XIV

Fear

"He was lying, spinner. There's much more to this prophecy than he's telling us," the Dark One growled ominously, the usual sarcasm and cajoling undertones absent from his voice as it whispered through his host's mind. "Why would they make a prophecy about the girl putting an end to the ogre threat? It's ludicrous!"

Rumpelstiltskin rolled his eyes, disengaging the chime throughout the Dark Castle which would alert the children of his return. There was no need to wake them at such a late hour. "Perhaps the ogres were the darkest threat known to the people of Avonlea," he suggested.

"Perhaps," the demon agreed, "but those ogres led the girl to you. How did she know to call you, hm? She was sent to banish a great evil from the lands. Me, you fool!"

The mage snorted and removed his cloak, slinging it carefully over the back of his chair before the fire. "My little wife happens to be very well read. She searched many paths before calling upon me. Stop being so bloody paranoid." He removed his leather gloves and laid them on the small end table. "I don't know what you're so worried about. You're immortal. You've hopped from host to host since you rose from the primordial ooze, and that requires the dagger … which," he added smugly, "my Belle has absolutely no interest in toying with."

"She's playing you, spinner. The princess knew about the prophecy and decided to rid the realms of two evils in one fell swoop. You're letting your feelings for her cloud your judgment. For once, stop thinking with your cock and look at the facts!"

"My wife is not trying to kill us!" His voice echoed through the cavernous hall, rebounding back to him. He winced and rubbed a weary hand over his brow. "My oh-so-esteemed father-in-law," he drawled acerbically, "swore to me she had no knowledge of the prophecy, and considering the duress he was under while he was doing the confessing … I have no choice but to believe him."

The demon pressed his face against the bars of his cage and pointed a long, gnarled finger at him. "Your faith in your wife will be your undoing!"

"And continuing to vex me will be yours!" he snarled, his hands clenching into fists as a wave of magic crested over him and slammed the demon back to hang limply from the cell bars.

"What the bleedin' 'ell was that!?"

A crinkle appeared between Rumpelstiltskin's brows as he gripped tightly to the back of his chair. "It was magic. What else would it be?" he asked softly, more than a little bewildered over the effects of that sudden burst of power. It felt … wrong.

"It was WHITE magic, spinner! Where the hell would you have picked that up?! White magic has no place in the host of the Dark One!" the demon raged. "This is that girl's doing! It's bad enough you fight against me and use the love of your children to keep me chained, but what that little bit of fluff is doing -"

"Enough!" he breathed, just the thought of his wife chasing away every bit of the anger the Dark One had brought out in him. He focused on her, the sweet smile she'd bestowed upon him before he'd left her in the library, the hope shining in her eyes and the sweet taste of her lips. His breath hitched painfully in his chest in the region of his heart and a slow smile curled his lips. She was his hope, his future, and he'd be damned if he let the darkness inside him chase her away.

Let the demon fear her, he thought with an impish giggle. The demon could snap and snarl and shrink away in cowardice all the while the spinner savored the light and joy she'd brought to his life.

*.*.*

Belle's cerulean gaze flickered up to the ornate timepiece on the mantle above the hearth in the room she shared with her husband for what must have been the tenth time in the last fifteen minutes. She sighed and glanced down once more at the book he'd given her, but the words only blurred on the page due to her distracting thoughts. They had to be more than a little troubling if she'd lost interest in the written word. Since their marriage, this was the first time he'd left her alone with the children. It wasn't that she minded. It was what he'd brought her there for in the first place, and they were such well-behaved albeit mischievous little imps, but … she missed him.

"Ugh! What is wrong with me," she groaned, flopping onto her back against the mound of pillows propped against the heavy oak headboard. This was only her third night with him. She should be worried he'd barge into their room and demand she perform her wifely duty. She should be worried he'd be a beast and take his pleasure without regard for her comfort. Yet, she didn't have to worry about any of those things as she would have had she married the man her father had chosen. Just the thought of his vile hands upon her person caused a violent shudder to wrack her petite frame.

