a/n: This story is based on a prompt left by a guest. It will not be a very long story, but I really liked the prompt and wanted to give it a shot. Hope everyone likes it, and BBB should be updated in the next week or so :)

The fall would kill her. Just one mistake and there was no chance at survival, but this was the only way. That's what Belle kept thinking over and over as she looked over the edge of the tower. She had to be close to ten stories up, so there definitely was no room for error. If she was going to climb down, then she would just have to be very careful and go as slow as possible. The walls were jagged enough for climbing, but one wrong slip and she would meet her imminent death.

Just to make sure, she took a moment to examine the wall the best she could from where she was standing, something she had done over and over again. She was certain she could descend down it no problem. There were plenty of bricks that were out of place she could use to climb down.

Glancing back of the door to her room, that's what she had succumbed to calling it these days, she knew tonight would be her last chance to escape. No one should visit her at this hour.

Looking back down at the ground, she almost wanted to back out. Yet, the moon shone high, illuminating everything well; she'd have no trouble seeing like she would on most nights, another reason she should try.

Placing a hand on her belly, she took a deep breath. Yes, this was the only way. It had been over a month since she had discovered she was pregnant, and any day now she would start to show. If her father found out, she didn't know what he would do to the baby, but she was pretty sure he would kill it. No, she couldn't let that happen. If it was just her life that was one thing, but now she was responsible for keeping her baby safe. She was a mother. And a mother has to do what she can to take care of her child. So if that meant climbing down the tower was the only way to escape, then she would just have to take the chance.

Over the past couple weeks she had been tinkering with the bars to the window until one finally came loose. Pulling it out of it's socket, she braced herself. As she lifted herself up onto the windowsill, she cringed. The wound she had sustained earlier that day had reopened. Seeing the fresh crimson stain on the side of her dress confirmed it. However, she didn't have time to tend to it now; she had to get this over with.

Her father didn't exist anymore. Whoever that man was downstairs was not him. Not anymore. There was someone else in his body, or he was cursed. That's what she believed. She had always known him to be so kind hearted.

After Rumplestiltskin threw her out of the Dark Castle, she had contemplated where to go. She was upset and depressed that he rejected her love, but there was nothing she could do about it now. Eventually she decided to return home to her father. Even though she wanted to stay with Rumple, she missed her father dearly. However, she had never expected him to not welcome her with open arms.

As soon as Belle had arrived home, the clerics had convinced her father that she was tainted. No amount of pleading or begging could convince him otherwise, and he certainly didn't want to hear that there was good in the Dark One. When King Maurice came to the realization that Belle had fallen in love with Rumplestiltskin, that's when she was moved to the tower and the scourging and flaying started. Her father had told her it was to cleanse her soul, and that it would stop once she no longer felt anything for the monster. Belle knew that would never happen. Even though Rumple rejected her, she knew he loved her and she loved him. He was her true love and that would never change.

When things were at there worse, she had attempted many times to call for Rumplestiltskin. Yet, he had never came. She didn't know the reason, whether he didn't hear her, or if he was ignoring her because he thought she had betrayed him. Either way, it had only added to her depression.

Making it all the way out of the window, she steadied herself ready to descend. Her movements were slow and careful, and every step made her nervous. Yet, every step was one step closer to the bottom.

Butterflies swelled in her stomach after she had descended halfway down the tower. She was almost there; her freedom was so close. The air smelled so wonderful as well. That little bit was refreshing by itself. For the past few months she had been stuck in that dungeon. It smelled rancid and putrid. Over time, the smell had seemed to only get worse, but she had realized quickly that it was only because of her pregnancy. However, now for the first time in awhile, she didn't feel nauseous. It brought a smile to her face.

The bottom was near, just a little bit further. Yes, she was going to make it. She would be able to flee to safety. She would be able save her baby. Perhaps, her hopes may have been a little too high, but perhaps she could reunite with Rumplestiltskin and they could be a family. Her baby would be well cared for, and she would be where she wanted to be: with her true love.

Just as she was beginning to believe she was going to make it, the brink under her right foot gave out, and she felt herself slip. It caused her to lose her grip as well. Gasping louder than she intended, she quickly grabbed for another brick, but the distance was just too far. She was going to meet the ground like she wanted, but it wouldn't be in the way she had intended.

As she spiraled down toward the ground, with the stars the only thing in her sight, all she could manage to say was "I'm sorry…" It was an apology meant for both Rumplestiltskin and her unborn child. Tears stung her eyes as she realized she would never get to see Rumple again, or tell him that she really did love him. She would never look upon her child's face, and her child would never know life. 'But at least I did something right,' she thought, 'I saved my people from the ogre wars.'

Closing her eyes, she braced for the impact, knowing death would instantly follow.