The Deal-Maker's Wife

Hello again! Two new stories on the go from two different fandoms! I'm so proud of myself. Obviously, The Lost Tribute is on a hiatus, because I've just lost track of it. I'm going to re-read Mockingjay and then finish it. In the meantime, I'm experimenting in the Once Upon A Time fandom, because I haven't seen 1x12 yet, so I can use the excuse of still shipping Rumplestiltskin with an OC. Wh00. :D So, please review, read, whatever. I really like reviews, constructive criticism, etc.

~ Neve ~

Fairytale World

Natalia's arms ached. She had been sweeping floors, setting fires, and dusting silverware all day. As she traipsed along the castle corridors, the sound of heavy footsteps on stone reached her ears. Natalia leapt out of the way just in time, as two guards came charging past.

"What's going on?" Natalia couldn't help but ask. One of the guards stopped to talk to her, which surprised her.

"It's the prisoner again," said the guard, "Nobody dares go near him. He hasn't eaten in days."

Natalia considered this for a moment.

"I'll do it," she offered, "take the food to him, if you wish?"

The guard surveyed Natalia, a tiny young woman with long dark hair and mahogany eyes.

"Very well."

xXxXx

They made a stop at the kitchens first and then descended down to the dungeons. Natalia shivered, she couldn't help it.

"I warn you, miss, he's dangerous," one of the guards cautioned.

Natalia nodded and smiled sadly, "He's a dying man, sir. I'm not afraid."

The guard wordlessly unlocked the cell door and allowed Natalia to pass with the tray of food, water, and a bottle of medicine she had produced from her room.

Natalia took in the dingy cell. The prisoner himself was lying flat on his back, eyes tight shut. Fearing for his life at once, Natalia set the tray aside, save for the potion, and fell to her knees beside him.

"Can you hear me?" she asked, her voice quiet but urgent.

There was no response.

Natalia turned to call for the guards when a hand reached out and seized her wrist. Startled, Natalia whirled around and found herself face to face with the prisoner, who motioned she be quiet. Natalia swallowed the yelp of surprise threatening to escape her.

"You should be, you know," he said conversationally.

"Huh?" Natalia stammered, feeling rather stupid.

"Afraid."

"Why? You're dying. What's to fear?" Natalia responded curiously.

The man snickered. "I won't be dying after you heal me."

Natalia made a shushing gesture. She didn't want the entire palace to know about that.

"How did you know about that?" she hissed.

The prisoner grinned at her. "The potion in your hand. You made it."

"Yes? So?"

"My point exactly. Only a healer could have made that."

Natalia grimaced. The man surveyed her for a moment.

"Will you heal me, Miss Natalia?" he asked, closing his eyes again.

"I can try," said Natalia, "but it will take time, and it won't be pleasant."

The prisoner smirked at her again. "I'm not going anywhere," he said sarcastically as Natalia passed him the goblet of water mixed with the potion.

"No," mused Natalia, "I don't suppose you are, Mister…?"

He laughed softly at her confusion.

"I'll tell you my name… for a price, of course," he said mischievously.

Natalia sat down beside him warily.

"What's the price?" she asked, blinking in the dim light.

"That you return tomorrow, and the day after, here on out, until I am freed or until I die."

Natalia exhaled a breath she didn't even realise she had been holding.

"That doesn't sound too awful," she conceded.

"Do we have a deal, Miss Natalia?" the man asked.

"We do," she smiled.

The prisoner returned the smile, and then, with as much politeness as he could muster, asked if she could please heal him. Natalia agreed at once.

"My name…" he informed her in a whisper as she left the dungeon, "is Rumplestiltskin."

xXxXx

Short, but getting a feel for this story. OMG, please review, and I'll put up another chapter tonight/today.

Much love!

~ Neve