XIX

It was time. Her teeth were gnashed together so hard, she didn't see how they hadn't been ground down into powder, the pain in her chest nearly crippling as she struggled to draw in a calming breath. She turned as she stepped off the bottom step of the marble stairs which led into the Dark Castle, wanting one last look at her home. It was probably the last she'd ever see of it and the thought made her heart clench as if a mighty hand were squeezing it. She'd known for months this day would come, yet it didn't make it any easier to bear. To know her husband was equally distraught over their parting brought her little comfort.

Dove sat in the driver's box of the sleek traveling coach Rumpelstiltskin had procured for the express purpose of her trip to Avonlea and she couldn't bring herself to look upon the conveyance with anything less than annoyance because he wouldn't be coming with her. She looked beyond the courtyard to the looming black iron gates and the six outriders her father had sent to escort her home, making the reality of her situation more real than anything else. Rumpelstiltskin had spoken long and loud over the subject of her safety with her father and for once they were in complete agreement. Of course, her husband hadn't divulged the entire truth to Maurice, but then she'd known he wouldn't. He'd simply told his father in law he needed to attend to some business and it was best if Belle could visit for an extended stay.

She tied the reticule he'd given her more securely about her wrist and made her feet move her forward to join him at the coach. It contained her journal, several changes of clothes and necessities, her sword and dagger, some of Rumpelstiltskin's more useful potions - never knowing when they might come in handy - his precious cup which he couldn't seem to live without and a long cedar box, inlaid with runes containing the Dark One's dagger. She'd argued until she was nearly blue over that little addition to her belongings, but he'd been insistent. With the castle undefended and subject to looters once the news of his imprisonment spread, there was a distinct possibility someone would stumble upon it. It would be safest with the one person in the entire realm he felt he could trust. She'd agreed with one condition - that she wouldn't have to touch it. The chest had hit the bottom of her reticule with a loud thunk and that is where it would remain until they reached the new land and he could have it back.

He immediately enfolded her petite frame in his arms, his embrace almost bruising, as she reached his side, burying his face in her fragrant locks. "My Belle …"

A sob tore loose from her throat as her arms wrapped about his neck. "I'm sorry. I promised myself I wouldn't cry," she apologized, clinging to him.

"Shh, love," he crooned, drawing back to meet her gaze. His features twisted with pain as he looked down into her cerulean eyes filled with sorrow and swimming with tears. "Don't cry, my darling, please. It won't be long before we're reunited in the new land. You'll wake up in my arms and everything will be fine."

Belle leaned into his touch as he cradled her face in his warm hands. "I-I don't want to l-leave you," she stammered, biting down on her lip, hoping the pain it brought would somehow distract her from the sound of her heart shattering, the shards piercing her lungs and depriving her of the air she needed.

He drew in a shuddering breath, sharing the pain of their parting. "I know. This isn't easy for me either, dear heart. Surely, you must know that," he murmured, pressing his brow to hers. "I don't know how I will bear being away from you."

She was so frustrated she could have happily stamped her foot. "Then don't. Forget about your meeting with Ella and come back inside with me."

"You know I can't. There are loose ends I need to tie up before the curse is cast," he insisted, clasping her tighter to his chest to lend her his strength. "Belle, this isn't like the last time we parted. I'm not sending you away because of a misunderstanding, but for your safety. If you are in Avonlea with your family, behind the wards I've erected … if I know you're safe, it will help me get through this. Please, Belle."

"I'm very upset with you right now," she pursed her lips petulantly.

"I know, dearest," he answered, a sad smile forming on his lips as he brushed away her tears with a snowy handkerchief. "I promise when this is done, we'll never be separated again."

"Until your next brilliant scheme."

"Never."

"So, you say now."

"I love you," he said simply, cutting off her protests as his lips slanted over hers, pouring his love into her the only way he knew how. "Never forget."

"I love you, too, my husband," she whispered against his lips, prolonging the kiss, knowing it would be her last for a good while. He lifted her easily in his arms, the skirt of her violet traveling dress spilling over his arm as he climbed into the coach and settled her on the seat. He pulled the warm wool blanket from beneath the opposite seat and tucked it around her legs, assuring himself of her comfort for the journey to her homeland.

With one last lingering kiss, he exited the coach and closed the door, reaching back through the open window to clasp her hand. "Be safe, dearest."

