Page 74 of Snow White

“I sent the letter to my father,” I say.

“Oh?” Azura asks, looking up at me.

I smile softly. “I told him we would be attending his wedding.”

Azura takes my hand. “I know it’s hard to be away from them, but it’s safer.”

I nod before turning my attention to Belle, who is poking at her food absently. She had a bad night. I can see it. Her lips are turned down, and her eyes are distant. Azura kisses my fingers, and I smile at her before turning my attention back to Belle.

“Belle, are you all right?” I ask.

“Mhm.” She nods.

“You don’t seem all right,” Azura says, glancing at her.

“I’m fine,” she says, placing her fork down. She stands and walks over to the window. I give Azura a worried look. Something about Azura gets Belle to open up. The two of them have similar experiences and traumas that need to be unloaded. I try to give them the space to talk about these troubles.

Just as I’m about to stand, the castle rocks and the sound of an explosion rings in my ears. Belle’s face pales, and she stumbles back.

“Azura, you need to see this,” she says.

Azura joins her at the window and growls, her eyes widening. “The Beast. He has come to take what’s mine. My treasure.

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