Three months wasn’t enough to undo the social stigma Adam had built up over the years by holing himself up inside his castle, but slowly people began to accept his presence in public. The white linens on the tables were set with the finest crystal as a pianist played light and feathery songs to the enjoyment of Avondale’s upper crust. The finest restaurant nearest the palace served salmon that people from miles around made reservations for, but Adam, Rory and Henry’s fame was such that they weren’t subjected to the formalities of waiting.
Belle still felt strange being included in the tight-knit group of the elite, but Adam’s thumb slowly teasing her side put her at ease. Still, she stiffened whenever someone took their picture and asked Adam for an interview.
“You want an interview with the beast? Fine. You can write in your papers that I survived for years by feasting on the blood of unicorns and journalists. The reporters I ate turned out to be pure poison.” Adam frowned at the pushy woman. “You can clearly see I’m with my girlfriend. Get lost.”
Henry’s camera-ready smile was always locked and loaded, and Rory’s posture was perfect as ever. Cordray had a naturally commanding presence, so he looked the part well enough. But Adam felt no such need to perform for the public’s approval. He wanted Belle to be pleased with him, and the list of opinions he concerned himself with ended there.
Henry forced out a laugh to cover over Adam’s surly nature, which no amount of healing magic could cure completely. “You’ll have to forgive Adam; he’s had to cut back on devouring reporters. He gets a bit crabby when he’s hungry.”
“The people deserve to know the truth about your curse!” the red-headed journalist insisted, leaning over Belle to smile at Adam with a flirty look that left nothing to the imagination. “I was hoping to get an exclusive.” Now that he was handsome, it seemed everyone was quick to overlook his days of being the beast.
Belle stiffened, and carefully moved the woman’s breasts out of her face, Pulsing Discernment into her. “Leave him alone. You didn’t want his story when he was desperate for anyone to believe him that he hadn’t killed his household. Where was your exclusive then?”
The journalist’s focus shifted to Belle as she pulled back, a cat’s evil gleam in her eyes as she shook off Belle’s Pulse. “You’re the one who broke his curse, yes? Tell me, Adam. Have you always been attracted to the plain sort, or has she bewitched you somehow?” Though the reporter muscled through her sass, the Discernment twisted her confident expression to a grimace of distaste as her conscience flared.
Rory gasped and scolded the reporter, while Cordray motioned for the waiter to bring over the manager.
Belle’s mouth dropped open, but Henry was the one who intervened as Adam stood and threw his napkin down on the table, his chair scraping against the polished floor and drawing every diner’s eye. Henry understood that just because Adam had been cured didn’t mean that he was completely devoid of the beast who could snap on a dime.
Henry placed his hand on the woman’s elbow after pressing a text to his guard. “Now, now. Is that any way to treat my fiancée?” he asked, making the reporter gasp with a greedy gleam of a good story in her eye.
“You’ve moved in on your best mate’s girl?”
“Are you truly that surprised?” Henry grinned at Adam’s scowl. “I’ll fight you for her, I will!” he challenged Adam, drawing a make-believe sword and swishing it through the air. “Belle is mine! We’ve had a secret affair for months, but we didn’t know how to tell you. I was waiting for the right moment, which just so happened to be when a reporter stopped by in front of all these witnesses.”
Adam rolled his eyes. “Maybe Cordray will let you hump his wife, but you can keep your hands off Belle.”
Cordray scoffed, and Rory held up her hands. “Ho, no. Don’t you bring me into this again. I swear to you, Henry. If you propose, I’ll make sure to hide Cord’s pill, so he can really teach you a lesson.”
Cordray stood and clapped his hand on Henry’s shoulder. “I don’t think I need to use magic for that. You want us to give them a real show? Hit on my wife again, and we’ll earn front page headlines after I break your nose for sniffing around Rory.”
Henry threw his hands in the air. “Finally! Someone who understands good production value. Pop me one right here for slipping it to your girl while you’re out. Do it quick before… Oh, for crying out loud. My guard’s here. The fun is over, I guess.” Henry handed the reporter over to his guard with a nod. “I so wanted you to get a good story. I was just about to announce that I’m pregnant, but it’s a tossup over which of these two lovelies knocked me up.” He made a show of arching his back to stick out his stomach, and smoothed his hand over the bump lovingly.
Belle was crimson from head to toe at the attention. She buried her face in Adam’s chest when he resumed his seat after giving the manager a firm talking to. He made it very clear about the kind of dining experience he would tolerate, and the interruptions he would not. His arm wound around Belle, his other hand weaving through her hair that Audra had done in a knot of braids for their weekly friend brunch. “I’m sorry, Belle. Maybe we should go home.”
