A/N: I'm back! School is out for the summer so I have more free time to write. And I thought it fitting I should return with this prompt. I figured there's enough for one or two more and that should conclude this particular run unless there's a future request for more. Hope you enjoy and don't forget to review!

A Long Fatal Love Chase

Prompt: Belle makes her decision and more truths come to light, including some well-deserved revenge. (Rated M)

The moment the sun rose Belle was already wake and dressed for the day. She scarcely slept for her mind was heavily burdened with Baelfire's words. So much she had learned in a short time! To finally discover that Tempus had not really murdered sweet, innocent Ignatius… that he was known as Baelfire and had faked his death in order to prevent that terrible wretch of a mother from causing further pain… It was extraordinary to put it mildly!

Furthermore, it suddenly had everything making sense. The cruel mockery of Tempus against Milah to the hasty exit of a grave and the secrecy kept between her husband and Dove. It was all done in protection of the boy, and yet, Belle had not been included in the ruse. If anything, she was led (and encouraged) to believe the lie and not once been contradicted in its meaning, even after she confronted Tempus when she had lived as Rose.

Why?

The only person who could answer this question was the devil himself. And conveniently, he had not made his presence known! For Belle believed Tempus was still out there lurking within the shadows where he was most comfortable. He was biding his time, no doubt, until he decided to show himself, to remind Belle that he was her master and that she still was under his persuasion.

Well…

The tables have turned. Belle knew the truth and she was no longer blind or ignorant to it anymore. Yes Tempus was guilty of bigamy… but he was innocent in the other matters concerning Baelfire. However, he was still guilty for misleading her and breaking her heart. His persistence in this chase and his insistence in making himself look the villain in her eyes were also blameworthy.

She deserved to know the truth about Baelfire, about why she was now Catherine and not where her heart truly desired. It was only decent and fair that Tempus should be honest with her. She would demand the answers to her questions and more. If he refused… Belle would have to take matters into her own hands.

During breakfast, Belle decided to tell the Jefferson's she was leaving their service. It was with a heavy heart she was leaving her young charge, but Belle knew that her time of running away was over. She was no longer afraid. That part of her life was done and she could feel her courage returning once more in her veins.

Naturally, the Jefferson's protested. They pleaded, begged, and spoke out that it wasn't wise or safe for her to leave their roof. Even Grace, God bless her, with her large eyes swimming with tears tried to persuade her to stay.

Despite their good attempts, Belle was adamant in her decision. She will leave this house and it was all in likelihood that she would never see them again. Such knowledge did bring unhappiness to her heart for she loved the Jefferson's as if they were her flesh and blood family. It grieved her to say goodbye but alas she must.

Belle packed a little bit of her belongings. She did not need much with where she intended on going. Then she said her final farewells to Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson and Grace. She held the child tightly, pressing kisses into her hair. The poor, young dear could not stop weeping and Belle was finding it difficult to maintain her composure. But her resolve was resilient and she knew this must do this. Belle, holding her tears steadfast, gave Grace one more squeeze before letting her go.

"Thank you for your kindness," Belle told them once more. "I was friendless and you took me in. Gave me shelter, food, and safety. I could not have asked for more or for wonderful friends. Please know that I will never forget you. I will be fine and all will be well."

After a last parting look, Belle took her leave.

xxXXxx

Remembering what Baelfire told her, Belle surmised that going to him was not a good idea. As much as she wanted to liberate him… she could not potentially put him at risk until it was clearly known that his mother was not in the picture.

But… Tempus would be watching him, ensuring his son was safe and sound. All Belle had to do was make herself known and he will come to her. His spies were loyal to him and will report immediately that Belle was alone and he will come running to her.

Or better yet…

Tempus did her no favor with his deception. He could have made it right if he had been open with her from the beginning. Instead, he toyed with her and it was only fair she enacted her own brand of justice. After all, she knew exactly how to have him come to her. And he will not delay once the news reached him.

She counted on it.

xxXXxx

Belle found Baelfire performing with that boy Peter. She kept out of sight so not to draw Baelfire's attention and instead focused on the crowd. Her husband knew the art of disguise and his most trusted servant was an astute student. He would be watching the boy without being obvious and she had to make sure she pinpointed him so she could carry out her plan.

