#choices sinclaire

[kumari8670]

an AU for Atlantis: The Lost Empire where Rourke and Helga were, in fact, "in this together" please 💥💥💥

(i will never ever forgive him...)

[fruitbythefoot7]

the boys are fucking back

[jmojellybae]

Do y’all still enjoy queen b memes

[bittersnsweetz]

"any choices players out there?" i call into the void. nothing but an echo returns.

obsessed w them at the mo..

[ladylamrian]

Female Main Character: Clara (Desire & Decorum)

Pairing: F!MC × Ernest Sinclaire

Summary: A Winter Fairytale AU - Young Clara receives from her father a nutcracker as a gift.

Word Count: 4K words

Rating: General (Fluff, Fairytale AU, Christmas)

Warnings: none (just ugly Richard much uglier)

-> My complete Desire & Decorum Masterlist <-

Desire & Decorum Fanfiction Taglist: @bri1234 ; @tessa-liam ; @princess-geek ; @gmsrrn98 ; @rosesnink ; and whoever wants to join... @choicesficwriterscreations ; @choicesdecember2024 [Christmas ; ...] & @choicesjanuary2025 [Light ; Joy ; Connection ; New Love]

Comments via Reblog wholeheartedly welcome

Author's note: Inspired by the (Ballet) Fairytale called "The Nutcracker" where the heroine has the same name as my Desire & Decorum Main Character, Clara of Edgewater.

In this magical rewrite and retelling, Clara, a young girl with a kind heart, gazed in wonder at her new Nutcracker toy gifted by her father, Vincent, the Viscount of Edgewater.

"Oh, my Nutcracker, you're so handsome!", the girl praised as she held her wooden toy in her hands which looked almost like a human.

"Clara, dear! Clara!!"

The girl heard the grandmother call out from downstairs, so she immediately placed the wooden figure on her bed sheet, left her chambers, and hurried toward the calling woman.

After helping her grandmother, the young girl returned to her chambers only to find her younger brother, Harry, next to her broken toy. The figure lying on the floor with a missing arm.

"Oh no, my nutcracker!! What have you done?", she panicked and quickly grabbed the wooden figure from the floor. Then she picked up the missing toy arm which she found from under her bed.

"I only wanted to play with this soldier but it broke so easily. That's a dumb toy."

"Hey, don't say that about Father's gift. And that's my Nutcracker and not yours. Go and play with Edmund.", she scolded, wanting him to leave.

"Hey children, why the shouting? What happened.", a gentle voice called out. It was Viscount Vincent, the father of the children.

"Father, Harry broke my nutcracker!", little Clara sobbed and pointed at her sibling. Harry tried to avoid his father's gaze as he spoke.

"I'm sorry, father. I was just playing, and it happened by accident."

And then the boy left, leaving his sister alone with the father. The viscount discovered his daughter's sadness which broke his heart. How happy he made her with just a simple toy.

"My darling dear, please don't cry. I promise to fix your toy."

"You would do that, father?", she asked as she slowly calmed herself down.

"Anything for my Clara.", Vincent softly whispered before planting a gentle kiss on his daughter's forehead. She was the only daughter and a father who would do anything for their baby girl. He carefully took her wooden toy and its dispatched arm.

"Thank you, father. You're the best."

"I just don't want to see you sad, my child. Especially not on Christmas Eve. I'll be right back."

Determined to help, the viscount left Clara's chambers with her toy in hand, ready to fix it. Despite the challenges, he successfully reattached the arm. After just half an hour, he returned the toy to Clara, looking as good as new.

"Yayy, my nutcracker got fixed. Thanks father.", she happily squeaked.

In the dead of night, after everyone else had retired, Clara decisively woke up in her chambers to check on her nutcracker. She confidently reached for the cupboard next to her bed as the clock struck midnight. In an instant, hordes of mice flooded the room, and the walls, furniture, and everything surrounding her expanded to dizzying heights.

"Aaahh, what's happening?! Is everything growing or am I shrinking? Help!", she panicked.

Little Clara shrank into the size of a doll. The same size as her Nutcracker. She discovered her toy standing next to her with features like a real human. There was nothing wooden of him anymore. He looked more handsome and real. Light skin, chestnut curls, and stormy, blue eyes.

"Uhh, who are you?"

"Why your nutcracker, of course, milady. They also call me Ernest Sinclaire. And this gentleman is at your service now.", he spoke before raising her knuckles to plant a kiss on them which made the girl blush.

She found her nutcracker already beautiful as a toy, but now even more. Handsome, dashing, and those perfect manners. A man of her dreams.

"You're so kind. Dear Nutcracker,... I... I mean... Dear Mr. Sinclaire, were you always a nutcracker? How did this happen?"

"My Clara, it's only fair if you know the truth. I wasn't always a nutcracker, but a human like you. I got cursed."

"What?", she gasped and he nodded.

"Yes, cursed by no other but the evil Mouse King."

"Mouse King? And is there a way that your curse can be broken"

"Only by the sweetness of the Sugar Fairy."

"First a mouse and now a fairy? What does that mean?", the girl got confused than before.

"I sadly don't know either what the sweetness of the Sugar Fairy is or if she even exists, but that doesn't stop me from fighting. I won't give up that easily."

"Oh Ernest, your story is so sad. I wish I could help you."

"Clara, you helped me already. You're a wonderful girl and treat me perfectly. You don't see me as a toy but as a real human. Someone with real feelings. And thank you for stepping before. It kinda hurt when your brother was messing up with my arm.", he chuckled.

"Does your arm still hurt?" she whispered and gently stroked the injured part.

"Not when I have you, Clara. Besides, your father took great care of me. He's a good man who raised a beautiful girl."

"Oh, Ernest. You're...", she blushed.

"Yes, dear Clara?"

"Oh shut up, you're gorgeous. I like you being more human and real. You're so sweet, kind, and just perfect. You're the best gift I ever received. Even as a toy I love you."

"Clara darling, it fills my wooden heart to hear this. I wish I could spend more time with you in my human form and dance all night with you forever."

"Oh Ernest, why not dance now?"

Clara created delicate ballet movements that were pleasant to watch for Ernest. The movements of the feet were graceful, the movements of the arms and the fingers were very fluid, and the whole body got synchronized.

"Love, may I join for this dance?", he asked and extended his arm to her. She happily accepted and both started a powerful waltz. Everything around them faded away and they only focused on themselves and their dance.

