2. Choice

I was in utter shock as Gaston pulled me behind him protectively (more like possessively), and the court once more erupted into outbursts of protests. "QUIET!" my father bellowed. He walked up to Rumplestilzkin, and looked him straight in the eyes. "That is my only daughter, and she is already betrothed to get married."

"Did I ask if she was engaged?" asked Rumplestilzkin. "Did I say that I wanted her for a wife? I'm looking for a caretaker for my own castle."

"I'm afraid I cannot use my own daughter as a bargaining tool for your filthy needs," growled my father. "Find some other collateral!"

"It's her… or no deal," said Rumplestilzkin quietly. "Make your choice…"

The room was silent, and Rumplestilzkin took the silence as a rejection of his proposal and began to walk out of the room.

"WAIT!"

I ran towards him, lowered my gaze, and curtsied before him. "I will go with you."

"Belle!"

"Father, I insist!"

"We will lose each other forever," said my father as he held my hands in his. "Don't do this…"

"If I go," I said, turning to look Rumplestilzkin in his cold, green eyes. "Will you protect my kingdom from invasion, starvation, and economic decline forever?"

"As long as you are my caretaker, I will ensure your kingdom is safe," said Rumplestilzkin.

"Done," I said.

"Marvelous!" chuckled Rumplestilzkin in his iconic laugh. "We have a deal!"

"Belle, I will find you," promised Gaston as he pulled me into a last embrace. "I will find you, and kill this… this BEAST!"

"Come now, dearie, we must go home now," said Rumplestilzkin as he took my arm and escorted me out of what was once my castle.

In a flash of magic, we were at Rumple's estate. His castle was immense and gothic, very bleak and bannerless. There were no colors, no crests that bore the family name. It was a very masculine, plain castle. Inside, however, was a different story.

He led me into the castle, and showed me the dinning room, laden with golden chairs, a gold leafed table, and golden place settings. The tapestries that hung on the wall were exquisite, fabrics of red and gold hues. As we walked past, I couldn't help but be in awe of its magnificence. And then I was brought to my own shocking reality.

I was shown my room.

"This is your room from now on," said Rumple as he unlocked the door and pushed me inside.

"Hey, this is a prison cell!" I cried as I banged on the door. "Come back here!"

"It was never in my clause to give you comfortable lodgings, so your arguing is lost on me. Sweet dreams."

I collapsed on the floor, weeping. I had not left my miserable old life. I had left one circle of hell for another.