XXVI

It was unbearably cold in the Winter Palace even in the middle of summer. Why was it always so cold? No doubt, due to the queen's evil, the woman thought as she made her way stealthily down the corridor, keeping to the shadows. Cloaking herself from prying eyes wasn't usually such a task for one such as her, but it was as if the very air inside the citadel were draining her of power.

She found Regina in the main hall of the castle, slumped over in her chair, her chin resting in her hand. Recent developments were surely going to make the queen more susceptible to her plans for the Dark One and his lady wife. She hadn't been stripped of her powers, but any attack to Snow White would prove fruitless. Perhaps she was ready to turn her evil machinations elsewhere. And if it happened to bring the Dark One to his knees, so much the better.

"I really hate to see you looking so melancholy, your majesty," she said from the shadows. "Having your heart's desire plucked away so cruelly must be devastating for you, my dear."

"You! What do you want?" Regina sneered, rising from her chair and searching the deep shadows for the voice she knew only too well. The entire realm saw her as the Evil Queen. Regina snorted. She was a saint compared to this one.

A soft trilling laugh echoed through the hall, taunting her with its sweetness. There was nothing sweet about her. "I just thought I would come by to have that little chat you promised me. About our plans?"

Regina's hand paused halfway to her lips, her wine glass tilted precariously. Her palms began to sweat as she smoothed one down the sleek contours of her ebony gown. "You really mean to go up against him? If he were ever to discover what you have planned for his precious little maid, there would be nowhere in the seven realms for you to hide. I don't know if I'm prepared to die just now. Standing before a firing squad tends to give one a new perspective. And believe me, that would be a quick and painless death compared to the torture and pain he would bring down upon us. Only after we were begging and broken would he then end it."

The woman dropped all pretense at those words. Yes, it would be a risk. But if she was somehow able to save the young princess and bring the Dark One down in the process, the risks would well be worth it. "If you were serious in your refusal, why have you prepared a chamber at Maleficent's fortress to hide her?"

Regina's brow arched questioningly, her ruby lips curling into a smirk. "Well … I guess I was a tad bored last week when I was banished and sent back here with nothing to do. I admit your plan does have merit. Rumpel could stand to lose some of his power, and if he's brought down through the girl … all the better. She's just a tad bit too sure of herself."

"His loss will make him even more dangerous and unpredictable," the woman mused. "There is a great chance we will see him go mad in his grief. The stronger their bond through magic and blood, the worse it will be ... for the both of them, I'm saddened to say."

Regina's eyes flashed with hidden malice. If she could no longer have her revenge against Snow White, the little wife of Rumpelstiltskin would make a lovely substitute. And then she, Regina, the Evil Queen, would hold all the power. She wouldn't kill her, of course. There were entirely too many possibilities to hurt him if she were kept alive. Her own little chess piece she could play at the last moment to bring his entire world crumbling down. And when she had him on his knees, she would crush him.

Finally, she turned to the woman, revealing a sickly-sweet smile. "I may have thought about your proposal once or twice."

"And is the mirror complete? Has it been enchanted to my specifications?" the woman asked, her eyes narrowed with distrust.

"Yes, yes, it's already been moved to the cell. But I wouldn't worry about that. The tricky part is going to be capturing the girl. She's hardly out of his sight … ever. And now she has her own magic, unreliable, but there regardless." Regina tapped a blood-red nail to her chin, contemplating how much could go wrong with this plan.

"I wouldn't worry about how we get her away from the Dark One. Leave that to me. In two days' time, she will be attending Snow White and Prince James' wedding. It won't be hard at all to abduct her from the festivities … right from under his nose," the woman sing-songed with a laugh. "Perhaps once she's recovered from his influence, she might be willing to help us find a way to destroy his evil once and for all."

Regina moved to stand before the full-length mirror in the corner of her hall and inspected her pearly teeth. "You're out to end him," she stated. Her hands twitched at her side as she thought of the ramifications of their plan. "She's immortal as long as she's bound to him, don't you know? It's going to take both of our magicks to bind her to the cell. We can't let him find her."

