This story in under construction and being beta by the most one of the nicest girl in the world, mysticpoet. I absolutely love what she's doing for me and I couldn't ask for a better person to work with.
A Dance of Light and Darkness: HellFire
The tears began to well in her eyes. They had become so red and swollen from the moment King Maurice told her about the deal. The Ogre's were back, more savage since the last Ogre's War. Living away from their sacred land brought them back even more ferocious and desperate to take back what was theirs. The King's army was wearing thin, 7,000 mounted knights, dwindled down to less than 500 including the castle guards. Food was also becoming a problem. The Ogre's killed most of the livestock that wasn't in the castle's holding and trapped the French's and their people on their land beginning to starve them out. Belle's only 17 she shouldn't have to suffer like this. If Avonlea is to fall into the hands of these fiends then so be it but, my heir and daughter should be spared. Please make sure no harm comes to my daughter. Keep her as your ward and let her do your bidding and when the time comes, marry her off to a good suitor with an army so she may take back her ancestral seat in Avonlea. His letter was clear. Rumple agreed with everything the King was saying. Despite his agreement he still decided to take council from the elder Dark Ones who all agreed that he must take this girl in.
Gods she was beautiful. Even with tears flowing down her puffy cheeks. He pushed the thought to the back of his mind.
"Belle there's no need to cry. Rumplestiltskin will take care of you until the war's over." The King said wiping away the tears from her eyes.
"I don't need to run and hide. My place is with my Lord Father, my King, as a princess's place should be. What would our people think if their Princess was carried away from their kingdom? they would think all was lost. Father I beg of you, please do not make me go." Belle exclaimed dropping to her knees before her father.
Rumplestiltskin thought it best not to say anything. His words would only upset the princess more.
"Belle my mind's made up, that's why the Dark One's here. I've signed the contract. You must go. I'll keep our people safe, but first I must do my duties as a father to keep you safe as well." He said dipping his head low knowing full well this would be the last time he would ever see his beloved daughter again. As she placed her head in his lap he stroked her auburn hair delicately.
Rumplestiltskin walked over silently, footsteps barely making a sound and placed a hand on her shoulder which caused her to tense. He looked towards the King who was giving him an approving nod.
"Say your goodbye's child." He said softly.
"Goodbye Belle."
Belle looked up, her eyes were fiery blue but the brilliancy in them still stood out. "No father, this is not good bye, I will see you after the war when the Knights of Avonlea have defeated the Ogre's."
The king smiled and kissed her forehead. Rumplestiltskin lifted her up off the ground. Up close to her he soon realized how small she was. He turned her around away from her father leading her out of the throne room door with his hand on the small of her back. When they were outside the door Rumplestiltskin turned to her. "Hold on to me" he commanded and she did as he waved his hand.
When the smoke cleared from around them another large door stood in front of them. Belle watched him as he waved his hand and the door slowly began to open. He entered the castle first.
"Where are you taking me?"
"Why, to your room of course."
They walked through the large throne room towards a door with stone steps behind it that led down to a black hallway. Thick cobwebs and musty smog covered the ceiling. Candles were placed every few feet to light the way. Finally the pair reached a big cell door with a woman standing guard. The blonde haired woman rose to her feet when she saw them approaching.
"Lady Emma this is Princess Belle. She will be our guest for some time. Please see to it that she has a clean room with a view and fresh linens."
"Right away My Dark Lord." She said presenting them with a bow.
The pair followed the guard to a cell with a wooden door. Rumplestiltskin once again only waved a hand and the doors swung open.
"My room? Sir I am a princess. I will not sleep in a dungeon cell."
"You are my ward Dearie. This not Avonlea, you are no princess here."
He pushed her into the cell and closed the door. He looked at Emma as she handed him a great key to match the huge lock on the wooden door. He turned the key through the tumblers until he heard it lock in place. Belle's screams and banging were muffled through the wooden door.
"I expect bi-hourly reports on her."
"As you command My Dark Lord." Emma said with a bow. She turned on her heels and escorted Rumplestiltskin back to the entrance of the dungeon.
The next day Emma came to the Throne Room seeking out Rumplestiltskin to give him a report from overnight.
"Crying mostly, My Dark Lord."
"And did she eat breakfast this morning?"
"No My Lord, mostly crying and a few hours of sleep."
Rumplestiltskin sighed. Why did the elders see it fit for me to take this girl in if she was just going to kill herself anyway? he thought to himself.
"Let me know if she doesn't eat lunch."
"Yes My Dark-"
"Who's that woman in the dungeon and why is there a protection spell around her?" A voice shouted from behind Emma.
