Belle's Diary Chapter 10, an once upon a time fanfic

Rumpelstiltskin was still awake, his fingers idly playing with a lock of Belle's long chestnut curls when her eyes fluttered open. He glared at the nervous twittering of the servants who carried bucket upon bucket of hot water through the sitting room and into the main chamber of Belle's suite to fill her bathtub, their heavy footfalls having disturbed her sleep. He really should have retired to his own room the previous evening, but he'd been loath to leave her, enjoying having her slumber in his arms. It was overwhelming, this desire he had for her, to kiss her, to touch her and have her so responsive in his arms, something he'd never expected to share with anyone, let alone his true love. Her delicate little hand smoothed over his bare chest beneath his shirt and he closed his eyes, praying for the moment she became his wife and he could take liberties with her he couldn't take at present.

"Good morning," Belle murmured happily, her hand leaving his chest to trail up to his hair to tug his head down for a lingering kiss. "It wasn't a dream," she breathed, her smile blinding in its radiance. She dropped her gaze as Penelope entered the room with her morning tea tray, disentangling herself from Rumpelstiltskin's arms and pouring him a cup of the steaming brew. She added a slice of lemon and an ungodly amount of sugar and placed it in his hands before she asked, "Did you stay with me all night?"

"There's nowhere else I would rather be, m'Belle," he answered truthfully. "Did you sleep well?" he asked in turn over the rim of his cup.

Belle thought for a moment and plucked at the ties of her dressing gown. "Actually, that's the first time I've slept through the night since coming home." She cupped his face in her small hands and pressed her lips to his, kissing him tenderly. "Thank you for staying with me."

He opened his mouth to answer, but didn't get the chance as Mrs. Potts bustled into the room. "Highness, his majesty is already awaiting you on the terrace for breakfast. You must hurry," she admonished, ushering Belle to her feet. "And you!" She wagged a finger at Rumpelstiltskin. "Room empty, bed not slept in and I come in here to find you cavorting and carrying on with my mistress, keeping her from her morning toilette. Off with you, lad," she scolded, flapping her apron at him and shooing him toward the door.

Rumpelstiltskin jumped to his feet and pulled Belle behind him, his eyes widening in alarm as he glowered down at the short, plump housekeeper with awe. Did she even know who she was upbraiding? He glanced over his shoulder to find Belle giving in to a fit of giggles at his discomfiture. He glared at Mrs. Potts. "Woman! Cease your prattling at once," he roared, quite undone by her diatribe and wishing to assert his authority as Belle's betrothed since his status as the most feared mage in the land seemed to have no effect on her.

The elderly servant was unfazed. "Go on, off with you. Gaston is waiting for you in the hall. He'll show you to the commons, so you can bathe and dress for breakfast with the king," she informed him, tugging on his sleeve, completely unfazed by his angry sneer. He went, grumbling the entire time, mentioning something about how servants just don't know their place and something which sounded like no respect for the Dark One. He went out into the hall, glancing over his shoulder for one last look at his beloved as he was forced to be parted from her even if only for a short time.

Belle was still laughing as Penelope took her hand and dragged her off to her bedchamber, highly amused at her sorcerer. She would no doubt have to listen to his complaints for the better part of the morning over the highhandedness of her servants, but it was all worth it to see the chagrin on his face as he left the room.

*.*.*

Belle giggled, Rumpelstiltskin grumbled. She smiled, he smirked. She rested her head on his shoulder, he twined his fingers with hers. She blushed, his amber eyes filled with heat. Breakfast with her father and Gaston was guaranteed to be interesting this morning with the addition of her betrothed, she thought, a gamine-like grin perched on her lips. Late spring in the Marchlands was nothing like the spring in the region where the Dark One resided, the region which promised one harsh winters and mild summers and very little of spring and autumn.