"My beautiful... Clara, look out!!", her nutcracker panicked as their dance suddenly got interrupted by unwanted intruders.

"Ernest, what's happening?"

Clara was shocked and now found herself amid a battle between an army of gingerbread soldiers and the mice, led by their king.

She discovered her nutcracker shouting orders to the gingerbread men, who were joined by tin soldiers, and by dolls who served as doctors to carry away the wounded. The Mouse King returned. As the old, gray-haired being tried to advance on the nutcracker, Clara immediately threw her slipper at him to protect her nutcracker.

"Hey, you ugly rat!! Back off!!"

"Who dares to call me an ugly rat?!! The powerful Mouse King Richard!!", the almost human-like animal hissed at the girl.

"Leave Ernest and the toys alone!! Your army is hurting innocent people.", she dared to answer back while Mr. Sinclaire and the other toy soldiers were too busy fighting off some rats, Richard's minions. One of them was a light-gray human rat called Sir Gideon, who was now swordfighting with Clara's nutcracker, Ernest Sinclaire.

"My, my, what gorgeous piece do we have here? A pretty girl in my kingdom."

"Excuse me, I'm not a piece!!"

"That anger... How fierce! I like that. Why don't you join me, beautiful? I'm a King. Fight by my side and I'll make my Queen.", he spoke as he tried to move closer to her.

"Ewww, no thanks. I love Ernest Sinclaire and not you, old rat. Stay away from me."

"Nobody rejects me. And you...", Mouse King Richard got interrupted as he analyzed the battlefield.

Many of his minions sustained injuries and were defeated while the toys claimed victory in the battle. Unable to tolerate defeat, he issued a command to retreat, vowing to return and strike back harder. Mouse King Richard and Rat Sir Gideon escaped with a handful of their minions, fully intent on scheming for revenge and launching a powerful counterattack.

"Wohooo, Ernest!! They're gone. You defeated them!!", Clara cheered before running towards her soldier for a hug.

"My Clara darling, my love, are you alright? Did he hurt you? I'm so sorry I couldn't keep Richard away from you."

"It's alright, we're both safe now. Is your arm alright?", she wispered in worry.

"Well, I'm used to losing some parts of me while battling, and it doesn't hurt. But this time it feels strange. For the first time, I feel like I used to feel when I was human, Clara. That means the Sugar Fairy must be near."

"Then we have to find her to make you back human again. Does your arm hurt?"

"Manageable, Clara. But for keeping you safe, this pain is nothing to me."

"Then let's find the Sugar Fairy. Lead the way, my love."

Ernest confidently journeyed to the magnificent Land of Sweets alongside the girl. This vibrant realm was under the rule of the Sugar Fairy. The paths were adorned with colorful toffees, and towering lollipop trees captivated young Clara. They boldly crossed a candy cane bridge over the rich chocolate milk river. Energetic bees buzzed around, offering them delightful honey as they soared through the air. In this land, everything and everyone exuded a powerful sense of harmony and joy.

"It's like heaven here, Ernest."

"I was genuinely surprised to uncover this hidden world that embraced me. Nonetheless, I firmly miss the experience of being human again."

"Listen, you're still human with a heart of gold. You can feel happiness, pain, and love. Your mind is sharp and capable of strategy. While you may be made of wood at the moment, that doesn’t diminish your humanity. Together, we will break this curse."

As they stepped into the enchanting Land of Sweets, a vibrant kingdom ruled by the whimsical Sugar Fairy, they were greeted by an extraordinary assembly. Gingerbread soldiers, with their gleaming icing decorations and candy buttons, stood tall and proud. Colorful dolls with sparkling eyes danced joyfully, while fluffy teddy bears flanked them, their soft fur inviting hugs. All around, toys of every kind chimed and chimed with delight, their laughter ringing like bells in the air. The joyful procession celebrated the young couple's bravery, honoring them for vanquishing the wicked Mouse King, Richard, earlier that day.

"You were so heroic.", a ballet dancer sang as she twirled around them.

"Mister Sinclaire saved us again! How will we ever thank him?" Ginger, the teddy bear cheered.

"All hail, Mr. Sinclaire!!", the crowd joined.

"Who's the pretty girl with you, Mr. Sinclaire?" an elderly woman asked and winked at them. Everyone got curious too.

"Madam Tarte, may I introduce Clara? She's with me and together we are here to meet the Sugar Fairy."

"The Sugar Fairy? We have never seen her."

"To the Sugar Fairy? Mister Sinclaire, take my horses for the travel.", Mister Crumble offered.

Ernest, the nutcracker, gratefully accepted the warm words of encouragement and generous help from the villagers. In a display of kindness, they lent him two magnificent mares. Clara, with her spirited demeanor, perched elegantly on a chocolate-brown horse named Caramel, whose rich, glossy coat shimmered in the sun. Meanwhile, Ernest chose a striking white mare with delicate snowflake patterns dotting her fur. She was named Marzipan.

With a sense of adventure, they took off, riding swiftly through the meadows as if propelled by the very wind itself, their laughter echoing through the air. The journey led them to the enchanting crystal palace, where the fairy was said to reside. Upon their arrival, the pair dismounted and led their horses to a gentle stop, leaving them tied outside before stepping into the palace, ready to discover the magic within.

The walls of the palace were magnificently adorned with exquisite marble, showcasing intricate carvings that told stories of a bygone era. Each detail in the craftsmanship added to the grandeur of the surroundings. The floors, meticulously polished to a near-mirror finish, gleamed under the soft glow of the chandeliers, creating a mesmerizing reflection that enhanced the opulence of the space.

"So this where the good Sugar Fairy lives. It's beautiful.", Clara admired.

A cheerful gingerbread soldier adorned with colorful icing and a shiny candy button for a uniform greeted them with a warm smile, his sugary frame exuding a delightful aroma of cinnamon and spice.

"Greetings, I am Ernest Sinclaire, accompanied by Clara. We have journeyed a considerable distance to seek an audience with the esteemed Sugar Fairy. We hold a deep respect for her and sincerely believe that she possesses the power to assist us in lifting the curse that has been cast upon me. Would it be possible for us to visit her?"

"Greetings, Mr. Sinclaire. We have had the pleasure of hearing numerous accounts of your remarkable adventures throughout the land, particularly your courageous confrontations with the nefarious Mouse King. It is our honor to welcome esteemed heroes like yourself to our community."

"Thank you, Sir Luke."

"Regrettably, I am unable to assure you that you will have the opportunity to meet the Sugar Fairy today, or at any time in the future."

