The King's Bride Chapter 9, an once upon a time fanfic

A/AN: Thank you so much for reading this far! Only one more chapter remains after this! I'm really going to be sorry to see this end, but no story can go on forever. Enjoy some fluff! You guys deserve it after all the angst I've put you through.

It had been exactly two months since they'd arrived back at Albannach, and the tension between Belle and William had only grown. When they'd arrived back to his kingdom, he'd presented her with a diamond worth a hundred paupers' wages. She loathed the bulky karat, but he insisted she wear it since they were now betrothed. He wasted no time in making the marriage official before the parliament with a royal ceremony, but Belle felt the ritual was rehearsed, and obligation stood behind it instead of love. There was no honeymoon to accompany it, and he made sure they slept in separate chambers. He wouldn't even touch her, and the looks he gave her were glacial. The only time she had seen his eyes light up, was when their son was around. For a few precious moments, the tension between them temporarily melted away to be replaced with smiles and laughter, but when he wasn't around, the walls reemerged.

Baden and his papa had become very close knit over the past couple of months, but he immediately picked up on the unrest of his parents' relationship. He noticed they didn't communicate like regular couples, and slept in separate rooms. He sensed how somber his mother was when his papa was around. They barely spoke a word to each other. He may have been only five years old, but he realized this wasn't normal, especially after befriending the captain's daughter Emma. He and the feisty blonde spent countless hours exploring the castle, and sometimes when his parents were busy with their royal obligations, he had dinner with them.

One day when he was exploring with Emma, he broached a subject a typical five year old wouldn't think to discuss, but he couldn't seem to dispel the matter from his mind. They were absentmindedly looking through dusty old tomes in the castle library when he made the observation, "Emma, I don't think momma and papa are in love. They always act really uncomfortable around each other, and when momma tries to ask papa a question, he ignores her." Baeden sighed, leafing through the pages of a medical book.

Emma squinted her eyes a bit before wrinkling her nose in contemplation, "Do they ever kiss? My parents kiss a lot, and I think it's gross, but it supposedly means they're in love." She shrugged. He contemplated her statement but decided he could never recount a time when his parents had ever kissed.

"I've never seen them … kiss. They don't get close enough," he answered, and she tapped her temple trying to conjure up another retort.

"Do they ever lock themselves in their room? My parents do that all the time! Granny Eva calls it their "special" time, but I don't understand what's so special about it if it doesn't involve me!" she scoffed at such a notion.

He thought again and realized they didn't share a bedroom. "My parents don't even sleep in the same room!" he declared, and Emma got up and walked towards him.

"Maybe they just need some special time then … I have an idea," she smirked, cupping her hands over his ear, and whispering her plot.

"You think it'll work?" Bae asked the blonde, and she shrugged.

"What's the harm in trying? Here's what we gotta do!" she continued returning to his ear. He nodded in agreement to her plan and decided if anyone could help his parents, it was Emma. She was the smartest person he knew, after all.

~X~

Belle sighed despondently as she sauntered down the hallway, looking furtively for Baeden. It was nearly time for his studies, and he was nowhere to be found. She groaned inwardly, calling out to him. She noticed Rheul walking towards her in a periwinkle morning gown. Baden liked to play with her son August, so maybe she knew his whereabouts, "Ruehl! Have you seen Baden? I know he and August like to play together, and I thought maybe-" but she didn't get to finish her statement before her sister in law interrupted her.

"When did it become my responsibility to keep up with your son? The last time I checked, being a parent was your sole duty. I have enough trouble rearing my own son to worry about yours! Keep your son away from mine too! I don't need the likes of your bastard setting a faulty example for him. It's hard enough on him to be without his father, but your husband didn't see it that way. My Walsh was killed because William wouldn't lift a finger to help him! I hope you and your half blood rot in hell!" she cursed, spitting in her face.

Belle angrily wiped the spittle from her cheek, glowering at the princess, "Don't you ever speak unkindly of my son! If it wasn't for your lust for another woman's husband, there wouldn't have been a war! Don't forget who you're speaking to! I'm the queen now whether you like it or not, and you have no say in who my son associates with! Be gone before I have you imprisoned!" she threatened authoritatively, glaring daggers at the redhead.