"Rumpel …" she cried, tears pouring in a dam of heartbreak over her waxen cheeks as he nodded to Dove to give him leave to depart. She turned in her seat to watch him through the rear window of the coach, her last sight of his stiff shoulders and a hint of tears in his own amber eyes as the coach rounded the first turn in the pass and she could no longer see him.

*.*.*

Belle's resolve to obey her husband's wishes last about a fortnight. The realm was abuzz with the news of Rumpelstiltskin's capture and imprisonment by Snow White's prince with help from Princess Ella and her husband - who was now missing. Serves the little wretch right, Belle thought with satisfaction. She burned with the need to slap the girl silly. It was Ella's own fault she'd made a deal without reading the contract, but it made Belle seethe with rage because her husband had to suffer for it. Certainly, he was where he wanted to be, but dreams about what he must be suffering plagued her sleep, and most times her waking moments as well.

It had taken another two weeks of cajoling, bribing and then threats to get her father to agree to accompany her to Longborne to pay a visit to the royals who were holding her husband captive. Maurice had made a promise to Rumpelstiltskin to keep her safe and he was hesitant about breaking a deal with his son in law. That thought still made him cringe, by the way, having to claim the Dark One as a member of his family.

Belle smiled at him as he sat fidgeting on the seat across from her in the coach. "Papa, will you please relax. It will be fine."

"How can you be so confident they will even let you see him?" Maurice asked for the millionth time since they'd left Avonlea early that morning. "And you know he's not going to be happy you've left the protection of the palace to come all this way."

"I can handle my husband, thank you very much," she snarked, her lips curving up on one side in a smirk reminiscent of the Dark One. She glanced out the coach window and smiled at Brutal. He and Gaston, along with an additional four outriders, had insisted upon accompanying them. Belle had argued that it was unnecessary, especially with the Dark One's crest emblazoned on the side of the coach. Who in their right mind would attack them and incur his wrath?

She didn't have to wait long for an audience with Snow and Charming and was led to a comfortable parlor near the throne room where they had been conducting business. Snow greeted her with a warm smile and embraced her, a happy smile on her face. "Belle, it's so lovely to see you," the princess greeted her with genuine affection. "How are you?"

"I've been better," Belle answered truthfully. "It's wonderful to see you in your rightful place on the throne and with David at your side."

Charming took her hand and bowed over it, his courtly manners having improved since last she'd seen him. "Your highness, welcome. This is a delightful surprise to have you and your father visit our court."

"But what brings you here?" Snow asked, her curiosity piqued.

"I wish to see my husband," Belle stated simply, a demure smile curving her lips.

Charming leaned a hip against the arm of his wife's chair and shook his head. "I don't think that would be wise, your highness. He —"

"…needs me," she said, cutting him off. "And stop with the 'your highness' business. Just call me Belle." She focused her attention on Snow, believing it would be easier to get through to her than the stubborn shepherd do-gooder, as her husband was wont to call him. David was a good man - much better than his brother James had been before his untimely death - but his sense of good and evil were a bit askew in Belle's opinion. There were no shades of gray when it came to his view of the world.

"Belle," Snow began, looking uncomfortable to be discussing the Dark One. "He's dangerous. He's not the same man I met in Avonlea."

"He would never hurt me," she insisted in Rumpelstiltskin's defense.

"Perhaps not, but —"

"He's a madman. The guards say he's constantly rambling, not making a lick of sense, mind you. He has been aggressive and were it not for the fairy magic to render him powerless, there's no telling what he would do," Charming ranted, horrified at the idea of letting Belle anywhere near him.

"Fairy magic and Rumpel's curse do not mix well. Not to mention he is unused to being confined," Belle retorted, wondering if he was in pain.

Snow reached over and laid her hand comfortingly atop Belle's. "Surely you can understand our reluctance to —"

Belle waved a dismissive hand, gnashing her teeth at their unwillingness to see the good in him - much like the rest of the people who knew him. "Snow, what would you do if David were locked away somewhere … unjustly, I might add … and needed you?"

"Unjustly!?" Charming nearly choked. "He wanted to steal Ella's baby!"

"A baby she signed away for the privilege of going to the ball to meet her prince. If Rumpelstiltskin hadn't made the deal with her, she never would have met Thomas and therefore the matter of her child would not be an issue because it wouldn't exist. Then again not knowing her personally, I could not vouch for her virtue," Belle added dryly.

