Every night from then on was spent in each other's arms, Belle never going to bed without Rumplestiltskin. He could never shake the feeling of something being off, so he required Belle to be with him at all times. To her dismay, he didn't allow her to venture off to explore the castle alone, no matter how much she begged. She didn't understand why, he had told her they were alone, that they were safe, what was the problem? Yet, she wasn't going to disobey him. In time she felt he would grant her that freedom.

Rumplestiltskin spent the majority of his time making potions and spells in his lab located at the top of the east tower. At first Belle was intrigued as she watched him work diligently with magic. She asked question after question, learning more and more each day. Some potions were "just in case" potions, while others might be the key to finding Baelfire.

However, she was growing weary of having to stay with him all the time; she wanted desperately to get to know her new home. Eventually as time went by, her curiosity, excessive questioning, and clumsiness grew to be too frustrating for Rumple, causing him to make mistake after mistake. She was ecstatic when he finally gave her permission to come and go as she pleased as long as she didn't go outside alone. With a swift kiss on the cheek and a thank you, Belle was out the door and down the steps to discover her the castle.

As days turned into weeks, Rum worked and Belle enjoyed exploring all the rooms of the castle, amazed with the massive amount of items that Rumple had collected over the years. Every room contained something different, and each day she couldn't wait to go through them.

As she ventured deeper and deeper she still couldn't get over the feeling she felt from day one, that she was being watched, but there was never anyone there. It was creepy, but she just took it as being one of only two people in such a big, dark, lonely palace.

There were several rooms Rumplestiltskin had told her to stay away from. He knew that would only spark her curiosity, but he warned her of the danger, and just to make sure she wouldn't disobey him, he promised one day he'd go with her to show her what was in them. She was fine with that arrangement, she had plenty to look at, and every item in his castle intrigued her.

"Tell me about this one," Belle said one afternoon as she held up a dusty gold lamp. They were in the main hall, Belle examining all the items that were on display while Rumplestiltskin sat at his spinning wheel.

"Careful," he warned, "Shake it around too much, some wandering genie will move in and then you've got wishes."

Belle looked at it slightly confused, "We don't want wishes?"

Rumplestiltskin looked at her seriously and spoke in a clipped tone, "We. Don't. Want. Wishes."

Belle nodded, setting the lamp back down where she found it, not wanting to accidentally do what he just warned her about. She moved over to the next pedital where a large sheepskin hung that shone like gold. "And what's this one? I've never heard of a gold sheep."

"That's called the Golden Fleece. It's very ancient. It's supposed to be the skin of a gold flying sheep that rescued children."

Belle's mouth fell open in disbelief, "That's insane. A flying sheep?"

The wheel stopped, and Rumple stood, taking a few steps toward her, almost dancing as he walked. He grinned and leaned in toward her fanning his fingers out as he spoke, "It was reported to be spectacular."

She grinned and shoved him playfully, "I don't buy a word of it and I think it's called the Golden Fleece because someone cheated you out of whatever you paid."

He laughed, "I can assure you my dear, that no one has ever cheated me out of anything, at least not without me knowing about it."

Belle smiled at him and watched as he walked back over to the table to pour himself a cup of tea in the cup she had chipped so long ago. She glanced over at the Golden Fleece once again. The talk of a sheep saving children, brought up a concern that she had meant to talk to Rumplestiltskin about, but had never found the right moment. He had once told her that he took newborns as payment in his deals, and she was more than curious to why he did it. She meandered her way over to Rumple casually twisting her hands in her skirts. "I do have one question though."

"By all means, ask."

"You never harmed children did you?"

Her question took him aback. He had never expected her to ask such a thing. "What makes you ask that?"

"The fleece, it reminded me of what you told me once before, how you took children. Honestly, I'm not even sure if you were telling the truth or just trying to push me away at the time."

He nodded averting his gaze from her and frowned, but not speaking right away.

Belle instantly felt bad for bringing the subject up. They were having such a good time, and now she ruined it.

"I swear to you Belle, I have never harmed a child and never would." His words were sincere.

