CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
His amber eyes flashed hotly, and a small sapling toppled over under the blast of magic which erupted from his spell-clever fingers. Belle would have laughed and said the sapling had keeled over in fright. And that is where he should be, enjoying every moment with her before their wedding. Instead, he was standing in the middle of the Dark Forest on a fool's errand. He'd deal with those bloody villagers in his own way. He provided for them as liege lord and yet he couldn't have one measly cleric come up to the Dark Castle and perform a short intimate wedding ceremony. And what would they do without his patronage and generosity? They'd starve! It would serve them right.
He didn't have time to deal with this, not with the warning of an angry mob on its way to his home to steal his bride. He was going to miss the entertainment of said bride blasting a rather sizable crater in the side of the mountain. He giggled just thinking about it, the sound echoing through the dense forest. He could literally feel his heart warm in his chest as he thought of his Belle. He still cringed whenever he thought of what would have happened if Winter hadn't intervened and concealed Belle's magic from him. He never would have known what it was to have someone love him with such a true and abiding love. He knew he didn't deserve her, knew he would never be good enough for her, but it would be easier to carve his own heart from his chest with his dagger than to give her up.
The Dark One was fearful of his little consort and the thought made him smile. It had been centuries since he'd felt fire and passion and warmth for anything other than his mission to find his son and now he had that all bundled into one special little princess who would fight to her last breath for him. Let the demon cower in fear in the face of her love, it was the spinner's turn to control his own destiny. The silly contented grin quickly vanished from his lips as the arrow struck the ground at his booted feet. His lips curled back over his teeth in a sneer and one dark brow lifted in askance.
"Well, really, dearie. Is that any way to greet a guest?"
A pair of booted feet swung gaily from the branch of the beech tree off to his right, accompanied by a drawling voice Rumpelstiltskin had hoped never to hear again. "And you should know me well enough to know I missed on purpose."
"Indeed. So, come down out of that tree so we can have a chat, you and I," he said in a serious tone sure to surprise the man. It went against everything he'd ever been to appear non-threatening to the outlaw.
Robin threw his bow to the forest floor and swung from the tree to land lightly on his feet, spreading his hands out in a gesture of friendship. "How can I be of assistance, Dark One? I am assuming you've come to collect on the life debt I owe you."
"Ah, yes, the use of a wand in my collection to save your true love in exchange for a favor. You're very fortunate I didn't demand your life when you fell from your horse and broke the damn thing," the sorcerer grumbled.
"It was an accident," Robin said with a grimace.
"You were besotted with drink!" Rumpelstiltskin hissed, his eyes flashing at the loss of such a valuable magical tool. "But I do not have time for a discussion on the hazards of over-imbibing. And I'm certain the burn on your arse from the fairy dust you unleashed in such a concentrated amount serves as a reminder."
"It does sting occasionally on rather warm days," the outlaw admitted ruefully.
Rumpelstiltskin rolled his eyes, counting to ten and trying to rein in his impatience so as not to blast the man into the next realm. "Nevertheless, I am here to collect."
Robin felt his stomach roll over as though an ogre had taken it in his mighty grasp and squeezed. No one in their right mind wanted to owe the Dark One, least of all him. He nodded. "How may …" he cleared his throat. "How might I assist you?"
"I am in need of a man of the cloth to perform a wedding ceremony this evening at the Dark Castle," the imp said, speaking slowly so the bandit wouldn't miss a single word. And still …
"I beg your pardon?"
"Really, dearie? I do not stutter or suffer from any known speech impediment. So, unless you've taken leave of your senses, I know you understood me," he drawled snarkily.
"Yes, of course, I just … who would be getting married at the Dark Castle?" Robin asked, staring incredulously at the Dark One.
"Me, you idiot," he snapped, whacking the man on the back of his head with the flat of his palm.
It started slowly, the laughter, building into shrieks of mirth which set the birds to flight from the trees. It died into uncomfortable chuckles as Rumpelstiltskin stood there glowering fiercely at him. "You're serious?"
