Chapter 10: - Tending To A Loved One

3 months had passed since Rumple's beloved wife had faded from sight. Rumple had become very protective of the delicate glowing bloom she had now become. He had placed a simple crystal bell shaped bell jar over his beloved so that strong winds could not harm her soft petals and so small monstrous creatures that had now become rumple's enemies could not harm her delicate stem.

Madeline and Malcolm had started to fear for their son's health as he had taken to not allowing anyone near the enchanted rose never mind see it. They understood completely that his heart was broken and he was trying everything he could to break the spell that had taken hold of Belle but he locking himself away just wasn't the answer.

The king and queen had told young bae that his father simply had a fever and his mama had travelled to a far off kingdom on royal business and luckily Bae's childhood innocent mind had believed this very easily but they couldn't keep it a secret forever.

Rumple picked up a glass spray bottle containing fresh spring water from the lake where he and his beloved Belle had shared their first kiss and he allowed the refreshing mist to fall over his wife's delicate petals and he smiled softly as he moved the curtain allowing some sunlight into the room,

"There now my love. I'll keep you safe, you have my word that I will do everything in my power to break this spell." He whispered to the glowing rose gently as he placed the crystal bell jar back over the bloom gently and brushed his fingertips over the smooth surface softly and allowed a tear to fall down his cheek from his tired, sleep deprived eyes,

"I will see you again….. More than anything I wish I could see you smile. Hear your laugh. Feel your kiss once more. I miss you so much Belle… Our little Rose must be able to sense that something is wrong because she is unsettled most days" he explained with a sad sigh as more tears fells,

"I'm so lost Belle… I….. I can't bring myself to leave your side. I assure you that I am making sure our children have the best care but…. For now I refuse to leave your side." He whispered.

It was then that there was a gentle knock on the door and Rumple's face grew stern and angry and turned towards the door quickly,

"I thought that I made it clear that myself and my wife were not to be disturbed!" he yelled in anger and Madeline sighed sadly but found courage and opened the door softly and looked at her son sadly,

"Rumple… Sweetheart please… I beg of you this has to stop. Your children need you. You have to let your family help you. That is the only way we will find a way to bring Belle back…. Belle wouldn't want you to push us away Rumple" she said gently and he simply glared at her before turning away,

"How would you know what she wants?! She can't speak!" he said angrily and Madeline sighed, closing her eyes for a moment before opening them once more and she approached her son slowly before placing a hand on his shoulder gently,

"What if she could?" she asked in a soft, quiet tone and Rumple turned his head slightly to look at her with a confused expression,

"What do you mean?" he asked and his mother sighed,

"I didn't tell you because I did not wish for you to get your hopes raised but… This morning I received a letter." She explained and Rumple turned fully towards her as she continued,

"I sent out word to all sorcerers at every corner of this kingdom and beyond that is known within the royal archives and I told them of our situation and one has finally responded" she explained gently and Rumple's eyes widened with hope but he could not bring himself to speak, and Madeline smiled softly,

"The sorcerers' name is Merlin and he comes from the far off kingdom of Camelot that is ruled over by King Uther who has allowed Merlin to travel to us so that he may attempt to Help Belle…. and his chances of succeeding are very strong. His powers are said to be stronger than most." She explained and with every word his mother spoke, Rumple's smile grew,

"When does he arrive?" he asked eagerly and his mother smiled brightly,

"He left Camelot two days ago so he should be here within a weeks' time" she explained and Rumple hugged his mother tightly,

"Thank you. I'm sorry I pushed you all away….. I just miss her so much" he said quietly and looked down sadly but Madeline lifted his chin softly,

"Rumple you have nothing to be sorry for… Me and your father understand how much you miss Belle and how hard these long two months have been for you." She assured him gently as she hugged him and then she pulled back gently and cupped his cheek,

"Now I believe that you have finally 'Recovered from your fever' so I think it's time you go and see your son and daughter. They've missed you" she said softly and Rumple sighed, glancing at the glowing enchanted rose, knowing that his mother was right. Belle wouldn't want him to be hiding away from his own children so he nodded and Madeline smiled softly as she linked her arm with her sons' as they walked out the room,

"Don't worry Rumple. The week will fly by and soon Belle shall be back by your side" she assured softly and Rumple could only hope that she was right.

That's Right - MERLIN IS COMING! - Will he be able to help Belle? You'll have to wait for the next chapter to find out :) and I've changed it around a little so at the moment Uther is still king of camelot. You'll find out why in the next chapter ;)

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TheAuthor1996