"But you do take newborns?"

"Only in exchange for goods and services, but never against a mother's will," he looked back at her sadly, "But many times I did make it impossible for them to refuse. I told you who I was Belle, that I've done many horrible things."

She nodded, understanding, but she still wanted to know more. "Why did you even ask for them?"

"I wanted to give them a better life. Most of the time the parents weren't fit to be so, and if they so willingly gave up their child for riches or love that only enforced my assumptions. I always found the children a more suitable home."

Belle obviously didn't agree with what he had done, but that was in his past. Still in a way, she could sense that he felt like he was helping the children, rescuing them like the gold sheep he spoke of in his story. Perhaps he felt bad for abandoning his own son and this was his way of making up for it.

There was a moment of awkward silence, and Belle looked around the room mindlessly. She needed to change the subject, she had gotten her answers, and now she wished her husband to be in the playful mood she liked. Seeing all the things in the castle, thinking about how big it was, suddenly it hit her with what to say, "What happened to all your servants after my father took over?"

He looked at her as if she should have known the answer, "Why have servants when I have magic at my fingertips?"

Belle furrowed her brow at his meaning, "So, you lived here all alone?"

"Aye."

"You must've been so lonely."

Rumplestiltskin scoffed, "You get used to it."

Belle could tell he was trying to hide behind his wall again. She moved to where she stood right next to him, "I don't think so, anyone would get lonely."

He gave her a half-hearted smile, but didn't reply. He only fiddled with the chipped rim of his teacup. She was trying to improve his mood, but she felt she was just making it worse. Yet, she wasn't going to give up, "Rum, if my father had never captured you do you think our paths still would have crossed?"

"Of course," he said without even thinking about it and setting the cup down.

Belle was surprised how sure of himself he sounded. "How do you know?"

"True love always has a way of bringing two people together."

Belle smiled as she interlocked her fingers with his and kissed him sweetly on the cheek.

Rumplestiltskin's sour mood seemed to begin to fade away steering more toward the playful one. "Besides, if your father never captured me, he would have eventually called on me for help with war or for some other reason." He stood and moved to where he was standing in front of her, but he didn't let her hand go.

"Oh? And would you have helped him?"

"Yes dearest, but for a price." He held a finger in the air.

She shook her head and smiled, "Always a price. What would you have asked for?"

"Well as you can see I have a very large estate. Place is filthy, so having you become my caretaker would have been the only acceptable offer."

She cocked her head and narrowed her eyes, "And what if he said no?"

Rumplestiltskin reached up and stroked her cheek, "Well, you being my brave and very curious Belle, would have come on your own accord to save your kingdom."

"You think so?"

He bent in closer to where their noses were almost touching, "I know so."

"My father would have never believed you wanted me as your caretaker. He would have assumed you wanted me for well…" The color of her face turned a bright crimson red. She had been with her husband plenty of times, but still sometimes she felt awkward mentioning the subject, even when it was just the two of them.

"Well, I wasn't looking for love…or that. I would have been truthful in my words. A caretaker you would have been."

"So you wouldn't have been looking for love but you would have found it."

"Exactly."

Belle smiled brightly up at him before bringing her lips to his. Rumple pulled his hands up to her neck before coaxing her to open her mouth, letting their tongues meet. The kiss was long and full of emotion, full of the love they felt for one another. When they finally broke away, both of them were breathless.

"I need to work in my tower again today," Rumplestiltskin stated as he rested his forehead against Belle's, "You're welcome to join me."

Belle nodded, taking his arm letting him lead the way. As they passed by all the rooms on the way to the east tower, she wondered about what room he had had in mind for her before she choose to stay with him in his old bedroom. If what he said had been reality, if she had come here as his caretaker, where would he have put her? "So which one of these many rooms would have been my room?"

Rumple spoke without even having to think, "Oh dearest…the dungeon."

As many times as Rumplestiltskin teased her, and even though this time his tone was still teasing, she knew he was being serious. She stopped short and her eyes widened, "The dungeon?!"

