III

Rumpelstiltskin brought Belle to the highest point of the foothills overlooking the northern boundaries of her kingdom. The morning sun shone brightly behind them, highlighting the copper notes of her chestnut locks, and warming her pale skin. This far south in the marshlands, the early autumn air was still pleasant unlike the chill which had already come to the dark mountain where their castle nestled into the valley. Yet, the verdant lands and sparkling sea to the east in all its beauty couldn't hold a candle to the pleasure on his little maid's face.

Dainty hands lifted to her lush lips as unshed tears made her azure eyes look luminescent. "Oh, Rumpel … just look at it," she breathed reverently, her voice no more than a whisper as it carried on the breeze.

He couldn't take his eyes off of her, however. Her happiness, written so plainly upon her lovely features, held him captivated. He was all too aware of what she'd expected to see. A land ravaged by war was oft times prey to pestilence and disease due to the dead and dying, the lands infertile because of the amount of blood spilled into the soil. The sheer size of an entire horde of ogres would have made the devastation so much worse.

Tears spilled over her lashes as her hand sought his sleeve, pulling herself closer to him. "It's like a jewel set amidst a barren wasteland."

Everywhere she looked the land produced greenery and vegetation whether it be crops in the fields or flowers and shrubs. Peasants and nobles alike bustled about on the streets of the city proper, going about their business, the shops open and welcoming trade. The docks along the wharf were teeming with tradesmen, eager to have the ships unload their cargo onto the waiting wagons. Masons were busy at work restoring the stone walls surrounding the land and repairing the gaping holes which had been there when Rumpelstiltskin had whisked Belle away from Avonlea.

The Dark One shrugged, refusing to let her see how affected he was by her happiness. It was just another deal, and he'd followed it to the letter. "Pleased, are you?" he asked, a cocky grin curving his mouth.

Belle arched a brow at him. "You agreed to rid my kingdom of the ogres, Rumpelstiltskin," she said dryly, waving a hand to encompass the land spread before them. "There was nothing in the contract stating you would rejuvenate the lands or the city."

He opened his mouth to offer a witty rejoinder, only to close it once more and draw his fist up to rest against his chest when he found her closer than she'd been a moment ago. His tongue felt like sandpaper against his teeth and all he could think of was how brightly her cerulean eyes sparkled in the morning sunlight. "It was a good investment," he squeaked.

Her lips twitched with suppressed mirth at his discomfort. "Mhmm."

The mage drew himself up and took a step back, desperately needing a bit of space between them. "You wished for your family and friends to live, did you not?"

"Of course, but I fail to see –"

"How were they supposed to survive if once the ogres were banished, they died off because of plague or famine?" He giggled, appeased when she opened her mouth to argue. "Why give you a loophole to use to your advantage. It's forever, dearie."

Belle sighed and shook her head at him. "You think yourself so clever. Hmph!" He winced as she jabbed him in the chest with a sharp fingernail. "I'll have you know, I'm quite happy with our deal – as I've told you more than once - and I'll not be the one to break it." Her wily master sucked in a sharp breath when she rubbed the spot she'd poked with gentle strokes of her fingers. "I doubt the Gods will strike you down with lightning should you admit to doing a good deed, Rumpel."

"Don't fool yourself, princess; lightning bloody well hurts," he giggled, his own way to change the subject. She took off down the hill before he could recover his wits, and he had to hurry to catch up with her. His hand curled gently around her bicep, pulling her to a halt. "And just where do you think you're running off to, hm?"

Belle pointed to the city below them and arched a brow.

"No, no, no," he lamented, shaking his head. "How would that look, dearie? Besides, you'd be mobbed the moment you set foot through the gates. And that's if they dared approach you at all." The last was muttered beneath his breath as he fought with the small amount of guilt he felt at taking her away from her beloved kinsmen.

She rolled her eyes and tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow. "Pomp and ceremony to the last." Looking down at the heel of his boot, she chuckled. "I don't suppose I'd fancy a walk in those boots either … master."

