Compensation: Part Two
A/AN: Thanks for the kudos and reviews! I look forward to what you think of this chapter. I'm also taking prompts so if there's something you'd like to see, then please let me know!
"M-M-Marry you!?" Belle stammered, reaching down to collect the pieces of shattered porcelain. Had she heard him correctly? Wealthy noblemen didn't marry peasants! It was unheard of!
"Yes." he affirmed, gazing at her sincerely.
"Excuse me, but I'm going to step outside a few minutes. I need some air!" she exclaimed, marching out of the room quickly. She made her way to the front door, opening it and nearly plowing headfirst into her best friend Ruby.
"Ruby, what are you doing here?" she asked the girl with long brown hair and wolfish eyes.
"Granny sent me over with a basket of food. I also wanted to come by and see you and ask how the patient was doing?" she whispered, peering over Belle's shoulder.
"He's healing quite nicely and should be able to travel by the end of the week. There's nothing I can do to prevent scarring or the welts he'll carry on his back for the rest of his life." she shrugged, but Ruby could tell there was something else going on.
"And how do you feel about that Mrs. French? Do you want him to leave?" Ruby tested, a smirk tugging at her lips.
"He's done more than enough for me, and he'll leave and life will go on." she downplayed, taking the basket from Ruby.
"But that's not what you want, is it?" she probed, gazing intently at the healer. Belle sighed, collapsing in a nearby wicker chair.
"He asked me to marry him just a few moments ago, but I didn't answer him. What am I supposed to say to that?" she groaned, running her fingers through her hair timorously.
"Um, how about yes? There's not any man in this realm or another who'd do what he did for you. The tavern has been buzzing with gossip about the commander since he arrived. They say he's the bravest knight in all the land. He unwaveringly slays ogres and dragons and rumor has it that he was on his way to Count Madrick's estate when he rode through here. The king gifted it to him for his heroism. Marry that man or you'll regret it for the rest of your life. It's obvious he's not going to let anyone harm you and just think of how it would raise your station. He's second in command to the king and holds a lot of influence over him. Think of all the good that could come from this union for the rest of us. You could really be an asset in higher places." Ruby illuminated, resting her hand on the other woman's shoulder.
"You can't tell me you don't fancy him." Ruby smirked slyly. Belle batted her hand away, averting her gaze sheepishly.
"You're right, I do quite enjoy his company. My marriage to Gaston was so fleeting. We weren't even married a year before the king called him off to battle, and he never came home to me." she sighed, her mind conjuring up a vision of her late husband's face.
"It's time to move on Belle. Think of how bright the future could be for you, for all of us." Ruby remarked. Her friend was right, she had no reason to deny the commander's proposal. It wouldn't just benefit her but the rest of her village as well. Belle was aware of how much power a woman could sway over a man.
"Then I guess, I should go in there and answer him?" she quizzed, averting her gaze back to Ruby who shooed Belle to his chamber. Rumpelstiltskin gazed curiously at his caretaker with flushed cheeks.
"I apologize for not answering you immediately, but my answer is yes." she stated demurely, her hands clasped at her waist. He wordlessly gestured for her to come sit beside him. She sat closer than she had before, and he took her hand, placing it against his lips chastely.
"I promise to treasure and honor you the rest of my days, Lady Belle." he vowed, sending heat pooling her belly.
"When do you wish to marry?" she inquired, gazing at him intently. He managed to shift his position so that he was laying on his side.
"As soon as I'm fit to travel, then we'll leave this place together. I'll get the town parishioner to wed us and have our marriage license drawn up and sent to the king. James has been prodding me for the last eight years to remarry, but I haven't had the time nor the desire with all of the wars we've been fighting. I've been granted a quarterly rest, been gifted with my own estate, and I won't have to return back to court for four months. I'd say that's plenty of time to get to know my new bride." he responded, smiling affectionately at her.
"I just can't for the life of me figure out why you'd choose me when I'm sure there are throngs of women at court vying for your hand, commander." she replied. He reached up to dust his fingers down her jawline.
"You're more beautiful than any other in the entire realm. Peacocks in all their finery and silks and jewels as they prance about at court, and you outshine them all." he assured her. She felt heat rise in her cheeks from his declaration. Not only was he a decorated hero, he was also a gentleman.
"I'm but a simple peasant." she countered, and he shook his head, tracing his finger over the outline of her soft lips.
