The Princess and The Pauper Chapter 3
Warning: Some characters may seem out of character especially the Charmings! Please keep in mind that this is an Alternate Universe. I hope you enjoy!
It had been only a few days since her fateful encounter with the Dark One, yet Edalene couldn't help the tingle that washed over her every time she thought about it. She hadn't bothered to speak about it with her parents – not wanting to worry them so close to the event, she had also made Killian swear that he wouldn't breath a word of what had happened and the young prince had agreed; not wanting to lose his balls, which Edalene had sworn she would have cut off if he told anyone. It was finally the day of the ball and Edalene couldn't help but feel remarkably nervous at the thought - she was now eighteen and like most eighteen year old she should have been in charge of her faith; but she wasn't like most eighteen year olds.
"You have to start getting ready Edalene." Sarah said kindly as she walked into the bedroom. Her young maid was holding on to a gorgeous floor length gold gown, with white edges around the hem and along the sleeves. "This is from your parents and they are hoping you are going to wear it tonight."
"Of course I'm going to wear it, it's beautiful." Edalene smiled widely as she walked towards the maid – grabbing the gown she walked towards the floor length mirror and stood tall in front of it, holding the silky material close to her body. "I love it." Her parents had always had the best taste in clothing - especially Snow, who always sported the latest trends.
"We should get you washed up – how about I get a bath running for you?" Edalene nodded, still smiling at herself in glass. She carefully walked over towards the big canopy bed in the middle of the room and laid the gown atop the smooth covers before walking back towards her vanity. "Now where did you get this?" Sarah asked quietly as she walked over to where Edalene was sitting – her eyes focused on the charm bracelet, which hung loosely from the princess's wrist.
"I got it at the town market a few days ago when I went on a stroll with Killian." Edalene retold the tale of their encounter with the Dark One and of the charming young girl who had gifted the bracelet in the first place. "It's weird cause the way he looked at me was like if he knew me – and he called me Emma." Edalene gazed up quizzically at Sarah who only shook her head. "I don't know milady – perhaps you reminded him of someone." Sarah mumbled as she grabbed the brush from the vanity and slowly started to comb the young princesses hair.
"Did you know he has a daughter?" Sarah shook her head as she focused on the girl's hair – making sure to get all the tangles and knots out. "Killian was a real gentleman however." Sarah giggled softly. "I don't think I can marry him Sarah, but I don't really have a choice in the matter do I?" Edalene looked down at her lap, where her hand fumbled with the crown pendant that dangled in mid air.
"It'll be ok. Don't worry – and think about it, it could be a lot worse right?" Edalene forced a smile as she looked at Sarah through the mirror. The young maid had a point, it could have been much worse. Killian was fairly attractive yes, and he was a charmer that's for sure, however, Edalene didn't feel one ounce of attraction towards the prince. "Smile a bit, it's your birthday – and over one hundred people are coming here tonight to celebrate it, just don't forget that." Edalene nodded, not saying a word as Sarah continued running the brush through the golden tresses. "Now how about that bath?"
"Can we go now? See I'm all ready." Emma said excitedly as she twirled around the spinning room – her blue and white robe flying in the wind. Rumple sat at the spinning wheel, his nimble fingers working the rough straw that turned gold; a pool of gold at his feet.
"Gimme a few minutes darling, don't forget we must also wait for Belle." Emma sighed deeply as she hauled herself up on the large table in the center of the room. The large doors to the room opened and both father and daughter looked upon the new arrival - both smiling warmly at Belle who came in holding a tray of tea.
"We can have our afternoon tea and then we may depart. Does that sound good?" Rumple winked at Belle behind Emma's back as he gracefully stood from his seat next to the spinning wheel.
"Sounds like a plan to me my darling Belle. I also have to give you your gift don't I?" He said looking at Emma who smiled widely as she slide off the table, she clapped her hands excitedly as a beautifully wrapped box materialized in Rumple's open palm. "Happy birthday sweetheart." Emma quickly snatched the little black box from his hand and quickly unwrapped it. She gasped as she looked down upon the beautiful charm bracelet that lay in the box - the spinning wheel charm gleaming brightly in the light.
"It's beautiful Papa." Emma said quietly as she admired the bracelet. Extending her arm forward she allowed Rumple to carefully tie the bracelet around her wrist. "I love it." She skipped over to him and wrapped her arms tightly around his waist – resting her head against his chest. "Thank you Papa." Leaning down Rumple placed a soft kiss on Emma's forehead.