He let out a maniacal giggle. "Well I couldn't have you running off now could I? Plus it's more fun that way! He he!"

"Well, I wouldn't have run away. If I made a deal with you, then I wouldn't break it. And eventually in time, I would have seen the good in you and wanted to stay."

Rumplestiltskin was silent for a moment, his demeanor becoming serious, "I know you would have." He felt bad because it seemed no matter what they were meant to be together. This beautiful, sweet woman was meant to end up living a life with a monster, a monster that didn't deserve her.

Belle seemed to sense what he was thinking even though he said nothing. She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, "You do deserve happiness Rum. Please don't forget that."

He gave her a small smile and a nod before they continued up to his lab. It had been a couple of days since Belle had been up there, and it didn't surprise Rumplestiltskin when she was drawn to what was bubbling in the cauldron. "Watch it dearest. Remember what happened last time you went near my potions."

Belle nodded and kept her distance, but continued admiring everything. "What are you working on?" Belle asked, eyeing the colorful potion sitting atop his workbench.

"Just a little potion that may be very handy in the future."

Belle wasn't sure if he was just being vague, if he really knew what it was for and didn't want to say, or if it was just for that maybe that may come to be. She wasn't going to say anything else on the matter until she saw him add something unusual to it, causing it to began glowing a bright shade of pink. "Was that a hair?!"

Rum never looked up from what he was doing, but his eyes shot in her direction as he attempted to come up with an explanation about what he was doing.

To his relief, he never had to, as both of their focus was lost as they heard a bunch of commotion coming from outside. For a fraction of a second they both panicked, thinking after all this time of being left alone, Belle's father had finally come after her. Instinctively, Rum put out an arm to stop her from going over to the window before him. As he looked out the window he was about to breathe a sigh of relief until he realized whom it was. The realization caused him to roll his eyes instead. Belle noticed and she stepped up beside him and looked out the window to see a man running up the trail to the Dark Castle. He was very buff, carrying what looked like a tent on his back. "Who is that?"

"A woman I never thought you'd have to succumb to meeting."

Belle became concerned. What could be so bad about this woman that would make Rumple not want them to meet? "Who is she?"

"She's just a lot to handle."

"Well, how would you describe her?"

"Scary beyond all reason."

His answer was odd and confusing to Belle, but if she wanted to know, then she was just going to have to meet her herself. Belle was NOT going to let Rumple make her hid away. Luckily, she knew he wanted her to stay with him because he asked her to follow him back down to the main hall. "And who's that man with her?" she asked as they walked.

"Her right hand man. Every decade or so she gets a new one."

The woman then came busting through the doors before Rum could even invite her in. "RUMPLESTILTSKIN!" she screamed at the top of her lungs. Her right hand man walked in silently behind her.

"No need to shout I'm standing right here dearie," Rumplestiltskin stated in a normal tone.

Belle peeked around Rumple's shoulder and instantly became fascinated with the woman. She was odd, both in the way she dressed and the way she acted. She wore a long, bright, purple dress, that hung way too low, barely leaving anything to the imagination. Her hat matched her dress, and so did her excessive amounts of makeup that was caked on her eyes. Her eyelashes were excessively long and she had earrings that hung so low they fell past her shoulders. Belle wasn't quite sure what to think.

"I need a potion!" the woman barked.

"Whatever for Yzma?" Rumplestiltskin replied quietly.

"Kuzco, sacked me and I must have my revenge! With him out of the way and no heir to the throne, I'll be able to take over the empire!"

"Why didn't you visit the Great Wizard Jenkins or Pendragon for what you needed?" Rumplestiltskin despised the fact that she came to him. Out of everyone he'd ever met Yzma was the only one he never wanted to make deals with. He just couldn't stand the woman, so he always referred her to other wizards before dealing with her himself. He didn't even take the time to consider why she hadn't asked or not known why he had been missing for almost a year. He knew the woman was so self-centered that she was oblivious to anything and everything if it didn't concern her.

"I did, but neither of them were available, so I had to come to you Rumple." She leaned in and batted her eyes at him, "So, do you have something that will work?"

