VIII

Belle stood before her father, her cousin beside her, the both of them wearing expressions reminiscent of recalcitrant children. When Gabriel had seen the king and his chancellor standing at the edge of the practice field, he'd paled and hastily lowered his sword. It had taken longer for Belle to realize they'd been caught. Rarely had she ever seen her father so angry, his face ruddy with displeasure. At least this time didn't seem as dire as when she was fifteen and got a black eye and sprained wrist from running the training gauntlet.

"Where in seven hells did you learn to fight like that?" Maurice bellowed. "That isn't even a practice sword, Belle. You could have been killed! You could have injured Gabe! You could have -"

Belle winced as she cut him off mid-stride. "Rumpelstiltskin taught me how to defend myself after the time I was abducted by three witches." Give the poor man an apoplectic fit, dearie, she heard in her head. Put him in an early grave, why don't you? It was telling that her conscience sounded like her former master. "And you didn't need to know about that, so I think I'll stop talking now."

Gabriel snicked at her side, then sobered as his uncle turned his fearsome glower upon him. "Gabriel Michael, you should be smarter than to follow her into danger. How can I expect you to take your duties as my heir seriously if you allow your cousin to manipulate you into foolishness."

Belle ground the heel of her boot into his instep, silently instructing him to hold his head up high and not to quail in the face of their king's rage. "My apologies, sire. We only sought a bit of exercise."

The princess stepped forward and gripped her father's arm, the momentum helping to swing him around and head in the direction of the castle proper. She winked at her cousin over her shoulder as he fell into step behind them. "Papa, calm yourself before I'm forced to call in your physician. You know how he frets over you."

Maurice opened his mouth to argue, but merely grumbled instead. "Cassel frets over how much coin he's making off of me. You keep that charlatan away from me, Belle. Him and his blasted leeches."

Belle's lips twitched with suppressed mirth. "Fine, then stop your blustering. Gabriel and I were doing nothing wrong."

The king glanced down at her leather breeches and knee boots in disdain.

"You charged me with teaching my cousin the ins and outs of being your heir, Papa, and that is exactly what I've done. Courtly manners, dance lessons, council meetings, field training … " she listed on her fingers. "He's done it all at your behest – though that last dignitary sent from North Umbria with the scatterbrained daughter nearly did him in - so give over. He's going to make a fine king when you're ready to hand over the reins."

"Petal, it is unseemly to see you fighting like a common ruffian."

"I beg your pardon?! A ruffian?" Belle seethed. "Had I been born male, you'd have knighted me. Besides, I could wipe the field with any number of your soldiers."

Gabriel decided to add his two cents into the conversation. "That's because you fight dirty."

Belle snorted. "Rumpel says I need every advantage because of my wee size and lack of brawn."

Maurice cut his eyes over to his nephew, warning him not to say anything about the mage's continued absence to upset Belle. "You scared the daylights out of me, Petal … but I will admit, I was extremely impressed. However, you cannot continue to be so reckless. Please promise never to do it again."

Belle made a cross sign over her heart and grinned impishly up at her dear papa. "I promise never to do it again … within your sight."

The king swiped a hand over his perspiring face and shook his head. "I swear you'll be the death of me, daughter."

The princess giggled and leaned up to press a kiss to her father's cheek. "Well, I must leave you now. If I don't begin soon, I'll never be ready in time for the ball tonight. In fact, I'm surprised my maids haven't hunted me down by now."

Gabriel stepped up to his uncle's side and watched Belle hurry away, a fond smile upon his generous mouth. "She's definitely a handful, Uncle Moe."

"Indeed, she is, my boy … indeed, she is."

*.*.*

Baelfire landed atop his father with a loud oomph followed by a low groan of pain as the portal spit them out on the lawn in the Dark Castle's front courtyard. The only reason it hadn't expelled them outside the gates was due to Rumpelstiltskin's guiding influence and the magic inherent in the structure recognizing its master.

"Papa?" the boy asked, worry knitting his brow as he took in the mage's clenched jaw and dark eyes. He scrambled away to a safe distance as Rumpelstiltskin's back bowed and he flipped over onto his hands and knees, breathing heavily, his blackened nails digging into the earth beneath his palms.

"Give me … just a moment … please, son," the sorcerer growled, fighting for dominance over his curse. This is exactly why he hadn't been keen on the idea of returning to the Enchanted Forest. He'd been gone too long, and the blasted curse was searching for any weakness to take control. "Go inside, Bae!"

