*SIX*

"Lady Belle, aren't you going to join us?" Grace called from the archway leading out onto the balcony in Belle's suite.

Belle smiled and shooed her back out onto the balcony with the others. "Yes, sweetling, in a moment," she assured the girl, watching her skip off to join Snow, Jefferson, and Red for her afternoon tea party.

She sighed and moved to the bed where her sorcerer lay, so still and unmoving, just as he'd been for the past five weeks. Laying a hand to his brow, she checked for any change in his breathing, the deep even breaths and the steady rise and fall of his chest brought her some measure of comfort. Dropping a feather light kiss to the corner of his mouth and smoothing the coverlet over his waist, she stepped back and drew the sheer curtains around the bed before moving to the archway to join her friends.

The White kingdom was finally settling into some semblance of order with Regina still a prisoner in Snow's dungeon. Belle worried that Rumpelstiltskin wouldn't be happy to find the queen had managed a stay of execution, much less that it was Belle's doing. But she'd been having disturbing dreams about her sorcerer. They all revolved around the queen and some task that it was imperative she carry out.

Charming and the entire council, save Snow White herself, had been unanimous in their decision to have the dethroned queen put to death. Lancelot and Percy, Belle's ever present guards had been quick to relay the news that the prince and princess were at odds over the queen's fate. If it hadn't been for the nightmares that plagued her, Belle wouldn't have known how to help them, but she knew Rumpelstiltskin needed the queen to live.

Therefore, Belle had demanded a stay of execution for Regina as the price for the Dragon's Breath spell they'd performed. Charming had been subdued in his anger, bowing to her wishes only until Rumpelstiltskin woke, Snow was curious, and Grumpy had turned red in the face and left for the nearest pub to bury his rage in a keg of ale, dragging his brothers along with him.

Snow had seemed relieved the decision had been postponed, giving her more time to think on the matter, and grateful for Belle's interference. So many things were changing in the kingdom, just as they were in the castle. Snow and Charming had been forced to settle into a routine, part of which included holding court and listening to the complaints and pleas of their subjects. No longer was Snow free to run wild through the forest dressed in deer hide. Now she had to dress the part of the princess she'd been born to be and was often seen in lovely gowns with her long ebony locks piled and twisted into elegant coiffures. Red was somewhat happy to be her lady in waiting, however she still looked forward to her three days of wolf's time when she could run free throughout the kingdom, the soft loam of the forest cool beneath her paws.

Belle looked out at her friends, enjoying their tea, especially now that Jefferson had shown the kitchen staff how to brew a decent pot, and scratched absently at the bite mark on her neck. It was a sore subject between her and her new friends. They'd all asked about it, but it wasn't a subject she wished to discuss with them. Rumpelstiltskin was no doubt going to blame himself when he saw it. After five weeks, it was merely a thin scar, but it itched her at times and no matter how much she scratched at it, she could find no relief. She was hoping her mage could heal it fully when he awoke, but if it was just another price she was forced to pay, so be it.

She looked out over the lake and lifted her face to the fresh breeze of early autumn. It made her wonder if the first snows had fallen at the Dark Castle. How she longed to return to her home and begin her new life with Rumpelstiltskin. It seemed an impossible dream. The longer he remained in his stasis like state, the more she worried. She ate little and slept even less. She was cranky from the lack of rest and distrustful to all, keeping the doors of the suite locked unless Lancelot or Percy assured her it was safe to open them. Belle simply missed the safety of the Dark Castle and the peace she had there.

"Belle, come on!" Jefferson called out to her. "Join us."

Snow hummed in agreement and moved her wide skirts to the side so Belle could sit next to her. Belle accepted a cup of the fragrant hibiscus tea and smiled at Grace over the rim.

"You look a bit pale, Belle," Snow remarked in a casual tone, trying to hide the worry she felt for her friend. "You need more sun."

Red snorted, popping a biscuit into her mouth. "I've seen cirrus clouds with more color than our dear Belle," she said, brushing crumbs from the skirt of her deep red gown.

Belle smiled, if you could call the slight twitching of her lips such. "I get plenty of sun here on the balcony," she replied, setting her empty cup down on the low table and sitting back wearily against the cushions at her back.

