Belle felt her face warm a touch--she truly disliked the idea of needing protection, but would admit that when it came to the queen she would. "Thank you. I--know it must pain him, he was quite powerful in our home, but things are...different, here. I am hoping it never comes to that, and not just for myself." She knew few people here closely, but if any of them were hurt by that heartless woman, she'd never forgive herself.
She laughed quietly. "Yes, I suppose that's not so unusual, in a place like this. I--" she shook her head. "Honestly, even if we never become what I would like...I'm just grateful we had a chance to see each other again."