I'm very sorry it took me so long to get this new chapter to you. I'd been sick for a month and I haven't been able to write until very recently. I'm back on track now, and I'll try to have new chapters to you as soon as I'm able. And now, back to Rumpelstiltskin and Belle!
As Rumpelstiltskin rode through town alone, his Belle ahead of him in a carriage with Puss In Boots and the marquis of Carabas behind him on his own steed, he daydreamed about the next time he would be alone with Belle. When would that be? He wasn't used to not being in control of his own destiny, and he didn't like the uncertainty. All he wanted was to have Belle by his side, and this blasted tournament would test his resolve.
Why did the marquis have to make an appearance to begin with? Why couldn't things go back to the way they were? He and Belle were happy… weren't they? Wasn't she happy? She was confused and feeling a bit out of her element for awhile but she grew to care for him and trust him. Didn't that count for anything?
His horse turned onto a long path with tall trees on each side. The property looked familiar. When he reached the manor house he recognized it immediately. Hewn of stone and wood, its majestic three stories rose to greet the sky. Tall windows, open, let in the summer air. He imagined Belle enjoying her tea in the glass atrium at the right end of the house.
They pulled up by the front door, and he dismounted. Within moments they were inside.
Wooden floors met white plaster walls. Sconces hung from stained wooden rafters overhead. A soft white couch and end table lay in the center of the room. The wooden dining room table seated eight – more than enough room for everyone actively involved in Belle's life at the moment. The open doors opposite him revealed a lovely garden full of red and purple blooms. He spied a pond in the distance.
"It's very homey and welcoming, Belle," Rumpelstiltskin said. "I see why you want it."
"I could get you something bigger," the marquis said. Rumpelstiltskin bristled at his words. How could this man believe he could buy her love?
"This is the home I chose for myself." Belle said "I desire furnishings, adornments for my walls, and utensils for my kitchen. As you see, my home comes partially furnished. Puss volunteered to help me in my garden and to fetch my food for me."
"I'll do anything you need, Belle. As long as we remain close friends." Puss grinned. Rumpelstiltskin narrowed his eyes at the winsome cat. What had he talked Belle into? What were they planning?
She handed a sheet of paper to the marquis and an equally long sheet of paper to Rumpelstiltskin. He looked at her sweet cursive and saw a list of items; copper pots, silver eating utensils, dresses and comfortable pants, shoes, bed linens – he blushed at that last item, imagining Belle lying on her bed, waiting for him.
He also saw she requested he buy her a new diary. Did she entrust him with it?
He wondered what was on the marquis' list?
"I need for each of you to buy the items on my lists. Take all the time you need but the sooner I have what I ask the better. We may discuss the games and other tournament specifics at my dining room table. Remember – each of you is welcome in my home but only if you ask my permission first. You must speak to me through Puss. And neither of you will have a key to my home."
"Is all this really necessary, Belle? You know I'd never invade your privacy. Never again." He thought of how he read her diary without her permission, and he felt ashamed of himself.
She smiled. "I know. You made a mistake and I forgive you for that. This is what I need to do, though. If I don't assert myself the two of you'll swallow me alive. There won't be anything left of me for any of us to enjoy."
"She's right," the marquis said. "I will collect the items on my list for you as quickly as possible."
"As will I," Rumpelstiltskin said.
"Good! Then I must bid you adieu. I'm tired and I'd like to lie down for awhile." She touched both of them on the arm. Rumpelstiltskin shivered with delight as her hand alighted on his upper arm. "You're both being quite decent about it all. Thank you for that."
"Enjoy your new home, Belle. You deserve it. It's beautiful. I see you spending a lot of time in your garden." The marquis said as he walked out the door, list in hand, mind churning with ideas. "I'll get in touch with Puss when I need to see you again."
"Yes, please. Thank you."