Jefferson opted to change the subject, knowing it was useless to try to coax her from the suite and the sorcerer's side. She had rebuffed all requests to join them in activities available in the castle, refusing to leave him alone, afraid the moment he did, something dire would befall him. "Have you received word from you father since the last letter you sent?" he asked.

"I have," Belle answered, her gaze falling to her hands clasped upon her lap. "I fear he's not at all happy that Rumpel let me go and I chose to remain with him instead of returning home to Avonlea. I'm afraid he thinks me quite mad," she finished with a bitter laugh.

Snow reached out and twined her fingers with Belle's in a gesture of comfort. "Perhaps if he knew you loved Rumpelstiltskin, that he made you happy, he would change his mind?"

Belle smiled weakly. "As much as I love my father, he is more interested in a political union for his heir rather than my happiness. I would have married sooner or later and left him behind, but it distresses me to know that should I wish to visit, my Rumpel will not be welcome."

Red set her cup down and rolled her eyes. "Some men are entirely too selfish."

"I agree, but it is what it is. And I won't go to Avonlea without Rumpel. He doesn't trust my father farther than he can see him, sometimes I think not even then. I will continue to write to him, but I will not change my mind. That part of my life is over."

"I don't think I ever want to get married," Grace said, hugging the little stuffed rabbit upon her lap. "I always want to be with my Papa."

Snow grinned widely. "That's because you have a very special papa, Gracie."

"Is Prince James really going to take us riding this afternoon?" the young girl asked, her eyes alight with excitement.

Red began collecting their cups and returning them to the tray. "Yes he is, squirt. Won't that be fun?" she asked. "We need to get you changed into your riding habit if we're to be ready on time."

Grace bobbed a curtsy to Snow and Belle and followed Red from the room, anxious to be ready in time for her riding lesson with the prince.

Snow rose to her feet. "Belle, why don't you come with us today? You've been cooped up in this room for five weeks. It's not healthy."

"I won't leave him, Snow, I'm sorry," Belle said, rising and moving to the archway to look in on her beloved. "What if he wakes and I'm not here? He's in strange surroundings and should he wake and—"

"He's in a bloody coma, Belle," Jefferson grumbled, moving to stand at her back and resting his large hands on her shoulders. "It's not as if he's going to suddenly wake while you're out enjoying yourself for one afternoon. Besides, you're bound to him. He would be able to sense wherever you were. Isn't that what you told me?"

Belle wrapped her arms around herself, trying to hold back the tears that welled behind her eyes. "Yes, but regardless, I will be here, not out gallivanting in the countryside while he lies here still as death." She caught the look shared between the princess and the hatter and gnashed her teeth together furiously. "You can stop conspiring!" she hissed. "I haven't lost grip on reality and I am far from losing my sanity. When Rumpel wakes, I promise to stop being a hermit."

Snow grimaced. "Of course. We're just worried about you."

"Don't, Snow. I'm just fine."

Belle stood there for long moments after her friends had gone, lost in thought. Finally she moved to the trunk at the foot of the bed and flung it open, rummaging inside until she found what she'd been searching for. Rumpelstiltskin had packed a great many of her books from the library without her knowledge and she was grateful for them, having already gone through most of the books available on the bookshelf in their room. She didn't want to have to ask Jefferson or Lancelot to raid the small library downstairs and she wouldn't venture from her love's side to fetch them for herself. She read aloud to him every day, hoping that should he wake and hear her voice he'd know he wasn't alone, that she was there with him, watching over him.

Climbing up on the bed, she fluffed her pillows against the headboard and settled back, smiling down fondly at her sorcerer. "It would be nice if you'd stop being quite so stubborn, my love. I know you're tired and I'm not trying to be selfish, but…I miss you terribly." She lifted the book in her hands and sighed. "Well, how about another thrilling tale, hmm?" she asked, not expecting an answer, but asking anyway. She'd developed a habit of talking to him, hoping that one day he'd finally respond. Opening the cover, she began to read. "The Iliad, by Homer," she said softly and within moments she was lost to the adventure of Paris and Helen of Troy.