"If you could only see what I see, milady." he said softly, bidding her closer. She assisted him in sitting up, and he grasped her hand in his. She fixated her gaze on his warm sable orbs as he etched closer to her face. She placed the weight of her right knee on the bed, allowing him to wrap his arms securely around her waist. She was careful not to lean all of her weight on him as he reached up to brush a soft kiss against her lips. The brief moment their lips touched sent something foreign spiraling through her which she'd never experienced with Gaston.
She pulled away timidly, and he smiled, brushing ringlets of chestnut hair from her eyes, "When I'm able to get out of this bed, I'll show you what a real kiss is like." he vowed, a desire flickering in his eyes that no one had held for her before.
"I look forward to it commander." she supplied, kissing his brow lightly.
~X~
Another week passed before Rumpelstiltskin was strong enough to travel. Belle packed up a few belongings, kissed Ruby and Granny goodbye, and journeyed with Sir. Rumple to Count Madrick's estate. Her new life had begun that morning as they stood before the town parishioner and recited their vows.
He'd grasped her hands securely in his own as they spoke the same words, paupers and princes had exchanged for centuries. The only difference was she truly felt them this time unlike during her first marriage. The marriage had been arranged by her father, and Gaston was a decent fellow, but they weren't ever really in love. She supposed love was a true rarity in this world and if you found it, you were eternally blessed.
Rumpelstiltskin gazed ardently into her eyes as he recited his vows. "You are blood of my veins, you are bone of my bone. Yours is my body, that we may be one. Yours is my soul until our worlds end." he declared, slipping a simple gold band on her finger. He'd promised her a more extravagant ring when they returned to court, but she didn't desire flashy baubles.
Belle recited the same vows she'd exchanged with her late husband four years prior but today it would be for the last time. "You are blood of my veins, you are bone of my bone. Yours is my body, that we may be one. Yours is my soul until our worlds end." she declared, slipping a matching gold band on his finger.
They'd kissed for the second time, sealing their vows with the promise of forever. He kissed her hungrily, and Belle knew it signaled more to come..Performing her wifely duties wasn't something she was alien to. She knew what men expected of their wives, but she wondered if it would be any different with her new husband, or would it be something she endured that only he derived pleasure from?
The estate was vast with expansive greenery surrounding it. She thought it mirrored a small castle, but Rumpelstiltskin had assured her, James's castle in Astyn was behemoth in comparison to their modest chateau. There was a stable behind the manor, and he tended to his horse before they explored the inside. Belle waited patiently on her husband as he provided fodder for the stallion and filled a trough with water.
"Well it looks like our chores are complete, Let's have a look at the inside, shall we?" he inquired, offering her his arm. She looped her arm through his as they made their way to the entrance. He dug a set of keys out of his satchel, pinched a large gold one between his fingertips and slid it securely into the lock. It clicked after a single turn, and he pushed it open. The living room was filled with furniture draped in white sheets to protect it from dust.
"It appears the count has taken great pride in preserving his furnishings." Rumpelstiltskin observed, clasping her hand tightly in his as they continued to explore more of the manor. There was a kitchen, seven ornately decorated bedrooms,a powder room, a garden outback, and a study. Rumpelstiltskin chose the largest chamber for them to settle down in. The walls were decorated in a fading rose patterned wallpaper, and the bed was so spacious it could have held six people all at once. The room had a bureau , dresser, and a changing screen. A collection of luxury artwork decorated the walls, and Belle wondered if the count had been an art critic.
"This room is so immaculate, There's no way I would be able to fill it with my belongings." she chortled. He stood behind her, wrapping his arms securely around her waist. He pressed a sensual kiss along the back of her neck, sending a pleasant shiver down her spine.
"Oh but you will get to fill it up sweetheart. I intend to gift you with whatever your heart desires. Name it and it's yours." he whispered huskily in her ear. She turned around to face him, placing her hands on his shoulders.
"I could never compensate for anything that you've done for me. Your back is ruined because of me and perhaps your ability to fight. Despite being well, you'll still have to take it slow for an unforeseeable amount of time. How am I supposed to live with myself when I'm the one who has caused you so much pain?" she lamented as tears welled in her eyes.
"Now, now, sweetheart. I did what I had to do to save your life. My back is a small recompense if it spared your livelihood. I know we're barely acquainted, but I hope to change all of that. I aspire to find love with you, my dearest. I vow not to lay a hand on you until you're ready to consummate our marriage. I'm a man of honor and of my word, and I swear not to break any oath I make to you milady." he pledged, placing a feathered kiss against her cheek.
"Can we talk for awhile? I'd like to know more about you." she voiced, averting her gaze timidly.
"Of course." he said, leading her towards the bed. They lied down beside each other, utterly spent from their long journey. She curled up beside him, resting her head on his chest.
