Belle looked towards the entrance in fear as she realised just how important this was to her husband. She had remembered Adam writing the letter - though there were several attempts as he was nervous to get it right - and the anxiety on his face when he had received word that his father was visiting. Belle was unsure just how long it had been since he had seen his father, but had been supportive of his choice. A tear fell down her pale cheek as she realised just how much pain she had caused him because she couldn't be there properly to help him through the emotions he was feeling. As man and wife they had made vows to support each other and yet she was proposed missing one day before his arrival.

As she made her way to the doors she noticed that the entire crowd was silent as the carriage door opened and an old man climbed slowly out - supported by a tall figure who had their back to Belle which made it harder to see. The carriage alone stood out in vast contrast to it's surroundings as it was mainly red and gold. As she looked at the withered King, she saw that he was wearing the finest silks and had a large wig that balanced on his head carefully - although it looked like it was about to topple him over at any second.

As she looked at him, she saw a little resemblance to Adam but he had a consistent angry look. Adam hadn't spoken much about his father during their time together; in fact they hadn't spoken much about his family at all! Even though she loved him, she was saddened by the fact that her husband didn't want to reveal his past to her. The King barely spoke two words to his long lost son and began to make his way towards the castle doors - towards Belle. Even though she was invisible, she felt the need to curtsy to her Father-in-Law. This decision seemed stupid to Belle and she told herself off for doing so.

Following the King through the decorated halls, she noticed that the tall figure was among those following the group. Something seemed so familiar about the stranger but Belle could not put a name to them. The group was deadly silent, as though if anyone who breathed to loud would be at risk of losing their life. As they reached the end of the corridor, she saw both Cogsworth and Lumiere were waiting at the open doors. Both wore a grim expression but she could not tell whether it was because of the King or a different matter.

Deciding that it was best to listen in, Belle moved to the corner of the study, while her father-in-law and husband took seat near the fireplace. Even though they had not seen each other in many years, they had not uttered a word to each other. There was an uncomfortable silence that fell over the room as the doors creaked shut.

"You married a commoner."

Belle stood there in shock. There had been no loving embrace, no voice of concern or love. To the king, all he seemed to care about was the reputation to the crown. She suddenly felt very indecent in the company as she grabbed at her dress. It had been what their argument had been about and what had caused this to happen.

It had been a terrible day when the fight had occurred. She had spent the afternoon with ladies of the French court and had been bored out of her mind. For half an hour she had excused herself to find a book and when she had returned, she had overheard them talking badly of her. Although this was not new to her, what they said had stayed with her for the rest of the day.

"Belle, no one will judge you because of your former status!"

He had been sitting in his chair in the library, his face lit by the roaring fire in front. His eyes watched her closely as she paced in front of the , tears forming in her eyes.

"You didn't hear them Adam!" She cried as she turned to face her husband. "They don't want me to be their princess!"

This clearly enraged him as he stood up and pulled Belle close, Belle could feel his fast heartbeat as she laid her head on his chest. He stroked her chestnut curls and she tugged at his cloth shirt. But even though he was trying to console her, Belle wasn't happy with what was taking place.

"That doesn't matter to me." he said softly.

"Well maybe you should be concerned with what they say."

Adam pulled away and gave her a puzzled expression - clearly shocked at the words.

"Belle, you have never cared for what they have said before - why has that now changed?" his tone raised.

"Because we are not the same people we were all that time ago!" she shouted back, the heat of the moment forcing all common sense to leave her. "Do you not think I hear what they all say about me? You will one day be King and they will not respect you if your wife is not suitable."

"Do you think I chose you because of your station? You made me into a better man - why would I leave you when I'm in love with you?" Adam shouted back in frustration.

Belle was drawn out of her memories when Adam responded to the King.

"Because she was the one to break the curse. It was her love-"

"Love? When has that ever been a factor in choosing a bride?" The King shouted, "You are a prince! You don't have that luxury!"

However before Adam could respond, the doors swung open and the mysterious figure walked in and bowed to the royals. But to the horror of Belle this man was all too familiar.

"Oh yes, that reminds me! Adam, meet my personal protector - Gaston."