Chapter Four - Plans
Belle sat in Lizzie and Jefferson's bedroom, alone for the first time in days, as she dressed for the Ball. Lizzie had done her hair earlier in a simple upswept style with soft tendrils curling around her face and neck. Belle had forgotten how low cut the dress was, and the curls of hair tickled her shoulders and the back of her neck. With her hair up, the dress seemed more revealing than ever. So be it, she thought. The tight bodice emphasized her tiny waist, which was even tinier since leaving the Dark Castle. Gold satin slippers completed her outfit. She wore no jewelry except her mother's wedding ring, as always. As she twisted the ring, she thought of her mother, hoping she would be proud of her adventurous daughter. She thought of Rumple and squared her shoulders proudly, knowing that she risked everything on this one night. So be it.
Jefferson had hired a carriage for this special event, and it was waiting as Belle emerged from the bedroom. Lizzie and Jefferson nodded approvingly at her appearance. "You're sure?" Lizzie asked.
"I'm as sure as I'll ever be," Belle replied.
"Remember the one thing you need to do is to..."
"...stay away from Regina. I know, Jefferson. Thank you." Belle's smile brought a glow to her face and her friends knew she was brave enough for all three of them, on this magical night.
As their carriage drew up to the palace courtyard, they could see scores of other carriages along with many people they recognized from the kingdom. Jefferson especially was well acquainted with a variety of individuals, but he stayed near his wife and Belle.
"Let me go in first," Jefferson suggested. "I can see if anyone else is here yet." The women agreed and they opted to remain in the carriage, hidden from view.
Jefferson returned quickly. "Regina hasn't made her entrance yet, but Rumplestiltskin is here." Belle took a deep breath, grabbed Lizzie's hand, and said, "Let's go."
Rumplestiltskin paced back and forth like a caged lion, waiting for Jefferson to arrive and for Regina to make her entrance. He had no patience for balls and was growing bored with this one. Seeing couples together, very much in love, had never bothered him before, but now... He was dreading a whole evening of this, deciding that he would not be dancing at this ball with anyone. He barely noticed the various couples and families making their entrances, as the guard, Claude, announced their names. He was tempted to make a few of them trip as they descended the majestic staircase. That would liven things up, he thought with a smirk.
No, he said to himself, as his something caught his eye at the top of the stairs. Not something, but someone. Someone who looked like Belle, his Belle, in that beautiful gold dress that appeared to be surgically applied to her body. She was even more lovely than he remembered, and his memory had been working overtime the past week. Belle paused at the top of the stairs and their eyes met. She looked at him and winked. He was done.
Rumple walked over to the stairs, waiting for Belle to descend. He never noticed Jefferson, Lizzie or anyone else nearby. His eyes never left hers, and he was imagining how to take her hand, how to kiss her hand, how to kiss her mouth...until she walked right past him, without even a greeting. At the doorway to the garden, she paused, turned around, gave him her brightest smile, and said, "Aren't you coming?" Jefferson and Lizzie were the only ones to notice him smile and slip quickly outside after her. Jefferson closed the door behind them and stood in front of it.
They were alone. No one had ventured outside yet, despite the warmth of the evening. Belle told herself to walk more slowly, but she didn't have to slow down. Within a few feet, Rumple had caught up to her and, placing his hands on her shoulders, turned her around to face him. He was caught off guard by her beauty, as always. Her brilliant blue eyes seemed to flash sparks as she struggled against his hands. However, he was not able or willing to let her go, and he held her at arm's distance, his hands still on her shoulders, while she struggled.
"Belle, stop wriggling!" Rumple looked like he didn't know what to do with his hands, now that he was touching her. Belle took pity on him, and grabbed his hands with her own, but instead of holding them, she placed them around her waist, threw her arms around his neck and kissed him with abandon. So be it, she thought again. He's not resisting, so I must be doing all right. She bit his lip and he moaned softly.
Rumple, lost in love and Belle's embrace, gave in to his own desires, unafraid of the consequences. He was shocked when Belle pulled back and looked at him, amused.