At barely eight in the morning, the weather was already hot and humid, and she was indeed pleased her father had chosen to have their meal set up on the terrace to enjoy what little breeze there was. Her thin muslin gown of dove gray was already beginning to stick to her and she wished the weather didn't affect her so easily. Rumpelstiltskin seemed comfortable enough in his leather pants, silk shirt of forest green and brocade waistcoat. But then she suspected he was insusceptible to heat and cold.

Her father and Gaston were already settled at the table which could easily seat eight, the cloth covered surface hosting an array of breakfast dishes which was sure please even the pickiest of eaters. Belle dropped a peck to her father's cheek as he stood to greet her. "You look radiant this morning, my girl," Maurice greeted as she moved to Gaston's side and hugged him warmly.

Rumpelstiltskin growled in warning and Belle swatted him playfully as she led him to the other side of the table to take his seat beside her. "Behave, Rumpel. There's no need to be jealous," she whispered, her bright smile betraying the fact she was pleased at his obvious display. He continued to glower at the knight, however, as he settled down onto his chair.

Belle piled a plate high with eggs, bacon, sausages, and potatoes and set it before him, hoping his attention would be drawn away from her friend and onto the offerings in front of him. "So, Papa, what are your plans for the day after we discuss the betrothal contract?" she asked, filling her own plate.

He answered, but it was Rumpelstiltskin who his gaze focused on. "Gaston and I were going to ask the Dark One to join us on a tour of our lands. If he is to be your consort, I feel he should familiarize himself with the kingdom and its people."

"At least those who don't run in fear at the very sight of him," Gaston mumbled under his breath.

Belle felt Rumpelstiltskin tense beside her, the only warning she received before her sorcerer snapped his fingers. Gaston's fork clattered to his fine china plate and in his seat sat a sweet little black spaniel puppy. Rumpelstiltskin continued eating without a word, unfazed at the king's gaping and gasping.

Belle picked up her knife and began buttering her scone, sighing in consternation. "Darling, really? We haven't even begun negotiations and you've already lost your temper. Please?" she asked, turning to him and offering him a bit of the scone.

Rumpelstiltskin chewed thoughtfully as he met her gaze. "First he gets all handsy with you and then he gets lippy with me. Knowing me as well as you do, dearest, what did you expect? I let him off lightly."

"I'm certain Gaston meant no offense. Now change him back please."

Rumpelstiltskin met her steady gaze, his desire to please her warring with his nature to assert his control over every situation. It was bad enough the man in him - the spinner and father and husband he had once been -was battling against the Dark One, trying his damnedest to be worthy of his brave beauty and do right by her. His first instinct was to whisk her back to the Dark Castle and lock her away with him once more without a care for her family. It was hard to admit to himself he was jealous of the lumbering oaf of a knight. The man had been betrothed to Belle before she'd made her deal with him and though he knew his Belle harbored no romantic feelings towards the knight, it didn't make the situation any easier for him to swallow.

His contemplations came to an abrupt halt when her delicate hand rose to tug at the ends of his hair as she pulled his head down to whisper in his ear. "Gaston is no threat to you, Rumpelstiltskin," she said, her breath ghosting along the shell of his ear and causing him to shiver from the contact. "He is my closest friend, more of a brother to me. You are the man I love, the man I wish to marry and share my life with," she crooned, soothing the beast in him and easing away his doubts. A low rumble of appreciation erupted in his chest as she pressed a soft kiss to his jaw before she sat back once again in her seat and looked at him expectantly.

Belle poured him a cup of tea and set it before him as he snapped his fingers once more and returned the knight to his former state. Gaston swallowed nervously and looked over at the king who had slumped back in his chair, wearily shaking his head.

"Now, father, I think it would be a wonderful idea for Rumpelstiltskin to tour the kingdom with you. However, it will not be because he will become my consort. Gaston is your heir now, has been for quite a while. I never had a desire to be queen; I'm barely fit to be a princess, and I gave up my right to the throne when I made my deal with Rumpel. I don't want it back."

