Archive of Our Own

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Chapter 1: The Escape
Belle was an adventurer. No one was going to shackle her to the bone-headed demon who once claimed to love her. Gaston was a brute but he was also an idiot! He'd charmed her into accepting his marriage proposal but showed his true colours shortly after. Belle felt like a prize fool for falling for it. A few months of romance and a now destroyed reputation and maidenhead meant she was used goods. Selfishly, she was quite pleased about this, now she was no longer a virgin no one would try and marry her off again and no nobleman would be interested in having her for his little wife. She was in control of her own fate. This grass was soggy beneath her feet. She was only wearing little fabric slippers because when she'd ran, she'd been in her nightgown. Gaston had come to her demanding that she go to his bed, after all they were about to be married and as his wife she'd do as she was told, when she was told. After slamming the door in his face and enduring an hour of his pounding at her door and calling her every name under the sun, she had made her break. Thunder cracked in the midnight sky, a storm was brewing and she would need to take shelter. Her nightgown was hardly capable of shielding her from the elements and it was so very cold. She huddled at the base of the tree, water streaming down her pale cheeks and soaking into her gown. The branches gave some protection but being still meant she was soon stiff and shaking from the cold. To keep her mind occupied Belle allowed herself to ponder the last few months and how she'd felt in the summer when she'd believed she was in love. She would have walked to the ends of the earth for Gaston and had given him everything. He'd told her that she was beautiful, that he'd wanted her for years and begged her to marry him. They'd met in the rose garden, secretly, after he'd given her a ring and they'd made love wherever and whenever they could. Belle was inexperienced but she wasn't frightened, why would she be when they were to marry? When autumn came Gaston visited her less frequently, she'd heard tales of his many lovers and thirst for money and power but blinded as she was, she couldn't believe it. She found out of his true intentions when she caught him stealing from the family funds. Shortly before that all of her late mother's jewellery had gone missing, as well as some of Belle's own. When she caught him with one of the serving girls she had the wake up call she so very much needed, however, breaking off the engagement became impossible! Gaston snidely told her father that she had seduced him during their engagement and in doing so, he had ruined her, which made her rightfully his. After being subjected to the standard examination that declared Belle a 'fallen woman' it was decided that she would, indeed, marry Gaston, or else be sent to a convent to live out her life in chastity and seclusion. Gaston changed the minute he no longer needed to pretend. Everyone now knew he was a scoundrel but rules were rules and Belle was his. He'd lock her in her room, starve her of food and took away all of her beautiful clothes for his mistresses. Her beloved book collection was gradually being used as firewood and her father, a shell of a man since her mother died, disappeared without a trace. When Belle made her escape, it was through the window and down the trellis. She'd never have made it before but in her starved condition the flimsy wood just held her weight. She thought she may have been sleeping because she awoke to something tickling her face. It was warm and although her vision was blurred there seemed to be stardust in the air. It shone gold, no green or maybe silver .... 'Lovely night for a stroll, dearie!'

