XXVII

Why Did You Come Back?

Dull amber eyes surveyed the road beyond the gate, much as they'd done all afternoon. Now as the dying rays of the sun slowly morphed into the dusky hue of twilight, he could feel the tiny sliver of hope he'd harbored extinguish. He couldn't doubt her love for him, not when he'd seen the evidence for himself, but apparently, her love for her father, her kingdom, was greater. Why would she choose the beast who'd held her captive for the better part of a year?

Perhaps she was delayed … if she happened upon the small bookshop in the village, it could be nigh a week before she returns.

The mage shook his head, praying for strength. He didn't know if he'd be able to endure the demon's prattling when he was lost upon a sea of turmoil. Just bloody well stop! I – His lips parted in surprise, the light returning to his eyes as they fixed upon a tiny speck of movement. His feet felt leaden, rooting him to the spot as the familiar form of his beloved made her way towards the gates, moving rather quickly at that.

Well, are you just going to stand there gawking and let her catch you?! She'd tease you mercilessly if she knew you'd been standing here all day pining for her!

Life returned to his numb limbs and he drew in a breath so sharp it pained his chest. He took the stairs down from the library two at a time and ran full tilt towards the Great Hall.

What are you doing? the imp asked dryly. Did you somehow forget you have magic to easily transport you wherever you wish to go? he rolled his eyes. Instead, you're running amok like a bloody peasant!

I panicked! What am I to say to her? he asked, actively seeking his alter ego's advice as he took a seat at his spinning wheel.

The demon chortled gleefully, his laughter reverberating loudly off the bone white walls of the spinner's skull. Oh, how the worm has turned. Now you want my help?

Please! She'll be here any minute. I swear that girl could outrun an antelope in those blasted heels I gave her.

No doubt she had to be quick to fight off that knight to which she was betrothed.

Rumpelstiltskin made an undignified sound in the back of his throat as he heard the front doors open and close behind her. Quickly, he picked up the thread and gave the wheel a turn, forcing himself to calm down and hoping she wouldn't notice the tremor in his hands.

Now listen up, spinner. Coward that you are, you're quaking in your crocodile skin boots. Whatever she throws at you, remember … YOU … ARE … THE … FUCKING … DARK ONE! Act like it! Don't let her run roughshod over you. Bloody take what you want and bedamn the consequences!

Why did I even bother to ask your opinion? Rumpelstiltskin growled. He firmly tossed up enough wards in his mind to keep the imp from breaking into his consciousness for at least a week. But he didn't have time to wonder how the demon would try to seek revenge against such a slight because the doors to the Great Hall were opening and his beloved was smiling warmly in greeting.

"Oh … You're back already," he stammered, his voice high-pitched with nervousness. "Good. Good thing … I was nearly out of straw." Gods, I sound like an idiot!

Belle tossed her cloak over the back of his chair at the long table and set her parcels down. "Hmm," she hummed low in her throat as she arched a brow at him. She set his basket of straw down next to the wheel and leaned over to peer at him through the spokes, a teasing glint in her cerulean eyes. "Come on … you're happy I'm back."

His heart pounded with the force of tribal drums against his ribs as he wrinkled his nose playfully at her. "I'm not unhappy."

Rumpelstiltskin watched her surreptitiously from the corner of his eye as she circled around behind him. It was a move she'd enacted countless times, and he was prepared to fight off the shiver her touch would elicit, though he was ill-equipped to stop the overheated blood in his veins from venturing south. He nearly shed his skin as she caressed the skin just behind his ears with her talented thumbs. Dear merciful gods! Where had she learned that trick? Any moment now he'd throw himself to the floor to worship at her feet.

"I missed you today, Rumpelstiltskin," she purred, her warm breath fanning hotly against the whorls of his ear. He was quickly falling under her spell, a willing slave to her pleasure.

The mage nearly whimpered as she withdrew, but she didn't go far, her fingers trailing lazily over his shoulders as she came to his side and plucked the thread from his fingers, tossing it aside. "D-Did you?"

Belle nodded as she settled herself upon his lap and wrapped her arms about his neck. "I did. It's not quite an adventure if you travel alone. I enjoy it much more when you accompany me. Then, of course, there is no telling who you might encounter on the road. All I could think of was how I wished you were with me."

His tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth as she pressed her brow to his, her nose nuzzling him gently. He brought his hands up to cradle her face, his eyes searching hers for any hint of treachery. He found none. Her gaze was as open and honest as it always was. "Why did you come back?" he rasped.

"That's something I'd very much like to discuss with you. Are you really so set upon spinning tonight?" she asked, toying with the ends of his soft curls. "I thought we could take tea in the library … have a little chat and perhaps … see what I brought you from town?"

"You brought me something?" he queried, taken aback.

Belle grinned. "Something sweet to sate my beast."

"Minx!" he huffed a short laugh and set her from his lap. "Yes … I suppose we might spend the evening in the library if it is your wish. But you still have to answer my question."

"Oh, Rumpel … you may depend upon it."

A/n: Oh, this was so much fun to write! I hope you all enjoyed. Lots to explore next time. Gawd, I can't believe we only have four more to go. It's going to be rather sad to see this little series come to an end. Thank you all for reading and reviewing. Without you, why would I write?