Rumple sighed heavily and backed away from her, disgusted, "Very well, how about one that will turn him into a harmless little flea?"

Yzma gasped loudly and stood straight up, clearly excited over the speculation, "A flea! It's brilliant, brilliant!" She scrunched her arms together moving her hands along with the words seemingly talking to herself, "A harmless little flea, then I could put that flea into a box, then put that box in another box, and then mail it to myself, and then when the box arrives…" she paused to take a deep breath and the volume of her voice increased to manic screaming, "THEN I CAN SMASH IT WITH A HAMMER!"

Belle looked over at Rumple as Yzma laughed out loud over her evil plan, unsure of what to think of this woman. Rumple rolled his eyes again, this time in a playful manner toward Belle, and she placed a hand over her mouth to stifle a giggle, but neither of their guests caught on to their mockery.

Rumple turned his attention back to Yzma, "Why don't you come with me to my lab and I'll see what I can find?"

"Yes, yes, let's go." She began heading toward where Rumple motioned, but stopped just realizing what she hadn't before. Turning to look at Belle she beamed happily, clasping her hands together "Why Rumple, I see you finally took my advice and got yourself an assistant!"

Belle blushed, and as Yzma looked her over, she felt as if she was on display like some kind of trophy.

"More of a caretaker," Rumple explained, and as Belle furrowed her brow at him, clearly about to scold him, he shook his head indicating she shouldn't say anything. "Now Yzma, shall we?"

As Belle watched Yzma eagerly follow Rumple out of the room, she felt aggravated he didn't tell the truth about their relationship. Yes, Yzma seemed a little crazy, but what would have been the harm in telling the truth? From what Belle could see she didn't have anything against Rum. Yet she couldn't be certain, she had only just met the woman.

Belle was so engrossed in her thoughts, that she forgot the man that was in the room with her, Yzma's right hand man.

"So, Rumplestiltskin's assistant huh?" he asked, "How you likin that job?"

Belle stood there with her arms crossed in frustration, "I'm not his assistant, I'm his wife!"

"Oh, well. That's different. Yes. Much different than an assistant." He began to stumble over his words, mumbling where Belle couldn't really understand him.

Belle sighed and tried to relax. She didn't need to get an attitude with this man she didn't know. He hadn't done anything. She smiled at him, "I'm Belle."

"Kronk. Nice to meet you."

Belle didn't really know what to say to the stranger she just met, and she wasn't sure how much Rumplestiltskin really wanted her to talk to him. He was another sorcerer's assistant after all. Even though it wasn't hard to tell Rumplestiltskin did not like Yzma, it was too early to tell if Yzma was really someone who had a vendetta against him. Still, Kronk was a guest in her home, and she was going to treat him like one. Especially while Rumple left her alone with him while he conducted business. It was past lunchtime, her stomach was growling, and she had yet to eat. "Are you hungry? May I offer you something to eat, or some freshly brewed tea?"

"That would be lovely thank you." Kronk replied politely.

Belle nodded, then led him into the kitchen to retrieve tea and a meal.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

As they stepped into the lab, Rumplestiltskin went over to the bookshelf where he had all his completed potions organized and labeled. Finding the spot where there was a picture of a flea, there sat an empty bottle, "Sorry, all out of flea elixir, you're out of luck dearie."

"Poison then! Surely you don't have a shortage of that!" Yzma scoffed. She rubbed her hands together, "Yes, poison I need poison."

Glancing back at the bookshelf, he found a purple potion and handed it to her, "Here. Just pore this into his drink and he won't taste a difference."

Yzma took the vial, held it between her hands, looked at it, and shivered, "OOOOOH, I can feel the power!"

Rumplestiltskin cocked one eyebrow, "If you say so."

"What was that?"

"Nothing, now is that all you require?"

Yzma seemed not to hear Rumple's words, still entranced by her newly acquired potion, "And you're sure it will work?"

Rumple laughed her off, "Have my potions ever failed you in the past?"

