A Dance of Light and Darkness: HellFire
"Seize them." He shouted pointing to them.
"Will what are you doing?" Regina asked still in shock. She tried to wrench herself free, but the man only applied a stronger grip on her arms.
"What's going on? Release us at once!" Belle exclaimed, trying to shake free also.
"Never." He turned toward Regina. "Queen Snow was too lenient when she banished you. And look what happened, you're a Dark One's apprentice. Do you think Mist Haven would let a Dark One return and be its Queen? We are here to finish what the rebel's started and rid the realms of your evil once and for all."
Regina's face was reddening with anger. "When I become a Dark One I'll make sure every Merry Man is butchered and fed to the hounds so declares the true Queen."
Will and the Merry Men laughed louder. "We will see about that. You won't even make it out of this cave to take back the Black Palace you witch." They lowered her to her knees and Will unsheathed his sword and placed the steel close to the back of the Queen's neck. He raised his sword with two hands high in the air and Belle screamed and closed her eyes. She felt a jerk from the man holding her, and then came a thud. He had fallen dead behind her, so did the other man holding Regina down. Will's arm was still in the air when she noticed Rumplestiltskin holding him up in the air with an invisible hand. He flung his hand and Will flew hitting the stone wall of the cave hard. Belle saw the blood trickle down from his hairline, but Will foolishly got up anyway with his sword in hand.
"Are you sure you want to do this Dearie?"
"Fight me Dark One, no magic, let's make this fair. And after I defeat you I will kill Regina, rape your wench and throw them both in the creek. Your head will be a nice gift for Queen Snow."
Rumplestiltskin giggled and a sword appeared in his hand. He gave the sword a close look, turning the hilt in his hand to have a look at the blade's edge. Sharp.
"As you wish. I haven't had a proper sword fight in years." He said taking a sideways stance.
Will came charging at him and Rumplestiltskin did a nimble circle, successfully dodging Will's blade. He tapped Will's shoulder with the tip of his sword, Will turned around rearing his blade upwards. The cling of steel on steel rang across the cave. The Dark One was quite graceful on the slippery cave floor. Belle couldn't say that much for Will, his steps were very careless. As the two dueled, Will raised his sword high and brought down a powerful swing only to parry Rumplestiltskin's block. The parry clanged loudly as Will's sword broke into 's eyes became wide as the Dark Lord plunged his sword into Will's man fell to the ground and coughed up blood. Regina came to stand by her master's side to watch Will die. Belle did the same. She never saw a man die before. She noticed that Will's death was slow as the blood pooled around him. She turned her head and placed her face into Rumplestiltskin's chest realizing how hard it was to watch. Rumplestiltskin wrapped his arms around her shielding her from the gore that he inflicted. As Will lay there dying, he took in his last breath, cursing Regina as he exhaled. He conjured up a fireball in his hand and blasted it on to Will's dead body. Belle looked up from his chest and watched the light from the flames dance and move on the wet wall of the cave and she thought to herself. The cave did shine.
The smoke cleared from around them and they were back at the carriage.
"Get. In." Rumplestiltskin snarled.
The women did as they were told, Regina first and then Belle. Rumplestiltskin was the last to get in and the wheel house began to move. The ride back to the Dark Castle seemed longer than before since no one was speaking. Regina's eyes were averted down. Belle stared out the small window and then at Rumplestiltskin who had disappointment in his eyes.
"How could you be so blind Regina? None of your instincts kicked in? No, you're just stupid enough to ignore them." Regina's eyes were still down. "And what's worse is you strung Belle along."
"It was her choice, I did not make her- "The slap across Regina's face was as surprising as it was hard.
"Do not talk back to your Master." He said fiercely. Regina was holding her face trying to keep back the tears that began to well in her eyes.
Rumplestiltskin instantly regretted it when he saw the fear on Belle's face.
"Not only did your mistake almost cost Belle's life, but it would have broken my contract with her father you fool." He scorned her. "This cannot go unpunished. You know what happens to me if I break a deal." He sighed. "When we get home, Belle I want you to go with Emma and go straight to your cell and Regina you will follow me. Understood?" He screamed the last word. Regina couldn't hold the tears back anymore.
"Yes My Lord." The women said in unison.
Rumplestiltskin dropped the whip to his side, it made a hollow noise as it bounced on the floor.
"You should be happy I didn't give you 10 more lashes, your actions certainly deserved it."
"I'll take them My Lord, if it so pleases you." Regina said as the tears rolled down her cheeks. It matched the blood seeping from the lash marks on her back.
