Disclaimer: Well, folks, If I'd own any of the OUaT or IC characters, I would most certainly not be taking them out for show, risking them to be taken by all of you here! Muahahaha... Meow!

Candle in the Dark

Chapter Three

Sapphira

Her father and Rumplestiltskin walked out of the room, leaving Sapphira being left alone with Durza. Again. Since the unpleasant event in the morning, they didn't speak to each other. An unconfortable silence fell between them.

'So, you're going with him, then.'

Honourable attempt to break the silence, Durza, but not helping much.

'Yes.' She answered curtly, stating she hadn't forgive him for saying those unpleasant words which, even though she did not want to admit, had upset her so much that she didn't have much mood even to sit in the balcony to read her favourite book.

'Strawberry, I was just telling the truth. I don't need friendship or love, nor can I ever have them.' Said the Shade, coming directly to the point. 'And yes, I don't trust you, can't afford having you spilling my faults to the king. So don't expect me to apologize.'

Poo! Since when did I need your apologies?

'Fine, save it. I'm losing patience, Durza, so why won't you just tell me what my father is up to so I'll let the incident pass?'

He chuckled coldly and mirthlessly. 'Been taking a leaf out of the Dark One's book, havn't you? Making a deal with me?! Have it your way and tell everyone how you try to soften me, failed, and got upset and cried. I'm really not interested in your game. What waste, such a pure-hearted girl turned bad, playing games with the wrong person.'

'I am NOT bad!' She regretted bursting out like this, seeing the Shade's clearly amused face,'Even if I am, it is your fault- you taught me, after all!'

'Then you learned from the wrong person. Now I seriously wish you are a sane princess who hates books and swords and magic, who enjoys playing dolls and falling in love with Prince Charming like that Snow fool...'

'Don't suggest that I'm insane! Anyways, what's good about being ordinary? Life will lose all the fun!'

Feeling that there wasn't much left to be said, Sapphira turned to leave.

Behind her, came the Shade's warning. 'Don't stick your nose into other people's business, princess.'

It was the last word that truly caught her attention. Their eyes met and for a moment she had a feeling that Durza was reading her thoughts. Throwing daggers at him with her own mind, she turned towards the door in satisfaction as the Shade winced ever so slightly.

'You watch your step now, princess. Don't get into trouble.' When she faced him, he already disappeared amist the black shadows he casted.

Sapphira just couldn't believe how quickly and how long the next day came. It was her chance to be free, for the first time in her life. Instead of being afraid of going with the Dark One, Sapphira had never felt a longing like this. Finally the time arrived, all she took with her were several books and her precious sword. Sundavar, she called it. Meaning: shadow.

Purple smoke! Rumplestiltskin appeared right in front his prize, grinning trimphantly. Her father was their too. 'Well, take care, daughter.'

'You too, father.'

He turned to Rumplestiltskin. 'Keep her safe, will you?'

'I will. Now no time to delay, dearie, I don't want the afternoon tea to get cold.' He smiled impishly.

To her own surprise, she giggled at his not-too-funny words. Suddenly he grabbed her waist.

'We are going, dearie.' And then purple smoke, and her home was gone.

Whatever Sapphira was expecting, it was not this: a castle twice as luxurious as her home! Only a bit dusty, but it seemed that someone had tried very hard to clean it only recently. They must be in the dining room, for ahead of them stood several royal chairs around a beutifully-carve-

d table, on which there was an elegant tablecloth. Oh yes, this must be the 'tea time' Rumplestiltskin was referring to.

'Like your new home?' A voice from behind her.

'Yeah. It's a bit roomy for only one person, isn't it?'

Laughter. 'Not one person anymore, dearie, now we've got three!'

'You mean there is another one 'ere?' She was surprised as she automatically looked around.

'You won't find her like this, she is finishing her chores, I think.'

'So she is your- am I your servant as well?' Sapphira felt a bit irrated. She hated to be governed by someone else.

'She is my caretaker of the castle, but you're not. Our deal is that you can help me with my deals and...other business. But not as a servant.'

Her mood lighted up considerably. 'Alright! Err, just one more thing, can I call you something else, like, a nickname, for your name is a mouthful.'

Rum would be nice but, no, I don't like the sound of it. Rumple? It's good enough!

Seeing that he did not object, she smiled brightly. 'Can I call you Rumple?'

Sapphira almost laughed at the shock on his face. 'Girls are weird.' He mumbled to himself.

Then without warning, a most beautiful girl entered the door with a set of tea. Her azure eyes widened at the sight of Sapphira. Then she opened her mouth.

'Nice to meet you, my name is Belle.'

,,,。。。。。。。。。。。。。,,,

So, there you go, dearies, the beginning of Rumbelle in my fic! Hope it's not too bad. Will try to get Durpphira moving! You know me, dearies, I always keep my word! (Did I say it before?) Reviews are blessed as always!