Sorry if this chapter was a little bit late, compared to the others. I was busy all week getting ready for my finals, which are next week.
Again, I hope everyone enjoys the chapter. I love hearing your guy's thoughts, so please review. Of course, you don't have to though. It's totally a suggestion. But a very recommended one. ;)
Hopefully this chapter had enough 'sex god' Rumpelstiltskin for everyone. He doesn't do anything particularly sexy in the chapter, but then again, Rumpel could just walk into a room and stand there not moving, or sing Abba songs into a hairbrush, or just pet a puppy, and it would still be pretty sexy.
Damn you, Robert Carlyle. That man is way too handsome for his own good. Even in creepy, strange makeup.
Anyway... enjoy the chapter!
Belle woke to the image of a rat staring her in the face. She jumped off the bench, heart pounding. The rat scurried away, back into a hole in the wall.
Belle, even though having just woken up, was exhausted. She was tired from crying the night before, and from sleeping on the hard, wooden bench. She didn't want to ask for too much, but she couldn't keep on living in this room. But she didn't dare ask for another. She received the distinct feeling that Zelena wouldn't like that. Or Cora, she thought. Cora intimidated her. Actually Cora frightened her.
Belle sighed, knowing she would get through this. For her father, and country. She would be all right. She nodded, determined to make the most of the situation.
She followed the path, down to the Great Hall, where she was last night. She entered to see Rumpelstiltskin sitting at the head of the table, Milah to his right side, and Cora on his left. Belle paused, hesitating. Though she didn't go unnoticed. They all looked up at her entrance. Milah, still a sad look on her face. Cora grimaced and scowled. Rumpelstiltskin laughed.
"Nice of you to join us, dearie," he said, leaning back in his chair. "We were just waiting for our morning tea."
Belle blushed, under all the scrutiny. "I'm sorry. I didn't know exactly what time to be up. No one came to get me."
"Well of course, no one came," Cora smirked. "You're the maid. If my lover here intends to keep you, then I suggest you do your job correctly. Meaning serve us our morning meal on time." Belle blushed again.
Milah spoke up. "How is she supposed to know when we eat if we don't tell her?"
Rumpelstiltskin looked speculative, resting his hands underneath his chin. "You're right, dear wife. I didn't give her clear instruction." Cora shot him a disbelieving look. "The kitchen is through there, dearie," he said, pointing at a set of doors off to the left side of the room.
Belle nodded. "Thank you. I'll go get the tea." She didn't look in Cora's direction as she left. She breathed a sigh of relief when she entered the kitchen. She searched through the cupboards to find cups, while she started the kettle. Once the tea was finished, she took a deep breath. She wasn't going to let Cora get to her. She reminded herself to make the most of this.
She carried the tray in, balancing the cups. Or trying to. Balance was not her strong suit. She set the first cup down in front of Rumpelstiltskin. He eyed her, keeping silent. None of them were talking. Next, she went to Milah. Belle figured since Milah was Rumpelstiltskin's wife, she would be served over Cora. But when Cora scowled again, Belle thought that maybe she shouldn't have stuck to propriety. She walked around the table, her hands shaking. Cora really was intimidating. It was her cold glares that upset Belle. She had never seen anyone with such a dark look in their eyes before.
"Hurry up, girl," Cora snapped, causing Belle to startle and drop her tray. The cup fell to the floor, spilling tea on the hem of Cora's dress. Belle's eyes widened.
"I am so sorry," Belle gasped, bending down to pick up the cup. Cora looked outraged.
"You stupid girl," she exclaimed, standing up, kicking the cup from Belle's hand. The bottom of Cora's beautiful light blue gown, was turning a mixture of brown and yellow. "This is one of my favorite dresses."
Rumpelstiltskin waved a dismissive hand. "You can get another one, lovely. I have enough gold to pay for your expenses."
Cora whirled on him. "That is besides the point, Rumpelstiltskin. She," pointing at Belle, "ruined a perfectly good dress. All because she is incompetent. Why even get a noble lady like her to be your maid? If you actually wanted a cleaning service, why not get someone suitable for the job?"
"You never cared this much for your dresses before," the Dark One said. "I distinctly remember a certain incident where you slaughtered an entire inn full of people over the fact that the inn keeper's daughter thought you looked uncomely in the dress you where wearing. Blood was everywhere. Your dress didn't come out unscathed, dearie." He paused. "But she was wrong about you looking uncomely," he said, cheerfully. "You are anything but."
