Disclaimer: Still not mine and sadly never will be.
A/N: I can't believe how fast I got this chapter done. I guess since I'm going this one alone I was able to schedule my time better instead of having to schedule writing for two people. But hey, it worked. I'm so glad everyone likes this story. And don't fret, there is not Rumple/Cora smut in this chapter, plenty of their fights though. Oh and BTW, I picture Rose McGowan's Cora in this story. I love Barbara Hershey and think she is quite beautiful, but I think if Cora had married the Dark One she would want to keep her youth. Please read and enjoy this next chapter.
Anonymous Reviews:
Anne Andrews: Glad I got you hooked. Here is another chapter.
dees: Here is another update, I hope you enjoy it.
prttykitty7728: My old friend! So glad you like this story. Enjoy this lovely chapter.
King Sabby: You have no idea how hard it was to write that Cora and Rumple sex scene, but I really wanted to show how volatile their marriage is. I based that scene off of The Tudors when Anne and Henry had angry sex in season two. I wanted it to be fight for control between them. I'm glad it pulls at your emotions because that is exactly what I want. I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as the last one.
Chapter 2: Gifted
Even though it was late and Cora would be coming soon, Rumplestiltskin decided he had no desire to leave the little sitting room his wife used as a dressing room. This room adjoined his room to hers and he rarely used it, not for a long time. He wasn't there to speak to Cora. In fact, he wasn't entirely sure why he was there. He could be in his tower, working on his potions and spells, but the magic didn't call for him tonight. Instead he sat in the room and read a book.
The door opened and Cora stepped inside. He didn't even glance up when she entered the room, though he heard her murmur of surprise. Her perfume wafted towards him, a thick, cloying scent that made him wrinkle his nose. She sat down at her table and unpinned her dark hair, all the while watching him through her mirror. She frowned at his reflection. "Why are you reading that?"
"Because I am," he replied while turning a page.
"It has no power, no spells. What can you gain from it?"
"Pleasure." Even he sometimes tired of spellbooks, heavy on knowledge, but light on wit and plot. But this was Cora. She was always scheming, always planning. Even the ornaments she took from her hair were a calculated decision on her part. Sex wasn't even done for pleasure anymore.
There was gentle knock at the door. "Enter," Cora said.
"You told me to come, mistress."
Now Rumplestiltskin turned away from his book to stare at the visitor. Yes, Cora would request Belle's presence, anything to further degrade the former lord's daughter. It wasn't so much as playing the lady's maid, but to compare her own circumstances. She had to look at Cora's magnificent wardrobe, full of Agrabahn silks and deep sea pearls and rare lace made from magic spiders. With her clad in her rumpled ball gown, with it's filthy hem and ragged edges, she did look like a scullery maid compared to Cora.
She assisted Cora out of her gown, carefully folding it away to be laundered later. He wondered if she'd learned that particular chore. He had thought tea would be a struggle, but she'd surprised him. She didn't complain about any task set before her, even ones she clearly had no knowledge on how to perform. A bath had been set up, steaming and inviting. He didn't look a his wife's naked form. The flicker of delight upon seeing her pale limbs and lush curves had faded. He stared at the pages of books, frowning at the words. When had it become like this? No, best not to think of it. He wouldn't like the answer.
"I suppose you wish to bathe yourself, pet," Cora said as she rubbed sweet-smelling oil on her skin.
"It wouldn't be unwelcome," Belle admitted.
"And how many in your village had to do without this comfort as the ogres came?" Cora asked.
"We all sacrificed our comforts," Belle said.
"Oh? And what did you lose? Your jewels? Your silks?"
"Friends," she replied softly. Now Rumplestiltskin frowned at her over his book. She actually sounded sad. He hadn't thought of her own loss when he took her away. No doubt she missed her father, her friends, maybe even that handsome knight with the pointy sword. She never spoke of them. How many had she lost to the ogres? How many had she saved by coming here?
Cora rolled her eyes and continued washing her limbs. She said nothing for a while except to bark out instructions to Belle for more water or oils. Rumplestiltskin tried to read his book some more, but found himself lost when he looked at the pages. The girl was far more interesting. Even with the shabby gown and somewhat tangled hair, she was still beautiful. She had the loveliest eyes he'd ever seen, that perfect shade of blue that matched the sky. And there was also a grace to her, a way she moved that wasn't merely a trained method to rule over the clumsy peasants. She glided around with a natural elegance that couldn't be changed even as she performed the chores of a servant.
"Bring the towel, pet."
Belle dutifully produced the warmed towel and wrapped it around Cora's dripping body. She was a quiet little thing, so unlike the defiant woman who valiantly agreed to die in exchange for her father's life. Where was the courage? The spirit that had so intrigued him, had she been broken already? That was disappointing.
"You think you're brave, don't you?" Cora asked, "For your sacrifice?"
"I don't like to think about myself," Belle replied.
Cora let out a laugh. "Really, a noble without vanity? Do you hear that, Rumple?" He ignored his wife and pretended he was deeply engrossed in his book. "Tell me, pet, why don't you think about yourself?"
"My opinion of myself hardly matters. What matters is that others think well of me."