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Chapter 2: The KissBelle would have been startled but being so exhausted and cold kept her glued to her seat at the foot of the tree. She stared, wide eyed at the strange man, who's nose was about two inches away from hers. He was bent at the waist, stock still like a toy soldier with his hands folded behind his back. She blinked and took him in. Green-gold skin, something between a tropical fish and an alligator, wild brown curls and golden eyes with pupils so large and black she felt as though they were pools she could fall into. 'Cat got your tongue, dearie? I don't suppose that's missing along with your shoes, dress and ...' He flicked the soaked hem of her dress up to just above her knee with the toe of his boot and smirked before concluding ..'...undergarments.' Sobered, Belle snatched back her gown and pulled it down around her legs. It didn't take her long to work out exactly who's company she was keeping. Belle had read enough books to recognise the Dark One when she saw him and although she knew she should be terrified, in truth, she was intrigued! 'My undergarments are no concern of yours Rumpelstiltskin! And as I don't have them or anything else to my name to bargain with, I would suggest you let me be on my way.'With her temper flaring at the intrusion and all-round rotten situation she had found herself in, Belle stood up with far too much conviction and quickly lost her balance. She grabbed for the tree but it spun as she reached out and soon her blurred vision swirled into a sea of darkness, to which she went willingly. ****It was warm and Belle was lying on something soft and comfortable. It felt amazing to be so cocooned after months of living in fear and on the edge. It didn't really matter to her where she was, as long as she was allowed to stay in this lovely den. She kept her eyes closed, deciding there was no need to open them until she was fully rested. Wherever she was, she was safe. Belle dreamt of a sparkly man; was he a fairy or a gnome maybe? No, that was silly, the man was the Dark One, the most feared of all men and creatures across the realms. In the dream he carried her in his arms, they were wiry but held her with ease. It was not a romantic interlude, simply an action with a motive of transporting her elsewhere. However, Belle had liked the feel of his chest against her, the tickle of his hair at her cheek and the warmth of the dragon hide leathers he wore through her wet nightgown. The picture broke away into tiny pieces, filling her mind and re-forming. The room was obscured by heavy drapes that hung alluringly about her. Silk sheets, black like the pools of his eyes were cool around her calves. Belle's back arched off the bed and she bit her lip in frustration. The imp liked to tease. She could see the muscles in his back ripple beneath his scales as he scored his teeth across the crease of her thigh. He always gripped her so tightly in these moments, with hands against her thighs or waist holding her in place for his pleasure. As his mouth suddenly descended on hers she lost all thought and allowed herself to drown in him. She moaned and clutched at the bedclothes.. 'If you're having a naughty dream, I do hope it's about me, dearie.. 'Belle bolted upright, startled out of her dream. She stumbled over her words, trying desperately to save the situation. 'N.. not at all. I er, was dreaming that I was attacked by wolves in the forest last night. I was moaning in pain and then you woke me.' Belle stared daggers at him, hoping he didn't question her further. Instead, he pulled her face to his in one swift movement and kissed her so deeply, she swore she could have passed out again! Her arms flailed and she tried to decide what to do, her immediate instinct of pushing him off her and planting a well aimed slap went out of the window as soon as he pulled her up to him by the waist. She didn't know why but she kissed him back just as passionately, diving her hands into his hair, opening her mouth to his and moaning for him. In that moment he pulled away from her, set her back onto the couch by the fire where she had been resting and turned on his heels. 'You really shouldn't tell lies dearie, not when you're so easily caught out!'Belle's faced burned bright red. She wasn't sure if it was from the dream, the kiss or the embarrassment. Confusion settled; where was she? And why was she here? The Dark One was a deal maker and she had nothing to bargain with. He certainly wasn't keeping her due to a momentary lapse of kindness, there was always something in it for him. Belle only wished she knew what it was he could possibly want from her...

