Prompt: Lady Belle, who is well-known for her beauty and brains, as well as her excellent skills at sword fighting, longs for adventure. Her father agrees to let her travel to see her cousin in the neighboring land of Astyn. She is to be escorted by a mystery Viking warrior named Rumpelstiltskin. She knows her protector is hiding a secret, but what could it be? Rumpelstiltskin is the highest ranking warrior in the clan of Dunheld. In his travels he meets Lord Maurice and the lord asks him watch over the Lady Belle.
He encounters the Lady Belle, who he at first perceives as a kindhearted bookworm, but she is actually a skilled sorceress. Sorcery is punishable by death in their world so she must trust Rumple to keep her secret. Lady Belle and Rumpelstiltskin fall in love on the way to the neighboring kingdom! On the way there they come across bandits, thieves and murderers and are always fighting for their lives. When they get to the kingdom they secretly wed. Each night they meet in a secluded spot that no one else knows about, but unbeknownst to the couple, Rumpelstiltskin's secret had followed them.
Zoso, the Dark One, the most feared and sinister magical being in the land, needs the warrior's aid in his bid to attain absolute power. Only the sacred gem Rumpelstiltskin wears about his neck and the dormant power which lies within the Viking himself can help the demon fulfill his destiny. It will be up to his precious Belle to save him from certain destruction …
Protected by My Secret Viking
by: the Rumbelle for the Win facebook group
Belle sat in the library, curled up on the settee, engrossed in another book. She licked her finger, turning the page. She was so immersed in her novel that she didn't hear the sound of footsteps coming closer.
"Belle," a voice resounded close behind. She almost dropped her book, startled by the intrusion.
"Father." She smiled placing her book on the settee. She blinked when she realized he wasn't alone. Beside him stood a Viking with wispy brown hair adorned in armor. She felt her heart begin to thrum in her chest as she assessed the handsome warrior standing before her.
"Belle this is Rumplestiltskin. He will be escorting you to Astyn to visit your cousin." Maurice expounded, gesticulating excitedly towards the viking.
Rumplestiltskin bowed down on one knee on the plush rug at her feet. "Your highness, it's an honor to make your acquaintance," he said cordially, taking her hand and gently brushing his lips to her pale knuckles.
Belle felt her cheeks color from his gentlemanly gesture. She groaned inwardly from the loss of contact when he pulled away, wishing his lips could stay fastened to her hand a bit longer.
"You may call me Lady Belle," she respired, smiling at him politely. He averted his gaze shyly before Maurice cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Alright, my girl; I'll fetch your maids to get your things ready for the journey. Get some rest. You depart for Astyn at first light," he said, leading Rumplestiltskin out of the library. He glanced back at her briefly before leaving the library. She placed her hand over her breast, attempting to steady her beating heart.
"This is going to be an interesting journey," she muttered, once again taking her book in hand. Her mind whirling with thoughts of her mysterious escort, he walked out of the library to ready herself for bed.
Lady Belle's beauty was well-known across the land, but Rumpelstiltskin did not expect her to be that beautiful. The light from the surrounding lamps gave her a glow like she was sent from the higher levels of heaven.
"Is there anything more I should know, my Lord, before the journey tomorrow?" Rumpel questioned the King.
Even though Rumpel got an overview of where and how many would travel with them when the King asked him to escort his daughter, Rumpel wanted to be assured of the specifics down to the last detail.
"Belle loves her books, but she longs for adventure, so please keep a close eye on her when you stop to rest. She does love to explore. She has hardly ventured past the castle walls, but I believe visiting her cousin will be good for her. I have your word that Belle will be safe? She is all I have left, viking. Please above all, keep her safe!" Lord Maurice pleaded to the viking warrior as any father would.
"I promise, my Lord, your daughter will arrive safely in Astyn and back to you," Rumpel bowed to the Lord.
"Thank you. I bid you goodnight, viking." Lord Maurice walked away from Rumpelstiltskin leaving him to acquaint himself with his guest chambers.