"But, Papa –"

"Do as I say," he hissed over his shoulder, seeking protection for his child. The castle's defenses would keep him safe until he could come to his senses.

Baelfire wanted to argue further, but he couldn't go back on his promise. It had been the one assurance his father had insisted upon before he would agree to come back: Bae would have to obey his instructions if Rumpelstiltskin thought he might be in danger. However, he went no farther than the inside of the great double doors and peeked through the windows positioned on either side. He needed to be able to see the second his papa won the battle, and Bae had every faith that he would.

It might have felt like hours, but was only mere minutes before Rumpelstiltskin dragged himself out of the dirt and brushed his hands down the front of his dragonhide coat. He scowled down at his green gold flesh and blackened nails and shook his head. A mistake he regretted instantly as pain bloomed behind his eyes and made his head pound.

The dark ones howled and cursed, the sound nearly deafening, but with effort, he pushed them all into the farthest corner of his mind into a steel box and slammed the lid shut.

With a thought, the doors opened for the sorcerer and Baelfire launched himself at him, his thin arms going about his father's waist. "Are you alright, Papa?"

Rumpelstiltskin embraced him warmly, but would not meet Bae's eyes when the boy pulled away. "I'm in control, if that's what you mean."

Baelfire frowned as he tried to catch his father's gaze. "Then why won't you look at me?"

The sorcerer winced and gestured to himself. "Because I'm a monster … again. This was a horrible idea, Bae. You shouldn't have to see me like this."

The boy took his father's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "You're still my papa no matter how you look. Don't you think I know how much you've changed? Besides, we're here to find Belle so you can tell her how you feel about her, to find the other half of your happiness." His smile lit up his whole face when Rumpelstiltskin finally met his gaze. "Do you think she's still in Avonlea with her family?"

Rumpelstiltskin led his son into the great hall, his eyes narrowing on the lack of dust. It should be far filthier than what he was seeing. Had his little dearie come back? "I don't know, son. Belle wasn't at all happy with me when I left her in her father's care."

Baelfire rubbed nervously at the back of his neck. "Maybe she won't be too mad at you. I still think you should have brought her with you," he added in an aside. Apparently, he'd forgotten how sharp his father's hearing was.

"It was too dangerous, Bae," Rumpelstiltskin insisted for the umpteenth time. "Imagine what Pan would have done if he'd gotten his hands on her."

The boy shivered. "Not something I wanna think about, Papa, thanks. Although, from what you've told me about Belle's bravery, she'd have given him what for."

Rumpelstiltskin stopped before his spinning wheel and gave it a slow turn, comforted by the familiar creak. He wondered if he might find something to distract Baelfire so he might seek solace in the wheel for a while. It would help him think of a way to somehow get himself back in Belle's good graces.

"Where's the kitchen, Papa? I'm starving," Bae asked before his father could make a suggestion.

"You ate not three hours ago!"

Baelfire shrugged. "Portal travel makes me hungry?" he grinned widely and waggled his eyebrows. "Or maybe I'm having a growth spurt now that I can actually age."

The sorcerer prayed for patience and led the way to the kitchen. "Come on, son, I'll show you where the larder is. Then, if you wish it, I'll give you a tour of the Dark Castle."

*.*.*

The king lounged upon his gilded throne, sipping a goblet of mead as he watched his family twirl upon the dance floor. Aron and his wife, Keira, Bernard and his new bride, Alexandra, laughed in merriment as they danced a reel with Gabriel and Belle. He was pleased for the boy that his brothers had been able to come to the city to bear witness to the ceremony which officially announced Gabriel's new status as crown prince. Maurice's brother Hugh sat beside him upon the silver throne to his left – newly installed for the heir apparent – content to enjoy the revelry without having to join in and do more damage to his knee. The brothers were no longer in their prime, after all.

The chancellor sat to the king's right upon the settee Belle usually occupied, ever watchful for trouble. If the severe roiling in his gut were any indication, trouble would be visiting before the end of the festivities.

"I must say, Moe," Hugh drew the king's attention, leaning close to be heard over the cacophony of voices and music filling the grand ballroom, "I never dreamed Belle would abdicate as your heir. I'm more than pleased you chose my son, but our princess would have made a fine ruler."

