A/N: Hi! Surprise! Two years ago, I posted the introductory chapter of my very first fic 'Why Did You Stay' (now posted as 'Why Did You Come Back), so I suppose that makes today my Rumbelle anniversary, yeah? Let's celebrate with a mid-week chapter. *tosses confetti* Hope you enjoy!

VIII

Six weeks later …

Rumpelstiltskin sat back on the small stool he occupied next to the padded bench beside Belle under the pavilion and sighed happily as he watched Baelfire play on the training field with some of the other boys. His son was flourishing, a jubilant smile never far from his lips. He had friends – ones who were happy to engage him in a mock battle with their wooden swords under the watchful eye of his assigned guard and his parents – and they didn't look at him with pity in their eyes because his father was the village coward.

The reading primer lay open on his lap as his gaze flickered over to his mistress. He could view her as nothing other than Bae's parent, really. She was never far from the child, having spent more time with him in six weeks than his own mother had in the six and a half years since his birth.

His gaze traveled over her appreciatively, taking in her sparkling cerulean eyes and the bright smile on her lips as she cheered for his son. She was completely devoted to the boy … to both of them, actually. It still stole his breath when he allowed himself to think over how much his life had changed for the better. He wondered when the other shoe would drop, and some horrible happenstance would occur to steal it all away from him.

He'd never seen Baelfire so happy and content. Bae still balked over his studies, giving his tutor no end of difficulties, but it was to be expected when he'd rather spend time with his new friends or trotting off with Thorrin on the new pony Belle had procured for him. He had everything he could ever possibly want or need, and it was all because of his mistress. He'd never be able to repay her for the way she doted on his son.

Rumpelstiltskin wasn't just happy because of the advantages heaped upon his boy, however. There were more than a few perks in being the princess's servant. Most of the time, he felt more of a companion than anything. His work load was light, most often fetching her tea and accompanying her about the palace while she went about her duties as princess.

It was definitely no hardship to spend time with her. She'd been right, of course … about becoming his friend. He'd had no choice but to let her in. His mistress was everything which was good and precious in the tumult of his life, her light shining brightly in her smile. And it filled him with no small amount of pride to know he'd brought that smile to her rosebud mouth.

Now, he carried himself proudly, would meet the gazes of his fellow servants with a smile of greeting if he met them in the corridors and hallways. He no longer worried the people he lived amongst would look on him with scorn and judge him for his past. He still avoided the court like the plague, thankful she didn't spend a great amount of time with them. He wasn't at all adept at dealing with their snide remarks and veiled cruelties.

His Belle had shown him what it was like to be a stronger man. She'd saved him, and it was a debt he'd never be able to repay. She'd lifted him out of a miserable marriage and meager existence, and given him a new life … a better life. And he was hopelessly, irrevocably in love with her. Of course, he'd never tell her. He would not burden her with his feelings when he knew there wasn't a possibility of her returning them.

He was still a peasant beneath the fine clothes she'd provided for him. How could he ever hope to be anything more? Belle never treated him any differently than she would anyone else, be he peasant or noble, but the fact remained … a princess would never choose a commoner with which to spend her life. She would eventually have to marry, and her family would insist upon someone worthy, someone who shared her station in life. That, unfortunately, could never be him.

Oh, but it was nice to dream, he thought with a melancholy sigh of longing. Already, she was a mother to Bae. She deferred to him when it came to his son, not wanting to intrude on his role as the boy's father, but he could see she wanted his little one to be more than just her ward. She wanted an active role in raising him, soothing his hurts, calming his fears, and it surprised him that he was willing to share his son so easily. It had always been a bone of contention between him and Milah, the lack of attention she gave their boy. With Belle, he never had to ask. She was always there … for them both. If only things were different, and he didn't have to hide what he felt so deeply in his heart.

A pleasant shiver tripped along his spine as her cool fingers slipped beneath his hair to caress his nape, his eyes closing in bliss as he suppressed a groan. "Rumpel, you stopped reading. Are you stuck on a word, dear?"

"No, m'lady," he murmured, using an acceptable title considering they weren't alone, but surrounded by several ladies from the court "I suppose I was caught up in watching Bae."

Her face bloomed with pleasure as she looked out over the small corner of the training field to watch their boy. "He seems to be having fun. Do you think he'll fuss overmuch when it's time for us to go in?"

"I doubt it. Mrs. Potts will have a treat waiting for him, so that should curb any rebelliousness he might display. That woman spoils him terribly," he said, his smile belying his scolding tone. His easy acceptance of the woman might have something to do with how she spoiled him, too.