"Ah, so you are vain. You want everyone to think the best of you so you always make sure you give a good impression."
"No, I wouldn't say that," Belle said, "What I mean to say is that I can hardly think the best of myself. I would rather depend on the impression of my others. I would hope theirs would be more accurate."
"Well said, dearie." He spoke without thinking. He had meant to be only a listener, not to champion the girl's cause. Now both women looked at him. Cora glared daggers with her dark eyes, while the girl only peered at him with those brilliant blue eyes.
Cora couldn't fight him, not when he wasn't willing to play her games. Instead she directed her fury to Belle. Now here was a test he wouldn't mind seeing. "And how did your people think of you while you hid in your castle with her servants and comforts as they died on the field? As they sent their children to be cut down by the ogres?"
"I didn't hide."
"What was that, girl?"
"I didn't hide in my father's castle," Belle said firmly, "I helped with the wounded, sewed clothes for the children. I even assisted my father with his battle strategies. I may only be a woman, but clearly you feel a woman has value even in war. I wanted to do my part, not sit in my room and wait for others to protect me."
Rumplestiltskin bit back his own smile. Here was the girl who boldly stood amongst her father, his knights and her foolish fiancé. He could admire her courage even if she didn't know she was playing with fire.
Cora tightened the belt on her robe. Her dark eyes were black and narrowed in on the girl. She stepped toward her slowly. "You dare to challenge me, pet?"
"I—I was merely answering…"
"No." Cora held up one hand, glowing with magic and the girl was silent, her voice stolen from her. "You were. You think you are better than me, that you are a brave, noble girl because she gave herself over to us. How is that brave, pet? You knew you wouldn't die. How is that sacrifice?"
Rumplestiltskin watched as his wife stood only a breath away from their servant. He wouldn't interfere, but he did wait with is magic coiled inside of him. Cora could do what she will, but he would not allow her to kill Belle.
"You know nothing of pain," Cora hissed at her, "You and your fellow nobles always believe you are powerful because of your name and your blood. Here you have no power. Here you are worthless. Don't you agree?"
Belle opened her mouth, but no words came out. Rumplestiltskin watched as her chin quivered. Now she looked like a small child, standing before the monster whispered about by old biddies. Finally, she bowed her head and nodded.
"Good, pet." Cora waved her hand again and the magic faded. Belle had her voice back, but she didn't dare speak a word. Rumplestiltskin shook his head at the pages of his book. "Take my clothes to be washed. I want them all clean by morning."
With the mountain of clothes Cora could create in just a few days, the girl would be up all night washing. Well, one couldn't say that Cora didn't play the spoiled noble well. Belle only nodded again as she gathered up the dress and the rest of Cora's things. He waited until Cora had left the room, the door closing on its own behind her, before he finally spoke again.
He clucked his tongue and shook his head. "You disappoint me, dearie."
"How so?" Belle asked, her blue eyes blinking at him.
"I thought you made of stronger stuff than that, yet you crumbled like a dead leaf in her hand. I had hoped you would last longer."
"Last longer?" Belle asked. She stared at him now. "Do you toy with me, like I'm some sort of chess piece in your game?"
"Everyone is a game to me, dearie. I've lived too long to see them as otherwise." He stood up from his chair and tucked his book under his arm. "You showed such promise before. I had thought you were more spirited than to be broken by magic so quickly."
"Well as you can see." She gestured to her ragged gown and tousled hair, "I have limited resources at my disposal. Unlike you and your wife, I have to pick my battles."
He let out an amused sound. "And, what exactly, would you use in these battles?"
"My mind."
Rumplestiltskin couldn't help but laugh at her words. "Well, if I care to battle with your wits at my side, I'll let you know, dearie. For now, I'll stick to magic."
He continued to smile to himself as he walked to his own room. He could feel her cerulean eyes on his back the entire time. This girl thought she was clever, but magic would out do her. She would learn that soon enough.
Today, Cora had left Belle mostly to her own devices. It seemed like the sorceress was working on something, but she didn't dare appease her curiosity and find out what it was. She was just grateful that she could set herself to an easier task rather than the heavy chores Cora was prone to give her. She occupied herself with dusting. With any luck, Cora wouldn't set her on some other task and let her escape the day without any sore muscles or bruised knees.
It really was strange. Rumplestiltskin was clearly the one who had wanted her there, but he rarely gave her any orders. Instead it was Cora who liked to torment her. She thought back to the night before when Rumplestiltskin watched her help Cora bathe and change for bed. She had caught him staring at her like she was something strange to behold. He was the one branded with the name the Dark One, yet she knew he was not a threat to her here. Perhaps he would let his wife torment her, but he had never attempted to lay a hand on her.
Despite this, she couldn't say she liked him either. In fact, his previous words still stung a bit. To think that just because she chose not to retaliate against his wife meant she lacked courage. She knew you didn't bring out a sword to fight an archer, and since she didn't have any magic at her disposal, she was left with no means to fight back Cora. Perhaps he wanted her to challenge the vicious sorceress. Was he trying to lure her into a trap to get herself killed? She had to remind herself that neither one of them was to be trusted, no matter how kindly he'd treated her blunder with the tea cup.