The marquis rushed out to his steed, eager to obtain the items on his list. Puss followed not far behind him and stepped into the carriage. He tipped his hat at Belle with a wink as the carriage took off into the summer afternoon. Rumpelstiltskin didn't want the marquis to get too much of a head start. He grabbed his cane and headed for the door.
"Rumpelstiltskin, please wait." Did he imagine the pain in Belle's voice? His heart skittered a few beats in anticipation of what she was about to say.
"Of course, Belle. Do you need something from me?"
"Yes. Take a seat. I want to talk to you. Would you like some tea?"
"I'd love some, please." He sat at the dining room table, waiting for her. What could she want? Did she want him to stay with her? He could only hope.
Belle rummaged in her kitchen for tea cups and her porcelain tea pot. She put water on the stove top and turned on the fire. After scooping loose tea into the pot, she sat at the table across from him. At first, she didn't speak. She only looked him in the eyes, her face full of anguish and … could it be, love?
"Are you happy here, Belle?"
"Yes, I love my new home, but I'd rather be home with you. You and the marquis drove me to do this."
He lowered his gaze to his hands, twisting in his lap. "I know. It was selfish of me to agree to this tournament."
"That's neither here nor there now. I wanted you to know that I want you to win, and I will do anything in my power to make that happen."
His heart soared. She wanted him! Despite his youth, good looks, strength, cunning, great wealth, illustrious connections, and confidence (or was it arrogance?), the marquis did not have her heart. Rumpelstiltskin wished he could turn back time and never allow this tournament to happen.
"So what do we do? He's much stronger and younger than me. I can't possibly win this tournament without help."
"I told you I would help you select the games, and I have a few ideas." She leaned towards him and whispered in his ear. He closed his eyes and inhaled the sweet scent of violets that surrounded her like a light and pleasant cloud. As she spoke, he grinned, enjoying what she had to say to him.
The tea kettle whistled and Belle stood. After pouring water into the tea pot, she put the tea pot, cups, creamer, and sugar bowl on a tray and carried them to the table.
"I could have done that for you."
She smirked. "I'm not helpless, you know. I'm perfectly capable of making my own tea. Honestly, between the two of you fighting over me…"
Rumpelstiltskin raised his arms in supplication. "My mistake! I need to stop treating you like a delicate china doll. You're not unbreakable but neither do you crack at the slightest distress."
"Ah, so you finally are seeing me and not what you want to believe is me. I'm happy to see that, Rumpelstiltskin."
They chatted for a few moments and then she poured tea. As she drank, he poured his heart out to her.
"I want this tournament to be fair and just. I won't cheat, although I like your suggestions for the games. They even the chances for me." He stared into the tea cup. "This tea is delicious. What is it?"
"Licorice. I had it a few weeks ago. I told you I liked it but you never bought it for me."
He frowned, disappointed in himself again. "I'm so sorry I didn't listen to you. I put my own needs ahead of yours. I'll never do that again."
Her giggle lit up the room. "You don't have to go that far. Just listen to me. Hear me. Give me reason to trust you."
"Do you trust me, Belle?"
She paused and thought for a moment. "Yes. Yes, I do."
"Then trust me with the tournament. I can handle myself and I'll do my best to win."
"No cheating." She smiled, melting his heart.
"No cheating."
"I'll catch you. I'll catch the marquis, too." She stared him directly in the eyes, and he knew she was deadly serious.
"I know you will."
She sipped the last of her tea, and took his cup when he finished. He reminded himself the next time he dropped by he'd bring licorice tea and those licorice hard candies he saw in the market square a few days earlier. He wanted to please her.
She allowed him to hug her before he left. Feeling her small body so close to his made his heart race. Hopefully, soon she would be back with him. He belonged with her. He needed her.
When Rumpelstiltskin left, Belle looked at the bottom of her tea cup and read the leaves. She saw a heart and a hammer. She had his love but now she knew he'd have to work hard to keep it. She also saw a goat and her blood ran cold.
A goat symbolized "be careful of enemies". She knew he had plenty, and she hoped they'd not cause him problems during the tournament.