He slipped his book into the satchel he kept with him, trying to calm the butterflies flapping away in his belly as her hand slid away from his nape to lift his chin, her thumb caressing his unshaven jaw.

"Shall we go in? We could take tea on the terrace before Bae's lessons this afternoon."

"As you wish, m'lady," he replied, bracing his cane to lever himself off the stool and offer her a hand up. He followed her from the pavilion and stepped off the path to call his boy. "Come along, Baelfire. It's time for lessons, son."

"Awww, Papa, can't I stay a little longer? Please?" he begged, but Thorrin was already gathering up their things. He fell into step between his father and Belle, grinning impishly up at her. "Did you see me, Belle? Didya? I had so much fun! Abel said we might be able to go riding together tomorrow. Can I go, Papa?"

Rumpelstiltskin smiled at his son. "We'll see. I believe we might be able to persuade Belle to let you go riding if you do well at your lessons this afternoon."

Belle hid her smile behind her hand and nodded sagely. "Yes, I might. But you always do well, don't you, darling?" she asked with a wink.

"Yes, ma'am. Papa says I'm smart."

"Then I suppose we'll be riding tomorrow morning with your friend."

Rumpelstiltskin groaned at the idea of getting back in the saddle. His own riding lessons weren't quite as fun as Bae's. Belle insisted on teaching him herself and the feel of her pressed against his back, her arms tight about his waist, and her warm breath tickling his ear as she guided his hands on the reins was the absolute in sexual torture. He was thankful for the long riding jacket she'd provided as part of his wardrobe, the length long enough to hide his painful erection when the lesson was over. Oh, if he couldn't get a grip on his feelings for her, he was going to find himself in a world of trouble.

Belle's tiny gasp instantly sent a tremor of alarm through him as they rounded the bend in the path. "What is it, m'lady?"

"Thorrin, run ahead and see if the items I asked father to order have come in, please," she commanded, turning to the knight in her excitement. "I'll see to Bae and meet you in the bailey."

Rumpelstiltskin tried to mask his puzzled frown, but she saw, nonetheless. A teasing smile curled her lips, her eyes alight with pleasure and mischief. "A new shipment of books, perhaps?" he quipped, tugging on Baelfire's hand to get him moving. The boy was just as eager as Belle to sort through the boxes and crates heaped upon the wagons being unloaded at the rear of the palace.

There was a bounce in her step as she gripped Bae's other hand and entered through the archway which would lead them to the library where the boy's tutor was sure to be waiting for his afternoon lesson. "Undoubtedly. It's not often a ship returns to port without at least one new box of books. Luc is an avid reader as well, so I'm hoping to get to them first before he gets all the good ones and spirits them away to his apartments." She giggled. "It's always been a game with us. When he does beat me to them, the gloating is nigh unbearable."

Bae tugged gently on her hand to gain her attention. "Can I help? I want to go through the books with you. Maybe they'll have some new storybooks to read at bedtime!"

Rumpelstiltskin pushed open one of the large oak doors leading into the library and then ruffled his son's unruly curls. "You have to see to your lesson, Bae. Afterwards, if Belle wants you to, you can go through the new books with her."

"Ah, young master," Mr. Lawson beamed at the child, rising from his seat at the long table piled high with all manner of books. "Are you ready to begin?"

"I suppose," Baelfire replied with a dejected sigh. "Can we do maths first?"

"Of course."

Belle leaned down to kiss his brow, promising to return soon and then preceded her servant from the room. She had to keep her steps measured to his pace. Which was a good thing. It wasn't smiled upon to see the princess running through the corridors. Decorum and all. She had to bite down on her lip as she reached the bailey where Thorrin was waiting for her with a wide grin.

He rocked back on his heels, one hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "There were three crates of books in this shipment, highness. I asked Merrick and Gwain to bring them to your rooms." His eyes narrowed suspiciously. "But whyever would you want four go –"

Her hand slapped forcefully against his mouth, her eyes widening in alarm as he nearly spilled her secrets. "Shhhhhhh! It's a surprise, Thor! Were they really delivered?"

The young knight nodded slowly, relieved when she released him. "Aye, highness. Right now, they're in your garden … erm … I sent two of the stable boys to keep watch on them. Might I ask where you're going to keep them permanently?"

Belle grimaced. "The garden is walled well enough for now, yeah? Until I can get someone to build a suitable shelter?"

"In the garden, highness?!"