She continued to dust the odd collections on display in the room. She had expected that a sorcerer's castle would have strange items, but she never thought to find a petrified hand, very odd looking puppets or a rather dangerous looking scythe. She wondered how he had acquired them all and why he had wanted them. She had thought she would learn more about him from his collection, but Rumplestiltskin continued to remain a mystery to her.
Belle was still becoming accustomed to the hum of magic that was persistent throughout the castle, which is why it took her a moment to realize that something wasn't right. There was a sharp charge to the air, enough to where she could feel the hairs on her arms standing on end. The walls were pulsing with power, brewing with a magic she knew was terribly dark.
She could hear wood and metal rattling, shaking with something fierce. The large double doors that stood as the front entrance to the castle were pounding. Fear nibbled at her insides, but she abandoned her duster and slowly crept her way to the doors. She had never even tried to open them, partly for fear of what would happen to her but mainly because she knew they would not open for her. Now they groaned as something repeatedly shook them. Very slowly she stepped forward, one hand reaching out towards the doors.
"Don't touch them, dearie."
Belle gasped, jumping in fright at the words. She turned around to find both Rumplestiltskin and Cora standing behind her. Cora was as darkly beautiful as ever in a midnight blue gown that made her skin as white as marble. She showed no emotion in her dark eyes. But Rumplestiltskin surprised her the most. He looked venomous as he stared at the banging doors. At first, Belle thought he was angry at her, but she realized he hardly seemed to notice she was there. It was whoever was behind them he hated so much she knew he would likely destroy them.
Belle stepped aside without having to be told. She thought about running, but the curiosity of who could have come here had her feet frozen solid. Her heart hammered in her chest and the breath was caught in her throat. She didn't know what she was waiting for, but she couldn't help but fear it.
The doors flew open, whether by Rumplestiltskin's hand or another's, Belle didn't know. Sunlight streamed in through the open doors and a chilly wind came with it. No one came forward. Rumplestiltskin and Cora stood there for moments, staring out into the daylight. "How dare she come here," he hissed.
"She was always bold," Cora said, "but I'm more curious as to why she has come."
The unknown was too much to bear. Belle tiptoed out of the shadows behind them to see what all the fuss was about. There was no one standing in the entry way. No witches or knights. Nothing she thought would be alarming, but someone had to have made such a racket.
There was a sound like tiny bells that caught her ear. She looked up and saw a small, blue glow hovering in the air halfway between the gate and the castle doors.
"Rumplestiltskin!" a tiny voice called out, "We must talk!"
"Talk? When you've broken our truce?" he questioned.
"You broke it first!"
He made a hissing sound, his stained teeth grinding together. She couldn't see his eyes, but Belle could see the cords in his neck straining with his fury. He started stalking towards the glow and Cora followed. She hadn't been invited, but they hadn't said she couldn't follow either. Besides, Belle had a feeling she played a part in all of this.
Rumplestiltskin halted just a few feet away from the Blue Fairy. "I never broke anything!" he growled.
"But you have," the Blue Fairy insisted, "and I have come to repair the damage." Her tiny body was rigid and she had her wand gripped firmly in one hand, but she still smiled at the forgotten third to the party. "Belle, dear, I'm glad to see you unharmed."
Belle was about to speak, but stopped when two sets of deadly eyes locked on her. "You know this bug?" Rumplestiltskin said. His voice was sharp and bitter.
"She—she's my f-fairy godmother."
"What!" His bellow sent her reeling back, throwing her arms up in fear of a blow. It never came, not from him.
Cora grabbed her arm and dragged her forward. "You little bitch! You never told us this!"
"I—I didn't think it would matter."
"Wouldn't matter! You fool!" Cora raised one hand to strike her, the first time she'd ever physically harmed.
"Stop," the Blue Fairy ordered. The hand froze in mid-blow. "You may do no harm to her. Not while she is under my protection."
Protection. How could she have forgotten? She was under the protection of the fairies. Only she alone, that was why the Blue Fairy could not stop the ogres. But she could help her now.
"Her mother's family helped my kind once," the Blue Fairy said, "I vowed my guardianship over that line until their completion. She is my godchild. You cannot bind her here, not unless she wills it."
"I know the rules!" Rumplestiltskin snapped.
Rules? Magic had laws and restrictions? Belle had never thought of such a thing, not when magic could stop the ogres and bring whole kingdoms to their knees. But surely something that powerful would have boundaries. The fairies lived by rules, there must be rules to Dark Magic as well.
"Belle," the Blue Fairy spoke her name gently, "Come with me, child, and I will take you home."
Oh what glorious relief that was to hear! Her father, he must have called for the Blue Fairy's aid. She would got home to him now. They could forget all of this ever happened. She would never have to fear for her safety from Cora or sleep in a dungeon ever again. She would be free and her people…
A cold dread washed over her like the first kiss of winter. Her people. The ogres were still out there. Rumplestiltskin had stopped them, but he could easily call them back. Belle looked over at the Dark One, dressed in his scales and dark leathers. He hadn't treated her with cruelty, but that didn't mean he was incapable of it.
"If I go with her," she spoke to him slowly with a calm she didn't really feel, "will you see it as breaking my word? Would you bring the ogres back? Would you let my people be harmed?"
