It had been his first promise to her, in those wild days right after they broke the curse, when they talked feverishly about their most cherished dreams and whispered their deepest fears to each other. “Belle is planning to host a series of salons,' said Lio, appearing out of nowhere to fill her silence. She thought perhaps it was time for men like them to fear what a woman could do.” She would take their unease over their disdain. No one protested or voiced any concerns, and the meeting ended in near silence. In a way, it seemed they almost feared her. 'All in favor of the amendment to the salon?' They mutely assented with barely raised hands, but it was enough. If you cannot abide by that, then I suggest you remain in your estates for the duration.' If she had ruffled the feathers of the advisers before, it was nothing compared to how they viewed her now. You still get the prestige-raising, economy-boosting aspects, only now the doors are open for everyone. This is how I envision the salon, and I believe it will be beneficial for all the people of our kingdom. Do you forget that I am a commoner? That I grew up in a poor village with the very people you seek to malign? I do not fear them in the same way I fear a rich man who believes justice is a fluid concept and that innocence can be bought.' She let them sit with what she had said for a few moments before continuing.

'And I speak for myself alone when I say you're wrong. 'I think I speak for everyone, the king included, when I say you are perhaps not thinking clearly.'

You speak as though wealth precludes someone from committing a crime, and that has not been true in my experience.' 'If we are willing to open our doors to the rich, then we must also be willing to open our doors to the poor.

It would not be prudent in times like these to invite them into your home.' Not the Aveyonian commoners you've spent weeks assuring us are content, happy even.'īastien eyed her as though seeing her in a new light. “I thought the only threat against us came from the rogue noblemen who are plotting a revolt under our very noses.

Rebel Rose by Emma Theriault