She'd married the Dark One instead, an evil magical being purported to be the most sinister monster ever to walk the seven realms. She should be terrified! Yet he was so gentle with her … kind, caring, and warm. He was nothing like the sorcerer she'd researched. He was simply a man struggling daily to keep a dark curse from devouring his soul. So, now instead of cowering away from him in fear, she longed for his company, yearned for his embrace, and hungered to be in his presence. If she weren't careful, she might very well find herself losing her heart to her own husband. She giggled. How odd. Nobles married for wealth, power and position … very seldom, if ever, for love.

Her frown deepened and she toyed with one of the little jewels dangling from her elaborate harem costume. Love? Did she even know how? It wasn't an emotion she'd been exposed to on a regular basis. She knew duty and honor, having had them drilled into her from a young age, and she was well versed in fear. Fear was easy; it kept her 'in line' as her papa was wont to say. But love? She couldn't say she knew how to feel more than compassion and understanding. She ran a hand through her long, unbound tresses, wrapping one lone curl about her finger. Would she know if she fell in love with Rumpelstiltskin? Would it be as it was in her beloved books, all thunderbolts and passion and declarations of undying devotion? Or would it be a gradual thing which would slowly creep into her heart and make her realize she couldn't live without him … that she didn't want to live without him?

The mere idea was enough to make her break out into a cold sweat and lock herself inside the safety of her room for a week. Perhaps if she hadn't lost her mother at such an early age, she would have had someone to teach her these things. Her ladies had been no help whatsoever and had only made her fear the sanctity of marriage … not to mention her husband's touch. It was ridiculous. Just because they hadn't found happiness with their own matches didn't mean they should make her fear hers.

Belle startled, a little shriek of surprise making its way past her parted lips as a shilling landed on her bare belly, just above her bejeweled navel. "Rum! You're back," she said. She cursed inwardly. You inarticulate twit. Of course, he's back. Couldn't you have found something witty to say?

"A shilling for your thoughts, pet," he drawled silkily as he removed his dragon hide coat and laid it over the chest at the foot of the bed. His waistcoat followed before he toed off his soft leather boots, thankful he hadn't worn the ones which laced up to his knees. "They must have been rather troubling for you not to have heard me come in."

She blushed under his scrutiny as his amber eyes traveled hotly over her exposed skin. She'd removed the outer robe he'd provided, leaving only the gauzy skirt and short vest of her costume – she hadn't needed it with the warmth from the fire - and his gaze was alight with appreciation as it took her in. She sat up as he crawled onto the bed to sit beside her, his hand gripping her chin and turning her face up to his so he could study her more closely.

Butterflies took flight in her belly and a rosy blush spread over her cheeks at the first touch of his cool fingertips. "N-No, not troubling per se," she stammered shyly. "Actually, I was thinking about you."

He looked taken aback at that, which made her smile. "You were?"

She sucked in a deep calming breath and dug deep for the courage buried within her, leaning in to press her lips lightly to his. "I missed you."

His face went slack in light of his surprise. "You did?" he asked, feeling an unknown warmth spread through his chest.

"I did," she admitted, gaining confidence through her resolve to be honest with him. It was much easier than she'd thought it would be. "I brought up some wine and fruit and some of those lovely pastries you bought at the sweet shop if you're hungry," she cast about for want of something to say to distract her from her nervousness.

A wondrous smile curved his thin lips as he stretched out across the bed and propped his head on his hand. At his nod, she poured a goblet of the sparkling white wine and set the covered dish between them. There were strawberries with clotted cream, some plump red grapes and his favorite pastries – peach tarts. "Be careful, pet, or you just may spoil me," he said softly.

Her blush deepened, this one due more from pleasure than nervousness. "Was your deal successful, husband?" she asked, more than a little curious as to what had drawn him out of the castle that evening. She regretted her curiosity when his eyes shuttered, and she could feel him withdrawing from her. "Or should I not ask about your business dealings?"

Rumpelstiltskin sighed and popped a grape into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully. "No, dear one. Don't be afraid to ask questions. If it's something I can't speak of, I will simply tell you." He held a grape to her rosebud mouth, tapping gently at her lower lip until she smiled and opened for him. "Before I answer, however, I'd like to know what you did with your evening. Did the children give you any difficulties?"

