The Princess and The Pauper Chapter 7


The sun poured into the room – leaving the room adorned in a lovely shade of gold; Emma, however was having none of it. "Come on Princess Edalene, it's time to get up, you've got a long day ahead of you." Emma groaned as Sarah pushed open the grand curtains, letting the gold sunlight cloud her judgment. "Mr. Killian advised me to bring you a glass of water this morning – something about you enjoying your wine too much at dinner last night." Sarah continued as she slammed the glass of water on the bedside table – Emma simply grabbed the blanket and covered her head with it; protecting herself from the sun, the noise and more importantly from Sarah. Edalene had indeed warned her of Sarah's very punctual personality and boy did Emma wish she had taken better precautions. Belle was never like this, neither was Rumple for that matter – yes, Emma had obligations as the Dark One's daughter but they never barged into her room like such. "Edalene, don't have me say it again." Emma's eyes snapped open and she quickly sat up – the blanket falling in heap in her lap.

"Fine I'm up, no need to shout." Emma groaned loudly, giving Sarah her best Dark One impression – one that both Rumple and Belle had agreed on saying was quite on point. Leaning over she grabbed the water from the bedside table – a wave of nausea coursing through her body. She quickly stood up and ran towards the loo where she promptly kneeled down in front of the brown bucket and processed to puking her guts out.

"Are you alright?" Sarah asked from the bedroom.

"I'm fine." Emma muttered weakly as she stood back up and went over to the water bucket that was placed in front of the large mirror. Realization struck her as she started fumbling her pockets – her eyes growing wide. Where had she put that bloody mirror? She rushed back into her room and gave a long sigh of relief as she saw Sarah – indeed holding onto the precious mirror.

"Where did you get this? It's quite lovely." Sarah asked curiously as she delicately stroked the shining gems that adorned the rim of the mirror.

"Oh uh… Killian got it for me. What a real gentlemen." Emma said nervously as she twirled a loose strand of hair around her finger – leaning foreword she snatched the mirror out of Sarah's hands and stuffed it into her robe pocket. "Now please go empty the bucket in the loo, the stench isn't helping with terrible headache." Sarah nodded courtly – eyeing the young princess carefully before walking towards the loo. Emma sighed loudly – her hand carefully stroking the edge of the mirror. She thanked the lords that Edalene didn't have the mirror on her – or else Sarah might have question it; she defiantly needed to be more careful when it came to the mirror or else she could get in a lot of trouble.

"Meanwhile you get changed, it's not proper for a lady to wear the same cloths she slept in." Sarah reprimanded in a harsh tone of voice. "It's not proper for anyone actually." Emma rolled her eyes as she made her way to her closet – gasping quietly at the quantity of robes that filled the closet: pinks, blues, greens, any color robe she could of wanted was in this small space. She ran her fingers through the material of each individual gown: silk, satin, and linen. She paused as she came in contact with a fur coat – a coat most likely used during the harsh winter The Enchanted Forest brought upon it's people came mid Fall. "What are gaping at? Stop wasting your time, your parents are waiting for you downstairs." Sarah said from behind her and Emma quickly grabbed a linen blue colored long sleeve dress.

"Right. This will do." The doors to the closet were snapped shut by Snow – her brow was creased and her expression stern. "I do hope you don't have a headache this morning sweetheart." Snow muttered bitterly as she took the dress from Emma's shaking hands. The tension in the room could have been cut with a knife as Snow placed the dress on the bed, ushering Sarah from the room. "You and I need to have a chat darling." Snow sat down next to the dress and beckoned Emma to join her – she compelled automatically. "Now I know this has been hard sweetheart – I know forcing you to marry Killian wasn't the best solution to the thrones problem but we have no other choice. Now as we agreed we are giving you a chance but you also have to maintain your end of the bargain and be polite and nice and try to connect with Killian."

"I am mom, it's not my fault if that cheese tasted funky." Emma said nervously picking at the cuticles around her fingers with her teeth.

"Since when don't you like goat cheese? And since when do your fingers look like that?" Snow asked grabbing Emma's hand – inspecting the girl's fingernails carefully. "You know better then that Edalene."

Emma pulled her hand back quickly hiding them away in the folds of the dirty robe. "Don't worry about my nails mom, it'll give you grey hairs." Emma muttered with a smile – causing Snow to chuckle softly.

"Oh I've already got my fair share of grey hairs sweetheart." Snow said as she stood up from the bed. "Now you get dressed alright? Breakfast will be served soon." Leaning down Snow placed a tender kiss on her daughter's forehead – giving her a genuine smile before leaving the room.