"Why is that?" the nutcracker asked with concern.

"I regret to inform you that the Sugar Fairy has been absent for an extended period and has yet to make her return," the soldier announced, eliciting a concerned reaction from the couple.

How can they possibly break the curse on Mr. Sinclaire now? The Sugar Fairy was their only hope, and the thought of him remaining a nutcracker forever was heartbreaking. He deserved the chance to be human again.

"I'll never return back into my human again."

"Please don't say that, Ernest. I know things feel overwhelming right now, but we will find a way through this together. Trust me, my love. I'm here for you," she said softly, wrapping her arms around him. He pulled her closer, seeking comfort, and she gently stroked his soft hair, hoping to calm his racing thoughts.

"Clara, I thought I'll be soon back human but..."

"I completely understand how you feel, my love. Believe me, I share those sentiments too. But please always remember that my love for you remains unwavering, whether you’re human or a nutcracker. You are, and always will be, my Ernest Sinclaire. My hero, my love, my everything. Your kindness, generosity, loyalty, and wonderful heart are what drew me to you, and I cherish that deeply."

"I truly love you too, Clara."

As she heard these little heartfelt words, an overwhelming warmth spread through the girl's heart. In that moment, she stood on her tiptoes, yearning to connect with him, and leaned in for a kiss. Their lips met in a tender, passionate embrace, a beautiful expression of their deep love. An experience that felt like the sweetest thing Ernest had ever tasted.

They found themselves surrounded by a radiant light that enveloped them with hope. It was a glow so captivating that toys from the nearby towns and villages rushed toward the mysterious source, eager to uncover the wonders that awaited them.

When Ernest Sinclaire slowly opened his blue eyes, he found that the girl before him had transformed. No longer was it just Clara, the girl he had known so well. Instead, it was Clara in a dazzling new form as the Sugar Fairy herself. Her brown hair shimmered like spun sugar, cascading down her shoulders in soft waves, and she wore a gown that sparkled with hues of pastel pink and blue. The air around her was sweet, filled with a hint of candy as she smiled down at him. Her radiance illuminating the room and filling Ernest with a sense of wonder and magic.

Clara of Edgewater stood enchanted. Her eyes wide with astonishment. She was dressed in a breathtaking gown. Its fabric shimmering like liquid silver as it cascaded down to the floor, each fold and flare danced gracefully with her every movement. The gown was adorned with tiny sequins that twinkled like stars, adding a touch of magic to her appearance. On her feet, she wore delicate ballet slippers, soft and pastel-hued, embellished with sparkling accents that caught the light with each step she took.

Perched atop her flowing hair was a radiant tiara, a masterpiece of artistry that sparkled with an array of precious gemstones. Each gem seemed to reflect its own story, glistening in hues of sapphire, ruby, and emerald, casting a gentle glow around her. Strikingly beautiful, she felt as if she had stepped straight out of a fairytale, transformed into a princess wrapped in elegance and grace. In that moment, she truly was a vision of purity and enchantment, completely bejeweled and captivating.

"Clara darling, you look like an angel."

The same radiant light enveloped the figure of Ernest Sinclaire, illuminating him in a warm glow. As the transformation began, the once solid wooden form gradually shifted, its hard exterior melting away into soft, supple skin. Flesh and blood filled out the structure, revealing a body full of life and vitality. Before anyone’s eyes, the inanimate wooden toy had transcended its limitations to become a fully realized human being. Indeed, he stood there as a true man, embodying the very essence of humanity as it was always intended to be.

"I'm... I'm back human. After all these times, I'm back in my own body and not a nutcracker anymore."

"Ernest, what happened? I don't understand. Just look at me... What is going on?" she begged for an explanation as she couldn't understand what just happened.

"All the time we were searching for the Sugar Fairy without knowing that you are the Sugar Fairy, Clara. You broke my curse and made me human again."

The enthusiastic crowd surged around them, their cheers rising to a deafening crescendo, echoing the excitement in the air.

"All hail Clara, the Sugar Fairy!!"

"No, that's impossible. I'm not the Sugar Fairy. I'm Clara, just an ordinary girl," she asserted firmly. The man gently placed his hands on her shoulders and looked deeply into her eyes.

"Dear Clara, I truly understand how difficult this is to accept. I felt the same way when I transformed from a human into a nutcracker and entered the Land of Sweets. Your sweetnes, your loving kiss was what broke the curse of the evil Mouse King Richard. It was only the sweetness of the Sugar Fairy that could accomplish this, which is why I believe you are the Sugar Fairy. You have given me the gift of humanity once again."

In a dazzling celebration that filled the air with sweetness, the young heroine was honored and formally welcomed as the Sugar Fairy. The festivities featured an impressive array of delectable treats from around the globe, each one more inviting than the last. Velvety chocolate from Switzerland, with its rich, creamy texture. Spiced gingerbread from Germany, bursting with warm flavors. Fragrant coffee from Arabia, with its enticing aroma. Delicate tea from China served in vibrant porcelain cups. And colorful candy canes from Russia, gleaming under the twinkling lights, were all beautifully displayed.

As laughter echoed throughout the Land of Sweets, the toys danced joyfully and captivated the crowd with their spirited performances. The atmosphere was electric with joy and happiness.

As the dawn approached, it was time for Clara to awaken soon. The night was coming to an end. Mister Sinclaire bowed to her respectfully and kissed her goodbye.

"Ernest!" she shouted, her voice breaking the tranquility of the early morning. Clara’s eyes fluttered open to find the golden sunlight streaming through her window, painting a warm glow across her room. The gentle rays danced on the walls, illuminating the delicate patterns of the wallpaper. Snuggled comfortably in her soft, plush blankets, she felt cocooned against the cold of the winter morning. She lay nestled in her cozy bed, surrounded by the familiar comforts of her chambers, momentarily lost in the peacefulness before the day began.

All the memories of Ernest, the Land of Sweets, the Mouse King, and the Sugar Fairy were still fresh in her mind, which she couldn't forget or shake away that easily. It felt so real. Was it all a dream, or did it happen? The only way to find out...

The girl swung her legs over the side of the bed, her feet brushing against the cool wooden floor. She glanced around her room, eyes scanning every corner in search of clues. Clenching her fists, she imagined what she might find a glimmering piece of candy cane or perhaps a fragrant piece of gingerbread. Her mind even wandered to the thought of an ugly rat with a tiny crown.