She watched Rheul storm off without another word, dashing off around several corners until she was certain no one was present before sobbing uncontrollably. She'd never felt so alone in her entire life. Sometimes she would confide in Eva or Agnes, and they would assure her things would improve between she and Liam, but it hadn't. Each day which passed seemed to put more distance between them. Was this her punishment for keeping their son from him? Would she be trapped in a loveless marriage for the rest of her days? She craved his touch like a parched man in the desert, but he used every excuse to avoid her. Would he hold her sins against her forever? She was ready to collapse when she heard the padding of little feet sprinting down the corridor.

Belle wiped the remaining tears from her eyes before nearly headbutting Emma, the captain's daughter. "Emma, darling, what are you doing out here all alone? Have you seen Baden?" she queried. The frazzled blonde gasped for breath, pointing towards an adjacent hallway. "Bae got himself locked in a closet in one of the storage rooms! I tried to tell him no, but he wouldn't listen! Please help!" she pleaded, crocodile tears falling from her eyes.

"Oh, Emma! I'm afraid I'm going to have to inform your parents of this! Show me where!" she commanded, "Of course your majesty!" Emma concealed a smile as she led the way to their destination.

~X~

William was riffling through documents in his study when his son came barging in completely out of breath, "PAPA! Emma is in trouble! We have to help her!" Baden cried, false tears falling from his eyes.

"What is it son?" the king inquired, standing up from his chair and rushing towards him.

"Emma is stuck in a storage closet! We have to help her, papa!" he lamented, and William nodded,

"I'll help any way I can. Lead the way," he ordered, and Bae galloped out the door with his father on his heels.

~X~

Belle and Emma arrived at the storage room before the others. "I don't see him, Emma." Belle stated, scanning the fully stocked shelves,

"Oh he's in this closet!" the mischievous blond declared, pointing to a tiny supply closet.

"Well, I'll unlock it, and let him out then!" Belle exclaimed before placing her hand on the knob to open it, "Bae?" she called into the dark room, flabbergasted when she felt two childish hands shove her into the closet, and latch it. Belle scrambled to get up, and pushed against the door, "Emma! Let me out this instant!" she demanded, but the only reply she received was a muffled "It's for your own good!" There was no sign of her son, and she realized she'd been duped. What possible game could the children be playing? She noticed another door which led to an adjoining room, and tried to open it, but it was bolted tight. She groaned, slumping against the wall, realizing she would just have to wait until they grew tired of their game, and then she would give them both a good wallop on the behind.

A few minutes later, William and Baden arrived at the opposite storage room with the adjoining closet. "This is where she is, huh?" William quizzed, and Bae pointed his finger at the closet,

"She's in there papa!" he spilled.

William looked at the latch on the door. "It looks like you could have let her out yourself. Couldn't you reach the lock?" he probed, and Bae shook his head.

"Please open it!" he whined, and William sighed, opening the door, flummoxed to see his wife. He was about to demand an explanation until he was being pushed into the closet. He landed on top of Belle who moaned in agony. Before they could find their balance, the door was being shut and bolted by the instigators. Emma and Bae giggled childishly before racing to their hiding spots.

"Would you kindly move? You're squishing me," Belle remarked gruffly, his weight bearing down on top of her.

"My apologies," he stated dryly, shifting himself away from her. "I assure you it wasn't done apurpose, dearie."

She smoothed out her skirts, attempting to stand but instead tripped over her hem. He caught her uncannily in his lap.

"I believe we've been outsmarted," Belle sighed. She was sure his mind didn't register their close proximity until she commented, "William are you going to let me go and help me find a way out of here, or are we going to stay like this forever?" her query only thickening the uncomfortable tension between them.

"Maybe if we yell loud enough someone will hear us," he suggested, and she scoffed.

"I've been doing that for the last half hour until my voice gave out." She tried to focus on him in the gloom, the only illumination that which seeped beneath the door from the lamplight in the next room. "They could have at least left us a candle." He stared at her blankly. "Oh surely you know they did this intentionally."

"Then what do you propose we do?" he answered roughly.

She smirked. "Wait it out." She crossed her arms loosely under her breasts.

He groaned, leaning back against a shelf to put as much distance between them as the miniscule supply closet would allow. Why was she still sitting upon his lap, when he knew she was opposed to any contact between them? Or was he simply mistaken about that?

