XVII

The main hall, the central artery which stretched throughout the length of the palace, was bustling with guests, servants, and guards. The smell of freshly cut roses filled the air long before Belle and her betrothed reached the open double doors leading into the formal dining room and she smiled at the familiar fragrance. She glanced up at Rumpelstiltskin as they approached the entrance, happy to see he wasn't visibly trembling with nerves.

"Alright, my darling?" she asked, smiling warmly.

"As well as I can hope, sweetheart. I think I should do well after your little practice feast this afternoon," he replied. "I will give every effort not to embarrass you."

Belle laid a restraining hand on his arm, gently pulling him to a halt. "Rum, you could never embarrass me, darling." She reached up to straighten the emerald stick pin in his snowy cravat and gave him a reassuring smile. "I love you."

"I love you, too, my princess."

"I know. I just wanted to tell you again before we went in."

He gave his head a slight shake, still amazed by the incredible woman who'd deemed him worthy enough to grant her heart. "Well, I never tire of hearing it."

She leaned up on her toes and gave him a quick kiss before crossing the threshold with him to be announced. The majordomo thumped his staff against the marble, his voice ringing out as all eyes turned to the door. "Her highness, Princess Belle of Avonlea and Lord Rumpelstiltskin, Earl of Dunsmore."

A hush fell over the room and Belle could feel the heat rising from her spinner. Her eyes immediately fell to her father, who nodded and had a servant nudge the minstrel back to his lute. "Breathe, Rumpel," she whispered as they moved farther into the room.

The first hour would be for cocktails, an aspect of the feast Belle wished Lucern would have foregone this one time, but far be it for him to skip tradition. Thomas and Melvin, two liveried kitchen servants who'd befriended Rumpelstiltskin early on, moved fluidly through the milling guests one with a tray of drinks, the other with a tray of hors d'oeuvres. When they'd disappeared back into the crowd, having left Belle with a glass of champagne and Rumpel with a tumblr of fine Frontlands whiskey, he turned to her with a puzzled brow.

"You planned that didn't you?"

She popped the stuffed olive into her mouth and grinned unrepentantly. "I may have mentioned your preferences to Mrs. Potts when Lyssa and I finalized the menu," she replied after she'd had a sip of champagne. She took his glass from him so he could maneuver with his crutches. "Come, let us join Lucern before he has an apoplectic fit in his impatience. I'm rather surprised he hasn't sent Gaz to fetch us."

"Someone mention my name?" the knight asked with a waggle of his brows as she turned at the sound of his voice. "Luc wants you to join him."

"Yes, dear," Belle rolled her eyes teasingly at her dear friend and guard. "How are you this evening, Gaz?"

"In high spirits, Bluebelle. Nothing like a good feast."

Belle greeted her brother warmly, passing on formality and kissing his cheek. She did the same to her father and Lyssa. Rumpelstiltskin, however, transferred both crutches to one hand and bowed low at the waist. "Your Highnesses, Your Majesty," he intoned softly.

Maurice chuckled and gestured to the settees on either side of his throne-like chair, each one for his children and their chosen partners. When Rumpelstiltskin had settled himself comfortably, Belle returned his drink to him. "How's the ankle, Rum?" the king asked, concerned for his future son-in-law.

"It seems to be doing well, sire. The boot Dr. Cassel fashioned for me is remarkable," he answered, allowing himself to relax for the moment, surrounded as he was by his family.

"Grandpa!"

Rumpelstiltskin turned to see Baelfire tug loose from Thorrin's restraining hand to run to his new grandfather. Maurice opened his arms to the boy, catching him up and settling him down on his lap. "There you are!" Maurice boomed. "I'd wondered where you'd gotten off to."

"I had a cup of punch with Abel when I first came down, but don't worry, Grandpa … it wasn't the one with the bubbles," he confided, cupping his little hand around his mouth as if he were imparting a secret.

"I have a feeling Mrs. Potts will whack Gaston with her spoon if she finds out he's spiked her lemon-berry punch," the king chortled.

"I don't understand why I always get blamed," the knight grumbled good-naturedly from where he stood next to Maurice's chair. "I think it was Gwain this time."

Rumpelstiltskin snorted into his drink and Belle rapped him on the back. "Are you alright?"

"Fine, love," he spluttered as he tried to breathe and laugh at the same time.

Lady Myerson came over to their sitting area before the hearth with young Abel in tow and bowed respectfully, but it was to the spinner she spoke. "Lord Rumpelstiltskin, I wanted to say how pleased we are to see you up and about. You're healing well?"

Rumpel nodded, offering her a faint smile. "Yes, m'lady, very well. Thank you so much for inquiring after my health. Your family is well? I don't see your husband in attendance."

