Thank you to everyone who is reading this story. I really appreciate it! I said before that I didn't have a schedule planned for this story, but I will try to update every Thursday though Saturday.
In my last AN, I said that this story would focus on Belle and Rumpel, which isn't a lie, but the story will focus on Cora, Milah, Regina, and Zelena as well. I plan on delving into all the characters as the story progresses. Each chapter will focus on a different woman. This chapter focuses more on Belle and Milah, so sorry for those that love Cora, Regina, or Zelena. But they will be more of a dominant force in the next chapter, I promise!
I find it hilarious that a couple of you called Rumpel a 'sex god' or 'pimp.' That he is, that he is...
I hope everyone likes this chapter. Please review. You don't have to if you don't want to though. I won't judge...much. ;)
And here we go...
Belle always became irritated when her father was being stubborn.
Which he was being right then.
"What do you mean, I can't be there when you summon the wizard, Rumpelstiltskin?" Belle asked. She and her father were walking down the hallway towards the Great Hall.
"Exactly what I mean, Belle. I don't want you there." Maurice was struggling to catch his breath, they were walking so fast.
Belle threw her hands in exasperation. "But why, Papa? I'm the one who found information on the wizard. I should be there."
"Daughter, I don't want you getting hurt," he stopped, resting his hands on her shoulders.
"But how could I get hurt, Papa? It's not like we've angered this man before." She looked up at her father, quizzically.
"Belle, don't be naïve." That's all he said before he continued walking. Belle could feel her mouth swing open wide. She shut it quickly, and followed her father.
"How am I being naïve?" She asked, angry, her hands on her hips.
Maurice sighed. "You're too trusting." They finally reached the doors of the Great Hall.
"I never said I trusted this man." Belle did not understand what her father was going on about.
"Not that you trust this wizard, per say. But that we don't know what he's capable of. Anyone of us could get hurt. Please Belle," he pleaded. "For once, just listen to me."
Belle hesitated, looking towards the Great Hall. She felt her shoulders slump in resignation. "Fine." Her father smiled. "I'll be in the library." She pointed a finger at her father. "But know that I wont be happy about this."
Maurice nodded, trying not to chuckle at her fiery temper, so much like her mother's. "Duly noted."
Just as she turned to walk away, a big, burly chest was suddenly in front of her. She gasped, glancing up to see Gaston. She hadn't heard him walk up. "Gaston, I didn't see you there."
"Your forgiven, Belle," he said, in all his chest puffed glory.
A confused frown, came across her face. "But I didn't say..."
"And I promise," he spoke over her, "to protect your family against this evil imp. No matter the cost." He nodded in her father's direction, but before he entered the room, her father put a hand on Gaston's chest.
"Gaston, if you would, please escort my daughter to the library." Belle's eyes widened. "I want to make sure she gets there."
"Papa, I know where the library is..." But before she finished speaking, Maurice continued to talk.
"And stays there," he added, shooting her a look. She shook her head. Papa is being ridiculous.
"Of course, Sir," Gaston said, immediately. He leaned closer to Maurice, trying to exclude Belle from the conversation. "But is it wise for us to be along together? I know I can control myself, but we don't need Belle compromising her good name, now do we?" Gaston said, gravely, as if he was being serious. Then again, it's Gaston. He probably is being serious.
Gaston could be so conceited sometimes. Correction: all the time.
Her father rolled his eyes. Belle smiled. "I think she'll be fine, Gaston." Maurice started to turn away, then hesitated. "But, we don't need you compromising Belle's good name, Sir. You're betrothed. Not married. Refrain from making comments about my daughter like that again." Maurice looked into Gaston's eyes.
Gaston nodded, trying to look sheepish. "I'm sorry, Sir. My apologies."
Maurice gave one nod, and left the hallway.
"Shall we?" Gaston gave Belle his left arm. Belle tried hard not to sigh. She figured she couldn't make a run for the library. She would just have to be like her mother, and face things she didn't like. Meaning, walking to the library with Gaston. Or spending anytime with Gaston, really.
As she wrapped her arm around his, she thought of how her father's eyes would roll heaven wards whenever Gaston was round. It made her giggle.
At least she wasn't the only who thought Gaston annoying.
Milah knew Rumpelstiltskin had left the castle to make one of his infamous deals.
She knew mostly, because Zelena would not stop complaining about it.
Zelena just had to go to each woman, describing in detail, about how unfair it was that Rumpelstiltskin was always called away on business. How he should be at "home," tending to "us girls," she said. Cora about smacked her. Which, of course, she complained about as well.
Milah just wanted her privacy. The only one she actually liked to talk with was Regina. She was a slightly, standoffish girl, but she was the only one Milah could relate to.
Milah, after having to listen to Zelena whine for an hour, realized that now was her opportunity. Rumpelstiltskin hadn't left the castle since... that night. The night she swore she would never tell him about. She hadn't had the chance to escape. Now she did.
Milah lightly ran from her chambers, down the stairs, and to the front hall. It never dawned on her how easy this was. The only thing she could think about was escape. She kept glancing around to make sure no one saw her. From what she could tell, no one did. As she made her way to the front door, she looked towards the windows. She liked the idea of never seeing the dark, brown tapestries again. The ones that blocked the sunlight from the castle, keeping the rooms dark.
