Of Curses and Dust
By RosexKnight
The Dark One and his son need a new maid after their previous one had an…unfortunate accident. At least that's what he tells people. Coincidentally, a kingdom summons him to save them from being overrun by Ogres. Rumpelstiltskin finds his new maid, ad Baelfire finds the hope of ridding his father of his powers.
Chapter One ~ The Unexpected
This was certainly not what she'd expected when she'd agreed to go with Rumpelstiltskin. Not what she expected at all.
"I'm not looking for love." He'd said. "I'm looking for a caretaker. I need a new maid."
She'd gone with him without really thinking about herself. Perhaps it was because she'd longed for heroics. But all that came to mind was that her friends and family would be safe. After all, that was all that mattered. Right?
Now, all she could think was that this wasn't at all what she'd expected.
"What is it dearie? Don't like your new home?"
"Oh. No it's not that it's just…not what I expected."
They stood outside a house. A house. Something about it she couldn't wrap her head around. Granted, it was a bigger house and looked very comfortable, but still just a normal house. In a normal village. Belle had a feeling no one came to visit though. Perhaps that was why it was a little ways from everyone. Though it looked like it had been there for years just…renovated. Old bricks and wood mixed with the new.
"Well what did you expect? Rumpelstiltskin asked with a light scoff. "An enchanted castle?"
"Well…yes."
"It's in the works." He waved his hand, dismissing the conversation entirely as he led her inside.
The house was indeed bigger than others she'd passed in the village on their way there. Now that she was inside she could see that it had once been quite small, barely big enough for three, but he'd extended it at some point in time to now comfortably fit six or seven. It was very comfortable-looking as well. Rugs, tapestries, shelves with a few knick-knacks, a warm fire in the hearth, the kitchen even smelled of freshly baked bread. The whole place was just…cozy. Not at all what Belle had expected from The Dark One. That was fine to her, though. At least she wouldn't have to see to an entire castle. Not yet at least…
"Your job will be simple, dearie." Rumpelstiltskin said easily, "You will cook meals; see that the house is clean and the clothes are laundered. Dust my collection. Oh! And skin the children I hunt for their pelts."
The brunette let out a choked squeaked, and the imp giggled as she stumbled back a step.
"That one was a quip."
She gave him a brief glare, suddenly wanting to slap him for the cruel joke. But she nodded stiffly. "Yes. I'll see to it all."
"Your room is on the far end." He said, pointing in the direction. "Then there's the bathroom, my room, and my boy's."
Belle blinked, pure shock of a different kind enveloping her face. "Your-?"
"Papa?"
The child's voice was soft as a boy emerged from the kitchen. If Belle had to guess he'd be about 11 or 12. His hair was black and a bit unruly. She could see the resemblance even if Rumpelstiltskin didn't look like...well, a man. But something told her that he favored his mother a bit more than his father.
"Bae!" Rumpelstiltskin chimed brightly, perhaps a little too bright, "Come meet our new maid."
The boy stepped forward to his father's becoming hand. He eyed Belle, a small frown appearing on his lips as he looked her up and down.
"She doesn't look like a maid."
Belle glanced to Rumpelstiltskin, who seemed to wince under his son's accusatory tone. It seems Bae was used to his father and the deals he made. It was really no wonder that he saw right through the spinner. And he was right at any rate. Belle still wore her yellow gown. Her father had said something about looking her best if The Dark One appeared. It was hardly an outfit for a maid. She still walked with the posture she'd been taught as a child. Her curls still cascaded around her shoulders and down her back in an almost meticulous fashion. Her title may be a maid now but Belle still carried herself as a lady, and probably always would.
"Well she is now." The Dark One said, bouncing on the balls of his feet. Belle wondered if she'd imagined that his tone was trying far too hard for his son's approval.
"She's going to clean in that?" Bae gestured to Belle's dress.
"Until I get her new clothes."
The father and son exchanged a look, a long one that seemed to be a conversation all its own. Belle swallowed, suddenly feeling as though she'd been caught in the middle of something. Something bigger than Rumpelstiltskin simply bringing her to be his new maid. There was something going on now, between father and son that almost frightened Belle as she stood beside The Dark One in tense silence.
Finally the boy nodded and turned to Belle, giving her a genuine smile. "I'm Baelfire."
"Belle." She said, trying to sound casual, and failing. "Nice to meet you, Baelfire."
No. This certainly wasn't what she'd expected at all. But Belle had a feeling if The Dark One had a son he couldn't be all bad. Perhaps whatever she'd gotten herself into wouldn't be so bad either.