She returned his smile, finding him just as personable as her son always claimed. "Ronald is well. He was called away on some matter at home. He will return in a few days. He knows how much Abel enjoys spending time with Bae and didn't want to drag him away."

Belle couldn't keep the smile from blooming on her lips as she watched her love have a successful conversation with his new peers. "Perhaps once Rum and I are married and have moved to Dunsmore, you will bring Abel to visit Bae in our new home?"

"Oh, that would be grand, highness," Abel gushed, bouncing on the balls of his feet.

Lady Myerson curtsied, ready to take her leave. "At your invitation, highness, we would be most honored."

Lucern waited until the woman departed before leaning forward and catching Rumpelstiltskin's eye. "See, Spinner, you're doing well. Don't know why you were so nervous."

"And I'm sure you weren't nervous at your first formal affair?" Lyssa asked dryly of her husband.

His neck colored above his snowy white cravat. "Well …"

Maurice shook his head at his flushed son. "He passed the peas to Lord Chamberlain, they slipped, and ended up in his lap. The lad was ready to dig a hole for himself to hide."

"Papa, don't tease," Belle admonished, trying to hide her own smile. "We were only eight at the time. Rum's circumstances are entirely different."

"Well I'm hungry," the king said as he rose to his feet and held out a hand for Bae. "Let's commence with the feasting, shall we?"

*.*.*

Rumpelstiltskin hadn't spilled peas on anyone, his cheeks were only slightly pink due to the eyes he could feel with their curious stares, and he hadn't used the wrong fork. He felt he could almost breathe a sigh of relief as Belle slipped her hand into his under the table and gave it a gentle squeeze. He raised it to his lips and pressed a kiss to her fingers. He still didn't feel as if he fit in with all the pomp and circumstance, but he was better able to handle it now.

"As soon as dessert is served and the goblets filled, Lucern will make his formal announcements," Belle informed him, leaning close to speak quietly into his ear.

Therefore, she didn't see the three shades of white he paled.

"Grandpa, what shall we have? I want them both," Bae said, eyeing the dishes of peach cobbler with sweet clotted cream and the decadent chocolate torte Mrs. Potts had made.

"Then we'll get both and share them between us," Maurice said diplomatically, which made his grandson beam happily.

"Papa, he's going to be up all night with a bellyache!" Belle scolded. "And when he is, I'm going to come wake you up to help soothe him."

The king chuckled boisterously. "It won't be the first time I've sat up at night with one of my wee ones because they overindulged on dessert." He tapped Bae's nose affectionately. "Some bicarbonate and a story and he'll be right back to sleep."

"Belle," Lucern said, leaning forward so he could see her. "I've asked the servants to save our dessert until later. Will you and Rum join me now?"

"Of course," she agreed.

The three of them went to stand out in front of the head table where their guests and the court could see them, and Rumpelstiltskin was hard pressed not to run with so many eyes on him. Belle's small hand, her fingers twined with his, was the only thing to keep him grounded, the only thing to give him the confidence to know he belonged, and all would be well.

"Friends, guests, honored members of our court …" Lucern boomed, his voice carrying to all corners of the hall. "Several weeks ago, you were told about my accident and the heroic actions of my sister's servant. He saved my life. In reward for his valorous service to the crown, I awarded him an earldom and my sister's hand. Please … raise your glasses and toast Avonlea's hero, Lord Rumpelstiltskin, Earl of Dunsmore."

There wasn't a guest or courtier in the hall who didn't lift their glasses to him. "Lord Rumpelstiltskin!" they called out before drinking deeply from their cups. His cheeks flamed, but he nodded his acknowledgement.

"Lord Rumpelstiltskin, do you formally accept my sister's hand in matrimony?" Lucern asked, a wicked sparkle in his eyes.

"I do, Your Highness," he answered, rather impressed with himself that his voice didn't once falter.

"And you, my darling sister, do you accept this man to wed?"

"I do," she answered, lifting her free hand to cup her beloved's cheek. "With all my heart."

"I'm bloody well heartbroken," came a drawling voice from the open doors. "Here I'd thought you were saving yourself for me."

"Here we go," Maurice grumbled behind them, rolling his eyes at the man's theatrics.

"Grandpa, who is that man?" Bae asked, crawling onto his grandfather's lap so he could see better.

"An idiot, lad. No one of importance."

Rumpelstiltskin's hands tightened on his crutches to white knuckled hardness as Belle sashayed forward to greet the man. A red haze formed over his vision as the leather clad interloper swung her up and twirled her around, planting a loud smacking kiss to her cheek. What was worse, his precious bride-to-be giggled as if she were enjoying herself. "Killian Jones, put me down this instant!" she huffed laughingly.