Belle swallowed the fruit and took a sip of her wine. "Not at all. They're wonderful, Rumpel, truly. I already care so deeply for Bae and Morraine. To know you've entrusted their care to me … it warms my heart."

"They care for you as well. It's not been easy for them since I became …" His voice trailed off as he swept a hand over himself, grimacing at the green gold complexion, sharp claws and overall beastly appearance. "They don't trust easily."

She offered him a bite of the strawberry she'd dipped in the cream and he accepted it from her before the fluffy substance could drip onto the duvet. "It's good they're cautious. Not everyone can be depended upon for their noble intentions."

"You need to be cautious as well. If you ever venture past the castle walls without my protection …" He shuddered at the thought of her falling into some unknown peril. "Tomorrow I will work on fashioning some sort of talisman or amulet which you may keep with you - a protection charm if you will - in the unlikely event that you are unable to call my name."

She was touched by his concern and the lengths he'd go to in order to protect her. What pleased her most was his desire to do so without setting guards to watch her. She was able to enjoy her freedom and still have the comforting hand of his protection surrounding her. She shook her head to clear it of her drifting thoughts and took another sip of her wine. "I promise to be careful, Rum. Now … how was your business this evening. Did you enjoy yourself at least?"

His laughter was rich and warm instead of the impish giggle he was better known for. "My deals are not meant to be fun, pet. This one was no different." He reached for one of the pastries, taking a bite and letting the sweetness of the peaches with the contrasting spices burst delightfully over his tongue. She didn't hesitate to finish off the other half as he held it out to her, a bit of the filling lingering at the corner of her mouth.

He tugged gently on a loose curl, wrapping the silken strand about his finger as he pulled her to him. His eyes darted hesitantly up to hers, but he was met with nothing but warm eagerness. He wondered if he would ever get used to her easy acceptance of him. He moaned softly as his tongue darted out and swiped at the peach confection, continuing along her full bottom lip to nibble gently. The flavor of the pastry combined with her own sweet taste was enough to make him dizzy.

Belle sighed against his lips as he broke the kiss to lean his brow against hers, the churning pleasure in her belly growing. "I think you're trying to avoid the subject, Rumpelstiltskin," she chuckled.

He laid back on the bed and pillowed his head on his arms, regarding her steadily through half-hooded eyes. He wasn't in the habit of sharing his exploits with others, but his Belle wasn't just anyone. He found he didn't mind sharing with her, having someone to confide in who wouldn't judge him. "Very well, pet. I met a woman named Cora who had found herself in a rather sticky situation."

Belle removed their light repast to the bedside table and stretched out beside him on her side, resting on her elbow so she could look down at him, listening attentively. He told her the entire tale, leaving nothing out and she listened with varying degrees of surprise, horror and finally relief. "Do you think she will fall in love with him, find happiness with him?"

"I think so," he nodded, grinning up at her. She was looking at him like he was one of her books and the thought amused him. It wasn't to last, however. "I … ah … have a confession to make," he said, lowering his gaze.

She tilted her head to the side, a wrinkle appearing between her auburn brows. "What's wrong, husband? You look as if you're afraid I'm going to scold you for some misdeed."

The fact that she was grinning seemed to set him more at ease and it was with a teasing tone and a crooked grin of his own that he said, "You might." He took a deep breath and forged ahead. "I saw your father."

"You did?" she asked, her eyes widening with alarm. "How is he? Did he ask about me? Is he well?"

"Slow down, pet," he said softly, hoping his mild tone would reassure her. "He is well. I promise, I didn't harm the blighter. I merely wanted to ask him a few questions while I was in the general vicinity."

"It never occurred to me you would try to harm him, Rum," she said, running her hand over his chest, her fingers toying with a button on his shirt. "I trust you."

He stared at her, awe filling his large amber eyes. "Why?"

"You've never given me a reason not to. I've never heard of the Dark One breaking a deal before, so why would you break one with me?" she asked simply.