Cora rolled her eyes. She turned to glare back at Belle, who was still kneeling on the floor. "Don't let that happen again." Belle figured what Cora wasn't saying: that Belle would regret the consequences.
"Why not use your magic?" Milah asked.
Cora was struggling to keep her anger in check. She sighed and waved a hand around the stain, making the spot disappear. Belle gasped. She didn't know Cora had magic as well. She assumed she probably did, if her...lover... and daughter had magic. But Belle hadn't been certain. Now she was. And it terrified her, what Cora could do. If Cora was as strong as Rumpelstiltskin... Belle didn't want to think of what the woman could do to her.
Belle was normally one for positive thinking, and seeing the best in people. But Cora was just too unapproachable, and cold for Belle to give her the benefit of the doubt.
Cora sat back down, shaking her head. Rumpelstiltskin was just watching the entire event, smirking. Belle reached for the cup, her heart sinking when she saw the chip on the rim. She didn't know what to do. She had to go back to the kitchen anyway to get more tea. Maybe no one would notice she broke their cup. But of course, Belle couldn't lie about it. She would feel too guilty.
"What are you still doing down there, dearie?" Belle jumped again, at Rumpelstiltskin's question. He was looking down at her inquisitively. Belle held up the cup.
"It's chipped. I'm sorry," she said, looking beseechingly at the Dark One. Cora rolled her eyes again. Milah looked at Belle even more pityingly. And Rumpelstiltskin looked at her as if she was insane.
"It's just a cup," he shrugged his shoulders.
Belle blushed once more. "Right. Of course." She nodded towards the kitchen, standing up. "I'll go get more tea." Rumpelstiltskin tilted his head to the side, like he was trying to figure her out. He nodded, letting her go.
Belle went back to the kitchen, shoulders slumped. This day was turning out worse than she expected. She really needed to learn to lower her expectations.
Rumpelstiltskin enjoyed teaching Regina magic, even if she hated learning it. She had a natural talent for it. She just repressed it. Her aloof nature was appealing. It didn't irritate the hell out of him.
Zelena, on the other hand, was a nuance. While she had a skill for the dark arts, she was always making their lessons a competition between herself and Regina. She also had a tendency to brag. It was extremely aggravating. If anyone was going to brag about prowess, it was going to be him.
"Like this, dearie," Rumpelstiltskin said, plunging his hand into the chest of the unicorn he had summoned. He pulled out a glowing heart. Regina's eyes widened. She was hesitating.
"I don't know," she said. "It just doesn't feel right to pull out the heart of a living creature."
"Seriously, sis, it's not that difficult." Zelena was lounging against a tree stump. Rumpelstiltskin had brought them to the forest. He was growing increasingly bored being in the castle. With Cora's mood swings, and Milah's always "sunny" disposition, he needed to be able to think. Of course, he felt a little...guilty for leaving his little maid alone in the castle with Cora, but guilt wasn't an emotion he was used to. He figured she would be fine. He warned Cora to stay clear of the girl. He hadn't been joking when he said he didn't want to return home to find the current help...killed. He would not be happy.
Regina snorted. "Zelena, it's easy for you. You have no qualms about ripping an innocent's heart out."
Zelena mocked gasped. "Ouch, sis. Your words hurt, you know." She rolled her eyes, laying dramatically back on the tree stump.
Rumpelstiltskin giggled. "Dearies, no need to be fighting now." He waggled a finger at them, directing his attention back to Regina. "Focus, Regina." He put the heart back inside the body, keeping the unicorn still. "Just reach inside, and pull." He motioned with his own hands, then waving them for her to follow.
Regina walked up to the animal, breath quickening. She reached a shaky hand out, then stopped, lowering her arm. "I can't," she whispered.
Zelena shook her head. "Regina, do you need me to show you?" She asked, condescendingly.
Rumpelstiltskin whipped his head in her direction. "Zelena, be quiet." She flushed. "If anyone is going to teach Regina magic, it will be me. After all, you're not as powerful as you think you are, dearie. Your sister needs concentration-."
"I don't need concentration," Regina spat. "I just don't want to learn how to hurt people."
Rumpelstiltskin paused, looking between Regina and the animal. "Well, technically, it's a unicorn."
Regina sighed. "You know what I mean."
He tilted his head to the side, walking around her in a circle. "I do know what you mean," he was speaking seriously. "And that is the problem, dearie. How am I supposed to teach you, if you refuse to tap into your abilities?"
"I don't want to learn magic," Regina confessed.
