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Fairytale Land of the Past
She absolutely hated dresses and corsets. They itched and ached and made her feel as though she couldn't breathe. She would much rather be in her breeches and tunic with a sword strapped to her hip rather than these heels. She desired her boots. Standing there, watching everyone dance for Prince Neal's tenth birthday. Not even he knew he was named after her brother. She could only imagine how many other people did not know either. She despised some people for that.
"Stop fussing with it, darling. You'll wrinkle it," Belle said as she removed her daughter's hands from her dress. "It's already wrinkled," Lucinda protested, and yet her mother did not stop trying to straighten it out. "Lucinda, you'll get used to the feeling. Not even I was all that interested in ball gowns and parties when I was your age, but I promise, the more you wear them the more you'll get used to them." Still, Lucinda pulled away from her mom's grasping hands, causing Belle to be startled, but knew the regular and well anticipated question was coming.
"Why doesn't daddy ever come with us?" Belle took in a deep breath and looked for the best possible explanation. Truth is, there were none. He could have come, whenever he pleases, and he was told that on several occasions, but he always declines. Always rejected the offer. "He has his reasons," was all she could say before brushing a stray curl back behind her daughter's ear. She had her brown locks tied up into a bun with two loose curls on either side of her forehead. Belle could hardly believe she was her own daughter. Could hardly believe that she had created this beauty.
"You look lovely," she told her daughter, but Lucinda showed no sign of thanks other than a slight tip of the head. "I'm going for a walk," she told her mother as she ventured away, arms swaying at her sides instead of placed in front of her like she had been told on so many occasions.
She stepped outside of the great hall, past where all of the guests had gathered, and walked about the large garden behind the colossal castle. Once out of sight of all the wandering eyes that were fixed sharp on her, the daughter of the Dark One, she released herself from their calumny and consternation. They could jeer all they liked, but she would never fall victim to their hate or harsh words. She reached up behind her and let her hair down. The long brown curls sprung free and wild as she gave her hair a whip. Much better. A new sense of freedom flowed over her as she ran her fingers through her stands, feeling their softness and untameness. Oh, this felt too good. After releasing her locks, she went ahead and used the same spell her father taught her not too long ago. She spun her finger and her dressed was replaced with an olive green tunic and black breeches. On her feet were her tall, leather, black boots that she adored so dearly. On her hip appeared her sword. The one her father had gotten for her on her fifth birthday. Belle never understood why he did that, and the two still 'argue' about it from time to time. It didn't matter. It was her's to hold and to have.
Rumple had the blacksmith craft it to fit her size and strength perfectly. Not only that, but it was enchanted with her father's magic. As she grew, the sword adjusted itself, always able to be her weapon of choice when fighting in any battle no matter how old she may be. A stunning golden handle and steel blade, it was crafted to perfection. Only the best for his little girl.
She unsheathed her weapon and tossed it from one hand to the other. She examined its greatness in the light of the sun as the bright rays reflected themselves off of the flawless steel, illuminating the area with beauty. She made the blade cut through the air sharply and quickly, making a 'whooshing' sound as she did so. It felt splendid to hear that sound. So, onward she went with twisting and turning it about.
"I am the great sword master, Lucinda, daughter of Queen Belle and the Dark One, Rumplestiltskin! Sister to Baelfire and the aunt of Prince Henry!" she shouted as she moved her feet about in something that would resemble a dance. A waltz mixed with a hint of a tango. She seemed rather graceful in her actions, but then again, she had such a wonderful teacher. Her father taught her well.
"You really think that you are that great with a sword?" a certain someone asked her. She stopped suddenly and looked over her shoulder to see who was talking to her. She knew the face once she locked eyes with him. "Prince Neal," she spoke and bowed her head for a slight dip. "Princess Lucinda, I hope I am not interrupting anything." She sheathed her sword and took in deep breaths to try and calm her rapidly beating heart from the rush of adrenaline she had gone through in those few moments with her sword. "No, nothing at all. Just um, practicing." He stood up from the rock he was sitting upon, examining his relative with curious eyes.
"You have good posture, I'll give you that," he commented. Lucinda wasn't pleased. Did he think so lowly of her just because she was a girl? She hated when such snobbish people did such sexiest things. They obviously didn't know that a times were a changing. "Who taught you how to use a sword?" She lifted her head proudly as she responded. "My father. And he didn't only teach me how to handle a sword, but other useful weapons as well." Prince Neal merely chuckled at her boldness. "Oh, really? Like what?" The list was endless, reaching on and on in Lucinda's head. So many weapons, so many skills. Just pick one. "Oh, the list is rather long to tell you all of it, but one thing is daggers-throwing knives to be more exact."