Several galling minutes ticked by before she decided to break the oppressive silence. "Are we going to keep going on like this Liam? Acting like complete strangers while in each other's presence?" she inquired stiffly, gazing forlornly into the distance.

"If you had just told me the truth-" but she sneered, standing up and balling her hands into fists.

"Yes, I should've told you about Baden, but I was terrified Liam! For five years I had to keep him safe on my own. I used all the gold to make sure he was safe and protected. I paid a high price to keep the soldiers away from our home. Aginard's men ransacked many villages, and slew countless children and infants. I couldn't come to you because I had no idea where to look for you, and I'm sure I would've been intercepted long before I reached the castle." She took a shuddering breath, the color high in her cheeks. "Would you have had me trek across our war torn lands to bring your son home, Liam?"

"Of course not."

"I'm sorry I hurt you, but my heart is breaking because you'll barely even look at me! Do you think our son locked us in a bloody closet because this is a game to him? He did it because he knows his parents don't act like everyone else! This is a five year old's way of making us apologize!" she sobbed.

Suddenly, the closet door opened to reveal Eva. "I'm so sorry your majesties! The children are being taught a well deserved lesson," she interjected, and Belle was thankful for the intrusion.

She couldn't bear to be in his presence a second longer, for the heartbreak was rending her in two. She tore out of the room without saying another word, not wanting to see the same coldness in his sable eyes which she'd had to endure since he'd learned the truth of their son. She ran towards the stables where she ordered her horse saddled . She wanted to be free to forget what she'd lost for awhile, and riding was the best way to cope with it.

~X~

William took a long draw on his pipe as he watched storm clouds gathering in the distance. He'd been informed by one of the guards the queen had gone riding, but that had been nearly three hours ago. He ran his fingers through his hair agitatedly, his heart vexed with worry. He'd replayed her words over and over in his head repeatedly. He knew they couldn't go on like this, but her betrayal weighed heavily upon his heart, much more deeply than he could have imagined.

Lightning crackled across the sky, and he knew if anything ever happened to her, he would never forgive himself. He ordered one of the guards to prepare his steed, while he donned his riding gear. The black stallion galloped towards the forest, his eyes scanning the foliage for any sign of her. The horse slowed his pace when he spied trampled underbrush. Rain had began to fall steadily until it felt like piercing daggers against his skin.

"Belle!? Belle, where are you!?" he called out as his horse marched on. He respired deeply, his heart thundering in his chest with rising panic. Where could she be? He knew she'd never try to flee, not without Baeden. An hour turned into two, and then three, and still he couldn't find her. He was just deciding to turn back, to seek help from his retainers, when he saw her slumped against a tree, her horse nowhere in sight. He dismounted, rushing towards her, "Belle what are you doing out here?" he inquired, gently brushing sopping chestnut curls from her eyes.

"Chip ran away … Something must have spooked her! I hope she's alright!" she groaned, attempting to stand on her own but wincing in pain when she put pressure on her ankle.

"Are you hurt?" he questioned, concern flashing in his ocher depths,

"I may have twisted my ankle," she supplied, and he sighed in relief as he hoisted her into his arms. Thunder boomed in the distance causing her to wrap her arms around his neck, and press her face against the hollow of his throat.

"You know how I loathe storms," she squeaked in fright.

He shuddered from her close proximity, his body reacting involuntarily. It felt so good to have her this close to him, to know she was safe and no more harm could come to her.

"Lucky for you the royal cabin isn't too far from here," he returned, placing her gently on his stallion and then mounting it behind her. They trotted for perhaps half a mile before the cabin came into view. A small stable adjoined it, and he led his horse into the shelter. He gingerly pulled her from the horse, and she leaned all of her weight against him as he assisted her in walking up the cabin steps. He searched furtively for the key, thankful he had it on him. He plunged the key into the lock and turned. Inside stood a fireplace , chest of drawers, and a single bed.

"It's freezing in here," she shivered, pulling her sodden cloak more securely about her for what good it would do.

Both of them were wringing wet from head to toe, and he knew if he didn't get a fire going soon, they would both fall ill. "Let me see if I can get a fire going," he murmured, fighting off a chill as he ambled over to the fireplace. He added two logs to the grate and took the flint and stone from the mantle. Finally, a steady flame emerged, igniting the wood in the hearth.