“No.” Belle was firm that they wouldn’t be hermits. “It’s good for us to get out. The more they see us, the sooner the story will get old.”
“You’re not plain,” Adam growled with a protective irritation, holding her tight as if to shield her from mild insults.
The restaurant was the nicest in Avondale, and due to its close proximity to the palace, it attracted notable officials and prominent public figures. Every diner watched the young royals surreptitiously.
Rory giggled and shook her head. “Of course she’s not. If she was, women wouldn’t have to try so hard to run her down. Belle’s made of tough stuff, Adam. Man, you apologize so easily now. It’s strange to see.”
Henry flopped back in his chair. “I hate this, being the fifth wheel. Cord and Rory have always been adorably annoying, but you two,” Henry motioned between Belle and Adam with a look of feigned disgust. “You rarely have an inch of space between you two. Come on, Adam. How am I to make improper advances on your woman with you hovering all the time?”
Adam narrowed an eye at Henry as he speared his salad with his free hand. The other remained securely wrapped around Belle, with her hand resting on his thigh. “You’re not, that’s how. Find your own girl. Or a scratching post or a chew toy or something.”
“What ever happened to Ella?” Belle asked. “I liked her.”
Henry shot Rory a cagey look as he shifted in his seat. “She’s got a busy schedule. Can’t sneak away all that often. Her stepmum’s something else.”
Rory reached over and patted Henry’s hand. “I think she’s worth pursuing. She’s the only woman who’s ever twisted you up this much.”
“That’s the thing. It’s complicated, and she made it clear that won’t change. I wish she would give us more of a chance.” The melancholy didn’t suit Henry, so he shook it off and donned a charming smile, his eyes fixing on Belle. “Plus, I’m still hung up on this one. When can we run away and get married?” He spoke loudly, so his proposition would carry to the nearest tables.
Belle chuckled at his theatrics, grateful that Henry had never given up on Adam through the years, though their personalities were polar opposites. “Just as soon as I finish my meal. Where you are whisking me off to today?”
“Anywhere and everywhere.” Henry’s eyes stayed on his salad as he spoke. “Ella wants to go hiking in the mountains someday. She thinks the flowers up there will be prettier, because they’re closer to the sun, and there aren’t as many people around them to muck nature up too much.”
Rory and Belle exchanged knowing smiles, but said nothing. Every now and then, Henry would bring Ella up in conversation for no reason, other than that his head and heart were constantly filled with glimpses of her.
Adam had slightly less tact. “What is it about this girl that’s got your head in the clouds? She didn’t strike me as anyone to lose your mind over.”
Henry’s eyes sharpened at Adam, his spine stiffening. “Ella is the kindest, gentlest, most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. There’s nothing she can’t learn, nothing she can’t do. The woman is pure magic. If you knew the first thing about her, you’d know that she is lightyears above every other female in the kingdom.” Then his eyes cast to the women at the table. “Present company excluded.”
Adam’s jaw dropped, while Cordray chuckled. “I don’t think you understand how deep you’re in it, man.” Cord’s arm draped lazily around his wife’s chair.
Henry seemed to come back to himself, his neck shrinking with chagrin. He waved his fork as if to clear the room of a bad smell. “Don’t pay attention to me. I don’t know what I’m saying.”
Cordray cleared his throat to steer the conversation away from the lull. “We’re supposed to be talking about how we’re going to vote on Proposition 7.”
“Right,” Adam commented, placing a kiss to Belle’s cheek. It seemed he couldn’t go two minutes without stroking her arm or lavishing affection on her, and she never tired of it. He was always overly gentle with her, speaking softly and anticipating any need that might occur. It was a struggle to turn his attention to the world around him, but he made the attempt for his few friends. “I think we should let you take the lead on this one, Cordray, since it affects you the most.”
Henry shook his head. “It affects me just as much, as Father and I are to come up with room in the budget if it’s approved, as well as take any heat if experiments on the pill that our scientists make have any negative effects.”
Adam inclined his head to Henry. “Fair enough.”
Rory pulled out a piece of paper from her purse and began reading. “If passed, Proposition 7 promises to make production of the pill public, and turn the recipe over to privately-funded companies to explore different mutations of the drug as they wish for the good of the people, and sell for profit. The original pill will still be given to those who need it free of charge by the government.”
Cordray nodded, lightly bopping his fist atop the table to seal his vote. “I say yes. I don’t see the harm in it. I want full use of my magic back without fear of harming my wife.”