She had packed a basket full of necessities, like gold, an extra cloak, and shoes. She threw the front doors open, and ran outside. It was the first time she had been outside in months. She knew she was allowed in the courtyard, but she didn't want to arouse Rumpelstiltskin's suspicion by giving away her plan. She continued running towards the front gate.
She knew Cora wouldn't be looking for her. To stop her. It was Rumpelstiltskin who didn't want her to leave. She didn't tell anyone about her plan for fear one of the other women would tell him.
She slowed down, when she stood right in front of the gate, her breath showing in the cold air.
She touched her hand on the iron, feeling freedom in her grasp,... and went flying backwards.
She landed on her back, in a pile of snow, the breath knocked out of her. Then it finally dawned on her: it was too easy. Rumpelstiltskin didn't want her to leave. Like he would just leave the front gate unlocked, especially when he wasn't here.
Damn it.
"Milah," someone called her name. She turned around to see Regina, running towards her. "Milah, I saw what happened. I saw you running from my window, and came down, quickly, to stop you from touching the gate. Are you all right?" Regina reached down a hand to help pull Milah up. But instead of grabbing Regina's hand, Milah started crying. Great, sobbing cries.
"Milah!" Regina exclaimed, aghast. She knelt down next to the Milah in the snow. "Why are you crying? Are you hurt?"
"It was too easy," she whispered through her tears. "I can't leave."
Regina looked at the gate. "Rumpelstiltskin put a boundary spell around the castle, for when he's away. That way no one can get into the castle." She turned her gaze back to Milah, her eyes softening. "But of course, that means no one can get out either."
Regina hesitantly put her arms around Milah, as if she didn't know how the crying woman would react. Milah sank into the embrace. "I don't want to be here, either," Regina said, into Milah's hair. "But Mother wont let me leave."
Milah lifted her head to look at the younger girl. "How did you know there was a boundary spell on the castle?" Her voice trembled through the tears.
"Rumpelstiltskin showed Zelena and myself how to put one up. But," she said, at the hopeful look in Milah's eyes, "he hasn't showed us how to take one down. I'm sorry." Regina laughed, sounding more like a gasp. "Trust me, if I knew how, I still wouldn't be here. I would be long gone. My mother probably told him not to show me. She has this desperate need for me and my sister to learn magic, but she still doesn't want us learning spells that will free us. She keeps us locked up here."
"Well, both our lives are terrible." Milah stood up, Regina following. "We're both pathetic, aren't we? Your mother keeps you captive. My husband keeps me captive."
Regina smiled a sad smile. "We're a real pair."
Milah just grimaced, sounding resigned. "Yeah, we are."
"Milah, dear, come now," her mother said from the doorway of her chambers. "You don't want to miss the celebration, now do you?"
"Of course, Mama," Milah said, looking into her gold framed mirror. Being of the nobility, Milah was wearing a blue, brocade, gown. She was only twenty-two.
She followed her mother into the ballroom, a group of people having already arrived.
"You look, beautiful Darling. The Marquis wont be able to keeps his hands off you." Her mother poked her in the side.
"Mother!" Milah laughed.
"What?" Her mother asked, pretending to be innocent. "It's your engagement party. Expect some jokes." Milah just shook her head, and smiled.
"And there's your fiancée now." A rather tall man with blond hair, and a round stomach was making his way in their direction. Milah wasn't attracted to the man, but at least he was kind, albeit somewhat boring.
"A drink for my soon to be wife," the Marquis said, handing over a glass of wine, a polite smile on his face.
"Thank you, Sir." Milah accepted the drink, and then proceeded to try and listen to her fiancée discuss the last hunting trip he went on. She wanted to listen, but he really liked to ramble.
Her eyes drifted over to a group of men, discussing politics, she assumed. One of the men, was slightly shorter than the rest, with, what looked like soft, brown hair, reaching his shoulders. While smaller than the other men, he commanded the attention of every man in the circle. He seemed confident, yet wasn't smirking. He looked...passionate.
But that was silly of her. She didn't know this man. Had never seen him before.
"Mother, who is that?" The Marquis closed his mouth. She didn't mean to interrupt him. Her mother looked in the direction Milah had nodded her head.
"The little man?" asked the Marquis.
"Yes," Milah said, still watching the man.
"That's the Duke of Hanau," The Marquis grunted. "Bloody rich that man is. Almost more so than the King."
Amazing, Milah thought. She was about to ask another question, when the Duke turned and looked right at her. His eyes were deeply brown, and captivating. She gasped. He nodded his head in her direction , a small smile hovering on his lips. She smiled back.
"Milah, the Duke is looking at you. Curtsy," her mother scolded.
Milah felt her knees bend, felt her hand reach for her dress, but she wasn't aware of what she was doing. His eyes held her, tranced.
He slowly loped towards them, stopping the proper length away from her. "Jonathan," he said, in a Scottish brogue," are you going to introduce us?" He directed his question for the Marquis, but didn't look away from Milah. She blushed, which was absurd.. She rarely gave into flights of fancy.
