୨♡୧୨♡୧୨♡୧୨♡୧୨♡୧୨♡୧୨♡୧୨♡୧୨♡୧୨♡୧୨♡୧୨♡୧୨♡୧୨♡୧୨♡୧୨♡୧୨♡୧୨♡୧୨♡୧୨♡୧
After what had transpired between her and the last remaining Blackwood-Belle, she was ready to retire for the day, but of course that was not going to happen because, as Corin had said, her parents intend to marry her off this season. At first she had blindly had hope that her father would not agree with her mother’s wish of wanting to marry her off right away, as soon as she was a debunate, just like Josephine had been married off within the first two weeks of her debut, claiming that she and the man were truly in love, and of course, the man being from a prominent French aristocratic family—a marquis—and his aunt being a long friend of Duchess Fleur, her parents were quickly enamored with the man, her mother bragging about how quickly Josephine had gotten married and how she hoped that the remaining two of her daughters would undergo that same fate. As soon as those words left her mother’s lips, Belle had taken it as a threat.
How could she not? She knew her mother better than she knew most people, having lived with her for all this time. Her mother was a woman filled with ambition and pride. She always wanted to prove in a crowd filled with nobles that she was the best, the only one who truly deserved to sit at the high table. With Louis already engaged and soon to be married, a heir and the future of the Fleur lineage were secured, with Josephine already having sons who were also potential heirs to the Fleur lineage if Louis and Thomas wives proved to be a disappointment and did not deliver any heirs, male or female, and her mother arranging dates with noble ladies and Thomas (most of them being daughters of her childhood friends) for Thomas to find the perfect noble wife. Kat was far too young for anything now, but Belle was no longer young, was she? meaning that all her mother’s focus would be on her, and she would push for marriage for Belle to maintain the all so powerful Margot Manon Fleur reputation.
Belle knew that, yes, indeed she did, but she did not know, or at least hoped, that it was not true, but deep down she had a lingering feeling that it was—that her father had also been agreeing with her mother and conspiring against her. The words of Corin Blackwood stuck in her head. What he hinted at was that she could not be his betrothed, could she? The chances for that were looking way too high for Belle’s pleasure, and she frowned, her eyes getting cold. She would ask her dear parents about it and demand that they tell her directly, because she had no wish to hear the direct words from the lips of Corin Blackwood. She clutched tightly the necklace she wore on her neck, using her other finger to tap against the couch. Whatever the truth was, it was good that she already had a list of plans. After all, you always have to expect the unexpected, don’t you?
As Belle pondered on the situation, her elder brother- Louis had came down with a rush, asking if she was okay because he heard arguing.
“Sister are you sure you’re fine. What I heard was intense.”
“Louis, I am fine. Really I am, just go back upstairs,” She wanted to ask him if he had known, known of the possibility of her being already engaged, but of course she knew that yes was the answer. He was the heir and thus he was made aware of every little business of the Fleur family- though Belle was sure that he not made aware of all of them, he was probably made aware of signed agreements- because if Duke Gabriel was to die anytime soon, Louis would be the one to carry out the agreement.
Louis eyed her, before he sighed and leaned down to kiss her forehead and pulled her into a hug. “Just know if you need me or Thomas the bell is there.” Belle felt warmth in her chest as she patted her brother’s back as she hugged him back before pulling away. He began to walk away up to the stairs, before he halted his steps and turned to face her once more and walked up to her and Belle held her hand high up in the hair.
“Louis it’s fine, i’m fine, just go.” She said with a hint of amusement in her tone. If he wanted to help her escape this calling day, she had no complains but she knew he would not do that- he was just concerned for her safety like any good brother was. He had been the same way with Josephine and he shall be the same with Kat, and that was why Belle loved her brother. Louis was truly her favorite sibling, even though he did not tell her about the agreement she was sure he knew of- he was kind, honorable and always did his best to be there for the family. He would be a good Duke.
As she heard the departing footsteps of her brother, Belle also heard the arriving footsteps of someone. She heard the maid, and butlers whispering among themselves. She had heard them mutter the words ‘prince’, ‘handsome’ ‘l’Espagne’ and her curiosity grew within her as his footsteps seemed closer. As soon as he arrived, Belle cocked her head to stare at the man. He was handsome- undeniable so, with a strong jaw and deep dark brown eyes. He had light brown hair and strands of hair sat in front of his face acting like curtains. His outfit, healthy looking appearance, and aura signified he was wealthy-well he ought to be, unless her mother would have commanded the guards to chase him out with disgust. Moreover, he also smelt like the sea
Strange, she found herself wrinkling her nose in curiosity. Had he taken a swim in the sea before he came? His hair still looked a little wet after all.
“It is a pleasure to meet you. It is me, Emmanuel, and I apologize if I have brought you too many gifts.” He chuckled slightly, laughing at himself as he looked down at his very busy hands. “I was not sure which to choose.”
Hearing those words, her eyes sparkled as she connected the dots. ‘prince’ ‘l’Espagne’ and ‘Emmanuel’ it was Prince Emmanuel- her pen pal, the pen pal her father had told her to write too, and Belle had done so reluctantly because also with interest as she had heard a lot about ‘new spain’ and the Spanish Prince. As they wrote to each other, her interest in him grew and she fond herself befriended him- he was quite interesting, intelligent and thoughtful. He also talked to her a lot about war which Belle was interested in hearing- if he had asked, she would have volunteered to help, just to see and help. Prince Emmanuel had told her that he would be coming to England and to visit her, but she did not know when but it seemed it was at this time. After the whole situation with Blackwood and the negative surprise, Belle surely needed a positive surprise.
“Prince Emmanuel,” She called with a small modest smile as she curtsied, her eyes twinkling with pleasure as she stood up to curtsied. “It is truly wonderful to see you, you don’t know how much you made my day or how much of a wreck it had been.” She laughed gently, “And as for the gifts, you did not have to. A flower would have been enough, what did you bring and how are you?” She asked as she sat and inviting him to do the same, ringing a bell to signal for the maids to bring tea. “Would you wish to go outside where the archery range are. I’ve always wished to show you my skills, and I wish to see yours,” She teased a little at the end.
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mentioned:
@DandelionKate - Blackwood