Adam nodded, but didn’t speak. Belle lightly dragged her fingernails across his toned stomach, which was one of his favorite things she did while cuddled up in his nook. He leaned back in his chair and kept his eyes on his salad as he spoke. “It’s the ‘all who need it’ part. I mean, I admit that you need it, Cordray. I’ve no doubt it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you, aside from Rory here giving you a second look. Still, you decided you needed it. If the government had come along and forced the pill on you, you’d be singing a different song.”
Cordray’s nose crinkled. “From what I’ve seen, the throne is stable and wouldn’t do that to us.”
Adam tilted his chin to the side. “Ah, but Malaura was in power before King Hubert, and she would’ve taken all sorts of liberties with a bill like that. You have to think long-term.”
Henry nodded. “Plus, we’re just assuming the mutations the other companies might come up with are all good. We assume they’ll try to get the Lethal abilities to go away while bringing back your other magic. I’ve seen too much to put that kind of faith in people. This isn’t the kind of thing we should leave to trial and error. I’m voting we leave well enough alone, and keep the pill as is.”
Adam’s arm tightened around Belle. “Fine with me.”
Belle spoke up, her voice brushed with contentment. “Henry, you might want to have your father look at that last line. It’s a broad use of the word ‘need’. The government shouldn’t decide who needs the pill. That’s a recipe for dictatorial control and fuel for a possible registering of all Lethals. That’s a whole other set of arguments.”
“Change it,” Cordray cut in without apology. “I didn’t think of it like that, but she’s right.”
Henry ran his hand over his face. “I’ll talk to my father and see what he can do. But this isn’t his bill; it’s the Baron who wrote it up. I’m not sure how much my father can do this late in the game. I mean, the bill is set to go to vote before the end of the year.”
Rory’s chin lowered, her expression grave. “The world is going to change, then. And soon.”
The silence that fell over the table was laced with tension that slowly began to dissipate as they sipped their tea.
“Would a fart joke help break us out of this funk?” Henry offered.
Rory rolled her eyes. “Pass.”
Belle reached across the table and placed her hand atop Cordray’s ungloved knuckles. Adam stiffened at her touching a Lethal, but didn’t intervene. There was nothing but compassion in her eyes as she spoke to Cordray. “I love that you love Rory, and that you take the pill to keep her safe. I think you’re a good man. We just have to keep thinking of a better way to go about it all. Not everyone is as upstanding as you.”
Cordray thumbed Belle’s fingernails, his lips drawing to the side in appreciation. “I really wanted this bill to be the ticket.”
“And maybe it will be, but not in its current state. A better world is possible. Last year, I never would’ve dreamed my life could be like this, but now here I am, living with the most wonderful man I’ve ever known. A lot can change in a year. Give it time, otherwise you’ll jump at the wrong chance. Then it won’t be just you who falls, but Rory, as well. We can’t have that.”
Rory inclined her head to Belle, but it was Adam who couldn’t stop staring at her. “You really think that about me?”
Belle shifted next to him as she placed her hands in her lap. “Of course. You’re incredible. Every day I get to spend working by your side at your companies is exactly where I want to be. All day, all night, it’s you I want to be with.”
“Our companies,” Adam reminded her. “They belong to both of us now.”
Henry motioned to Belle, who was contentedly snuggled into Adam’s side. “See? That’s what I want. Only I can’t have what I want because of… complications.” He frowned at his crystal goblet. “Best lock this one down, Adam. When the woman of your dreams can actually be with you, you jump on it. I’m telling you, if you don’t ask this one to marry you soon, I will.”
Belle balked at Henry. “It’s only been a few months since the curse was broken! You’re being ridiculous.”
Henry tucked away his melancholy for the moment and donned a playful expression. “It’s been far too long since I’ve proposed to anyone. I’m starting to miss the thrill of it.” He glanced around. “Where is that dreadful reporter? There’s no point in proposing to you again if the whole world can’t see your embarrassment.”
Belle held up her finger while Rory sniggered. “You need a hobby, Henry. Proposing to me last week in the middle of the parade? I was mortified!”
Henry waved off her complaint. “You were the talk of the festival. After that little media boost, I bet you had no trouble securing investors for the education for mental health you started building into your Foundation.”
Belle’s mouth fell open. “That’s why you did that?”
Henry shrugged. “That, and I was bored.”
Rory shook her head at her friend. “Two of the best reasons to propose to someone, I’m sure.”
Adam had been quiet through the levity, but then nodded, seeming to have decided something important. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a velvet box. “Henry, when you’re right, you’re right.” He stood up, only to walk around to Belle’s other side and sink down on one knee.