"She didn't know what she was doing!" Charming seethed, his face mottling with anger. "Ella was desperate."

"And if you know anything about my husband, David, you know that her level of desperation calls to him. He offers to help … for a price because whether you like it or not, the magic always requires a price … whether or not the caller accepts the deal is up to them. Apparently, she didn't read her contract," she explained in a calm tone, never deigning to raise her voice. For good measure, she removed the cinder girl's contract from her reticule and unfurled it to lay across the coffee table for the prince's perusal.

Charming knelt on the thick Agrabahan rug at Snow's feet and began reading the contract for himself, knowing the Dark One must have tricked the girl into signing it.

Belle reached over and pointed to a line several paragraphs down. "If you will look at paragraph six, addendum B, it clearly states she has agreed to give 'anything', do 'anything' for a chance to go to this particular ball. The Dark One reserves the right to choose what item, article, favor or person belonging to the girl." She paused as the prince's mouth gaped open and he cast her an accusing glare.

"I'll thank you not to look at me like that, David. Slavery has not been banished in this realm and he was within his rights to put it in the contract as he saw fit. It also states he would designate the time he would choose to claim the price. Is that not her signature next to my husband's at the bottom of the contract?"

Snow leaned over her husband's shoulder and groaned as she noticed the looping scrawl which usually adorned the sky blue stationary with Ella's seal. "Yes, that's her hand," she confirmed.

"That still doesn't explain Prince Thomas's disappearance," he argued.

Belle sighed wearily. Really it was like talking to a bloody tree! "Let me draw your attention to the last paragraph," she said, pointing. "If the signee fails to fulfill her part of the contract as listed above, her next of kin will be forfeit and must pay the price of the magic in a manner of the Dark One's choosing. I'm certain he's safe and sound wherever he may be. When, or should I say 'if' - knowing that little wretch - she hands over the child, I'm sure Thomas will be restored to her side."

Snow cringed. "If it were David, I would try everything in my power to free him."

"I am not here to try to free my husband. I want to make that abundantly clear, even though I have enough evidence to prove he did nothing more than offer his magical services to the twit. Apparently, the power she gained through her marriage made her think she could get something for nothing and if it's one thing I've learned from my husband is that you don't break a deal with him. Based strictly on this contract, I have enough evidence to demand his release."

Charming stared at her in horror, moments away from what Belle was sure was going to be an apoplectic fit.

"However, with the inevitability of the queen's threat hanging over our heads, I don't think his release would be in the realm's best interest. In fact," she paused, letting that statement soak in, "I want you to lock me up with him."

"What?" the royals asked in unison.

"I would never …"

"Impossible … out of the question."

Belle sighed and arched a brow at them, her irritation growing. "The way I see it," she began. "You owe my husband. If he hadn't brought you to Avonlea," she gave Snow a pointed look, "you wouldn't have been there when David arrived with Abby." Her gaze swung to Charming. "And if Rumpel hadn't freed Frederick from his curse, you would probably be bound to my friend in a loveless marriage. If it weren't for us, the two of you would still be fumbling about wondering if you would ever be together, nor would you now be expecting a child or be sitting on your rightful throne. With the added evidence I have provided here," she said, rerolling the scroll and tucking it away, "I would say you owe us."

"Belle, this is insane," Snow groaned, rubbing her hand over her brow as if she were fighting off a headache. "You can't really want us to lock you up with him!"

"It is not insane to want to be with the man I love," she murmured, looking down at the tea cup in her hands.

Snow turned her pleading gaze on her husband.

"Snow, you can't be considering this!" he balked.

"Charming," Snow said softly, "she's right. We owe them a great deal. We can't allow Rumpelstiltskin to take Ella's baby, but we can let Belle be with him. It's the least we can do to repay the kindness they showed us in Avonlea when we both despaired of ever being together." She smacked his arm, hissing, "And for arresting him and throwing him in a cell without all the facts. Because of them, we found happiness. I can't turn my back on what they did for us."

"I can't believe this," he mumbled, pacing several steps away from them as he contemplated the ramifications of what Snow wanted to do. "What are we going to do if she helps him escape?"

Belle smiled for the first time since leaving the Dark Castle, hope flaring to life in her chest. "You have my word I will do nothing to help him escape. He will be a model prisoner," she vowed, biting her lip to keep from laughing at the outright lie. There was too much of the conniving imp in him for him ever to be a model prisoner.