"Tell me about your origins...Have you always been a knight in the king's court?" she asked, tracing her fingertips over his tunic.
"No, I once was a poor spinner in a village quite like the one you lived in. My former wife and I barely made ends meet until I got drafted into the ogres' war by James's father, King George. I fought valiantly against the ogres and raised my rank while in the army. I returned home, five years after the war to find my wife had bore me a son. Milah was ecstatic about my hero status and decoration of war medals. We lived happily for a little while. Consumption spread throughout the village and it stole her away from me. I buried her, and King George summoned me to court. He wanted me to become a war general and lead his armies into battle against a dragon queen named Maleficent. My son was twelve at the time and had just began his training into knighthood. I fought in that war for five years before King George's son, James came to power. A year had barely passed before Queen Cora attacked our fortresses. She wanted to expand her lands, and we fought for three years before the monarchs decided to forge an alliance which entailed a marriage between Queen Cora's daughter, Zelena and the king. I hope I don't have to fight in another bloody war for the rest of my life. I just want to find a wee bit of happiness on my own patch of dirt and live out the rest of my days in peace." he expounded, snaking his arm around her waist.
"And what about you, milady? What's your story?" he queried, gazing into her azure irises inquisitively.
She wet her lips before she began her tale, "My father was a woodcutter, and my mother was a healer. She taught me everything she knew. When I was thirteen, she was shot by a bow hunter while we were gathering herbs in the forest. It went straight through her heart, and she died in my arms. My father became a bit of a recluse after that and took up drinking. He drank himself into an early grave because he never seemed to be able to make peace with my mother's death. Before he died, he arranged a marriage between me and the butcher's son, Gaston. It was a marriage of convenience more than love. We took care of each other but then the war took him away from me. I spent my days caring for the wounded and the dying. One day a sergeant came to my door with news of his demise. His body was so mangled that they wouldn't permit me to look at it. He was cremated, and I spread his ashes along our property. After that first year of war, the king began raising our taxes, and I couldn't keep up. They allotted for me to keep my home only because I was the town healer, and they needed my services. After the war, I received an official letter from the king that stated all of my assets would be seized. I was to receive twenty lashes for my crimes. I prayed earnestly for a miracle that day, and God must have seen fit to give me one because you showed up." she recounted, feeling her heart break as she relayed the story. He brushed chestnut locks from her eyes.
"So you've lost everything then?" he surmised, and she nodded, stifling back more tears which threatened to fall.
"Basically..." she choked out, sobbing heavily into his chest.
"There, there, I can't replace anything you've lost, but I do vow to protect you no matter what. You'll always have a home here with me if you desire it." he swore, holding her body securely against his. Consummating their marriage seemed futile compared to all of the other things plaguing his bride's mind. He had every right to her body as her husband, but he wouldn't touch her until she was ready, and tonight she needed his support more than anything. Gaining her trust was far more imperative than having her body. He would let her lead that aspect of their relationship and when the timing was right, she would initiate it.
"Th-th-thank you." she stammered, brushing her remaining tears away with her sleeve.
"How about we get some sleep? We've both traveled a long way today." he suggested, stifling back a yawn.
"Yes but weren't we going to..." she cleared her throat awkwardly, glancing at the wall, unable to finish her statement without blushing fiercely.
"As much as I would love to worship your supple flesh with my lips, I believe we need to instill some trust in each other first. Sleeping beside you on our first night of marriage is sufficient enough." he replied, and she felt a knot loosen in her chest from his declaration.
"I'd like to unpack my things then and change into something more comfortable." she added, gesturing towards the changing screen.
"Take your time." he answered as she took her small bag and walked behind the screen. He tried his best not to look, but he could see the outline of her curves behind the divider and could only imagine how enchanting she must look underneath all of those garments. His breath hitched in his throat as she emerged from behind the partition, wearing nothing but her thin shift, her chestnut tresses cascading in silken waves over her shoulders.
She blushed when she caught him staring. She knew she shouldn't feel ashamed because there would come a day when she fully exposed herself to him. "Are you going to change?" she inquired, slicing through the nervous tension that had formed between them.
"Yes of course." he responded, diverting his attention away from his gorgeous wife. If he gazed upon her too long, then he knew his resolve would crumble. Belle pulled back the covers while her husband changed. He'd discarded everything but his trousers, opting to sleep shirtless because his back was still healing and the fabric irritated his skin. She sighed pleasantly when he crawled into bed, encircling his arms around her abdomen. He placed a soft kiss on the back of her neck as he spooned himself comfortably against her. She reached up to caress his cheek lovingly.