Prince Neal stopped in his tracks, and Lucinda was able to see his footing, they way his torso rested. He was taking his stance. "Who taught you?" she asked him, trying to drift his attention from her moving hand towards the hilt of her sword. "My father," he smiled, and pulled out his sword, going to slash the girl, but Lucinda was just as quick. Her sword was out and she blocked his blow with her own steel.
"Not as bad as I thought you would be, but you still think you're better than me?" he asked and Lucinda laughed. "Oh, yes. I think I am," she smiled. She twisted her sword about and around, swiping her sword across his and holding one hand behind her back. He packed a good punch behind his blows when his steel rang on her's, but what he lacked was tactics. She anticipated his next move before he even began to make it. She saw it coming up, nearing into the future, but she prepared for it. From up and down, right to left, back up, left, down, left, right, up, all about her sword danced with his and her feet in a graceful waltz. It was clear he was struggling and it was obvious she could keep going. She blocked his sword and spun, wrapping her arm around his neck and connecting her right knee with his face, sending him stumbling back onto the floor, dropping his sword. When he went to reach for it, Lucinda's large boot blocked off the contact and he was stuck with a sword pointed at his neck, Lucinda above him.
"My father, I hear tell, fought your's once before. My daddy won." Prince Neal chuckled despite the fact that a sword was pointed at his throat. They were family. They weren't going to kill each other. It was more of sibling rivalry. "Forgive me for not being wiser, Princess Lucinda."
Fairytale Land of the Present
She always hated going to these parties when her father wasn't with her. She considered herself socially awkward, different from everyone else. She wanted to fit in, and she tried very hard, but everywhere she went she just didn't belong. Her father understood that, her mother never did. Belle was loved wherever she went, and the ground she walked on was worshiped. She was an angel to all eyes and was only put in harm's way if someone wanted to harm her father. That's the way it has always been. Not to say she did not love her mother, she did dearly, and if she had to choose between her parents it would be impossible to decide. Her mother helped her understand what was good, right and just. How to have a pure heart and how to see goodness in others when it wasn't even there to begin with. Her father taught her how to love the different parts of herself. How to bring it all into balance. But bringing things into balance was never easy.
The carriage rocked back and forth, and had she not have been in a carriage so many times before she probably would have gotten sick from the motion. Running over twigs, roots and such as they went along their merry way off to the other half of the family. She looked out the window despite the fact that there really wasn't that much more to see. It was only trees and bushes, nothing she hasn't seen before, but she didn't know what else to do. Concern was etched on Belle's face, even though it was well unknown why her daughter was darn depressed.
"You look beautiful, dear," she commented, in hopes of lightening the mood. Lucinda didn't even turn her head when she responded. "Thank you, mom. You look lovely as well." Belle straightened her back, trying to better position herself to appear as a mother figure. She was still young, she didn't know how to do this. But she was still trying and despite her young age, when she discovered she was pregnant with Lucinda, she couldn't help, but to weep with tears of joy. It was one of the happiest moments of her life. And when she told Rumple the news, how he fell to his knees and pressed his lips to her belly. Lucinda was a blessing and she never forgot that.
"Lucinda," Belle went on, "I know you wonder why your father never joins us whenever we attend balls or celebrations, but you must trust me when I say it is only for you-to keep you safe and protected." Lucinda snapped and turned to her mother. "Protected from what? How could he protect me if he is not with me?" She had a point, but it was much more complicated than that. She just didn't understand. She was a bright girl who should know the truth, so Belle sighed and prepared her words.
"You know of your half-brother, Baelfire?" she asked and Lucinda nodded. "The dead one. Yes, mother. You told me about him, but not much. I think I deserve to know a little bit more other than he is Henry's father by Emma." She nodded and bit her bottom lip rather harshly. "Yes, dear. And right now, I am going to tell you more. I want to tell you how your father came to possess the power he has." This made her sit on the edge of her seat. Never has her parents ever talked about how her father became the Dark One, but they rather just stated what he was and explained what came with it. She knew about the dagger and the vault, but that was about it. "Really?" she asked and Belle nodded. "Yes. You're old enough now to know the truth. To know why your father does certain things.