"It would," He said wiping the sweat from his brow with a cloth. "but I won't. I believe the lashes and an almost beheading is enough punishment for you today." He walked over to her and healed her back then untied her hand from the out of place pillar that stood in his study. The long whelps began to fade from her skin, though the blood remained and so did the pain.
"Get dressed Regina and leave. I don't ever want you to do something so stupid like that again."
"Never again My Lord." She said through her sobs.
She pulled up her undergarments and walked out of the Dark One's study. Once she was out of the room Rumplestiltskin threw a fireball into a brazen and sat down at his work bench. He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. Something in the corner of his eye caught his attention. He looked towards the brazen. it was filled to the brim with fire. He thought he saw her in there again. He focused on the flames and let his mind drift. From the dark shadows of his mind a hand was reaching out to his face and gently cupped it. It was so soft and delicate, he leaned into the hand as it began to stroke his face.
"Belle?" He called and she stepped out from the shadows.
"My Lady I'm so sorry for what happened to you today. Regina should have never been so careless with your life." Belle just shook her head and shushed him.
Then he realized. "What are you doing here Belle?"
"I'm here because you asked me to be."
"That still doesn't mean you should be here. These are my thoughts I have so many other things I need to focus on." He said pulling her hand from his face.
"I will go if My Lord wishes it." With his hand still in hers, she lifted it to her lips and placed a single kiss on his knuckles then lifted her eyes up at him.
Rumplestiltskin's words were forgotten as he stared into her eyes. Belle smiled and bit her lip. Rumplestiltskin watched as she pulled her lip between her teeth, it was driving him mad. He pulled her close, flushed against his body and took her lips in his. As soon as he did, a fire circled them and grew to engulf them within. He was jerked from his vision and stood up with a fright and breathless, sweat beads had formed around his face and neck. He looked around his room to make sure no one was around and cursed the Gods. "Why give her to me in my mind only to take her away and leaving me wanting. Cruel."
The next morning Rumple took it upon itself to go talk to Regina. He knocked on the door and asked to come in. She allowed him in her room. She was feeding her crow, Destiny, not paying attention him as he walked in. He found a chair next to hers and took his seat beside her.
"My Lady I realize you may feel like I was too hard on you, but disobedience cannot go unpunished, what if something did happen to Belle? My contract would be broken and my reputation would be tarnished."
"And I would never be able to become a Dark One." She finished.
"That is correct. Why would you follow a stranger?"
"He was kind to me."
"You should know by now most men's kindness comes at a price. You didn't know him. Therefore, he could only want one of a few things: to kill you, rob you, or rape you. And my heart would break if any of those things were to befall you. I care about you, my apprentice." He pulled her face towards him so her eyes could meet his. "I see great things happing in your future. Don't mess that up by ignoring your instincts." He glared at her then closed in to give her a hug.
"Instincts Regina" The crow squawked, stretching the feathers in her wings, and Regina fed her more corn.
Rumplestiltskin laughed "Destiny gets it, I hope you understand too."
"I do My Lord."
"While I'm here, May I escort you to breakfast?"
Regina smiled and nodded.
They took their seats as Belle was being brought in by Emma. The Dark One waved her off. Belle took her seat as well. Belle took notice that Regina seemed to be content again, no longer averting her eyes from Rumplestiltskin's. She was happy to know that Rumplestiltskin wasn't cruel enough to hurt her.
"Belle, I would like to apologize to you for my bad judgment of that man. I should have never taken you to a tavern in the first place. A Lady does not belong there."
Rumplestiltskin gave Regina an approving smile before looking towards Belle.
"No need to apologize My Lady, it was an adventure."
Rumplestiltskin laughed. "Ever the brave one, are you Belle?"
"I read about them all the time in my books. It was kind of exciting living it."
Regina gave her a smile as the servants served their meals. After Belle finished her breakfast she excused herself to prepare for her lessons. Rumplestiltskin escorted her room.
"The breakfast was lovely My Lord." She said in a curtsy.
"We will meet for dinner later. Enjoy your lessons."
"My Lord?"
"Yes Belle?"
"After my Lessons may I return to the library?" She did her nervous hand fidget.
"Finish with that one already? My, my, you are quite the book worm."
She blushed and bit her lip.
"You may, Regina and I will join you." He said before turning to walk out, locking the heavy lock on the wooden door.
Belle was getting dressed in a causal evening grown. She just slipped on her low heeled shoes when she heard the lock being disengaged.
"Good evening Belle, Rumplestiltskin has asked me to bring you to the library."
"Thank you My Lady, I'm just about ready."