"Well of course," she hissed a furious whisper, smiling at Rumpelstiltskin over her shoulder where he waited patiently for her to conclude her business. "I want him to have access to them at his convenience and I can't have him traipsing all over creation with that bum leg of his. I'd never forgive myself if my gift caused him undue pain."

Thorrin chuckled. "You're such a softie, m'lady." He bent his head near her ear. "Don't worry … I won't tell anyone."

Belle swatted at him playfully, unable to hold back her giggles which had Rumpelstiltskin frowning at her in bewilderment. "Alright, lad, off with you. I'm sure Baelfire is wondering what's keeping you."

"Shall we come to the garden after his lesson?"

"Yes, please do. I think he'll enjoy my gift just as much as I believe his father will." Her gaze softened as she looked on her spinner, praying he wouldn't balk at another surprise. He really did hate taking things from her. She hoped he would get over that horrible habit with a little more time, but she knew it was unlikely.

*.*.*

Rumpelstiltskin shied away from her at the edge of the garden path as she advanced on him with the thin strip of silk she'd removed from her gown. He tried to focus on what she was going to do with it rather than the fact that it had been just moments before tied beneath her lovely bosom. "Mistress … ah … princess … Belle!" he cried, throwing up a hand to ward her off.

"Please? It's not very much of a surprise if you can see it before the big reveal, now is it?" she pouted, her lower lip protruding a bit.

He stifled a groan, wondering what it would be like to draw that lip – which haunted his dreams to no end – between his own. He lifted his cane, holding it out to her as if it were explanation enough. "But –"

"Rumpelstiltskin, you wound me. As if I would allow you to fall." She stepped closer, could feel his hesitancy weaken just a bit as he didn't retreat this time. "Won't you trust me just a little? Please?"

It didn't escape his notice that she could quite easily command him to do as she wished, and he'd have no choice but to obey. Instead, she was gently pleading with him. How could he deny her when she'd done so much for him already? His fondest wish was to accede to her every desire.

"I do trust you, Belle." It wasn't a lie. If there was anyone in all of Avonlea he felt he could trust, it was his princess. She bounced a little on the balls of her feet, her joy apparent. "Fine. Do your worst."

Rumpelstiltskin sucked in a ragged breath as she stepped closer, the front of her gown brushing against his leather clad legs as she draped the cloth over his eyes. He leaned heavily upon his cane as he lowered his chin to give her better access to tie it behind his head, his cheek pressing to hers.

He breathed her in, delighting in the scent of lilac and vanilla which clung to her. He should have felt shame that he'd use any excuse to be close to her, but he couldn't dredge up those feelings just then, not when she was lingering at her task, seeming to enjoy the intimate touch no matter how innocent it was.

His heart hammered and he had to fight to control his breathing as her delicate noble hands cupped his neck, her thumbs rubbing lightly against his jaw, evidently enjoying the texture of his stubble against her skin. He still couldn't fathom her reasons for wanting to touch him, much less why she took pleasure from it.

Belle wasn't so lucky at masking her own desire for him. "There … see, that wasn't so bad," she cooed in a breathy little whisper. She bit her lip to stop herself from kissing him and let her hands trail over his dark red silk sleeves to firmly clasp his hands in her own. She took his cane from his cool fingers and hooked the handle over her arm before leading him forward with careful steps. "Just trust me, Rumpel. I won't let you fall."

Sight stolen from him by his mischievous mistress, his ears pricked up, his hearing heightened. Yet, the sounds which met his ears contradicted their venue. He could hear the fountain trickling in a soothing rhythm, the breeze rifling through the leaves of the fruit trees scattered throughout, and the shuffling of their feet on the cobblestone path. There was nothing unusual in that. It was the sounds he hadn't heard since coming to Avonlea – at least in the princess's garden – which had him furrowing his brow behind the blindfold she'd insisted he wear.

"Almost there, dear … just a few more steps," she coaxed encouragingly.

"Belle, where are you taking me?" he queried, impatient to learn her secrets. The sounds of livestock had him more than a little puzzled and he'd never been the most patient man. His skin prickled and he gripped tightly to her hands, his grasp almost painful as fear lodged firmly in his chest.

What if a dangerous animal had somehow made its way from the forest to the south and had gained access to the garden. How was he to protect her if he was blindfolded? "Something's not right … something off," he whispered fiercely, pulling her forward as his arms wrapped protectively around her.