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Rain still poured down the castle walls and lightening flashed outside the murky windows. Belle didn't like thunder storms and in the present situation she felt more nervous than ever. She'd kissed the Dark One! Or rather he'd kissed her; a full on passionate kiss, more so than anything she'd ever felt with Gaston. She should have fought him off but it was like a magnet had drawn her into him. Belle decided she should put it down to simple intrigue or a need to be self destructive after so recently having her heart broken. However, she couldn't forget that dream, so very vivid, almost like a memory. Belle swore she could actually feel the coolness of the sheets, the warmth of his breath. It was unnerving. She wouldn't have put it past the Dark One to put a spell on her either, to create an illusion or feed her a love potion. Maybe he had just taken a fancy to her, cold and starving as she was and thought to make her his mistress. After all, there was always something in it for the Dark One and that's all she had to give. He couldn't have kissed her like that without it being at least part of his agenda. Voices travelled to where Belle still perched on the edge of the large sofa. The fire was crackling softly in the grate, about to die out as a chill blew around the room. She dug her fingers into the soft velvet and listened. She couldn't make out much, she assumed her room was high up in one of the towers. Someone was running and they weren't far away because their feet were clattering heavily up the stone steps. It couldn't be the Dark One because he just appeared in a puff of spoke as he pleased. Thinking on her feet Belle decided that if they were heading for her room, then there was no one on earth left that she trusted.....she must hide. It was the first time she had paid proper attention to the room she was in. It was about the size of a parlour, with a few bookcases, fireplace and the chaise she had been laid on to sleep. She opened the window and stuck her head out into the pouring rain, noting that she was even higher up than she'd thought. Many feet below her window was a large lake and beyond that a woodland that spread for miles and blanketed the horizon. Apart from the chaise, a few throws and the bookcases that were against the far walls there was nothing, just a circular room and nowhere for her to hide. The door flung open with a destructive blow that saw it collide with the wall and splinter. On the other side, red with anger, soaking wet and looking half wild..... was Gaston. 'No ... ' Belle exclaimed in terror. She was defeated, how had he made it through the famous wards of the Dark Castle, past Rumpelstiltskin? Why had he let Gaston come for her? 'Hello Belle....' Gaston sneered with a horrendous grin on his face. 'I hope you enjoyed your little holiday but you must know that you can never escape me for long ...' Gaston lunged for her and grabbed her jaw with his large hands. She looked him in the eye, unafraid now, there was only one thing left to do ... 'You belong to me Belle and I'd be grateful if I were you, even the Dark One doesn't want you enough to fight for you!' The grip on her face loosened slightly as he bent down to plant a possessive kiss against her lips. In that moment Belle made her break, pushing him with all her might and dashing towards the window. She'd brave the unknown waters below before she ever let Gaston touch her again. She heard him roar with anger but she wouldn't be deterred, she hopped up onto the ledge and jumped....'Not so fast dearie!' Belle froze in mid air, one bare toe still on the ledge before plummeting back through the window and landing against Rumpelstiltskin's chest. He held her against him, a lopsided smile on his face and she noticed that the other hand was occupied with sending Gaston flying against the wall. He moaned as his back smashed, horribly, against the bookshelves and invisible bonds held him tightly against them. Belle banged her hands against the Dark One's chest, suddenly fuming now that the shock had worn off. 'You show up now? Just as I was about to jump out of a bloody window to escape this brute .... why would you save me just to let him come for me..?'Belle was near tears now and glared at Gaston, who moaned half conscious in his magical prison. 'What can I say, dearie, I do so enjoy a little show..' said Rumpelstiltskin with a giggle. '..and it takes a truly desperate soul to jump from a tower window. Now, I believe, I have got you... exactly... where ...I want you... little Belle.' His face was creeping slowly nearer to her's as he said this. She steadied her hands on his chest and struggled to move away from his menacing gaze. 'What do you want Rumpelstiltskin?' Belle whispered. 'What I always want, dearie. To make a deal!' He was animated now, flourishing his clawed hand about his head, performing for the moment. 'And what if I say no? I know of your trickery Dark One and magic always comes with a price! I daresay it will be me who pays it.' Belle was close to him now, she tried not to remember how she had felt in his arms, how it had felt to kiss him. After all, it was all a game to him. 'From where I'm standing you don't have a lot of choice, dearie! You have no kin, no profession, you're doomed to marry this brute or starve. You're not pure, so there's no luck of finding a good man to take you in. You can't feed yourself reading books and going on adventures, dearie.... You're stuck ..unless ...you make...a deal... with.. me!' Their eyes snapped away from each other as Gaston crumpled to the floor. He passed out as he hit the cold stones. Belle stared at him for a moment. She didn't trust him even when he unconscious. It couldn't hurt to hear what the Dark One had to say, could it?'I'll hear you out Rumpelstiltskin...'He clapped his hands and giggled in glee before encircling her waist with his hands. 'Here's the deal, little Belle. I'll dispose of Gaston, free you and your kingdom from him forever for one tiny, little, price .....' Belle held her breath and closed her eyes before she could get lost in the black orbs of his. 'What do you want Dark One...?' 'I want you to marry me, dearie.'