"Wait a second, where is the nutcracker which father gifted me yesterday on Christmas Eve?", she thought loud as she discovered that her toy was missing. It wasn't lying in the cupboard at her bedside anymore, which made her panic.

"No, no, it can't be... There must be a logical explanation. I bet Harry took my Nutcracker again. That boy..." she groaned and rushed downstairs. As she entered the main hall, she began shouting.

"Harry, come here!! Where is my nutcracker?!!"

"Are you searching for me?", someone chuckled which surprised her.

It was a young man who entered the parlour with Clara's father, Vincent, as their new guest. He was good-looking, tall, with curly brown hair, gray-blue eyes, and fair skin. He wore a white shirt with a scarf wrapped around his neck, a beige vest, and a navy blue jacket paired with brown trousers. A smile spread across his face as he noticed the girl.

"Ernest?" she whispered with surprise.

The handsome man she danced with last night in Nutcracker form was now standing in front of her, alive. Maybe it wasn't a dream after all? Or was it just a coincidence? But where was her Nutcracker then?

"Sugar Fairy.", the man whispered to her and winked which made her blush. Maybe the adventures of last night did happen. She would happily trade her toy for the dashing man in front of her.

"I hope you don't mind having a guest with us tonight, Clara.", Viscount Vincent suggested, which the girl didn't mind at all.

The entire family gathered around the beautifully adorned Christmas tree. The warm glow of the lights cast a festive ambiance in the room. They savored a traditional meal together, filling the air with the tempting aromas of roasted meats and seasonal dishes. At the table sat Father, whose jovial laughter rang out. Grandmother, with her wise and twinkling eyes. Harry, who eagerly shared stories with Edmund. Clara secretly stole glances with the special guest, who added an extra touch of joy to the occasion. It was a moment of togetherness, warmth, and cherished memories.

"Soooo... Do we know each other?" she dared to ask without letting anyone notice their interactions.

"You might know me already, Clara. I hope you're not sad that you don't have a nutcracker anymore."

"This Sugar Fairy rather wants to have you, my hero. Now Mouse King Richard won't stand a single chance against my man.", she confessed as their hands met under the dining table.

[bluelovessss]

~ Waiting For You ~

Word Count ~ 864

Fanfic ~ Desire And Decorum

Pairing ~ Ernest Sinclaire & Beatrice (MC)

Rating ~ M

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Summary ~ Beatrice left Ernest after things unfortunately got bad between them and one night after an incident, she had enough and left him. Ernest writes a letter to her apologising and telling her how much she means to him. But, will words be enough?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Sometimes, love is worth fighting for, even if it means giving it another chance. "

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ernest sat on his desk staring blankly on the piece of paper in front of him. He had words to say and to write but couldn't find a way to do it. He knew that things between them were bad. So bad that she ended up leaving. Now it's been a long time. And there isn't a single moment since she left that he didn't think about her. About what happened. About what went wrong. About what he did wrong. It was his fault. There's no denying that. But he couldn't find the courage to write her a letter apologising to her for everything that happened. But finally today, he found the courage to sit down and write a letter to her.

Letters. A sweet memory of them as their love story began with it. Writing each other letters was a part of their routine. He still had all the letters that she had sent to him back then. He kept them safely. But, since she left he read every single one of them. And his heart ached with pain. He wished to go back to that time. He missed her. He really did.

He knew he had to find a way to write down his feelings onto a piece of paper with the hope of getting her back into his life. He rubbed his eyes as he groaned in frustration. He was a terrible person when it came to expressing his feelings, and she used to joke about it. She always knew what was the right thing to say at the right time, something she hoped that he too would learn from her with time. Only with time. Her laugher echoed in his ears, reminding him of their argument. How he hurt her through words, and now it had been long enough since he last saw her. He ached to see her. To hold her hands. To see her smile. To see those beautiful eyes that he fell for. And now, writing his heart on a piece of paper felt like a nightmare, but if he wants her to return back, then he must do this no matter how difficult it may seem.

He took a feather pen and wrote as honestly as he could,

"Dear Beatrice,

I write this letter to you to apologise to you for everything that happened between us. I am sorry for not understanding you, for not making time for you,for not giving you my 100%, for not standing up for you and I am sorry for not being there for you when you needed me the most. You were right, our love it is complicated, but our love is even more complicated because of our deep connection formed over a short time when we first met. The deeper the connection, the more difficult it becomes to cherish it and protect it at the same time. I am terrible when it comes to expressing my feelings openly, and you always teased me about it. But today is different. Today, I am writing this letter to earn you forgiveness. Not because you could come back after it. No. I won't force you into something that you are not ready for yet. I want your forgiveness for everything wrong that I did because I realised that all this time, I was taking you for granted, which I should not have. I have done so many wrong things to you, made and taken you for granted. I am so sorry for all of that. I don't deserve you or your forgiveness, but just know that I will do you anything to earn it. I love you. I really love you so much. So much that it hurts me. My love for you is eternal, and it always be. I don't expect you to forgive me right away after reading this letter, but I just wanted to give you what you deserved : the truth. And the truth is, I cannot live without you. I hope you finally got the closure that you deserved. Write back to me if you want. I will look forward to seeing you soon, perhaps one day. You know me, hopeless romantic for you.

Yours forever,

Sinclaire.

He sealed the letter and dropped the letter into the letter box soon enough. His heart pounded fast, full of worry. But also with hope that maybe just maybe she will write back to him or even better, come back to him. And together they will work on their relationship and deepen their bond by healing the wounds. But, as he walked back home, he smiled with the knowledge that at least he had poured his heart out to her in that letter. Something he never did but today he did for her.

Will she return? Will they be reunited? Or will she even read his letter? Questions. There were so many questions adding more to his doubts. But, their love. His love for her put every doubt aside. Because even if things were rough between them right now, he knew their love would overcome any barrier. Because in the end, love always won and overcame every problem.

Because love is always worth it.

The End.

_______________________

Dear @princess-geek I'm so sorry for the long delay of this fanfic for u. Ik it took me a few months but it's finally here & I hope u like it. Thank u sm 4 being so patient & amazing. I really enjoyed writing this 4 u. Happy New 2025!

Also, this will be my last fanfic of Choices. I'll now be concentrating on my own debut novel. I'm working on the first draft btw.

Lmk ur thoughts!