Rumpelstiltskin pretended to be shocked. "Really, dearie? You could have fooled me," he clearly said sarcastically.
Zelena sat up, not longer looking smug. She looked happy, gleeful. Probably hoping he would be done with Regina. Zelena wanted him all to herself, it was clear. He repressed a shudder.
"Your mother," he continued circling her, "wants you to learn."
"Then tell her I don't want to learn anymore," Regina shrugged her shoulders, like it was simple.
He laughed. "She asked me to teach you."
"And you always listen to my mother?" Regina raised an eyebrow.
He smirked. "I do what I want. I just thought I was offering a nicety." He was still moving around her, then stopped. He stood facing her back. Her shoulders stiffened.
"Since when does the Dark One offer niceties?"
He laughed again. "Oh, Regina, you have fire. That's why I feel you should continue with our lessons." He put his hands on her shoulders. "You have so much potential with all that anger built up." She turned to face him.
Regina gave him beseeching eyes. "Let me be free."
He sighed. "That's up to your mother, not me, dearie. I teach you magic, because your mother and I made a deal. When your mother tells me to stop, then you'll be free. Until then," he nodded at the unicorn, "start doing as I tell you." His eyes narrowed. "Pull out it's heart."
Regina was disappointed, that much was obvious. But he couldn't help her. She had so much potential, just like her mother. He was slightly peeved that she would want to waste it. Seeing her dejected reminded him of who he was. He wasn't about to go soft on her. She was tough. Tougher than she realized. Yes, he was fond of Regina, but she needed to learn that life wasn't always about free will. One had to make sacrifices.
Cora wanted her daughters to learn magic, after she did. Once Rumpelstiltskin moved on from teaching his mistress, she made another deal with him. One where her daughters didn't really have a choice in the matter. Zelena was only too happy to learn. Regina, obviously put up a fight. Even though he had warned Cora about her idea, she was adamant. Her daughters would learn magic, and they would learn from the best. He couldn't say he wasn't flattered.
Regina hesitantly walked up to the horse, arm outstretched.
"Imagine, all the hate you have for your mother," Rumpelstiltskin said. She shot him a surprised look. "Well, it's not as if isn't obvious, dearie," he laughed. "You can't stand what your mother is forcing you to do."
"You're the one forcing me," she murmured.
"Then channel all your hate on me," he said, gleeful. "But it's your mother, dearie. She's the one you really hate." Rumpelstiltskin did feel a...little...sympathy for Regina. She was miserable.
Regina's eyes narrowed. She took in a deep breath, and plunged her hand into the chest of the unicorn. She pulled back, a glowing heart in hand. She was shocked, gasping for breath.
Zelena looked angry, clearly wanting Regina to fail.
And Rumpelstiltskin... well he was smug. Regina probably hated his teaching methods, but she couldn't deny that he always succeeded at his job.
Belle steered clear of Cora, after Rumpelstiltskin left with Regina and Zelena. Milah went back to her chambers, while Cora huffed off in annoyance. Belle kept to herself, cleaning the Great Hall. Thankfully the cleaning supplies was in a cupboard in the kitchen. Belle got a little laugh in when she thought of the Dark One owning a feather duster. She imagined him waltzing around the castle, sweeping dust off furniture, giggling madly. The thought cheered her up. She kept that in her mind the rest of the day, making the transition into a new life easier.
She was wiping down the dining room table, when Rumpelstiltskin and Cora's daughters returned.
Zelena glanced around, a sneer on her lips. "Everything looks the same. Did you even do anything today?" She asked to Belle, her nose upturned.
Rumpelstiltskin snorted. "Well, it's not as if she's redecorating the place, dearie."
Zelena reached out to touch the table. "Looks as if you missed a spot," she said, inspecting one finger. Belle knew there wasn't any dust on it. Zelena was just being petty.
"I assure you," Belle said, taking a deep breath, "I cleaned the table very well. You won't have to worry about any dust getting into your food." She wrung the cloth between her hands.
Zelena just grimaced. "I should hope not." She turned to Rumpelstiltskin. "Will you show me the new elixir you're working on? Regina took up the most time in lessons today," she pouted.
Rumpelstiltskin sighed. "Another time, Zelena. I have to go appease your mother. She was not exactly what you would call 'happy' this morning." He rolled his eyes. Belle internally chuckled. He never seemed to be fully pleased to spend time with the women that lived with him. She wondered why. She assumed he would want them here. But judging by his annoyance, it didn't seem that way. Or maybe he was just putting on a show. He did have an inkling for the dramatics.