"A long time ago, the entire Enchanted Forest was at stake. Ogres were taking over everything, so the Duke ordered that children as young as fourteen go and fight in this battle. They sent them to the front lines." What? She couldn't imagine how many innocent lives had been taken. How many young children had perished. She knew how horrid and brutal ogres could be, how destructive. "Bae was fourteen when the wars were going on. Your father was desperate to keep him alive because Bae was all he had left. So he went to the Duke's castle, lit it up with flames, ventured inside and stole the Dark One's dagger. He killed the Dark One to have his powers to protect your brother. It worked. Bae was not forced to fight, your father single-handedly ended the Ogre Wars and even lead the children home, but ever moment after that was difficult. The power soon consumed him, making him change, making him violent. Your brother's friends abandoned him out of fear for your father. Bae lost all of his friends except one, who disappeared too soon. He doesn't want to ruin your childhood, Lucinda. That is why he stays inside, why he does not appear next to you. You may not fear him, but too many people still do. He just wants to ensure you have a normal childhood, and if locking himself away is the only way to do it, then you better believe that that is the lengths he would go to protect you. Now you know, Lucinda. Now you know the truth behind everything your father does. He does it to help you."
Well, now it all made sense to her. That little explanation made all the difference. She couldn't be that upset by her father's actions right about now. She knew her father had a reason behind everything he does, but that good of a reason, that heartwarming of a reason, made her see his actions differently. "Oh," she spoke softly. She brushed a stray curl behind her ear and fiddled with her fingers in her lap. "That explains a lot," she mumbled and Belle saw this as an opportunity to perhaps, send her daughter's mind drifting to happier thoughts. She took her daughter's hands gently with her's and stroked the back of her hands with her thumbs. "So now you know, dear. You can make his efforts worth everything by enjoying the life he has given you. Take advantage of what he is doing for you because that will make him the happiest man alive." Lucinda smiled at her mother's words and looked down at their locked hands. "I thought you made him the happiest man alive, mom." Belle blushed a slight crimson before giving a shy smile. "I'm just a contributing factor," she shrugged and sat back in her seat, getting comfortable again. "I'll try to put on my best smile," Lucinda teased, but that was all her mother could ask for.
"Your Majesties," the carriage driver said as he opened the door. "We have arrived." Belle smiled warmly at her daughter who did her best to return the favor, but it was rather clear that she wasn't all too excited to be here. She would much rather be at home practicing magic with her father or sword fighting with him as well. Still, she stomached her disappointment and made her way out of the carriage behind her mother, being helped out by their driver. "Thank you," Belle told the driver and made her way towards the castle in which the celebration was taking place.
Lucinda took a deep breath and followed close behind in her mother's footsteps, trying to seem as graceful as she. Trying to be as elegant, but that was something Lucinda lacked in such great amounts. Elegance and grace. Belle was the perfect example of a queen who was loved, Lucinda was the perfect example of a princess not so in tuned with her people. She pretended she cared.
The room was filled with various people she both knew and had not the slightest idea who they were. Woman in ball gowns with tiaras on their heads, hair done up into perfection. She would give anything to have her mussy curls free to move about and her stomach released from such a tight corset. She followed Belle straight to the host; Emma. She looked stunning, however, in a nice, flowing blue dress with her hair tied up neatly. Her smile was as bright as ever and she seemed just so damn happy. She always looked so beautiful in Lucinda's opinion, and felt very welcomed whenever she embraced her.
"Lucinda!" Emma cheered and took her in tightly, the one family member besides her parents that she actually enjoyed seeing. "It's good to see you again, Emma," Lucinda spoke honestly as her mother watched with glee in the happy reunion. Emma released the young girl from her tight embrace and held her out at arm's length. "How's your father?" she asked in true concern. That was one thing she loved about Emma. She actually cared no matter who the family was. "He's...alright, I guess," she shrugged. Emma didn't seem too pleased with that answer, but knew it was none of her business, and so decided to stay out of it for now. "Did he teach you any new tricks?" she questioned and Lucinda lolled her head. "Just the basics. Nothing to report." Emma took that answer before turning her attention to the brunet in the gold dress. "Belle, it's always good to see you, of course." The two women embraced tightly, truly pleased to be seeing the others after such a long time. But Lucinda was sure that she saw Emma whisper something into her mother's ear. Something that she was positive neither one would want her to hear. The only thing her mother did in response was nod her head and then smiled down at her daughter.
