also bring heartaches, too."

I then walked up to the fountain and placed my hand in the water, sending ripples throughout the fountain.

"The ripples here mean that what happens now will be reflected for years to come, Major. You, me, Chris, Jaq, Gus, everyone will be affected in more ways than one. Besides, Napoleon is just like my stepmother…wanting to rule my life with an iron fist."

It was then that I began to think back to when I was enslaved, living to the demands and belows of "CINDERELLA! CINDERELLA!" every day and every night. But there was something else that I also began to reflect on: the moment where Anastasia and Drizella tore up my ball gown that the mice had made for me. If I ever encountered Napoleon, there is no doubt he would make me relive that moment for his own personal amusement. Before any tears would fall from my eyes, I rested my head on Major and returned to walking him, not even thinking about what I had just said to him.

…

Back in the castle, it was like any other day, but the news that Napoleon made his demands on our small kingdom was beginning to show. All the servants had nervous looks on their faces, fearing the absolute worst.

"Your highness," said a voice as it belonged to Prudence, one of the head ladies of the household as she approached me as I was coming in the door. "I bring you a request."

"What request, Prudence?"

"Your stepmother wishes to plead for clemency."

"Clemency?" I remarked in a somewhat shocked tone. "Why should she be granted clemency? Especially after all she did to me?"

"She doesn't want to die here, especially if he takes our kingdom."

Even though I wasn't a high ranking royal, I was a royal nonetheless and in Chris' absence, I carried out any royal duties that were brought to my attention.

"My stepmother and Drizella have been servants for several months now, so, why do they wish to be given clemency? To terrorize another little girl like I was once?"

"Your highness?" Prudence asked in a somewhat worried tone. This made me correct myself quickly.

"Sorry, Prudence, sorry," i corrected myself. "Where is she now?"

"In her quarters down in the dungeons, your highness."

Taking a deep breath, I proceeded towards the dungeons wondering just exactly I would be getting out of possibly granting my stepmother and Drizella clemency.

…

Elsewhere in the kingdom, Anastasia found herself at the front door of her lover's bakery. Like everyone else in the kingdom, Anastasia was fearful for the future of our kingdom and especially that of the man she so loved, Pierre the Baker

"Anastasia?" he asked, just as he was putting a loaf of bread in the oven. After hugging and kissing her, they broke apart. "I wasn't expecting you to be here so early, let alone at the start of the day."

"Well, I couldn't sleep, after the notice was posted," she replied, lowing her head slightly. "You really aren't going to consider fighting, are you?"

"For Napoleon? No, I won't ever fight for him, Anastasia. You know that," he replied as he went behind the counter. "I have too much respect for you, for our rulers and this entire kingdom. Besides, all I want is to marry you when the time is right."

Anastasia looked down at her hand and noticed the gold engagement ring she received that day not too long ago when Pierre proposed marriage to her.

"I want to marry you too, Pierre," she sighed. "It's just I wish it would be sooner rather than later. Maybe my mother seems…"

"Your mother means nothing to us," Pierre interrupted. "She can complain all she wants about us getting married, but our decision is final."

Taking a deep breath, Anastasia remained confident in her goal to be there when she and Pierre would marry.

"Well, guess I'll leave you to it then," she said, somewhat blushing. "I'll see you later then?"

"See you later, Anastasia."

And Anastasia left the bakery, trying to remain hopeful for the future that she and Pierre would be married sooner rather than later.

...

At the same time, over in Bretagne, Adam and I were wasting no time in already making arrangements to leave for England as quickly as possible. Knowing also that many of our subjects were willing to fight on the side of the Coalition made our stress easier to manage. In the library, I was already making a stack of books to take with me to England. We were going to be gone for a while, so I needed to be fully read, including the book I had "borrowed" from the library.

"You know Belle, you don't need so many books," Adam chuckled as he walked into the library.

"One can never have too many books, Adam," I chuckled back. "Besides, who knows how long we will be gone?"

"Hopefully not for very long, Belle. Anyways, the request Lefou and Stanley made...?"

"About joining the Gordon Highlanders?" I remarked. "Personally, I don't see a problem with it. They have always had a desire to be something that is better than them. Besides, I hear that Scotland is a friendly region with friendly people."

"It's just that with their desire to fight in the Highlanders, I can't help but think if they might be targeted because they love each other. Belle, you know these two. Aren't you going to say something?"

"LeFou and Stanley need to follow their dreams and desires. Besides, a lot of men enjoy wearing kilts."

Adam had his reasons for being concerned, but I didn't. I knew LeFou and Stanley for many years in the village. You might say that we practically all grew up together, even though we didn't spend a lot of time together as children.

"Adam, all of the subjects who swore to fight Napoleon will be fighting for Great Britain and they will have to fight according to their way of life. Who knows? They might enjoy it more than the French forces."

"But, Belle..."

"Sorry, their mind is made up."

Knowing he wasn't going to be going anywhere, Adam left the library and me alone to sort through my large collection of books to take with me to wherever in Great Britain.

…

Meanwhile, George III waited in his private study, pacing back and forth waiting for someone to arrive.

"He is here now, sire," said a servant. "His grace, the Duke of Wellington"

This made George III perk up with anticipation.

"Send him in at once," he ordered and the servant left. A few moments later, he returned and in stepped the Duke of Wellington.

"You sent for me, your majesty?"

"Indeed," he answered. "I have a request to make of you…rather several requests before we launch any attack against Napoleon. Close the door."

And closing the door, the king and his trusted military liasion began to discuss our impending evacuation.

…

…