"Ahh Regina, right on time and might I add how this rainy morning brings out your witty obnoxiousness, it's quite breathtaking." He giggled.
"All night long, crying and more crying. How was I supposed to get any sleep so I could be ready for my lessons today?"
Rumplestiltskin then realized Emma had not left the room yet. "Emma you have a prisoner to watch. Leave." He snarled.
"Yes My Lord." Emma bowed and shot passed Regina hurrying down the stone winding steps that lead to the dungeon. Regina turned her head slightly as Emma passed her, a hint of a smile resonated on her lips.
"If you need sleep then you're not ready to become a Dark One Dearie. May I ask how you're able to hear her wails?" He lifted a brow.
Regina raised her head up proudly as she smiled. Rumplestiltskin noticed and began to rise from his throne which was a high steel chair with the resemblance of the Dark Castle. The chair also had high towers rising up on either side complete with details of windows and ramparts. He crossed his arms, looking down at Regina while standing on the small staircase that led up to his chair.
"I heightened my hearing." She said boastfully.
"And now you're unable to remove the spell from your senses. Oh Dearie, has anyone ever told you what curiosity does to people?" He saw the pride wash away from Regina's face.
"Will you remove it?" She said while bowing her head.
"I most certainly will not. You did this to yourself Regina you will never become a Dark One without patience. Time is a precious commodity and in time you would have been taught reversal spells. So as your punishment, you will now have to endure her late night screams."
"Who is she?"
"There's that curiosity I warned you about" he said wagging a finger in the air. "If you must know that's Princess Belle of Avonlea and her country's at war with the Ogre's. Her father has made a deal with me that I may keep her as a ward in my protection until I match her to a suitor with an army. In exchange I will provide Avonlea with grain and barley to withstand the Ogre's siege."
"A ward huh? So basically we have a dog." Rumplestiltskin frowned.
"What did you say?" Rumplestiltskin said and Regina started to worry, as she dropped to her knees.
"Forgive me My Dark Lord, I meant no wrong." She said kneeling.
"You.. My apprentice, tell me, how many steps up is that from a ward?"
"Not many My Lord." Regina said, looking sheepishly towards the Dark One.
"The answer I was looking for was none at all. No lessons today." He said pointing down to Regina. She evaded his smoldering golden eyes by bowing her head lower. "And if I ever hear you talk that way again towards my guest, not only will I make sure you never become a Dark One, you will be living in a cell a lot longer than Belle I assure you."
"As it pleases you My Lord."
"Go!"
Regina picked herself up and hurriedly walked out of the throne room. The Dark One sighed and rubbed his temples as he sat back in his steel uncomfortable chair.
The next morning Emma found Rumplestiltskin waiting in the Throne Room for her report on Belle.
"So not only did she not eat all day yesterday but she is refusing breakfast again this morning?" She was so skinny he knew she needed to eat something.
"My Dark Lord may I speak if it so pleases you?" She said with her eyes lowered.
"You may."
"I believe Belle's in low spirits due to mourning. She cries out for her father."
"He's not dead." He scoffed.
"Not to her. My Lord some companionship may lift her spirits. Might I recommend Regina?" Rumplestiltskin looked at Emma questionably. Emma noticed. "If you think it's wise" she retorted.
"No, Regina won't do. She considers a ward as a pet. That arrogance is what stripped her of her titles and land." Rumplestiltskin sighed as he watched Emma dip her head lower at that news.
"What do you suggest My Dark Lord?"
Rumplestiltskin thought to himself for a minute. Perhaps she could come out of the dungeons from time to time with his protection.
"Take me down to her Emma."
So he and Emma went down together to where Belle was staying. When they got to her cell Emma handed Rumplestiltskin the big iron key and he unlocked the door. She was sitting beneath the window her skin appearing as pale as porcelain. Even the sun did nothing to give her any type of glow. All the curls that bounced around her shoulders had fallen to produce a tangled mess. Her eyes appeared red from lack of sleep and her cheeks were sunken in from malnutrition.
"Lady Belle, don't be angry with me I'm only upholding your father's contract. He has asked for my protection and that's what I plan on doing and the only way for me to achieve that is if you are down where there's a protection spell and no harm will come to you."
Belle turned her head towards the window without saying a word.
"My Lady, did you hear me?"
"Yes. You can go, let me starve."
Rumplestiltskin scoffed. "Letting you starve is not protecting you. Please join me for dinner in the dining hall at dusk." He snapped this fingers and an evening grown appeared on the foot of her bed. She seemed to not even notice it as she kept her gaze out the window. "Lady Emma will escort you promptly when the sun sets." Rumplestiltskin decided not to wait for a response. Instead he walked out of the cell, Emma was holding the key out for him to take. He locked the door and returned up to his study perhaps work would keep his mind off of her. Why would she let herself starve? Why mourn her father so soon? Why can't she see that I'm trying to protect her, who else can do a better job than the Dark One? He soon realized work would not be easy. So instead he thought of some good conversation topics for dinner.