"Ah, yes. Duke this is Milah, and her mother, Barbra. Milah is my fiancee." They each nodded and curtsied respectively.
The Duke reached for Milah's hand, bringing to his lips to kiss. "You're engaged?" She nodded yes. "Pity." He lowered her hand. She blushed again. Damn it. She wondered if her face would stay permanently red.
"Well, this is her engagement celebration," her mother said. "My husband didn't tell you?"
The Duke's eyebrows rose. "No, I just came for the free food," he spoke, softly. The Marquis bellowed out a laugh. Milah smiled.
"Oh?" Her mother looked confused.
He seemed to give her the benefit of the doubt. "Your husband told me, Lady." His hand reached to hold onto his lapel, directing his other hand to indicate Milah. "I just did not know who your daughter was. Last time I saw her, I was a man of eighteen, leaving for a trade ship, and she was no more than ten. I only just returned."
"You were away at sea for a long time," her mother said, shock coloring her voice.
The Duke smiled. "Yes, traveling from one country to the next. Investing in stocks, and what not."
"Don't you have a family?" Milah asked.
The Duke looked right at her, his brown eyes mesmerizing. "I do not, actually."
"Oh," Milah's brow furrowed. "You must get lonely."
His lips quirked. "I like to think myself more of a lone wolf, than anything. I don't like to many people in my life at once."
"That's for sure." The Marquis slapped The Duke on the back, then looked sheepish when he realized he had just slapped a Duke on his back. The intriguing man, just rolled his eyes.
"The Marquis doesn't know boundaries," he said. "Apparently," he muttered low enough so only Milah heard. He winked as she tried to repress her laugh.
Her mother shot her a warning look. Milah lowered her head. Her mother could be so much fun, but even she had bounds for propriety.
The Marquis cleared his throat. "Milah, since it is our party, would you care to dance?" He held out his hand towards her. Before she could accept, the Duke spoke.
"Actually, I was wondering if the lovely Milah would care to take a walk with me, out in the gardens. It's getting stuffy in her." He pulled at his cravat.
The Marquis had to bow down to the higher ranking man's request. "Why of course, Duke. If she says yes."
The Duke quirked an eyebrow at her, a silent question in his eyes.
Milah blushed again. She needed to figured out how to stop. This man was having a serious affect on her, and she didn't even know his name.
"I would love to," she said.
Maurice would never admit to the soldiers in the room that he was nervous. He trusted his daughter, but he didn't always think her judgment was the best. But he would call on Rumpelstiltskin, asking for help. For Belle.
"I want everyone to be prepared," he announced to the men in the room. Soldiers were standing at the door ready, with weapons in their hands. A person could never be too careful, especially dealing with a potentially dangerous sorcerer. Maurice took a deep breath, and spoke.
"Rumpelstiltskin," he called. Some men gave each other nervous glances, some looked confident. "Rumpelstiltskin," he repeated, and hesitated. "Rumpelstiltskin." The third time.
"Don't wear out my name, dearie." Everyone spun from the front doors, to see a man sitting in Maurice's high, back chair. A man, with light speckled green and gold skin. He was the most hideous creature Maurice had ever seen. "I've come. No need to fear." He smiled, revealing his unattractive teeth.
Maurice's eyes widened. "Y-you're Rumpelstiltskin?" he asked, stuttering.
The... man, if Maurice could even call him that, just blinked. "Well, you called out my name three times." He paused again, long enough for Maurice to feel his face flushing. "Who else would it be?"
"Right," Maurice nodded, trying to center himself. The creature was smaller than he expected, but no less intimidating. "Of course." Maurice felt like he could hardly speak. The presence of this creature put him on edge.
Rumpelstiltskin shrugged his shoulders, and sat up out of the chair, walking around to grip the back of it. "I'm assuming, that if you've called on me, you need help." He looked at Maurice, expectantly.
Maurice just nodded.
"Well?" The creature waved his right hand, a speculative gleam in his eye. "Are you mute?" He looked at one of the men, standing against the back wall, pointing at Maurice. "Is he mute?"
"Sorry... Wizard," Maurice said. Rumpelstiltskin laughed.
"Wizard?" A thoughtful expression crossed his face. "Haven't heard that one before. Imp, demon, a nasty cretin from hell, perhaps, but rarely wizard." His eyes glowed yellow.
Maurice didn't know what to say that.
The creature laughed again. "It was a quip." He sat back down in the chair, folding his hands. " Now what can I do for you, dearie?"
"Well," Maurice said, "My land is under attack by Ogres. I hoped you could get rid of them."
Rumpelstiltskin waved his hands. "I can help you with...," he glanced around, taking in the drapes on the walls, the men surrounding the room, "your little pest problem, no doubt." He put his gaze back on Maurice.
"You mean, you can defeat the Ogres?" Maurice was hoping.
"Of course," the little imp said, looking smug. "It wont take much magic to turn them all into slugs."
"Slugs?" Maurice lowered his eyebrows in confusion.