"Why don't you go and dance, catch up with the family? Emma and I need to discuss a few things," Belle suggested. But Lucinda was not born yesterday, she knew some secret talk was taking place behind her back, but she had to trust her mother and the closest thing she had to a sister. "Alright," she bowed her head and then wandered across the dance floor, still not used to the feeling of heels on her feet, or rather, just didn't enjoy heels on her feet. She didn't fancy the color purple either, so why she was in a large purple dress with tall heels and white gloves on her arms made no sense to her. Then again, that was the price of being a royal. You have to dress and act a certain way, a way that was simply not in her nature.
"Excuse me," a young man's voice called to her, "but may I be sure I am addressing the right person; you are Princess Lucinda, right?" She turned her attention to the young lad who could not be older than seventeen and flashed another fake smile. She knew where this was going to go and was not so sure she was up for the challenge. "You found me," she answered and the lad gave a slight chuckle. "Glad I did. I hope I am not out of line when I say that you are the most beautiful creature in the room." Was there a pun intended? Creature? "No, I can't say that is, but if you were trying to make a joke, you failed at it," she snapped back, catching him a little off guard. "Oh, no. No joke at all, my Lady. As a matter of fact, it was supposed to be a compliment, so I guess I failed at that." Lucinda shrugged. "I guess you have." The lad's grin faded into a frown, but he regained his composure rather quickly, like within a matter of seconds. "Well, Princess Lucinda, please allow me to make it up to you with a dance." Oh no. She wasn't going to lie, she was a good dancer. It was just the fact that she did not enjoy dancing with random strangers, especially those that were attempting to make her swoon over them. Oh, she could see well past this whole nice guy act, only for him to be able to slip his tongue down her throat before the night was through. She wasn't going to let that happen, but she couldn't just deny the dance. She remembered what her father was doing for her. Locking himself up and away so that she can have all these wonderful opportunities that Bae never got the chance to experience. She was going to do what her mother suggested, and that was make the most of it.
"Alright, you can try," she agreed and the lad's face lit up with some newly discovered enjoyment. He took her hand gracefully in his, bowing slightly to her, and she returned the gesture. Next thing she knew, his hand was on her waist and they were gliding across the floor in any way, but gracefully. He had two left feet for sure.
Fairytale Land of the Past
"But I don't like to dance, daddy," she complained as he put her magically in a slim skirt and loose top. "I know you don't, sweetheart, but it is something that you must learn because of your title," he explained as he approached her. "I never asked to become a princess," she pouted and folded her arms. "And I never asked to marry into royalty, but there are some things you just lose sight of sometimes, and you have to give in." She rolled her eyes. "So I have to suffer because you and mom fell in love?" He laughed, but nodded once he caught his breath. She was a bit offended because to her, it wasn't all that funny, but rather annoying. "Yes, Cinda. Unfortunately, as a result of your mother and I falling in love, you must suffer the consequences as must I. I never ever wanted to find myself in this position. Being a king is not something I ever desired, but what's done is done, and I wouldn't have things any other way." He seemed uncertain with that last part, only due to the fact that is wasn't completely true. He would still have Bae if things went according to his desires.
"Now, shall we practice?" She rolled her eyes, but dropped her arms so that her father may lead her in a dance. "Alright, now since you are a girl, you have the advantage. You don't need to know much. Just how to follow the man you are dancing with. You let him lead."
"But why?" she asked. She was always so stubborn. "That is just the way the world works," was her father's answer for nearly everything she asked that he honestly didn't feel like explaining.
"Okay, the placement of the arms. You are going to place your left hand on my shoulder." She did as she was told, reaching up and softly placing her palm on her father's shoulder that was covered in the light material that made up his robe. "Good, now your right hand is going to lock with mine." He took his daughter's frail hand in his large and scaly one, being sure she did not slip her fingers in between his own. "Just like that," he said. "Keep your fingers together." He placed his other hand slightly on his daughter's waist and began to move his feet. "Now, just follow my feet and look down if you must." She lowered her vision and watched. She copied every movement her father made. Foot forward, foot back, out to the side, together, any way he moved she followed. He was rather pleased with her stunning performance. She was a fast learner.
"Very good, Lucinda. You're a natural at this. Your mother can help you with the more graceful stuff, but at least I was able to teach you the basics." Her father was an excellent teacher, and she soon found herself able to dance without even having to look down upon their feet. She just could feel what to do next and acted out upon her gut.