"You're not just a –" he cut himself off before he revealed too much, looking away, but it was too late. She latched onto his broken statement like a wolf with fresh meat.

"Not just what? Rumpelstiltskin, are you saying you care for me? That I'm not just a deal to you?" she asked, scooting closer to him as her hopeful gaze bored into his.

His eyes closed as he nodded, even after all they'd revealed to one another over the last few days he didn't want to trust that he wouldn't see rejection in her sky-blue eyes. He slipped his arm around her shoulders, drawing her in close to his side as his other hand covered hers, pressing it tightly to his chest, over his heart. "Yes," he murmured, his lips brushing lightly at her temple. "So much more, little wife."

Belle shivered, her throat tightening with an unknown emotion she wasn't quite ready to acknowledge. "Rumpel …"

"Shh …" he whispered, not wanting to break the spell that seemed to have caught them up in its web.

Her breath caught in her throat as she realized just how difficult that must have been for him to admit. As difficult as it was for she herself to admit. They were two damaged souls thrown together by fate in a desperate bid to save one another and her heart soared as she realized she wanted it more than anything she'd ever wanted in her entire life. But now was not the time for heartfelt confessions when they were both so vulnerable, both so afraid to leave themselves open to heartache.

She opted to change the subject, her curiosity getting the better of her. "What did you and my father have to talk about?"

"I was hoping he could give me some insight into your fears. I admit I wanted to know why he was so strict in your upbringing."

Belle shot him a pointed look, her frown deepening as she looked down at him. "He was just trying to protect me, Rumpel. I was his only heir - or so he believed - it was his duty to assure nothing horrible befell me before I could assume the throne, I'm sure."

A muscle twitched in his jaw as his teeth gnashed together. "Apparently, it was more than that," he growled, outrage over the king's ill treatment of her humming just beneath his skin. He levered himself up against the pillows and rested his head back against the headboard, surprised when she moved onto his lap.

She sucked in a sharp breath as his hands splayed against the bare skin of her stomach, but took comfort in his touch. "T-Tell me."

"He told me of a prophecy made about you when you were born. Do you know of it?" he asked cautiously, tilting her chin up to study her face, searching for any signs of deception.

She shook her head. "No. He must be mistaken, husband," she snorted dubiously. "There's nothing special about me. Why would anyone make a prophecy about an ordinary girl from some provincial little kingdom?"

His long fingers trailed through her chestnut locks absently as he sought some way to explain what he'd discovered. "Belle, I assure you, there is nothing ordinary about you. Your father told me when the fairies came to bestow their blessing upon you, a prophecy was made that you would banish a great evil which would threaten your kingdom. That is why he strove to protect you so diligently."

A tear slipped over her pale cheek and he reached up to brush it away, distressed that he'd caused her upset. "Well … he succeeded in that at least, didn't he?" she murmured sadly. "He protected me so well, he forgot to love me. He should be happy I fulfilled the prophecy and saved his precious kingdom, yeah?"

He'd been right not to listen to the demon's fears that she'd known all along. There was no way she could have been so honest in her grief if she'd known. "Shh … pet, it's alright. I can't say I'm sorry things worked out the way they have. You saved your kingdom and I gained a wife."

Her lips quirked up in a rueful smile. "Well … when you put it that way," she chuckled. "I just wish things could have been different between us, that he wouldn't have been so cold and unfeeling. Rum, do you think he ever really loved me, or did he only ever see me as a tool to be used for his own gain?"

Rage welled up inside him over the injustice of it all and he held her closer. "How could he not love you, Belle? You are everything that is good and right with the world. He would have to be a fool not to see that. Some people – despite their good intentions – don't know how to express their emotions." He was living proof.

She glanced up at him curiously. "I find it hard to believe he would just willingly volunteer such information to you." He pressed a kiss to her nose, and glanced away sheepishly. Her eyes narrowed on him. "What did you do?"

"Um …"

"Rumpelstiltskin, did you turn him into some inanimate object as you did Gaston?"

"No!" he answered a little too quickly.

"Rum …"

"Well," he shrugged. "I may have left him locked in your tower."