"I am a man of my word," he told her, "if you break your promise, I am free to break mine."
She refused to let her sink into disappointment. She wasn't even surprised. She had known who she was dealing with when she'd made her deal with him. He was a man of his word, even if his word was black. There was some honor in that.
"I thank you for coming," she spoke to her fairy godmother, "But I wish to remain here…of my own free will."
She heard Rumplestiltskin letter out a titter of glee. She didn't want to know how Cora reacted. The Blue Fairy gave her solemn look. "Are you certain of this?"
"I am."
The Blue Fairy let out sigh. "You are a very brave girl, Belle. I am proud of you for that. But know that by staying here, I will no longer be able to come when you call. My power has its limits and as long as you remain with the Dark One, I cannot help you."
"I-I understand," she said shakily. She was cutting herself off from the only person with the power to save her. It had to be done.
"I hope you do."
"You heard the girl," Rumplestiltskin said, "now off with you before I pluck the wings off of your back."
The Blue Fairy ignored him. She cast her saddened eyes to Belle. "Good bye, my child. Be strong and brave." She would try. Oh, she would try.
She watched as the Blue Fairy lifted herself up farther into the skies, turning into a dim blue glow until there was nothing left. She was alone.
"You damned fool!"
At first Belle thought Cora was yelling at her, but when she turned around she saw the woman was glaring at her husband. "How could you bring her here? A child blessed by the fairies!"
"Not even you detected it," he reminded her with a hiss, "the Blue Fairy has few families she patrons and you know she keeps them secret. Likely, she is the only one left."
"You could have brought their power upon us!"
"As if they would be a match to us," he said with a roll of his eyes, "Besides, the girl agreed to stay. She cannot break the truce."
"And if she escapes?" Cora questioned him, her eyes finding Belle, "What will stop the fairies from coming then?"
"And how will she escape?" Rumplestiltskin questioned her, "She has no magic, no skills other than eavesdropping."
Belle decided that was her cue to leave. She started edging her way back to the castle, to the safety of her dungeon where she could curl up on her pallet and let her heart break. She would never see her father again, not now. She hadn't realized she'd still clung to that hope and now it was gone.
"She could find a way," Cora said, "desperate souls aren't afraid to try anything."
"And how would you propose to temper your fears? By keeping her under lock and key?"
"In a manner of speaking." There was a flourish of dark purple magic and then suddenly something was in Cora's hand. It was silver and circular, like a crown, but it smaller. She held it up and it opened in half, clinging together only by one hinge.
"What is that?" Belle asked. The gnawing teeth of fear was tearing into her insides again. Surely, whatever it was, it wouldn't bode well for her.
"Just another chain to bind you here," Cora said, "It is a collar, perfectly harmless, as long as you remain in the boundaries of this castle. Should you leave…well, let's just say not even the crows will find anything to pick off of your bones."
A magic chain forever trapping her to this place. No escape, no hope for freedom. Nothing. Belle shook her head. "No, no please don't. I'll keep my word, I promise."
"I'm not as trusting as my husband," Cora said, each step of hers eating ground as she walked forward.
"No!" Belle shouted. She tried to run, but vines burst free from the earth. They wrapped around her legs first, keeping her still, then coiled around her arms to strap them at her sides. Only her neck was free. "Please, don't do this!"
There was no mercy in Cora's eyes, so Belle looked over to the one person left who might help her. "Rumplestiltskin, please don't let her do this!"
"Do not call him that!" Cora shouted, her eyes glittering, "He is your master, address him as such!"
Belle didn't listen. Her eyes filled with tears and she didn't care if she shed them before this wicked creature. "Please," she beseeched him.
One cheek of his twitched. He stared at her hard for a long time and then waved his hand. "If it will ease your mind, Cora, then do it."
"No!" Belle shouted, but it was too late. The collar was clamped around her neck. She felt the tingle of magic as it ran through her flesh and bones. She was locked to this place, to this darkness. Forever.
The vines unwound themselves from her and shrank back into the soil. Cora smiled at her, her white teeth flashing between her blood colored lips. "See this," she held up a tiny silver key, "It is the key to your freedom. And I will keep it with me always."
One moment it was in Cora's hand, then next it was gone. At first Belle thought Cora had cast the key into oblivion, but then she saw it lying in the center of Rumplestiltskin's palm. "I'll allow this," he said, "but I'll keep the key. She made the deal with me, Cora, not you."
"Without my say!" she shouted.
"You told her to call me master," he said coolly, "remember what the words means on these grounds. This is my castle, my property. She belongs to me, not you."
"We are married! We both rule this place! What belongs to you is mine as well!"
"Not in this," he told her. His red eyes met Belle's tearful blue ones. She saw no remorse there, no shame. She saw nothing at all. He didn't care that she was hurt by this. He didn't care about her at all.
"Go, dearie," he told her, "and I suggest you keep to yourself until you are called."