The robe cascaded off her body, as she stood in only her panties – her nipples instantly hardening due to the warm summer breeze that fluttered into the room. She breathed a sigh of relief as the tight constraints keeping her upper body trapped fell to the ground. She slowly made her way towards the open window – not caring in the least that she was practically naked. The Dark Castle had always been her home – so seeing The Enchanted Forest from this top view was astonishing: the large leafy forest of greens and browns, the beautiful sea blue skies that blended with the golden rays the sun produced. Why would anyone want to leave this safe heaven? Sure the Charmings were quite Uncharming, but being able to live in this world was something she never wished to leave behind now that she had experienced it first hand. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, not hearing the quiet creak of the bedroom door opening.

"Edalene?" Her eyes snapped open and she quickly turned around – gasping at Killian Jones who stood frozen in shock. Emma didn't have the reflex to hide her exposed breasts much like Killian didn't have the instinct to close his eyes. "I am so sorry my lady." Killian muttered apologetically as he cast his eyes downwards as he turned around to face the wall. Emma quickly made her way towards the center of the room and pulled the blue dress over her head.

"It's fine. Uh it's not proper for a princess to be gallivanting around half naked anyways." Emma said with a smile as Killian turned around to face her – his cheeks tinted pink; a clear sign of his embarrassment.

"I should have knocked, it's my fault." He babbled nervously – still not looking the princess directly in the eyes. "What were you admiring anyways?" He questioned – making his way over to the balcony where Emma had previously been only minutes prior.

"Oh I was just admiring the view nothing much to it." She said as she joined him on the balcony. "It's a wonderful view don't you think?"

"I suppose so, I mean I've lived here my entire life so it's nothing new." She nodded – giving him a warm and genuine smile. "You alright? You seem different somehow."

"Different? Different how?" Emma asked surprisingly.

"I don't know, you just do." Killian muttered – bringing his hand to rest on her waist sending a flock of butterflies to rest in Emma's stomach. "I've been meaning to talk to you about something." He turned to face her – his other hand cupping her cheek.

"I'm listening." She muttered nervously – her eyes fixed upon his baby blues. She was trying to act cordial and civil – she was also desperately trying to ignore the wetness that was already pooling in her nether regions.

"I know we started off on the wrong foot – and I know this whole wedding thing wasn't what you always dreamed and that is totally understandable. So I wanted to formerly introduce myself to you." She involuntarily let out a sigh as his hands left both her waist and face. She let out a soft giggle however as he bowed down in front of her. "My name my lady is Killian Jones." He grabbed her hand and kissed it delicately. "And you are?"

Grabbing the hem of her dress, Emma bowed in turn. "Princess Edalene Nolan."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Princess Edalene. Now how do you feel about breakfast?" He extended his hand towards her – which she gladly took and with that the pair excited the bedroom – both vowing to never speak of what had just happened moments before.


Edalene sighed contently as she stretched out lazily in the bed – the tip of her toes dangling over the edge of bed. She looked around the room – momentarily forgetting that she wasn't safe and sound in her bedroom at the palace but rather in Emma's childhood room in the confinements of the Dark Castle. There was no Sarah to bark out orders, no mother telling her exactly what to do and who to marry, no father to reprimand her over little things - just the Dark One and Belle.

"Emma? You awake sweetheart?" A soft rapping noise sounded through the room as Rumple spoke softly through the closed door. She smiled happily as she quickly got out of bed – skipping towards the door which she opened with much enthusiasm.

"Good morning papa." Rumple frowned – his brow creasing, making him look much old then he was. Edalene pondered the thought – wasn't the Dark One over three hundred years old?

"You feeling alright? You're aren't normally this cheery in the morning." He teased with a small imp like giggle. "Breakfast is ready." He muttered. "Also you don't have to get yourself all ready for lessons this morning." Edalene gave the man a curious and peculiar look. "You won't be having any lessons this morning – I've got a new apprentice joining me later, so you can sit back and enjoy your morning."

"Uh alright then. Who is this new apprentice may I ask? Is she going to be staying with us?" Edalene was sweating profoundly at this point – Emma clearly hadn't been made aware of this beforehand.

"She's the daughter of an old friend of mine we could say. And she shall be staying within the castle for a few weeks. It's more of a favor that I'm doing then anything else." Rumple smiled up at Edalene. "Don't you worry darling, you'll always remain my favorite apprentice. Now hurry along, Belle is waiting for us." Edalene looked down at her attire, but Rumple simple ignored her and dragged her by the arm down the hall and staircase until they reached the kitchen.