_______________________

Tags ~ @princess-geek @lovealexhunt @ezekielbhandarivalleros @choicesficwriterscreations

[thequeenb]

The Perfect Ending

2 whole years..who would ever believe that Poppy would be the relationship type? Not me. I know what a lot of you are wondering what the hell we were up to the past years..well let me fill you up.

“Are you done packing? The flight leaves in literally 40 minutes” I say with a pinch of annoyance because one thing about being with Poppy is that you will always be late

“You can’t rush beauty darling” she looks at me over the bathroom mirror and gives me a wink. Ugh sometimes I hate how attractive she is

After Collage ended and we graduated with both our degrees we decided to take a holiday to her Miami Beach house..I know right?

We arrived to our gate and we finally settled down to the plane, of course we sit first class you didn’t even have to wonder.

“Well we have 2 hours so if you excuse me I will get on with my skincare routine” she says and the flashbacks come back almost immediately of our first hookup in her room

“Well your skin looks like shit Hughes so let me do you a favour” she straddle my lap and I am probably looking up at her with starry eyes because she has a satisfied smirk on her face

“I didn’t knew you had a soft spot for me Poppy but a girl can take a break” I wink at her and she rolls her eyes at me..how adorable I always loved when she did that

“If you are my rival you better look good” she casually says and why did I get turned on suddenly? I realise how close she is and how her breasts are pressed against mine. Damn it stop being so horny! But how can I not? Her perfectly glossed lips, her beautiful silk blonde hair..her soft hands working on my face..it’s almost too much

“Bea for the last time do you want champagne? Sorry she apparently has a hearing problem” Poppy says to the flight attendant and I roll my eyes nodding

“I thought after you asked me out you would stop bullying me” I stick my tongue out and I can see a small smile playing on her lips

“Well tell me what got you all parched” she hands me the champagne flute and gives me a smile I could never resist

“That’s for you to find out Min-Sinclair, in the meantime I want to focus to you” I place my hand on her thigh ever so flirty and she lets a small gasp escape her lips

“Careful what you wish for Bea..I don’t play nice, you should be the only one who knows that”

And she is right..if I close my eyes I can pin point the exact moments she tried to ruin me, but on the other side i can almost feel all the times she made me feel like no one ever did before

“Well? Are we playing dirty?” She locks eyes with me and I settle my champagne down.

Her eyes never leaving mine she watches me flip my hair back seductively

“I feel so worked up Poppy..maybe you can help me” this phrase reminded me of that time we fought for the crown..how we had a cat fight in the fountain..how much I wanted her

“I feel so worked up Poppy” it’s the only words that escape my lips “maybe you can help me unwind” are you kidding me? You literally slapped her, dragged her across the fountain and ruined her manicure and that’s what you are going to say?

Interestingly enough she doesn’t look angry anymore..I can feel her heat radiating off her body and she slams me against the fountain, water splashes everywhere as her tongue goes playfully in my mouth and all I can feel is her

I blink a few times trying to cool down and she knows what kind of effect she has on me because she smirks and gets back on her seat. Sigh she is not someone to play with I learnt that from the first time she approached me

Our plane finally lands and a private car was waiting for us to take us back to the house.

I didn’t expect anything less..the car pulls up to a gate and when they open I can see a beautiful house and palm trees everywhere decorating the big garden

The car finally stops and Poppy hurries to open my door. I step out and I try my best not to gasp

“You can gasp Farmsville this is far from the land you grew up on” she winks at me and I roll my eyes

We walk inside and the house is beautiful as expected but what catches my eye is the big window where you can see the beach, the waves the sunset

“This is where I came when you humiliated me in front of all my father’s clients and the whole school” she casually says but a pinch of guilt fills my heart, it wasn’t my proudest moment

I hold the award in my hands and I can’t believe I finally beat Poppy Min-Sin bitch at her own little game. She stormed out after I humiliated her and her parents but why do I feel guilty? Isn’t that what I planned for since I first got here?

“Make a speech make a speech make a speech” everyone is chanting and I finally feel the weight of the award in my hand..the weight of what I just did to Poppy

I hold her tight, a small tear escaped my eye but she just smiles at me giving me a gentle kiss on my forehead “Don’t be sad..remind me to punish you later for that night”

I laugh and I wipe my tears getting my attention back to the window. The waves perfectly collide with the sand and I get the perfect idea

“Let’s go to the beach I am dying to watch the sunset with you” is it my idea or did my proposition made her nervous? She quickly recovers and offers me a smile. Sure she says and she leads me to the coast

She holds my hand tight and for a moment everything looks perfect. The sun is going down and the deep orange colour blends beautifully with the blue sky..the birds fly freely in the air and Poppy looks more than gorgeous under the sunset

I must have been daydreaming for a moment because when I regain my focus Poppy is down on one knee. Excuse me!?

“I get my dress dirty for this so you better say yes” she takes a deep breath and continues

“Since the moment that I met you you have been nothing but a challenge for me, even in the beginning you didn’t know how to dress”

I roll my eyes but I can start feel the tears forming in my eyes, I can’t believe this is happening

“I didn’t even bat an eye at you but you decided to make my life a living hell and I promised to make yours even worse”

“I fell for you since you first kissed me but then I heard that hog calling video and I wanted to go deaf” she chuckles

“I didn’t imagine I could feel this way but you proved to be a worthy opponent and someone who kept me always on my toes..when I found out of your affair with Kingsley I should have used it and destroy you but it only made me more sad”

Now my tears run freely like a waterfall but she is quick to wipe them for me..I didn’t realise I fell to my knees to her eye level..holding her hand so tight

“And since then I knew I didn’t want to be with anyone but you..someone who always challenges me and changes me for the better so that only leaves me with one question”

I gasp when she reaches and opens a small velvet box revealing the most beautiful diamond ring I have ever seen

“Bea Hughes will you marry me?”

I immediately scream yes and she struggles to put the ring on fast enough, we are already covered in sand kissing each other like there is no tomorrow

“I can’t believe you proposed!!” I scream happily and I am not the only one cheering because when I turn around I watch all our friends and family smiling at us “No you didn’t!!”

Zoey hugs me first spectating on my beautiful ring and then comes my parents which I am surprised Poppy flew from Farmsvile.

“From a farm girl to your fiancé how are you feeling?” I smile at her and she simply roll her eyes at me

“Don’t make me regret proposing Hughes”

And that’s how our story ended..watching the sunset with my fiancé gasp! From enemies to lovers and from lovers to newly weds..who knew the two hot rivals from Belvoire could ever end like this? I bet the T would love an inside story about our wedding..I am just kidding..or am I?