She gave her hair a few strokes and pushed the excess behind her ear. She followed Regina out the cell and to the door that Emma stood guard at. Belle noticed a very depraved look that Regina gave Emma. Emma pretended like she didn't notice and escorted them up to the throne room. Regina gestured a thank you to the other women and Emma proceeded back down to her post. When they made it to the library, Rumplestiltskin was already there reading a book leaning against the mantel of a fireplace. His head rose up and he shut the book closed when the women came near.
"My Lady," He said bowing. "Belle may I say how beautiful you look this evening."
And she did. Her glow was brighter than before. The curls of her auburn hair bounced and swayed as she moved. Through the dress her slender curves only accentuated the beauty of the golden grown. She was stunning, never had he seen her more beautiful than she was now. Rumplestiltskin heard Regina clear her throat.
"You look very stunning as well Regina." He said giving her a warm smile. He turned back to Belle. "How were your lessons today my lady?"
Belle looked down and fidgeted with her hands giving off a very disconcerting vibe. "Very peculiar."
Rumplestiltskin furrowed his brow and Regina took the words from his mouth. "How so?"
"I'm embarrassed to say."
"No need Belle." He placed an assuring hand on her shoulder. She felt warm under his touch. "Please tell us about your studies."
Belle looked at Regina who gave her an approving nod. "Well it was about producing an heir."
Rumplestiltskin was taken back and became flushed with the heat of mortification before realizing his hand was still on her shoulder. He removed it letting it fall to his side. Regina broke into laughter.
"Pray tell Belle, what were her words in this lesson?" She said between her laughs.
"Regina, that's enough." He said with no amusement in his voice.
"Come on Rumple you're not in the least bit curious to know what this lesson was pertaining to." She said wiping the laughing tears from her eyes.
Rumplestiltskin gave it a thought. "What did she say Belle?"
Belle gave a shaming look. "Well, she said when a man and a woman become husband and wife; the wife must bear children to form a family." The pair was looking at her intensely, paying attention to every word she was saying. "The man will climb on top of the woman and she will accept his manhood within her. He will lie on top of her and she must be still until the man's seed is spilled inside and that's how it done."
Regina took in the enjoyment of the puzzled look across Rumplestiltskin's face and she all but lost it. She was bent over laughing while Belle gave her a questionable look. When she rose she was slowly clapping her hands.
"Bravo. What a beautiful rendition Belle. And here I thought this library trip would be to be a dull affair." She said ending her claps.
"Hush girl."
"So what no foreplay? Dry as bone you will be." She said playfully.
"I'm sorry?" Belle said with confusion on her face.
"Curve your tongue Regina, or I'll do it for you." He said coldly.
"You can't be serious Rumple. She needs to know if she wants to be happily married." She webbed her fingers together. "I will give her the talk Rumple. I do believe this is my specialty."
"I agree with it being your specialty, but I would not have Belle corrupted with promiscuity as yourself."
"It's fine with me My Lord. You both made it clear that the teacher's lesson was incorrect. I wouldn't mind Regina teaching the subject matter."
"Are you sure Belle?" He said with doubt.
"Yes."
"Regina could I speak with you for a moment?"
Rumplestiltskin walked off a small distance away from Belle and Regina followed him. Belle took the moment to look around the library.
"I don't like the idea of this." He said in a hushed tone.
"Relax Rumple I know what I'm doing."
Rumplestiltskin raised a hand waving off this situation so he could just be done with these talks of love making, especially after last night's vision.
"Fine, but do not be too graphic and no touching." He said with a stern face.
Regina sighed and agreed to the terms. They headed back to Belle who was dusting off a book to open it. They continued to talk but changed to a different subject. The subject being of how old this book was and what realm that book was from. Rumplestiltskin gave her fascinating tales of how different Teachers, Friars, Lords and Lady alike from over the years donated them to him in appreciation of his help. Dusk came and it was soon time for dinner. They left the library and washed up to eat and met back in the dining hall. Dinner was wonderful. Braised lamb, stock soup with stew vegetables and lemon tarts to end with. Belle ate her fill.
"Belle would you like to start tonight with your lesson?" Regina said seductively after taking a sip of her wine.
"I see no harm with that. We can make a girls night in my room." Belle said sweetly.
Regina gave Rumplestiltskin a sly look before turning back to Belle. "That sounds lovely."
Rumplestiltskin noticed the look and shot one back at Regina. "Well I'll leave you ladies to it."
Belle smiled before rising from her seat to walk down to the dungeon with Regina. Once in her room, Emma gave Regina a worried look before closing the door and locking the two women in the cell together.
"So where should be begin?" Belle said readily.