Every eye in the restaurant zoned in on Adam on bended knee before the woman who’d stolen his heart.
“Adam, what are you…” Belle’s throat went dry as she gaped at him.
“I’ve had this ring for months, but didn’t want to spook you by asking too soon. But if Henry can propose to you and you don’t get scared off, then I think I’ve got a shot. If not, I’ll be asking you again in a month, and every month after that until you say yes. If Henry can survive you turning him down, then I suppose I can muscle through your possible rejection as well, if there’s a chance you might say yes.” Then he closed his eyes. “Don’t say no.”
Rory squealed, her hand over her mouth. Cordray clapped and hooted his approval. Henry swore in astonishment at his friend’s humble body language.
Belle was utterly taken by the insecure look burning in Adam’s eyes, not to mention the sparkle of the largest diamond she’d ever seen when the box flipped open. “Adam?” was all she could croak out.
The clanking of silverware around them and dull conversations went silent as everyone leaned in to witness the proposal in action.
Adam swallowed hard. He’d been carrying around the ring for too long, the diamond burning a hole in his pocket. Every moment had felt like it might be the right one, but he’d been afraid of her answer. Though she seemed taken with him, most days he still couldn’t believe his good fortune. Though he now held the adoration of many women throughout the land, thanks to his good looks being restored, his former haughtiness had dissipated. He had eyes only for Belle, and could scarcely comprehend all she’d done to save him.
They’d moved up to his bedroom in the West wing and cleaned it out together, making his castle one that belonged to the two of them, and not just him. Every morning that he woke up to the glow of her in his arms brought the words closer to the surface. Still, he’d held back, not wanting to risk moving too fast for her, and spooking away the best thing that had ever happened to him.
He’d wanted to ask her the moment her father had given him his blessing. He’d wanted to ask her over breakfast last week when she’d had a smear of strawberries on her top lip, looking positively adorable. He’d wanted to ask her every time she stared at him as if he was something amazing. Beast or man, she loved him the same.
Still, he’d held himself back, for fear of possibly pushing her too fast. The media was such that she couldn’t go to the grocery store without reporters following her through each aisle. News companies had started a bidding war over who would get rights to Belle’s baby pictures, which her father still refused to give up.
Belle’s mouth was open in an “O” of pure flabbergast as she took in the man on his knees in the middle of the restaurant. Her eyes were glistening with a sheen of adoration for him, showing no signs of flight.
He didn’t realize he’d been utterly silent until Rory screeched, “You have to actually ask her, you fool!”
Adam fumbled with the ring, recalling the speech he’d rehearsed over and over again, whispering it to her after she’d fallen asleep in his arms. He’d practiced it on Audra and Vivienne, who’d said “yes” every time. He cleared his throat as cameras and phones clicked around them, cataloging each facial expression shared between them. “I love you, Belle. I want to spend every day of the rest of my life with you. I promise to love you and take care of us as long as I live.” He dug in deeper, worrying he hadn’t put enough on the table for her to say “yes” to. “I paid off your father’s mortgage, so he’ll be taken care of. But if you want him to move into the castle, that’s fine too. Whatever I need to do to make sure you stay with me, I’ll do it. Only please, please marry me.”
The tears were falling like raindrops of pure sunshine and love as Belle gasped and covered her mouth. She hung her head, overwhelmed that he knew her so well. Only the perfect man for her would make sure he could take care of her father before asking if he could take her away. Adam understood how important her father was to her, and that small note tipped over any reservations she might have had that they were moving too fast, or that they hadn’t known each other a full year. The gift was grand, but then again, Adam’s love always swept her away.
There wasn’t a drop of hesitation in her heart when she nodded, gulping through her choked response. “Yes, Adam. Of course I’ll marry you.”
Relief flooded through Adam in waves, slumping his shoulders as he slid the ring onto her finger with a gust of contentment. The knot that had felt permanently lodged in his chest loosened whenever she was near, permitting him to breathe easier. The ring looked right on her finger, like her hand was the only place meant to display such beauty. She owned the warm and the icy parts of him, which reflected in the diamond for the world to see.
When a tear came to Adam’s eye, he leaned forward to bury his head in her lap, offering up his raw emotion only to her as a pledge of intimacy he wouldn’t share with anyone else. He didn’t care that the internet would be buzzing with photos of him so debased, kneeling before a woman with his arms wrapped around her hips in supplication for a better existence. He only cared that his ring stayed on her finger for the rest of their lives, sealing their future with the unending magic only true love could bring.
Through the highs and the cruelty of life’s lows, they would never let each other go. For better or worse, the beast had found his beauty.
The End.