"Goodnight sweetheart." he whispered into her ear as she snuggled closer to him.
"Goodnight, Rumple." she returned, falling into blissful slumber. He allowed himself to close his eyes, relishing the feeling of being beside his new bride. Tomorrow would be a new day, and he planned to spend every moment of it with her, unraveling more of her life story.
~X~
He opened his eyes hazily. Sunlight filtered through the window pane, and he seen that she'd switched positions during the night. She was now facing him, and he didn't believe he'd seen anything more beautiful in all his life. Tousled ringlets fell in her eyes and her lips were slightly parted. He brushed the unruly locks away from her face, admiring her tranquil state. She opened her eyes drowsily, emitting a loud yawn when she noticed him staring at her.
"Good morning, Rumpelstiltskin." she greeted him warmly, placing a lingering kiss against his lips. He kissed her back fervently, allowing his hand to rest on the small of her back. He tangled his fingers through her thick tresses. She wrapped her arms around him, grinding her hips into his pelvis, and he felt himself coming undone as urges that had remained dormant for years reawakened. Her delicate fingertips danced pleasantly over his marred flesh, and he felt a surge of emotion course through him from her careful exploration of his ravaged skin.
"Belle, if you keep that up, than I won't be able to control myself." he growled possessively in her ear.
"I don't want you to control yourself, Rumple. I want to live our lives as husband and wife in all aspects. Giving you my body is only a small price compared to everything you've done for me." she supplied, cupping his face in her hand.
"I promise to make it good for you." he whispered, peeling away her tattered nightdress. He would need to take her shopping soon to purchase a new wardrobe befitting a lady of nobility. She was thinner than he'd liked, and he hoped a bit of fine dining would put some much needed meat on her bones. Despite this small fallacy, she was still the loveliest woman he'd laid eyes on. Many of knights in his gentry enjoyed bedding numerous women but it was something he never partook of. A woman's sole purpose in life wasn't to pleasure a man or provide him with heirs. He hoped to treat Belle as his equal and come to love her unconditionally.
"You seem nervous." Belle observed, noting the hesitation in his eyes. She was bare to him except for her knickers.
"It's been quite sometime since I've did this." he admitted, blushing profusely.
"I thought most men treated it as a sport. Surely, you've visited a few brothels in your time?" she inquired, and he shook his head, coming to lay beside her.
"To me it's a sacrament and something that should only be shared between husband and wife. I desire those comforts just as every man does, but I didn't wish to lose myself in such lustful endeavors. I like to think of myself as a one woman man. It may sound cliché but if it isn't done in the name of love, then it's simply an empty pursuit." he explained, and she felt her heart flutter from his admission.
"I'm not sure if this is love, but I hope with time, it blossoms between us." she supplied, tracing the stubble along his jawline.
"As do I." he returned, seizing her hand, and placing a kiss against the underside of her wrist. She opened her arms, bidding him closer. Her embrace was warm and inviting and it felt like home after so many years of endless fighting. He captured her lips in an anxious kiss, his hands roaming over her soft curves. Her moan echoed throughout the room as he stripped away her knickers.
"Are you sure you want this?" he rumbled in her ear, and she could feel his hardened length pressing pleasantly against her inner thigh.
"Yes." she sighed as he kicked away his trousers. She wrapped her legs around his waist, drawing him into her core. He felt immaculate sheathed inside her warmth. He moved gratifyingly slow within her.
"You feel so amazing." he bubbled in his thick brogue. She stroked his back soothingly as they moved together simultaneously. The pace was languid and pleasurable. He buried his face in her nape as her body quivered around him, milking him of his release.
He rolled over, pulling her securely against him, "Next time will be better." he swore, knowing it would take time for his body to readjust. He wanted to be good for her and give her the pleasure she deserved.
"It was wonderful." she respired, and he regarded the satisfied look upon her face. It hadn't lasted long but it was far more passionate than anything she'd experienced with Gaston. He was all about doing the deed and getting it over with. She would often lie there and let him have his way with her, but she'd felt nothing. There was no love, just a duty she was required to complete.
"How about some breakfast?" he suggested, placing a warm kiss against her temple.
"That sounds lovely." she supplied, feeling her stomach growl with anticipation. He chuckled, kissing her cheek affectionately, and climbing out of bed to fetch his clothing. She followed suit, snatching up her homespun dress. He pulled on his leather trousers and a burgundy silk shirt. She donned her blue muslin dress with ruffled white sleeves. She felt undressed in his presence, and she wondered what he'd look like with a countess or a duchess on his arm. He clasped her hand in his, leading her downstairs into the kitchens.