The princess squeaked in surprise, her body stiffening before relaxing against him, taking advantage of the warm weight of his arms crushing her against his chest. That delicious thrill of anticipation took flight in her belly as she fought the urge to press closer lest she frighten him away. But as long as his attention was focused elsewhere … she nuzzled her nose against the hollow of his throat, so pleasantly on display by his open collar. "Rum … there's nothing to fear. I promise."

Her lips brushed against his skin with each word, every syllable reminiscent of a kiss and he shivered, feeling the salty twang of fear recede from his tongue.

Belle eased out of his arms with a sigh of regret and took his hands once more, leading him forward until they reached the little sitting area beneath a plum tree. She pressed gently against his shoulders until he took a seat on the padded bench and rested his cane at his side.

"Can I take this silly thing off now?" he asked in a quiet tone, his tongue darting out to wet his lips.

"Not yet, dear," she chuckled, sitting beside him and smoothing her hands over her skirt as she nodded to the two stable boys to bring out his gifts. "Just a moment more."

His fingers drummed impatiently against his thighs as he waited, swiveling his head to and fro to try to see if there were any spaces he could peer from beneath the blindfold. He was rather disappointed when he found none. He winced slightly as she tugged at the knot of the blindfold, a few strands of his hair pulling free along with the cloth, but then he forgot about any discomfort as his eyes adjusted to the bright sunlight and he took in the sight before him.

Rumpelstiltskin blinked rapidly against the moisture pricking behind his lids, unable to speak for the lump of emotion lodged in his throat. His thin lips opened and closed several times before he turned to gaze into her expectant cerulean eyes. "Y-You bought …" he stammered, unable to finish.

Belle grinned unabashedly, turning to glance at the animals. "I didn't see any harm in buying you a few goats and rabbits. You said yourself these produce the finest wool," she mumbled, not at all sure if he were happy with her gift. "I-I mean if you don't like them, I can send them to the spinners employed by my father for their use, but I really wanted to –"

Her voice was abruptly cut off as his arms wrapped about her waist and hauled her almost onto his lap, his face disappearing in her fragrant curls. "No one's ever … thank you," he breathed, his chest hurting with the force of his control – control much needed to keep from weeping all over her. And then he realized what he'd done and he was withdrawing, taking no note as to how she was clinging to him. "Oh, Belle, I'm so sorry … I never meant … forgive me for being so forward."

She blushed prettily and looked away lest he see something in her gaze she knew he wasn't quite ready for. One of the stable boys brought forth one of the rabbits and laid it gently in her arms. "Stop apologizing, dear. Oh, it's so soft," she exclaimed, reaching for his hand to set it atop the bunny. His cheeks bloomed with color, his hands brushing against hers as they petted the animal.

He rose unsteadily from the bench, his gaze drawn to the four goats, his eyes widening as he took in their differences. "Belle … Belle! These two are cashmere goats! Do you have any idea what they are worth?"

Belle waved a dismissive hand as she set the rabbit in the grass at her feet. "Of course not. I asked Papa to order them for me. Wait … they were all supposed to be Angora goats. He ordered the wrong ones," she cried in dismay. "Shall I have him send them back?"

Rumpelstiltskin laughed in disbelief. "No!" He held his hand out to her and led her over to one of the long-haired Angora goats. "No, Belle, their wool is prized. Its wool is called mohair and it makes beautiful fabrics … though not as soft as from the cashmere goats."

She quickly got distracted, unable to resist petting it. "Rumpel, look at his ears," she gushed, reaching out to stroke the velvety softness. Her fingers moved on to tangle in the long curls obscuring its eyes. "Oh, I think I'm jealous."

"Of what?" he asked curiously.

"Look at his curls!"

He couldn't help but laugh. It was funny watching the very proper princess become so enraptured by a goat, and he kept one eye on her as he inspected first one and then the other. He fell back on his haunches as he realized the magnitude of the gift she'd bestowed upon him. "Belle …"

"Rumpel, what is it?" she asked, ignoring the wee bunny which hopped onto her skirts and nestled down into the well it made for itself.

"They're a breeding pair … a male and a female. This is too much … I can't accept such a gift."

"Check the others."

He did as she asked, his heart sinking and a heavy weight in his stomach as his suspicions were confirmed. "They, too, are pairs, Belle."

She lifted the bunny in her lap just to confirm it for herself. "It doesn't matter, Rumpel. I ordered these for you … so you would have your own animals, your own wool … for your spinning. Don't you like them?" she asked, her eyes wide and liquid at the thought of him refusing her gift. "If they are breeding –" she blushed furiously at the word, "- pairs, as you say, you will never be without again. If you decide to leave me after your contract is up, at least I won't have to worry about you not having a steady income."