"Would I jest about getting married? Do you not know who I am?"
"Apologies," Robin jeered, sobering fully and scratching at his bearded chin. "The good friar might consent to performing the ceremony. He's never been afraid of you."
"Yes, and it's because of him you're not slithering along on your belly as a snail."
"He still regrets the loss of that rosary, however," Robin said, retrieving his bow from the forest floor and slinging it over his back.
"It saved your worthless hide," Rumpelstiltskin drawled. "I tell you what, if he consents to perform the ceremony I might consider returning the rosary to him. You just make sure he gets there before nightfall."
Robin's mouth gaped. "You want me to accompany him?"
"I don't care if you bring your entire band of merry men all strumming a lyre and singing campfire songs up the mountain pass, just so long as my bride isn't disappointed." In a flash, the outlaw was suspended in midair, a vise of magic encircling his throat. "Do not cross me on this, Hood."
The sorcerer vanished, releasing the outlaw to crash down on his backside in the slush of leaves and melting snow. Robin rubbed his throat and took the warning to heart, climbing to his feet to make his way back to their encampment and spread the news of their invitation to the Dark One's nuptials. "No one is going to believe this."
*.*.*
"Don't know how I'm supposed to get anything done today if I keep having to stop to answer the blasted door," Sarah grumbled as she marched purposefully into the foyer and heaved the heavy entrance door open. Marcus was supposed to be at the front gates keeping the villagers out, but there was always the possibility one or two of them had slipped past him, although with the wards protecting the castle, she didn't know how. A lovely raven-haired girl dressed in rather drab peasant garb and a shorter bearded man stood on the stoop. "Yes, out with it, what do you want?" she snapped.
"I beg your pardon, sister, but we're here to see Rumpelstiltskin," the dwarf answered, frowning at her unwelcome tone. But what could one expect from a servant of the dark sorcerer?
"How'd you get past the gate?" she queried, her hazel eyes narrowing suspiciously. "What's your purpose here? Are you expected?"
"Um … we told your man at the gate we had business with your master."
Sarah's eyes narrowed further. The dwarf looked as if he really didn't want to be there and the girl just looked bored. "You're not from the village, are you?"
"No, we live half a day's ride from here near the dwarf mines," he informed her, growing weary of her questioning.
Sarah sighed and shrugged her shoulders, stepping back and gesturing them to come inside. "The Dark One isn't at home at the moment, but if you don't mind waiting I can bring you some refreshments and see if the lady of the Dark Castle will see you."
"You lie. There is no Lady of the Dark Castle," the young woman protested.
"Snow, be silent," the dwarf warned sharply.
Sarah arched a brow as she watched the girl, Snow, pull a face at her companion. "You might want to take his advice, love, and hold your tongue. Also, I'll warn you now to keep a civil tone when speaking about Rumpelstiltskin in front of Lady Belle."
"Lady Belle?" The dwarf asked, taking Snow by the elbow and following after the girl.
"Rumpelstiltskin's betrothed."
The dwarf looked as though he were going to swallow his tongue at that bit of information. Sarah led them up the marble staircase and into the library where Belle was reclining on a chaise, her nose buried in the journal Winter had left for her as a gift. Sarah cleared her throat … three times before Belle noticed she was no longer alone in the room.
"Milady, Rumpel has visitors. I thought you might like to entertain them while they wait?"
Belle smiled warmly at the pair and offered them a seat. "Sarah, tea please, but only if you can spare the time. If not, I can …" her voice trailed off as she wiggled the fingers of her right hand.
"I already have the water on as I was making a pot for you before they arrived," Sarah grinned, leaving the pair alone with Belle.
Grumpy looked about the room, taking in the multitude of books, the potion cabinet and work table, the spinning wheel and stool before finally landing on the petite lady. "I … um … I didn't know the Dark Castle had a … um …"
"What he's trying to say is he didn't know Rumpelstiltskin was engaged," Snow blurted out, tired of his hedging, twisting the frayed hem of her jerkin.