X*X*X*X*X

Rumpelstiltskin drifted along in a deep violet fog, swirling and churning about him, obscuring his vision and keeping him from the one constant coherent thought in the confusion and insanity that threatened to drag him deeper into the abyss. It was a jumbled mess of Belle…protect…mine…love…over and over amidst a haze of painful memories he'd thought long shoved into that box of things he'd rather forget at the back of his mind. Belle, she was his light, his hope, his future and it propelled him forward, scratching, clawing, and fighting his way to the surface. He needed her more than air, more than magic, more…

He fought to remain perfectly still as he broke through the fog, his eyes flying open and his chest dragging in one lungful of air after another. Power crackled along his nerve endings as it surged full and bright through his body and he felt rejuvenated and rested. But where was he? He took in the dimly lit room and the open balcony covered only in insect netting to keep out the pesky creatures. He searched his befuddled mind, trying to remember if he'd ever been here before and came up against a brick wall. Well, I'll have to admit it's better than waking in a dungeon. A giggle rose in his chest, but he tamped it down, putting forth more effort into remembering.

Slowly he took stock of his limbs, pinpricks of sensation creeping along his flesh sending signals to his brain and he sucked in a sharp breath as he felt an unfamiliar weight on his chest. He made a fist, summoned his magic and opened his hand, five tiny orbs of light floating up to cast their muted glow over them. Belle. Belle…my Belle…bound…spell…mine…dagger…mistress…pain…love. Suddenly it didn't matter that he didn't recognize his surroundings, as his memories flooded his mind. Everything made sense now. Belle was draped across his chest, her small hand tucked between his torso and arm, her lovely face hidden from him in the crook of his neck.

His eyes closed as pleasure flooded his lithe form. His Belle. He'd fought his way back to her and there was nothing in his way to stop him from claiming her. She was his by blood and magic and her own word and his heart swelled with love for her. He turned his head toward her, burying his nose in the curls at her temple and inhaling deeply, her sweet floral scent of lilac, vanilla and roses assailing his senses. His blackened nails trailed along her arm, curling over her shoulder, drawing a small moan from the back of her throat and she shifted, pressing closer to the warmth of his body as she reached for the blanket, pulling it up to her chin as goosebumps erupted over her flesh.

"Belle," he croaked, frowning at the sound of his own voice, raspy with disuse. He cleared his throat and tried again, "Belle, love, waken up."

Belle groaned and cracked open one eye, looking towards the archway to see the first streaks of dawn lighten the sky with a dark pink glow. She pressed closer to her sorcerer and settled in more comfortably to drift back to sleep.

"Belle…"

Her head shot up in alarm, her cerulean eyes wide as they met warm amber. She was stunned speechless, simply staring up into eyes she'd begun to fear would ever open. He cupped her cheek and a sob broke free from her throat as his thumb stroked over her lower lip. She nuzzled into his touch and pressed a kiss to his palm, relief flooding through her and leaving her weak.

She curled her fingers into his hair and pulled him forward, happy tears spilling over her lashes as she molded her mouth to his, kissing him for all she was worth. "I thought I-I'd lost you," she murmured against his lips.

He pulled away before she could deepen the kiss and pressed his brow to hers, holding her tightly within the circle of his arms as he turned on his side. "Never leave you, Belle…wife," he said, searching her face nervously as he waited for the impact of that single word to settle over her.

Belle lifted his hand and pressed a kiss to the thin scar on his wrist, answering, "Husband. Blood magic is a powerful thing, hm?"

"You knew?" he asked, chuckling. "What am I saying? Of course you knew, my clever girl."

She cast him a devilish smirk, one brow arched. "I had lots of time to think while you've been lazing away."

Rumpelstiltskin snorted and sat up against the headboard, dragging her with him, reluctant to release her. "How long?" he asked, all signs of amusement leaving his countenance as he raked a hand through his hair.

Belle didn't even try to hide the information from him as she slipped from the bed and struck a match to light the candles next to the bed. "Six weeks, three days," she said, reaching for her dressing robe and pulling it on over her night gown. "How do you feel?"

"Surprisingly well, considering." His eyes narrowed as he watched her move to the door and throw the latch.