It took her a good twenty or so minute before she detected the potential observer. Despite Dove being a tall man, she had been tricked before with his chameleon-like abilities. Appearances can be quite deceiving, a fact that she was becoming familiar with and she needed to look for a subject that was so innocuous that it would have to be him. Thus, Belle found her quarry what appeared to be a beggar. He was wrapped in a ragged blanket, his clothes threadbare, and his face covered in dirt and grime. He was sitting hunched over a bowl for alms, and appeared so helpless and pathetic that Belle knew it was Dove.

Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a coin and walked over so she could drop it. She was careful not to look into his eyes but lingered just enough so she could feel his eyes on her. Then she moved away to where she saw a young man setting up what looked like a sheep's wool table. Smiling inwardly, she knew this was her opportunity to send a message to Tempus and she wanted to make certain it was loud and clear to Dove.

Striding purposely over, Belle approached the man and let out a soft yelp as her ankle gave way. As she predicted he would do (for he had a look of kindness about him), the man caught her in the nick of time before she could fall. Peering into his blue eyes, Belle gave him the most gracious smile and breathlessly thanked him. It did the trick as the man seemed beguiled with her smile and he stammered the proper niceties, even so far as to offer to take her to a doctor.

Belle assured him it was no need but if he could be so kind as to take her into the tavern close by to buy him a drink. "It's the least I can do Mister…?"

"Nolan. David Nolan," he replied. "And there's no need—"

"I insist Mr. Nolan. If you hadn't caught me, then I would have suffered an injury far worse than my current embarrassment."

He was reluctant but an older woman who was helping him with the setup, interjected, "Of course he will go with you. It's not every day that a lad saves a pretty lady."

David blushed as his mother's praise and saw he was cornered into accepting. Belle felt a little sorry for doing this for he did seem like an earnest fellow, but she had to make a spectacle if she could to rouse Tempus' ire. So as she attempted to "walk" she fell against David, which prompted him to wrap his arm around her waist to help her the short distance. He asked her once more if she was certain she didn't want a doctor. Belle chuckled and said some rest will do her some good and having his company will make it better. He continued to blush, which was endearing but becoming somewhat annoying. He couldn't seem to help himself every time Belle glanced his way.

She prayed Dove witnessed the scene and as much as she wanted to look behind to make sure… She knew she would give herself away if the valet suspected she knew it was he. Then her plan would go awry. So Belle allowed herself to be nearly carried by David and purposely chose a table that was secluded to afford them some privacy but would allow her to view the whole room.

He gingerly helped her so she could sit and she put on a good show with a slight wince to show the pain was beginning to subside. The poor man bought the charade and a part of her did feel remorseful for misleading him so abhorrently. It would seem that her husband's influence certainly had its way of making it to the surface. Yet, it had been so easy and Belle briefly pondered if Mr. David Nolan was one of Tempus' pawns. Of course the thought fled when he practically tripped over his foot as he carried their drinks to the table. There was no way Tempus would hire a fool to keep watch over her or his son, even if it was an act. Mr. Nolan certainly brought attention to himself.

Belle was not certain how long it would take for the news to reach Tempus. If her assumption proved correctly, then her other assumption might prove right too. If he was as solicitous as Baelfire said about his welfare, then Tempus would be nearby his child. The fact Belle was also in the same vicinity was pure happenstance. And if he felt an inkling of jealousy as he had with Will… she put her money on it that he will show up to reclaim or the very least reassert his husbandly authority.

Thus, it was Belle spent some time with David. She listened to him speak about his shepherd's trade and how he sheared the wool to sell it in the market. He was proud of his work and shared a couple anecdotes about two sheep named Dolly and Willy, both siblings with an intense rivalry to graze the best patch of grass. She politely asked questions and laughed when appropriately; however, Belle kept a lookout if Dove should happen to enter the bar to see what she was doing. Luck was on her side as the beggar man shuffled inside, still slightly hunched over, and Belle swiftly looked away lest they made eye contact and reached over to tenderly touch David's arm.

This action surprised the young man but he didn't say anything about her forwardness. She suspected he did not receive much attention from ladies, which was unfortunate, for he was attractive in a boyish way. Charming, to be exact, but he still possessed an innocent quality that would try on any person's nerves. For a shepherd, he was clueless about the wiles of a woman and more so when he was being duped.

Belle continued her watch of the beggar until the barkeep came over to escort him out. The beggar did not resist and calmly left the tavern as he entered.