Rumpelstiltskin felt a shiver roll through his wiry frame as his lips parted in surprise. His little maid was practically purring, and he had to wonder if she were doing it on purpose just to get a rise out of him.

Something is definitely on the rise, Spinner.

Shut it, you fiend!

The sorcerer tsked his tongue against the roof of his mouth and glared down at her with a look of exasperation. She never had liked his over-the-top footwear. "Did you wish to stand here debating fashion, or did you want to visit with your father? I believe that was the whole point of this excursion, after all."

Belle bit her lip to hide her grin. "Oh, by all means," she agreed, "and I do hope you're planning to put forth your best behavior."

With a tug of his magic, they were easily transported to the entrance hall of her father's palace. Rumpelstiltskin sputtered at her, "I don't know what you're implying, little maid –"

A shriek to Belle's left had her arching a perfectly sculpted brow in his direction as if to tell him 'I told you so'. It was followed by the running of feet. On Rumpelstiltskin's right, two maids – horrified by the sight of the Dark One in the hall – ran into one another and dropped the heavy serving platters they were carrying to the banquet hall.

Belle winced. "Perhaps we should have sent Papa a missive to warn everyone of our arrival."

More chaos ensued before every last occupant in the nearby vicinity had deserted the hall, which the mage watched with mounting boredom. "I believe it would have done little good, dearie."

The former princess rolled her eyes and tugged on her master's arm, propelling him forward and deeper into the palace. To anyone who might be spying on them, it would appear the unlikely couple were simply out for a leisurely stroll through the corridors. Belle, however, knew better. She could clearly feel the tension beneath her hand where it rested on his arm and nearly radiated from his every pore.

A blackened nail at the tip of one lone finger traced idly over the diamonds and pearls adorning her wrist, but she didn't have time to question him about the action, nor the warning she could read in his amber gaze. They were both distracted by the hurried slapping of boots against stone. The distance to her father's council chambers wasn't far. Surely, some frightened servant had rushed to the king to weave some tale about narrowly escaping the Dark One's clutches. She could have wished her father could have sent someone else to fetch her, however.

"Highness," the man oozed, the oily strain of his voice washing over her like a pestilence, "we'd feared never to see you again."

The Dark One bit back a growl as the man clasped Belle's free hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. His curse whispered furiously at the back of his mind, none of it pleasant, and his lips thinned as they compressed into a tight line of displeasure.

As if sensing her master's discomfiture, Belle quickly snatched her hand back and hid it amongst the folds of her skirt. "Chancellor Badeaux, how lovely to see you once more. I pray your family is well," she replied diplomatically. It wouldn't do to cause an incident before she was even allowed to see her dear papa.

The two guards flanking the king's most trusted advisor watched the Dark One warily, and she wondered how long the man would wish to bandy trivial pleasantries about when she'd rather get down to the heart of the matter. There really was no telling how long the mage's patience would last.

"They are quite well, highness, especially now that the unpleasantness of the ogres has been laid to rest."

The chancellor still hadn't acknowledged Rumpelstiltskin's presence at her side, and she could feel her anger growing. "I'm happy to hear it." She waved a hand in the direction of the king's council chambers and settled her princess mask into place. "Rumpelstiltskin and I were just on our way to see my father."

Dark eyes finally fell upon the Dark One, and the man dipped into a respectful bow. "Dark One, welcome. His majesty, King Maurice, is anxious to meet with you. Forgive my hesitation in welcoming you. I was overcome with gratitude to see our fair princess home once again."

Rumpelstiltskin waved him on, already wishing he'd never agreed to this folly. "Well, do lead on, dearie. Let's not keep him waiting." He waited until the chancellor was out of earshot before leaning in close to Belle. "I don't think I much care for him, little maid. Your father trusts him?"

She hummed her disapproval. "Yes, he's Papa's right hand. Badeaux has never given him a reason not to trust him. He's a brilliant statesman. He also happens to be Papa's dearest and closest friend."