Rumpelstiltskin giggled, and winked. "Inside joke," he explained. He held up two fingers. "If I snap these fingers together, your Ogre problem is gone."
Maurice stood, taken aback. "Just like that?"
The creature nodded. "Just like that." The look in his eye made Maurice more nervous than excited.
Maurice started nodding. "How do I know your magic will work?"
The imp, raised a hand to his chest, in mock hurt. "How much your doubt hurts me, Lord. Do I need to prove myself?" A dangerous gleam entered his eyes. He waved a hand, and one of his men, Lefou, turned into a... slug. The other men in the room exclaimed in horror. Maurice's eyes widened. Rumpelstiltskin looked a little too happy, with his actions. "I think he looks better this way," he said, pointing to the little slug, leaving a trail of slime behind it, as it moved slowly across the floor.
"Sir, Lefou!" exclaimed a soldier. He turned to gaze pleadingly at Rumpelstiltskin. "Turn him back!"
"I don't have to do any such thing," he shrugged his shoulders, looking content to just sit there, and watch Maurice's men scramble around.
"All right, I believe you," Maurice said, hurriedly. "You clearly have magic."
The creature smirked, and waved his hand again, returning Lefou back to his original state. The poor man looked dazed.
"So, you'll defeat these monsters for us?" Maurice asked.
"Well I clearly don't have anything better to do," the imp said, sarcastically.
"All right then...," Maurice waved his hands towards the creature. "You can get rid of them now."
"Ah, ah. Hold on," Rumpelstiltskin shifted in his seat. "You'll owe me something in return for doing this." Maurice thought of the book Belle showed him, how it discussed the ramifications of dealing with a wizard so powerful.
"What do you want?" Maurice was weary to ask.
"Mmm," he stroked his chin. "Not sure yet. I'll know it when I see it." He sat back in the chair, trying to find a more comfortable position.
Maurice was exasperated. "Do you want money? How much do you want?"
Rumpelstiltskin laughed. "I don't come cheap, dearie. I spin straw into gold. I have buckets of it. Obviously I don't need nor want your money."
Maurice sighed, irritated and nervous at the same time. "Fine, I'll give you whatever you want. Just defeat the Ogres."
The imp stood up, and shook his shoulders. "I just love it when they say that." He held up one finger, and bowed. "One deal coming up." But before he even straightened up, the sound of the Great Hall doors opening up reverberated through out the room. Rumpelstiltskin lifted his head, but stayed in his bowed position. "It looks like we have a guest," he smiled, a dangerous glint in his eyes.
Maurice was filled with dread when he heard a voice.
"Papa?"
Belle always disliked the way Gaston looked at her.
He would smirk in her direction, and lick his lips, brushing his mouth with his tongue. A dark look in his eyes. But whenever her father walked by, he would turn into the picture of innocence.
He was looking at her darkly, right then. She shifted in her seat, on the chaise lounge, in the library, trying to keep her eyes on her book. He hadn't left after taking her to the library. It was annoying.
She usually just ignored the arrogant man, but today felt different.
For one, he had never been in the library before. It was the one sanctuary Belle had away from him. And she really wanted to keep it. She was surprised that he stayed. She thought, that he would have wanted to be in the Great Hall, standing by her father's side, to see the wizard.
And that was the other reason she couldn't concentrate. Knowing that the Ogres might actually be defeated, left her too riled up, and anxious to concentrate on her book.
Her eyes kept straying from her novel, despite her better judgment. It looked like Gaston was pretending to browse the aisles, but he kept shuddering away from any book that came within a centimeter of him, as if they would bite his hand off.
She lowered her book. Curiosity got the best of her. "Gaston, did you need something?"
He jerked his head away from a book, titled Fatuus. Simpleton. How funny, she thought. "Why, actually Belle, I did want something." He started strutting towards her, arms held onto the lapels of his jacket, chest puffed out. Belle resisted the temptation to laugh. Does he not realize how silly he looks? She wondered.
"What?" she asked.
"Well," he sat down next to her. "We are to be married. And yet, I feel as if you don't like me," he pouted.
She just looked at him a moment. "What gave you that idea?" Belle was amazed at his observation. He actually said something realistic for once.
"The way you never like to be in the same room as me," he said, sliding closer to her on the couch. She shifted even more.
"That would be a good indication." She let out a forced laugh. "Now would you mind moving..." She looked pointedly at the small space separating their legs.
He looked down too, and gave a wolfish grin. "Or maybe you do like me. Maybe you're just worried you can't resist. Have to keep your reputation intact, don't we?" He touched her thigh, wrapping his hand in between her legs.
"Gaston!" Belle shoved his hand away. "What are you doing? W-why, are you doing this," she stuttered, seeing his dark gaze.
"We are to be married," he said, like an explanation. "And your father actually gave us permission to be alone together."
She shook her head. "Yes, but we're not married now!" Belle exclaimed. "And this is unusual circumstances. With Rumpelstiltskin coming-," she broke off, and screamed. Gaston grabbed her by the waist, and got on top of her. His weight was pressing her into the couch, making her lose her breath.