"Which is why you decided not to use your own castle as her prison, your majesty. This is the first place he'll look. And we can't have that," she said with a tinkling laugh. "We won't be able to cast the spell until we have the girl, so be ready. I will contact you when I have her." She turned to leave, slinking off deeper into the shadows. "Cheer up, Regina. After all, this is for the greater good."

The queen shuddered as she continued to primp in her mirror. She couldn't help but think about how many things could go wrong. Being on the bad side of Rumpelstiltskin was just suicide.

*.*.*

"Tell me again why we're traveling by carriage. We never take the carriage," Jefferson complained. "We could already be there if we'd teleported, enjoying the food, the wine, the … ladies." A wide smile tipped his lips at the thought. He'd sent Grace off to spend the week with her aunt and he was looking forward to the wedding … or more apt, the ball following. He was entitled to have some fun. If the Dark One could find love, why couldn't he?

Rumpelstiltskin arched a brow at his friend and rolled his eyes. "I've told you, hatter. As I am powerful enough to transport three at a time, it is an unnecessary drain on my power," he said irritably. He didn't want to go to the wedding. He had other things to do today. Looking down at his wife snuggled into his side and snoring softly, his arm protectively wrapped about her waist, his features softened. She'd been quite insistent about attending the wedding, and he hadn't been able to come up with a good excuse to deny her.

"Why couldn't Belle have teleported under her own power? I know she can do it; I've seen her," Jefferson huffed, shifting in his seat for a more comfortable position. The bouncing and jarring of the carriage were wearing away at his good mood.

"I don't trust her to arrive safely, hatter. She's just getting used to short distances. I don't want her to miss her target." Belle would, of course, be easy enough to locate through the bond, but he didn't want to think about her scared and alone until he could find her.

Jefferson laid his head back against the cushioned seat and sighed. It was still a novel concept that his little friend had married the sorcerer. He'd been certain they were perfect for one another, and just as equally certain Rumpelstiltskin would never admit to feelings of any kind.

Happiness is what they had now. The same kind of happiness he wanted for himself. Not just because Grace really needed a mother-figure in her life, but because … damnit, he was lonely. Perhaps tonight he would meet someone interesting. She'd have to be half mad, however, to feel comfortable with his eccentricities.

"Belle will be your responsibility until I return from my little errand, Jefferson," Rumpelstiltskin said softly, breaking the silence which had settled between them. "You do realize how displeased I'll be if something were to happen to her." Magic crackled along his fingertips at the thought of harm coming to the bundle curled up next to him, using him as a pillow.

Jefferson gulped audibly, his eyes widening. "Wouldn't dream of letting any harm come to the darling girl."

"See that you don't."

*.*.*

Belle took Rumpelstiltskin's hand as she stepped out of the carriage, her sapphire gown shimmering in the late afternoon sun. It had been a gift from her husband. The silk gown draped elegantly on her petite frame, the bodice hugging her waist to fall into a full skirt, the long-fitted sleeves of sheer sapphire lace leaving her shoulders bare.

He was dressed just as handsomely as he'd dressed for their own wedding, his dragon-hide coat nowhere to be seen. Jefferson, however, was determined to draw attention to himself in a bright purple jacket and glaring orange waistcoat. The lime green cravat was a bit much, though. She shook her head and smiled at him. He needed a haircut.

The Great Hall was milling with people as they made their entrance. Even though they were early - just a bit so she could see Snow before the ceremony commenced - there were servants passing through the throng with trays laden with drinks. Jefferson didn't hesitate to accept a goblet of wine, his eyes scanning the crowd. Pink and white streamers, flowers of every variety and gaily dressed ladies were ever present as they made their way to the ballroom.

Belle pressed closer to Rumpelstiltskin's side and held her head high as the stares and whispers began. After all, the entire kingdom had been invited and there was no reason they should be made to feel unwelcome. Fear rippled through the room and she had to remind herself of the small-mindedness of people who had no understanding of other's feelings. Before she'd come to the Dark Castle, she'd been regarded as odd, so the feelings she was experiencing were nothing new to her.