Rumpelstiltskin walked into his chambers and closed the door. With heavy feet he turned to the full length mirror and looked at himself. He was not a handsome man he believed, but from years of battle, he was decently built in muscle, but not overly tall in height. He probably was only a few inches taller than Lady Belle. His hair fell in soft layers down to his shoulders, with slight gray strands close to his ears and temples. He had a slightly hooked nose, but deep ocher eyes. Rumpelstiltskin could not help but remember how soft Lady Belle's hand was when he'd held it and brushed his lips to it. It had been as soft as down in his rough callused one. Rumpel shook his head. He would have to be on full alert come morning and he needed to sleep.
Tiredly, Rumpel made his way to the bed, shedding his clothes and boots until only his leather breeches remained. Rumpel fell wearily onto the bed and drifted off immediately, dreaming of a beautiful lady with blue eyes and auburn curls.
~*V*~
Belle bustled about her chamber, anxious to have the last of her trunks brought out to the lavish traveling coach. "I don't want to keep Rumpelstiltskin waiting, Adele. Do hurry! There is nothing more aggravating to a man than having to wait in idleness."
The maid grumbled under her breath and instructed the footman to take out the last of her ladyship's luggage, breathing a sigh of relief when the noblewoman wrapped a shawl over her robin's egg blue traveling costume and followed behind him. Lord Maurice was waiting anxiously next to the stoic viking in the courtyard, wringing his hands and mumbling beneath his breath. "Papa, I'm so sorry for the delay. I had a bit of trouble sleeping last night and overslept this morning." She turned to her escort and regarded him with no small measure of appreciation as she took in the tight leather encasing his nicely shaped thighs, a rich crimson tunic trimmed in gold stitching and a wide belt accentuating his trim waist. Her belly quivered with excitement as she raised her eyes to meet his. He returned her bold stare until she finally focused her attention back on her father.
"Fine, fine, my darling girl," he said, waving off her explanation as he opened the door of the coach and offered his hand.
"No, papa, I won't be confining myself to the coach this early in the day," she said, her tone patronizing. A groom led her mare forward, already saddled and stamping her feet, eager to depart.
"You're riding?!" the nobleman exclaimed, glancing surreptitiously at the viking to see if he would disapprove.
Belle snorted, quite an unladylike gesture, but she wasn't concerned with propriety in light of her excitement. Her groom handed her up into the saddle and places the reins in her gloved fist before stepping back. She blew a kiss to her father. "How else am I to get to know my companion if I'm locked inside a stuffy old coach, papa? Behave yourself. I'll see you in a month or so."
Rumpel wasn't sure what to make of Lady Belle riding for most of the journey as he climbed onto the saddle of his chestnut brown stallion and took hold of the reins. She looked beautiful in her riding outfit as he looked down at his and sighed.
"Is there something wrong?" she asked, drawing his gaze to her. He found himself getting lost in her cerulean eyes and the sun shimmering off of her auburn hair.
"No, Lady Belle," he said, lowering his head. She found his shyness cute as she smiled and he glanced at her from under some of the hair which had fallen into his face. It was endearing that a hardened warrior reputed for his bravery and skill could be rendered speechless before her.
"Then shall we get going?" she asked. Nodding, he flicked the reins and the chestnut started moving down the road. Belle waved farewell to her father then clicked the reins and her horse following behind the chestnut. The traveling coach meandered along in their wake and Belle admitted she appreciated the view before her. Rumpel's bottom slightly bounced in the saddle and his hair was blew back in the light breeze.
Belle urged her mare forward, drawing even with her viking escort and casting him a friendly smile. She hadn't been able to glean any information from the maids and her father had been less than forthcoming about the man he'd hired to protect her. She glanced back over her shoulder at the six outriders flanking the coach and the small wagon containing her luggage and the one maid she'd chosen to accompany her. She didn't see the need for the viking, but Maurice had been adamant that she have him as part of her escort.
Trouble had a way of finding the young noblewoman and he insisted that should some peril confront her on this journey, she should have someone to see to her safety. She somehow doubted he would have been happy with his choice if he knew how attractive she found the warrior.
"So, Rumpelstiltskin, do you hire out your services very often?" she asked, attempting to engage him in conversation.
"I do, milady," he said quietly, bereft of a reason to hold his silence.
"As an escort, or more of a mercenary?"