"What is it, dearie?" he asked, trying to remain casual and failing completely.
Belle smiled. "Rumple, we have to be smart about this. Look at me! I'm talking here."
"If you wanted me to look at your eyes, you probably should have chosen another gown, my dear."
Belle blushed and smiled again. She seemed unable to stop smiling, no matter how serious the situation was. She tried again.
"Listen to me. Please." Rumple smiled. He loved when she said that.
"I'm listening, Belle." He looked into her eyes. "You have my full attention." She allowed him a brief smirk before she continued.
"You are vulnerable, Rumple. No, not because of...this..." she stammered. Rumple smiled at her discomfort. "Regina knows about me, and she is evil. She'll use our love as a weapon to destroy you."
"Not if I destroy her first," Rumple sneered.
"Which you will not do, am I right?" Belle implored. "No violence, no death. There must be a better way."
"There is a way, but it will be difficult. We'll be separated."
"What? Separated? What good is that?"
"It requires bravery, Belle, which I know you possess. I have a plan, but it requires cunning. It's the only way I can keep you safe, while I do what I need to do to thwart Regina's plans."
"I'm not promising anything, but I'm listening." Belle spoke with hesitation, but her eyes were trusting.
"Regina will stop at nothing to increase her power. Decreasing my power at the same time would be an added bonus. So, we have to let her think she is winning, at least temporarily." Rumple knew his foe very well and, although it was difficult for him to admit that anyone's power was a threat to him, he did so now, so that Belle would see the seriousness of the situation.
"What is my role?" Belle asked.
"That depends, dearie. How good are your acting skills?"
Belle stuck out her tongue and tried to look offended. Rumple eyed her with approval. "I thought so."
As Rumple broached the plan, Belle saw the merit in it, despite her reluctance to again be separated from the man she loved, even for a short time. She asked to include Jefferson and Lizzie in the preparations, since they would be involved as well, if the plan was successful. After the four of them rehearsed every detail, they were ready to put the plan in motion. Sensing that Rumple and Belle wanted to be alone, Jefferson and Lizzie left quickly and closed the door, with Jefferson standing guard again.
"Belle..." Rumple began, "I don't know how to tell you this." Belle leaned forward, and placed her hands over his. This time he didn't wait for her to put her arms around him. He was way ahead of her, surprising her with his intensity as he drew her close, ran his fingers through her hair and kissed her until she was breathless. Belle took a step closer, even though they were practically occupying the same piece of ground. Rumple stepped back for a moment, looked questioningly at Belle, said, "What the hell!" and kissed her again.
"So far, so good," Rumple said quietly.
"Rumple, what is going on?" Belle asked.
"I'm experimenting, my dear. Holding tightly onto my magic only made it disappear more quickly when you and I kissed at the Dark Castle. If I'm willing to lose a little of it, I find that I can hold onto most of it for much longer, maybe indefinitely."
"Did you know that before?"
"Belle, darling, I've never wanted to kiss anyone other than you for a very long time. Can't you see I haven't had much practice with this kissing business? I had no idea how it would affect my curse."
Belle's eyes softened and she almost wept as she considered the life of loneliness Rumple had endured. Instead, she pouted and punched him lightly on the arm. "You seem fairly well practiced to me," she grumbled. Rumple grabbed her hand, kissed it and looked down before she could see him smile.
"What were you going to tell me, Rumple?"
Rumple looked embarrassed. "I can't dance."
Belle knew she should not laugh or even crack a smile. It was hard enough for Rumple to admit to any weakness, and she was fairly certain this would not be a good time to tease him. "Would you like me to teach you?" she asked gently.
"Good luck with that, dearie."
"Come on, Rumple, it'll be fun!" Her bright smile and enthusiasm won him over, and the kiss she gave him didn't hurt either.
"We'll start with the waltz," Belle began.
"Start?"
Belle rolled her eyes and began to count. "One, two, three, one, two, three."
