The Secret Diary of Belle (Grimmoire Series)

Entry Twenty Eight

Pierre is coming for me, I can feel it. That is all I was thinking about while getting dressed.

* * *

The table was set. A fire was lit. Even the ornaments had found their way back into the dining room. Dinner was ready. Everything was perfect.

A little... too perfect.

It was quiet. Geroux seemed off. Not the start I would have hoped for.

"Geroux, I need to ask you a favour," I said, eyes fixed on my lap.

"Go on," he said, almost begrudgingly.

"I was thinking, after what happened with Papa and Henrietta... I feel it necessary to connect with Chantelle," I looked over at Geroux, he tightened his grip on the cutlery. "My sister. I need my sister."

Geroux said nothing.

"I want to borrow the mirror again," I asked with some involuntary trepidation.

"I do not think that is a good idea," he said back immediately, talking over my last word as if he already knew what I planned to ask.

"Why?"

He did not answer straight away, but rather, looked to the fireplace. "I'm afraid you could get hurt again."

Such a tactfully manipulative response. "That is a risk I must take," I answered, quickly.

"I can't see you like that again, like you were in the forest," Geroux said. He placed down his knife and fork, stood up and walked from the table and stared out the window. The night was so dark there was nothing to see.

"Chantelle might be the only family I have left. It's my last chance to connect with my family," I pleaded.

"You mean, it's the last chance you have to connect with him," Geroux said quietly. Something about the way he said "him" tickled me the wrong way. And then it hit me.

"You know where they are," I said, as if I suddenly saw right through Geroux's facade. Geroux looked as if the wind had been knocked out of him. "You know where they are and you kept it from me?"

"It's not that simple, Belle," he said, looking at me out the corner of his eye.

I could feel my anger growing, but I restrained myself - I needed to get that mirror.

"I cannot help if the two of them happen to be travelling together - and furthermore, it is none of your business," I said in a controlled tone.

"Belle, trust me, I care about you and I do not think this is a good idea," he said with a concerned look on his face.

"If you cared about me at all, you would hand over the mirror at once," I declared, my voice beginning to shake.

Geroux sighed, heavy with defeat.

"I'll have it arranged to be sent to your room immediately," he said only turning his head slightly so I could hear.

"Thank you," I automatically responded.

As I turned to leave, Geroux spoke, "Just remember what I said, Belle."

I simply nodded politely, then left.

On the walk back to my room I was trying to decode what he meant by that statement, exactly, but my thoughts were interrupted when I saw the magic hand mirror, resting against my bedroom door.

* * *

I have already decided that I will go and surprise Pierre and Chantelle the moment I can get away from this house - which is an entirely separate act in itself that I have yet to think through.

Still, my excitement cannot be contained.

Now, I must not delay any longer and go look into the mirror at once.

* * *

The scent of Geroux's rose still fills the room and I cannot help but let my heart swell with loving thoughts.

Our reunion shall be one found in romance novels... I cannot wait to be in your arms again, Pierre, my love.

* * *

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