"What's that smell?" she inquired as an alluring aroma wafted up the stairs.
"I have no idea, but there shouldn't be anyone here but us." he countered, placing himself protectively in front of her. He sauntered into the kitchen, catching a woman wearing an apron with her hair settled under a knit cap off guard. She placed her hand over her breast, feigning a heart attack.
"My lord, you've frightened me!" the old woman lamented.
"Mrs. Potts, what are you doing here?" he questioned, clearly already acquainted with the maid.
"I've been here all week awaiting your arrival. King James sent me to tidy up the place and prepare it before you moved in. I've been staying in the servant quarters out back, and I noticed your horse grazing in the stable this morning, so I assumed you were already here." she simply stated.
"No one told me that you were coming." he blinked, feeling like something was amiss.
"Did you really think you could stay out here all by yourself without a little assistance?" she remarked, placing her hand on her hip.
"I'm not alone, There's someone I would like you to meet." he responded, taking Belle by the hand and pulling her in front of him. "Mrs. Potts, this is my wife, Belle. Belle, this is a dear friend of mine back at court, Julia Potts." he introduced them both simultaneously.
She glanced at the knight quizzically before grasping the beauty's hand in her own, pumping it up and down exuberantly, "Tis a pleasure to meet you milady! You may call me Mrs. Potts! Everyone else does!" exclaimed the overly cheerful housekeeper.
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, please call me Belle." the healer returned.
"I have a nice rabbit stew cooking in the pot. There's an array of fresh vegetables in the garden milady. Would you mind grabbing me a few turnips if it isn't too much trouble?" she requested, and Belle nodded, heading out the back door and into the gardens.
"Please tell me why you're really here." Rumpelstiltskin snapped at the older woman who's gaze faltered.
"My Lord, There is much happening back at court that you're unaware of. The king has raised everyone's taxes so high and is using the funds to line his own pockets with gold. There are rumors brewing of another war between us and his brother's kingdom. He desires all of King David's assets for himself, including his fair wife. As you know, James has had his eyes on her for years and was unhappy when she chose David instead. If he can assassinate his brother, then he can force a marriage on Queen Snow. The kingdom is war weary and to fight another battle would be devastating for everyone. People are dying because they can't feed their families. I'm begging you to pledge your allegiance to King David and stop this madness." she pleaded.
"Mrs. Potts, I'm an honorable man who's served faithfully under King George's regime. I've pledged the same honor to James. I'm a man of my word, and I will not intermingle within the king's affairs. He's already wed princess Zelena and the law states a man can only have one wife." he countered, and she sighed.
"It isn't against the law for a man to execute his wife either. If he could have Snow White, then Zelena's head would be on a pike." she reasoned.
"Mrs. Potts, I came here to take a holiday with my new bride. The war is over, and I'm not interested in engaging in another battle for the rest of my life." he dismissed.
"Very well, but I hope you understand how fast news carries in this kingdom. Everyone is talking about the act of chivalry you demonstrated for that girl. King James won't be happy to hear his most trusted adviser has been branded by a whip. It's all compelling and romantic until she ends up in the gallows. If you believe the king would approve of you wedding a peasant girl then think again. When you're in the king's company, it's his job to arrange a marriage for you with whomever he sees fit. I hope you realize how short of a chain he has you on. Your freedom is but a mirage my lord." she remarked cryptically.
Before he could form a retort, Belle bounded back into the kitchen with armfuls of turnips and potatoes. "I hope this is sufficient Mrs. Potts." she supplied, placing the vegetables on the counter.
"It's more than enough Milady! I appreciate it so much!" she praised, placing the turnips on a cutting board.
"The garden is amazing Rumple! There's even a beautiful gazebo behind the manor!" she gushed animatedly.
"You'll have to show it to me sometime." he smiled, pulling her close to his side, and leading her into the living room. Protecting his country had been his livelihood for many years but now he had another job, preserving his wife from those who might take pleasure in ripping her from his arms. Switching sides had never occurred to him, but what if Mrs. Potts was right, and he'd been playing the fool the entire time? He'd vowed to protect this woman with his life, and he would, even if it meant losing his own in the process.
A/AN: There you have it! The political system is corrupt...In the next chapter, we'll meet Prince James and find out what he's up to! There will be more Rumbelle romance and an unexpected visitor turns up. The vows I used came from Outlander, so I have no claim to those or any of these characters that belong to ABC.