Chapter Thirteen

Nuptials

A/AN: Sorry for not updating in like two weeks but work has really taken a toll on my energy. I hope this chapter will be enough for you guys to forgive me lol. I have a few new stories up for you guys to check out. The first is called "What I Treasure Most" which picks up after "It's Not Easy Being Green". It's going to be about 3-5 chapters depending on my muse. The one I'm really excited about is "True Love Triumphs All" where Zelena changes the past. There's going to be a lot of twists in that one. Don't worry! She won't get a happy ending but it's still fun to explore. Anyway on to our next chapter!

Belle admired her full length wedding gown in the mirror. Tiny pink roses were sewn into the embroidery including a thin lace overlay with shimmering sparkles. Chestnut curls were gathered in a high ponytail. She wore no makeup but a ruby lacquer because Rumplestilskin didn't want a bit of her beauty masked. He wanted her all natural for their nuptials.

"You look stunning your majesty." Mrs. Potts respired with tears in her eyes. Belle smiled turning to the kind maid. She placed a white gloved hand in hers and gave it a squeeze.

"Thank you for all you've done for me since my arrival. Your kindness can never be repaid." Belle supplied, tears forming in her eyes.

Mrs. Potts shook her head lightly, "No you're highness, I should be thanking you. You've made the master happier than I've ever seen him before. You brought his smile back."

Belle felt tears begin to gather in her eyes, throwing her arms around the older woman who felt just like a mother. Mrs. Potts squeezed her tightly before dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief.

"Well my dear let's not keep the master waiting any longer. He longs to make you his wife, and I won't deny him such a luxury." Mrs. Potts remarked leading her towards the door.

Belle took a deep breath, clinging to Mrs. Potts as they walked down the elongated hallway to the outer court where the ceremony would be held with the simple company of Mrs. Potts and Baelfire.

She wanted to keep the matter quiet until she felt ready to dispel her secret. It wasn't that she didn't trust Rumple, but Cora kept her on guard. She didn't want to risk having her wedding day sabotaged by that vile woman. For an entire week she would forget all about kingdom affairs. She would be traveling to Astyn to honeymoon in Rumple's summer palace which was a humble estate compared to the dark castle. A king named Leopold was the ruler of Astyn, but he had no quarrels with Rumple's summer palace being settled within the mountains. The two monarchs had an agreement that Leopold could stay there whenever he traveled that way. Rumple barely used the thing but this called for a special occasion.

They would stay in Astyn for a week and then travel back to Albannach to start their new lives together. The doors opened and there stood Rumplestiltskin in the outer court wearing a dark emerald shirt with brown leather pants. He wore a brown vest to match and boots. Belle felt his eyes fasten on her causing her to blush. She came to stand in front of him, her veil masking her face.

"You look absolutely beautiful Belle-of-mine." He gushed causing her skin to tingle from his sentiment. He gathered her hands in his own, gazing into each other's eyes.

The priest looked at both of them, opening his large Bible "Are we all ready then?" he inquired to the couple who both nodded with love swelling in their hearts.

"You've both written your own vows. Your Highness you may go first." the priest commanded turning to Rumple.

"Belle in your eyes, I have found my home. In your heart I have found my love. In your soul I have found my mate. With you, I am whole, full, and alive. You make me laugh, and you let me cry. You are my very breath, my very heartbeat. I am yours. You are mine. Of this I'm certain, you are lodged in my heart. I've thrown away the key, and you must stay there forever. I will love you and cherish you the rest of my days as my wife." Rumplestilskin declared solemnly looking into her eyes, full of so much love and adoration, before slipping the ring on her finger, a blue diamond contrasting beautifully with her eye color.

Belle felt her heart burst with joy as she allowed his commitment to wash over her. She pushed back the tears, grasping his hands tightly in her own as she recited her vows, "Rumple you are my inspiration, and my soul's fire. You are the magic of my days. You make me laugh, you teach me love. You provide a safe place for me, unlike I've ever known. You free me to sing my own song. You're more of an amazement to me, each day I rediscover you. I am yours, and you are mine. Of this I'm certain, you are lodged in my heart. I've thrown away the key, and you must stay there forever. I will love you and cherish you the rest of my days as my husband." she dedicated herself wholly to him before slipping the golden band onto his left ring finger.

"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride." the priest replied. Rumplestiltskin lifted Belle's veil, enrapturing her in a heartfelt kiss, mustering every feeling he had for her to the surface.

"I love you." she smiled, joyful tears welling in her eyes as she gazed upon him lovingly.

"And I love you." he returned as they made their way to the carriage that was waiting for them.

"Papa wait!" a childish voice called from behind. They both turned around to be met by the strong embrace of a nine year old boy.

"You both be careful okay?" Baelfire said as he held them close. They both hugged their son tightly before letting him go.

"We'll be fine Bae. Don't give Mrs. Potts any trouble…Do you understand me Bae?" Rumplestiltskin threatened lowly.

"Of course Papa." Bae nodded, a knowing smile plastered on his face.

"Enjoy your week off Baelfire. We have a lot of studying to catch up on once I return." Belle jested giving him a wink.

"Of course." Bae smirked before he ran off towards Mrs. Potts.

"Shall we?" Rumplestiltskin inquired offering her his arm, helping her into the carriage that would take them to Astyn. They just had no idea what awaited them when they got there. Their lives would never be the same ever again.

~X~

Regina walked into Snow White's chamber startled to see a shimmering blue figure with wings hovering above the girl. Leopold was also present with a distressed look in his eyes. Regina stood by the door, unwilling to barge in. She watched as the fairy moved her wand over Snow's body. An ethereal blue light surrounded her but quickly dissipated.

"My magic cannot cure this ailment I'm afraid. There isn't a tonic in the realm that can remedy this poison. It's from a land I'm unfamiliar with." the blue fairy sighed deflated.

"May I have a look?" Regina interrupted, walking towards Snow's bed.

"Regina…Blue says there's nothing to be done. It's hopeless I-" Leopold supplied distressed, but she ignored him making her way over to the ailing child.

Regina felt her blood run cold when she saw the familiar markings on Snow's left side. "I know this poison. It's called dream shade, and I do know someone who can cure it." Regina imparted, touching the feverish child's brow lightly.

"You do? I will pay any price for such a tonic. When you see this person please inform them that I'm willing to pay whatever it takes. I just can't lose my daughter." Leopold pleaded, tears streaming down his cheeks.

"I'll see what I can do." Regina swallowed hard, realizing exactly who was behind this. Her mother was trying to thwart her once more, but she would find a way to convince her to give her that tonic. Cora wasn't going to best her this time. Regina had a few tricks of her own, and she couldn't wait to use them on her doting mother.

A/AN: Well there's chapter thirteen! The next chapter will be Honeymooning in Anstyn. Regina will confront Cora, and Cora might just find out all about Belle. Stay tuned peeps, and please review!