Maurice caught a flash of crimson and gold whirl by and smiled at the delight on his daughter's face. She'd chosen her gown to represent Rumpelstiltskin's colors, a bold display to keep suitors at bay. Even the signet ring she wore on her right hand bearing the Dark One's crest was a blatant sign of who she belonged to. He sighed wearily. Despite her outward cheerfulness, there was no masking the sadness which lurked behind her lovely, cerulean eyes.

"Belle has always dreamed of seeing the world, of visiting the places she has only read about in her books," Maurice returned. "She wants her adventures."

Hugh seemed surprised. "And you believe the Dark One will help her fulfill those dreams? To be honest, I'm surprised he isn't here tonight on her arm."

Edward leaned in to join the conversation. "He's away on business, Lord Beaumont, and thought our princess would enjoy time with her family in the interim."

The king's brother nodded. "Avonlea owes him a debt we will never be able to repay. We are fortuitous to have such a friend of the crown."

Maurice narrowed his eyes upon the ornate double doors leading into the ballroom, a curse barely passing his lips when the newcomer was announced by the majordomo. "Oh, bloody blasted damn! What is he doing here?"

Edward and Hugh both craned their necks to see who had upset the king so greatly.

"His parents have been petitioning me for months to allow him back at court," Chancellor Badeaux replied. "However, sire, you didn't specify when you sent out your heralds to announce the ceremony or the ball. Perhaps he thinks he is welcome?"

"Gaston is lucky I just banished him from court and didn't assign him to an outpost in a bayou in the marshes," Maurice fumed. "After the way he insulted my Belle, I should have stripped him of his knighthood. Conduct unbecoming an officer in the king's service or some such."

Hugh blanched. "And he's heading straight for her."

Maurice lumbered to his feet, thrusting his goblet at the chancellor, and tore down the steps to head him off. Edward motioned for the musicians to change the reel to a waltz and Hugh stalked along the edge of the dance floor to warn his sons to keep a watchful eye on the interloper.

Belle's tinkling laughter reached her father's ears, guiding him to her. "Gabe, my boy, why don't you run off for a cup of mead and some of that delectable mutton while I have a dance with my daughter."

The lad's eyes narrowed minutely as he took in his uncle's distress, but relinquished Belle's hand into the king's. "Of course, Uncle Moe. I think I might also have a chat with father and rest my feet," he said with a smile. He would indeed have a word with his papa and find out what was going on and how he could help.

"Papa, you're flushed. Are you well? Shall I summon Doctor Cassel?" Belle asked as her father swung her around in his arms to the first strains of a waltz.

"I'm perfectly fine, Petal, and no; summoning that witch doctor is quite unnecessary," he grumbled, easily leading her in the steps of the dance. It brought back a pang of nostalgia. He couldn't remember the last time he'd danced with his daughter. "Have I told you how absolutely beautiful you look tonight?"

Belle beamed up at him. "You might have mentioned it once or twice."

"You don't know what it has meant to me to have you home again these past months." If he weren't careful, he would be blubbering soon. It was as if he could feel her slipping away from him. She had agreed to stay and help her cousin find his footing, but that time was over. He knew she didn't reside in the castle, that she returned to Rumpelstiltskin's fortress at night, but soon, he knew, she wouldn't return.

"I love you, Papa. You know that, don't you?"

"Of course, I do, Petal."

Her lovely eyes, so like his own, filled with tears she refused to shed. "No matter how long I might be away, or how far I travel, my thoughts are with you. You will always hold a very special place in my heart."

"Oh, Belle," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her brow as he led her to the edge of the dance floor. "You're leaving us, aren't you?"

She nodded and rested her head against his big barrel chest. "I'm going home. I need some time, I suppose … to figure out what I want to do next."

"And you're hoping your sorcerer comes home to you," he sighed, resigned.

"I have no doubt. Rumpel will come back when he feels the time is right. I know he will. He never breaks his word." She tried to put on a brave face, tried to convince herself as much as her father that her master would return. He had never actually said the words I promise. "Now, you go on and enjoy the rest of your evening. I just need to collect a few things from my room before I go." Belle leaned up and kissed her father's ruddy cheek. "I love you."

Maurice's shoulders slumped dejectedly as he returned to the dais where the rest of his family awaited. Gods, he would miss her.

Gabriel put a steady hand upon his shoulder. "Are you alright, Uncle? Where's Belle?"

"She's gone to collect her things and return to the Dark Castle. Belle believes her work here is done," the king explained.

Hugh clapped his youngest son on the back. "And a fine job of it she's done."

"Hear! Hear!" everyone echoed.

