~Belle's Books~

Belle closed yet another book, feeling her determination wane a bit. It was entirely possible that the Charming's Library simply didn't have what she was looking for.

She took in the stacks of books in piles all over the table. As she was reading, she had gone from chair to chair, wherever a clean spot had been available. Upon reflection, every book here was one she had pulled. Having experience cleaning up after someone, she simply couldn't leave this for the Charming's staff.

She stood, reverently picking up books to stack into her arms as her mind drifted to those horrible years as The Dark One's slave, the chipped cup and how she nearly saved him from his darkness with True Love's Kiss. That gorgeous library, though-

She froze, fingers barely around the spine of another failed book. He would absolutely have it. Maybe not in the library, but somewhere in that castle. Once that realization set in, she picked up speed, picking up her mess with vigor.

She had to find Regina.

A few hours later, she did.

"Belle- you haven't eaten today, have you."

"No, I need to talk to you-"

"Over a rather large lunch. I insist."

The table was obviously missing it's princess. Belle sat next to the empty chair, Regina sat between the Queen's empty chair and Roland. Hook was also missing this meal. A guard escorted Neal into the room, setting him between Belle and Smee, the latter of which looked more and more uncomfortable with his residency in the castle as the days went on. As usual, the King sat at the head.

Neal's presence became awkward, now that his deeds, however willingly done, was made known through gossip. Loyal Charming guards were more than willing to volunteer to watch him, though only few believed him to be innocent. Those lucky few were the ones selected for the task. Snow had made it clear she didn't want him to feel like a prisoner. He was just under house arrest until everything could be settled. He was a victim, just like Emma, but it wasn't as easy to remember him as such, considering.

"Is Snow alright?" Regina asked tentatively.

"She's not feeling well." Charming supplied.

"Anything I can do?"

He thought a moment before replying "No, I don't believe so." with a forced smile in her direction.

The table was silent for a while.

"So, Belle, you wanted to speak to me?" Regina asked, cutting into a piece of ham while glancing around to all the solemn faces. She was trying to ease them out of the uncomfortable silence they all felt.

"Um-" Belle's eyes moved from the man next to her, guilt in her face for having been staring at him. "I want to visit Rumple's old home. I was hoping you would accompany me there."

Every eye turned to the brunette. Regina simply raised her eyebrows at the request.

"Rumplestiltskin?" Neal asked, a shocked look on his face.

"Why would anyone want to go there?" David asked, just as perplexed.

"I was combing the library, here, for information on Gods in general, you know, where they might live, or how one might call upon them, but I haven't came across a lot of those books, and none of the ones I found have been very helpful-" She stopped, realizing she was rambling. She wasn't accustomed to so many ears hanging on her every word. "I know Rumpell has a lot of books, and Gods are more powerful than he is, so naturally he'd want to learn all he could about someone who could squash him like a bug."

"That's not a bad idea, actually." Regina replied with a sigh, setting down her silverware.

"Allow me to accompany you-" Neal's voice was hoarse, and he had to clear it. "I know my father. I might be able to help you look."

"Father?" David's gaze skewered onto the man. Eyes were no longer on Belle.

"Of course..." Belle smacked her forehead in understanding. "You' re Baelfire. He told me all about you."

"Why would he-"

"Why are you running from your father, Neal?" David asked, his eyes so narrow he couldn't possibly see out of them.

"Who wouldn't run if The Dark One was chasing them?"

Regina gave David a look before he could say anything else. "He does have a point, Charming."

He was clearly agitated, though he took in a deep breath instead of replying.

"David, do you have anything against my taking these two to the old castle?" Regina asked.

"Do you really need Neal to tag along?"

"I wouldn't know. If Rumple used blood magick to secure his home, or a location where he'd hide Godly information, then yes. Having him there could be quite helpful."

"I don't mind having the extra company." Belle moved a lock of hair behind her ear nervously. She wanted to keep an open mind about this stranger, Rumpell's son. She knew it wasn't really him who had done those things to Emma. But she couldn't help that he made her feel uneasy.

She was no longer looking forward to this trip.