Kisses, the T

Tag list: @indecisive-chaos @kiara-36 @ognenniyvolk @somewillwin @ghalind @sergeant-pepper-loves-choices @dibberdipper @aiswood @alexlabhont @uselesslesbianfr @wolfietheduckyou @somin-yin @stanzoeywade @uhh-the-green-thing @jmojellybae @simp-pony @made-me-deep-blue @samanthadalton @crazzyplays @thepotatobleh @thatwhorefromnextdoor @cloud9in @promisedneverwrite @calraquin

[bri1234]

What’s one of your favorite scenes from one of your favorite Choices books? Here, I’ll go first:

[limbus-limousine]

Yeah.sure.they r my dressup dolls now ❤️

[rjschoicesstuff]

I coloured that one older drawing

[somerandomjewelleryonthefloor]

For the lovely blog @princess-geek for Choices Secret Admirer 2025‚ a moodboard for Ernest Sinclair & Beatrice Foredale

I do not know much about them, but I do know they are an item. A cute item.

For #ChoicesSecretAdmirer2025‚ I got you! And whilst I did know TRR & BOLAS‚ I decided to go with these 2 as I am unfamiliar.

And what better way to learn about choices blogs then learn about unfamiliar books and pairings said blog loves?

I hope you like it!!!

(also tagging @choicesfandomappreciation !!)

[still-a-morosexual-help]

I love how Queen B initially kinda makes you believe that Bea's job is to take over the campus & become a benevolent ruler all so they can save the entire school body from the tyrannical rule of Satan. Except actually Bea is also Satan but with better people management skills

and then after spending two years trying to publicly murder each other the two tyrants kiss over the burning bodies of the school populace

[middleagedmenyaoi]

Oh and another Sinclair-related thought: I do not think Eleanor and him would hit it off as well as some people imagine (in case he would've survived). Delta might have personal attachment to him and some level of trust, even if misguided or forced, but to Eleanor... Eleanor's POV is more akin to the player's. It's just some openly awful guy trailing behind your father, lying (hiding the truth) about his involvement in your father's grim fate, and then being like "Sorry I do not want to live a creature like you are. Please kill me. I sold you for money BTW". She wasn't there, you know, when Delta fought through Rapture alone. Really, I don't see any reason for Eleanor to like him after she learns the truth. I know her moral compass entirely depends on Delta's, but she is also her own character, and going off of what we've seen in the game... I mean, not murdering him is a kind thing too. But she would not be chill and nice about it, at least I don't think so.

[jmojellybae]

Yes I’ll still make Boppy content

[hawkyon-days]

So after Lucas asked them to come to his game, Mike and Dustin not only didn't go, showing Lucas that a role-playing game is more important than him, replaced him with his little sister, showing him that he is replaceable, but also didn't even tell him they were doing it??

[ladylamrian]

Female Main Character: Clara Sinclaire

Pairing: F!MC×Ernest Sinclaire (married)

Summary: Countess Clara of Edgewater takes her lovely horse, Belle out for a ride 🐎

Word Count: 3.2K words

Rating: General (Fluff, Adventure, Rescue)

Warnings: none (Injury)

-> My complete Desire & Decorum Masterlist <-

Choices Fanfiction Taglist: @lilyoffandoms ; @secretaryunpaid ; @blackcatkita ; @infactnoimmasitinthemiddle ; @peonierose ; @jdstar88 ; @hopelessromantic1352 ; @tessa-liam ; @mxdanni ; @rosepetals1 ; @stars-are-within-me ; @dutifullynuttywitch ; @artbyalz ; @bri1234 ; @loreofyore ; @choicesficwriterscreations ; ... [I shortened my Taglist because my Readers wanted to be tagged for Nightbound. For the next D&D fanfictions (if there will ever be ones), nobody gets tagged unless requested] ; @choicesdecember2024 (Prompt: Home)

Comments via Reblog wholeheartedly welcome

Author's Note: Please have mercy on me since it's my very first Desire & Decorum fanfiction. If I ever write again for this book, I won't tag anyone unless it is requested. Inform me!!!

"I'm heading out for a ride.", his wife informed him as she climbed on the back of her horse, named Belle.

Ernest's expression softened. He knew just how much she cherished these moments with the mare.

"Very well, my dear. But promise me you'll be careful. Belle can be quite spirited."

"Oh, my dear and loving husband. Don't you believe in Team Clara-Belle?", she winked.

Ernest chuckled warmly at her playful remark.

"Of course I do, my love. I have the utmost faith in your skills with that steed. I just happen to like you in a single piece."

"Sure."

With a nod, he released her hand and called put to be safe.

"Be careful. And pat Belle on the nose for me."

Ernest watched her leave. His heart swelled with a mixture of love and worry. He hoped that Clara, with her spirited nature, stayed safe on her ride.

Countess Clara of Edgewater mounted on Belle. Next to her, other ladies on their horses, all eager and excited for a playful race in nature. The soft grass beneath them rustled gently, and the horses seemed to share in their enthusiasm. Clara's eyes glittered with a hint of mischief.

"Ready for a race, ladies?"

Everyone nodded, their horses pawing the ground in anticipation, which made Clara even more excited. She patted Belle's neck affectionately.

"Ready for a race, my girl. We'll show them the power of Clara-Belle."

When the little race finally started, all the horses lurched forward, moving as one. Each rider gripped the reins tightly. Clara, with her intimate knowledge of Belle's speed and the terrain, took the lead. The wind whipped through her brown locks.

The other ladies do their best to catch up, but Clara and Belle are a force to be reckoned with. Clara's skillful guidance and confidence created a seamless bond between woman and horse which propelled them further ahead with each stride.

The young countess laughed heartily, the feeling of triumph rushing through her veins. She patted Belle's neck as they continued to pull further ahead.

Clara glanced over her shoulder and smiled, seeing how far she and Belle had pulled away from the others. The wind rushed past her ears as she called out to her horse.

"We're leaving them in the dust, aren't we, girl? We're Team Clara-Belle, after all. Fast and strong."

Belle nickered in agreement, her strides became even more vigorous as if spurred on by her rider's excitement. The horse's powerful muscles rippled under her, propelling them further and further from the rest of the group.

Clara her focus on guiding Belle, suddenly felt a shift in the horse's stride. Before she could fully process what was happening, Belle let out a sharp whinny and stumbled slightly to the side.

"Belle?!!"