"Belle, the conditions of his cell aren't the best," Snow admitted ruefully. "But I assure you, we'll provide better food and warmth for you."

"I beg your pardon? You imprison him and then mistreat him?" she fumed.

Charming came to his wife's defense. "Rumpelstiltskin is said to be able to use all manner of objects to transfigure into something useful. We couldn't allow him to have something which would aid in his escape."

"And just how is he supposed to do that if his magic has been bound?! He's powerless, alone, devoid of hope and you treat him worse than you would your hunting dogs!?" Belle hissed, her eyes flashing angrily at the prince. "Take me to him … now."

*.*.*

Rumpelstiltskin closed his eyes and clasped his hands over his stomach as he rested against the cold stone wall of his cell, calling Belle's smile to his mind's eye. Gods, how I miss her, he thought, the cold husk where his heart should be, fluttering painfully in his chest. The hardest part about being locked in the cell wasn't the abysmal food or the faint hum of fairy magic which bound his power, but rather the pain of his separation from his Belle. He hated that she was hurting and alone - all because of his scheming. When they reached the land without magic and were reunited, he vowed to somehow make it up to her.

He narrowed his eyes on the tunnel entrance as he heard the low murmur of voices. It wasn't yet feeding time - not that he would dare touch the slop they brought him twice a day - and it was usually the only time he saw anyone. They were all too afraid to face the Dark One. The highlight of his week had been when the Charmings had come to pay him a visit, so worried about rumors of the queen's curse. Well, at least, one reason he'd allowed himself to be imprisoned had been fulfilled … he now had the name of the savior. Emma, Emma, Emma, he sing-songed in his head. She would come to break the curse and save them all and then he and Belle could begin their search for his son. Yes, it would all come to pass just as he'd foreseen.

"Rumpelstiltskin," the guard called as he appeared at the end of the tunnel.

"Yes, dearie. Did you think I'd popped out for a nip at the tavern?" he quipped, his impish giggle reverberating through the mine. It faded as he looked curiously at the three cloaked figures trailing behind the guard.

"You have visitors," the guard stated simply.

"Well, well, well. What could little Snow and her prince possibly have to discuss with me?" he wondered aloud. Charming whipped the hood of his cloak back and ground his teeth, causing the Dark One to smirk with satisfaction. It brought him no end of glee to see the discomfort evident in the princeling's tight features.

The third figure stepped up to the bars and reached through the bars, grasping his hands in her small ones and giving a reassuring squeeze. He froze, his hand shaking as he freed it from hers and pushed the hood of her cloak back, so he could see her face. "Belle …" He recovered quickly, schooling his face into a mask of control, turning his ire on the royals. "What is she doing down here?" he hissed. "This is no place for her!"

Snow smiled, refusing to answer him, knowing it would be easier if Belle was left to explain everything to him. "Belle, send the guard for whatever you might require," she said, reaching out and embracing the shorter girl. "I'll make sure your father is allowed down to visit before he returns home."

"Thank you, Snow," Belle sighed, returning her hug.

"What the hell is going on?!" Rumpelstiltskin demanded, not used to being ignored and not liking it one bit.

The Charmings, with one last look of dismay at the Dark One's wife, turned and left the tunnel as the guard opened the cell and hurriedly ushered Belle inside. Belle watched him go and then immediately wrapped her arms about her husband, reveling in the feeling of his crushing embrace.

"What have you done?" he asked, pulling back to stare down into her moist eyes.

"I missed you," she said defensively, not at all concerned with the Dark One's death glare. "I don't like sleeping alone, either."

"So, you thought to come and share my pile of hay?" he asked, his voice rising in anger. "How the hell did you even manage to convince them to let you down here, much less into my cell?"

Belle poked him in the center of his chest with her finger. "You're not the only one in this relationship who can be persuasive. They owe us for bringing them together and I made certain they knew it."

"You guilted them into letting you see me?" he asked incredulously. "I must say, dearest, I'm impressed."

Belle lifted a brow. "One does not live with the spinner of deals without learning a thing or two, y'know." She ducked her head sheepishly, staring down at her fidgeting hands as she twisted her rings around and around on her finger. "I may also have given them evidence which brought to light how you were unjustly arrested and imprisoned," she explained hurriedly before she lost her courage.