"Belle …"

She shook her head and raised her chin proudly. "No, Rumpel. It would be the height of rudeness to reject my gift. And since I know you don't have a rude bone in your body, we shall consider the matter closed."

"I could never repay you," he said softly, berating himself silently for upsetting her. He could spin for a thousand lifetimes and never touch the surface of what he owed her. Yet, she didn't see it that way. He now knew it would be an insult to her should he even try.

She really believed herself to be showering gifts upon him and he would only insult her more if he continued to argue. As far as leaving her service … the very thought made him ill. They'd have to drag him from the palace by force to make him leave if she wanted him to stay.

Her blush deepened as she leaned just a little closer to him, peering up at him from beneath her lashes. "I know how you could repay me," she murmured, her lips curling up into a shy grin.

His senses were instantly on alert, never having suspected she had an ounce of shyness in her entire body. "How?" he whispered, finding himself breathless as she inched closer to him from across the grass.

Belle bit her lip, gathering her indomitable courage about her like a cloak. "You can pay me with a kiss."

Rumpelstiltskin's mouth gaped open, feeling as if someone had punched him in the gut. "A k-kiss?"

"Mhmm," she hummed softly, her nose brushing gently against his. "A kiss is a token of affection, a way of saying thank you, or a gesture between friends. It isn't as if I haven't kissed you before."

He inhaled sharply, her sweet floral fragrance wrapping around him and muddling his good sense. Oh, gods! She wants me to kiss her! Did she not know he wanted nothing more? What if I do kiss her and I can't stop? he worried. He shivered as her cool fingertips touched his brow, brushing an errant lock of his hair away from his eyes. Why would she even want him to kiss her?

His mistress was free with her touches, her kisses, never hesitating to share one with him when he'd particularly pleased her. A fleeting touch to his hand, his arm … a brush of her petal soft lips to his brow, his cheek. Those moments were precious to him and never failed to send his heart hammering against his ribs, but never had he been fortunate enough to feel his lips joined so intimately to hers. He didn't know if his heart could withstand such pleasure.

Belle's breath fanned against his lips, a whisper of a caress. "You don't have to if you don't want to, Rum. I don't wish to make you uncomfortable. I –"

Gods beard! Please don't let me fuck this up, he swore feverishly within the confines of his mind. His hand trembled as his fingers wrapped around the slim column of her neck, his thumb tracing the smooth curve of her jaw. A thousand doubts surged to the forefront of his mind as his lips claimed the one she was so fond of biting. Would she find him as clumsy in his attempts as Milah had? Would she mock him, slap him, scold him as his wife had been so quick to do? Those fears were quickly laid to rest as her hand rose to cradle his cheek, a sweet sigh falling from her lips at the first taste of him.

Belle tried to remain calm despite the rioting emotions which made her head spin. So much heat, so much need … all from a simple brush of his lips. She could practically feel his body vibrating with tension and she knew the slightest discordant move would send him fleeing. Which was the last thing she wanted. How long had she wanted this, needed this, from her spinner?

She loved him with her whole heart. If only he could return her feelings. Her heart beat a rapid tattoo against her ribs. She wanted nothing more than to push him back against the soft grass and kiss him senseless, to explore the tantalizing flesh of his neck, to taste the hollow of his throat where it dipped so sweetly between his clavicles. She wanted to weep when he pulled away with a shy smile.

Belle fought to keep her lower lip from trembling at his murmured, "Thank you." Slowly, he pulled away and her hand balled into a fist on her lap to stop herself from reaching for him again.

Thankfully, their awkwardness was rendered moot as Thorrin and Baelfire turned onto the path and the boy rushed over to his parents excitedly. "Papa!" he exclaimed, throwing himself at his father. "Where did the goats come from? And bunnies!"

Rumpelstiltskin's cheeks were still flushed a bright pink as he embraced his son. "Belle procured them for us to use their wool at the wheel. They are a gift."

Bae lifted one of the rabbits into his arms and snuggled it against his face, burying his nose in the soft fur. "It's so soft," he cooed. "I want it to sleep in my room, Papa. Can he?"

"I don't know about that, son."

Belle giggled. "What if we have a special pen built and let them sleep on my terrace. Would you like that instead?" she asked, not sure if letting the rabbits sleep with him would be such a good idea. She could already imagine rabbit pellets blanketing the thick Agrabahan carpet in their room and the fuss Mrs. Littleton would make should she see them.