His gaze swung to her, his eyes narrowing as he tried to see past her easy pursuit of information. "I have to make a living. Why not do something I enjoy? I like the travel, the adventure, meeting new people," he said, one corner of his mouth lifting in a smirk that belied his statement.
It was easy to see right through him. "Hm … and perhaps I know and ogre who teaches basket weaving," she snarked, arching a dubious brow. "Would you like to try again?"
He shook his head, returning his gaze to the path before them. "What makes you think I want to share my story with you, eh?"
She answered his question with one of her own. "Why can't we get to know one another? I'm curious about the man who has been charged with my protection. All papa would tell me about you was that you are from the lands far to the north, a lord in your own right from the clan of Dunheld and a proud warrior hired to see to my safety." Her voice softened considerably as she reached out to lay a hand to his bare forearm between his sleeve and leather wrist guards. "I would like to know you, not your reputation and achievements."
He stared at her hand a moment, until she released him. He could feel the heat emanating from her palm through her thin leather gloves and it send a tingle of awareness through him that had nothing to do with the crisp breeze filtering through the trees that lined the road on either side. There was something about the petite brunette that called to him and if he weren't careful, it wouldn't take long before he would spill his secrets. And that was something he couldn't allow.
He whistled shrilly through his teeth and one of the guards …one unfamiliar to Belle … rode forward. It was only then she noticed he was dressed similarly to Rumpelstiltskin. "Jeff, watch over our lady. I'm going to scout ahead." With one last look at her, he spurred his horse forward and left her frowning at his departing figure.
Jefferson took Rumpelstiltskin's place at Lady Belle's side. "Nothing to fear, milady. Just taking precautions."
Her countenance darkened as she stared at her newest companion, though her upset was in no way his fault. Her handsome viking with his deep compelling ocher eyes was running away from her, shutting himself off from allowing her to get too close and it irked her considerably. This journey would take more than a week to reach Astyn and her cousin's keep. Belle rarely got a chance to meet new people outside of her father's court and Rumpelstiltskin fascinated her. She couldn't allow him to shut her out when there was such potential for friendship between them.
With a sharp fortifying intake of breath, she flicked the reins and steered her mare in the direction he had ridden, the sudden burst of speed exhilarating. "You know I do not appreciate you running away from me," she retorted as she fell into pace with him. "Makes it seem as though you are afraid of me. Are you afraid of me, Rumpelstiltskin?"
Rumpel turned to her in shock, not having expected her to follow him. "Milady, I need to scout to make sure of no danger."
"We've barely left my father's castle. We should have time to breathe a little. Don't run away from me please. At least tell me of some of your travels. What is it like to have adventures, see new lands … live?" Belle pleaded with him her cerulean eyes filled with awe and excitement.
Rumpelstiltskin found he could stare into those eyes for an eternity and never grow weary of them. He was snapped out of his musings as hooves thundered the loam behind them and he turned to find Jefferson chasing after their lady. He lifted a hand to stay his clansman. "It's fine," he assured him. "Stay behind us," he ordered, slowing his mount to a trot so the coach could catch up to them. He looked away, concentrating on the road before them before he could become mesmerized once again by her penetrating stare. He found it was easy once he began, telling her of some of his more honorable deeds … a village he'd aided which had a severe dragon problem, a sea voyage that had introduced him to a pretty little mermaid caught in a fishing net, a princess he'd rescued from the tower in which she'd been imprisoned. Yet he never let her see who he truly was, never volunteering anything personal about himself. He'd thought his tale would satisfy her curiosity, but it only made the little noblewoman want to know more about him.
Silence fell between them when he'd finished with the last of his story and they rode onward. Jefferson stayed a safe distance behind them, wondering just what had gotten into his clansman, but dared not ask.
The sky was growing dark by the time they had made camp and the fire circle shimmered with a golden light. Belle had watched the men set up camp as she and her handmaiden sat on a fallen log, but Belle couldn't keep her eyes off of Rumpelstiltskin.
"What a strange name," her hand maiden said idly, watching the men move around the came from beneath her lashes. Belle glared hotly at the girl, her eyes burning with anger.
"I see no strangeness in his name," she said and her handmaiden trembled with fear.
"I meant no harm, milady."