"We're getting married this evening," Belle said, her smile radiant. "I was betrothed to him as an infant and now we're finally to be married. I must say I'm rather excited."
Snow's brows disappeared into her hairline and Grumpy's mouth gaped open in astonishment. "You're happy to be marrying that …"
Snow's foot shot out and connected with his shin, remembering the servant's warning. "Congratulations."
A puff of crimson smoke heralded Rumpelstiltskin's arrival back to the castle. "Are they here? Did I miss it?" he asked, hurriedly making his way to the window which overlooked the front gate.
"Who, darling?"
"The mob! The one Marcus warned us about before I had to go. I didn't like leaving you here knowing they were on their way, Belle." He turned away from the window and drew her into his arms as she rose to greet him, kissing her as if it had been days instead of the mere hour they'd been parted. He pulled away and buried his face in her hair, a low rumble of pleasure sounding deep in his throat.
"Darling, you have guests," she purred in his ear.
His head shot up, noticing two blushing faces looking anywhere to avoid looking at him and Belle. "Snow White, hmm." He kissed Belle's hand and allowed her to resume her seat on the chaise as he walked over to his spinning wheel, his hand idly turning the wheel as he surveyed his guests. "Why could the two of you possibly need to come here?"
Grumpy rose from the chair he'd occupied and turned to face the imp, not wanting to waste any time in getting to the purpose of their visit. "The potion you gave Snow. It changed her … she's not the same."
Rumpel giggled, smirking at the dwarf. "Well, of course it changed her. It took away her love, left a big hole in her heart. There is no cure for what she's got. The person she was …" He leaned in close to the dwarf, glancing back at the bandit princess. "There's no way to bring her back."
"Rumpelstiltskin, what did you do?" Belle asked, her gaze darting between Snow and her beloved.
He rubbed the fingers of his right hand together nervously as he looked at his beloved. "Nothing to concern yourself, dearest."
Belle gave him a pointed look, reminding him without having to say a word that she wasn't buying what he was selling. "Oh, very well. She called upon me for a potion to remove her heartache. The potion took away her memories of her true love."
"Oh, Rum, that's awful. How would you feel if I took a potion to forget you?" she asked, her eyes filled with pain the girl must surely have felt. "When he finds her, and she doesn't know who he is, it's going to break his heart."
He took her hand and pulled her aside. "It was just a deal, sweetheart. It's what she asked for. And no, we're not discussing you and I," he reasoned when she opened her mouth to argue. "That would never happen. I'm much too selfish to allow you to just forget about me."
"Fix her, Rumpel. No one deserves to lose their love," she argued, crossing her arms over her bosom.
"I can't. No potion can bring back true love. As you well know, love is the most powerful magic of all, the only magic I haven't been able to bottle," he murmured. If there was some way to bottle what Belle made him feel, he'd make a fortune and be even more renowned than he already was.
"What about true love's kiss? Would that restore her?"
"I don't know. True love's kiss is a load of sheep hockey if you ask me," he grumbled.
She poked him in the chest, her eyes narrowing. "I'm going to remember you said that … later."
"Dearest —"
Grumpy coughed loudly to gain their attention. "Isn't there anything you can do? A spell, a potion, some kind of charm?"
"Are you willing to try?" she asked, her cerulean eyes hopeful. "Darling, no one deserves to lose their love."
"There's just no way, Belle."
"Would you be willing to try, please? I might have an idea," she brightened, worrying her lower lip thoughtfully. "If we both use our magic … together … I think there may be a way."
"Little true love baby, thinks she knows everything. Fine!" he grouched as she took his hand in hers and tugged him over to where the girl was standing next to his worktable.
Belle smiled at Snow as Rumpelstiltskin stood at her back and reached out her hands to the girl. "Would you mind? I promise not to hurt you," she assured her when Snow gazed at her warily. She nodded, and Belle placed her hands on the girl's temples, her fingers carding through Snow's ebony locks. "Rumpel, put your hands over mine please."