He left the room, not acknowledging her. Belle was a little disappointed. Rumpelstiltskin was the only one to really treat her...semi-nicely. Zelena was trying to get a reaction out of her. Milah kept her distance. Regina was silent. And Cora...was Cora. For some reason Belle enjoyed speaking with Rumpelstiltskin, even when he was being strange. He was a little funny, at times. After a day of solitude, she missed speaking to someone that wouldn't glare at her, or ignore her. But now, she had to put up with Zelena.
"You know, Belle," Zelena enunciated, walking around the table to her, "I don't think you're exactly cut out for being a maid. Rumpel really should replace you."
Belle frowned, taken aback. "Thank you for your vote of confidence?" She asked in confusion, hesitantly. Regina chuckled. Belle looked at her in surprise. She couldn't tell if Regina was laughing at her, or at her joke.
Zelena huffed, directing Belle's attention back to the red head. "I wasn't being funny."
Belle nodded, not knowing what to say.
"I just thought that you would enjoy your life more, not being stuck in this castle," Zelena smirked.
Belle shrugged. "I made a deal with Rumpelstiltskin. I can't really go anywhere." She thought it was obvious, but then again, maybe not.
"Right," Zelena clucked her tongue. "So, do you have any love interests back home?" Belle was surprised at the abrupt change in topic.
"Not really." Zelena raised an eyebrow. Belle elaborated. "I was engaged, but it didn't work out."
"So, you're not in love?" Belle felt as if Zelena was being too curious. Belle always had the distinct feeling that Zelena was interrogating her, with her rapid fire questions. Belle also felt that every move she made was judged by Zelena.
"No," Belle answered.
"Interesting." Zelena eyed Belle up and down.
"Why is it interesting?"
"Oh, I just figured with your looks and all, that you would already be taken. Hoping that a man will come and rescue you from this place," Zelena said, dramatically, acting as if the castle was a prison. Belle knew Zelena didn't want her here, that much was clear. But her antics and questions were plain silly.
Belle shrugged again, as if she was apologizing. "No man is coming, sorry."
Zelena sat down on the chaise lounge. "Pity." Her eyes lit up. "But, you can't be a virgin, right?"
"Um," Belle blushed.
"Zelena!" Regina exclaimed.
"What?" Zelena asked, putting on a air of innocence.
"You don't just ask someone a personal question like that." Regina placed her hands on her hips.
"I was just curious, sis. No need to get so defensive." Zelena stood up. She winked at Belle. "You can tell me the truth later. I wont judge." With that, she laughed, cackling. "Come find me later, sis, when you stop being such a bore." She left the room.
Regina rolled her eyes. "I can't believe I have to put up with her."
"Why do you?" Belle knew it wasn't her place to ask though.
Regina sighed. "She's my sister," she snorted. Her arms raised to encompass the room. "I'm stuck here. I can't exactly get away." She lowered her arms to her sides.
Belle was even more surprised by the turn of events. "Why are you stuck here?" She asked, quietly.
"Well, like you, my mother made a deal with the Dark One. And in said deal, my mother wanted to come live with Rumpelstiltskin. Which meant, Zelena and I had to come along as well."
"Why would your mother make a deal with Rumpelstiltskin?" Belle was becoming more intrigued.
Regina scoffed. "She committed adultery against my father." Belle gave her a questioning look. "My father is a prince. She was to be executed, when Rumpelstiltskin showed up and 'saved the day." She used air quotes. "He helped her escape, if she let him teach her magic."
Belle walked closer to Regina. The girl wasn't being aloof like before. Belle liked that. It was comforting. "How were you and Zelena a part of it?"
"My mother, in the irony of it all, started to have feelings for the Dark One. She thought the safest place for her to stay was up here, where a she could be kept hidden with a boundary spell. She wouldn't have to fear death." Regina paused, taking a breath. "But she didn't want to part with Zelena and I. She feared we would somehow be condemned because of her mistake. Zelena and I thought it was the best option at the moment. Of course, now I can't leave. My mother won't let me." Regina sounded bitter.
Belle didn't know why Regina was suddenly talking to her, but Belle was definitely going take advantage of actual conversation. She felt so much sympathy for Regina. "So I'm not the only one that doesn't want to be here?"
Regina smiled a little. "Yeah, I'm in the same boat as you are. A deal gone wrong."
Belle smiled back. "I'm not happy that you seem...sad. But I am glad that I don't have to feel alone."
"I'm sorry, for being rude earlier."