"It's no problem sweetheart." The two pulled back from the hug and Rumple gave Belle a knowing look – which caused the young brunette to promptly start pouring tea in the cups. Emma was too preoccupied by the bracelet that hung from her wrist to notice Rumple carefully empty a small vile into one of the cups. Grabbing the said cup, Belle handed it it to girl carefully.
"Here drink up, then we shall make our way out." Emma quickly started slurping at the scorching drink, groaning slightly at the liquid burnt her tongue. "Hot, too hot." She placed the cup back down on the table as she started looking between her papa and the maid – who kept giving each other these looks. "So where are we going!" Emma asked excitedly, causing the two adults to chuckle.
"We are going to go on a little trip to a nearby village, I must go make a deal with this fellow who lives there – which will give you and Belle some time to shop around the little market." Two small leather pouches appeared in his hands. "I'm giving you both a bit of money if you guys see anything you want." Belle shook her head at his extended hand.
"Oh Rumple, I can't this, this is too much." Belle stammered as Rumple placed the pouch in her hands. She ran her finger carefully over the smooth material – the pouch was pretty heavy; a clear sign that there was plenty of money.
"Think of it as payment for being by maid." Belle smiled widely as she pocketed the leather pouch, tapping her hand over her pocket.
"Well thank you. I really appreciate it."
"Thank you Papa!" Emma said as she in turn grabbed the pouch from her fathers extended hand.
"Now finish your tea and we shall be off!" Emma quickly downed down the rest of the tea.
"I'm ready!"
Rumple stood between his girls, allowing each to grab on to his arms and with a poof the trio disappeared in the usual cloud of purple smoke.
"I just need a bit of fresh air, that's all Mama. I won't take too long – only an hour or so." Snow gave her daughter a quick smile before turning back towards the cooks; who were all bustling away preparing the banquet for the night's events. "I think the Jones have just arrived, so why don't you take Killian with you – it would make me feel a lot more at ease, alright sweetheart?" Edalene nodded curtly before exiting the crowded kitchen.
"Hello princess, and a very happy birthday to you." Killian said with a smile as he brought the princesses hand to his lips – kissing her soft skin. "Now where are you heading on a day like this?"
"I'm heading out into town for a bit – you can join me if you'd like." Killian's smile grew wide at her words and without a moment's reflection he had taken a hold of her hand and was dragging her out of the palace.
"Are you excited for the ball tonight?" Killian asked as the two made their way out of the castle grounds and slowly started walking towards the town.
"I guess, I mean I'll get to see some of my good friends from the other realms, but apart from that, I could go without it."
"You're not big on balls and celebrations are you?" Killian said teasingly as he smiled down at the young princess, who pulled her tongue out. "Such manners. What would your papa think?" Edalene scoffed loudly as she rolled her eyes.
"Well my papa isn't here right now. Is he? I wanted to come on this stroll to get my mind off: the ball, my parents and especially our wedding." Killian laughed quietly.
"I don't see why you're not into the idea of us getting married. I mean, is it because I'm ugly or something? It's the beard isn't it, I knew it was the beard." Edalene giggled at the prince's antics, as he quickly started running his hands over his face.
"It's not you Killian – you are raggedly handsome you've got nothing to worry on that part. I just don't find it fair that my parents are imposing this on me, considering what they went through to be together – it makes no sense." Edalene sighed as the two finally arrived in the town. "But anyways, I really want to go check out the charms from that stall we saw yesterday – come on." With that Edalene grabbed Killian's hand and quickly pulled him through the market – smiling at the people that surrounded her. There were two women already at the stall – one had long brown locks and wore a green silky cap over her white gown. The other woman had long blond cascading locks; that strangely reminded her of her own hair. The blond girl sported one of the similar charm bracelets on her wrist – with a dangling spinning wheel charm attached to it. Edalene gasped quietly – this was her the, Dark One's daughter.
"Oh a bookstore! Do you mind if I go check it out Emma?" The young girl – Emma nodded quickly as she still admired the bracelets.
"No problem, go ahead I'll just stick around here." The brunette nodded before skipping towards the bookstore. Turning around Edalene noticed that she had lost Killian amongst the crowd of people. She carefully made her way towards the blond and pretended to admire the gleaming jewelry – gasping softly as she noticed the girls face; who somehow was identical to her own. Their features were the same: the soft pinkish lips, the perfectly shaped nose and even the same luscious green eyes. Both girls stared at one another – their mouths wide open.
"Who are you?" Emma asked as she backed away from the young princess.