Clara's heart skipped a beat as she frantically tried to regain control, but it was too late. Belle's stumbling turned into a fall, and in a moment of panic, Clara was sent flying from the saddle, landing hard on the grass some distance away.

The rider's body ached from the impact, the shock of the fall left her breathless. She lay there for a moment, trying to assess the damage, but her focus was quickly diverted by a sound that chilled her to the bone... Belle's panicked whinny.

Clara's heart raced as she turned her head and discovered Belle struggling to get up. The beautiful mare twisted her ankle. Her hind legs buckled whenever she tried to put weight on them. Clara, despite her pain, stood up and slowly approached her horse.

"Belle, my girl..."

Belle still whinnied in pain as Clara approached. The animal's brown eyes were wide and filled with fear. It attempted to move but couldn't. The injury was preventing her from standing, let alone moving. Clara's heart aches for her beloved steed. Her hands trembled as she gently touched Belle's injured leg.

"Oh no! My poor Belle..."

A mixture of worry and pain as the young woman examined the injury. Her horse whimpered in response, clearly distressed and in pain. Clara knew that she couldn't move Belle on her own. Belle was too big and too distressed. Panic began to creep into the mind of the young countess as she searched around, hoping for anyone to pass by and help. But the area remained empty and silent. Her face was pale with fear. The realization of their predicament sank in. They're alone, some distance from the estate away. Both were unable to ride and unable to walk back. The only sound was Belle's soft, pain-filled whinnies, echoing through the quiet landscape.

Clara gently placed her shaking hand on Belle's neck, trying to soothe the frightened animal.

"It's going to be alright, girl. We'll find a way."

But the words felt hollow, filled with fear instead of reassurance. For a moment, they sat in silence. The horse's soft breaths were the only sound. The wind had picked up, the chill biting cold against their exposed skin. Clara already shivered in her thin riding clothes. They were miles away from any shelter, and the temperature was dropping rapidly. The thought of spending the night outdoors, injured and exposed, was more than a little frightening. But she pushed that fear down, focusing instead on the hope that someone would find them before nightfall.

When Clara tried to stand, she winced as her sore body protested. It was clear that the fall had left her with bruises and possible injuries, but she still pushed through the pain, gritting her teeth as she rose to her feet. She glanced at Belle and her heart broke at the sight of the helpless horse.

Clara looked around, trying to find something, anything they could use for shelter. The terrain was empty and flat, with no trees or buildings in sight. The wind gusted again, and she shivered, feeling how the coldness had already begun to seep through her clothes. The horse growing restless and agitated by the minute.

The woman sat back down next to Belle, trying to think of a solution. But the coldness was making her head fuzzy, and the pain in her body slowly clouded her thoughts. She wrapped her arms around herself, attempting to keep warm, and huddled closer to her horse for warmth.

"Ernest was right. I should have been more careful."

She let out a small, bitter laugh, and small tears welled up her eyes. Her fingers trembled slightly from the cold. She leaned her head closer against Belle, feeling the horse's soft fur. Trying to soothe herself, to think of a way out of this mess. The sound of the wind howling around them and it was getting darker.

Hours passed slowly, and the night was drawing closer. Clara was exhausted, her body ached and her mind fuzzy. The coldness now had settled deep into her bones, despite the small comfort that Belle's presence provided. The pain in her ankle, coupled with the soreness from the fall, made her breathing ragged. They're in the middle of nowhere, hurt, hungry, thirsty and exhausted.

Suddenly, the sound of horse steps was heard, which caught Clara's attention. She looked up, her heart fluttered with a mixture of hope and anxiety. The steps seemed to get closer, but the darkness made it hard to see anything. The injured lady strained her eyes, trying to make out the form of the approaching guests in the darkness. The wind howled around her, which masked the sound a bit, and for a moment, she was not even sure if it was her mind playing tricks on her or if someone was coming.

It took a little moment until Clara's eyes widened, discovering a figure on horseback approaching. She tried to get to her feet, but her ankle protested making her stumble. So she waved one arm and shouted desperately, trying to get the person's attention.

"Here! Over here!! Help!!"

The mysterious rider seemed to have noticed the movement and guided its horse in their direction, getting closer as the seconds passed.

As the rider approached closer, Clara could just make out the familiar features and stature. It was her husband, Mister Ernest Sinclaire, Master of Ledford. The young man looked panicked. His face filled with worry as he dismounted from his horse and rushed towards her and Belle.

"My Clara!!"

"Ernest?"

Ernest dropped to his knees beside Clara, his eyes scanning her body for any signs of serious injury. His hands moved gently over her skin, checking for wounds as his voice was filled with worry.

"My love, my sweet, my darling, my Clara, are you hurt?"

"How did you find us?"

Mister Sinclaire ran a hand through his soft hair, his expression tense, but a hint of relief in his blue eyes. He glanced at Belle before answering.

"When you didn’t return for dinner, I knew something was wrong. The ladies informed me about your sudden disappearance and looked worried. I saddled my horse and came searching for you."

"Oh Ernest..."

Her husband pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly against his chest. His voice was soft but filled with worry and relief.

"My love, you foolish girl. You could have been hurt, or worse..."

"I'm sorry."

Ernest pulled back slightly, looking at her face. His heart nearly broke at the sight of her tired, bruised face. His hand raised to cradle her cheek with a gentle touch.

"I'm not angry, my love. I'm just so relieved you're safe. But promise me, promise me you'll be more careful from now on."

"I promise."

The young man gave her a soft smile, pressing a gentle kiss against her forehead. He held her a moment longer before standing up, moving to check on Belle. The horse whimpered as he touched her. The injury was indeed painful.

He examined the injury with a serious expression. Running his hand gently over Belle's leg, checking the swelling and the stability of the joint. He looked up at Clara, his mouth set in a grim line.

"It's sprained at the very least. The poor thing is in pain."

"How will we get her home?"

He glanced at the horses and it took a silent moment until an idea slowly formed up in his mind. He knew it was not ideal, but they didn't have many options.

"My love, you ride my horse, and I'll walk. We'll have to build a travois. With branches and rope, we might be able to make something that can support Belle's weight without further hurting her leg. Me and my horse will pull the travois with Belle on it."

And with that, Ernest Sinclaire began to look around, hunting for long enough sticks and searching for rope or cloth that could serve as a support. The night was fully set, the stars their only light source in the pitch-black field.

