“…” The atmosphere in King Chevalier’s private library is taut with tension. Clavis had locked the both of you together, most likely his way of forcing a conversation.

Lately, the interactions with your fiancé have been minimal. The only similarity between you is a shared love for literature, often leading the two of you to read side by side in complete silence. He continues to allow you near him, but only because you bear a striking resemblance to his former lover, the kingdom’s latest Belle. He sees Belle in you, and it stirs emotions that he doesn't know how to handle.

Chevalier shuts his book with a sigh. “If you’re going to talk then do it,” he mutters, his voice quieter than usual. Despite his harsh words, you notice something different in his gaze, softer and significantly less hostile than when you first met. It seems that over time, he has stopped seeing you as his arranged bride and begun to see you as an extension of Belle, an association that he knows is wrong.