Maurice balked at that. "But, Belle darling, it is your birthright."

"Papa, Gaston will make a fine ruler. Please try to see this is what I want," she said, her eyes pleading as she covered her father's hand with her own.

Rumpelstiltskin sighed as he placed his cup on the table and regarded the occupants of the table. His Belle would have indeed made a fine ruler, but he wouldn't presume to force her into something which would make her unhappy. "Here is what I propose," he began as he became the sole focus of everyone's attention. "Frankly, I couldn't care less about this insignificant little kingdom and its trifles. All I want is Belle and her happiness. She has given her word to marry me, therefore your blessing means little to me."

"Rumpel …"

He took her hand in his and squeezed gently to reassure her. "I don't want her dowry or her kingdom; I just want her. In return, I will make certain Avonlea will thrive and prosper as will all who dwell within its borders." He never broke his gaze with hers as happiness spread across her features. "Does that meet with your approval, dearest? Do we have a deal?"

Belle raised a brow at him, studying her wily sorcerer. "Hmm. No fine print, no addendums and no loopholes or quid pro quo?"

Rumpelstiltskin shrugged. "If that is your wish," he said, producing a contract and quill from thin air. "You may even add any stipulations I may have overlooked."

Belle shifted her chair closer to his and together they read through the betrothal contract. "I want to be allowed to visit and have my family visit me as well." The stipulation was added in bold black ink. Her brows drew together in a frown as she continued to read. Her face flushed as her ire rose and she excused herself from the table, dragging Rumpelstiltskin a fair distance away from her father's acute hearing.

"What is this?" she fumed, shaking the parchment angrily. "I am not required to share your bed after our marriage is consummated? I am not required to share your home after a year of marriage if I am in any way displeased with you? I am not required to bear your children?" she asked, her voice coming out as an irate hiss.

He lowered his gaze to his hands, unable to meet her eyes. "Belle, you have agreed to marry the beast. I don't feel as though you should have to suffer that aspect of our relationship." He didn't want to displease her in any way, but he could understand if she didn't desire his touch, he thought as his gaze raked over the discolored flesh of his hands with their blackened claws. The dozen or so kisses they'd shared aside, there was no guarantee she desired more.

"This will be amended before I sign. I will share your bed, I will live nowhere other than at your side and I will bear any children we may conceive." She waited for him to argue, taking advantage of his parted lips to kiss him deeply, uncaring that her father and Gaston were there to witness the desire and passion she felt for her imp. "I want all of you, Rumpelstiltskin. I will not settle for anything less."

"You may change your mind," he argued with a bit of unease and disbelief tinting his usually confident tone.

"True love doesn't work that way. Our love isn't only for fair weather days, Rumpel, it is to last us forever, the good and the bad. We are forever," she insisted, gasping as he hauled her into his chest and wrapped his arms tightly about her.

"I love you, m'Belle," he whispered reverently against her crown. With a thought, the contract was amended and awaiting their signatures.

"I love you, too," she said, leading him back to the table to sign the contract. When she had finished, and his name was drying next to hers, she smiled brightly and a little impishly herself. "The deal is struck!"

"Indeed," he replied, giggling.

Maurice groaned as he added his name to the bottom of the contract, just imagining having the Dark One as his son in law was making his ulcer twinge painfully. "Very well, my girl. I'm certain Mrs. Potts will be able to aid you in making your preparations for the wedding. Flowers, invitations, your gown, whatever at all you will need."

"I want something small and intimate," Belle said, reaching for another scone. "Rumpel, is that alright with you?"

Rumpelstiltskin poured himself another cup of tea, fighting the urge to flee immediately and take her with him. He was ready to be done with her relatives and have her all to himself. "I will be happy with whatever you decide, m'Belle. I have only one request."

"Yes?"

"That you have us wed in three days. I'm afraid that will be the end of my patience."