"Don't fret, dearest. You know who your true friends are," he whispered reassuringly next to her ear. She flashed him a brave smile, but didn't let go of his arm. "I have to run that little errand we discussed earlier. Are you going to be alright with Jefferson while I'm away?"

"I'll be fine, my love. Just hurry back before the ceremony, please," she murmured as she pressed a kiss to the corner of his mouth. "I don't like it when you have to see her, no matter the necessity."

He gave Jefferson a warning look, promising dire consequences if he left her side for a second and then he was gone, leaving his tell-tale smoke trail lingering in the air.

*.*.*

Regina was sulking … again, her thoughts turning over upon one another about the wasted years she'd spent pursuing Snow White across the realm in her thirst for revenge. Wasted years were a hard thing for her to stomach. Her father approached her warily, his eyes fearful as he tried to judge her mood.

"You have a visitor," he said cautiously in a quiet tone.

"Who?" she snapped, continuing to glare at the mirror.

"You need to ask?" Rumpelstiltskin asked a high-pitched tone from where he sat upon her settee. "What other friends do you have, dearie?"

Regina rounded on him, snarling through clenched teeth, "You're no friend. Have you come to relish my suffering?" Her eyes narrowed. Soon it will be you who is suffering, she thought viciously.

He rose from the settee to prowl around her. He was thinking her gowns were getting tighter and tighter as he took in the royal blue sheath she wore. "I thought you'd want someone to raise your spirits. Especially on a day like today," he grinned with his elaborate hand gestures, continuously moving around her, a coiled snake preparing to strike. And he knew all of Regina's most vulnerable spots.

She remained still, watching him from the corner of her eye. "What's so special about today?" she asked, opting for an innocent tone. She knew only too well what today was, but she refused to give him the satisfaction of letting him know she'd been sulking about it.

He twittered his maniacal giggle just to annoy her. "Snow White and Prince Charming's wedding, of course. Didn't you get an invitation?" He smirked when she didn't answer. "Ah. Me neither, so I'm going as Belle's plus one. Still," he continued, "nice to be able to see them declare their twoo wuv in front of the entire kingdom. Happy ending after all," he said, knowing full well every word was a spiked barb at Regina's pride.

She whirled on him angrily. "And because of you, there's nothing I can do to stop it. No way to harm them in this land ever again," she sneered, her voice cold and sarcastic.

He lowered his voice, his accent becoming thicker. "Yes. Yes, I suppose that's true," he agreed sympathetically, pausing for effect. "In this land.

A puzzled frown knit her brow. "What?"

He smiled at her, realizing she was finally catching on. About bloody time, dearie! "The deal I made was explicit. You can never harm them in this land. Now, were you to bring them to another land, well." He shrugged and smiled wickedly. "Told you I was your friend." His impish giggle reverberated through the room as he vanished from her presence.

Excitement coursed through her as she settled on her new plan of action. The Dark Curse. Maybe she could have her revenge after all. It would take time to plan and perfect it, but she could cast the curse and have everything she wanted. "Father, bring my carriage. I have a wedding to get to."

*.*.*

"Darling, do you see that man over there in the silver turban? That's Lord Ethos and he approached me earlier to ask me if you'd be willing to deal with him. And over there," Belle said, pointing to a group of laughing noblewomen. "The frumpy girl in that horrid red dress. What was her mother thinking? She wishes to deal with you also. And …"

Rumpelstiltskin continued twirling her about the dance floor, listening to her with only half an ear, more content to hold her in his arms and watch the delight flitting across her features. Her eyes were alight with her excitement and he admitted ruefully he was glad he'd brought her.

Thinking back to the ceremony, he thought Regina had been in fine form with her tantrum, promising to bring about a halt to every happy ending in the realm. Belle had been equally delighted Rumpelstiltskin's plans were coming to fruition. One step closer to Bae. But he could see how the stress of the day was wearing on her.

"Tired, dear one?" he asked, bringing their conjoined hands to his lips and pressing a kiss to her knuckles, his other hand possessively at her waist as he guided her in the dance.

