- Rumple… Rumpleshtilts… Rumpelstiltskin, I summon thee! – A young girl stood in the middle of her bedchambers with a book in her hand. His book.
- That's not how you pronounce it. – A voice spoke behind her and she turned surprised.
- I… I'm sorry. – The girl spoke as she moved closer to the man.
His skin sparkled, green and scaly, and his eyes were green too, mischievous, like his smile. But he was well dressed. Short… Harmless. But then again nothing is as it seems with magic. And he was the Dark One. Magic was his stock and trade.
- I saw your book. I desperately need your help.
- Really, dearie? Desperately? I do love it when they say that… And what are you willing to give for it? What do you have that I would ever want?
- I… - The girl hesitated. She knew nothing of what the man could not have already obtained, but she had to try. – I'm queen Regina. My husband is the king. If you help me, you can have all the riches you desire.
The man laughed, cruel and mocking.
- I can spin straw into gold. – He told her. – I have no need of your … riches.
Regina was disappointed. What else could the man want?
- Well… I have other things. – She tried again. His laugh followed after.
- Now, now… Why don't you tell me what you want first? What does the young queen want? A baby perhaps? The king is old after all… A love potion? Does he not want you?
- No. – Regina made a disgusted gesture, shivering at both thoughts.
- Well what then? – He asked inpatient.
- I want you to teach me magic. – She exclaimed.
- Magic? – He asked, his face a clear indication that he disliked the idea.
- My mother is Cora. And she is a sorceress. It's in my blood.
He rolled his eyes at the queen.
- Yes, yes, I know who she is. I was the one to teach her. – He said, as if Regina was supposed to know that already. – Any person can learn it. But why would I go through the trouble… Your mother could have. If she wanted to… But tell me now, what can you give me?
- Anything! Just name it. – Regina was desperate. She couldn't live like this any longer. – Just teach me!
He paused for a second, measuring her, as if considering what she'd be good for. Than stood up from his chair, cheerful voice ringing through the silent room.
- Sorry, dearie. I make deals. And you… - He said, pointing at her dismissively. – Have nothing to offer.
Before she even had the chance to protest or try to convince him, he was gone in black smoke,
Regina sat on her bed. She wanted to cry. Her life was a nightmare, and her only chance at hope just vanished, while laughing at her.
She threw the book randomly, following it with her eyes as it knocked over a stack of other dusty books. She would have dismissed them, much like he did with her, but one caught her attention, clearly showing markings of the language of the elves… And some of the fay too.
She knew she couldn't read it. But how did she not know she had it? The young queen turned it over in her hands, following the markings with her fingertips. And there, on the cover, she saw a name.
- Maleficent. – She read.
And her eyes filled with hope once more.