"It seems my ankle is much improved," Belle said finally, altogether happy to end this ploy. "I thank you David for your gallantry. Alas, I must be on my way. Here… as a token for your kind gesture." She pulled out a couple coins to cover the drinks and another for him and his mother. It was a small penance for tricking him and she insisted he take it or she would be insulted. Eventually he did and slipped the money into his pocket. Then, for a good measure, Belle bent over to give him a chaste kiss on the cheek. She offered him a parting smile and took her leave.

Now she only had to wait.

xxXXxx

Returning to the Jefferson's was not an option anymore; Belle found lodgings in a meager hotel and almost signed the ledger under her real name. She knew if she had then it would be evident that she was onto Tempus all along. Her hand wrote Rosa Avon and it was not long before she was in her room, readying herself for bed.

Unconsciously, her eyes strayed to the reflection of the door. She was hoping Tempus would make an entrance but there was not even a sound from beyond it. Once she finished brushing her hair and prepared the rest of her toilet, Belle was starting to feel bereft that he had not barged in. Did he discover her ruse? Was he toying with her like she had with David Nolan?

She thought Tempus would have come by now unless that beggar was not Dove as she originally believed. If not, then she made a righteous fool of herself.

But she had been so certain…

Realizing it wasn't going to do her any good obsessing over the matter, Belle drew back the bedcovers and blew out her candle. If Tempus does not come to her, then she will have to decide what to do for money. She had plenty to keep her in the hotel for the next several nights, but if Tempus did not come… she will have to spend the money on passage elsewhere. Going back to the Jefferson's and asking to be taken back when she had left was not an option. She knew they would offer her old position to her, but Belle could not. It would not be fair to Grace, especially if Belle had to leave again. It was best her goodbyes were done the way they were for all of them.

She fell into a restless slumber.

xxXXxx

At some point, Belle was flitting in and out of unusual dreams. She had dreamt that Tempus did in fact murder his son and that the young boy she thought was Baelfire was an imposter. Tempus laughed at her naivety and gullibility and she had no choice but to run away again. In another dream she dreamt Will came to help her and Tempus found them. Tempus had a pistol and threatened to kill Will if she did not come with him. Belle managed to wrestle the pistol away from her monstrous husband and shot herself. The next one had her waking up in a mental ward where Tempus had committed her until she decided to come back to him and then she could be released.

In all these nightmares, Tempus was still the manipulative and evil-hearted man she had believed him to be since she found that grave. There was nothing redeeming about this Tempus and Belle had to remind herself that this dream Tempus was not real. She knew the truth. She heard the truth from Baelfire's own lips and she recognized him as the real Ignatius she had known. He was not an imposter. Tempus fooled everyone for his son's sake and she could not fault him for wanting to keep him safe. It was rather unfortunate she had mixed herself into this mess. Her wild and romantic fantasies and notions got the best of her. Instead of confronting Tempus, perhaps, she could have saved them all this trouble if she had in the first place.

As consciousness started to take form, Belle soon began to realize she was not alone in the room.

Fear did not enter her breast. There was no reason for such an emotion.

"Tempus." Her voice was soft and airy, a breathless sigh.

"Aye," came the low-pitched reply. As he had the first time he found her, Tempus was sitting in a chair near the foot of the bed. His fingers were interlaced and pressed delicately to his lips as his gazed at her evenly.

Belle noticed that his hair had grown longer, the curls much wilder, and with only a new candle burning, she could see how weary his countenance seemed. However, despite the physical changes, Tempus did not lose the acute stare in his dark eyes. If he thought he could frighten or intimidate her into submission, then he was in for a surprise.

"Why didn't you tell me?" she demanded. "This chase as you so fondly called it could have been avoided. Why did you insist in making me believe you were a murderer? What were you hoping to gain from this charade?"

Whatever he thought she was going to say, this clearly wasn't what he expected from the look of astonishment flashing on his expression. "How—?"

"Ignatius… or I should say Baelfire told me. I'll repeat my question: why?"

"What were you doing with that man?" Tempus bit back.

"You're not in the position to want answers," Belle argued, glaring at him. "I deserve to know the truth!"

"Very well," he said. "But I want you to answer my question first. Why were you with that man?"

Belle chuckled with no humor in it. "You didn't figure it out? To get you to reveal yourself to me. Now, answer my question, Tempus."

"That was not a very nice thing to do, dearie," he told her.

She shrugged. "It worked, didn't it? You owe me an explanation dear husband. I want to know why you lied to me and why you would continue to force me to leave."

"And if I don't answer in a way that is satisfactorily?" Tempus inquired. "Would you leave me?"