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'What do you want Dark One...?' 'I want you to marry me, dearie.' Belle gasped. How had she ended up in this hopeless position? She had been beloved by the kingdom; beautiful, intelligent, a little odd perhaps with her love of books and boldness but loved nonetheless. When her mother died she had watched her father fall to pieces, crumble into a mere ghost of the strong and brave man he had once been. She wanted to know love like they'd had, to be so entwined with someone that their hearts beat the same rhythm. Yet here she was, a fallen woman, trapped by the man who had ruined her life and the Dark One himself. 'Marry you?' exclaimed Belle. 'I'm afraid I don't understand you Rumpelstiltskin. You could take me as your mistress, your prisoner, both even. Why must I be tethered to you by marriage?' 'Because, dearie, I collect beautiful objects and you.. you'll be my greatest acquisition..' 'So I am but a mere object to you? How da......' 'Ah, ah, ah' the Dark One interjected, waggling his finger in front of her nose. 'Not an object dearie, an investment. You have more to offer me than you know and I'm a jealous man. I don't like to share. Be mine, or accept your fate with this charming boy...' Rumpelstiltskin giggled and squeezed his fist into a tight ball. Gaston awoke, his eyes wide and bloodshot whilst he grabbed at his neck, grappling with the invisible ropes that chocked him. Rumpelstiltskin gazed at Belle and stalked towards her like a predator before lacing his fingers through her hair with his free hand and guiding her into him. 'Just one little word dearie and you can watch him squeal..' Belle couldn't help but go a little weak at the knees as he ran his thumb along her jaw. She looked into his eyes. There was no way of preparing herself, no way of knowing how this deal would end up or if she'd live long enough to find out. She had to take a leap of faith. 'I know you dreamt of me dearie, I know because I can read your pretty little mind' he was close to her ear now, whispering in a seductive tone. Across the room Gaston was almost purple and his hands were loose and floppy at his sides. Belle knew that the Dark One was ready to finish him off, the brute was barely hanging on. 'Don't tell me you didn't enjoy our little kiss... you were extremely.. pliable.. dearie. I think, deep down, you want me.' Belle gasped as his hands tightened about her waist. She couldn't deny that there was a strange attraction. She was drawn to him. He was almost beautiful, sparkling gold in the dim light. If he could read her mind then maybe what she had to say wouldn't shock him. She took a deep breath....'I have a request Dark One....Just because you and Gaston are ready to kill for your own gain, it doesn't mean I am too. I won't have his blood on my hands. I want you to find a way to trap him, keep my people safe. I never want to see his face again but please, don't kill him.' Rumpelstiltskin's brow furrowed, for a moment he looked at her like she was the most confusing creature he had ever encountered. He obviously hadn't seen this coming. It had been many, many years since he had witnessed or given mercy. The girl was pure of heart, he knew this already and she was vital to his plans. He could make an exception for this particular deal. 'You have a deal little Belle.... he will live. Now tell me, do you accept my proposal?' It was time. Belle had to make a choice. She closed her eyes, she had always been told to do the brave thing and bravery would follow.... 'Yes, I will marry you Rumpelstiltskin.' Without so much as blinking. The Dark One had clicked his fingers in Gaston's direction. There was a puff of smoke and the unconscious man disappeared. All that remained on the cold stone floor was a single, red rose. Belle's eyes snapped back to Rumpelstiltskin, he grinned at her, smugly. After all, he had exactly what he wanted. The window magically shut itself and the room became warm and comfortable. The Dark One sauntered away from her, bending down to retrieve the rose that was once Gaston. With a theatrical flourish he presented the flower to her, bowing low and giggling. 'For you, milady ..' Belle blinked and sobered herself. She took the rose, carefully avoiding its many thorns. She looked at her intended and decided if she was to have any chance at happiness, it was in her best interests to play along ....for now.'Why, thank you.' She smiled and curtseyed, knowing that this was the start of an adventure unlike any other had embarked on. Belle only hoped that the creature they all called 'The Dark One' was really just a lost man, trapped in the body of a beast.