"Good morning." Belle said happily as she walked towards the kitchen table – placing atop it three bowls of what looked like grey goop. Edalene cautiously walked to her seat – inspecting the strange thing in the bowl. Silence filled the small kitchen – only the clanking of utensils and the slurping of the food could have been heard. Edalene brought the spoon to her lips

"Now Belle, I wanted to discuss something with you." Belle looked up from her bowl – her azure eyes twinkling brightly as she looked towards Rumple. Her bottom lip caught between her teeth anxiously. "I'm going to need you to set up one of the guest bedrooms upstairs." Belle frowned deeply – this was clearly not what she was expecting to hear. "I'm going to be taking on a new apprentice – the daughter of an old friend of mine and she shall be staying with us for a while." Immediate silence followed – Belle sat there as quiet as a mouse.

"Alright then." She muttered coldly – scraping the legs of the chair loudly against the floor as she stood. "I'll get to that immediately, when shall this visitor be arriving?" She continued not looking at him but rather focusing on the bowl in her hand as she scrubbed it clean.

"She should be here later this afternoon. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got preparations to make." Edalene looked down at her bowl as Rumple left the kitchen – completely ignoring Belle as he walked by. What truly shook Edalene out of her trance were the quiet and muffled sobs that escaped Belle. Edalene rushed out of her seat and made her way towards the maid – placing her hands on her shoulders – rubbing soothing circles.

"Hey it's alright Belle." Belle's shoulders shook as she continued rubbing the bowl clean. Edalene dipped her hand in the soapy bucket and pulled Belle's hands away from the bowl. "Don't worry about it, he's being an ass – he's a guy what do you except." Belle muffled her giggle as she looked down at Edalene – her eyes filled with unshed tears. "And I wouldn't worry too much about this mystery girl that's coming here. I mean it's obvious he's only got eyes for you. And don't even try denying it!" She quickly stated as she noticed the scared expression that crossed Belle's face. "Don't worry I'm so happy for you both." She wrapped her arms around the maid before continuing. "And I love you like the mom I never had." She could feel wetness on her neck. She couldn't help but feel incredibly sad inside as she listened to Belle's soft whimpers – this woman, felt more like a mother to her then her own. Emma had told her of Belle's incredible kindness and devotion to her and Rumple – but Edalene hadn't actually believed it until now.

"How about I go talk to him." Belle quickly cowered back in fear.

"Oh no, don't bother. I'm just exaggerating – he wouldn't do anything with whoever she is." Belle said – her voice wasn't quite as persuasive as she must have wanted it to be. "And either way, he's the master here – I have no right to act this way." Edalene scoffed loudly.

"Belle stop this nonsense. I'll see you later alright?" Belle opened her mouth as if to stop the young princess from leaving the room – Edalene quickly dashed out of the room however before the maid could pass any comments.


Breakfast had gone by in a breeze – the young prince and princess had very much enjoyed their tea and pastries; both closely observed by their parents, who all smiled at one another behind their cups.

"This is going marvelously well, David." Snow said as she observed the pinkish glint that shadowed Emma's pale complexion. "It's like a whole new Edalene has settled into the household: no more drama, no more complaining, I wonder what changed her mind." Snow continued as she took a small sip of the scorching liquid.

"I may have shaken some sense into Killian myself – not that he was the problem of course." Charles chuckled whole-heartedly – ignoring Snow's threatening glare.

"My daughter? The problem? My daughter is not a problem Charles." Snow muttered angrily slamming her cup against the wooden table loudly. "The problem is this stupid arrangement." Charming delicately placed his hand over hers – which was resting in her lap. She immediately pulled away from the touch however. "Don't even try, David." By now Emma and Killian had turned around – clearly aware of the heated argument, most likely due to Snow's shrill and loud voice. "I mean don't get me wrong Killian is an amazing young man and it would be an honor to have him join the family – however, I do not understand what was so urgent about them two getting married." With that Snow stormed out of the room leaving her cup of tea to grow cold on the table.

"I am terribly sorry about my wife's behavior Charles – it's been hard for her you know." David said smoothly – he could hide his emotions very well through the mask he wore but deep down Emma knew he was nervous; his shaking hands and sweaty brow proved the fact.

"I'll go talk to mom ok dad?" David nodded coldly, swigging a drink of his drink. "And I'll be right back." She whispered so that only Killian could hear. He winked at her – a small smirk playing on his handsome face.