Gabriel, however, couldn't help but follow his cousin's departure from the ballroom with a worried frown. "Excuse me, but I didn't get to say goodbye. I'll be back in a bit." With that, he set off after the princess.

"Perhaps it's good the lad went after her, what with Gaston lurking about," the chancellor said, holding out his cup for the steward to refill his mead.

"Blast!" the king boomed. "I'd forgotten about him. Where is the bounder?"

Aron pointed towards the french doors leading out onto the veranda. "Last I saw him, he was chatting up Lord Winn's three daughters."

"Has no one seen him since?!"

Bernard shrugged off his uncle's distress. "Uncle Moe, Gabe went after Belle. He'll see to her safety."

"And if he's too late?" Maurice fretted.

Edward chuckled. "Then may the gods help him. We still haven't ascertained what Rumpelstiltskin's protection charms would do to an assailant. Let him find out the hard way."

*.*.*

A determined stride and muscle memory carried Belle down the familiar corridors and staircases to her chambers in the family wing of the palace. It gave her time to compose herself and brush away the tears which had finally spilled over her lashes onto her ashen cheeks. It had been hard to say goodbye to her papa again, but she'd done her duty and now … now it was time to go home. Home to the Dark Castle. Home to her wily sorcerer, the man she loved. Gods, how she missed him, the smug smirk when he knew he was right or trying to be clever, the awe in his unnatural eyes when she reached out to touch him, his sweet gestures, and gifts he brought home just to put a smile on her face. She missed all of him.

A day hadn't passed that she hadn't prayed for his safety … and his return. There were so many times she'd convinced herself that today would be the day he would come home, only to be disappointed to watch the sun set upon another day without him by her side.

Belle felt it was time to go home and plan her next steps. There were things she wanted to do … places she wanted to go … adventures she wanted to experience. She'd only put it off because she didn't want to go alone. She wanted Rumpelstiltskin to share those adventures with her.

She stifled a yawn. The only adventure she wanted tonight was to crawl into bed and get some much-needed sleep. All she needed to do was collect the valise she'd packed earlier in the day when she'd decided it was time to return home. Sentimental items such as her mother's jewelry box, a few of her favorite books from her library, a small painting of her parents; things she didn't feel she could leave behind. There was no reason she couldn't have a part of her old life to take with her.

Belle breezed into her chamber, hurrying her steps. She was ready to get home and didn't want to waste another moment. However, the man casually lounging in her sitting room brought her up short. "Gaston?" she breathed incredulously. "Whatever are you doing here … in my room? Couldn't you have visited another time where I could have received you properly in the parlor or the drawing room or any number of other places which would have been more appropriate?" This was highly unusual, and it set alarm bells ringing in her head, warning her of danger.

"Hello, Belle," the knight fairly purred as he set aside the book he'd been toying with and rose to his feet. "It's been quite a while." He circled around her, and she was forced to turn to keep a steady eye on him.

"Yes, yes it has," she answered calmly despite the rapid beating of her heart. Her former betrothed hadn't been the least bit happy about her deal with Rumpelstiltskin, and it wasn't like him to be clever with wordplay.

Gaston took her hand and pressed a courtly kiss to her knuckles, delighting in the shiver she couldn't suppress. "I've wanted to see you for quite a while, ever since the Dark One dumped you back on your father's doorstep. Unfortunately, his majesty is quite put out with something I might have said and sent me away from court."

Belle swallowed nervously, forcing herself to show no fear as she raised her chin the tiniest bit in defiance. It didn't escape her notice that he'd somehow managed to position himself between her and the door, between her and escape. She could always use the bracelet which never left her wrist, but she didn't want him to know she possessed such a valuable magical object. "Then you shouldn't be here, Gaston. If you've gained Papa's displeasure, you must wait to be invited back."

The disgraced knight moved over to her bookcase and ran a lone finger over the spines while keeping her within his sight. "Ah, but you see, I have. The entire kingdom was invited to see your dear cousin named as your father's heir."

Belle shrieked as he quickly closed the distance between them, looming over her, his dark eyes flashing with a hint of madness. "It should have been me! You were to be my queen, but instead you chose to run off with the Dark One to be his whore!" He reveled at the fear in her eyes, her unflappable calm dissipating in the wake of his rage. "How long did it take him to have you flat on your back with him rutting between your thighs?"