Belle blanched, dropped a kiss to his cheek and hurried off the terrace in search of Mrs. Potts. There was an endless list of things needing to be done before she took her vows and now very little time to accomplish it. Three days indeed!

*.*.*

"Wait!" Belle shouted across the courtyard, running to catch up with Rumpelstiltskin as he was entering the stables. "Rum, wait!" She'd met with Mrs. Potts and handed over the task of planning the wedding to her capable hands, wishing to go on the tour with her betrothed rather than spend the day in the palace trying to select the perfect floral arrangements and a menu for the small reception. Although the word small was relative considering she would be forced to invite the hundred or so members of her father's court.

Once she'd gotten Mrs. Potts and her helpers on task, she'd run up to her bedchamber and quickly changed her clothes, opting for a pair of soft brown leather breeches, knee high riding boots and a sky-blue silk tunic and chain belt studded with sapphires. She knew her father would object quite strenuously to her attire, but she was going to dress for ease in the saddle rather than act the part of the princess today. Strapping her dagger to her thigh, she'd raced down to the stables in the hopes they hadn't yet left without her.

Rumpelstiltskin turned in alarm at the sound of her voice, his eyes searching out any sign of danger and then flaring in disbelief as he took in her attire. He caught her in his arms as she literally tumbled into him in her haste, her leather clad form molding deliciously to his own. "Gods, woman, what are you wearing!?" he exclaimed, hiding his face against the crook of her neck and breathing her in.

Belle shivered as he pressed his lips to her mark before stepping back and offering her his arm. Her chuckle was deep and throaty in her amusement over his surprise. "Do you object to my attire, my love? I was certain you would be … appreciative," she teased. He groaned and pulled her closer. She abandoned her teasing before they both ended up more uncomfortable than necessary … at least for now. "I thought I would join you on the tour, this morning," she said a bit breathlessly, tucking her hand in the crook of his arm and walking with him into the stables.

"Minx," he admonished, releasing her hand as one of the stable hands led forth his horse. He raised a brow as he eyed the beast of a stallion with trepidation.

"What's wrong, Rumpel?" Belle asked, taking in his unease.

"Overlarge beasties and I don't quite see eye to eye, dearest," he winced, snatching his hand away from the stallion as the beast shied away.

Belle's brow knit in a frown. She'd never in fact seen him anywhere near horses, though there were several in the stables of his estate. He'd always preferred to travel by magic or carriage. "You don't ride?"

He cast her a noncommittal shrug and a shy smile. "Never really had to once I became the Dark One and before, when I was human, we were too poor to afford horseflesh."

Belle waved Cedrik away, asking that he return the beast to his stall and saddle Dash. "You'll like Dash. He's sweet and docile, and with the right push can outrun any knight's steed by several lengths."

"I think they can sense my … unnaturalness and it makes them skittish," he explained, his brows drawing together as she reached into the small satchel slung over her shoulder and withdrawing several sugar cubes and placing them in his hand.

Belle laughed softly as her horse was led forward and nudged Rumpelstiltskin's shoulder gently. He was surprised by the affection from Belle's horse and offered the sugar to it, raising his other hand to brush over his nose. "He must have missed you when you came to live with me, hmm?" he asked quietly.

"I believe he did. Perhaps he is trying to make friends with you in hopes he won't be left behind again," she teased, leading him over to the mounting block so she could hoist herself into the saddle unaided. Her sorcerer still eyed the horse warily. "Come on, Rumpel, you can ride with me."

Rumpelstiltskin snorted. "How would that look for me to ride with my lady?"

"It will look as though you can't abide being parted from me? That you enjoy my company and conversation?" she asked coyly, smiling down at him as she gathered the reins in her leather gloved hand. She curled her leg over the pommel of her saddle, leaving the stirrup free so he could mount behind her.

Casting his objections aside, he climbed into the saddle behind her and slipped his arms around her waist, pulling her tightly back against his chest. "Yes, m'Belle, this is indeed one of your better ideas," he hummed in pleasure, nuzzling his nose against her neck, his hands splaying across her abdomen.

