''Flying''

Let's Talk

Late the following morning, Bella walks the familiar corridors, headed for Josh's study. By now his meeting with the Private Council has already ended, so this is the best time for her to talk to him without having to worry that they'll be interrupted.

Bella sees the doors wide open and walks right in, seeing Josh sitting behind his desk, scanning some paper in his hand. She clears her throat and his eyes glance up at her, a small smile forming as soon as he realizes it's her.

-"Good morning. Need something?"

-"I have a question for you."

-"Okay?" - He places the paper down and gives her his full attention.

-"I want to know if you think Alexis will be safe if I agree to King Henry's request."

-"Henry has assured me that both you and Alexis will be perfectly safe with him."

-"But do you think that that's true? Specially given his reputation."

-"Bella, despite what people say, Henry is a man of honor. He earned his reputation by what he has done to enemies of his Kingdom, never to women and children. That is a line that Henry will never cross."

-"I just want to be sure that Alexis will be safe before I talk to her about this."

-"I get it, but I would never put either of you in an unsafe situation."

-"I know, I'm not questioning that, I just... I need some reassurances, that's all."

-"Again, I get it. I am sure that Alexis will be perfectly safe if you accept his request, reputation or not."

-"Thank you, Josh. And I'm sorry if it sounded as if I was doubting you."

-"Don't worry about it."

-"I'll leave you to your work."

Bella quickly leaves Josh behind, stepping out into the corridor, thinking that Josh is right. He would never put any of them in any sort of danger, at least not willingly.

As she walks through the Castle's corridors, Bella can't help but wonder how Alexis will react once Bella tells her about King Henry's request. Granted, her daughter is very mature for her age and probably won't have any problem with it, but there's still some part of her that thinks that maybe Alexis isn't ready to see her mother with another man.

Bella can see the lake shore and the rock where Alexis is perched on. She stops for a moment and just watches her daughter, thanking the heavens above for giving her such a wonderful daughter.

She knows that whatever decision she makes, Alexis will accept it and not fight her on it. Still, Bella doesn't want to make this decision without making sure Alexis is okay with it. After all, it isn't just her life that will change if she decides to accept. So will Alexis', therefore, Bella refuses to make any decision without talking to her daughter first.

Taking a deep breath, Bella prepares herself for the conversation ahead. Calling out to her, she sees the young girl smiling at her before climbing down from the rock and making her way to her, greeting her in the process.

-"So, how has your morning been?"

-"The usual. It's not like anything ever changes around here."

-"Lexi, I need to talk to you about something."

-"Is this about King Henry?" - The shy smile on Alexis' face tells Bella she knows more than she should.

-"How do you know?"

-"I, accidentally, overheard aunt Mackenzie and grandmother talking about it."

-"Accidentally?" - Her eyebrow raises as she looks at her daughter.