"What evidence?" he asked, his hands fluttering worriedly at her waist.

"Ella's contract."

"You went back to the Dark Castle after I'd expressly forbid it to retrieve a contract?!" he yelled, his voice so loud it caused dirt and rock to rain down from the ceiling. "What if there had been looters or interlopers or THE BLOODY FUCKING QUEEN LOOKING FOR MY DAMN DAGGER?!"

Belle narrowed her eyes, a dangerous glint firing within as she balled her hands into fists at her side. "It's my home too, Rumpelstiltskin," she countered. "My enchanted home, mind you! As its mistress, the castle would let no harm come to me while I was in residence and you know it. Your wards are too powerful for just anyone to get past. And for all your brilliant scheming and plotting," she snorted derisively, "did you ever take into account how I would feel being separated from you?"

"I was trying to protect you!"

"Pfft!" she scoffed. "You were trying to get me out of the way until it was once again convenient to have me by your side. I'm not some wilting flower to tuck away in a vase to look at when you're feeling in the mood."

"Belle —"

"I wasn't finished!" she shouted, stepping closer and glaring up into his face, her finger steadily poking him in the chest to get her point across.

"Ow!"

"I did what I had to do to ensure I would be allowed to stay with you whether you bloody well like it or not. You're my husband and my place is at your side," she huffed, the fight finally going out of her. "Couldn't you at least try to act as if you're happy to see me?"

He pulled her deeper into the shadows at the back of the cell and brought his lips down on hers, moaning softly at the first taste of her. "How could you think otherwise?"

"Well the shouting was the first clue," she muttered drolly. She pitched her voice higher to imitate his Dark One tone of voice. "What the hell are you doing here, Belle, might have had me doubting there for a moment," she snarked. "Could you please just hold me and be happy I'm here with you?" she asked, her voice softening as it quivered with emotion. "I needed you."

"Oh, Belle …" Rumpelstiltskin pulled her down onto the pile of hay which served as his bed and curled his body around her, reaching for the thin blanket to cover her trembling form. "I'm sorry I've put you through this."

His lips brushed against hers, tasting the saltiness of her tears as she whispered, "I'm not leaving you. You don't have to go through this alone."

"They'll never let you stay here with me."

"They will. When the curse comes, we'll be together," she assured him, tucking her head beneath his chin and snuggling further into his embrace.

He dropped a kiss to the top of her head and smiled against her fragrant curls. "My precious wife, so clever at getting what she wants. I missed you so much, sweetheart. I'm sorry I lost my temper with you." He could feel the itch of impatience - which made his skin crawl - recede as he held her to him, her comforting presence a balm to his nerves. "I didn't realize how agonizing our separation would be."

"I felt it too, Rumpel, as if a part of me were missing. I nearly drove Papa crazy until he agreed to accompany me to Longborne. I know I promised to stay in Avonlea, but I couldn't just sit there and wait, knowing you were here all alone." She peeked up at him from beneath her long lashes, a hesitant smile playing at her lips. "Are you very mad at me?"

He covered her lips with his, gentle sipping kisses which made her yearn for more. "No, m'Belle. How could I ever be mad you would scheme to find a way to come to me? Although, I could have wished you'd stayed away from the Dark Castle with me not there to protect you." His hand ghosted over her hip, trailing upward to cup her breast in his warm palm. "I love you."

She sighed blissfully, impossibly happy considering she and her beloved were locked away beneath the earth in a magical prison. "I love you, too, Rumpelstiltskin."

*.*.*

Several weeks later …

Belle watched her husband pace restlessly across the dirt floor of the cell, his agitation seeming to grow with each passing moment. He'd been this way since she'd come back from her visit with Snow that afternoon. Snow had insisted Belle come out of the cell at least once a day to take tea with her, or walk the grounds for a bit of exercise. A room had even been set aside for her should she wish to bathe or have a respite from the gloom of the dungeon cell.

Rumpelstiltskin had agreed with the princess, unable to bear his wife suffering needlessly. Yet, each time she left with her guard to go up into the castle, he felt as if she wouldn't be allowed to return, despite her steadfast assurances she would. Each time, she did indeed return to him, he held her to him and showered her with his love and affection, thankful for her presence at his side. It was on one such occasion the queen had visited and she'd returned to the cell to find him nearly giddy with glee, knowing their time of imprisonment was coming to an end.