Belle drew in a sharp breath and bit down on her lip to stifle a moan as heat pooled low in her belly. "So happy you approve. I assure you it was with purely selfish motives."

"And what might those be, dearest?" he asked, nipping playfully at her ear with his sharp teeth.

Belle concentrated her attention on leading Dash forward to catch up with her father and his knights, ignoring the fact that Gaston kept glancing over his shoulder and making faces at her. Already Rumpelstiltskin wasn't fond of her friend and she didn't need him to stoke his ire any further. "Let me see, my motives. Well, instead of having to join in the tedium of floral arrangements, selecting a menu and such, I get to spend the morning in the fresh air. Being in your arms is just an added bonus."

He held onto her more tightly than necessary, not because he was trying to focus his attention on remaining in the saddle, but because he was still in awe of the petite bundle sitting between his thighs and the fact she wanted to be there. The morning passed swiftly as they rode through the countryside, her father expounding on several points of interest. It was well after lunch when Maurice left them alone in the village to return to the castle. Belle had Dash returned to the stable by Gaston's squire and set out on foot with her betrothed to take in the sights of the marketplace.

They hadn't been amidst the bustle of market day long before he grew wary and uncomfortable. It had been many a year, decades even since he'd been amongst such a familiar scene. He felt raw and exposed, walking hand in hand with Belle, on display, as they were, without even his cloak to shield him from the stares and whispers. He was the Dark One and she had reduced him to the poor lame spinner he'd once been. He brushed her curious stare away dismissively and left her perched on the edge of the stone fountain in the center of the square to procure them some fruit, several meat pies and a loaf of bread from one of the vendors.

The man handed over the items and bowed to Rumpelstiltskin, thanking him for the generous amount of gold he left him with, causing more unease to creep over the wily sorcerer. Belle was wearing a worried frown when he rejoined her and placed their luncheon between them. "You're worried, Rumpel, why?"

He gazed out over the crowd and noticed the difference between the people of Avonlea and the small village from home. "They don't have the proper fear of me here," he mumbled, picking apart a bunch of grapes. "They keep the proper distance, but it's different."

Belle chuckled and reached over to squeeze his hand. "It bothers you they treat you like a man instead of a beast? It is doubtful they will ever lose their fear of you, but they respect you for what you've done for our kingdom."

He nodded and let his eyes roam over the stalls, particularly the one featuring fresh wool, yarn, thread and other sundries. He nibbled on a piece of bread Belle placed in his hand as he watched the peasant hawk his wares. "I used to have a stall much like that one. Bae and I would travel half the day to the market several villages away to set up shop for the day. Bae was able to make a good many friends there and would leave me in search of whatever mischief he could find."

Belle chewed slowly, hardly daring to breathe. She'd waited so very long for him to confide in her about his son, about his life before becoming the Dark One, she was afraid the slightest movement would make him close himself off again. It was a struggle to keep her innate curiosity at bay. She needn't have worried about her own questions disturbing the moment. Several of the village children hesitantly approached them, banishing the silence which had fallen between them.

"Princess!"

"Did you bring us sweets today?"

"Are you going to tell us a story?"

Belle smiled brightly at the children as they gathered around her and settled at her feet on the cobbles. "I did bring you something," she gushed exuberantly, pulling a wrapped bundle from the leather satchel slung over her shoulder. They eyed Rumpelstiltskin with curiosity, but very little fear as they waited anxiously for Belle to bestow her gift upon them. One little girl, no more than four, edged her way around the group, trying to find an opening to get closer to Belle, finally coming to stand next to him.

Rumpelstiltskin stared down at her with surprise as she tugged gently on his sleeve, her thumb planted firmly in her mouth. "And who might you be, lass?" he asked in a soft tone as he bent forward to put himself eye level with the child.

