Liam was standing stoically in front of the mirror, his shoulders quaking slightly with each slow breath he drew. Belle watched her fiancé from the doorway, nervously fiddling with the sleeves on her black dress. It was almost time to leave, but she was reluctant to disturb him. He had so few moments to himself, even less in the wake of recent events. Still, she knew she had no choice: He was the king and they were expecting him.
She knocked softly on the door frame as to not startle him. “Liam?” He looked over at her with eyes that were much more tired and red than they appeared in his reflection.
“Is it time, then?”
She nodded, “The car is waiting outside.”
He squared his shoulders and tried to put on a small, brave smile, but she could see his lower lip tremble. It was too much for him, the weight of everything that had happened over these long months; she could tell just by looking at him. In a flash Belle was at Liam’s side, wrapping her arms tightly around him. She held him close as she felt his body shake with silent sobs, letting out everything he’s been forcing down in order to keep up appearances.
“I miss him so much already, Belle.” He said after a while, breath still ragged.
“I know,” She stroked his back, “I know.”
“I keep wondering what he would do in this situation and I… forget that I can’t simply ask. I make to go find him and seek his advice, and then the memory comes rushing back.”
“I understand. It was the same for me, when I lost my parents. I’d be walking down the street thinking it was a good time to call them, that we hadn’t spoken for a while, and then I’d remember. It… lessens after a time, that feeling. But it hasn’t fully gone away. And you know what? I’m glad. It reminds me that the ones we’ve loved are still with us, no matter what.”
They held each other in silence for a few long minutes before Liam pulled back, a rare vulnerability present in his gaze.
“What if I can’t do this on my own?” He asked in a whisper, as if afraid to even voice such a concern.
“You can. You’ve been preparing for this all of your life.” She squeezed his arms reassuringly, “And besides, you won’t be on your own. You have me, always.”
He nodded halfheartedly, the remnants of a tear lingering on his cheek.
“Hey,” Belle reached up and cupped his face, brushing the tear off with her thumb, “We’ll get through this, together.”
He smiled weakly and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. “Thank you, Belle. I don’t know how I would have survived this without you.”
“You would have been fine. You’re the strongest man I know.”
“I know you believe that,” He said quietly, “But I don’t feel so strong sometimes.”
“I know. And you don’t have to be, not around me. You’re going to be my husband, my partner. We can be each other’s strength when one of us needs a little extra.”
The smile had finally reached Liam’s eyes. “That sounds perfect. I love you, Belle.”
“I love you, too. Now,” She smoothed out his jacket, letting her hand slide down to hold his. “Are you ready?”
He took a deep, steady breath. “With you by my side, my love, I am ready for anything.”
He gave a light squeeze as the pair made their way, hand in hand, towards an uncertain future.