"Percy…Percy! Waken up, dear," she said, shaking the knight to wakefulness. She waved away his apologies, cutting him off. "Hurry, have water brought up for a bath and food…lots of food. Oh and tea; he'll want tea. Rumpel's awake, Percy!"

"Milady, that's wonderful news," the knight said, beaming at the girl.

A door was flung open next door and a shaggy head poked out. "What fresh hell is this?!" Jefferson muttered. His eyes widened as he took in Belle's blinding smile.

"He's awake, Jeff!" was all she said before she disappeared back into her suite, leaving him gaping behind her.

Rumpelstiltskin was digging in their bottomless trunk when she returned a moment later, pulling out his black silk dressing robe and drawing it on over his arms to ward off the slight chill in the room. He didn't miss the shiver that wracked Belle's petite frame and with a flick of his wrist a roaring fire erupted in the grate of the fireplce. He paced before the hearth, his mind whirling, and his fingers steepled beneath his chin. Six bloody weeks!

He cast Belle an irritated glance as she curled up in a chair next to the hearth and pulled a blanket over her lap to ward off the chill. "Was that really necessary, dearie?"

"Don't dearie me, Rumpelstiltskin; you know I hate that name," she scolded. She felt as though she would enjoy her elevated status as his wife, especially once they'd gotten through all their issues. "And yes it was necessary. You need to eat and bathe."

"The curse kept me hale and hearty during my incapacitation, Belle. I don't need you to mother me," he snarked.

"Pfft."

"Belle!"

Her lips curled into an innocent smile.

He growled low in his throat, realizing she'd get her way in the end. She still held his dagger, after all. Jefferson barged into the room before he could ask her to return it, his hair in wild disarray, his feet bare and wearing nothing but a shockingly purple dressing robe and garish orange sleeping pants. He plopped on the settee with a yawn.

"'Bout time you woke up."

Rumpelstiltskin arched a brow at him. "By all means, next time you cast a complex spell, we'll see how long you sleep."

Belle cleared her throat, determined to head them off before they could begin the first round of their usual bickering. "What Jeff is trying to say is that he's glad you've returned to us and he's rather put out that there's no tea."

Jefferson glared at Belle and then raised his gaze to the imp. "She's right. We were all worried. I hope you're not planning on using that spell again."

Rumpelstiltskin shrugged. "It may come in handy someday. In the meantime, I locked it in the vault before we left the Dark Castle. Belle and I are the only ones who can access it, so you needn't worry, Hatter." His gaze swung between the two. "Now who wants to fill me in on what's happened while I've been asleep?"

Jefferson opened his mouth to answer, but a knock at the door interrupted and Lancelot strode into the room, his hand resting casually on the hilt of his sword as he preceded the two maids over to the sitting area. Rumpelstiltskin smirked as he watched one trembling maid set a tea tray on the low table, the teapot and china cups rattling. The second was better at hiding her fear as she lowered a large tray laden with covered dishes to the polished surface.

Rumpelstiltskin eyed the knight, his eyes narrow slits of amber. "You did as I asked?"

"I did, milord. And I humbly ask to be released from my duty so I may begin my quest," Lancelot asked formally. He was anxious to begin his search for his true love in the hopes of finding happiness and the one woman who could break his curse.

"What quest?" Belle asked, uncovering the dishes to reveal eggs, plump sausages, porridge and fruit. It was enough to feed them all, but she was determined to see how much she could get into her beloved before she worried about herself and Jefferson would be taking breakfast with Grace. The hatter poured tea into three cups while Belle filled a plate with the offerings.

Lancelot grinned sheepishly at the Dark One's consort who he'd gotten to know so well over the past weeks. "Just a personal matter, milady."

"Oh, well then…I wish you good journey, Lance. I hope you find what you seek. And thank you," she added, offering him a warm smile.

The ancient knight lifted her hand and brushed a kiss to her knuckles. "It was my pleasure, Lady Belle."

Rumpelstiltskin sneered as he stepped forward and rescued Belle's hand from Lancelot's grip, not liking at all the way the knight was leering at his Belle. "Yes, dearie, that's quite enough of that," he snarked testily. Lancelot bowed to them and left, Snow, dragging a yawning Charming behind her as she rushed into the room. The mage rolled his eyes. Was he to have no peace this morning?