"Still no fun, I see," he drawled, setting her on her feet and leading her back to Rumpelstiltskin's side.

"Besides, I don't think your wife would appreciate it if I ran off with you. When did your ship get in?"

"Not even an hour ago. Harbormaster said you were having a feast to celebrate – and when aren't you lot celebrating something – and I came down to pay my respects." He arched one raven's wing brow down at the shorter spinner and cocked his head to the side. "So, this is the man you've chosen?"

"Aye, I'm the mon she's chosen," Rumpelstiltskin fairly snarled, his brogue thick as he was still bristling with fury at the man's gall in touching his princess.

Belle's eyes widened as she heard her betrothed's tone of voice, so icy it should have chilled the blood in Killian's veins. Lucern – for once wanting to be helpful instead of the eternal prankster – clapped their friend on the back.

"So, Jones, how's little Jack?"

"He's great, Luc. My lad's four now and already wanting to climb all over the rigging. Esmerelda and I have a time keeping up with him."

Belle was wise enough to be worried. "What's wrong, Rum?"

"Might I have a word?" he gritted out through clenched teeth.

She bit her lip uncertainly. He hadn't even been this upset the other night when she'd overstepped her boundaries with Baelfire. "O-Of course, darling."

His eyes narrowed at the endearment as he turned awkwardly on his crutches and set off for the kitchens. It was a familiar domain, one he was used to, one where he felt comfortable … one where he knew of a quiet pantry where they wouldn't be disturbed. She nodded and smiled to the kitchen staff, complimenting several as she passed on the food and drink they'd served. She was purposely dragging her feet, not knowing what to expect.

With the feast in full swing, the pantry was occupied and therefore he had to settle for a broom cupboard near the hearth. He ushered her inside and closed the door behind him. He whirled on her, his sable eyes dark and passionate – though not in a way she was used to.

"Who was that man?" he hissed furiously.

And with those four words she realized there had been a great misunderstanding. At least he'd brought it to her quickly instead of letting it fester until he was ready to explode. "Rumpel, there's no reason to be jealous. Killian – "

"Had his fucking hands all over you! I will not be cuckolded again, Belle. I went through it with Milah and I didn't care for her even a tenth of what I feel for you. I can't do it again," he fumed, raking a hand through his hair with an angry swipe of his fingers.

"Oh, Rum, do you really think I would do that to you? It still haunts me remembering how Milah treated you that night at the tavern." She cradled his face in her warm hands and pressed a chaste kiss to his lips. "I would never hurt you. I love you too much."

"But he had … he was so familiar with you," he said, still unconvinced.

"Rumpel, Killian and his brother Liam were abandoned by their father at a young age. Worse yet, the man sold them into indentured servitude. And not to a man who would have given him a favorable deal as I did you. He was cruel. Lucern and Papa found them one day while surveying the southern fields where the man had them hard at work. He was beating them, Rum. Papa took them in, and gave them over to Mrs. Potts. She put them to work here in the castle. When they were old enough and expressed a desire to learn ships, Papa found a captain who would take them on as cabin boys. They've worked their way up to their own commands. Killian is happily married and has his family sail with him," she explained.

Rumpelstiltskin huffed a bitter laugh, wondering how any man could abandon his child. "This kingdom seems to have a great many orphans."

"Perhaps because we are one of the few kingdoms willing to be kind to them." She rested her hands on his chest as he clung to his crutches for balance. "There's an orphanage in Dunsmore which Papa funds for me. It's my responsibility, my duty to see they are cared for. It is an obligation I relish. When you see what I've done for the children, you'll understand."

He ducked his head sheepishly. "I suppose I acted like a jealous beast before the entire court."

Belle giggled. "You're allowed to let that possessive side of yours to show every now and then," she teased, her tongue darting out to draw her lower lip between her teeth.

Rumpelstiltskin leaned back against the wall behind him and let his crutches go in favor of curling his hands over her hips and pulling her into him. His lips closed over hers as her arms wrapped around his shoulders, her fingers delving into the soft hair at his nape. With his weight supported against the wall, his hands were free to explore. Nothing more than they'd done during their previous forays into intimacy, perhaps less since they'd have to return to the dining hall. She nipped at his lower lip, demanding entrance as he pulled her flush with his groin, his growing erection pressing into her at just the right spot due to her little heels.

He palmed her arse, giving her a firm squeeze as she explored his mouth to her heart's content. In fact, he'd have been quite happy to remain there for another hour or two and never return to the feast if … well, if one of the maids hadn't needed a scrub brush on the shelf over his head and shrieked upon finding him with an armful of princess instead.