"How am I going to learn how to waltz with all that counting going on?" Rumple was starting to show his usual temper, which only made him more frustrated.
Belle did not seem phased in the least. She calmly resumed counting, indicating that he was to join her. "One, two, three, one, two, three, one, two, three." After showing Rumple the basic waltz step, by doing it alongside him, she turned to face him, placing their hands in the appropriate waltz position. Belle seemed satisfied that he had learned the step well enough "alone" but Rumple grumbled under his breath, threw up his hands and said, "I can't do it yet."
"Stop being such a baby. You won't know until you try." The wink she gave him made him chuckle, in spite of himself, and he bowed to Belle, while she curtsied. When their eyes met, they each knew what the other was thinking, remembering a similar bow and curtsy in the Dark Castle, after Rumple had presented Belle with a rose, the first of many he would give her.
"Patient girl," Rumple whispered. Belle smiled and placed his hand on her back, took his other hand in hers and put her hand on his shoulder. They began to slowly waltz in a small circle, counting all the while. Gradually Belle increased the rhythm of the counting, until it approximated a standard waltz tempo. When they stopped, Rumple cackled with glee and clapped his hands.
Belle kissed him on the cheek and told him proudly, "We're ready." With that, she placed her arm though his, and they walked out into the main ballroom, as if they belonged together. Jefferson and Lizzie looked at each other in amazement as Rumple and Belle walked past them.
"Will this really work?" Lizzie asked her husband. "So much can go wrong. What if...?"
The ever-confident Jefferson stopped her with a kiss, quickly assuring his wife, "It will work. We will all have to make it work."
The musicians were setting up and tuning their instruments in one corner of the ballroom. Fairy Tale Land residents, decked out in their most elaborate gowns and suits, spoke to one another excitedly, wondering when Regina would make her entrance. Belle and Rumple stood alone, arms still linked, trying not to look at each other, and failing miserably.
"I don't think I've told you how lovely you look, my dear." Rumple gazed at the lovely Belle with hunger in his eyes.
Belle blushed and leaned close to tell him, "I love your gold suit, Rumple. You look very handsome." Rumple, aware that people's eyes were on them, gave her his customary wink and smirk, but his eyes were kind.
"Look at them, " Lizzie remarked. "I have never seen Belle look at any man like that. Nor have I ever been so worried for her safety."
"He loves her, Lizzie. True Love is the most powerful magic of all; Rumplestiltskin taught me that. He will keep her safe."
"What have you done with my husband?" Lizzie teased. Jefferson marveled at her beautiful smile and threw up his hands in surrender.
"I'm yours from this day forward," he said sincerely.
Lizzie stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. "I believe you, no matter what happens. Remember that."
Suddenly a trumpet fanfare sounded through the crowded ballroom, and Regina stood at the top of the stairs. She was dressed in black, as was her custom, and she swept gracefully down the staircase, her eyes scanning the crowd to take notice of who was there. When she spotted Rumple and Belle, her eyes narrowed and she seemed barely able to contain her rage. True to her character, she was able to mask her true feelings and intentions behind a brittle smile, and she continued her triumphant descent. What are they doing together? she said to herself, confused and angry at how her carefully conceived plan could have gone so awry. Regina gestured to the musicians to begin playing, and the room came to life with their beautiful music.
"Let the play begin," Rumple said with a flourish and he giggled dramatically. Belle nodded and they stepped out to join in the first waltz.
Rumple tried not to count out loud, but he was concentrating very hard, gripping Belle's waist and hands very tightly. "Relax, Rumple," Belle said. "You're doing beautifully." He looked into her eyes, saw the love and acceptance there, and knew that this plan had to work, because he was not going to be able to live without this beautiful angel in his life. As he gained confidence in his waltzing ability, he relaxed and enjoyed the feeling of Belle in his arms. He began to envision a life for the two of them, alone in their castle, their home, with no one to bother them. A tap on his shoulder snapped him out of his fantasy. It was Regina.
"May I?" she asked, the formality unnecessary, as no one would deny the Queen.