Belle pursed her lips to hide her smile and urged him to sit. "Sit and eat, Rum. You've lost weight and it will help you get your strength back."

"But, dearest—"

"Sit!"

Rumpelstiltskin sat immediately, having no choice as he was compelled to obey his mistress. He bit back a snarl as she laid a linen napkin over his lap and handed him the plate. I'm really going to have to make it a priority to get that damn dagger back from her, he thought as he popped a sausage into his mouth.

Charming flopped down onto the sofa and pulled Snow down next to him, eyeing the Dark One warily. "Does this mean we can proceed with Regina's execution?" he asked Belle.

The sorcerer quirked a brow at the prince. "Beg pardon?"

At the same time, Belle glared at Charming. "I haven't had a chance yet to explain, you dolt!"

Jefferson grinned and sipped his tea. "Rum, you should've seen it. She was tied to the stake in the center of the bailey and just glorious in her rage."

"WHAT?!" The Dark One hissed, his breakfast forgotten.

"Eat, Rum," Belle said, smiling softly as he did as she asked. She hated to leave him no choice, but he was still recovering and he would have plenty of time for his plots and schemes after he'd eaten.

Snow rubbed wearily at her brow, closing her eyes and praying for patience. "That was before Belle found out and asked for a stay of execution for Regina as her price."

Charming yawned again, wishing there was another cup available for him to partake in the tea. He leveled the imp with a steely glance, and said, "But now that you're awake, we should be able to proceed with ridding the kingdom of the queen's threat."

"I still don't think we need to kill her, James." She looked at Rumpelstiltskin, a small spark of hope lighting her emerald eyes. "Isn't there some way we can strip her of her power instead of putting her to death? How much of a threat could she be if she couldn't wield her magic?"

Jefferson snorted over the rim of his cup. "Regina without her magic? She'd probably prefer death."

Rumpelstiltskin grimaced as Belle began refilling his empty plate, mumbling, "Belle, please, not so much." But he continued to eat, filling the hollowness he felt in his gut from going without for so long. She nodded and sat on a low stool near his feet to slowly devour the bowl of fruit in her hands. He turned his attention back to the royals. "And what of George? Is he being troublesome as well?"

"He died on the battlefield," Charming said, not an ounce of remorse in his voice for the man who'd caused him nothing but grief. He might have been the only father the prince's twin had ever known, but he was nothing more than a vicious, selfish despot in Charming's eyes.

The sorcerer set his plate on the tray and sat back, steepling his fingers beneath his chin. "So if I'm understanding this correctly, George was killed, Regina captured and imprisoned and sentenced to death, but Belle intervened, claiming her price to spare the queen until I woke. Correct?" Everyone nodded. "Now instead of killing her, you would rather spare her but strip her of her power. And you think I would be able to accomplish such a feat?"

"Well you are the Dark One, after all," Charming said condescendingly.

The imp's eyes narrowed. "I'd watch my tone if I were you, shepherd," he snarled. Belle rested her hand on his knee, and some of the heat left his gaze. "Fine, I will think on it…how best to deal with your dilemma. You'll owe me a favor however," he said with a satisfied giggle. "Sure you're willing to pay the price?"

Charming rolled his eyes, but nodded. "Something reasonable, I hope."

"Don't worry, dearie, I guarantee it won't be more than you're able to pay."

X*X*X*X*X

Rumpelstiltskin leaned back against the rim of the tub and closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. The sandalwood scent of the bubbles surrounding him in the steaming water made him smirk and shake his head. Bubbles? Really, dear one? His muscles ached from disuse and his head throbbed from having to start the morning off with a visit from the Charmings when all he'd wanted was time alone with his Belle. He'd been relieved when they'd left, Charming's stomach growling like a rabid chimera, muttering something about unreasonable sorcerers and missing his breakfast.

He rotated his head, wincing as the bones in his neck popped loudly. Sinking deeper into the water, he listened to the soft sounds of Belle padding about the room. Her voice was as comforting as wind chimes echoing on a summer breeze as it came to him. "So have you decided what you're going to do about Regina? I know she's important to you, I just haven't been able to decipher enough of my dreams to learn why."