"No I guess not, KRONK!" she called expecting him to be right at her side, but her focus was still on the potion. "Now about payment…What'll it cost me?" She narrowed her eyes, trying to look innocent, "I'm afraid I don't have much to offer…unless." Yzma sat the potion down moving in closer.

Rumplestiltskin was accustomed to her tricks, and clearly disgusted by her advance. Never in a million years would he even touch that woman. Even if he did, she might fall apart because he wasn't sure what was holding her together. "Oh, this ones on me dearie." He said swiftly moving to the other side of the table.

Yzma froze, confused, "Wait, what, why?"

"Let's just say you're not the only one who finds that brat excessively annoying."

Yzma, always known for being very gullible, didn't second guess Rumple whatsoever, nor accuse him of having an ulterior motive. "Grreeaaattt! I'll be on my way then! The sooner I give this to Kuzco, the better. KRONK!"

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Oh, geez, I can't just stand here and watch while you basically butcher those potatoes."

Belle looked up at Kronk confused then back at the potatoes she was chopping for the stew she planned to put on for lunch. Being a princess, everything had always been done for her; she had never had to cook before. She knew she wasn't the best at it. Despite Rumple's objections, she insisted on learning. She felt weird eating food that was made by magic, although she gave into it once in a while. The books Rum brought her were helping and she was only just learning, but still, she was just chopping potatoes. What could she possibly be doing wrong?. "I don't understand, what's wrong with the way I'm chopping them?"

Kronk gave her a confident smile, "Here. Why don't I show you?"

Belle nodded, moving aside so he could take over. As she watched intently, Kronk began chopping flawlessly. Once he finished the potatoes, he proceeded to pull out pots, pans, and other foods. He put on a show for her as he made the most exquisite meal. It was mesmerizing watching how he worked with the vegetables and other ingredients with such grace. It was obvious he knew exactly what he was doing.

Belle couldn't help but gawk at what an amazing cook he was, and when they sat down to eat, she had never tasted anything so close to heaven before. "Kronk, I've never had food so amazing. This is wonderful."

"Why yes thank you. I am known for my cooking skills," he bragged.

"I wish I could cook this good. Apparently I can't even chop potatoes."

"It takes practice, don't worry. You'll get there."

Belle looked at him expectantly, "Perhaps you could teach me? Do you and Yzma visit often?"

Kronk spoke between bites, "Not too much. Hadn't been in a while. Yzma's been busy with other things."

"How is it, working for Yzma?"

"Well you know, it could be better, but the pay is good. Great benefits too. Just have to put up with the mood swings." Kronk tilted his head and smiled at Belle jokingly.

"Yes, this is the first time I've met her, but it seems like that would be hard to get use to."

"No offense, though, but, aren't you married to the Dark One? You know, the dealmaker, the maker of deals, the guy that makes the deals happen, deals for babies, babies are what he deals for…"

Belle stirred her spoon in the stew, watching as the liquid swirled, "I know it sounds bad, the things you've probably heard about him, the things he's done, but there's good in him. I've always seen it. It's just something evil has taken root in him. But, as long as I'm by his side, the good will always shine."

Kronk was about to respond when they were startled by loud shouting, "Kronk! Where are you!? It's time to go! KRONK!"

Kronk stuck his head out of the kitchen door, "Just a moment, we're finishing lunch!"

Yzma followed his voice stopping when she came to the kitchen, "Well pack it to go because we've got things to do."

Kronk frowned, "But don't you want to try some of my spinach puffs?"

"NO KRONK LET'S GO!" she argued through clenched teeth, clearly impatient and ready to be on the road.

Kronk's lip puckered out in an effort not to cry and he turned away.

Yzma sighed heavily and rolled her eyes, "Fine Kronk." She held her hand out, "I'll try ONE…then we leave."

Kronk immediately perked up, handing one to Yzma, then held the plate out for Rumplestiltskin who had just stepped into the kitchen right behind Yzma. Rumplestiltskin's eye's conspicuously went to the plate then to Kronk. He frowned.

"Spinach puffs…" Kronk told him thinking Rumplestiltskin didn't know what they were, not sensing Rumple was actually agitated about the offer.