"Oh, Rum … Lord Dunsmore … er … I beg your pardon," she stammered, slamming the door with a bang which reverberated through the kitchen.

Mildred was at her side in an instant, as was Mrs. Potts. The woman simply did not tolerate disorder in her kitchens. "What's wrong, Maggie?"

"P-Princess Belle – " she spluttered, pointing to the cupboard.

Mrs. Potts opened the door and then swiftly closed it again, giving Rumpelstiltskin time to set his clothes to rights. "Back to work girls, now."

"Rumpelstiltskin and the princess … Mrs. Potts!" Margaret protested.

"Are you saying they're …" Mildred gushed, her lips curling into a lusty grin. "Do you think they'd be open to a third?"

"Mildred!"

"But –"

"I swear if you don't get back to work, I'll box your ears bloody, girl!" When the two kitchen maids had finally obeyed her command – for fear of violence if nothing else – she cracked the door open. "You two have five minutes to get back to the feast before I fetch the king. What are you thinking, cavorting in the broom cupboard?"

Rumpelstiltskin looked properly chastised, leaning heavily on his crutches. Belle, however, looked smug and supremely satisfied. "Don't fret, Mrs. Potts … you can't blame us for stealing a kiss here and there."

"Go. Off with you now!" she huffed, her cheeks a bit brighter, and it had nothing to do with the heat in the room. "Younguns can't manage to keep their hands to themselves. I hope Princess Lyssa has the wedding preparations well in hand."

Belle giggled and followed her betrothed back to the dining room.

*.*.*

"There you are, love," Killian said, falling into step beside Belle as she and Rumpelstiltskin returned to the festivities. "Slip off for a breather?"

"Not that it's any of your business," Rumpelstiltskin grumbled under his breath from her other side. Unfortunately, the captain didn't have any trouble hearing the snide comment.

Jones chuckled as he snatched a glass of mulled wine from a passing servant. "Ah, it appears I've ruffled your intended's feathers," he said to Belle, his lips lifting into a smug smirk.

"That'll do, Killy. Rum doesn't know you're teasing."

Rumpelstiltskin drew himself up to his full height, which was still a bit shorter than Jones, his back ramrod straight. "I am just not the type of man who likes to share. Nothing personal, I assure you."

"Hmm," Killian hummed, eyeing the spinner speculatively. "It's a love match then?"

"As a matter of fact, it is. You know me well enough to know I'd not marry for any other reason," Belle replied, casting a loving glance at her spinner.

Killian's gaze softened as it settled on her. "I'm happy for you, love. You deserve to have love in your life. I don't know what would've become of me had I not met Esme." He held out his hand to Rumpelstiltskin. "Congratulations, then, mate. I wish you both all the best."

Rumpelstiltskin relaxed a bit and shook the man's hand … for Belle's sake. She leaned up on her toes and pressed a swift sisterly kiss to his cheek. "Thank you, Killy."

"The family and I are setting off tomorrow to visit with Esme's mother in Waltsshire. Perhaps when we return, we might pop in for a visit before we set sail again … if you're amenable?" he asked, finishing off his drink.

"I'd like that."

He bowed to them both and took his leave. Belle could visibly see her love relax. "Don't worry, darling. He'll grow on you."

"Like a fungus?" Rumpel snarked.

Belle's eyes teared with mirth as she hid her wide grin behind her hand. "You're incorrigible tonight."

"Yes, don't know what's gotten into me. Perhaps all the time spent with your brother and Gaston?"

"Perhaps."

She watched him closely as they moved amongst the guests, stopping often for a word here and there. Most of the courtiers were openly curious about the servant turned noble, though there were some who wouldn't accept him for the simple fact that he hadn't gained his title through succession. They could go hang, in her opinion. And then there were a few who eyed him with avarice, wondering how they could gain his favor with his new status putting him so close to the king. She'd have to make sure she helped him steer clear of those.

The evening had been a rousing success, and she was nearly ready to retire. "How's your ankle, darling?" she asked as the lines about his mouth seemed to deepen.

"I'm faring well, Belle. Don't fret," he replied, taking a moment to simply bask in her loveliness. He leaned against the column behind him and twined his fingers with hers. He could block out the noise and chatter of the guests, the lilting music of the minstrels and the merry clinking of glasses and simply be in the moment with the woman he adored above all others.

"Your highness."

He groaned as they were interrupted. And by none other than that horrid woman who'd made the snide comment that Bae was Belle's bastard son whom she'd only just now decided to claim. He hadn't liked her then and he certainly had no feelings of fondness for her now.