The imp shrugged and put his hands over Belle's like she'd asked and slammed his eyes closed as the spark radiated from his hands all the way up his arms to settle in his shoulders. Her magic had anchored him to her and was drawing his darkness to entwine with her light to work in harmony with each other to do her bidding. He couldn't have moved it he had tried. "Rumpel, relax; you're fighting me. I need you to accept me and you know who is fighting it."
The Dark One roared in his head, not wanting to let Belle use his magic. The more he let her in, the more power over the spinner he lost and Rumpel had to exert all his effort to beat the demon back to give Belle what she wanted. Gold surged forth from her heart in a last-ditch effort to make him feel her love and the demon retreated. He felt her magic merge with his and the tension left his shoulders. He melted into her, relaxing and letting his chin rest on her shoulder as he sighed in contentment. Snow's mind opened up before them as the wall the potion had created crumbled to ash.
Snow cried out, her eyes widening incredulously as her memories rushed forth. "Oh! No, Charming."
Belle released the hold she had on Snow's head and reached out to grip her upper arm as the princess's legs threatened to give out. "Charming? Is he your love?"
Snow nodded her head furiously. "Yes, I lost him, and now you've given him back to me. Grumpy," she said turning to her friend. "Is it true? He's really not marrying Abigail?"
Grumpy grinned, showing all his teeth in his bearded face. "That's what I tried to tell you, but you'd already taken that vile potion."
Belle sagged back against her betrothed wearily and yawned. "I think I need a nap," she whispered, chuckling softly as Rumpel nodded, in complete agreement with her.
"You know, dearie," he said to Snow. "The two of you should go down to the kitchens and have something to eat and rest before you leave. You could even stay for the wedding if you like."
Belle smiled warmly at the girl. "Yes, you should."
"It would be a fitting price for the magic we just expended."
Snow blanched at the emphasis he put on the word and nodded reluctantly. "Of course, thank you. We'd … um … we'd be delighted to stay for your wedding."
Sarah came in with the tea service and set it on the coffee table and Rumpelstiltskin asked her to see to their guests. Knowing Sarah, she'd have the two of them helping her out in the kitchen with the feast she was preparing. As they disappeared out the door, Rumpel scooped Belle up into his arms and carried her to the sofa, setting her down gently and then lying down beside her and pulling her into his embrace.
"You amaze me, my Belle. How did you know that was going to work?" he asked, pressing little kisses to her brow and temple.
"I didn't. But I remembered what Winter showed us when she helped us combine our magics. Alone we wouldn't have been able to do it, but together the magic will do our bidding, right?" she asked, locking her gaze with his, seeking reassurance. "I'm afraid, Rum."
He pressed a tender kiss to her lips, frowning at the fear he could feel just beneath the surface of her skin. "Of what, dearest? You know I will never allow anything to harm you."
"We must be cautious. You are already feared for your power. No one understands who you really are, and it works well to keep those who would try to use you at bay. But if they were to try to manipulate us as Winter did … if someone were so hungry to dominate the realm …"she shivered. "No one must know how our magics work when combined, Rumpel."
It was true that Winter had manipulated them from the beginning, but never to do them harm or have them cause harm. But if that knowledge were ever to fall to Regina or gods forbid, Cora. The Dark One retreated further inside the spinner, shuddering at the thought of them in control of such power. And for the demon to run and hide, well, he didn't even want to contemplate. "It will be our secret," he assured her, relieved she didn't worry further and drifted off into a light slumber, safe and content in his embrace.
*.*.*
Belle's eyes flew wide and her hands fisted tightly in Rumpelstiltskin's coat as a horn blew at the front of the castle. Her imp leapt over her, landing lightly on his feet and moving swiftly to the windows he'd peered from earlier. Belle rubbed at her stomach as the wards rippled.
"I take it the concerned townspeople have arrived to rescue me from the beast of the Dark Castle," she said drolly as she swung her legs over the edge of the sofa and stood to have a look.
"It would seem so, dearest," he agreed, his eyes alight with mischief. He slipped his arms around her waist and gave a beastly growl. "And does the fair princess wish to be rescued, hmm?"