She couldn't agree more. Belle picked up her skirts and ran before Cora could breathe a word to stop her. The doors opened for her, whether they sensed her presence or did as Rumplestiltskin commanded, she didn't know nor cared. She ran through the maze of halls without a thought. Her skirt caught on something but she didn't stop. The silk ripped but it hardly mattered, not when her dress was hardly more than rags now anyways. She nearly tripped on the stairs a dozen times as she fled those two wicked sorcerers. She reached her dungeon cell and slammed the heavy wooden door behind her. Only then did she throw herself onto her lumpy pallet and let herself cry. The collar threatened to choke the life from her as she sobbed, but she didn't care. Perhaps even a part of her willed it.
Rumplestiltskin had hoped that allowing Cora to trap their servant in the enchanted collar would end the matter. Cora was not one to let anything go, especially when she felt she had been wronged. Belle had taken his advice and cloistered herself away. For once he didn't blame her for her fear though he had been surprised when she'd begged him to help her. Did she really think he would save her from Cora? Foolish girl.
Though as she'd beseeched him with her pretty blue eyes filled with tears he'd actually felt…he didn't know what he felt. Certainly anger at her for not telling them before she was fairy blessed, but mostly shame. Yes, he'd felt guilty for allowing this to happen. The Dark One wasn't supposed to feel guilt, especially not over some weak girl.
He wanted to spin and put this mess behind him, but Cora reared her stubborn head again. She vanished the pile of straw before he had time to lay a finger on it. He glared at her with annoyance. "Play with anything or anyone you want, but do not toy with me, Cora."
"You think I'm going to forgive your grievous error?" she hissed.
"Error?" he questioned. He walked over to the pedestal holding a fairy's wand and picked it up. "Fairy magic is elusive, the Blue Fairy's most of all. She hides her wards well, there was no way of knowing the girl belonged to her."
"You idiot!" Cora snapped, "Don't you see what this means? That girl is gifted. Surely the Blue Fairy gave her some gift upon her birth. We don't know what that could be. It could be dangerous."
He laughed and set the wand back in its place. "The girl has no magic, no talents. Her gift is likely something trivial, beauty, wisdom, certainly it wasn't courage."
"You're naïve if you think this is nothing."
"And you're paranoid if you believe she is threat," he growled at her, "You already put the collar on her. She can't escape. She has no way of doing magic nor does she have any…" he paused to think of the right term, "dark will to learn any. She is just a girl, Cora. She can do no harm to you."
"Just like that beggar meant you know harm?" He turned away from her. It was an old wound, healed and scarred but no longer painful. "Or Milah?"
He froze. He turned around slowly, pining her with an icy gaze. He never liked to think about his past, especially when it concerned her. Cora knew that. She knew she was bringing up a subject he despised. His one mistake, his one foolish mistake in his long life, one wound that had never healed.
"You should know better than to resurrect my ghosts," he hissed at her.
"Just a reminder of your faulty judgment," Cora said, one dark brow raised in a challenge, "We should kill her."
"Kill her?" He shook his head at the thought. "She is nothing, has done nothing."
"She is the Blue Fairy's godchild."
"And now she doesn't have her protection," he reminded her, "She can never escape from here, you saw to that. I'll let you order her about, but you will do her no harm."
"Oh?" Cora questioned him. Her dark eyes narrowed at him. "Is she under your protection now? Are you her new fairy godmother?"
"I always protect what belongs to me," he said, "And she is mine."
He snapped his fingers and the pile of straw reappeared by his wheel. Cora could rant and rave all she liked, but she wouldn't change his mind. She knew better than to cross him on this matter. He knew she was glaring at him while he ignored her. He sat down at his wheel and began to spin, as if his wife was not in his presence.
Cora had delivered her blow well. Now the memory of his treacherous first wife was yet another thing he needed to spin to forget. So many wounds he carried in his heart and only a few had healed. Spinning would help to forget the pain. He knew of know cure for these wounds, not even love had worked. No, there was nothing to be done. Not for a monster like him.
Her husband was a fool if he thought this changed nothing. Cora had never trusted that girl, she never trusted anyone. But there was something else about her. From the moment they'd arrived in Lord Maurice's castle, Cora had felt something she'd never felt ever since she learned magic: threatened. Belle gave her that uneasy feeling that the steady ground she had built her plans on was cracking. This worthless, pathetic girl was a threat to everything she had.
Rumplestiltskin was blind to this. The girl seemed harmless to him and he would never allow her to die. Perhaps she could find a way to kill the girl on her own, but he would never forgive her for destroying his favorite toy. No, he would have to agree to this. He would have to be the one to see that the girl was dangerous.
Cora knew the answer did not lie weeping in the dungeons. The father would know but Rumplestiltskin had sworn to protect the girl's family and friends. He would see torturing Lord Maurice as a breech of that contract and likely do something foolish like let the girl go in recompense. No, she would have to find someone else, someone the girl cared little for but would know about her fairy godmother and her gifts. Most everyone in that war room had been a knight, except for one. The handsome betrothed of Maurice's daughter. Yes, perhaps he would know something about his former fiancée.
Her first impression of the man was that he was an empty-headed brute. What sort of man brought an ordinary sword to a magic-fight? She'd seen the way the girl had looked at him. He was hardly her choice for a husband, certainly he wasn't the one she missed when she sobbed for home. He was sharpening his sword with a whetstone in his rooms. Heads of deer, bears, wolves and other predators were the primary decoration. He even had a bear rug on the floor. Yes, he was a brute and conceited one at that.