She hummed her agreement and let him pull her closer. "A bit, I suppose. Snow had me and Jefferson shown to our respective rooms earlier, so I might retire in awhile. You on the other hand will be quite busy with several lucrative deals this evening."

His eyes were burnished amber, softly glowing as he watched her. "I'm not dealing today, dearest," he told her, for once his ever-present avarice quite absent. "I'd much rather spend the evening with you." His lips brushed against her ear, causing her to tremble in his arms.

"It's not like you to avoid making a deal, Rumpel."

"There will be other deals," he insisted.

"But what if they are able to offer you something you might need for our future in the new land? And you passed it up because you can't keep your hands to yourself? Hmm?" she asked teasingly. She watched briefly over his shoulder as Jefferson stepped out onto the dance floor with the lady he'd been flirting with at the long buffet table.

He glanced over at the nobleman with a renewed sense of awareness, and then cast her a pained expression. "But, Belle …"

"It's fine, love. Walk me to our room so you can find your way later and then you can make deals until the wee hours of the morning."

He led her off the dance floor with a hungry gleam in his eyes, and it had nothing to do with making a deal, unless that deal was with his lovely wife. "Lead the way, dearest."

*.*.*

Belle groaned and rolled over, her eyes heavy with sleep. What had woken her? After spending an enjoyable hour in bed with Rumpelstiltskin, she'd fallen asleep sated and spent and wanting to rest her weary body. She'd just been dozing off when he'd pressed his lips to her brow, and wished her sweet dreams and the promise of his love. Hopefully, he would be back before the dawn. She really hated sleeping alone.

She flipped back over onto her back and burrowed down into the bedcovers, striving to get comfortable. But something was niggling at her subconscious. Something wasn't quite right. Maybe Rumpelstiltskin had returned and was making that noise preparing for bed, she thought groggily.

"Rumpel, love, just come back to bed," she murmured, her voice a soft echo through the borrowed bedchamber. Sleep fled her as the magic enveloped her, covering her head to toe. Even the ability of speech failed her. What was happening?

The woman leaned over her to inspect her handiwork, a feral snarl on her pink lips. Belle's eyes lit with recognition and she spread out her thoughts with the blood bond, searching for her husband's mind among the sea of guests several floors below her. Why would she do such a thing to her? What did she have to gain by trapping her?

"Sorry, princess, but he can't hear you. Right now, he's below spreading his evil and thinking you are up here safe and secure, wrapped in your dreams. He won't be any the wiser until it's much too late," she said softly, her voice tinkling through the shadows.

Belle had so many questions as panic overwhelmed her, her mind and body trapped by magic. Surely, he could sense her distress, she thought frantically. But she knew the woman was right, her magic was as frozen as her body and there was nothing she could do about it.

*.*.*

Jefferson caught him as he fell. In the years he'd known him, he'd never seen the great Dark One show any sign of weakness aside from the day he'd returned Belle to Avonlea. They were out on the terrace with Lady Winstead - the frumpy little lass who had begged for a deal to make her beautiful - when the imp had collapsed, that same look of loss and anguish clouding his features and draining his face of color. The hatter bade the girl to return to the ballroom and forget what she'd seen, threatening dire consequences if she disobeyed.

Rumpelstiltskin was on his knees, pain ripping through him with the force of a thousand daggers. He couldn't feel her. Why couldn't he feel her? The thrall of the dagger … gone. The blood bond … gone. It was just as if she had ceased to exist. Even if she'd been taken to another realm, the bonds he shared with her would still be felt. Jefferson was yelling at him, trying to get him to explain what had happened. He opened his mouth to speak and found he couldn't form the words which would haunt him for the rest of his life. He couldn't fight his way through the pain.

"Rumpel, what is wrong with you? How can I help you if you don't tell me what's happening?" Jefferson asked, frantic to come to the imp's aid.

"Belle …"

A/N: Well, well, well, dearies! Have you figured out who our mystery kidnapper with a death wish is yet (spoilery reviews aside)? Please let me know who YOU think it is and if you liked the chapter. Thank you all for leaving reviews, for following and favoriting. You guys are awesome!