Belle leaned closer to him, so he could hear her over the excitement surrounding them. "That is Penelope's daughter, Lyssa," she explained quickly before her attention was captured by more questions from the children.

"Princess, we want a story!"

"Story!"

"Please, Princess!"

Belle knew she was probably going to be in all sorts of trouble with her love, but she couldn't help the rebellious streak which presented itself within her. She turned to him and smiled, her eyes alight with mischief. "Perhaps Rumpelstiltskin might tell us all a story today."

Silence fell over the group and the children shared wide-eyed looks of excitement with one another, their little mouths gaping in awe at the mention of his name. He raised a brow at her, his amber gaze promising retribution. Lyssa tugged on his sleeve once more, nodding her head excitedly, bouncing on her toes.

"Please!"

"Story!"

Rumpelstiltskin lost what little control he had on his resistance as Lyssa climbed up on his lap and laid her head on his chest, her bright green eyes staring up at him expectantly as though he'd promised to tell every story he knew to his rapt audience. The corners of his mouth twitched up in a grin. "I suppose you've left me with little choice," he admitted wryly. "Very well."

The children reached for Belle's hands, urging her off the side of the fountain to sit among them, and they settled in close to surround her, one little tow-headed boy climbing onto her lap to listen. It was then he decided to tell his own story, more for Belle than for his audience. "Once there was a humble spinner who lived in a village in the far reaches of the Frontlands. The spinner was very poor, but tried to make a decent, honest living for himself and his wife. It was an arranged marriage and though they did not share a great love for one another, they were content. Then one day the ogres came to threaten their peace."

The children gasped, huddling closer to Belle, the threat of ogres not so distant in their past that they had forgotten. Belle's brow creased, and she chewed anxiously at her lower lip. "The poor spinner was conscripted into the duke's army and sent to the front lines to fight for his homeland. But ogres don't fight like mortal men, do they?"

The children shook their heads furiously in denial and Belle did as well, hugging the little boy tighter to her chest, completely enraptured by his story. "The spinner had never been a brave man, but he was determined to do his duty and bring honor to his family name." He leaned forward and lowered his voice conspiratorially. "But soon everything would change, because the night before he was to go off into battle, he met …"

The children leaned forward almost as one so as not to miss a word. "… a seer."

"What did she tell the spinner?"

"What did she look like?"

"Was she scary?"

Little Lyssa, sitting so securely on his lap, buried her face in his waistcoat in fear and he soothed his hand over her long blonde curls before continuing. "She told the spinner he was going to be a father, that his wife was already expecting their child, a son, but his actions on the battlefield would leave his son fatherless."

"What did he do?"

"Was she lying to the spinner?"

"What happened?"

Belle shushed the children and urged him to continue, scolding them gently that if they wanted to hear the story, they would all have to be quiet. "The spinner was so afraid of never seeing his wife or his son, he injured himself so he would be sent home. He was branded a coward and was sent off to return to his village in shame. When he arrived home, his wife scorned him, wishing to have nothing to do with him any longer and leaving the care of his son solely on his shoulders. He became an outcast in his village, but the spinner didn't care. He devoted himself to raising his son, Baelfire."

"Many lonely years filled with hardships passed for the spinner and his son, but they endured because they had each other. The boy grew into a fine young man until one day right before his fourteenth birthday, the duke lowered the age of conscription for the army and the spinner was in danger of losing his son to the war. The spinner was terrified of losing his child and decided to run with him, but they were caught that night on the road as they fled. He would have no choice but to let Baelfire go … or so he assumed."

His gaze fell on Belle, her jewel-bright eyes swimming with unshed tears. "On the road, however, he met an old beggar and invited him to share his hearth. The beggar told the spinner the duke held an all-powerful dark sorcerer in thrall. He confided in the spinner how easily it would be to wrest power away from the duke and claim it for himself. Then he would be able to have the sorcerer end the ogre war and bring peace to the land. The spinner was intrigued. If he could have that power, his Baelfire would never have to go to war, he would be safe once again."

