XVII

Market Day (Part One)

He figured he'd find her in the kitchens. His little dearie had been spending time there quite frequently since she'd decided to teach herself to cook. Some of her efforts had been quite good … others a disaster, but she let nothing deter her. Belle was one of the strongest willed women he'd ever met.

Rumpelstiltskin leaned against the door jamb and crossed his arms over his chest. His features were in shadow as he watched her sitting on the stool at her workstation reading from a piece of parchment. Another letter from her father, no doubt. He could tell from the slight smile upon her lips and the softness in her warm azure eyes. Good news from home, he surmised. Too bad his empty belly had to suffer for it. It was an indication of his burgeoning feelings for her that he wasn't shouting the rafters down over the lateness of his breakfast.

Belle didn't so much as flinch as he stalked into the kitchen proper and grabbed a bowl down from the cupboard. Nor did she acknowledge his presence as he ladled a helping of porridge, the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting up to tease his nose. She did, however, lower the letter to the countertop once he'd settled himself on the stool next to her. Was she still peeved with him? She'd been rather melancholy since their encounter in the room he'd set aside for Baelfire. He did know he couldn't keep her at arm's length. She might be stuck there with him because of their deal, but he found he didn't want her to be unhappy.

"Another letter from home, dearie?" he queried, dipping his spoon into his porridge.

"Oh, Master! I'm so sorry I didn't serve your breakfast on time. I suppose I got lost in my correspondence," she apologized, a hint of rose at her cheeks. "Do you think you might forgive me just this once?"

His eyes narrowed, a hint of mischief gleaming in their warm amber depths. "Do I suspect a willingness to make a deal?"

Belle rolled her eyes at his playfulness, hopping off her stool to fetch a bowl for her own breakfast. "It's never wise to make a deal with you, Master."

"Come now, dearie. What would you be willing to give in exchange for my forgiveness, hmm?"

She peeked up at him from beneath her lashes as she let the spoon slide between her lips. It wasn't often her master was in such a good mood, his shoulders relaxed and the air of nervous energy absent from his wiry frame. Would it really be so bad to indulge him? Her head tilted thoughtfully to the side, a smile blooming on her lips. "What could you possibly want? I already belong to you, Rumpelstiltskin. The few possessions I own were generous gifts from you. What else could I have to offer you?"

He arched a wicked brow as she realized what she'd said, and a blush crept up her neck to settle in the apples of her cheeks. "More than you realize, Belle. For starters, you could share news of your former home."

Belle shot him a puzzled frown. "You wish to trade your forgiveness for news of Avonlea?"

Rumpelstiltskin pushed his empty bowl aside. "No, but I am curious. We can always deal later."

She huffed a short laugh and brought their bowls to the sink to wash them. "Papa's retired his prized stallion. He wants to use him for stud now. And don't give me that look, Master. I was raised to ask questions, to broaden my mind, and though it is inappropriate to discuss such things …" Her blush deepened over such a delicate subject. "Well, Papa always had a difficult time denying me anything. He wants to know if I would mind having my mare covered by Sovereign's Pride."

"I'll never judge you for seeking knowledge, dearie." If only there were more like her, he thought ruefully. He tapped a claw against the parchment. "What else did he have to impart?"

Belle poured a measure of juice into a glass for him before settling once more on her stool next to him. "The harvest was bountiful this year. Avonlea is thriving." She grinned. "You did more than just banish the ogres from our lands, didn't you?"

He cast her a side-eyed glance as he sipped his beverage. "Don't know what you mean."

"Of course, not," she muttered dryly. She could see right through him. "Our biggest market day of the year is today. Produce, hand crafts, sundries … it's all very exciting. People from all over the kingdom come to shop before Yuletide and support the local vendors. It's such a boon for our economy." Her smile was wistful as she propped her chin upon her hand. "It's quite festive, the square decorated with holly and ribbon, everyone a little nicer, a little more generous. It sets the tone for the holiday. Papa and I used to go every year and pass out sweets to the children, a coin or two to those less fortunate."

Rumpelstiltskin sighed, remembering his own struggles to make a coin at the market when Baelfire had been a small child. His son had always enjoyed market day, playing in the stall with one of his meager toys while his father fought for each sale. Thankfully, Baelfire hadn't been shunned by the villagers because he was unfortunate enough to be the son of the town coward. Belle seemed to enjoy it just as much, and it sent a pang of longing through him. "I think I know what I want."

Belle rested her hand on his arm and looked first left then right before dropping her voice to a whisper. "Should I fear for my life, Master?" she teased, a giggle bubbling past her lips.

His face warmed at her touch, but he masked it behind a droll stare. "Always. You never know when the beast might turn on you," he warned with a low growl.

Her giggle morphed into a full-blown laugh which made her eyes glisten with tears of mirth. "I'm terrified as you can see." Her fingers caressed his arm through the silk of his sleeve when he didn't pull away. "So, my fearsome dark master … what shall you name as your price?"

"Spend the day with me. No chores, no deals. Just a day away from the castle," he said, ducking his head as her lips parted in a surprised gasp. What had he been thinking, he mused fretfully as he waited for her mocking laugh. What would ever make him think she'd give freely of her time … to him?

"Deal!" she breathed excitedly. "I'd love to spend the day with you away from the castle. What shall we do?"

The Dark One gaped at her for a moment before pulling himself together. "Well, I'm not bringing you to see the unicorns, dearie," he snarked. "Just … dress warm."

Belle stared after him in amazement, having just glimpsed something more precious than gold … her sweet master completely devoid of his mask.

A/N: I thought this one would be fun. Christmas shopping! I hope you enjoyed the first part. Thank you all so much for the lovely reviews!