Still, he was very handsome, well built with a muscular frame and tall body. No doubt he had many girls giggling and panting after him. Perhaps that was what made him so possessive of Belle. She was not the type to cater to his ego. Yes, the spark of a challenge had surely made him all the more eager to claim her as his own. He would have wanted to learn everything about her in that case. Excellent.
"Hello," she cooed softly, releasing the glamour spell that had kept her invisible. Gaston hefted his sword and pointed it straight at her.
"How did you come here?" he barked, his grip on the sword tight. His body was tense, prepared for battle, but his eyes told a different story. She had changed before leaving the castle. Now she was clad in a dark red silk gown. It had no petticoats or corset, just a tight bodice that barely contained her breasts. The sleeves were nothing but gauzy strips of fabric that caressed her arms like a lover. When she stepped forward, she made sure the length of her leg was exposed by the slit in her skirt. Oh he didn't trust her, but he definitely wanted a taste of what he saw.
"Magic, of course," she said. She pressed one finger to the tip of his sword. "I wanted to see you."
"Why?"
She lets out a sultry little laugh, one she'd perfected while seducing prey farm more wily than him. She drags one finger slowly down the flat of his blade. "I saw the way your fiancée looked at you, Sir Gaston."
"You took Belle away from me."
"My husband did," she said as her hand inched closer and closer to his, "I would have rather taken someone of more worth, someone braver, stronger, someone more…virile." She whispered the last word as she reaches the end of the blade.
His sword has slackened in his grip while his eyes had a difficult time remaining on her face. "You're fiancée never appreciated you," she cooed, trailing her fingers up his arm. His sword fell away, giving her the room she needed to straddle his knees.
"No," he admitted, leaning into her touch as she combed his fingers through is dark hair, "Belle was always reading. She never liked to hunt or listen to my stories of battle."
"I will," Cora whispered into his ear, daring to nip at the lobe slightly. "I'll listen to every word you have to say."
One kiss sealed his fate. She needed no spells or charms to get his blood boiling towards his prick, he was as eager as a bull out to stud. He probably had been panting after his little fiancée for months, not that the virgin girl had noticed. He nearly ripped the dress from her body in his anxious desire to have her, not that the damage couldn't be repaired with magic. The knight showed little knowledge of the woman's pleasures. Clearly the few times he'd ventured into sex had been with woman who took his coins and let him believe he was a god between the sheets. They hadn't even broken a sweat before he had found his peak and left her not even with a taste of pleasure.
Still she sighed and stretched like he'd given her the moon and stars. Now that he was sated, he would tell her anything she desired. "That fiancée of yours was a fool to turn you down."
"I couldn't agree more." He smiled that smug smile every man has once he's tried out his prick.
"I can't imagine what you ever saw in her to begin with."
"She is quite beautiful."
"I suppose," Cora shrugged. "Was that gifted to her by her fairy godmother?"
"You know about that?" Gaston asked, blinking at her with curious eyes.
Cora smiled. Ah, so he did know about the fairy godmother. Excellent. "Oh yes. How did you know?"
"Lord Maurice told me of her fairy godmother when we were formally betrothed."
"Oh he did? And what did he say she was blessed with? Courage? Beauty? Magic?"
Gaston just grinned and kissed her again. "I don't know. He wouldn't tell me."
One of his hands was wandering down to her breasts again, no doubt to give them another pawing. Cora gently pushed him back, laughing as if she was merely teasing. "He wouldn't say? Why ever not?"
"I never asked. It was of no importance to me."
Cora almost slapped him for that. The pompous idiot. How could he not care about such a thing like that? He was leaving sticky kisses on her neck. She could feel how eager he was for round two on her thigh. "But surely, you must know something about this fairy godmother?"
"Well, there was one thing, but it was a rumor really."
"Oh," she blinked at him as innocent as a blushing maiden, "And what is that?"
"Just that the fairy godmother made some sort of prophecy at her birth." Gaston crouched over her as he thought on it. His brain must have been the size of a walnut with all of that thinking it took.
"Yes?" she asked. Really, was it that hard to remember one little detail?
"Oh that's right," he said at last, "It was that her love would shatter the darkness and bring the man she gave her heart to everything he desired most."
Cora sank back into the pillows. "That's all?"
"I think so."
What a ridiculous prophecy. Shatter darkness indeed. As if the girl could find a man to love while trapped in their castle. The Blue Fairy may have given her a gift, but not one that would help her ward to defeat the Dark One. That is if Gaston's words were to be believed. Clearly this man was an utter buffoon.
"Now," he said with an eager grin, "Where were we?"
"Finished, I'm afraid," she said and shoved him away. A bit of magic and she was fully clothed once again. Really, this had all been an utter waste of time.
"Come on, can't we just—." Gaston's hopes were dashed when she snapped her fingers. His naked body disappeared in a puff of violet smoke. The knight was gone. In his place was small grey mouse scurrying in terror amongst the ruffled blankets and sheets.
