XVIII

Market Day (Part Two)

Belle nodded approvingly at her reflection as she tied a thin strip of leather around the end of her braid and smoothed her hand over the rose-pink muslin of her skirt. It was one of her favorites, a simple day dress which would do nicely for her day away from the castle. She hurried from her room, not wanting to keep her master waiting. Not when he was being so generous with his time. She wondered briefly if he were finally beginning to thaw that block of ice around his heart. She'd definitely taken note of the changes within him.

She skidded to a halt as she entered the Great Hall, her eyes narrowing suspiciously on the man standing next to Rumpelstiltskin's spinning wheel. "Excuse me," she said, clearing her throat. "Does my master know you're in here?"

The stranger didn't appear to be dangerous, but she was a firm believer that looks could be deceiving. His hair was straight, just brushing his shoulders, a lovely tawny color with a hint of gray at his temples. A smile quirked his lips – a quite familiar smirk at that – and amusement danced in his dark sable eyes. "Yes, dearie, I'm well aware," he chuckled.

"Rumpelstiltskin?" she queried, curiosity urging her to close the distance between them. She crossed the room, coming to stand before him, her hand rising to cup his cheek. He watched her warily through his guarded gaze as she searched his features. "What have you done to yourself?" she whispered, awestruck.

"It's just a glamour, little maid. Can't very well run about with you while looking like the Dark One. I'm afraid it would put a damper on the fun," he snarked, his old self shining through his disguise.

"I'm not ashamed to be seen with you, Master. I happen to like the way you look," she admitted, a rosy blush riding high in her cheeks.

He shot her a puzzled glance, his lips almost forming a smile … almost. "I will never understand your affinity for monsters, dearie." He offered his arm, leading her to the foyer, and draping her cloak about her shoulders before leading her out into the snow-covered courtyard where he allowed his magic to sweep them away.

His arm about her waist kept her steady as the smoke cleared and she swayed dizzily on her feet. But then she forgot her discomfort as the sights and sounds of Avonlea's busiest market day surrounded her. Her heart fluttered as she looked up into his warm gaze. "You did this for me? Why?"

Rumpelstiltskin shrugged. "Because … nevermind why," he snapped churlishly.

Belle twined her fingers with his and reached up to press a kiss to his cheek. "Thank you, Master."

"They won't know you," he said, trying to dispel the moment. He didn't want her to know how much her happiness was beginning to mean to him. "You will be just another face in the crowd to them, Belle."

She shook her head. "It doesn't matter. We're here together and we're going to have a lovely time. It's rather exciting actually, to have anonymity to explore the market."

Rumpelstiltskin delighted in the way her entire face lit up with pleasure as she tugged on his hand and set off for the first of the vendors. He'd brought a fat purse along with him to make sure she could make whatever purchases she liked. Though he did protest a little at some of the Yuletide decorations she presumed to want to put up in his hall. How would that look for some desperate soul to search him out for a deal only to see him making Yuletide merry with his maid? Yet, in the end he couldn't deny her.

It was quite a surprise to find himself enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of Avonlea's market. He'd always looked to market day as another chore. But then, perhaps it was the lovely young woman at his side who made it so enjoyable. His mouth nearly watered as they passed a stall selling tarts and pastries, but she continued to pull him along. "Not until after lunch, Master. Your sweet tooth will ruin your appetite," she'd retorted, continuing on to the next booth.

"Hello, Mrs. Lanford," she greeted the middle-aged woman minding the stall with her husband. "Might we have two of those kabobs? They smell delicious."

"They are," the woman gushed. "Would you like the lamb or the beef?"

Rumpelstiltskin paid the woman a little extra, seeing as Belle was acquainted with her. Belle spoke with her as if they were old friends for a long moment before he was able to drag her away. She led them to a spot by the fountain where there were tables set up for the patrons to eat or take a break from their shopping.

He hadn't realized he was hungry until he bit into the flavorful lamb. "This is really good," he mumbled around a mouthful.

"Avonlea was worth saving, Master," she murmured softly. "Our people, our lands, they're thriving because of you. I'll never be able to thank you enough."

Rumpelstiltskin averted his gaze, not quite so hungry anymore as he felt a lightness in his chest he'd never experienced before. "I don't think anyone has ever thanked me for a deal before, dearie." Or anything else, for that matter.

She reached out and covered his hand with hers. "Perhaps they're not making the right kind of deals then."

"I believe the price of my magic might be responsible for their loathing. No matter." He stared at her for a long moment, trying to read her. "Do you ever regret the price you paid?"

Her smile was radiant. "Not even a little. You saved me, too, Rumpelstiltskin, not just my kingdom."

He tried to dismiss her gratitude with a lazy wave of his hand. "It was just a deal, dearie."

"Keep telling yourself that, Master," she mumbled under her breath as she turned her attention back to her food.

*.*.*

Belle groaned as they returned home and entered the Great Hall. All of her purchases were scattered across the long dining room table. "Did I really buy all that?" she asked, her lips pursing with disdain.

Her master giggled as he resumed his former appearance, the glamour fading away. "You did indeed, and I expect you to put it all away first thing in the morning … no excuses."

He was giving her a reprieve. Another kindness to take her exhaustion into consideration. "I had the most wonderful day," she beamed, linking her fingers through his. "Can I ask you something, Master?"

Rumpelstiltskin could only nod, finding himself drowning in the deep pools of her eyes.

"Why? Why would you choose to spend the day at the market with me?"

That seemed to snap him out of the spell she'd woven with her gentle touch and softly spoken words. Hellfire! "Er … " Damnit, now he was stuttering like an idiot! "You've been here for months, dearie. I thought perhaps if I … or maybe … Aren't you tired? We've been traipsing through the bloody market all day. Go to bed!"

He poofed out of the hall, no doubt up to his workroom to hide.

Belle giggled and began making her way to the double doors of the hall, a small secret smile playing on her lips. "Goodnight, Master," she whispered, knowing he could hear her.

Rumpelstiltskin sank down onto the stool at his worktable and closed his eyes. "Goodnight, my Belle."