"But …"

Belle chuckled, having known he'd hear the subtle undertones of her explanation. "He fancies himself a ladies man. I find him revolting, but he serves Avonlea well."

Rumpelstiltskin sneered at the man's back. He refused to admit to having felt a stab of jealousy when Badeaux had kissed Belle's hand in greeting. "Then it's a good thing we're not here to meddle in politics. We'll leave that mess to your father."

She gave his arm a reassuring squeeze. "Yes, let's." She was practically giddy with excitement. "I can't wait to see the recovery effort up close and hear details of what my father has accomplished thus far."

The mage couldn't bite back a crooked grin as he took in the radiance of her own smile. "Because of your sacrifice, dearie. Let's not forget that. All that has happened is due to your own selflessness." He watched her flush with pleasure at his words … and then ruined it. "Had it been left to the king, the ogres would have laid waste to Avonlea and continued their trek to the north."

Belle rolled her eyes and jabbed him in the side with her elbow. "Must you always be so negative?"

Rumpelstiltskin giggled. "Of course, dearie, it's in my nature."

"Well, you could try to curb such tendencies. You -" A familiar gasp cut her off, drawing her sharp gaze in its direction. She had been so deeply involved in her discussion with her irascible master, she hadn't realized they'd reached their destination.

The king of Avonlea's icy blue eyes darted between the Dark One and Belle, tears threatening to spill over his lashes at the sight of his daughter. "Rumpelstiltskin … ah, welcome … welcome to Avonlea," he stammered. Maurice wanted nothing more than to rush to her side and gather her up into his arms, but he wasn't sure how the Dark One would react.

Rumpelstiltskin could feel the tension in his little caretaker's hand where it rested in the crook of his elbow, her desire to greet her father nearly tangible. He bowed low to the king in acknowledgement. "Sire, I must say, I was intrigued by your little invitation."

"I assure you, it was extended as a gesture of friendship," Maurice assured diplomatically.

Belle squeezed his arm, her nails digging into his flesh through the silk of his sleeve, eyes pleading and desperate. "Rumpel …"

The sorcerer patted her hand and gave an almost imperceptible nod of his head. Her smile was blinding as she released his arm and flew over the flagstones to reach her father. The distraction gave him the opportunity to cast his gaze over the council members present in the room.

"Oh, Petal," the king gushed, tears falling freely over his ruddy face. "I hadn't dared to hope he would bring you with him. Gods, how I've missed you."

"Papa …" Belle cried, burrowing her face against his big barrel chest.

Maurice sniffed audibly and gently gripped her upper arms, holding her at arm's length so he could have a good look at her. "You look wonderful, daughter. I had feared -"

Belle covered his lips with her fingertips. "None of that now, Papa. Rumpelstiltskin has been a true gentleman and an easy master. I am caretaker of the Dark Castle, nothing more."

The Dark One glared at the king. No doubt, every man in the room thought the princess had been forced to warm Rumpelstiltskin's bed. Fools all. Better to change the subject before the entire room was slithering with snails.

"As lovely as this little reunion might be, I was under the impression we would be touring the kingdom," the mage piped in before an argument could ensue between his maid and her father.

"Of course, yes," Maurice declared, straightening his spine, and gesturing towards the door of the council chamber. He only faltered once when Belle tucked her hand in his elbow, still not quite believing she was there at his side.

Rumpelstiltskin allowed the king to move ahead of him, finding it more prudent to be able to keep a close eye on his little dearie. For the sake of her safety, he tried to convince himself.

He wasn't happy to find two of the king's knights leading the contingent and another two bringing up the rear, leaving the chancellor to fall in step with him. The mage didn't particularly care for the man, but apparently his presence was needed to answer any of his questions since Maurice was already deep in discussion with Belle. He asked himself for the hundredth time that morning why he had accepted the invitation.