"We could die tomorrow, if the Ogres breach our walls again. We barely stopped them the first time." Belle was pushing her hands against Gaston's chest. He gripped them tightly in his own hands. "Stop it, Belle. We could die. Don't tell me you don't want this." He flipped up her skirt, reaching the hand, that wasn't holding her fists in a hold, to touch the top of her thigh. "Think of your mother. Do you want to end up like her?"
"Gaston, please! Stop!" she screamed. "Are you out of your mind?!"
He tilted his head down to kiss her, and reached his hand to touch higher up her thigh. Belle tried not to panic. She couldn't fathom why Gaston was doing this. She had never liked him, but she didn't think him capable of... whatever it was he was trying to do her.
As his lips brushed hers, she acted on instinct. She slammed her head into his. He let out a groan, and jerked back. The only problem with hitting her head into Gaston's... was now Belle could feel her own headache coming on. She ripped her hands from his hold, and slapped him across the face.
He looked stunned, as if being awakened from a dream. He reached a hand towards her face. "Belle, I-." She cut him off.
"Get off me," she whispered.
"Belle, please," Gaston begged.
She hardened her voice. "Get off me, Gaston." When he still hesitated, she screamed. "Now!" She was feeling proud for defending herself. But that pride didn't last long.
The manic, feverish look entered his eyes again. "I don't have to listen to you. You're just a girl. My fiancée. My property." He reached for the bodice of her dress.
Belle, back in panic mode, did the only thing she could think of. Act on instinct. Again.
She kicked him between the legs.
He went down like a log. He fell off the couch, and rolled on the floor, practically whimpering. Belle rushed to stand up. Her mind whirring. She ran out into the hall, and smacked into one of her maids, Sarah. They stumbled over each other. The stack of sheets Sarah was carrying, fell from her hands.
"Lady Belle. I'm so sorry, miss." She bent down to pick up the fallen sheets.
Belle was trying to catch her breath, one hand pressed over her heart. She knelt down to help.
She had a sheet in one hand, when her maid spoke. "Oh no, you don't have to do that, miss."
"Of course I do. I ran into you, Sarah. It's my fault. I just...," she stopped, gulping in air.
"Are you all right, Lady Belle? You look feverish." Belle waved her hand.
"I'm not. I was just in a hurry to go back to my room." Belle still could not believe what almost happened. What Gaston tried to do. Sure, she never had the highest opinion of him, but she never thought him capable of... She was still trying to catch her breath.
As Sarah and herself stood up, Gaston came running out into the hall. When he saw Sarah, he abruptly stopped. He looked towards Belle, rasing a hand behind his neck. "Belle-."
"Gaston, don't." Belle shook her head. Sarah was glancing between the two of them, realization dawning on her face. Belle just wanted to get away from Gaston. She would have been happy to never see his face again. Let alone marry him.
"I'll escort you back to your room now, Lady Belle." Sarah reached for Belle's arm, glaring at Gaston. He sneered back.
"Thank you, Sarah." As they were leaving the library behind them, Belle's anxiety and fear calmed down. Now that she was thinking more rationally, she couldn't help but feel slightly proud for defending herself. Gaston, while not only an oaf, was a terrible man as well. She shook her head in disbelief.
"Miss?" Sarah asked, wringing her hands together, around the sheets. Belle turned her head towards her, a questioning look. "If you don't mind my asking, I know you and Sir Gaston are betrothed, but you don't like him, yes?"
Belle shuddered. "I can't stand him."
"So, any advances he might make, are unwanted?"
"Yes, Sarah." Belle could tell Sarah wasn't asking something. "What is it Sarah? You can ask me." Belle put her hand on her maid's arm.
Sarah hesitated. An encouraging look from Belle, finally convinced her to speak. "You're fully... intact. Aren't you, miss?"
"Fully intact?" Belle was trying to correlate what Sarah asked with what Gaston tried to do. Belle, while intelligent, was very innocent. She only knew the barest of basics. What Gaston tried to do to her, she couldn't quite fathom. Though she knew enough to know what he did was wrong and un-welcomed.
Sarah's eyes flicked to her lower abdomen. "Are you a... virgin, miss?" She whispered.
Belle's eyes widened. Ohhh, that's what she was asking. She couldn't help but find Sarah's hesitancy slightly amusing. She smiled a little. "Uh, yes, Sarah. I am." She was told enough though, to understand this.
Her maid breathed a sigh of relief. "Good."
"Good?" Belle asked. "Why?"
"Just, men like Gaston think they can have whatever they want. They like to take advantage of us girls." A haunted look crossed Sarah's features.
Belle cocked her head to the side. "Did some man take advantage of you? If you don't mind my asking, Sarah." Belle backtracked at the look on her maid's face. "You don't have to tell me."
"No, it's fine." Sarah sighed. "It happened to my sister."
Belle gasped. "Sarah, I'm so sorry. I didn't know."
Sarah shrugged. "How would you? A lady doesn't know all of what happens behind the closed doors of her subjects."
"Still, I don't know enough about you or any other of my maids. I'm always reading," Bell said, sheepishly.