"I'll be waiting." She giggled softly before gliding out of the room.

She made her way throughout the first floor of the castle – searching every room for any signs of the queen. She paused in front of a large wooden door – one she had never entered before. Pushing the door open carefully she spotted Snow, whose back was facing the door – the queen's shoulder shook as she admired a lone family portrait that hung on the wall. Dark navy blue curtains – held together by a lone cord, surrounded the portrait.

"Mom?" Snow quickly swiveled around, her hand clasped around a white handkerchief as she dabbed the corners of her eyes.

"Edalene darling." Snow coughed nervously pulling the curtains shut – this immediately caught Emma's attention – this was defiantly a room she would be making her way back too in the near future. "What… what are you doing here?" She gave the princess a soft smile – one that defiantly seemed forced.

"I can to see if you were alright, you seemed pretty upset." Snow slowly walked towards her daughter – bringing her arms around her she pulled her into a warm hug.

"I'm fine darling, don't you worry about your little old mother. I shouldn't have exploded like that earlier – I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize mom, I'm just glad to know your true feelings about this arrangement between Killian and I."

"You know your father – this whole situation with Charles has got him on edge but I understand you my love. I understand what it's like being a young girl and having a mind of your own – you'd think he'd be more understandable but considering…" Snow stopped – her expression saddened instantly.

"Considering what?" Emma asked curiously – she had a feeling where this was going, however she wanted to hear it from Snow directly.

"Nothing for you to worry about sweetheart." Snow muttered – clearly trying to change the subject. "Now let's go back to the parlor – your father must be waiting for us." Emma followed Snow out of the room – glancing behind her one last time at the closed curtains before Snow closed the door.


"Papa?" Edalene muttered quietly as she pounded her fist against the large door that lead to his lab. The doors opened under her touch and she slowly strode into the large room. Rumple was hunched over the desk – he seemed tense and nervous. "Are you alright?" The sound of his daughter's soft and soothing voice brought him out of his trance.

"Emma sweetheart, of course I'm alright. Why wouldn't be?" Edalene shrugged. "What about you? Are you alright?"

"Oh I'm fine papa. I'm here to talk about Belle." Rumple nodded as he walked over to the chair behind the desk. "She's worried, and I am too."

"Worried about what, Emma?" Rumple asked his normally fierce and piercing eyes buried with worry.

"This new apprentice of yours. It is safe for her to come live here?" Rumple sighed loudly as he rubbed his hands over his eyes.

"Believe me, this is the last thing I wanted. I sadly don't have a choice in the matter."

"But you're the Dark One. You make deals with people, not the other way around." Rumple's laugh echoed through the room as he smiled at Edalene.

"Even the Dark One needs help sometimes my darling girl." Edalene nodded solemnly. "Now tell me, what is it you wanted again."

"I know about you about you and Belle. And I just want to say one thing; be careful with her. She makes you happy I can tell – and considering she's stuck here for the rest of her life you make her happy as well. I don't think you understand how important she is, not only to you but to me as well, she's like the mom I never had so I'm begging you papa – don't hurt her." Rumple stood up from his chair and walked towards her – pulling her in his strong arms in comfort.

"I wouldn't ever dream of hurting Belle my darling girl." He muttered against her hair as he kissed the top of her head. With that Belle casually walked into the room – her face flustered.

"Rumple? Your new apprentice is waiting for you in the main hall." Rumple backed away from the embrace and quickly walked out of room. Belle and Edalene gave each other a knowing look before following Rumple through the castle.

The woman was waiting in the hall – sitting on one of the couches that longed the walls: her face was oval shaped; she had a pointy looking nose and a nice clear complexion. Her hair was fiery red and she sported a wicked looking smile – one that could make children cringe.

"Belle, Emma, I'd like for the both of you to meet my newest apprentice … Zelena."

Zelena stood up from the couch and walked towards the two – giving them her best smug look as she extended her hand foreword. "It's a pleasure to meet the both of you."


So here you guys have it. I hope you liked this chapter – personally it wasn't my favorite, but what did you guys think of the ending? I mean I had to eventually bring in some sort of villain and considering Regina isn't part of the story who else would I bring but Zelena. Anyways as I said I hope you guys enjoyed and as I promised I updated quickly. Now thank you to everyone who followed and favorite and special thanks to the following for reviewing: lauryng, madcat1522, chariaj, minigrey, juicytubegirl, guest and finally musicgeek923. You guys are awesome and I love you all so so much so review and follow and favorite. See you guys next time.