"I could ask you the same thing!" Who could possibly live in this land and not know who she was – this girl apparently. She was the princess after all and everyone knew who she was; mostly everyone anyways. "Well I know who you are – you're the Dark One's daughter aren't you."
Emma cowered back in far at the princess's harsh advancements. "How the hell do you know that?" Emma retorted – with just as much force.
"Is there a problem here princess?" The two girls turned around to face Killian who looked at Edalene – worry etched on his handsome face. However, his face didn't change as he looked towards Emma, he simply smiled politely at the girl. "And who might this lovely girl be?" He questioned as he kissed the back of Emma's hand – causing the girl to blush furiously. With a slap of the wrist, Edalene swatted the young prince on the back of the head; causing many of the shoppers to turn their heads towards the scene. "What the bloody hell was that for?" Killian asked loudly as he looked back towards Edalene.
"Are you kidding me right now? Do you not see the shocking resemblance between us? Actually no. Can you not see that we are completely identical?" Killian looked at her, his sharp brow rose curiously as he looked between both girls.
"What in gods name are you talking about? Are you feeling sick sweetheart?" Killian carefully brought his hand to the young princess's forehead – as to check for some sign of illness.
"Don't you dare sweetheart me Killian Jones! Can you honestly not see it?" Edalene said as she pushed his hand away, turning her attention back to Emma – who didn't mutter a word as she looked at the pair.
"Darling, you have beautiful golden colored hair, while this lovely lady has the most fiery red hair I've ever seen." Emma frowned at his words as she looked down at her hair – it was blond; it had always been blond. What the hell was this idiot babbling about?
"Emma!" Emma quickly turned around – noticing Belle running towards her at full speed. "Are you ok? I heard commotion going on?" Belle gasped as she looked towards the princess. "Uh we should go, your… just come." Grabbing Emma's arm she quickly pulled the blond away much to Edalene's dismay.
"Belle what's wrong?" Emma asked as Belle pulled her towards the forest – shielding them from the shoppers.
"Rumple! Rumple you can come now!" Belle said loudly in the air – ignoring Emma completely. "Rumplestiltskin!" A cloud of purple smoke appeared in front of the two and Rumple stepped out of the cloud – looking distraught and worried.
"What happened?" He said as wrapped his arms around the two girls.
"Just take us home." Belle gave him this look with her eyes and Rumple nodded in agreement.
"What do you mean? Already? We've barely been here an hour!" Emma started to complain but it did nothing as they were whisked back to the Dark Castle.
"Go to your room Emma." Rumple demanded as they appeared in the foyer.
"But Papa."
"I said now Emma." Rumple stated, not looking at her but rather at Belle - waiting to hear what had happened. Emma slowly trudged out of the room, her head bowed down as tears rolled down her cheeks.
"What happened?" Belle sighed as she looked at Rumple – her eyes flaring in anger.
"When you made the potion did it ever occur to you that we might meet the queen or the king or maybe the princess? Apparently it didn't cause the princess saw through the glamour potion." Belle said quietly as she punched his shoulder. "You're supposed to be the Dark One, you're suppose to think of these things!" Rumple closed his eyes in shame as he sat down on the plush navy blue couch.
"What did Emma say?" He asked, his shoulder shaking in anger.
"She didn't have time to say anything, I managed to take her away before she had the chance." Belle said as she sat down next to him on the couch.
"I messed up Belle, I messed up royally. I'm gonna lose her." He muttered as his breathing started to become shallow and deep. "I can't lose her, Belle, if I lose her it'll be like losing Bae all over again." Belle's heart broke as she listened to him. He had lost so much during over three hundred years of his life. It had taken quite a toll on him when he had lost his son - Bae. However the pain had started long before that, he had told her that much. She knew something had happened to his wife, leaving him alone to raise their son – what had happened, she had never been told.
"You're not going to lose her Rumple. Emma loves you more then anything and to be honest, deep down I think she may already know the truth. But I think that you've been such a huge part of her life that nothing is going to change the fact that you brought her up – you raised her to become the woman she is today." Rumple looked up at Belle – his amber eyes filled with tears. "You have to believe that."
Neither knew that behind the closed door Emma was listening very carefully – being extra careful to not accidentally step on the creaky floorboard. Belle was right – she could never hate her papa, no matter what he had done in the past. He was always going to be her papa – always. However, she needed to know the truth and somehow her encounter with the princess had caused some mysterious feelings to appear in the pit of her stomach – Emma was smart she knew what this was about; she was Princess Edalene's twin which also meant she was the daughter of Queen Snow and King David.