The bravery she'd inherited from her mother chose that moment to rear it's head, and Belle slapped him with all the strength she possessed. "How dare you belittle the sacrifice I made for this kingdom?" she cried, her cheeks blooming with anger. "I was his caretaker, not his whore. Rumpelstiltskin treated me with kindness and more respect than you've ever shown me."

Gaston gripped her arm in a fierce, unbreakable hold, pulling her closer. "Perhaps I want to see what's so special about you, princess. What say you let me have a turn with you, hm?"

Gabriel barged into the room, his sword drawn. His instincts had been right. "Unhand her!" he growled out a warning.

Belle whimpered as the knight's grip on her arm tightened … just before she felt the tingle of magic ripple through the air. Her vision narrowed and she felt as if she were watching events in slow motion. Gabriel charged into the room, murder in his eyes while maroon smoke seemed to envelop Gaston. She was released from his steely grip, and when the mist cleared, she looked down to see the largest snail she'd ever seen. Did they even grow that big, she wondered.

Gabriel sheathed his sword and glanced between what was now Gaston and his giggling cousin. "Um … well, I guess now we know what happens when someone tries to harm you. Rumpelstiltskin doesn't play around, does he?"

"No, he doesn't … for which I will be forever grateful," Belle replied, sending a silent prayer of thanks to her absentee master. She reached down and picked Gaston up by his shell. "Let's see if we can find you a nice terrarium, shall we? We'll put you someplace nice where you won't be able to harm anyone ever again." Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she glanced at her cousin. "I'd hate to be Papa and have to explain this to the lummox's parents."

*.*.*

Baelfire shook his head at his father as Rumpelstiltskin led him on a tour of the Dark Castle. "You could fit our entire village in this castle and still have room to spare. What could you have been thinking to want such a large home?" he asked, raising a dubious brow.

The Dark One lowered his head, trying to quell the memory of long years passing as he sought a way to reach his son. "I had my reasons," he explained simply.

"Papa …"

Rumpelstiltskin grimaced, then sighed in resignation. "I'd hoped it would impress you should I ever find a way to bring you home. I wanted you to have room to run and play … or even hide from me should I do something of which you disapproved. When the search for you began to encompass decades, I was happy to have space enough to store the magical objects I gained in my deals."

"Like the trophies in the great hall?"

His father nodded. "Yes. Some of those were mere myths. You can imagine my surprise to find they were, in fact, real. Others were too dangerous to allow them to fall into innocent – and perhaps nefarious – hands. Those are stored in my vault."

Baelfire's eyes squinted with suspicion. "And no one can get to these artifacts but you, right?"

"No, son. The vault is heavily warded and anyone attempting to enter would have to teleport inside as there are no doors," he replied with a smug smirk over one of his cleverer ideas.

Bae grinned cheekily up at his papa. "I don't know if I could imagine living here. I might get lost on the way to the privy and you'd have to send out a search party."

Rumpelstiltskin snorted and opened the door to their right which led up to the tower which housed Belle's vast library. Baelfire peered past the doors and cocked his head curiously as he took in the lighted sconces at the bottom of a staircase.

"Where's this lead?" he asked, giving his father a questioning look.

The mage smiled fondly, his eyes softening. "This is Belle's library, her favorite room in the entire castle." He chuckled lowly. "She spends more time here reading than she does working."

Bae eagerly climbed the stairs, excited to see something which his father's love enjoyed. "Did you spend much time here with her?" he grinned over his shoulder at Rumpelstiltskin.

The scales on his cheeks darkened exponentially. "A bit."

The boy had barely had time to have his first look at the immense bookshelves when tiny teeth clamped down on the cuff of his jeans. The small beast shook his head back and forth, the heavy denim refusing to give, and he let out a soft, feral growl.

"Papa, you didn't tell me you had a dog!" Bae exclaimed with a rush of happiness, leaning down to lift the animal into his arms. The little beast quickly changed his mind about attacking the boy and began to yip and plant tiny licks all over Baelfire's face. "Can we bring him back with us?"

Rumpelstiltskin gaped at the bundle of fur clasped lovingly in his son's arms. "Bae … ah … that's not a dog," he stammered, wondering where the wee beastie had come from. There were wolves in abundance on the dark mountain, but he couldn't imagine how one might have found its way into the castle. Especially one so small.

Bae looked over and met his father's wide-eyed gaze, confused. "Of course, it's a dog," he insisted, scratching the black and white ears and earning a snuffle of approval.

Rumpelstiltskin hated to disappoint his son when the little wolf seemed to already be growing attached to Bae. "Son, that's a wolf cub. Can you imagine what the neighbors would have to say if we brought him home?"