"Let's get you out of those wet clothes before you catch your death," he suggested, and she felt heat rise in her cheeks, becoming flustered by his inclination. She turned to the bed as she removed her cloak, giving him full access to her stays. He tucked her long luxurious curls over her right shoulder to give him better access. He unloosened the ties, and helped her out of the rouge gown until she was left in her corset.

"How did you get so good at untying these cumbersome things? It takes my maid extra time when she's undressing me for the night," she added as he slowly undid her corset.

"Do you forget I've had much practice with these things in the past?" he whispered huskily in her ear. He removed the corset, leaving her only in her nearly transparent shift. He dug his nimble digits into her shoulder blades, massaging gently.

"Liam-" she gasped when he nibbled the sensitive flesh behind her ear.

"I'm tired of wasting time, Belle. Our son needs us to both love each other if we want to make this work, and - "

"Is that why you're doing this … for Baeden?" she asked, moisture welling in her eyes.

"No, of course not. I can't pretend for him, Belle. I want him to see what I've always felt in my heart," he said, dropping a kiss on her bare shoulder. "We aren't perfect, and I don't know what's ahead of us by any means, but I do know that I want to make things work between us." His lips traced the shell of her ear, causing her shivers to grow in intensity, but this time from passion and desire rather than from the cold. "I've missed you so much, my love."

"I want to make things work too, and I'm sorry for everything. I'm sorry for keeping Bae -" but he halted her, placing a finger against her lips.

"You've spent too much time apologizing, and now I need to learn to accept your apology, and move on. I love you Belle, and I don't want to spend another moment without you. I've fought relentlessly these past few years to find you, to bring you home, and I don't want to squander another precious moment without you in my arms," he affirmed, turning her in his embrace, and leaning her back gently on the bed.

"Oh, Liam, I love you too!" she sobbed brokenly, their lips meeting in a fervent kiss. He worked himself out of his clothes, casting them aside until little fabric remained between them while she whipped her shift over her head and tossed it aside. He cradled her face lovingly in his hands, brushing away a stray tear with his thumb.

"I hope tonight we conceive another child … a daughter, and that she's as beautiful as her mother," he confessed, gazing amorously into her cerulean depths.

"You want to have another child, Liam?" she inquired dazedly.

"Yes … All I've ever wanted is to have a family with you. Our son is amazing, but the castle is colossal, and I intend to fill it up," he winked, and she couldn't help but giggle at his retort.

"Well … Maybe tonight you'll get lucky." she winked, brushing damp hair from his eyes. He claimed her lips in another deep kiss, moaning as her thighs cradled him. He sheathed himself inside her warmth, his hands cradling her face as he stared down at her with all the love in the world shining in his eyes. Her inner muscles clenched around him, welcoming him home as she arched her back, pressing herself against him, needing to be as close as possible.

Belle's heart swelled to bursting, reaching out to touch his as only true love could. Their connection was more than physical; it was forever spiritual. She wept, knowing it would only grow over the years to come. She'd never felt more love, cherished as she did in that moment before he shuddered and cried her name, spilling his seed within her womb. She followed him over the precipice a moment later, his name a sob upon her lips before he rolled over, pulling her flush against him, the blazing fire roaring the distance. Rain pelted steadily against the cabin while thunder rolled in the background. Belle could only focus on his warm body settled comfortably next to hers, for she had never felt more complete.

~X~

Belle awoke in the wee hours of the morning spooned comfortably against her husband's warm body. She listened to the distinctive sound of the rain, which had all but stopped, only a light drizzle remaining. The first rays of dawn filtered through the glass panes, indicating they'd spent the entire night at the cabin. She could only imagine how much of an uproar the castle must be in from their absence. She felt him stir slightly, and then yawn before planting a sensual kiss on her collarbone.

"Liam," she whispered, "we need to get up. Everyone at the castle is-" but she stopped when she felt his fingers dancing deliciously close to her inner thigh as he continued to pepper her shoulder with kisses. She stifled back a moan when he rolled her beneath him and shifted his position settling into the cradle of her hips.

"What was it you said about getting back to the castle sweetheart?" he whispered huskily in her ear before pushing slightly into her.