"It's your passion." Sarah smiled. The two women were passing the doors of the Great Hall to reach Belle's chambers, when they heard commotion coming from behind the doors. Belle stopped walking. She wasn't all that surprised when no one was standing guard, watching. She figured all the soldiers wanted to see Rumpelstiltskin as much as she did. Sarah glanced back.
"Miss? What is it?"
Belle titled her head, trying to listen. "My father didn't want me to be there when he called on Rumpelstiltskin. But I'm the one who found out about him." Belle paused, nodding her head in determination. "I'm going in there." She reached her hand to the doorknob, when Sarah stopped her.
"Lady Belle, I don't think that's a good idea. There are folk tales about an imp named Rumpelstiltskin. About how much of a beast he is. How he eats small children for breakfast, and wears their skin as cloaks." She gripped Belle's hand tightly. "Please don't go in there."
"Small children for breakfast?" Belle's lips crooked. "Sarah, they're just stories."
"You should know better than anyone, miss, the truth and power behind fairy tales." Belle couldn't argue with the maid there.
"True," Belle acquiesced. "But, Sarah, I need to see him for myself. I'm the one that wanted his help. I should be in there. And besides, how dangerous can one man be?"
"You're too trusting Belle. You could get hurt," Sarah said, extreme concern behind her eyes.
"You sound just like my father," Belle smiled. "But I'm still going in. You're not changing my mind." When Sarah didn't let go, Belle removed her hand. "Sarah, after what Gaston almost did to me, do you really think I'm in more danger with a wizard that might actually be able to help us? My own fiancee tried to take advantage of me."
"I know, Lady Belle. That's why you should be resting, and not putting yourself in potential danger. You're very stubborn, pardon me saying, Lady Belle."
Belle chuckled and lifted her hand to touch Sarah's shoulder, trying to comfort her. "I'll be fine. I'm stronger than I look."
Sarah sighed. "You have that right, miss," she muttered. After a moment of hesitation, she sighed again. "All right. But don't say I didn't warn you," she said seriously.
Belle smiled. "I'll be all right," she said again.
She squared her shoulders, and entered the Great Hall.
"How are you liking being back, my Lord?" Milah asked. The two of them were winding there way through the gardens, the beautiful lilies in full bloom.
The Duke glanced at her, arms folded behind his back as he walked. "I'm enjoying it very much," he said with intensity. Milah fought the urge to blush again. She had been red faced so much as it was.
"That's wonderful," she smiled. He nodded in agreement.
"What about you, Milah?" When she gave him a questioning look, he elaborated. "Are you happy here?"
She was taken aback. "That's a heavy question, Sir."
He chuckled. "I apologize. You just didn't look too pleased, with your mother, and... fiancée back there." He jerked his head in the direction of her home.
"Oh." She didn't know what to say. He stayed silent, waiting for her to speak. "I'm... happy." He didn't look convinced, by his quirked eyebrow. She let out a breath. "I guess I could be happier."
He nodded, like he knew how she felt all along. "Well, the Marquis is a fine man. He'll treat you well."
"Yes he will," she agreed. "I can learn to love him." She didn't know why she was telling him this. He was a stranger to her. But one that she was captivated by.
He looked up at the sky, the stars shining beautifully. He looked even more handsome in the moon's glow. She ducked her head, when he turned towards her. "I find myself captivated by you, Milah," he said, suddenly. "I've never felt this intrigued by a woman before."
Milah's eyes widened. "That's blunt of you."
He smiled, shaking his head sheepishly. "I'm not normally. But, you're special. I couldn't help myself."
"Will I see you again?" Milah asked, not understanding where that came from.
"I hope so," he said, never taking his eyes off her.
She laughed, breathlessly. "This is silly, Sir. I mean, I don't even know your name."
"Well," he straightened his tie, "that can be easily rectified. Except I don't normally tell people my Christian name."
"Why? Is it that bad?" She teased.
He smirked. "Terrible." She laughed, louder than before, causing his smirk to change into a grin. "You have a beautiful laugh."
"And you are a charmer. But you're still not getting out of telling me your name," she pointed at him.
He sighed. "All right. For you, intriguing Milah, I will give you the honor of knowing my name." When he paused, she shook her head.
"Well, are you going to tell me?"
He looked contemplative. "Not tonight." He started walking back towards her home, after they just finished circling the gardens. As he was strolling back, he took out a notebook and a piece of paper from inside his jacket. After writing something on it, he tore of a piece and handed it to her.
"What's this?" She asked, accepting the paper, not looking away from him.
"My name," he shrugged.
She tilted her head to the side. "I thought you weren't going to tell me."
"I didn't tell you," he said, with a crook on lips. He nodded towards the paper. "I wrote it." And with that, the Duke walked away. "Until next time, dear Milah."
She finally laid her eyes on the paper.
Rumpelstiltskin, the note said, in neat penmanship.
Rumpelstiltskin enjoyed a pretty face.
He was a man after all, despite contrary belief.
So when the pretty, little morsel entered the room, looking determined, he couldn't help but notice the blue of her eyes. Or more importantly, the steel behind them. The strength. She reminded him of... someone he used to know.
Shaking off his deja vu, he straightened up from his bowing position.