Belle instantly hoped up from the table and ran to their side before Rumple could get angry, "They are lovely Rum. You would enjoy them!"

"Yes, Kronk does make the best spinach puffs," Yzma said with a mouthful of one, grabbing another off the tray and popping it into her mouth as well.

Rumplestiltskin was just ready for Yzma to be gone so he chose to play along, "Yes. Leave them on the table and I'll have one soon enough."

That was good enough for Belle and Kronk and he put the puffs back on the kitchen table. After Kronk set the tray down, Yzma began badgering him again, "Now Kronk let's go!"

Kronk nodded then looked at Belle, "It was a pleasure. Perhaps next week same time?"

Belle smiled and curtsied. "Perhaps," she replied with a giggle.

"Krroooooonnnnnkkkkk!" Yzma's patience was nonexistent.

"Yeah Yzma, I'm coming," he said hurrying off to follow her out of the castle.

As they left, Belle was about to offer Rumplestiltskin some lunch, when she caught part of Yzma's and Kronk conversation before they made it outside.

"Yzma did you get the poison?" she heard Kronk ask expectantly.

"Yes Kronk, it's genius! Kuzco has no idea who he's dealing with!" Yzma ended her statement with loud laughter and the slamming of the castle door.

"Wait poison?" Belle exclaimed as the words just registered with her. She whirled around to face Rumplestiltskin with a look that said he was clearly in trouble if he didn't explain himself.

Rumplestiltskin grinned at her and playfully rolled his eyes, "I didn't really give her poison dearest."

"Then what was it?"

"It was a potion that for whomever drinks it turns into a llama."

"A llama? Rumplestiltskin?! How is that any better?"

"Well for one he's not dead," Rumple said as if it was a positive thing.

Belle eyed him in a way that told him she didn't want him to play around.

Rumplestiltskin was enjoying her reaction and he was feeling proud of his trick, "That boy could stand to be taught a lesson or two."

Belle was still angry, "That doesn't mean he deserves to be transformed into an animal!"

"Well I could have given her the poison and just let him die."

"You could have told her no, and given her nothing at all."

He leaned toward her and pointed a finger in the air, "She would have found what she wanted somewhere!"

Belle huffed and couldn't think of a comeback. "Well, then, how is he going to turn back into a human?"

"You read plenty of books my Belle, you should know how it works. Faults, adventure, self-realization, life lessons, a happy ending."

Belle let her anger fade, deciding she could trust him. He seemed to be trying to do good for her, but she knew she couldn't change him completely. Nor did she want to. She had fallen in love with him for who he was not what she wanted him to be. She remembered he could see the future, and so the way he played with words, she was certain he knew whatever his methods may be, this emperor would not remain a llama.

Belle reached over and grabbed his hand, "Ok, I trust you."

Rumplestiltskin gave her a unsure look, taken aback by her words. He knew she loved him, she proved that over and over again, and she even married him. He knew she trusted him, but to hear her say it was a different thing entirely. The smile he gave her was one of gratitude, one that actually showed part of who he really was and not one of his many masks he wore.

She looked at him lovingly, ready to kiss him, but before they could, the double doors swinging open once again interrupted them.

Rumplestiltskin, very agitated, looked up expecting to see Yzma again. He assumed she had forgotten something or wanted something more, but was surprised when standing before them, wasn't the cranky old woman, but an eccentric young man with a top hat sitting haphazardly on his head.

He was looking at them with the biggest grin on his face as he spoke, "Well Rumple old man, sorry to break up the party, but I'm in need of your assistance."

Belle looked back and forth between her husband and the new visitor, "Rum?" she asked, questioning with her voice who this man was.

Rumple stood up straight and smiled very gentlemanly-like, "My dear Belle, may introduce to you Jefferson, an old acquaintance of mine." He looked over at Jefferson, giving one of his impish smiles Belle was more accustomed to seeing from him when they were around others. He spoke with a giggle in his voice, "Or more commonly known as the Mad Hatter!"

Next: Well of course Wonderland!