Because you're besotted with your maid, the darkness – this time Delphine - responded eagerly. It's a sad state of affairs, that, letting the chit run roughshod over the Dark One.

Rumpelstiltskin sighed and ignored the voices in his head as they had a good laugh at his expense. He didn't have time to dwell on them when he could make better use of his time watching the joy on Belle's face.

Maids and footmen scurried about, cleaning the messes which had been made in the chaos of the Dark One's arrival. He was certain they'd been chastised for their clumsiness. If the king had assured his people that the Dark One was a friend of Avonlea, the populace had no reason to fear him. Then again, old superstitions were hard to lay to rest.

Belle tensed as they neared the door leading into the palace courtyard, but lifted her chin and adopted her princess mein. She wouldn't allow anyone to think she was ashamed of her sacrifice. There would always be whispers regarding her relationship with the Dark One, but she refused to let them affect her.

Once they reached the gates and moved onto the cobblestone street leading into the city, it took several moments for the commoners to notice just who had joined their sovereign on his daily walk. Some ducked their heads and hurried away while others openly stared, curious as to why the princess had returned. It was a brave little lad who was the first to approach Belle - at a run - and throw his arms about her waist. His gap-toothed smile was nearly blinding as he looked up at her.

"Princess!" he shouted joyfully, causing Rumpelstiltskin to wince at the shrill tone.

Belle tapped the boy's nose with a finger and wrapped an arm around his thin shoulders. "Ignatius! Oh, my … you must've grown a foot since I last saw you. How is your family?"

Rumpelstiltskin watched, fascinated, as one by one the children flocked to her along with their guardians or parents. They fawned over their princess, some thanking the gods for her return, some wishing her well, and others whispering words of gratitude for her deal with the Dark One which had saved them all.

One ginger-haired girl – she couldn't have seen more than four winters - tugged on her pinafore with fidgety fingers as she gazed dolefully up at Belle. "Dids you come to read to us, princess?" she asked shyly.

Belle bit her lip as she glanced back at her master, unsure of how to answer the child. The Dark One merely handed over a small basket and urged her towards the center of the square where a communal fountain bubbled happily.

The children cheered while Maurice looked on in confusion. He was certain when they'd set out, the sorcerer hadn't been toting a basket along.

Rumpelstiltskin paid neither the king nor his lackeys any mind as he conjured a tartan throw and spread it over the wide edge of the fountain for Belle to sit upon. He had never seen his little maid so joyous, and found his own spirits lightened to witness it.

Once she'd taken a seat, Belle gripped tightly to his hand and pulled him closer to her. "This wasn't on the itinerary, Rumpelstiltskin. We were invited to tour the kingdom, not cater to my people," she whispered urgently, never dropping the bright smile plastered to her lips.

He shook his head. "Worry not, little maid. What's half an hour going to hurt when it will make the children happy, hm?"

"And the basket?" she queried, arching a brow.

Rumpelstiltskin shrugged nonchalantly. "Do with it as you will, dearie."

A mischievous light entered her eyes, but he had no time to ponder whatever trickery she had in store for him. Her hand tightened around his own and pulled him down to sit next to her on the blanket. The children and their chaperones had all settled on the grass before them. The mage couldn't flee their inquisitive stares without making himself look like a coward.

Belle set the basket between them when she was certain Rumpelstiltskin wasn't going to disappear in a plume of smoke. She was sure she'd face the consequences of her actions when they returned to the Dark Castle, but for now she was happy he hadn't abandoned her.

He glared at her from the corner of his eye as he crossed his arms over his chest, his entire posture radiating stubbornness. "You realize this is going to cost you, dearie."

The former princess bit back a laugh. "Oh, of that I've no doubt … master."

"What are you laughing about? It's not funny," he insisted.

"Of course not," she agreed. Her shoulders were shaking with mirth, and she couldn't bring herself to chance a glance his way. Instead, she turned to the children. "Now, who wants to see the wonderful treats Rumpelstiltskin has provided for us before I tell you a story?"