"Then hold your tongue," Belle said, getting up. Rumpelstiltskin watched her coming closer as he lowered the wood near the fire and she softly smiled at him.
"Did you need something, Lady Belle?" he asked.
"I was wondering if you'd like to take a stroll with me?" Belle inquired with piercing blue eyes. Rumpelstiltskin felt his breath hitch in his throat as he gazed into them. They were like two pools of purest blue. He was certain he could drown in them.
"Rumpelstiltskin?" Belle called his name, breaking the enchantment.
"I'm sorry, milady … What were you saying about a stroll?" he asked, peering up into her face illuminated by the firelight.
"I would like for you to take a stroll with me. The night is clear, and the moon is bright!" she exclaimed in her alluring accent. There was no way he could say no to her with the look she was giving him.
"If that is what you wish, milady, but let's not wander too far," he responded, rising to walk beside her. She smiled brilliantly at him, taking his roughened battle-worn hand in her softer one, pulling him forward. He was startled by the childlike gesture. He wasn't used to handholding, but Lady Belle's hands were velvety and supple. They weren't worn from work or battle.
The princess led him into the woods, stopping under a grove of trees. He groaned inwardly when she let go of his hand. "Look at this enchanting flower, Rumpel! It's called the glass rose and it only blooms in this land. Doesn't the moonlight make it look ethereal?" she sighed dreamily, brushing her fingertips over the opaque petals.
"Yes, Lady Belle it's quite lovely," he admitted, a small smile tugging at his lips. Rumpelstiltskin placed a hand over his ear, attuning his senses to the atmosphere as he heard an ear piercing scream.
"Is something wrong?" Belle inquired, etching closer to her protector. Rumpelstiltskin placed a finger to his lips, listening intently. Belle listened, she too startled when she heard footsteps.
"I believe someone has attacked our camp. I need you to hide." Rumpelstiltskin commanded, brandishing his sword. She barely had time to speak when he pushed her into a nearby hollow.
"Trespassers! What do you think you're doing on our lands!?" a brute voice spoke through the foliage. Belle tried to get a better look as three bandits surrounded the Viking.
"I'm just passing through, I can assure you. Now If I were you, I would continue onward and let me be," he cautioned, eyeing the three thieves warily.
"Not a chance, Viking! Attack!" one of them commanded. Belle gasped as Rumpelstiltskin swung his sword left and right. He seemed to have the upper hand until one of them jumped on his back.
"Rumpel!" she cried making her presence known. The three bandits stopped to stare at her.
"Aye…I thought you said you were traveling alone, Viking … You didn't say you had a beautiful woman with ye," one pointed out, gazing lewdly at her.
"Let him go!" Belle commanded, clenching her jaw.
"The only way we'll let him go is if you provide us with your services for the night," one of the bandits remarked, gaining hoots of excitement from his compatriots.
"Fine…Just let him go!" she commanded with ferocity in her tone.
"Good girl! Tie him up Landon," the chief bandit commanded. The two remaining bandits pushed Rumpelstiltskin against the tree, securing him tightly, the bark digging into his flesh.
"Lady Belle, don't do this!" he pleaded, struggling with his bonds. Belle swallowed back the fear in her throat, ignoring his plea when the lead bandit approached her.
"You've got a beautiful body, milady. I cannot wait to press it against my own," he growled lowly, approaching the beauty. Belle smiled, etching closer to the bandit, pressing herself against him. He groaned when she pushed him against a tree, molding every curve of her body against his.
"It's a shame you'll never get to see it," she hissed against the shell of his ear. He screamed murderously when her pupils began to glow a blinding white. She waved her hand, causing his body to crumble into dust.
"Would any of you like a turn!?" she spoke ominously to the others. They ran away as quickly as possible once they seen their leader's fate.
Rumpelstiltskin stared at her with dilated eyes when she flicked her wrist to free him from his bonds, "Lady Belle, I -" he stammered, staring at her flabbergasted.
"Haven't you ever seen anyone do magic before?" she inquired giving him a dangerous glance.
"I have -" he murmured cautiously.
She placed a finger to his lips. "Not a word Rumpelstiltskin … This will be our little secret. My father doesn't even know about my powers. I don't like using them, but I couldn't watch you die," she respired, her gaze softening.