"Of course, Your Majesty," Belle answered with such humility that Regina missed the wink the two lovers exchanged. Belle stepped aside, leaving Rumple and Regina to their dance.
"I didn't know you could waltz, Rumple. How ever did you learn?"
"I have many skills about which you know nothing, Your Majesty." Rumple's words were innocent enough, but his tone was cutting to the point of drawing blood. Game on, he thought to himself.
The waltz mercifully ended quickly, and Regina led Rumple outside to the garden. "Why are you here?" she asked craftily.
"You are about to lose an employee, Regina."
"Oh, and who might that be?"
"Jefferson will now be working for me exclusively."
"Nonsense. I don't believe you."
As if by prearrangement, Jefferson appeared in the garden. "It's true, Regina. The Dark One has made me a very generous offer. My days of portal jumping are over."
"Oh really?" Regina sneered at the two conspirators. "Be careful, Jefferson. You tried to cross me once before. You're pushing your luck."
"Regina," Jefferson began, "I appreciate your thoughtful warning, but I know what I'm doing. I can put you in touch with another portal jumper, if you like."
"That won't be necessary." Regina spat the words out as she turned to face Rumple. "This is your doing, Rumple."
"Most things are, dearie. Most things are."
Regina looked into the ballroom where Belle was standing with Lizzie, sipping punch and laughing. Rumple noticed the object of her gaze, and said quietly, "Stay away from her, Regina."
"Or what, Rumple? You'll turn me into a snail? Don't be ridiculous. You can't threaten me"
As Regina approached Belle, Rumple had a moment of panic, fearing that the carefully crafted plan might backfire after all. The cost would be high, but he might be able to save her now if he called it off. But it was too late.
"Regina! Thank you so much for inviting me to this lovely ball." Belle's enthusiastic smile put Regina at ease. This was going to be easy, the Queen thought.
"Belle, you are so welcome. Please come over and sit with me for a while." Belle looked back at Lizzie, smiled, gave a little wave, and was gone.
Rumple practically collapsed outside in the garden, watching Belle leave with Regina, Regina's arm tightly around Belle's waist. He knew only too well what Belle would be facing.
"It's going well, don't you think?" Jefferson spoke bravely, if foolishly. Rumple sneered at him and walked away. This was going to be a long night.
Regina led Belle over to her table, the most prominent and best situated table in the room. They sat down and Regina gracefully summoned a waiter to bring them drinks.
Belle cautiously took a sip. "What is this drink, Regina? It's delicious!"
"It's an Appletini, my dear. Made from Honey Crisp apples from my very own tree...plus other ingredients of course." Belle told herself to sip slowly. She didn't want to lose her head tonight.
"It seems as if things are going well with you and your...master..." Regina got right to the point. She looked closely at Belle to see if her words had hit the mark.
Belle looked wounded. "Appearances aren't everything," she said. "He threw me out of his castle several nights ago and told me he would rather have his power than a life with me."
Perfect, Regina thought. "My dear, did you try True Love's Kiss, as we discussed?"
"Yes, but it only worked temporarily. Rumplestiltskin knew what was happening and he made it stop!"
Hmmm, interesting. "Belle, darling, you gave up too easily. Try again, especially if he seems willing to allow you back into his life."
Belle opened her eyes widely and stared, shocked, at the Queen. "It can still work?" she asked. "True Love's Kiss?"
"Why, of course it can." Regina assured her. "I believe that if you surprise him, kiss him unexpectedly, it will work to your advantage."
Belle looked hopeful. "Do you really think so?"
Regina smiled, her eyes dark and forbidding. "I do indeed."
Belle smiled brightly, thanked Regina and walked across the ballroom to where Lizzie was waiting. "Mission accomplished," she said. Lizzie gave her a worried smile.
Lizzie signaled Jefferson, who rapped lightly on the door leading out to the courtyard. Belle took a deep breath. When Rumple came through the door, she tried to remain aloof, and then decided on her own to take things one step further. She walked up to one of Regina's knights and asked him to dance. The man was flattered and accepted at once, as if he was afraid she would vanish. They had no sooner begun their dance than Rumple stepped in from of them.