As he worked, he glanced over at his wife, trying to keep his worry at bay. Clara's face was drawn with exhaustion, and he knew she was holding on by a thread. The travois needed to be done quickly. The sooner they could move, the better.

Eventually, Ernest managed to gather enough sticks and found some rope in his horse's saddle bag. With determination, he set work on building the travois, tying the sticks together and making sure they were sturdy enough to support Belle's weight.

As the travois slowly took shape, he looked up to see that Clara had managed to mount his horse, holding the reins with stiff, trembling hands. A wave of worry washed over him again at the sight of her. She should be resting, not worrying about all this.

When the man tied the final knots on the travois, he approached to his brown-colored horse and Clara. His voice gentle but firm as he spoke.

"Love, I need you to ride slowly and carefully. Belle's on a travois behind us and will be uncomfortable. You cannot jostle her too much. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Ernest."

His heart broke at the exhaustion in her voice. He wished he could take away all the pain and worry, but they were still far from safe. He reached up, gently touching her knee.

"Clara, I know you're tired, believe me, I know. But we have no other option but to keep moving. We will rest once we're back home, once we've got you and Belle safe. Just hold on a little while longer."

"You're walking? Are you sure?"

"Yes, love. I'll walk beside you. It won't slow us down that much. And you need the rest more than I do. Just let me guide the horse while you hang on, alright?"

He took the reins and led his horse forward, gently encouraging the animal to step forward. The travois with Belle on it follows, its wheels making a soft grating sound on the rough ground.

As the party slowly began to move. The only sounds were the soft huffing breaths of the horses, the crunch of the wheels on the ground, and Belle's soft whimpers. Clara's eyes were half-lidded with exhaustion, her body trembled with the cold and the exhaustion.

Ernest was also tired and focused on walking. He knew Clara and Belle were both injured and exhausted, and that every step was a challenge, but he pushed forward. When he glanced back at Clara, he saw how she was struggling to stay awake and on the horse.

"Love, you need to stay awake, you cannot sleep on the horse. Not yet. Just a little bit longer, I promise you'll sleep in a nice warm bed once we're back."

"I'm worried about Belle."

"I know, my love. So am I. But we're getting closer to the estate with every step. Sir Luke Harper will take perfect care of Belle. Soon, you can both rest. Almost there..."

Minutes, hours, a lifetime seemed to pass. But eventually, the familiar sight of Edgewater estate came into view. The buildings were faintly lit in the distance, and relief flooded through Ernest's chest. They made it. They're safe. He glanced back at Clara, a small smile on her face too.

When they reached the stables, he took the horses into their boxes, then turned back to Clara, helping her down from the saddle and supporting her tired body.

The man pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly against his chest.

"My love, you did great. You're safe now. We're home."

"Ernest, my love... You saved us."

He held her close, his arms tight around her. He rested his chin on the top of her head, his exhaustion finally caught up with him. He could see the other staff running out to help, but for a moment he just held Clara and ignored the surroundings. His heart filled with gladness that they were in Edgewater, safe and together now.

"You need to get warm and rest, my love. Let the staff help you inside. I need to take care of Belle."

"But she's my horse."

"I know, Clara. Belle means a lot to you. And Sir Harper is very skilled and will take good care of Belle. But you need to rest too. Let me take you inside."

"Yes, please."

Ernest nodded and wrapped an arm around her waist to support her weary body. He helped her walk slowly towards the house, his movements gentle and caring. He could feel how tired his Clara was, and it pained him to see her like this. But he knew that soon she'd be warm and comfortable, safe and sound in their manor. When Ernest noticed her stumble, he reacted quickly. He caught her, pulling his wife gently against his side, holding her up. His eyes scan her face, filled with worry.

"Careful, my love. Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm good. Just tripped, but I'm good."

"Good. Hang on to me, Clara. We're almost there."

"Ernest, I'm the countess of this estate and look like a mess. Hurry upstairs, I don't want anyone to see me like this."

"My love, even when you're exhausted and disheveled, you're still the most beautiful countess and woman in all of Great Britain.", he chuckled and kissed her cheek. Despite the situation, he couldn't help but tease her wife a bit.

"Ernest..."

His heart lightened at the sight of her expression as he continued walking towards the house with his arm tight around her waist.

"Oh, don't give me that look. You know I'm right."

Eventually, they reached the front steps of the house, where only a few of the staff were awake. The rest of the house and family members were already asleep, unaware of the events. The doors of the estate opened for them, and the warm light from inside shined out into the night. Ernest guided Clara through the threshold, his hand still on her waist, supporting her.

"I want the bed now."

"Of course, love. The bed, some food, clean clothes... You'll have it all, anything you want. First, let's get you upstairs. You look like you're about to fall over."

He led her to the staircase, his pace slow and patient as he took the time to help her up each step. His own blue eyes heavy with tiredness, but his care for her never wavered.

Eventually, they reached their chambers. Ernest helped his wife inside. A welcome sight after their long journey. The bed looked soft and inviting. The warm fireplace was already lit and crackling.

He guided her towards the bed, helping her to sit down, and leaned her against the piles of pillows.

"You're safe, my love. You're home."

"I hope Belle..."

"Shhh... My dear Clara darling... Sir Luke Harper will now take good care of her tonight. You need to rest and trust him. And we'll check on Belle first thing in the morning."

"Thanks."

"Of course, my love. It's the least I can do. Now, lay back. You need to rest."

Ernest smiled softly, watching as Clara closed her eyes and started to drift off. He reached forward, gently tucking the blankets around her, making sure she was comfortable and warm. A sigh of relief escaped his lips. They're safe, they're home, and she's finally getting the rest she so desperately needed.

The morning sun was just starting to peek over the horizon as Ernest and Clara made their way down to the stables. The air was crisp and chilly. The morning dew still clinging to the grass. When the couple reached the stables, the familiar sounds and smells of the horses filled the air. The husband lead her towards Belle's stable. His heart was heavy with concern as they didn't know what condition the poor horse might be in.

The horse was lying down, several soft bedrolls and blankets placed beneath her to provide some comfort. A fresh bandage around Belle's injured leg. Immediately, Clara hugged Belle, which brought a soft smile to his face. Ernest could see the relief and love in Clara's eyes as she gently caressed the horse's head. Belle whickered softly, but she responded to Clara's touch and her muscles relaxed slightly.

It was clear that the horse and the countess shared a special bond. A connection that went beyond mere friendship. They're practically inseparable. Two souls joined together by their mutual strength and spirit. That was Team Clara-Belle.