"I was told that yesterday, you and Prince Neal disappeared from the crowd and went into the garden. Is that true?" Her face turned pale as all the blood drained from it. Damn, he had spied everywhere. "Not for the reason you think, daddy. I left to get some air. He followed. We spoke and then we both went back inside." He squinted at her and gave her a nice little twirl before bringing her back in for him to continue staring her down. "Oh, really? Now, how's about you tell me the truth?" She was done. Her father didn't need to use magic on her. Just his disappointment or anger was enough to get him talking, and at the moment, she wasn't exactly sure which emotion he was experiencing. "I left to practice with my sword, and I guess he followed me out. We had a bit of a fight, but no one got hurt. That's all that happened. It was all in good fun. What did you think happened?" she asked. Surely the idea of her and Neal together was sickening. They were family, if not bounded together by vows, then by blood. "I was afraid he might have spoke of me, of your mother, of this side of the family poorly." She shook her head quickly. "Prince Neal is a bit hot headed, but he knows a thing or two about family. He would never say anything bad about either side. You are his nephew's grandfather. He knows better than to speak poorly of you." Rumple smiled at his smart and brave daughter, and he wondered how he was ever so lucky to come to behold such a beautiful possession as she.
Fairytale Land of the Present
Even with how graceful he attempted to be, this guy was bloody awful, and she felt if she had to put up with his antics much longer that she might just through herself from the nearest window. How much longer until someone is to come to her aid and rescue her from this utterly painful torture? Just a moment more and she was going to snap, kick him in the groin and run, but she was a princess. She had to remember her manners. She had to remember all her father was doing for her. So she bit her tongue so harshly she drew her own blood and continued to gnaw at it.
"You are a marvelous dancer," the lad commented and Lucinda flashed another fake smile. "That makes one of us." She let it slip before she could force herself to hold back. "I beg your pardon?" he spoke and she rolled her eyes. "You are way too out of beat to be considered a good dancer. Waltzing just ins't your style, sir. I'm sorry to have to tell you, but I'm rather shocked no one has." He looked overly offended, like someone had mistaken him for a girl instead of a boy. "Well, I never-"
"Excuse me," a familiar voice called out, "but may I cut in?" Lucinda was overly happy to see her dear nephew come to her aid. The boy released Lucinda from his grasp and bowed his head to Prince Henry. "Of course, Your Majesty." He left, and Henry took Lucinda into his arms, leading her in a dance. Much better.
"Prince Martin of Eldridge. Quite the snobbish kind just because his kingdom is one of the richest," Henry explained. Lucinda merely nodded and smiled a genuine smile. "Thank you, Henry. You saved me from embarrassing myself and many others should that chicken dance have continued." He laughed lightly at her comment, obviously knowing very well how horrid the prince was at his dancing skills. He shook it off and became serious, but not too serious, with the girl he swayed. "Anything for my aunt. Speaking of which, how's your father? I haven't seen him in nearly a year." She always got a bit shaky when her father was brought up into conversation. People had such different thoughts about him.
"He is descent, I guess," she admitted, truly not knowing how to describe her father to others. "Descent?" Henry questioned and she looked to her feet before back up at her nephew. "Well, him and mom are doing great, and he has been helping me with magic and such." He nodded and smiled, giving her that sharp look. The I've-known-him-longer-than-you type of look, and even though it was pretty pathetic that her own nephew knew more about her father than she did, she had to admit that he was correct. "I am not referring to his and Belle's relationship, though I am overjoyed that things between them are still holding strong. I am asking in regards with his relationship with society." Oh, here we go. A scary question that could send Lucinda running for the hills. Her father and society really don't see eye to eye.
"You know how he is with society. He doesn't really like it," she explained. "Because of his looks?" Henry asked and Lucinda shook her head. "More than just that. He is not exactly the most loved person in these lands. Many people still have it out for him." Henry chuckled truly once again. "Oh, believe me, Lucinda, I know. So, he never ventures out, does he?" She grew depressed, knowing the answer to that all too well. "Not unless he has to," she confessed. Henry could see the disappointment pooling up in his young aunt's eyes, and grew to feel sorry for her. He thought he loved his grandfather, but this was her father. Even though he barely knew his, or so it would seem, he grew a rather found connection with Killian, and if that is what a family bound between a child and their father was suppose to feel like, then he could only imagine how badly Lucinda must be hurting.