"Perhaps," Belle replied cryptically. "Then again, it depends on you. You enjoy pulling strings on people. Why should I be any different? After all, you have been pulling the strings since the moment I first met you. I never once lied in our courtship or our so-called marriage. Why would I want to be with a man or have a husband who would rather be deceptive than honest with the woman he claims to love?"

He got to his feet and Belle watched as he took a turn around the room. She certainly struck a nerve within him. Good, she thought. Let him suffer. He started this. It's only fair he should feel how I felt.

"Belle, I…" It appeared this would not be easy. Belle surmised this might be the situation. So a little payback was well warranted.

"I often thought about Will," she said. "He's handsome and sweet. For a thief, mind you. But he was an honest thief. He never misled me, intentionally that is. He made me laugh and smile in a way I never thought I would ever again. He was a true friend in my time of need. And when I needed comfort…" Here, she trailed off as she watched Tempus' back stiffen. "He is the second man I ever kissed. It was pleasant and soothing. Not demanding, not cruel. He was quite mindful of my feelings and only took what I was willing to give. I often wondered what it would be like if I stayed… I think we could have been lovers. We would have fled the convent, find a little place to live, and rebuild our lives. It would have been the happily ever after ending I always wanted. To have a man who loves me and who worships me with every inch of his—"

"Enough!" Tempus growled, clenching his fists tightly to the point where blood was drawn. "I don't want to hear this! You are my wife!"

"Wrong, sir!" Belle interrupted as he turned to her. "You have a wife but I am not her. I never was your wife. In the eyes of the law and God, I will never be your wife. The only thing I can be to you is your mistress, and I refuse to humiliate myself! You leave me with no choice Tempus. Will Scarlet will be a better husband than you could ever be. In fact, he is the better man in every possible way. Now, I want you to tell me why. Why me?"

Tempus trembled, from what Belle could not discern. Was it out of anger? Jealousy? Fear? Whatever he decides to say will impact their lives. So he must tread carefully.

Returning to his seat, for it provided some stability and he doubted he could stand for any much longer; Tempus met her cool countenance and swallowed thickly. "I made many bad choices in my lifetime. Some that I deeply regret to this day, but I will never regret marrying Milah. She gave me my son, Bae… I could never regret him."

"Indeed, you should not," Belle conceded. "He is a lovely boy. And I know he will grow into a good man. But to say he should reflect his father… that is another story. Go on."

"I mishandled Milah. I know that. I was a fool but I was a desperate fool. I should have faced the scandal and exposed her for the type of woman she was: greedy, selfish, vain… She was not meant to be a mother and the world deserved to know about her betrayal. But I had not known… I never knew I would be able to love again until I met you Belle."

"Love?" She could not help the derision in her tone. "If that is love Tempus, then I feel sorry for you."

"It's true!" he insisted the vehemence in his declaration and in his visage spoke volumes. "I never intended to fall in love with you or any woman. But when I saw you… I knew I needed to be with you. You were with my salvation, my redemption. You brought light into my darkness and I was driven mad with greed to keep you close. I was no better than my wife. I purposely tricked your uncle into giving you to me and the chess game between us… I cheated so you would leave with me. I deceived you, lied to you, manipulated, and exploited you for my selfish purposes. I have sinned horrendously and I will be judged by God in the end and will more than likely be damned for all eternity, but I love you Belle. I have always loved you. I wanted to give you the world and the freedom and the life you have always wanted. And we were happy for a time. Weren't we?"

"Yes," she said softly. "We were happy."

"Then Milah returned and I knew if you ever found out… you would leave. I couldn't lose you, Belle, do you not see? I needed you. But I could not let Milah have Bae either. So I did want needed to be done. I faked his death with that grave and I sent him away with a new identity so Milah would never find out. I never intended you to see the grave. You were not supposed to know. I would have you believe that Bae ran away and provided some evidence to show he was in good health so you would not worry. You have such a loving, pure heart. You would want to know he was safe and we would have continued living our beautiful and wonderful life."

His voice started to shake but Tempus did not stop. He was exorcising his demons at last, confessing to the one person who had the power to give him the solace his soul needed or the condemnation that he rightfully deserved.