"What?!" she cried, not sure whether she should be amused or horrified that he'd do such a thing.

He sighed, making up his mind finally to be completely honest with her. "I lured him to your tower and put the fear of the Dark One in him to make him answer my questions. I'm sure someone's come along to let him out by now."

She turned in his arms, surprising him when she straddled his thighs and wrapped herself around him. She pressed her brow to his and nuzzled her nose against his own. "Thank you."

"For locking your father in the tower?" he asked, somewhat surprised she had a bit of a mean streak.

"No, silly. For being honest with me. You don't know how much that means to me." She pressed little kisses over his face, smiling against his skin as a little rumbling sound emanated from his chest she could only liken to a purr. Her fingers toyed with the buttons on his shirt, freeing one after another until she could slip her hands inside over the warm skin of his smooth chest.

"I will always be honest with you, dear one, if this is the response I receive from you," he murmured a little breathlessly. Heat surged through him and the muscles in his stomach clenched beneath her artless touch. He was desperately trying to keep a tight rein on his desire, knowing they wouldn't proceed past a little heavy petting. She caught his lower lip between her own, nipping gently, and he groaned, his hands tightening perceptibly at her waist.

A blush stole over her neck, spreading upwards into her cheeks as she met his gaze. "I enjoy touching you," she muttered shyly. "Is that wanton of me?"

Pleasure sparked at every one of his nerve endings upon hearing those softly uttered words, never having thought she would enjoy that aspect of their relationship. He knew his appearance was frightening, yet this extraordinary woman found him pleasing to her senses. His hands delved into her hair, holding her in place as he deepened the kiss, his tongue slipping past her parted lips to taste the honeyed recesses of her mouth. Only when the need for air burned his lungs did he reluctantly release her. "You cannot imagine how much it pleases me to hear you say so."

The last button slipped free of its hole, but his hands covered hers before she could push the silk off his shoulders and bare his torso to her hungry gaze. "What's wrong?" she queried.

"Belle, you don't want to see that," he mumbled anxiously, the unusual pallor of his skin darkening over his cheekbones. If she didn't know any better, she would think he was blushing. "You don't have to –"

"I want to," she insisted. "I want to see you." Despite his reservations, he dropped his hands to the duvet, silently acquiescing to her wishes and allowing her to push the fabric over his shoulders. Her eyes lit with appreciation as the shirt slipped down his arms and revealed wiry muscles flexing with tension beneath toned flesh. In her eyes, he was perfect. He was made for her. She had always been on the petite side and he was just the right size, just a few inches taller than her so as not to overwhelm her. Other men of her acquaintance had intimidated her with their bulk, but not her husband. She fit perfectly in his arms and it just made her desire him all the more. "Beautiful."

His lips parted on a gasp of surprise and she pressed her advantage, claiming his lips once more as her nails scratched lightly at his nape, the pads of her fingertips delighting in the texture of gooseflesh as it erupted over his skin. "My Belle …" His hands ghosted over her sides, tentatively acquainting himself with the softness of her skin as he tried in vain to hold tightly to his control.

She cradled his face in her warm palms, her thumb brushing reverently over his lips. He shivered and she felt her nervousness melt away to be replaced by a confidence she couldn't remember every experiencing before. It was the same feeling she'd had the previous evening when he'd given her control over him in his workshop. She shifted restlessly on his lap, gasping softly as her core came in contact with the hard ridge of his cock barely restrained in the tight leather. His pupils were blown wide with want and she could sense the need coursing through him as if it were her own … because she felt it, too.

She drew in a fortifying breath as his thumbs brushed against the undersides of her breasts, the heat of his touch burning through the fabric of her top. She knew what he wanted, and a battle waged within her as she wondered if she would be able to give it to him, wondered if she could find the courage to bare all to him.

A/N: Aren't I just awful to leave you hanging here until tomorrow? All that lovely UST to torment you until the next installment. Well, my word count was climbing, and I try to keep these chapters consistent. I promise to be back tomorrow with more (o: Hope you all enjoyed it. Please don't hesitate to let me know what you thought.