"He does everything for a reason, Cinda. You know that, right?" She nodded and gave a slight sniffle. "I know, Henry. I do." And she did know, even before her little chat with her mother in the carriage. "You're not the only one who misses him, Lucinda. I miss him, too. He is my grandfather, and back in Storybrooke we were so close. He even let me work in his pawnshop." She smiled, picturing a little Henry doing stocks and inventory inside her father's cluttered and rather packed pawnshop. How she wished times like that can go on in this life, but image is everything here. "He risked his life to save me, you know? Traced me all the way back to Neverland, a suicide mission, faced his father whom he hasn't scene in hundreds of years and eventually gave himself up for me as well as all the people of Storybrooke. The sad part is that nobody knows. You see, people tend to look at all the bad things someone does. They only focus on a person's mistakes, never the good deeds. But when someone does something so brave, so extraordinary, everyone is blind. I wish it wasn't so, but it is. Just know that my mother, my grandparents, your mother and even myself will never ever forget what he did that day. Giving up his own happily ever after for everyone else's. That was a true sacrifice. One I shall never forget."
She has never heard someone speak so highly of her father like that unless it was her mother. But hearing Henry say those words brought meaning into everything for her. Things were going to get better, but the biggest question was when. How much longer must she sit her with her father in the shadows, cloaking himself in darkness as to not embarrass her even though she saw there was no way he ever could? The question, she figured, would not be answered any time soon. So she sucked it up and nodded her head at him.
"Thank you, Henry, for your kind words. They mean a lot to me." Her nephew nodded and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. "Anything for my favorite aunt," he replied to which she giggled. "Please, I'm your only aunt." He winked at her as he spoke. "All the more reason for me to love you." Her smile shortly faded afterwards as the two continued their waltz, but once the music died Henry made the decision to whisper in her ear. "Come with me, I have something for you." Lucinda looked up to him in confusion, but trusted him as she always had, and so followed him out of the ball room and away into the corridors of the palace.
She had explored the castle before on many fair occasions, but this would be the first she has ever been to Henry's quarters. She couldn't help, but to wonder what they would be like. Perhaps just a bit too much like Henry with comics covering it from head to toe, posters and pictures and other items he came back from Storybrooke with. Nevertheless, she followed him to his large golden doors where he gave a slight push, allowing entrance into his chambers.
He pulled her inside and dragged her to an overly large bookshelf in the far corner of the room. It was nowhere near as impressive as her mother's, but it was still something to behold. After all, mom does have a whole library to herself. A gift given to her by her husband so that way it wasn't only the library at their winter palace, the Dark Castle, that she had to rely on for her reading pleasures. Her mother's love for books was rather contagious, and had gotten Lucinda into the spirit of reading thousands of books on nearly every subject. She had extended her knowledge from the basics to the far beyond.
Henry reached up to one of the top shelves and pulled out an old, dusty looking book. The leather was falling apart and everything, it appeared to be a hundred years old at least. But according to her nephew, it was just a bit younger than that. "This book," he began to explain as he examined its cover while reminiscing, "has gotten my through some tough times. It explained everything to me. My past, present, future and everything in between. It can tell you about anyone or anything, but above all, it gives you something that is sometimes very difficult to find, and that is hope. It gave me hope that one day, maybe just one day, the people would remember who they were, who they are and who they are suppose to be. From there, that everything would just, sort of, fall into place."
He looked to Lucinda who was entranced by his choice of words, but ultimately confused as to why it was he was telling her all of these personal details. I mean, if what he said was true about the book, it would seem best fitting to keep such a precious relic of the past a secret from all except the ones who know about it, of course. But it's location should always remain hidden. Henry shook off his emotions as he knew what had to be done. He turned the book around so the title was facing her correctly and she was left to examine it.
"Once Upon a Time," she read out loud. Henry smiled and nodded when her eyes locked with his again. The resemblance between the two was scary. "Yeah," he shrugged and offered it to her. "I want you to hold onto it for me, just for a while. Until you believe you no longer need it." She kept her hands at her sides, shaking her head, not ready to take such an important object away from him. He was the only one who was nice to her besides Emma. "Oh, no, Henry. I couldn't. This book obviously means so much to you. And believe me, I know how important it must be to you. I mean, my parents are extra cautious around this silly little teacup that is damaged. It has a chip on one side and yet they worship it like it is priceless. If a broken trinket like that can mean the world to them, I could only imagine what this book means to you. You keep it. I'll be fine on my own." But Henry wouldn't take no for an answer, so he shoved the book towards her and continued to persuade her that taking the book was the only option she had. "Don't you want to know the story behind that silly little teacup? That trinket they hold so dear? This can tell you. It can tell you all about your parents's pasts, how the met and every moment after that in full detail. It will also tell you about your brother, all of your father's enemies and all the heroic actions your mother did. There are incredible tales in there, and the best part is they are not just fairytales-they are history...your history."