"Pfft," Bae scoffed. "If we raise him like a dog, he'll be a dog." He held up the pup and rubbed his nose with his own. "And you'll be such a good dog, too, won't you?"

Rumpelstiltskin groaned. "It's not that easy, Bae."

"Sure, it is."

"Bae …"

Baelfire forgot all about the library, intent on playing with his new friend. "C'mon, let me show you my room," he spoke softly to his pet. "Then maybe we can find something for you to eat."

The mage shook his head and followed. There was no way he would disappoint his son and see the happiness leave him. How long had Baelfire been begging him for a dog? It appeared he'd gotten his wish … somewhat. He just hoped the neighbors didn't panic when they laid eyes on him.

*.*.*

Rumpelstiltskin wandered the halls of the Dark Castle in a state of deep melancholy. How many years had he dreamed of having Baelfire there with him? His boy was tucked into the room the sorcerer had set aside for him centuries ago, his new pet lying next to him. Though, what the tiny pup thought he could do against an intruder, he had no clue.

He should be in a deep state of contentment were it not for the constant ghost of his Belle. Gods, how he missed her. It seemed there were endless reminders of her scattered throughout their home … an empty teacup here, a scarf there, a stack of books beside the settee in the great hall before the fire.

Belle was a fire in his blood, a light in his soul. He couldn't seem to close his eyes without her smile there to welcome him. Baelfire was right … he'd been a fool to leave her behind.

Rumpelstiltskin shoved the voices of the previous dark ones aside, refusing to listen to them tell him he was better off without her. Of course, they'd think so. She was a threat to their very existence if the deep feelings he'd glimpsed in her eyes were any indication. He refused to allow himself to believe she could return his love, but he could dream.

He was determined to visit Avonlea first thing in the morning. It would be his first stop in his search for her as he owed the king his heartfelt thanks. It grated on his nerves to feel indebted to Belle's father, but without the gift of the beans, he'd never have found his beloved son. Then he would set out to find his Belle. Was she traveling the realm as she'd always desired? Had she found love in his absence? The very thought nearly brought him to his knees in a fit of despair, but he maintained his composure. He couldn't allow himself to worry needlessly. He'd save that soul-crushing nightmare for after his visit to Avonlea. The king would be the best to confirm or deny his suspicions.

His bedroom doors opened automatically – the castle's magic always at work – and he strode purposefully into the room. Rumpelstiltskin knew he wouldn't be able to sleep, but he could try to rest as much as possible. He wanted to present his best self to his Belle.

Rumpelstiltskin came to an abrupt halt as he got his first good look at his bedroom. Before his departure to find Baelfire, he'd rarely used the room, preferring to spend his time elsewhere, whether out on a deal, sitting before his spinning wheel, or alone in his tower practicing his magic. He fingered the delicate lace bodice of the gown slung over his chair by the fire and arched a brow. Upon closer inspection, he found a pair of her stockings neatly folded atop the bureau and a pair of her shoes beneath his bed.

"Well, it appears the little minx has taken it upon herself to usurp my bedchamber," he mumbled to himself as he moved over to the large wardrobe which took up an entire wall. With a flourish of his hand, the doors opened to reveal his rather extensive wardrobe on the left and … the entirety of her own on the right. "Not as gone as you'd like me to think, little dearie?"

He could only conclude that she was using the bracelet to travel magically between the Dark Castle and her father's seaside palace. Hoping he'd come back to her, he realized. The corners of Rumpelstiltskin's mouth curled up into a devilish smile as hope bloomed in his chest. He might not have to expend the magic to fetch her after all.

The mage changed into a pair of cotton trousers and loose tunic before he climbed into the large bed and folded his hands behind his head. Settled comfortably and surrounded by the scent of his little maid, he giggled.

"Come home to me, my Belle."

*.*.*

Belle waved away the aqua colored smoke as she landed in the great hall. No matter how hard she tried to arrive in other rooms of the Dark Castle, the magic never failed to bring her to the hall where she'd spent so much time with Rumpelstiltskin. She trailed her fingers over the smooth wood of his wheel and emitted a wistful sigh, wishing he would come home.

She turned away from the wheel and the sweet memories of her master, frowning when Edgar didn't come running from under the table to greet her. The little wolf pup she had rescued after hunter's had killed his mother was a joy and comfort to her. He helped keep her loneliness at bay and gave her something to cuddle besides Rumpelstiltskin's pillow. It was worrying because he'd never failed to greet her before.