Belle waved a hand. "That's all right. I know what its like to be so caught up in a book, you don't want to put it down."
Regina blinked. "Uh, yeah...that's not quite the reason." Belle was confused, her brow lowering. "But you can think that," she said, helpfully.
Belle laughed a little. The raven haired girl could be funny. Regina then grinned. An actual grin.
"And, Belle," she said, when Belle started to pick up her wash cloth, and feather duster, "you're right." Belle gave Regina a confused expression. Regina elaborated. "You don't have to be alone."
Belle started to realize that maybe things would get better.
It was a week after the trial, and Regina was preparing for her mother's execution the next day. She wasn't ready for her mother die, despite being cold to Cora after she left her mother's cell.
"Do you really think they're going to kill her?" Zelena asked, sitting on Regina's bed.
"Of course, they're going to kill her, Zelena. She committed adultery against our father, the prince. The magistrate wasn't joking when he sentenced Mother to die." Her voice came out harsher than she intended.
"You don't have to be mean," Zelena pouted, crossing her arms.
"I wasn't trying to be," Regina sighed.
Before her sister could respond, Regina heard screams coming from the courtyard below her window. She shared a concerned look with Zelena.
"What's happening?" Zelena asked, raising from the bed.
"I don't know. I've been up hear with you all evening," Regina rolled her eyes. Zelena shot her a look, telling Regina she was being obvious. The girls looked out the window, and saw fire.
"The castle is burning," Zelena whispered.
Just then, their chamber doors where busted open, and their mother strolled in. Regina and Zelena were both wide eyed.
"Mother!" Zelena exclaimed, running towards her.
Cora grabbed Zelena into a hug. "Zelena," she said into her daughter's hair. She looked up at Regina, holding out a hand. "Regina, come."
Regina hesitated, shocked. "Mother, what are you doing here? How did you escape?"
"No time for that now," Cora said, impatiently. "I will tell you both all about that later. But we need to leave this instant."
Regina looked back out the window and saw the fire spreading. That wiped her shock away, and she grabbed her mother's hand. Once they left the room, Regina saw that her guards were missing. Probably gone to help with the fire.
They raced through out the castle, going down secret passageways, until they made their way outside. Regina wanted to run back to the courtyard to help any one wounded, but her mother grabbed her hand tighter, leading her to the fields on the outskirts of the castle. Once they reached the safety of the woods, Cora stopped running.
Regina wenched her hand from her mother's. "What is going on?"
"Are you two all right?" Cora asked, inspecting their faces.
"Yes, mother," Zelena replied, grinning. "I can't believe you escaped. You're free." She sounded way to happy in Regina's opinion.
"Yes, I escaped," Cora said, breathless from running. "But there is something you girls need to know." She paused, taking a deep breath. "We're leaving, to go somewhere."
Regina waited. When Cora didn't finish, her irritation flared up. "Go where?"
"With me, of course," said a man walking out of the woods. Regina took a step back, worried. He was the strangest...man she had ever seen. She didn't like this one bit.
"Who are you?" Regina demanded.
He giggled. "Well, your new step father, of course," he said, obviously.
"What?" Regina and Zelena screeched at the same time, looking at their mother.
"Rumpel," Cora said, admonishing, shaking her head.
The man...creature held up a finger. "It was a quip," he giggled, walking casually towards them. He was very...flamboyant, Regina thought. And dramatic. It was the way he moved. Regina glanced at her sister, to not see repulsion on Zelena's face, but a light in her eyes. It seemed as if she almost...liked this man. She looked curious and intrigued.
Regina knew her face did not resemble her sister's. This man put her on edge.
"Girls," Cora said, directing a hand towards the man, "this is Rumpelstiltskin. He's come here to help us." The creature, Rumpelstiltskin, bowed low to the ground.
"How?" Regina asked, flabbergasted.
Rumpelstiltskin stood up. "Oh, just by giving you a place to get away from all that madness." He nodded his head in the direction of the burning castle. "It's not as if I'm offering you a common courtesy," he said, sarcastically. At Regina's shocked expression, and Zelena's confused one, he glanced at Cora. "Did you not tell them?"
Cora sighed. "I didn't have time." She looked straight at Regina, even though she spoke to both her daughters. "We're going to stay with Rumpelstiltskin. He and I made a deal."
"What kind of deal?" Regina asked, repulsed. She looked at Rumpelstiltskin, who was just standing back, smirking. "Just in case you were wondering, we already have a father."
He blinked. "Didn't you hear the part where I said it was a quip?"