Lucinda took the book with ease, careful not to bend the binding. She brushed her fingers over the golden letters that made up the title and couldn't help, but to gain a hint of a smile at her lips. So this, this was her guide to information about everything her parents weren't telling her? This old book filled with fairytales that supposedly held some truth within it? She looked up to Henry once more and questioned his motives. "Why? You know my parents keep secrets from me. That everyone keeps secrets from me. So, why would you go against family? Why would you give me answers?" He chuckled and shrugged. "I guess it's from your father's side since we both have it, and what 'it' is is over the top curiosity on the subjects that nobody wants to talk about. Most people just start with a question and accept the answer of silence. You and I, Lucinda, we are smarter than that. We don't just settle for that lame excuse of any reason, but we rather question it more. Why don't they want to talk about? And, to be quite honest, keeping secrets from family is just as bad as exploiting them. So, I can't say I'm that guilty, now can I?"
"You don't really seem like the fight fire with fire type," she grinned and Henry draped his arm around her shoulders, escorting her back to the party. "Just promise me that you'll keep that safe and don't let anyone know you have it. I find that hiding things in plain sight is the best way to be sure things are kept hidden and untouched." She used her magic to whisk the book away into her bedchambers. It was stored safely in between two books-one on the History of the Ogre Wars and another entitled Potions and Spells: the Complete Beginners Guide. No reason to even look anywhere near those two books considering the fact that she had read both of them long before the age of nine. She now considered them simple dust collectors.
Fairytale Land of the Past
"Your father tells me that your dancing lessons have been going extremely well," Belle smiled as she continued to comb her daughter's hair while the little one lost her senses in a book. "I'm getting better. He says I'm a natural. I think he's lying." Belle giggled at her young one's remark and continued to brush her hair all the same. "Why do you say that, Lucinda?" she questioned and the little girl responded, but her nose was still buried in her book. "It felt a little strange to me. I had to stand on my tiptoes to reach him. Am I going to have to do that with every guy I meet?" Again, she could not contain her laughter, but Belle bit her lip in a small attempt to tame it. "No, darling. Not all people are as tall as your father, and you won't be this short forever."
"Someday I'll grow up," she said rather cheerfully. Belle was surprised when she felt her heart crack just a little bit at that statement. One day her little girl won't be so little anymore. "Yes, indeed you will, Lucinda." Her daughter grew more and more excited as the information came pouring out of her mouth like rushing water. "And I'll be queen," she said, only allowing her mother a second to respond. "Yes, Cinda." She wanted to say more, but Lucinda cut her off. "And I'll fall in love and get married! And we'll have babies and live happily ever after." Oh no. Was now the right time to tell her? Now? But she was so young, so enthusiastic about her future, she didn't even bother to know the terrible troubles she may face. Oh, children are so filled with wonder and awe that they lose sight of problems and arrangements. No happy endings, but Belle couldn't let her daughter lose hope. If Lucinda lost it, then it seems as though the entire world would grow bleak.
"Hold on, just a moment, Lucinda," Belle stopped her from her ranting and even stopped combing her hair for a split second. Lucinda could sense her mother's strain and lifted her eyes from her book, even though it was at the best part. The handsome prince had just rescued the beautiful princess from a monster, and they were confessing their love for each other. "What is it, mommy?" she asked in her innocent and sweet voice that stung Belle like a shot of poison whenever she had to tell her darling bad news or shoot her down from some la la cloud. "Lucinda, you mustn't always rely on princes to provide you with happiness. You can't depend on anyone to make you happy. Happiness comes from your own imagination, your own will. Someone cannot make you happy, in fact, no one can make you happy except yourself. Now, sure there are others that can improve it, but it is up to you to choose it. To choose how you want your ending to be. Sometimes your happily ever after is with some man, but sometimes your happily ever after ends with you. I never want you to forget that, Lucinda. It is very important."