Belle kept her smile in place, though the warmth faded from her eyes as she turned to the woman. "Lady Kristina, good evening, dear," she greeted her in a neutral tone. "I hope you are enjoying the feast."

"Yes, highness. I just wanted to congratulate you on your betrothal. It was such a surprise to hear the news. A surprise but no less a welcome one as I know your family has been wishing to marry you off for some time," the noblewoman said with saccharine sweetness.

Belle's eyes narrowed infinitesimally, only those who knew her well would take it for the warning it was. "Yes, they were quite happy."

The woman fluttered her fan before her, her smile tight. "It was really rather fortunate your servant was in such a fortuitous position to come to the prince's aid. It gave Lucern the perfect opportunity to elevate him in status so that you might have him … properly."

Belle's smile slipped away to be replaced with tight-lipped impatience. How dare she imply … Rumpelstiltskin's hand tightened perceptibly around her cold fingers, his polite smile giving way to a smirk before she could unleash her royal temper on the vicious little termagant.

"Lady Kristina, we're so happy you're overjoyed by the prospect of our pending marriage. It warms my heart that you have so much time to ponder our relationship when it would behoove you more to worry about which lady your husband will be bedding this evening." He leaned forward to whisper conspiratorially. "Even now he's got his hand down Lady Rosemont's bodice," he said, nodding in the direction of the alcove behind her.

Kristina's face flushed ten shades of scarlet as she whipped around to see the back of her husband's evening jacket partially hidden behind a potted plant.

Rumpelstiltskin leaned heavily on his crutches, ignoring the pain in his ankle as he smiled at Belle. "Dearest, might you allow me to escort you out onto the terrace for a breath of air? The room is a bit stifling at the moment."

Belle bit her lower lip to keep her laughter at bay and curled her hand into the crook of his elbow. "I would love to, Rum. Shall we?" As if as an afterthought, she cast a dismissive look down her nose at the odious noblewoman. "Good evening, Lady Kristina."

She was able to stifle her giggles only long enough to reach the terrace. "Gods, Rum! That was absolutely bloody brilliant! What has gotten into you?"

He leaned against the balustrade and set his crutches aside, looping his arms about her waist to pull her against him. "I don't know what you mean, my love," he murmured silkily, burying his face against the ivory column of her throat.

Belle wrapped her arms about his shoulders and pressed a kiss to his temple. "You're changing right before my eyes, and I'm not sure how I feel about it." She searched his face as he leaned back to look up at her. "I love it that you're gaining confidence and finding a level of comfort in this new role my brother has cast upon you, but … Rumpelstiltskin, I fell in love with a sweet, shy spinner. Please don't let him get lost in there, ok?"

"Oh, my Belle," he sighed. "I'm still me, dearest. But I wasn't going to let her talk to you like that," he explained, his hand curling about her nape as his thumb caressed the smooth curve of her jaw. "Let her worry about her own little intrigues and leave us out of them, yes?"

His lips teased at the corner of her mouth as she hummed her pleasure. "I can't wait until we marry and retire to Dunsmore. It will be nice to be away from palace affairs."

"Alone in our own home," he murmured, his lips ghosting over hers.

"Just me and you and Bae …"

"And perhaps another little one to add to our little family?" he hinted. "A precocious daughter to chase after the bunnies with Bae?"

Her lips stretched wide beneath his, smiling into his kiss. "Yes, my love. Our perfect little family." She created enough distance between them so she could stare up into his adoring gaze. "I do so love you, Rumpel."

He kissed the tip of her nose and gathered her close to his chest. "Oh, Belle … I love you, too."

A/N: I think he did quite well, don't you? I finished this chapter last night. Never have I cut it so close to posting lol. With Christmas week looming ahead, I'm not going to promise there will be a chapter of this story ready for Friday … but I will try. I have a lovely secret Santa fic (separate from the tumblr event) that will be posted on Christmas which I hope you will all read and enjoy. I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday filled with love and laughter. Christmas cheer for you all and best wishes! Be safe!

Fic rec this week is 'A Different Curse' by ChloeWinchester. It's a Rumbelle fic with a True Blood twist and if you're not reading it, you're seriously missing out. It's fabulotastic!

Mistletoe kisses for my lovely reviewers: Wondermorena, MyraValhallah, minterwint, Primu, Guest, lovepeacebubble121x, fire90, Melstrife, Witch Nova, Twyla Mercedes, Grace5231973, Songbird1986, Warm hugs (chap 3), onlyinyourdreams77, Erik'sTrueAngel, VictorianSpirit, jeananne64, Alaksandra, DearieGleek, Kimiko Kuraichi Miyako, and CLKit.