Even as a baby, she was beautiful. Her big brown eyes stared up at her parents, her rosy cheeks making them smile as wide as her.

"She's beautiful", said the queen.

"Indeed she is", Maurice replied.

"Let's name her... Belle"

"Belle. A beautiful name for a beautiful girl."

...

Little Belle quickly won the hearts of the kingdom. A ball was held in her honor to celebrate her first month. Her parents smiled and held her up. The people smiled back at the beautiful baby. As she grew, her beauty only intensified. At 11 months old, Belle learned to walk. Her mother held the girl's hand as she toddled across the room. Just a day later, she said her first word that wasn't "Mama" or "Papa" - "Book". And Belle loved books, even before she could read. She loved to look at the pictures.

...

Belle's first birthday was a joyous event for the whole kingdom. A huge feast was held, and people from neighboring kingdoms invited. After the party, Belle's parents placed her first real crown on her head, the first time her head was big enough to hold it. In her little dress and crown, Belle toddled around the room, her already long brown locks falling behind her. For the time being, everyone was happy. No one knew of the tragedies and dangers yet to come.