The little wolf must have gotten himself closed up in her room, she thought, hurrying out of the great hall and to the staircase leading to the second floor. The poor darling was probably starving. She was nearly out of breath by the time she'd reached her bedchamber. He was sleeping in front of the double doors, his ears perking up as she approached. He gave a little yip of happiness and wagged his tail as Belle scooped him up into her arms.

"Edgar, you naughty boy!" she scolded teasingly. "I thought you'd gotten trapped in one of the rooms." Belle giggled as he licked her face. "I'm glad to see you well, my little monster."

Relief flooded her as she entered the room. Her pup was safe and now she could think of nothing better than getting out of the elaborate ball gown her father had insisted upon for Gabriel's ceremony. It had been an exhausting day, and she couldn't say she was going to miss Avonlea anytime soon. It had been wearying, stepping back into her former life.

Belle stripped off the gown, thankful it was in a style she could remove herself. One swift pull of the laces along her back and it loosened enough to slip out of, leaving her in her shift. Her feet hurt as she sat down and removed her stockings, taking a moment to massage her arches.

The breath caught in Rumpelstiltskin's throat as he watched his little love disrobe before him. For a moment, he had to wonder if he'd fallen asleep and slipped into one of his fantasies of her. However, a vicious pinch to his thigh relieved him of that wayward thought. Belle was really home – here in his bedroom – and he was frozen in awe of her. Only the light of the fire illuminated the room, and he could see the clear shape of her legs every time she moved. It took him a few minutes to realize she wasn't aware of his presence.

Oh, this should be good, Zoso snickered in the back of his mind.

Belle patted the right side of the bed, causing Rumpelstiltskin to wonder how the pup had escaped Baelfire's bedchamber. Last he'd seen, the little wolf had been curled up next to the boy, settling in for a nap. Edgar jumped up on the bed, took one look at the sorcerer and buried himself under Belle's pillow.

His little maid yawned as she sat down on her side of the bed. "Edgar, whatever is wrong with you tonight?" she asked, digging the pup from beneath the pillow and easing herself into the bed. She rolled over to get comfortable and landed … right into the circle of Rumpelstiltskin's arms.

Her scream could surely be heard all the way to the Winter Palace to shatter Regina's magic mirror, Rumpelstiltskin thought as he checked to make sure his ears weren't bleeding. Belle scrambled from the bed, her chest heaving and her eyes wide with fear. Edgar, finding some inner well of bravery, clamped down on Rumpelstiltskin's right hand, sinking his teeth into the Dark One's green-gold flesh, causing him to howl with pain.

Shaking the little blighter off, Rumpelstiltskin cursed and sprang from the bed, snapping his fingers to light the candles spread throughout the room. He wiggled his spell clever fingers over the wound to heal it before he raised his eyes to her gaze.

"R-Rumpel?" she asked, tears shining in the cerulean pools of her eyes.

A familiar smirk curled one corner of his lips. His mouth watered as he took in her trembling form in naught but her shift. If they were to have any sort of conversation, that would need to be remedied. A flourish of his hand produced her dressing robe, and he held it out to her so she could slip her arms into the sleeves. She was a lovely rose red by the time she tied the sash.

Rumpelstiltskin's hands settled upon her shoulders, his lips ghosting over her ear. He reveled in her shiver and let his hands trail over her arms until he could wrap his own about her waist. "I didn't exactly expect to find you in my bed upon my return, sweetheart."

Belle swatted at his hands until he released her. She swung around with wrath in her eyes, her little fists curled at her sides. "Oh?" she queried, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "What did you expect, master?" she hissed, her voice low and dripping with disdain. "Dinner on the table and a fresh basket of straw at your wheel?"

The mage couldn't hide the wince which overtook his face. And his little maid wasn't finished. She'd crossed her arms over her heaving bosom and was winding herself up to lambast him, no doubt, until the first streaks of dawn colored the sky.

"Belle, I –"

She cut him off with a wave of her hand. "You were supposed to come back to me, Rumpelstiltskin!" she cried, furious tears burning a path over her cheeks. "Six months! It's been six months since you left me in Avonlea."

His amused amber gaze raked over her as he gestured to encompass the entire room. "This doesn't look like your father's palace, dearest."