"When you left… I was a mess. I was frantic with worry and fear that Milah somehow got to you and I could not have that. I went to her you see… I had to know if she spoke to you. She was startled that I found her but I have my resources as you know. No one can be hidden unless I wish them too. I threatened her. I shook her. Yet, despite my actions, she was adamant she had not seen nor spoken to you. So I turned to my trusted valet. Dove made the necessary inquires and he followed any leads that might have been you. It took months as you know but eventually one of the leads was true and I found you, my Belle, as Rose. I was going to tell you the truth that night. I was going to tell you that Ignatius' death was a fabrication. But you had been so frightened… so full of accusations and disgust that when you told me that nothing I said or did would change your mind, I believed you. I thought I lost you and seeing no chance of defending myself… I decided to be the man you believed me to be. I played the villain if that would assuage your guilt but I could not bring myself to break away from you. I had to be with you regardless of your feelings of contempt towards me. I played with your body, your heart. But I could not take it further not without exposing myself. I left you Belle with every intention of letting you go. I did. However, you and I are cut from the same cloth. I could not stay away from you as you cannot stay away from me. But you were not ready to know the truth. You hated me. I thought time and distance would set things right. Little did I know how close I came to losing you…?

"That boy. He was everything that I couldn't be to you. His soul was not laden with sin. He was worthy in a way I could never be. My conscience and heart were at war. I knew in my mind I could release you so you could be with him. I knew he would make a good husband. Any man who earn your smiles and laughter was worthy to have your hand. However, my heart won. I was unable to let you go. I loved you too much to let another be with you. I was wild with jealousy and that night in the convent… that was the devil in the room with you. As soon as you fell asleep I felt only remorse and disgust towards myself. I could not trust myself in your presence so I left. I knew you might have felt the same and I was resolved to let that be our final parting."

Then with a self-deprecating grin and mirthless chuckle, Tempus waved his arms to show how fruitless that turned out to be. "There you have it, my dear. You can fill in the blanks yourself about why I am here. I know I am not a good man. I know I am not a God fearing man. I am vile and low and weak. I allowed my feelings to control me and due to my impulsivity… I ruined us. However, I can redeem myself at last. I pledge to you now and forever that I will not pursue you anymore. I will let you live your life as you see fit. I will also abide your decision to marry someone else if you wish. I will promise not to interfere. I will even write to your uncle if it is your desire to return to England. I will tell him about your innocence and how I kept you against your will when you learned the truth about my marriage. Yes, Belle, I will come clean and reveal to the world who I am and my crimes. I will acknowledge Milah as my wife so Bae will not have to be hidden. I will accept any punishment that will come my way (for I will be punished) and pay my dues to the eyes of man until I can be allowed to enter this world as an untarnished man free of guilt and sin. I will do this for you. All I ask in return if there is a possibility, a chance that you might be able to forgive me. If not, then I will accept it. I did not treat you with the proper care or respect, and for that I will not forgive myself."

Belle was taken aback with his proposal. He would ruin himself… for her? He would let her marry another? All she wanted was the truth and Belle received that and more as Tempus bore his soul to her. This was unexpected and yet… she could not bring herself to loathe him. Did she pity him? To a small degree, she did. Did he do wrong and should be punished? Yes, of course. No man was above God and Tempus needed this lesson on humility.

So what was she going to do?

Without making a sound, Belle removed herself from the bed and tip-toed to him as he prostrated himself in order to wait her will. Standing over him, she felt this headiness sense of power. She never understood why men craved it so much, but now she had a good idea why power was so alluring. In the palm of her hand she held this man's fate and it was incredibly intoxicating to know she could break or heal him. She knew she could make him pay for all the trouble and heartache and that Tempus would bear it for that would be her wish.

Raking her nails into his wild mane, Belle forced him to tilt his face towards her. Watching him on his knees… looking at her with adoration and trepidation… Belle made up her mind. She knew what she wanted. She knew how he should be punished.

"I am the mistress, understood?" Belle told him without question, without debate. "I have the power to break you, my dear husband. I want you to repeat that."

Licking his lips, Tempus obeyed. "You are my mistress. You have the power to break me."

"Good." With her hand still curled in his hair, Belle brought her free hand to her nightgown, bunching the fabric, as she lifted it up. "I want you to atone for what you have done. You will pleasure me and receive no pleasure in return. If you want to honor me right, you will do this or else I will walk out that door and you will never hear from me again. For you see, Tempus, this is the kind of game that you cannot cheat. I will win every time, do I make myself clear?"

And he proceeded to make sure she won.

I have a second and a much happier prompt for this verse afterwards. Hope you enjoyed this!