Cora jumped in. "The deal was that Rumpelstiltskin would help me escape if I let him teach me magic."
Zelena's eyes became even more bright. "You know how to do magic?" She was asking Rumpelstiltskin.
He was smug. "Of course I do, dearie. I am the Dark One after all." He dusted the shoulders of his jacket, smirking even more.
"You're the Dark One?" Zelena asked breathlessly.
"That's what he just said, Zelena," Regina snapped. Zelena shot Regina a droll expression.
"So, you know how to do magic, Mother?" Zelena asked. Cora nodded.
"It turns out your mother is a natural," Rumpelstiltskin walked to stand behind their mother, resting his hands on her shoulders.
Realization dawned on Regina, at the smirk on her mother's face. "It was you," she whispered. Cora raised a questioning eyebrow. "You're the one that started the fire."
"Regina, how could you accuse Mother of that?" Zelena was in shock.
Regina snapped. "I can accuse Mother, because it's the truth. Look at her," she pointed at Cora. "Zelena, you don't know her at all." Cora started to grimace.
Rumpelstiltskin removed his hands from Cora's shoulders, laughing. "Your daughter sure does have fire," he said, to her mother.
Cora walked up to Regina, placing her own hands on Regina's arms. "It's true, daughter." Regina squeezed her eyes shut. "I had to make the people that caused me to suffer, feel pain. They needed to know what it was like." Regina shook her head, feeling her mother's hand on her cheek. "Regina, say something," Cora said, softly.
"I don't know what to say," Regina whispered.
"We need to leave, Regina," her mother said, urgently. "I'll explain everything in detail later. But for now, we need to leave."
Regina opened her eyes, backing away. "I'm not going with you, Mother. And especially not him!" Rumpelstiltskin pretended to look hurt, clearly mocking her.
"Regina, you can't stay,"Cora begged.
"Why not?" She asked, sadly.
"Because if you do, people will think you had a part to play in your mother's escape," the Dark One said. "They'll surly kill you for it. Treason isn't exactly a welcome term at court, dearie. Funny how that is." He giggled again.
Regina hesitated. She hadn't thought of that. "If I leave, it will be only until things have settled down? Then I can return?" She tried to keep her voice firm.
Cora's eyes softened, stroking Regina's face. "Of course, dear. Until things have settled down."
Regina paused, thinking. Finally, she nodded, knowing she probably wouldn't find a way out of this.
Rumpelstiltskin clapped his hands. "Great. Now we're all on common ground. We should probably leave, dearies." He jerked his head in the direction away from the castle.
"It will be all right, Regina," Cora squeezed her daughter's hand.
Of course, Regina did not know that her mother was lying.
Milah hesitantly entered her husband's work room. She knew he was finished seeing Cora for the night. Being in the room next to Cora, Milah heard a lot more than she wanted to. It took Milah all her courage to speak with Rumpelstiltskin. But after seeing the way that poor girl was treated at breakfast, Milah knew she had to throw caution to the wind and confront her husband.
He was working on a vial of what looked like multi-colored water. He reached for a hair, placing it in the bottle.
Milah stood at the door, wringing her hands.
"Well, don't just stand there, dearie," he said, making her jump. He hadn't looked up from his work. "Tell me what you want to fight about."
Milah sighed, shaking her head. "Why would you think we would fight?"
He glanced up at her, rasing an eyebrow. His look made her question seem silly. Milah sighed again. She walked closer to the table he was at.
"You're here to talk about the maid," her husband said.
Milah paused. "Well, yes, actually."
He sighed himself, setting down the vial. "You want me to get rid of her. Send her back to her father, and her betrothed." He rolled his eyes. "Let me inform you, wife. She isn't missing out on 'twu wove.' That fiancee of hers is nothing special," he grumbled.
"That doesn't matter. She can't stay her, Rumpelstiltskin. If she doesn't get hurt because of Zelena's envy, she will surly be harmed by Cora's cruelty."
"She's staying." That was all he said, before turning his back to her to set his potion on a shelf.
But Milah wasn't going to be disregarded. "All because you made a deal? You can break it." She saw his shoulders stiffen. "Make the deal null and void."
He turned back around, eyes narrowed. "I don't break deals, dearie. Being my wife, I would have thought you knew that."
Milah took in a deep breath. "You are not the man I married. Not the one I fell in love with." He tilted his head to the side, not looking upset. "I don't recognize the man standing before me."
He lips thinned. "Why would you say that, dearie? You knew that the minute I became the Dark One."