Rumplestiltskin rose as she entered the dining hall, Regina stood soon after. Out of the smog of the dungeon it was clear her glow was back. Emma escorted her to the chair next to the head of the table where Rumple was sitting. Once she took her seat, Rumplestiltskin and Regina did the same.
"Good Evening My Lady. Please allow me to introduce you to Regina Mills, my apprentice."
Belle's eyes met Regina's dark browns. "It's very nice to meet you, My Lady. I am Belle Princess of Avonlea or, rather was."
"No shame Belle, I've told her who you are and why you are here."
"Nice to meet you Belle of Avonlea." Regina said back arrogantly. "I am Queen Regina Mills of Mist Haven. I was usurped from power by my step-child. Once I become a Dark One I will take back my seat as Queen."
"I'm very sorry to hear of your misfortune." Belle bowed her head to her. "I pray to the Gods your home is returned to you."
Rumplestiltskin smiled approvingly.
"Thank you Belle. May I ask you for a favor? Your late night crying has become unbearable-," Regina heard Rumplestiltskin cleared his throat. "What I meant to say was is there something I can do to make your stay more enjoyable?"
"I doubt that My Lady."
"Why is that Belle?" Rumplestiltskin questioned.
"I fear for my father and my land."
"Belle your father did this because he was thinking of your safety. War's no place for a princess. You are the heir to Avonlea nothing can happen to you, who would your people follow if your land becomes compromised?"
"As for your land you can always take it back" Regina interrupted. "I have a powerful army of 6,000 Knights bred hard in lance and sword. My enemies call them the Black Knights. They are still loyal to me. Our houses can make an alliance."
"I would like that very much Lady Regina."
The food was brought out by the servant girls. Stag stew with fresh vegetables and hot bread with a side of honey. The food smelled wonderful and looked a whole lot better to Belle now that it was on a nice dining room table with all the ornaments and trimmings. She felt Rumplestiltskin's eyes on her.
"Is there something wrong with the meal? I can have the servant girl fix anything you'd like. He had been polite thus far, so no harm in eating Belle thought to herself.
"No, it looks great." She picked up her spoon and began eating until her dinner bowl was clean.
"Kitchen girl!" He screamed and a woman came out running. "Lady Belle would like another bowl. And I would like some more wine please. Ladies can I get you any?"
Regina held out her cup. It was also her second refill.
"Belle?"
"Maybe a half a glass I've never had it before."
"Really?" Regina said taking a sip. "I started drinking when I was 10. Now I cannot sleep without a glass at dinner."
Belle took a small sip and gagged on it a little which caused Rumplestiltskin to giggle. The red liquid burned as it went down her throat and left her with a bad taste in her mouth. As soon as the stew came out she swallowed a spoonful to get the taste of fermentation out of her mouth. This only caused Rumplestiltskin to laugh harder.
After the meal was done, Rumplestiltskin bid Regina a good night and escorted Belle back to her cell. Emma followed on their heels. He waved the door open as Belle said "Thank you for dinner My Lord."
"Of course."
Belle didn't know what to say after that and figured a smile would do. He was staring at her again and her smile never pressed against her mouth, instead her nervous lip biting habit reared. She felt him exhale. "Good night Belle, we will talk about your lessons in the morning over breakfast."
"Lessons?"
"Just because you're here does not meant your studies come to a halt." He was outside of the cell, "Try to sleep longer than two hours, you will need it." He smiled at her and the door closed as he turned to walk away.
That night in his study he was plagued by visions of Belle, haunting his thoughts. He threw a fireball into his fireplace it swelled with a blaze and for a moment he could have sworn to the Gods he saw Belle in the flames. He pulled a chair up to watch closer maybe it was a vision being sent from the Elder Dark Ones. The flames danced and cracked about the bricks of the fireplace. He may have once seen her in the fire but Belle was dancing vividly in his mind. He closed his eyes to let the thoughts flood him. They were all the same. Belle was crying and running from a fire. He longed to take a hold of her and keep the fire at bay. He reached out to her, but Belle's vision just ran through him like a spectral phenomenon. He called her name however she did not hear him, so she just kept running. Next Rumplestiltskin tried to put out the fire, he blasted a ferocious burst of dark magic, but it only expanded at a greater speed and moved to engulf him within the flames. After the flames cleared, all he saw was darkness, a void.
"Rumple!"