She'd come again, moments ago to gloat, to taunt, to tell him she'd taken her life back, proud to have accomplished the feat even at the cost of her dear father. He'd sent her into the very darkest recesses of the cell, not wanting the queen to know Belle was there with him, especially without his magic to protect her. The coldness which seemed to permeate the cell seemed to deepen and she could see her breath in the air as she pulled her blanket closer about her shivering form.

"Rumpel …" she moaned, her teeth chattering.

His pacing ceased at once and he beckoned her to his side, his comforting arms enfolding her in his embrace. "Hush, dear heart, it's fine. Don't be afraid," he whispered softly, smoothing his hand over her hair as he stroked his fingers through the silken tresses.

"I feel strange … my head aches," she complained, hating the note of a whine in her usually confident voice.

"It's the curse, love. The more it encroaches, the worse you will feel. I'm here; I won't let anything harm you … I promise. It will be over soon," he crooned, his lilting voice spoken directly into her ear bringing her comfort. His firm hand at the back of her head pressed her face into the crook of his neck as he curled his body around her in a protective stance.

She whimpered softly, clinging to him, focusing on his voice as her head whirled. "Don't let go."

"Never." He closed his eyes, tightening his grip on her trembling form as the black cloud of magic barreled down the tunnel towards the cell and washed over them, sweeping them away into oblivion.

*.*.*

Rumpelstiltskin's eyes fluttered open only to slam shut against the bright sunlight streaming into the room through the open curtains. First thing he'd do when he got up was nail the damn things shut, he thought with a groan. He pulled the pillow out from beneath his head and covered his face with it, groaning again as he felt the warm body snuggled up against his side. "You forgot to close the curtains last night … again," he grumbled, his voice muffled by the pillow.

"And I suppose your fingers are broken and couldn't manage the task," she snapped, sarcasm dripping from her tone.

Her voice, his precious Belle's voice, rushed over him like the cascade of a waterfall, memories whirling in his mind with the speed of a freight train. It was with supreme effort he separated his true memories from those implanted by the curse. Curse! She'd actually done it. He rolled his wife beneath him, cradling her face in his hands to hold her still as he searched her face, his sable eyes filled with worry. "Tell me my name!" he practically shouted at her.

Isobel - Belle! - looked up at him as if he'd lost his mind. "What's wrong with you, Nicholas?" she asked, her brow furrowing into a puzzled frown as her voice tripped over the unfamiliar moniker. "N-Nicholas … Nick … Rumpel?"

"Yes!" he said, his mouth crashing down upon hers, kissing her trembling lips as she wrapped her arms around him.

"Rumpel!" she gasped.

"You remember me," he moaned into her mouth, relief spreading throughout him and chasing away the numbness of his fear. His precautions for them written so painstakingly into the curse had actually borne fruit.

"My head feels like it's stuffed with straw."

"It will pass, love. Just concentrate on your true memories and the fake ones will slowly integrate into them," he explained, smiling down at her and kissing the tip of her pert little nose.

"I don't think I like them. They're telling me I don't like you very much," she frowned.

He trailed his lips along the smooth curve of her jaw as his hand gently squeezed her hip. "And what are your other memories telling you, my darling wife?"

"How much I love you," she whispered fervently, pulling his lips back to hers. She didn't care what Regina might have implanted in her head. This was her true love and she'd never be able to forget how much she adored him.

*.*.*

Journal Entry 23rd March

I have to say, this land is a myriad of conundrums. How exactly does the microwave work, for instance? The stove was enough for me to work out, even with the cursed memories telling me how to use it, but the microwave still has me flummoxed. I learned really quickly you cannot put metal objects into it. Poor Rumpel had to have it replaced along with two of the smoke alarms and the curtains over the sink. I'm hoping it was the last of the kitchen mishaps, but I have a feeling there will be more.

We've been here a week now and I don't think my husband is adjusting well to being without his magic. I catch him at times where he will flourish his hand, expecting it to work and then his face will fall when he realizes it hasn't. Hopefully, things will be better soon. Perhaps if he only had his cursed memories floating about in his head, it would be easier for him to function without his magic, but he's had it at his beck and call for three centuries. *Sigh* Apparently, it will take some getting used to. Then there are the things which haven't changed. People still fear him, much to my chagrin, although in this land, it is because of the power he holds over their livelihood.