"Pesky little thing," she said and snagged the mouse by its tail. Another wave of magic took her away from Gaston's chambers and to her home-away-from-home. Years ago, she had created a place of her own where she could perfect her potions and curses. Rumplestiltskin had let her share his laboratory before, but he'd tired of her plans for revenge against all of the nobles who'd wronged her. Now she worked on her own to bring down those who had dared to make her kneel before them, who'd thought her worthless and not even good enough to clean their shoes.
It was a vault buried deep within the earth hidden inside the royal cemetery. King Leopold and his queen, the foolish Eva who'd been her favorite kill, were sharing a tomb not far from her lair. She had drawers and drawers of hearts here. Rumple liked to make straw into gold, she preferred collecting the hearts of those who crossed her. Some she left alive to control, others were the preserved remains she liked to keep to remind her of how far she'd come.
She had many poisons, charms and spells she used to get what she wanted. Her favorite was in a glass cage on a table. The Agrabahn Viper lay coiled inside. The twin heads snapped up once they spotted her. They hissed and snapped their jaws together. She smiled at them and clucked her tongue.
"My darling," she said sweetly, "I brought you a little snack."
The knight-turned-mouse squeaked in terror as she dangled him just above the cage. Honestly, he should have been honored. This was the same viper that had killed King Leopold. She released the mouse's tail and he dropped into the cage. He didn't have time to run. One head latched onto his neck, the other bit into his back. They both tugged at the same time. There was the satisfying sound as tiny bones crunched and paper-thin flesh ripped, then the mouse was torn completely in two.
"Good boy," she cooed. The viper swallowed the remains of Gaston while she occupied herself with her plans. Seducing Belle's betrothed had brought her nothing but tedious sex. Rumplestiltskin was probably right and she had some useless gift that would not help her in the long run. Cora had bigger things to deal with than some pathetic servant girl. She still had to capture Snow White and destroy Eva's legacy completely. As for this prophecy, there was nothing to fear of it. She would find no man in the Dark Castle to love.
It was late in the evening when Rumplestiltskin finally let the wheel stop turning. He would have gone on longer, but he was out of straw and decided he was done for the day. The spinning had worked to soothe his nerves. Instead, he rung the bell for some tea. He hadn't seen the girl since that morning, she'd hidden herself well.
Belle arrived carrying the tea service. He noticed that her eyes were red and swollen, but she her spine was rigid now. In fact, she made a point of refusing to look him in the eye. "Put it on the table, dearie."
He watched as she stomped into the room, never so much as glancing in his direction. She slammed the tray onto the table. It's porcelain contents rattled and the top of the sugar bowl fell off, but she didn't replace it. She took two steps back and locked her hands behind her. "Is there anything else you require?" Her words dripped with contempt.
"Oooh," he crooned, stepping away from his wheel, "You are in a temper. At last, I was beginning to think you didn't know how to be angry, dearie."
"I can't imagine what you mean." Her blue eyes, though ringed with red, glittered at him. "Why would I be angry with you? I am just your meek little servant. No, I'm just your little pet!"
"Ah, you are piqued," he surmised. He walked around the table to stand before her. "Well, go on, dearie. Let it out. I want to see you furious." What lovely fun!"
Belle glared at him, placing both hands on her hips. "Just because I agreed to be your servant doesn't mean I'm not a person. I'll perform whatever task you ask of me, I'll demean myself in anyway you see fit, but do not expect me to pretend to be happy here. I gave up my freedom for my people. Maybe I don't have magic, but I like to think I have honor and perhaps even some courage. You could have had to decency to let me keep some part of my dignity. Even the lowest of nobles would allow their servants to have that at least."
She whirled on her heels no doubt to storm back to her dungeon. He couldn't help but clap his hands in delight at her speech. "There she is!" he crowed with a flourish of his hands. Belle turned back around to face him with a suspicious look. "There's the girl I saw in that war room."
He smiled at her, pointing one finger in her direction as he dared to step closer. "I knew you had spirit in there. I'm quite happy to see it hasn't gone entirely."
"Why? Are you looking forward to breaking me?" she hissed. Her blue eyes sparkled when she was angry and her chest heaved with every breath she took. Who knew fury could make an already beautiful girl even more desirable? If he wasn't the Dark One he would be as randy for her as a young stable boy.
"I won't be broken so easily as you think," she continued. She actually strode towards him to snap each word into his face. "I may not argue at every order you are viperous wife give me. I may not give into petty acts of rebellion like you would expect, but know that I still have my pride. I still have my spirit as you so enjoy calling. I will not be defeated by you or her!"
He grinned at her and leaned forwards just a little, catching the faint whiff of her scent. It was like roses and fresh vanilla. "I hope not, dearie."
She blinked at him, the suspicion still in her eyes but confusion mingling there as well. "I beg your pardon?"
"I'm counting on you being as feisty as you are now for as long as I'll keep you. It will be so much more interesting this way."
"You mean…you're not trying to break me?" she questioned, still sounding skeptical.
"Cora most certainly is, but I think you're up for the challenge," he said.
"Then why did you let her put this on me?" She pointed to the enchanted collar locked around her throat.
"If it will soothe her mind to keep you chained to this castle, then I'll allow it," he explained, "but I dealed for you, not her. I will hold on to the key and if I decide to free you from it, then I shall."