Belle exhaled deeply through her nose, trying to maintain some sort of control over her temper. "Of course, it isn't," she cried harshly. "That's beside the point. I had to learn from fairies – bloody fairies in our home, Rumpel – that you'd found your son. They couldn't even tell me whether or not you'd be returning. For six months I woke every day praying for your return. S-Six m-months, Rumpel."

The sorcerer felt his stomach churn at the sight of her tears and produced a handkerchief from thin air. "Belle …"

She snatched it from him and blew her nose, turning away from him. "You promised me you'd come back."

"Technically, I let you assume what you wished," he hedged, taking a hesitant step in her direction. "I wanted to return right away, but Bae wanted to go to the land without magic. I had to let him make the choice as to where we'd make our home."

She sniffled and rubbed at her red nose, but thankfully her tears had stopped. "Then why are you here? Why'd you come back?" she asked, the fight having left her.

Rumpelstiltskin closed the distance between them, but didn't dare touch her. He wanted nothing more than to caress her cheek and draw her in for a kiss, but he couldn't take the chance she'd reject him. He needed to be assured of her feelings, and he knew he'd never secure her affection without baring his soul.

"I came back because I couldn't live without you," he breathed reverently, his warm breath fanning over her lips. "I love you, Belle."

"You love me?!" she asked with a hysterical little laugh. "Well, what about how much I love you?!"

"You're impossible," they fairly shouted in unison, Belle angry over his absence and Rumpelstiltskin awed by the fact that she returned his feelings.

Barely a heartbeat passed before they were reaching for one another, their lips crashing together in a desperate kiss. Rumpelstiltskin wound his arms about her waist as Belle's fingers delved into his hair to hold him close. It went on for what seemed like forever before the kiss gentled into something soft and profound.

"What's with all the noise, Papa?" asked a sleepy Baelfire as he stood in the open door rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Oh!"

Belle felt as if she were floating on a sea of happiness as Rumpelstiltskin pulled away. It was fleeting, however, when she opened her eyes. The green-gold tint faded from his mouth and retreated farther as she watched in stunned amazement. "Rumpel!"

The sorcerer shook his head, his ears flooded with the voices of his curse shrieking in terror. The razor-sharp talons of darkness were withdrawing from his soul, leaving true love's magic in its place.

It was his turn to gasp, nigh choking on the revelation that his curse was breaking. "Kiss me again … it's working," he rasped, his voice deep and devoid of the high-pitched tone of the Dark One. "Please, Belle …"

Baelfire stared, transfixed at the sight of his father on the receiving end of true love's kiss. "Papa, your curse!"

Belle didn't hesitate, fisting her hands in the collar of Rumpelstiltskin's waistcoat and hauling him against her once more, her lips meeting his as she poured every ounce of love she felt for him into the kiss. When she opened her eyes, it was to meet warm sable eyes and her master's beautiful, blinding smile.

"Wow," Bae declared softly, staring back and forth between his father and who could only be Belle. "You broke his curse."

"I –"

Rumpelstiltskin buried his face against her throat, his chuckles vibrating against her skin causing her to shiver. "My Belle …" he waved a hand in his son's direction, "this is my son, Baelfire." He straightened and waved his son closer. "Bae, this is Belle."

Baelfire gave her a little wave before he stuffed his hands into the pockets of the pajamas his papa had packed for him. "So … are you gonna come live with us, now? Y'know, in the land without magic?"

Belle smiled at the boy before turning to Rumpelstiltskin. "I don't know, Bae. I suppose that depends on whether it's something your papa wishes. We have much to discuss."

Bae shrugged, ducking his head to hide a sheepish grin. "Ok, but can the two of you do it quietly? I'm really tired."

The former Dark One chuckled as he watched his son make his way back to his own room. As soon as the door closed behind him, he pulled Belle back into his arms, clasping her petite frame tightly to him. "It's true love, dearest," he murmured, pressing his brow to hers.

"Mhmm," she hummed, snuggling closer. "The most powerful magic of all. Strong enough to break even the darkest curse."

"So, what're we to do about that, hm? Would you be willing to come back with us, to share your life with us … with me?" he asked, averting his gaze. "There hasn't been a day I haven't thought of you, Belle. Not a day when I didn't want to kick myself for leaving you behind."

Her hand crept up to caress his nape as she pressed a soft kiss to his lips. "I love you, Rumpelstiltskin, be you man, monster – though I've never thought of you as one - or dark one. My heart belongs to you."

Hope lit the sable pools of his eyes. "So, you'll come?"

Belle smiled, happy for the first time in forever. "All you had to do was ask."