"Papa?" The girl asked, looking at the big oaf that had called on him in the first place. The girl, moving her eyes from her father, Rumpelstiltskin presumed, finally took note of him. She didn't have the usual reaction to him, like other people did. No head snapping back in disgust, no mouth opening wide. Her eyes just became rounder, but she looked more curious than anything, tilting her head to the side.
The large man, her father, spoke, hurrying to her side. "Belle, I told you not to come in here! Leave now."
She jerked her eyes from Rumpelstiltskin's, back to her father, a fire in her expression. "But I wanted to meet him, Papa. I was the one to discover him. I'm staying, whether you like it or not."
Rumpelstiltskin giggled. "She has spunk. I like it."
The big, oaf whirled on him. "Don't talk about her. Let's just finish our deal, and be done with this."
"So he can help?" The girl, Belle, asked, looking hopeful, and extremely happy. "I knew he could. I told you, it was worth it to try," she said to her father.
"Belle not now-," the oaf broke off, when Belle interrupted him.
"I'm not a child anymore, Papa," she said, hands on her hips. "I'm staying."
"Did I mention she has spunk?" Rumpelstiltskin held up one finger. "I really like it."
"Be quiet, imp," the oaf seethed.
Rumpelstiltskin laughed, waving his hands. "I'm just complimenting your daughter. You act as if I murdered someone." He could tell he was getting under the larger man's skin. Clearly his daughter was of value to him. "Really, let her stay," he waved a hand. "I wont hurt her." The oaf looked like he seriously doubted it. "And besides," he continued, "I now know what I want."
The oaf looked weary. "You do?"
"Of course, dearie. Which means, now we can complete this deal, and I'll be on my merry way." He wiggled his fingers in a walking motion. "And everyone's happy," he smiled, smugly.
The oaf hesitated, obviously wanting his daughter to leave. But Rumpelstiltskin knew the man wanted him gone more. Which worked out perfectly for his plan.
"What do you want?" The oaf finally said, clearly wanting to be done with this.
Rumpelstiltskin giggled, pointing at the girl. "Your daughter."
Belle knew she should have been more afraid, but she was too curious about this wizard to feel any real panic.
Especially since her father was doing enough for the both of them.
"Of course not!" he exclaimed. "Out of the question."
"You said you would give me whatever I asked for," Rumpelstiltskin said, simply. "I want her."
"N-no," her father stuttered, pushing Belle behind him. "I'll give you something else. Just not my daughter."
Belle felt her anger rising again. She moved her father's arm away from her. "Papa, don't I get a say in this?"
"Belle, what's there to say," he said whirling on her. "You're not going with him!"
"I don't want to, but...," she trailed off, turning to look at Rumpelstiltskin. The man seemed very delighted by this turn of events. "If I go with you, you'll save my family and county from the Ogres?"
"On my word and name as Rumpelstiltskin," he bowed.
"Daughter, this is not open for debate," her father bellowed. "I will not let you go with this... beast."
Rumpelstiltskin raised a hand to his chest. "Your words hurt, dearie."
Belle was conflicted. She didn't know what she was walking into when she entered the Great Hall. This was not what she had expected. She didn't want to go with this man. She didn't want to leave her home. But there was something... intriguing about him, albeit intimidating. Very intimidating, she thought when he smirked.
Before Belle could reason anymore with the situation, the event became even more worse. She heard someone enter the room. She turned to see Gaston.
He paused in his stride, looking around in confusion, at the fearful expression on Maurice's face, the angry one on Belle's, and the gleeful one on Rumpelstiltskin's. "What's happening here? Lord Maurice?"
"This imp will only defeat the Ogres in exchange for Belle," her father seethed.
Gaston became outraged in a minute. "Absolutely not!" He hurriedly paced towards Belle, grabbing her by the arm. Belle pulled away, furious.
"Gaston, don't touch me." She couldn't believe he had the audacity to put his hands on her after what he had tried to do.
"And who's this?" Rumpelstiltskin asked. "I didn't seem to ask for your opinion on the matter."
"I'm her fiancée," Gaston puffed up his chest. "My opinion matters concerning my beloved."
Belle knew she wore a shocked expression. The gall of this man astounded her.
The wizard looked at her, studying closely. "Your engaged?" He paused. "Pity." Belle felt her face flush under his scrutiny. He moved his gaze between her and Gaston. "Though it looks to me, she doesn't want to be." He giggled, high pitched, at Gaston's outraged expression.
"How dare you, imp. You are not taking Belle with you. We'll find some other way to defeat the Ogres," Gaston said, angrily.
Belle moved away from Gaston and her father, keeping her eyes on Rumpelstiltskin. He seemed way too happy about this situation. "Please," she beseeched, "can you stop the Ogres?" He looked at her curiously. "We'll think of a solution," she addressed her father, "but for now, we're wasting time fighting over me, when there are men and women dying by the minute the longer we let the Ogres live." She turned back to Rumpelstiltskin. "I'll make a deal with you," she said, determinedly. He looked even more curious, tilting his head to the side. "I will go with you, but just rid my lands of these monsters first." She really hoped he would listen.