He practically owns the entire town, still makes his precious deals to those desperate enough to come to him for help and his soft-spoken menacing confidence makes them tremble. At least he can't turn anyone into a snail here. That's really too bad … I wouldn't mind seeing Regina slithering along on her own slime trail. She's absolutely horrible to Snow … er … Mary Margaret. But then, no one is supposed to be happy here; no one but the queen. If she knew how blissfully happy Rumpel and I are, she would surely begin to plot against us. It is the reason why we must continue with the charade except in the privacy of his shop or our home. He has assured me nothing can touch us there, so I must be thankful for small favors.

Twenty-eight years, stuck in a frozen limbo of unhappiness, does not bode well for my continued good cheer, however. Everything depends upon the Charming's daughter and her ability to break the curse. Only then will we be able to leave and search for our son. Yes, 'our' … for that is how I have come to regard Baelfire. I just hope he can be as accepting of me as I am of him.

I am confident of one thing. As much as Rumpel might warn me against it, I cannot just sit back and let things go on without trying to help. Regina wants to take away all the happy endings … wants everyone to cower before her. Too bad! I'm going to do my best to reunite those who have been torn asunder by the curse of my husband's making. I feel it my duty to fix what is broken. It may work, or it may not, but I at least have to try.

She smiled at Jefferson as he plopped down into the booth seat opposite her. His eyes were alight with awareness, Regina having allowed him to keep his true memories to make his suffering greater. Two lives alive in his head, just as hers and Rumpel's … and separated from his wife and daughter. It was agony to see Alice raising Grace on her own, especially when he possessed the memories of their life together. "You look pale. Having trouble sleeping?"

"Sleep? What's that, my darling girl?" he asked, his gaze raking over the laminated menu as he tried to decide what to have for lunch. "And why are there three glasses of water on this table? Gold meeting us for lunch today?"

"Nope," she said, a teasing smile on her lips.

"Then who —"

Belle looked over his shoulder as the bell hanging over the door rang, and her friend entered, removing her coat and hanging it on a hook before walking over to Belle's booth. "Hey, sorry I'm late," the woman apologized, sliding onto the seat next to Belle. "I got held up with my last appointment … Zel Whitman. I swear her hair grows faster than anyone's in town and it's so thick it takes forever to cut it." She looked over at the hatter and stared, her eyes wide and a bit unfocused. She had to shake herself inwardly, saying, "Hi," not recognizing her own voice with its dreamy quality.

Jefferson stared at her, his lips parted on a soft gasp.

"Alicia, this is Jefferson, my friend I told you about," she said, introducing the woman.

Alicia extended her hand to him, her soft blue eyes warm with interest as he clasped it in his own. "It's so wonderful to finally meet you. Belle's been going on and on about you for some time now."

Jefferson drew in a sharp breath as he took his wife's hand in his own and felt tears sting the corners of his grey eyes. "I-It's nice to meet you, Alicia," he fairly breathed, his generous lips curling into a smile. His gaze swung to meet Belle's and he vowed to somehow thank her in the very near future.

Belle closed her journal and tucked it away in her bag, enjoying watching her friends talk and laugh and make plans to have dinner that night. True Love was a wondrous thing, after all. Sometimes it just needed a little push. Perhaps tomorrow she'd arrange a chance meeting between Abigail and Frederick … and the next day …

She shook her head as she left the diner and made her way to her husband's pawn shop. Regina may have cast a curse, but it was just as Rumpel always said … True love is the most powerful magic of all.

THE END

One last conversation …

"And just where the hell is Charming, Rumpel? I've seen a lot of people and he's just not here!"

"He's here somewhere, Belle."

"How am I going to help Snow if I can't find her prince?"

"He's here. You just haven't come across him yet."

"Fine! So, I've already gotten Jefferson on the right track with Alice, Abby on the way to happiness with Fred, Gaston and Hope are next …"

"Sweetheart, what about Ella and Thomas?" he asked, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye as he continued to mark off the names of tenants who'd paid their rent for the month, biting back a snicker.

Belle snorted, cocking a dubious auburn eyebrow. "Um … no, I don't think so. That girl is on her own."

A/N: And that, dearies, is that. The end, finis, done! I hope you enjoyed this last installment. You guys are amazing. Thank you so much for all your love and support … I can't believe it's finished *sob* I hope to see you all again soon. Please let me know what you thought!