He twisted the story, so no one would know about the dagger. Later he would tell his Belle, but for now, he would keep that knowledge to himself. "The spinner was terrified to meet with the Dark Sorcerer. He was the new master of the creature and had no idea how to be such. The sorcerer goaded him into taking his life and claiming the power for his own. The spinner became the new Dark One, master of nearly unlimited power, a power he wished to use for good. And at first, he did. He ended the ogre war and saved his son. He brought home all the children who had been forced into conscription and returned them to their families. But the spinner soon realized he was under a curse."

Rumpelstiltskin was beginning to enjoy entertaining the children and he looked to Belle to see if she were taking to his story. His face fell as he witnessed the tears streaming from her eyes. "Belle, sweetheart, would you like me to stop?" he asked, passing her a handkerchief.

Belle shook her head and dabbed at her tears. "No, please continue."

He nodded and let himself fall into his memories once more. "The spinner changed and it frightened Baelfire. The man he loved as his father was no match for the beast who seemed to take root in him. He did vile, despicable things and Baelfire wanted nothing more than to have his father back, to somehow find a way to rid him of his dark powers. His dearest friend told him of a very powerful fairy, the blue fairy, bringer of hope to all who seek it, so he set out to seek her aid. Baelfire pleaded with her to help him return his father to the man he'd been before he'd taken on the curse, but she claimed even her most powerful magics were incapable of such a feat. Instead, she gifted him with a rare magic bean, a bean which would open a portal to a realm with no magic. If he could convince his father to go with him, the Dark One would cease to be and the spinner would be an ordinary man once more.

"Baelfire had made a deal with his father. If Bae could find a way to break the curse, his father would do whatever it took to do so. When it came time to depart, when the portal was opened, the Dark One quailed in fear, afraid of losing his power and becoming the poor lame spinner he'd been before. Baelfire was swept away, leaving his father behind … alone. The Dark One was lost to despair of never seeing his son again. He lost something every mortal needs … hope. In his despair, he became worse than Baelfire ever could have imagined. He truly became a beast."

"Did he ever break the curse?"

"Was he always doomed to be the beast?"

"Did he find his son?"

"I want another cookie."

Belle was openly weeping, waiting for the next page in the story, knowing what came next. Rumpelstiltskin dug in Belle's satchel and passed a handful of sweets to the children to share. "Many years passed, and the ogres threatened a small kingdom by the coast, the kingdom of Avonlea. The dark sorcerer was summoned and claimed that, of course, he would protect the kingdom from the ogres. But as you will learn as you grow older … all magic comes with a price. The dark sorcerer demanded the princess as the price for his aid.

"Our princess!"

"Princess Belle!"

"That's right. The brave princess agreed to go away with the beast to his castle and serve as his maid. She cooked and cleaned and brought light into the castle where before there had been only darkness. You see, the beast had been lonely and wanted companionship, someone to tease, someone to talk with, someone to share his life with and make him feel human again. But he wasn't expecting the fearless little princess to wedge herself so deeply into his heart and teach him to love again. The beast was afraid and sent her away, far from his castle. He feared she had betrayed him, doubting her love could be real."

Belle rose to her feet and moved to sit at his side on the edge of the fountain, picking up the story where he'd left off. "But the beast realized she really did love him, that she knew his heart to be true and wished to be with him always and he came for her. He professed his undying love and promised he would never send her away from him again."

"And they lived happily ever after?"

"Did they?"

Rumpelstiltskin pulled Belle close and pressed his brow to hers. "Aye. They're working on it."

A/N: *cringing* This wasn't my favorite chapter, but what I included, I felt was pertinent to the story. I hope you all enjoyed it. There's still a bit more to cover in Avonlea and then the return to the Dark Castle and a visit from our darling Regina. And that's all I'm saying for now, my lovely readers. Can't wait to hear what you all think.