He paced around her in a circle, a thoughtful expression on his face. "All right. One deal coming up." He snapped his fingers, a maroon colored smoked billowing from his hands. "The Ogres are not a problem any more."
"Just like that?" Belle was hopeful.
"As simple as that," the wizard spoke, shrugging.
Belle was nervous, but determined. "All right, I'll go-," she broke off. Gaston had walked in front of her.
"What do you want with my fiancée?" He questioned. Rumpelstiltskin eyed him, from head to two. "She's not going with you." Gaston lowed a sword to the wizard's throat. "Don't even think you can put your hands on her."
Rumpelstiltskin didn't look as nervous as someone should be with a sword at their throat. But then again, he had so much power. It seemed to Belle, that he did more of the scaring than being scared himself. "Who said anything about me touching her?" Until then, Belle didn't even think of that being a possibility. That he would want to do what Gaston... almost did. The thought terrified her. She wasn't as confident as she was before.
"Ha!" Gaston laughed, incredulously. "You're a monster. Are you saying you wouldn't?"
"Of course not," Rumpelstiltskin said, rolling his eyes. "I have a mistress," he paused. "And a wife," he added as an after thought. "They keep me preoccupied enough." He clasped his hands under his chin. "I was thinking I was in need of maid. The women that live with me are completely incapable of cleaning anything." Belle exhaled the breath she was holding. If he lived with other women, he couldn't be so bad. And maybe she wouldn't be alone.
"You need a maid?" Her father asked, clearly not believing a word Rumpelstiltskin said.
"The drapes get dusty," he said, by way of explanation. Belle almost giggled. While intimidating, he was witty. She liked wit. It was something Gaston and her father lacked. It made her miss her mother's sense of humor. Albeit her mother's humor wasn't quite like Rumpelstiltskin's.
"I don't believe you," Gaston said. He still had his sword at the wizard's throat. "You'll take advantage of her." Belle shot an angry expression at Gaston. The hypocrisy of him!
"Gaston," she tried to say without revealing suspicion to her father, "can I speak with you?"
He looked at her as if she was insane. "Belle," he nodded at Rumpelstiltskin, who just looked even more intrigued by the situation. "Now is not a good time."
"It will only take a minute," she said, tensely. Her father was concerned.
"What is it Belle?" He asked, shifting from foot to foot.
Belle hesitated. "I just need to speak with my... fiancée now." She almost chocked on the word. She took Gaston by the arm, leading him into the hallway.
After the doors closed, she spun on him. "I can not believe you!" She said, angrily, keeping her voice down. She didn't want her father to overhear. He would probably have Gaston executed if he found out what happened. And while Belle was disgusted with Gaston, she wouldn't wish death on anyone.
Gaston was surprised. "What?"
She shook her head in incredulous shock. "There you are, lecturing a man on taking advantage of me, when that's exactly what you did!" She pounded a finger into his chest. "And a man, I might add, that is actually here to help us," she exclaimed.
"Belle, you can't seriously believe what he's saying!"
"I do believe him," she nodded. He was outraged, sputtering. "I believe him," she repeated. "I don't know why, but I do. From what I read in the book I found, and from what I can tell in person, he is a business man. When all he says he wants from me, is to be his maid," her voice was rising, "then I will go with him and be his maid. Do not think you can come in here and decide what I will do with my life. If this," she pointed at the doors, indicating Rumpelstiltskin behind them, "will save us, then I would go with him a thousand times over than stay here, and be forced to see your face everyday!" She finished, breathing heavily.
She had never seem Gaston speechless before. She didn't think it was possible. She hadn't realized she was yelling. She had never been so angry in her life. Combination of Gaston's actions, with her mother's death, and then her father and fiancée treating her like a little girl, Belle had reached her breaking point.
She breathed in deeply, and left Gaston there, rushing back into the Great Hall.
She laid eyes immediately on Rumpelstiltskin, who was lounging back on her father's chair. "I will go with you," she said. His eye's lit up, and he laughed.
"It's forever, dearie," he warned.
"Belle don't do this," her father begged.
"I'm an adult father," she said, keeping her eyes on Rumpelstiltskin. He was smug, a smirk in place. "I can make my own choices. If this will save us, I'll do it." And keep me away from Gaston, she thought. "You completed your end of the bargain," she addressed the wizard, "I'll keep my mine. I will go with you... forever."
He giggled, standing up. "This turned out better than I expected. Shall we go, dearie?" He held out a arm, indicating for her to walk in front of him. His eyes glowed, and she couldn't help feeling extremely nervous. She nodded. "It's time for you to meet the rest of my family."
I couldn't help adding the "I will go with you forever" dialogue from the show.
I hope you guys liked the Milah flashback. Clearly Rumpel and Milah's back story will be different from the show's.
I promise Cora will be in the next chapter. If you like her, hopefully that makes you happy. If you don't like her, then, well sorry, I guess. All I know is, I missed writing her.
Upcoming: Belle meets the other women in Rumpel's life, Cora and Rumpel fight (which will probably lead to smutastic sex, knowing those horndogs), and Zelena pulls a petty prank.