"What dreams?" he asked, the icy hand of dread clutching his heart in an iron fist as her words registered.

She draped a towel and a fresh pair of sleeping pants over the screen for him to use after his bath before she answered. "I seemed to have gained access to your memories when we bonded," she said timidly. "I've been dreaming about Regina and some purpose you have for her…specifically." She poked her head around the screen. "Does it have anything to do with your son?"

"Belle!"

"Sorry, sorry," she cried, disappearing around the screen once more. "I just find it difficult to have this conversation through a screen. Besides, if I'm your wife as you claim me to be, there's nothing wrong with me seeing my husband at his bath!" She lowered her voice and mumbled, crossing her arms over her bosom, "Who knew the great Rumpelstiltskin was shy."

"I heard that!"

"Are you denying it?"

The only answer she received was the water sloshing as he rose from the tub and the towel being whipped off the screen. The pants were next, followed by his dressing robe. He was still toweling his hair dry when he emerged from behind the screen, refusing to meet her eyes. "You are my wife." He flipped the towel back over the screen and took her hand, brushing a soft kiss to the faint scar on her wrist.

Belle stepped forward into the circle of his arms, wrapping her own around his waist as she relished his touch. "And I'm glad to be so. Just don't shut me out, ok? I know it's difficult, but please, just try?"

He nodded, his eyes hooded, but it was the best he could offer. He did trust her, or was beginning to trust her which was a major step for him, but if he were to share his life with her…his very immortal life…he would have to begin somewhere. "I will try, my Belle, for you." Her smile was reward enough and he didn't protest as she tugged on his hand, pulling him toward to bed.

His heart beat a wild tattoo against his ribs as he watched her climb up onto the mattress and lay back against the pillows. "Well? Aren't you coming?"

"Um…I…ah…"

"Rumpel, get on the bed so we can talk. I have so many questions and it's been so long since I was able to hear your voice. Please?"

He laid down beside her on his side, facing her, but keeping his distance. He wanted to touch her so badly, but she was right. There were too many things between them that needed to be settled. He decided it would be best to get the issue of Regina out of the way first. "I think I may have a way for Snow to see for herself that Regina will never stop trying to destroy her, a test, if you will. Snow really wants her step mother to give up on her revenge, but I don't see that happening. Whether she has her magic or is rendered powerless, Regina will never give up.

Her eyes narrowed, crinkling at the corners as she studied him. His avoidance of her gaze, the tight lines of stress at the corners of his mouth and the tense set of his shoulders, all familiar clues to show her he was still withholding himself from her. "Which is what you want. You want Regina to be desperate enough for…that's what I can't seem to figure out."

"To cast my curse," he said, finally meeting her gaze.

"Your curse?"

"To bring us all to a land without magic. I need to find my son, Belle, and this is the only way." And once the words left his mouth, there was no stopping the flood. He told her everything he'd done in his quest to find Baelfire and the creation of the curse. When he was done, he felt as if a weight had been lifted from his chest and he was able to breathe easy for the first time in centuries.

Belle had one question. "Will we be together in this new land?"

He huffed an incredulous laugh. "That's what you're concerned about? You're not going to yell at me? Accuse me of being a monster for ripping the realms apart just to reunite with my son?"

She was silent a long moment, choosing her words carefully. "I don't approve of your methods, but I understand the need you have to make things right with your son. I've been privy to your memories, your innermost thoughts and feelings. I know the remorse, the guilt you've lived with, no matter how noble your intentions. So yes, if you're going to do this, I need to know that I will be with you. I can't lose you, Rumpel."

"You won't, I promise. No matter where we are, we are bound. I'll not leave you, but—" He brushed a lock of hair from her brow, his fingers trailing along the side of her face, his voice soft as he asked, "Why? I could have spared you this if you'd just left when I let you go. Why would you willingly accept the darkness that surrounds me like a cloak, Belle? Why did you come back?"

Tears glistened in her eyes as she gazed back at him, never having seen such vulnerability on his face before. There was no trace of the dark entity which dwelled within him, only the man…the man he'd always been, the one buried deep within who believed no one could ever love him but hoped nonetheless.

