As the dual princess of werewolves and faeries, Belle accepted her destiny knowing it would come with heavy responsibilities. She was generally content with her role. However, when her mother, Queen Serena, announced that it was time for Belle to succeed her as the Queen of Midsummer, she felt a surge of excitement.
The excitement turned into a challenge when she realized this transition would require her to marry. Faerie Prince Layke from the Avalon Realm, initially unenthusiastic about the prospect of a wife, faced pressure from his father, King Eryek, who insisted on a marriage as a condition for Layke's throne succession.
Desperate to avoid the commitment, Layke presented a proposal to Belle: their parents' marriage requirement didn't specify a duration. They could unite their realms, strengthen their alliances, tackle the looming threat together, and then, after achieving their goal, part ways as if their meeting had been nothing more than a fleeting encounter.
Belle saw the logic in this unconventional plan, despite her initial reluctance. It seemed like a practical solution to their complicated situation.