"Need you!" she breathed erratically, and he pressed a smoldering kiss to her lips before burying himself fully inside her core. He pushed in and out of her slowly, purposefully driving her mad. She dug her long fingernails into his back eliciting a hiss from his lips. He thrusted deeply into her, taking and giving them both pleasure they'd been denied the last five years. She cried out his name in beautiful ecstasy when they came together in exhilarating harmony. He rolled over and pulled her close, attempting to stabilize their trembling bodies.

"That was amazing..." he remarked before turning to face her.

"I love you, Liam." she whispered ardently, pressing a chaste kiss against his lips. They laid together for a few more blissful moments until she broke the contact. "We really should get back," she supplied, and he sighed, pulling her flush against him for a few more brief seconds,

"Aye … I guess you're right. I have an important council meeting this afternoon, but I would much rather spend the rest of the day pleasuring you," he murmured against her kiss swollen lips.

She grinned slyly, "There's always tonight."

He groaned at the thought of making love to her back in their old chamber again.

"Help me get dressed," she commanded, and he kissed her brow lightly before breaking apart,

"Of course, milady," he complied. He got out of bed and pulled on his discarded garments before then fetching hers. He helped her into her knickers, stockings, laced up her corset, and fastened the stays on her rouge gown. He hoisted her into his arms, and carried her out of the cabin. Outside stood Belle's horse chip, munching on some milkweed.

"Chip is all right!" Belle exclaimed full of relief.

"I'll get Storm, and she can lead Chip behind us, because I don't think you'll be able to ride on your own," he added, gazing at her sprained ligament.

"You're probably right," she sighed. "And I can think of no better way to spend our morning than riding across our lands within the comfort of your arms."

Liam couldn't hide his pleased smile as he deposited her on the steps before going to retrieve his stallion. Once he returned, he hitched Chip to the other horse and helped Belle mount his stallion. He joined her after he made sure everything was secure, and they slowly but steadily made their way back to the castle.

Belle leaned into Liam's lean frame, respiring deeply. "Liam...I truly hope I'm pregnant. I want nothing more than to be with you and bear your heirs," she admitted. He felt his heart flutter at her confession.

"And I want nothing more to see you radiant and beautiful as you grow heavy with our child. I don't want to miss a single second of it," he respired with misty eyes.

"You won't miss anything, because we're finally together again, and nothing is going to tear us apart this time," she vowed, clinging desperately to him, and in his heart he knew she was right. They would be together forever this time.

~X~

Several months later …

Baeden smiled happily as he watched his parents retreat from the throne room, their fingers entwined. He wasn't sure what had happened between them, but he knew Emma was a genius. Locking them in that closet had definitely turned things around. He watched as his mother smoothed her hand over her protruding bump. In just a few short months, he was going to be a big brother for the very first time.

"Baeden, aren't you coming?" called his mother, who'd instantly spotted him. He ran towards them, and he wrinkled his nose when his father ruffled his curls,

"You need a haircut, son," William chastised.

"I've already made him an appointment with the castle barber for this afternoon, but I believe for now we should focus on that special lunch Eva has prepared for us," she added, and Baeden licked his lips hungrily at the mention of food.

"Mama, would it be okay if Emma joined us?" he asked, and Belle shrugged, turning to William.

"I'm okay with it as long as your father is," she approved, and he chuckled.

"Sure son, go get her," he permitted. Baeden tore off through the corridors excitedly until he reached her chamber. He knocked on the door until she answered.

"Bae … You just left. Why are you back?" she questioned with a quizzical glance.

"Your grandmother is cooking a special dinner for my family, and I would like you to join us," he remarked, averting his gaze sheepishly.

"Well … okay I guess," she complied, shutting the door behind her, and following along beside him.

"Emma, did I ever tell you you're a genius for locking my parents in that closet? You fixed them!" he rambled, and she stopped, placing both hands on his shoulders.

"Yes … Only for the hundredth time, Bae! All girls are geniuses, but me especially, and one day you'll realize you can't live without me!" she bragged, her words unknowingly foreshadowing their future, but for now they would remain friends until the day came when he realized he loved her.

A/AN: Well that's all for chapter nine! The last chapter will be posted soon! Thank you so much for aiding me in this journey! This story has become very near and dear to my heart, and I hope that you've enjoyed it. Stay tuned for the final chapter! (Fluff! *throws confetti* - Charlotte)