OVER 2OO YEARS AGO II

Pak! 

A strong slap landed on her face, Belle knew it, but she couldn't feel it. (My situation seemed similar to what is happening to Ceres inside my body. However, she can feel my pain, and my joy – both external and internal perceptions. Why can't I? Have I traveled through time? Or am I just dreaming?) 

"I pulled you from the quagmire! I gave you this prestige! How could you be so foolish? Of all the people you can hook up with, why did you have to choose that no-named civilian?!" 

The one talking to her looked elegant despite the crinkles in the corner of her eyes. Her long hair was tied in a bun and there was a gold hairpin with a phoenix design holding the bun in place. Her red dress, which Belle didn't know the number of layers, looked so great on her. 

"Mother Empress, I'm sorry. Please I beg you. Please don't hurt him." (Oh. So, she is a mother empress. Hmm, she looks so familiar.)