She tugged playfully at the ends of his hair and pulled him down for a kiss. "What do you think?"
He pulled her tightly against his chest and rested his cheek atop her crown of curls. "We really should go down and dispense with this problem. We still have much to do before the wedding this evening."
"Oh, yes," she agreed dryly. "What every bride dreams about on her wedding day … an angry mob!" She stole one more kiss before stepping out of his arms and heading for the door. "Let me just get my boots and cloak and I'll be ready to go down."
He remained where he was as he waited for her, watching the scene below. A surprised grin curled his lips when he saw Sarah, brandishing a wicked looking short sword, Snow a bow and arrow and the dwarf with his pick axe striding through the courtyard on their way to the front gate. "Hmm, will wonders never cease. Dearest, do hurry, will you?"
*.*.*
Sarah sneered at the three clerics who stood on the other side of the closed black iron gates and tapped the short sword she held against her thigh in a non-threatening manner … not that she couldn't become just as threatening as her heavily armed husband if the need arose. The ten or so villagers who stood behind them seemed more afraid than anything, as if they'd been coerced into trekking up the mountain for this foolhardy mission. Well, except for the really stupid looking lummox near the front, she thought derisively.
"What are you lot doing here on my master's lands?" she asked, addressing the smug cleric who seemed to be in charge.
"It has come to our attention the beast is trying to force an innocent young girl to be his bride."
Snow lowered the bow in her hand, keeping the arrow nocked as she whispered, "Is he talking about the same girl inside? The one you can clearly see adores the man?"
Sarah nodded. "Idiots all, without a doubt." She turned back to the crowd who shifted nervously behind the three clerics in their white robes and short cropped hair. "Begone from here before the Dark One sends you home slithering along on your bellies. What is wrong with you people?"
Father Steven stepped closer to the gate and Snow positioned her bow. Sarah calmly said, "If he takes another step, shoot him. He's trespassing on the master's lands. We're well within our rights to protect him."
"Protect him!? He's a demon!"
"He's also liege lord to the village or have you simply forgotten that fact? What will become of you should he abandon you? How much money does the butcher make selling poultry, pork and mutton to this castle, or the baker? How much does the Dark One spend in his shop? I would think a considerable amount with the sweet tooth he has. Your crops never wither, but are always prosperous due to his magical aid. No one goes hungry in the village due to his generosity and patronage. Yet here you stand before the castle gates threatening to take his beloved fiancé from him. You should be ashamed of yourselves," she spat, her lip curling in disgust. "Always so high and mighty. Take yourselves away from here and go judge someone else."
"Bewitched!" the second, shorter and heavier set cleric said, stepping forward and sprinkling holy water on her through the gate.
Heat rose in her face as she raised a hand to wipe the water from her cheek. "Oh, you did NOT just throw holy water on me. Marcus! Open the damn gate," she screeched, raising the short sword before her. "I'll be damned if I let some thickheaded jackass come to my home and threaten my family AND douse me with holy water like I'm some under some kind of spell!"
Snow fired off the arrow, the projectile landing an inch from the clerics booted feet. "I suggest you back off, father. I won't miss a second time." She knew what she owed the couple inside and if that meant defending the imp's home, so be it.
"Stand down, all of you," Rumpelstiltskin commanded as he and Belle appeared on the cobblestone walkway behind the foursome. Belle tightened her grip on his arm as he led her toward the gates as they parted to allow them out. The mob backed away, leaving the clerics standing alone to face the Dark One and his lady.
Belle smiled at them all, despite the contempt she felt towards them and their small mindedness towards Rumpelstiltskin. "Hello," she said pleasantly, the fingers of her right hand twitching with the desire to hex them.
"Milady, we've come to liberate you from the beast!" the third cleric said, his deep voice reminding Belle of a slimy croaking toad.
"Have you now?" Rumpelstiltskin asked, a giggle drifting past his thin lips. "What say you, dearest? Have you any desire to leave my lair?"