She cupped his cheek and he closed his eyes at the simple gesture, reveling in her touch. A lone tear spilled over her lashes to trail over her cheek as she whispered, "I came back because I love you, Rumpelstiltskin." Pain, disbelief and a myriad of other emotions played across his face as he pulled away from her, rolling over onto his back, staring up blankly at the canopy above them as he tried to process her confession. Not exactly the reaction she'd hoped for, but nothing less than what she'd anticipated. She sighed deeply. "You don't believe me."

"You have no idea how much I want to, sweetheart, but in my entire existence, only one person has ever been able to love me…my son, Bae…and I managed to ruin that as well," he said brokenly, his throat tight with emotion and refusing to let the words come easily. "It is enough that you're my wife."

Belle reached down and lifted the hem of her robe and night dress, revealing her thigh, bare but for her garter holding the kris. She removed the dagger and laid it gently on his chest, taking his hand and wrapping it about the handle. His eyes flew to her face in surprise, but she was already moving away, her feet carrying her in hurried steps to the open balcony, into the sunlight where she belonged. She was a creature of light and he was selfish for wanting to keep her in the darkness with him.

Cursing himself for ten kinds of fool, he banished the kris back to its hiding place and followed her out onto the balcony, blinking against the harsh bright sunlight. His bare feet warmed against the stones as he stepped up behind her and rested his hands on her shoulders. He had no idea as to what to say; the great Dark One at a loss for words, but he knew he had to say something…anything…to right what was wrong between them.

"Belle?" he began, his tone cautious.

"Are you feeling well enough to help Snow with her dilemma? I'd really like to go home and I know we can't leave until this is settled," she said, bravely lifting her chin and staring out over the waters of the lake. She was outwardly calm, yet her inner self nearly vibrated with seething rage at his rejection. She needed him to give her some space to come to terms with what to do next and sending him to settle the Charmings' problem with the dethroned queen would give her the time she needed.

"Yes, I believe so. It shouldn't take me long. Will you be ready to depart when I return?" he asked, sensing the turmoil within her and dropping his hands from her shoulders to take a step back.

She nodded, still not looking at him, not wanting him to see how badly he'd hurt her. She'd wait until they were safely back within the walls of the Dark Castle where she would insist he claim his price and let him see for himself once and for all that she did indeed love him to the very deepest depths of her soul. For the first time since she'd been shown to the suite, she was alone. Her sorcerer was well again, off to make another deal. A sob tore from her throat as she realized he didn't need her, not truly and she had never felt more alone in her life.

X*X*X*X*X

Of course Regina had failed the little test he'd devised for Snow on an epic scale. Nothing more than he'd expected. Now the queen had been stripped not only of her throne, but she was now powerless to bring harm to the Charmings in this land. It would be a simple matter to maneuver her into enough desperation to be ready to cast his curse, but that could wait. For once, he pushed all thoughts of his curse to the back of his mind to focus on something besides his own wants and desires. His beloved Belle was hurting and he had to try to find some way to restore what had been broken between them.

His scowl deepened as he turned the corner and ran into Jefferson, Grace at his side and a small portmanteau balanced precariously on his shoulder. "Leaving so soon, Hatter?"

"I'd hardly call it soon, Rum. We've been here for six weeks waiting for you to wake, so now that you have, I think it's time to return home," he said, smiling fondly down at his daughter. "Gracie, why don't you run along and say goodbye to the princess. I'll be right along."

Grace skipped off down the corridor and Jefferson lowered the small trunk.

"What could have possessed you to want to remain for so long? And don't give me that crap about waiting for me to wake up?" the imp growled, giving the man an appraising look.

Jefferson grinned widely, showing his perfect teeth. "Oh I didn't do it for you, old friend, I did it for Belle. She needed all the support she could get."

Rumpelstiltskin eyed him with suspicion, hating when he was caught at a disadvantage of not knowing what was going on. "What are you on about?"