The lost girl grew even more lost. She had often questioned why it was people always explained things to her in the most complicated of ways, then proceeding to tell her that she would understand when she was older. She didn't want to understand when she was older, she felt she couldn't wait that long. She wanted to understand now. She turned her head so she could face her mother and look her in the eyes. "But, mommy, hasn't father made you happy?" Belle gave a shy girl smile like she was in high school daydreaming about her crush. Though they did argue, a lot, they were absolutely crazy about each other. "Your father has made me the happiest woman alive, but before he came along...I was happy then, too. He increased my happiness by a great amount, not only because I feel so in love with him, but because the love I had for him and the love he had for me was so strong that it gave me the one thing I am so sure I could never live without." Lucinda squinted her brows. If not her father, than what? "What did it give you, mommy?" she asked bluntly, and Belle cupped her daughter's face and stroked it with her thumbs. "You, of course. My darling, little Lucinda. Born from nothing, but true love. Just remember what I told you today, Lucinda. I know it seems confusing now, but you will-"
"Understand when I'm older," Lucinda finished for her mother, who placed a kiss on her brow. "That's my girl." Belle turned her back around and continued to brush her hair, both sitting in silence for a moment, Lucinda trying to get back to her book, but was lost in yet another question. So she shut the leather and paper with a snap and turned her attention to her mother once again. "Why did you marry, daddy?" she asked. Belle was taken a bit back, stunned by her daughter's seriousness in the question. "Excuse me?"
"Well, I mean, he is...you know and you are...well...you. I mean, the two of you don't match up. In the stories, the prince always rescues the princess from the monster, and he is dashing, bold and brave. He is handsome, too. Never, in any of my stories, does the beautiful princess, like yourself, fall for the hideous monster that is holding her captive."
Belle grew a bit enraged. Not at her daughter, but more of the culture that was being drugged into her daughter's head. The very idea that every beast was hideous and every hero was a handsome prince. She despised it. If there was a face to put on it, she would have surly punched it by now. "Well, I think it's best about time we got you some new books," Belle said before turning her daughter around to finish up her hair. She pouted a bit before asking her next question, disturbing her mother's peace at the nice silence. "You never answer any questions I ask about you and daddy." Belle sighed and tried to relax her tension. "Lucinda, it is simply because too many people have too many mixed views when it comes to your father and our marriage. He has had a trying past and is attempting at making up for it. If you ask me, I would say he is doing a rather splendid job at it." Lucinda rolled her eyes and folded her arms. "You have to say that, you're his wife."
"Lucinda, please. We'll tell you all about us when you are older, and able to comprehend some rather difficult and delicate subjects such as your father and I." She stood up from the stool she was sitting on and turned to her mother, hands on her hips and in that stance, she had the whole globe at her mercy. "No, mom. You guys never tell me anything. Never told me how you met, never told me the adventures you have been on together, never told me about your wedding and you most defiantly never mention Baelfire. Is the past that bad that I can't even be a part of it?" Tears pricked at the young girl's eyes as all of these emotions began to overflow her all at once. Depression, anger, confusion, even ambition. She wanted to know more about her parents because the relationship between them was written down nowhere. Not in any philosophy book, not in any bedtime story, no fairytale or lure has ever showered her with the knowledge of how her parents could possibly be. How she could possibly be. It doesn't make sense. It never made sense.
Belle looked at her calmly, no anger shinning in her eyes, but rather concern. Her daughter was too smart for her own good. Questions came too easily to her. But Bell knew what she had to do. She had to be a mother. So she stood up and cupped her daughter's face once again, brushing away her tears with the pads of her thumbs, and taking an overly large inhale through the nose. "Baelfire," she began, "was loved by all. Was someone who everyone grew to adore. He is worshiped as a hero and shall always be remembered as one. My biggest regret in life is not not being able to do something over, is not not doing something greater, is not not traveling the world sooner. My biggest regret is not being able to stop your brother from sacrificing himself to save your father."
Lucinda locked eyes with her mother and saw the truth lingering on within them. So, that is what happened to him? That is how he went? He saved daddy? More tears came dripping from her eyes, but these were different. These were silent. She did not want to make anyone noise, feeling her brother's spirit was in the room, within the walls and air, and if she listened closely enough, she would be able to hear his voice telling her that all of what her mother was saying was true. "Children always come first to me and your father. Baelfire gave his life for countless people, for his family, for your father. Despite all the bad that he has done, your brother could still see the light in your father. He knew what it would take to save everyone. He was willing to make that sacrifice. The question I need you to think about from this moment, until your last moment, my dear Lucinda, is; how far are you willing to go to save the ones you love?"
We will be getting to the real juicy stuff in the next two chapters!