Several of the villagers turned tail and ran, two of them tripping over each other to land in the falling snow, recognizing the menace in those softly uttered words. Belle bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing. Snow and Sarah weren't so restrained, their laughter ringing down the pass.
"I don't believe so, darling. I'm perfectly happy to remain with you. In fact," she said, leaning up to kiss his cheek. "I really must insist."
A low growl erupted in Rumpelstiltskin's throat as a splash of holy water hit both him and Belle in the face. Marcus had to restrain Sarah from rushing forward, his arm around her waist lifting her kicking feet from the snowy cobblestones. Belle reached into the pocket of her ermine lined cloak and retrieved a handkerchief, wiping the water from his face.
"That was rather rude," she said, tilting her head to the side and narrowing her eyes. She lifted her hand and held it palm up, smiling devilishly as she pursed her lips and blew. The clerics and the remaining villagers toppled like bowling pins.
"Witch! Run!" screamed one thin man with a balding pate.
"No wonder he wants her!"
"They'll kill us all!"
One woman in her gown with the frayed hem, knocked her husband out of the way and disappeared into the tree line, her hands over her head as she ran. Belle giggled. "Well, that was fun. Darling, are you sure you wouldn't like to deal with these three?"
Father Steven crawled forward pitifully in the snow and kissed the hem of Belle's cloak. "Milady, please have mercy."
"Give me a reason," she hissed, her blue eyes chips of ice in her pale face. "You come here to take me from the man I love on the day of our wedding. I must admit I have very little mercy in my heart for men such as yourselves. Tell me something … are you basing your fear and loathing of the Dark One on Rumpel himself or the Dark One in general. Surely you realize he isn't the only Dark One in history."
"Sweetheart, as entertaining as this is, it's really not necessary," he assured her. He'd lived with scorn and revulsion from the masses for so long, it didn't bother him … much. It warmed his heart to see her defend him so passionately.
"Rumpel, I will not have them come to our home and act this way. It's not fair to you."
"They're clerics, my Belle. They hold firm in their beliefs the Dark One will never be more than a vile demon. They share that in common with the fairies. There is no changing their minds." He speared the three quivering forms before him with his narrowed gaze. "Go! Begone from my lands and do not return. Next time, I can assure you we will not be so lenient." When they didn't move quickly enough he tossed a fireball at the feet of the cleric closest to him.
Sarah watched them hastily gain their feet and retreat down the pass, scowling at their departing backs. "You should have lit their arses on fire, Imp!"
Rumpelstiltskin giggled and winked at her. "Aren't you preparing a feast, dearie? Kind of hard to do, dallying in the courtyard," he teased.
Sarah blanched. "MY CAKE!" she shrieked and lifted her skirts, running for the kitchen.
Snow slung her bow over her shoulder and shook her head as she turned to follow. A snowball hit the imp in the back of his head and he whirled around to face the culprit. "Sorry, darling, couldn't resist," Belle said, running for the front doors, her betrothed in hot pursuit.
She skirted behind a plum tree and scooped up another handful of snow, packing it tightly. She peeked around the tree, searching the courtyard for him, catching her lower lip between her teeth. She turned to peek around the other side of the tree and he caught her up in his arms, depositing a rather large handful of snow into the low bodice of her gown.
"Ha!" he crowed, pressing his body against hers and sandwiching her between himself and the tree.
"Gods, that's cold!" she squealed, wrapping her arms about his neck and dropping her snowball into the high collar of his frock coat. They shivered together, but really couldn't tell if it was from the cold or the closeness of their bodies pressed so intimately together in all the right places.
His tongue rasped over her collarbone, catching the melting snow there and she bit her lip to stifle the moan which built in her throat. She no longer felt the cold, not when he made her feel such heat. It coiled in her belly and spread out to her limbs and made her ache with the beauty of her desire for him. Her hands delved into the icy strands of his hair and dragged his lips to hers. In a few short hours they'd be married and free to finally explore each other without worry, without interruption, without fear … and she couldn't wait.
Thank you all for sticking with me this far. You guys rock!