"What are you doing, dearie?" Rumple sneered.
"What does it look like? I'm dancing. Now please move out of the way." The poor knight tried to inch away, not wanting to incur the wrath of the Dark One.
"Belle, Belle, Belle," Rumple wagged his finger in front of her face. "What are you trying to do?" By this time, the rest of the dancers had stopped dancing, the musicians had stopped playing and Regina had risen to her feet.
"This!" Belle said and she threw her arms around Rumple's neck and kissed him full on the mouth.
At first, he was so surprised that he enjoyed the kiss for a few seconds, but finally jumped back, pushed her away and yelled, "You witch, what are you doing?" The room fell silent. "You are trying again to take my power? Haven't you learned your lesson?"
Rumplestiltskin was in rare form, posturing and pacing back and forth. Belle cringed in horror and began to cry.
"That's it, cry, dearie," he taunted in his familiar strident tone. "I am done with you. I thought you had learned your lesson, but it seems that we were both sadly mistaken. Goodbye, dearie." And with that he vanished in a puff of purple smoke.
Belle looked around, stunned. She caught Regina's eye and Regina burst into hysterical laughter. "I hate you, Regina," Belle cried. "You've ruined everything."
Regina pretended to pout. "Oh, that is too sad, little Belle. Better luck next time with whatever sorcerer you attempt to seduce."
Belle ran into Lizzie's arms and stood there sobbing for a long while. The other guests, bored with all of this drama, resumed their dancing and partying. Lizzie and Jefferson, with Belle supported between them, walked out to their waiting carriage.
"That was brilliant," Lizzie congratulated her friend once they were safely inside their carriage and speeding toward home.
Belle wiped her "tears" away and gave Lizzie a hug. "Did she buy it?"
Jefferson spoke up. "She bought it. Her pride and arrogance guaranteed it."
"Belle, how did you ever have the nerve?" Lizzie asked. "I would have been petrified."
"I guess I'm braver than I realized," said Belle thoughtfully. "I rather enjoyed it, knowing that so much was depending on me doing what I needed to do."
"And Rumplestiltskin...?" Lizzie questioned.
"We will stay apart for a while until things calm down a little. It will be difficult, but I believe Rumple has a plan for that as well."
"Belle, you know we would love to have you stay here with us..." Lizzie began.
Belle interrupted. "I suspect that you and Jefferson might have some lost time for which to make up," she said with a smile. "I'll stay one night, while I decide what to do."
That evening, while Belle got ready for bed, her thoughts turned to Rumple and the way they parted. Even though she knew it was an act, it still hurt to leave him like that. She knew that he, too, hated to speak those hurtful words to her. She sighed, grabbed her hair brush and went outside to give Lizzie and Jefferson some privacy. As she sat on the porch, brushing her long auburn curls, she felt a strange sensation sweep over her and instantly she was sitting in her room in the Dark Castle, looking at Rumple.
She jumped up and ran into his arms, burying her face in his chest.
"Miss me?" he quipped. For that he received a punch in the arm, his second of the day.
"This was your plan? To practically abduct me, magic me into your castle, and then what?"
Rumple took a shaky breath, set Belle on her feet, and knelt down before her. "My darling Belle, will you marry me?"
"What...what about Regina? What about our plan to stay hidden from her?"
"This was always my plan, Belle. I'm never letting you out of my sight again. Are you sure you can really care for a beast like me...permanently?" He hesitated over the last words as if afraid she would suddenly come to her senses. He turned away, unsure of her next words. Belle walked over to him, and turned him around to face her. She took his face between her hands and kissed him lightly.
"You're not a beast, Rumple. You are my one true love, and I will love you forever."
"I love you, sweetheart. My Belle, my darling Belle. Will you answer my question now?" he said with the familiar smirk.
"I will marry you, Rumplestiltskin." Then she stuck out her tongue.
