Hey Peeps I am back! Sorry for the absence I changed my shift at my full-time job, I started a part time job, I had school to finish (Side note: I graduate next week. Smiley Face), I got into the university which required me to do a lot of things like update my shot, mail my transcripts, ect., and I also am a procrastinator, but most of all I had trouble writing this chapter. Even now I don't think this chapter came out how I wanted it to, but hopefully you guys will enjoy this chapter.
Chapter 12: I've been losing sleep.
Redge stood outside the Dark Ones main hall contemplating his next move. The taking of Vitalis's heart had played on the prince's conscience even as her rode away in a great hurry to Rumpelstiltskin's castle. The only thing that kept him from returning the old man's heart was the idea of keeping his princess safe from Maleficent. Still this whole deal did not sit right with him. Taking a deep breathe Redge pushed through the large hall doors. The room was empty except for the many items on display. "Great," Redge said impatiently. In his anger he pulled out a chair to sit in order to wait for his mentor.
It didn't take long for that exhaustion to take him. Suddenly he was dreaming again, but this was a different kind of dream. He wore grey cotton pants a white cotton button up shirt clothing items he had never seen before nor owned. The pants felt loose but tight enough to show off his package area causing a slight smirk on his face. Like many princes of the realm Redge was quite proud of the hand he was dealt in the lower region.
Redge casually noticed he was in a room that resembled an office. It was his office, but not one he remembered he had. Taking a moment to look around he noticed the wall were covered in a dark grey paint. The desk was made of glass and black metal. Off to the left a large black book case leaned against the wall.
The sound of the office door slammed open causing him to jump internally. Looking at the door he saw a person he should fear the most, his twin, walk in to the room wearing tight blue pants that sagged a little and a grey long sleeve shirt with a hood. Tye rushed him with a face you could only describe as fury. In one quick motion Tye grabbed the back of Redge's head and slammed it into the top of the desk.
Redge jumped out of his seat pulling out his sword. His breathing erratic from the intense of his dream. Still dazed he pointed blindly at the person who had woke him from his nightmare.
"I'm sorry to have startled you," the voice was worried and alarmed. "You just seemed to be having a nightmare-" she cut off her babbling, "I'm Belle." She said politely stuck her hand out. Redge quickly looked at the female in front of him. Belle wore her long brown hair up in a low ponytail, her hazel eyes were captivating, full lips, rosy cheeks, and a sculpted figure. She was no threat to him. He sheathed his sword and shook her hand warmly.
"Redge the-"she cut him off.
"Prince of the Dark Kingdom. Yes I remember reading stories of you and your brothers fighting skills." She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "I thought it was brilliant how your slayed the ogres that ransacked you outer villages."
"Well truthfully it was my brother's, Tyler, idea that saved those villagers," Redge said lamely.
"Oh that make sense since he is like the next great future warlord of the kingdoms."
"Yeah or the world's greatest slut." He chuckled at the thought of his brother.
"Oh he gets around a lot?" Redge couldn't help but hear the slight disappointment in Belle's voice.
"Let me give you a small tip unless you want to see your heart crushed I would stay away from him," Redge warned.
"Please don't get the wrong idea I would never- I mean it's not like I haven't- you know what never mind." She again pushed another strand of hair behind her ear. "Are you here to see Rumple?" Redge nodded. "Unfortunately he has stepped out, but he should be back in a little while. I can keep you company as you wait if you want."
"If you would like. I wouldn't mind the company since my dreams have been torturing me recently." Redge took his seat again. They sat quietly for twenty agonizing minutes both unsure of the other presence. Usually Redge was a great conversationalist, but due to his current dilemma's he just felt awkward and wanted nothing more than finish this deal. It had been a long two week journey and wanted nothing more than to fall asleep on the couch in Emma's room with her running her hands through his hair. Thoughts of Emma made him ache with want; he needed to take his mind of his beloved.
"So what kind of a person works willingly for the Dark One?" Redge asked.
"Oh its part of a deal I serve him and he protects my people." She said prideful.
"And how is it you serve him? Surely you would not let a monster like him taint your maidenhood." Redge knew it was insulting to insinuate to something like this to a woman but he wanted to gage her reaction.
"What? No-I mean- it's not like that. We have never done anything like that. I just clean his home, cook, and things of that nature." Belle blushed deeply causing Redge to inwardly smirk.
"I see I am sorry if I insulted you."
"It's perfectly fine." Quiet settled over them for a few minutes until Belle broke it, "He is sweet though. Rumple. He is sweet when you get to know him." Redge hummed in false agreement. The fact was that he never witness this sweetness for himself. In fact it was the opposite of what he knew. Rumpelstiltskin was hard on him when he was training in the art of magic. His mother had told him that the imp treated him like a red headed stepchild because he wanted Redge to be the best. It made sense but then again everything makes sense when you are young and impressionable. "He is like a creepy uncle."
"Creepy is about right," he laughed. They continued happily talking getting to know one another. She learned about the feeling he held for Emma and he learned about her obsession with his brother. Minutes turned to hours yet the Dark One had not arrived. Belle decided that she would make dinner as she made the great clatter of the hall doors opened and in walked the man Redge had been waiting for.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't my dear apprentice," the gold skin man smirked, "and I see you have made yourself at home."
"Yes I have been here for quite some time, but thanks to your house trollop I did not have to worry about the loneliness." He smirked knowing this would slightly irk the other man. The man just giggled annoyingly.
"As if she would give you the time of day." Redge ignored the sudden surge of anger that came rushing. "But that is neither here nor there. Do you have it?" Redge reached into his satchel and pulled out the heart showing it to the imp. The Dark One reached out for the beating heart but Redge quickly pulled it back.
"I if I give you this heart you will protect Emma, my children, and my brother from anything. Is that understood?" Redge watched for any kind of sigh that the man would go back on his word.
"Yes I will protect them no matter what or WHO will endanger them." the slight emphases on who caused Redge to hold his breathe a second to long. It was as if Rumpelstiltskin was insinuating that he would be the once to endanger his family. As Rumple reached once again for the heart taking it from his hands. Redge couldn't help but want to ask what the man meant. He didn't have the chance though for in that second a small bird swooped in and landed on his shoulder. The bird started quietly chirping in his ears delivering a message. As the bird chirped Redge's eyes grew big, 'Emma' was the last thing he thought before the bird finished its message and flying off. Rumple just giggled at the look on the other man's face "It's time for you to be going I see. Have a safe trip," He giggled again. Redge did not have time to analyses the situation or retaliate with his own witty comment. With a quick puff of purple smoke Redge was gone leaving his mentor behind with a large smile on his smug face.
"Redge I hope you don't mind…" Belle saw the dark one standing in the room instead of her new friend. If she could call him that. "Rumple where did Redge go?"
"It seems the Prince had other pressing matter to attend to."
"Oh well I hope you're hungry because I made dinner."
"It seems I am famished all of a sudden."