Happy with the compromise, he wiggled off his father's lap and turned his attention to the goats. Holding his bunny in one arm, he reached out a little hand and wound his fingers in the Angora male's long curls. "This one looks like Nanny. Remember Nanny, Papa?" he asked with a sniff, the memory of his former pet making him sad.

"I do, Bae," Rumpelstiltskin said with a solemn nod.

He set his rabbit down next to Belle and crawled over to one of the cashmere goats. "I've never seen a goat like this. What kind is it, Papa?" He ran his hand over the coarse wool and drew back, his nose wrinkling as he frowned. "His coat feels funny."

His father chuckled and moved to his side, taking his son's hand in his own and once again rubbed the coarse wool. "Feel that? That is called the guard hair. When he's shorn, we can use this wool for a sturdier weave." He moved the boy's fingers where he could feel the soft undercoat. "But this here will make the softest fabric, the silkiest thread. We'll be able to make all manner of fine things for our lady, won't we?"

"I think I want to name this one Bob."

Belle dissolved into giggles. "Bob? A goat named Bob … I like it."

*.*.*

Lucern threw open the east gate leading into his sister's private garden, frustrated she'd once again beaten him to the treasure trove of books which had come in on the ship. And now he was more than a little confused, wondering what in the seven realms she could possibly want with livestock. His eyes had nearly fallen out of his head when he'd gone over the manifest and learned they were for her.

Merrick had been quick to inform him as to where they'd been taken instead of to the pens where such animals were usually housed. No doubt it had to do with her servant. He wondered if he should be worried over the relationship she was building with the man. He seemed harmless enough with his shy demeanor and willingness to please her in a servile capacity, but …

He'd nearly reached Belle's favorite area of the garden when a hand clamped over his mouth and he was dragged behind a hedge. His hand went immediately to the hilt of his sword, but a voice in his ear quelled his outrage and left him more confused than anything. "Gaz! What the hell, man?!" he hissed, staring hard at his friend. "Why are you hiding in the bloody hedges?"

"Shh! Luc, I'm sorry, but I don't think Belle would appreciate your untimely interruption," the knight returned, poking his head over the bushes to watch as Belle leaned closer to her spinner.

Lucern's mouth flopped open in surprise as he joined his friend and got his first look of what was going on between his sister and her servant. "Fucking hell! How long has this been going on?" he asked, his eyes narrowing dangerously as Belle inched closer and the man closed the distance between them for a sweet kiss.

"They've been dancing around each other almost from the beginning. Everyone can see how they feel about each other … except for them. Love really is blind."

"He's taking advantage of her. Double her guard."

"Lucern, really?" Gaston asked, shaking his head. "Look at her? Have you ever seen her so happy?"

The prince glowered at the scene before him, his brow furrowed in a dark frown. "No, I can't say as I have. But he's a peasant!"

"And she's in love with him."

"How do you know?"

Gaston rolled his eyes. "Are you blind? She looks at him the same way you look at your beloved wife."

Lucern dragged his hand through his chestnut locks, pulling out a few strands in his frustration. "This won't do, Gaz. She can't be with a peasant. She has an obligation to carry on our line. She's a princess for fuck's sake!"

"So what? You're going to force her to marry a man of your choosing?" the knight asked, his ire rising. Lucern was a hothead and it wouldn't do for him to make a decision regarding Belle's future in the heat of the moment. "She won't like it. You and your father have always allowed her to make her own decisions, and she –"

"Will accept it and move on."

Gaston snorted. "Did you ingest a spoonful of delusion with your morning tea, highness?"

Lucern looked to his friend in surprise at the title with which he rarely addressed him, ignoring the snark altogether. "She will do what is best for the kingdom, for the crown."

"I wouldn't bet on it."

A/N: Oh Lucern is such a little shit! But, apparently, Gaz has their back :D and bunnies and goats and Rumbelle oh, my. I loved writing this chapter. I hope you enjoyed reading it. Next chapter (which will be up on 10/23) … Lucern's indecision causes a rift in his relationship with his wife, Belle feels guilty and our spinner puts her mind at ease. Cryptic enough? See you Friday!

All the love goes to last week's wonderful reviewers: CLKit, Wondermorena, lovepeacebubbe121x, Solo13, Grace5231973, Songbird1986, VanillaDreamFran, iamstephanieb, April, Rachel, FaerieTales4ever, scorpion22, BloodyTink, onlyinyourdreams77, Guest, Maraberg, crazyhpcfan, Erik'sTrueAngel and Twyla Mercedes.