The hatter scoffed, "She didn't tell you she hasn't left that room since the night of the spell? That she refused to leave your side? She was terrified you'd wake up while she was gone and didn't want you waking in strange surroundings or to believe she'd abandoned you. Belle loves you; she's completely devoted to you. If it weren't for me, Gracie, Snow and the wolf girl, I would have seriously worried for her sanity."

The mage couldn't hide his discomfort from the one man who dared call him friend, shifting uncomfortably under the hatter's steady gaze. "She…ah…she didn't leave for a moment? Maybe you just didn't see her."

Jefferson smacked his palm over his face in an effort to stop himself from throttling the Dark One. "Aw hell, Rum, what have you done now?"

"What makes you think I've done anything?" he asked defensively.

"Because I know you! Damnit, now I know why her eyes were all red as if she'd been crying when I visited her to say goodbye." He shook his head sadly. "You hurt her, didn't you?"

Rumpelstiltskin grimaced and held his fingers up less than an inch apart. "Perhaps just a wee bit?"

"You're not sure?! Couldn't you have hung around to find out? What the hell is wrong with you?"

The sorcerer bit back the urge to turn the hatter into something squishable and glared menacingly, not wanting to face the fact that he had indeed hurt his Belle. She was Jefferson's friend as well, so he could understand the fit of temper the man was experiencing on her behalf. "Watch the tone, Hatter, and remember who you're talking to."

"Fine! But whatever you've done, I advise you to make amends. And if you can't, tell her I've got a spare bedroom she's more than welcome to use." With that, he hefted the trunk and strode off angrily down the corridor, leaving his friend to feel even worse for hurting the girl they both loved each in their own way.

His mood only worsened when he entered the suite he shared with Belle to find the Charmings and Red saying their goodbyes to Belle. "We'll miss you," Snow was saying as he leaned a shoulder casually against the archway leading out onto the balcony. "And you know you're welcome to visit anytime you wish."

Belle smiled and returned Snow's embrace. "I will. And it won't be that long before I return for the wedding."

"Says who?" the imp asked, smirking as he stared at the royals.

Belle didn't even turn to look at him. "Rumpel," she said, that one word quelling another bout of sarcasm from falling from his lips.

Charming brushed a light kiss to her knuckles and leaned forward to whisper. "Thank you, milady, for helping us. I know he wouldn't have lifted a finger without your encouragement. You know you're more than welcome to stay with us for as long as you like."

Belle arched a brow at him and shook her head. "Thank you for the kind offer, Your Highness, but I must decline. I'm ready to go home with my husband. And you really should try getting along with him. I'm certain this won't be the last time you have need to call upon him."

A grimace twisted his features as he dropped her hand and stepped back, knowing she was probably right. Red took her turn and hugged Belle tightly, casting her a toothy grin. "I'll come see you soon, ok?" she whispered in Belle's ear, glaring over the shorter woman's shoulder at the Dark One, her eyes flashing with a golden light, a warning to him not to hurt her new friend.

"I'd very much like that, Red," Belle said warmly. When they'd gone, Belle did a walkthrough of the suite to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything. "Rumpel, I believe I'm ready," she said, finally giving him her attention.

"Oh, remembered I was here, did you?" he groused. He strode forward, mumbling under his breath, "Inviting lycans to my home…

"Our home," she stated firmly.

"…making plans to visit nobles for gods only know how long and I'm just expected to go along with it."

Belle ducked her head and bit back a grin before slipping her arms about his waist. "Do you really wish to do this now?"

He continued to grumble as he lifted their trunk by the handle and wrapped his free arm around her shoulders. "No I suppose not, dear. It will keep."

X*X*X*X*X

A/N: This was SUPPOSED to be the last chapter. I wrote the entire thing all the way to the end…and THEN! …my beta says to me. "You cannot post a 14K word chapter when all the others are 7K. You must be consistent." HER FAULT! Therefore, since the final chapter is with my beta still, the final chapter will be posted as soon as I get it back. Sorry sorry sorry! Hope you like this chapter and will stick around for the last. I look forward to hearing what you think.

Big shoutout to all my reviewers for last chapter! Sheshe21, MyraValhallah, AquaJasmine23, crazykat77, Twlya Mercedes and mikabronxigrl. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing…xoxoxox