Milah sneered. "I knew you had changed. But I didn't think you capable of hurting an innocent, young girl."
He looked away, going back to his work, picking up a sheet of paper. "I'm not hurting the girl. I left her alone today to do her job."
"But at the mercy of Cora!" Milah exclaimed.
"I told Cora to stay away from the girl."
Milah scoffed. "But will she listen?"
Rumpelstiltskin paused, setting down the piece of paper he was writing on. "I'm the Dark One, dearie. If Cora knows what is for the best, she will listen to me."
Milah shook her head. "Cora is unbridled, and reckless. If she thinks you are spending too much attention on that poor girl, Belle will surly be a casualty. Her sacrifice to save her family will be for nothing."
"She's staying," Rumpelstiltskin growled. Then straightening up, he returned to his gleeful disposition. "I like her here. See how much she's getting everyone riled up? It's amusing...and entertaining." He giggled.
"You are a bastard," Milah seethed.
"Be careful, dearie," he smirked. "You sound like Cora when you say that."
Milah flushed. "You be careful, husband."
He laughed again. "Is that a threat? If I don't give the girl back, you'll hurt me?"
"I won't hurt you, Rumpelstiltskin. But Cora will."
He scoffed. "I can handle Cora. I taught her everything she knows. She can't best me. If I say the girl won't get hurt, then she will not get hurt. She'll be fine, wife." He picked up a piece of paper again, writing. He smirked. "I would say, 'trust me,' but we both know that won't happen."
"Why do you have to joke? You can't be serious for more than two minutes." Milah ripped the sheet of paper from his hands. He jerked his head up, surprise written on his face.
"You think, because you're my wife, you can get away with anything?" His eyes narrowed. Milah didn't back down.
"Because I'm your wife, I know you can't kill me." She waved the paper at him. "If you want life here to remain the same, then let the girl go. Even if you don't care if the girl gets hurt, then at least expect to lose your precious Cora, if Belle continues to live here."
He snorted. "Cora is the farthest thing from precious. And besides, I will keep whoever I want." He stalked around the table to stand right before Milah. His voice softened, making him more intimidating. "Don't give me ultimatums, dearie. Don't threaten me. If I say the little maid is staying, then you and Cora and the whole fucking world can deal with it." He straightened, walking back to the work bench. He ripped the paper from her hands. His voice became light again. "Now can you get out? You women are extremely needy. I need some alone time," he giggled, waving a hand, dismissing her.
Milah shook her head in disappointment. "I just hope you know what you're doing, Rumpelstiltskin." She turned around, and walked away, praying for the girl. Poor thing was doomed. Milah really was afraid that Cora would hurt Belle, despite what Rumpelstiltskin had said. He had been right about one thing, though. Milah didn't trust him.
After Regina retired to her room, Belle wanted to do a little exploring herself. She knew that she should have just gone back to her room, but she was too curious. Of course, if Cora caught her...well she wasn't going to think about that. And besides, Rumpelstiltskin didn't say that she couldn't explore the castle.
She made her way to the second floor, finding a row of doors. She figured they were the rooms of the other women. Belle wasn't about to go knocking. She didn't want to stumble across Cora. Belle continued on her way. She came across what looked like a ballroom. A huge, expansive space. She wondered why the Dark One would have a ballroom. He didn't seem like the man to dance. Or host parties and events.
She kept walking, coming across statues of gargoyles. Other mythological creatures adorned the hallways, like satyrs and mermaids. They were fascinating. She reached a set of stairs, the stone wall in a tight, small spiral. Hardly any light was showing the way. Belle figured she shouldn't go up there. But she couldn't help herself. She wanted to know. She walked slowly up the stairs, coming to a finely intricate, detailed door. She put her hand on the door knob, then hesitated. She remembered Rumpelstiltskin's warning about opening doors. How they could be 'sneaky,' whatever that meant. Her better judgment was screaming at her to walk away, but her curiosity was too strong.
She turned the door knob, flinching, bracing herself for the worst. When the door opened, and nothing happened, she let out the breath she had been holding. She was all right. She laughed, the sound coming out more like a gasp. Maybe Rumpelstiltskin had been teasing her when he gave her that warning.
She entered into a room, that resembled a laboratory. It made her think of a novel she had read a few years prior. Frankenstein. Her father, at the time, didn't think that she should have been reading gothic novels, but her mother had defended Belle's reading choices. The thought made her smile.
No one was in the room. She glanced around at all the vials lining multiple shelves. She was in awe.