"You have my word milady…Let's go back to the camp and assess the damage," he replied unevenly, placing his sword back in its sheath.
"Yes, let's go." She smiled carrying on as if nothing had happened. He followed close behind the princess, a thousand thoughts swimming in his head. She had dispelled her secret to him in order to save his life, and he owed her so much. She had magic … Would she understand someone like him? He expelled the thought from his mind as they approached the camp.
The camp was in shambles; tents had been slashed, the coach was gone and a few of the outriders were injured.
"There you are! I was afraid the bandits had taken you, m'lady." Jefferson said as he made his way over to them, picking his way around the debris that littered the clearing. "And where in hell were you, oh fearless leader?"
Rumpelstiltskin's lips curled up in a sneer, but saw that his old friend was simply trying to hide his fear for his friend behind the cutting remark. "Protecting Lady Belle, now what damage have we sustained?"
"Pretty bad, I recommend we head back to thy ladies kingdom so the injured can properly heal."
Belle shook her head adamantly, "But if we go back, by the time we're ready once more to depart, it will be storm season and we will never make it to Astyn." Belle didn't like that she had sounded like a child but for so long she had wanted an adventure, and she did not want to turn back after only one day.
Before the viking could answer, one last bandit erupted from the forest and barreled into the clearing, wanting to claim at least one prize from their failed attack to take home with him. It was his misfortune he chose their lady as his reward. She stiffened in the man's arms as she felt his beefy arm encircle his waist, every instinct she possessed crying out to her to use her magic to dispatch him, but she didn't want to expose her secret to the others. It had been a great risk to her to share the knowledge with Rumpelstiltskin, and she was thankful he hadn't turned on her with scorn, but rather embraced it and vowed to keep it safe.
The warrior drew his sword, brandishing it before him as the fiend pressed a short dagger to her throat, his steps lithe and fluid as he advanced upon them. He squashed the fear churning in his gut that something horrid would happen to his lady, concentrating all his attention on the threat. His eyes met hers for a fleeting moment, trying to convey a wealth of emotion with one look. He wasn't expecting her wicked smile, nor the lightning quickness of her movements as she retrieved the ornamental dagger from her belt and twisted her wrist, sinking it into the bandit's upper thigh.
"Milady!" a female voice cried shrilly. Belle released the dagger, leaving it embedded in the bandit's leg, her hand immediately lifting towards the sound of her handmaiden's voice. "Catch!"
An elbow to the man's face and the arm that held her fast, loosened, enabling her to whirl to face the thief, her blade striking his with a thunderous clang. The man winced as the reverberating twang traveled up his arm, but Belle held hers firmly and securely in her small hand.
Rumpelstiltskin used the distraction to grab her wrist, pulling her away as he sank his blade into the man's chest. He tucked her safely against his side and she melted into his embrace, savoring the warmth and security it afforded … along with something else she couldn't describe, something that made her stomach writhe as if live eels dwelled within. It made her skin flush and her breath hitch and she couldn't help but wonder why this warrior made her feel so alive.
Jefferson hurried over to them, Belle's hand maiden, Tink, closely following to see to her mistress. She missed his warmth immediately, but didn't have time to regret it due to their current situation. She shook off the lingering effects of her trauma, trying to still the shaking in her hands as she handed Tink her sword and turned to address Jefferson. "I don't think we need to return to Avonlea. There is a small village a few miles ahead … much closer than if we'd turn back. We can load the wounded into the wagon with the luggage. We will go there immediately to treat the wounded and refresh our supplies. Have you sent anyone out to search for the coach?"
"Yes, milady," he answered, already sending men out to do her bidding.
She moved off, shouting instructions as she went, leaving the men to stare dumbfounded at the little noblewoman. Everywhere they looked, men and women alike jumped to her command. Belle stomped passed the men, angry that the bandits had attacked their camp and laid waste to their needed supplies. She assisted her maid and helped her set their tent to rights before folding it neatly and packing it away with the others.
"She is not just any ordinary lady, sir," Jefferson commented.
"You have no idea," Rumpelstiltskin replied to his friend, before he too joined those working to enable their departure.