A Beast's Tale

Chapter 57

I instructed Sariel to give Ivetta the day off for my birthday so I could take her into town to see Belle, but I still slept in that morning. It was my birthday, after all, and what I had planned wouldn't take all day. A quick lunch in my room, and then I was on my way to the library, guessing Ivetta would be there studying even though she should be taking the opportunity to relax. I was right. Her guards were at the entrance, and she was standing in front of one of the dullest sections of shelves, her back to me as I entered.

"Planning for another late night?"

She jumped and turned around, her hand flying to her heart. "Chevalier, why must you sneak up on me like this all the time?" she gasped.

I cupped her chin in my hand, smirking as my thumb rubbed her rosy cheek. "I can't imagine." We shared a brief kiss, and then I took the book she'd been looking at. "Who are you meeting next?"

"The Howards have invited me to a tea party tomorrow. I was looking for some background information on their duchy."

I closed the book and looked back at her. "This is for tomorrow. Come." I put the book back on the shelf and took her hand.

"Don't tell me you took the day off for your birthday?" she asked, surprised.

I only smiled in response, leading her to the front gate where a carriage awaited us. We sat side by side, my arm around her waist, her head leaning on my shoulder. I was suddenly tempted to tell the coachman to keep driving until we reached the countryside chateau in my family's territory. That was where I'd decided to take her for our honeymoon. Belle and Rio didn't know we were coming for a visit. It was my birthday, and I was the king. Why shouldn't I throw out all the dusty, pointless traditions and marry her right now?

"I was just thinking," she said, pulling me out of my fantasy, "that all these ceremonies are annoying, but they bring everybody together, and then we have these nice little dinners or baking sprees where everybody can just relax and have fun. It's a nice way to break up the monotony and the work of everyday life."

So much for that fantasy.

The carriage came to a stop in front of the bookstore where Belle and Rio worked, and I helped Ivetta out onto the sidewalk. Her green eyes took in the glass door and display windows, moving up to the sign hanging far above and completely missing Belle racing to the door.

"Ivetta!" she exclaimed, bursting onto the street and giving Ivetta a hug before she even had a chance to react.

Rio held the door open behind Belle with his own wide smile. "Your highnesses," he said, bowing with a flourish, but then his smile faltered. "Should you be here?"

Ivetta pulled free from Belle and turned back to me. "He's right. You're not allowed any further contact with Belle. Sariel is not going to be happy."

"After she fulfilled her role of Belle, she lost the title. Thus, the Belle Covenant no longer applies to her," I replied. "And I have already informed Sariel."

Ivetta's face lit up, and Belle clapped her hands together with glee. "Now that's settled-" She took Ivetta's hand and led us into the shop.

"So this is your bookstore," Ivetta said, taking it all in. I, too, looked around with interest. The plain wooden room was larger than my private library, but smaller than my bedroom. Every spare inch of space was covered in books. The shelves alone probably contained double the amount in my library, with ladders stretching up to the ceiling, and additional display tables and counters stacked with even more volumes.

"Oh, it's so good to see you again!" Ivetta exclaimed, giving Belle another hug.

"What is that?" Rio asked, catching sight of Ivetta's ring. She stepped back and proudly displayed her hand.