"What are you doing here?" Belle jumped at the question, turning to see Rumpelstiltskin standing in the door way. He didn't look mad, per say, but he didn't look pleased either. He was looking at her intently, liking she was a puzzle he was trying to solve.
Belle blushed. "I apologize. I didn't know what room this was."
He smirked, walking towards her. "And yet, you still came inside." He kept walking until she was forced to step back herself. Her back brushed against a table.
"I was curious," she said, sheepishly.
He giggled. "Yes. I can see that." He glanced around the room, shifting his eyes dramatically. She guessed that he was making fun of her.
"I'm sorry," she said, feeling uncomfortable with his closeness. He was standing right in front of her, almost touching. "Do you want me to leave?"
"I don't normally let strangers into my workroom." He crossed his arms.
"Well," Belle said, haltingly, "you didn't let me in. I came in of my own accord."
He laughed. "True, dearie." He eyed her up and down. His eyes were so piercing. It was due to the color of them. Gray and yellow. "You are a witty little thing, aren't you?"
"I guess?" She tried to say, but it came out sounding like a question.
He smirked. He finally moved away, backing up a few steps. Belle could take in a full breath. "You know, my dear wife, thinks I should let you go." He picked up a pen lying on a nearby table, fiddling with it.
"Yes," Belle hesitated, "and so do all the other women."
He laughed, billowing. "I said, you were witty." Belle just felt her face become more red. "The difference is," he said, putting the pen down, "Milah doesn't want to kill you. She's not jealous."
"Oh?" Belle asked.
"Yes, 'oh,'" he rolled his eyes. "Milah worries for your safety. She thinks Cora could hurt you." He leaned back.
"Why isn't she jealous? She's your wife."
His eyes gleamed. "So you're saying she has something to be jealous about?" He started to walk back to her.
Belle retraced her words. "No, of course not," she said, quickly. "I just meant-,"
He giggled. "Dearie, dearie, dearie," he said, shaking his head. "You are an innocent." Belle didn't respond. "Milah's not jealous. She can't stand the sight of me." Again, Belle thought he was too happy about the situation.
"Oh," Belle repeated. He snorted.
"Don't be going shy on me now, dearie. You were just getting interesting." He stood directly in front of her again. "Milah asked me to let you go back home. She said it wasn't right for me to keep you here."
"And what did you say?" Belle whispered, slightly intimidated by his presence.
He smirked again, speaking softly. "I told her that you're not going anywhere."
Belle gulped, blushing. "We made a deal, I remember. It's kind of difficult to forget." She raised her eyes to his.
He laughed, pointing a finger at her. "You are funny." Belle hesitantly smiled. He walked away, back to his work table. "Run along, dearie. You need sleep. Can't be having my little maid slacking on the job tomorrow, because she's too exhausted to even stand up."
Belle nodded, walking away. She didn't get very far, before he spoke again. "And dearie, do be carful of the doors you open. I did warn you."
Belle looked back. "I thought maybe you were joking."
A teasing glint entered his eyes. "Maybe I am. Maybe I'm not." He furrowed his brow. "Mmm," he shrugged. "But don't come crying to me if you fall through a door, and end up dead because you didn't listen." He tsked, waving a finger at her.
"But if I end up dead, how can I come crying to you in the first place?"
He smiled. "I did say you were witty. Keep it up, dearie. It brings me amusement."
She shook her head, smiling. "You say I'm the witty one, but you're not too bad yourself." Belle had no idea where that came from. She wasn't one for teasing, or...flirting, if that's what that was. Was she flirting? She had no idea. She was completely incompetent when it came to things like that. But there was something about Rumpelstiltskin that made her rise to the challenge. He teased her. It only felt right to tease him back.
By the look on his face, he was not expecting her to say that. Again came the look, the one where he was trying to figure her out. "Go to bed, dearie." That was all he said, before grabbing a vial to work on some elixir, Belle assumed.
She nodded, blushing. "Good night, Rumpelstiltskin." He just nodded, not looking at her. Belle made her way back to her cell, confused. She had no idea what just happened.
Everything was utterly confusing.
Well, it seems things might be heating up between everyone's favorite couple. Ok, not quite yet, but maybe soon. Probably not until Cora gets out of Rumpel's life, though. That woman wont go down without a fight.
Upcoming: a certain famous thief that steals from the rich and gives to the poor shows up in the Dark Castle, leading Belle and Regina to go on a little adventure, one that Rumpel is not exactly happy to be joining.