"Will you do it?" she asked, "Will you release me?"
"I didn't say I would, dearie, just that I could. I rather like how it's brought out your temper like this. Perhaps I'll add matching cuffs."
"Don't you dare!"
He couldn't help but laugh. My, she was marvelous when she was enraged. He should toy with her more often if it brought out this side to her. He was glad that she would shout at him, glad that she showed him no fear. He wasn't entirely sure why he didn't want her to cower at the sight of him, but this was the most fun he'd had in years.
"I dare because you belong to me," he reminded her, "I can do what I like to you." He circled her as he spoke. "I can torture you with many different instruments. I can take away your youth and beauty." He dropped his voice to whisper, "I can strip of your clothes with a thought." He loved the gasp she made and the way she covered herself with her arms as if to shield her dress from his magic. Rumplestiltskin laughed in delight. Oh yes, this was exactly what he'd needed.
"You won't," she said firmly.
"Really, dearie? What makes you so certain?"
Belle squared her shoulders and stared at him with the same look a brave knight has before going into battle. "Because there is good in you."
He let out his shrill giggle. "I'm the Dark One. There is nothing good in me."
"Well I say there is."
"Then you are a fool."
Belle lifted her chin in defiance. "You could have killed me when you found out the Blue Fairy was my fairy godmother."
"Well I would have, but we made a deal that you would live here in exchange for your family's life. I never break my word."
"Exactly." Now it was his turn to stare at her queerly. "You have honor," she said, "A truly dark person wouldn't care if his word was good or not. He would only seek what he desires, but you keep your word. That must mean there is some good in you somewhere."
"Oh?" he questioned, leaning forward so their noses almost brushed together, "And what do you intend to do if you find some, hmm?"
She didn't say anything. Her mouth opened just a little and she gazed at him with those lovely blue eyes. There was a spark of something deep inside of his chest, a tiny prick of some emotion he couldn't put a name to. He didn't take the time to ponder it. "Well, good luck finding it, dearie."
He stepped away from her, striding back towards the table. "You won't kill me," Belle said.
"You're not worth the trouble," he said in reply.
"And Cora? You let her trap me here to satisfy her, would you let her kill me as well?"
He turned back around. She locked her eyes on him, but he saw no fear there. She was a brave little thing, he had to admit that. "You will come to no harm as long as you are mine," he said, "Satisfied, dearie?"
"Yes," she said.
"Good, now haven't you some cleaning to do?"
She nodded once and he heard her steps heading towards the door. They stopped suddenly and he heard her gasp. This wasn't the sharp intake of breath from fear, but the sound of pure delight. He turned around and saw she had stopped at the table beside the wingback chair. Her small hands reached out towards the leather-bound book he'd been reading earlier this morning.
"The Knight's Folly," she said with a breath of wonder, "And in such beautiful condition."
A book? She was enraptured entirely by a book? Weren't girls like her supposed to love jewels and silks? He thought she would have panted at the sight of his gold, but no it was his book that made her forget where she was.
"You read?" he asked in astonishment.
"Of course. Books are my favorite thing in all of the world."
He didn't bother to hide his surprise. Cora had sneered at the book before, but it was one of his favorites. Obviously Belle was well aware of it's well crafted plot and vivid characters. "Take it," he said without even knowing why.
"What?" she asked as if she couldn't believe him, but already her hands were lovingly wrapped around the book.
"Take it," he said again, "It's nice to finally have someone here who can appreciate the written word."
Belle looked down at the perfectly engraved leather, tracing the letters with her fingers. She smiled when she looked back at him. "Thank you, master."
He frowned and shook his head at her. "Don't call me that. You're not some sheep dog I whistle at to heed my call, I have a name. Use it."
Belle's smile bloomed even more and she nodded. "Thank you, Rumplestiltskin."
The way she said his name sent a shiver down his spine. There was the odd cramping feeling in his chest again. He didn't know what it was but he was sure he didn't life it. "Off with you," he waved in her direction.
She tucked the book close to her chest and walked out the room, this time with lighter steps. He stared at the space she had occupied, toying with his fingers. Why had he given her that book? It wasn't like him to be charitable. And why would she think there was good in him? He knew she was a brave girl but he hadn't thought her insane.
He went to the tea set and looked at the cups she'd brought. It was the same white and blue porcelain set she'd brought her first night here. Two of the cups were whole, but the third was still chipped. He could fix that with a bit of magic easily enough. Rumplestiltskin stared at it for a long moment and then picked it up to hold it in his hand.
No, he wouldn't fix it. He'd keep it the way it was. He poured himself a cup of tea in that cup and sipped at it quietly while staring at the door. He wasn't sure why he didn't take to his chair or even his wheel. Instead he stood there and waited…waited for her to return.
A/N: Any guesses on what Belle's gift is? It certainly isn't beauty, I'll tell you that. Please tell me what you think
Next chapter: A legendary thief breaks into the Dark Castle and Belle sets him free. Cora thrills in her husband's fury at the girl, but makes an error that has him lashing out at her. Belle is persistent in her belief that there is good in Rumplestiltskin and he finally begins to see he may be more attracted to her than he first thought.