"You look beautiful darling." Snow muttered in Edalene's ear as mother and daughter stood out the doors that lead to the ballroom. Edalene frowned, not looking at Snow but rather at the bracelet around her wrist. "Something's troubling you I can always tell."
"Mama, I have a question for you."
"You can ask me anything sweetheart." Snow said as she smiled down at Edalene.
"Did you papa ever have any other kids?" Snow stiffened a frown forming on her face.
"That's ridiculous honey, why… why are you asking me this?" Snow asked curiously – her voice shaky.
"It was just a question, nothing more." Edalene forced a smile as she looked at Snow – immediately noticing the sad look that crossed her mothers face. "I'm ready now."
Snow flashed her daughter a smile before entering the ballroom. Edalene took a deep breath as she heard Snow announce her arrival.
"And here she finally is – Princess Edalene." The large double doors swung open and Edalene was quickly pulled inside the ballroom – the welcome faces of over a hundred greeted her. She smiled as she saw Killian along with her godmother Ruby and one of her closest childhood friend – Augustus, many of her mothers closest friends had also came for the occasion: Ariel and her husband Eric, along with their daughter Melody – with whom Edalene had grew quite close too as a child. "I hope you all have a fantastic evening." And with that the party started: the food magically appeared on the long banquet tables, the classical music echoed through the room and the guests started to chatter among themselves.
"Are you feeling better?" Killian asked worriedly as he made his way towards her. "You do look lovely by the way."
"I'm fine Killian, and I didn't dream it! That girl really looked like me." Killian sighed.
"If you say so." He said kissing her cheek softly.
"Edalene!" The princess turned around, smiling as she saw Melody and Augustus making their way towards her. "How have you been? And do tell who is this charming man?" Melody said giddily as the two girls embraced.
"Oh him? That's just Killian Jones." Killian scoffed as he grabbed Melody's hand – kissing it like he did with most ladies they met.
"Just Killian Jones huh? We are actually getting married." Melody squealed loudly as she pulled Edalene in another embrace.
"You didn't tell me you were getting married!" Edalene rolled her eyes at her friend as she ushered Killian away.
"Please, you know me, getting married is the least of my concerns." Edalene said as she pulled Augustus in a hug – clearly very happy to see the young man. Everybody else knew him as Pinocchio however when they had been young both Edalene and Melody had decided the name was quite ridiculous and the two had come up with the nickname. "I missed you both so much, it's been too long."
"I agree! But here we are now and we are going to have a blast!" Edalene smiled at her two closest friends as they made their way towards the banquet tables. Edalene's stomach growled in hunger and her head pondered the desperate question she had no clue the answer too – who really was this Emma girl.
"What's wrong love?" Charming asked as he kissed Snow's wife lovingly – who munched furiously on a piece of bread as she looked at their daughter who stood in the middle of the dance floor laughing with her two friends.
"I think she knows. Knows about Emma." Charming took a deep breath as he looked at Snow who still munched on the bread in a very unladylike manner. "She asked whether or not we ever had other kids, which is a weird thing for her say – especially on this day. I mean Rumplestiltskin has always been very secretive of her, never allowing her out of the castle, how could she possibly know?" Over the years, the Charmings had made sure to keep an eye out for Emma. Even though it hadn't been part of the deal made with the Dark One, they both needed to be reassured. They would occasionally send people from the castle to the Dark Castle in hopes of getting a glimpse of the young blond. Considering they both had no right to approach her that was the only way to go.
"I don't know darling. Maybe she just got curious you never know. I was informed however of the Dark One making his way in the market a few days ago – but since then there's been nothing of the sorts." Snow sighed as she wrapped her arms around her husband – placing her head against his chest.
"I guess you're right." With that the Charming's walked back towards the crowd of people – both completely unaware of the mysterious figure that had been listening closely to their every word.
Well here was the long awaited third chapter and I do hope you guys enjoyed it! I want to thank the following people for reviewing: Violetrose9, Guest, Guest, Juicytubegirl, charmiaj, Ferro Ignique, Guest, Guest, YveMarieFan, and finally another Guest. Also thank you to everyone who added this to their favorites and or who followed this story I'm super happy with the response I'm getting. Talking about that I have noticed that a lot of you are still feeling weird when it comes to the arranged marriage and I will repeat once again and make it clear at the start of every chapter that especially the Charmings can be out of character! I also got a few questions in regards to is it going to be Emma x Killian or Edalene x Killian and that is going to be answered eventually I don't want to spoil it for people! And finally yes more will be learnt about Rumple's background! We learn a bit in this chapter but much later it will be explained. Now thank you for reading and I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!