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'Chop chop dearie ... we have a lot to do!' Rumpelstiltskin flounced past Belle, flourishing his had above his head as he went. Confused, she picked up her torn skirts and ran, awkwardly after him. He was sprinting down a long winding staircase, moving quickly and gracefully whilst Belle, rather clumsy by nature couldn't quite keep up. The tower was dark and there were no windows on the way down. Instead, the staircase was punctuated by lamps that lit by magic as Rumpelstiltskin passed them, flaring to life in their iron holders. 'Rumpelstiltskin... where are you taking me?' Called Belle. He was a flighty creature and she'd have to stay on her toes if she was going to keep up with him. Belle was a way behind him now and the lamps were going out before she could reach them, the castle was a scary place in the dark. Her hands were splayed on the walls either side of the corridor as she fought to keep her balance and the rhythm of her steps as she descended. 'Arrrrghhhh!!!!' Belle cried as she collided with something solid. It was a steep drop and she fell face-first, far too fast to brace herself. She closed her eyes but quickly regained her breath because strong arms broke her fall. Balancing precariously with one toe remaining on a step, Belle closed her eyes against the dark tunnel of steps that she would have catapulted down had she not been caught. 'You are a troublemaker, dearie! I see I'm going to have to keep my eye on you.' The Dark One squinted accusingly at her before pulling her up so they were nose to nose. Belle realised in that moment how small he was. She was only a few inches shorter than him and she was considered tiny by most. Funny, to think that the most feared man in all the realms would, in her kingdom, have been considered weak. 'Good things come in small packages my dear...' the Dark One giggled. Then winked. 'Will you stop reading my mind Rumpelstiltskin! I may be your intended but that does not give you ownership over my thoughts too!' The Dark One giggled hysterically, clapping his hands together at Belle's interjection. 'Oh! She is a feisty one ..... what fun! I have every intention of putting that to very .. good .. use ' He grabbed her hand before waving his spare one over a locked door that Belle had neglected to spot. It opened and he pulled her inside. The room was basic but quite lovely, with a large window, chests, wardrobes, an ornate changing screen and an open fire that the Dark One lit with a click of his fingers. He snapped them again and the wardrobe opened to reveal an array of beautiful dresses. Belle gasped and looked to her captor in surprise. 'Well we can't have you cavorting about looking like a bag of rags can we dearie?! You'll find them all a perfect fit. In the chests there are undergarments.. although I know from experience that you enjoy neglecting those ...' The Dark One giggled and Belle blushed. 'This will be your room. Through that door you will find the passage to the library, dearie.' Belle turned excitedly in the direction he was pointing. A library! Was he joking? A whole library all to herself (she assumed he didn't have any other wives roaming about and the Dark One notoriously hid himself away in his tower). 'In addition, dearie there are bathing chambers through the doors across the hall. I would use them if I were you...' He pulled a piece of foliage from her hair and held it in front of her face. 'Why are you being so good to me Rumpelstiltskin?' The way she looked at him, like he was a mystery to be uncovered, made him a little dazed. He couldn't show his true feelings. Not yet. She had much to learn and it was far too soon, this was a very......delicate situation. 'Because dearie, I may be the Dark One but I have a reputation to uphold. The lady of the Dark Castle will look the part. Wouldn't want to be embarrassed by you now would I?' He said the last part with a little grin and Belle curtseyed, wondering what then rest of the day held in store for her. It was dawn now and a dusty light crept through the large window. 'I would bathe and get some rest if I were you, dearie. We have a busy few days ahead. Do not stray from your rooms, except to bathe! I have dangerous people visit this castle who would not think twice of using you as a bargaining tool. You're food will be delivered to you and I will collect you at first light tomorrow.' He was heading towards the door as he said this, his curly hair flying around his head in a manic way. Belle was confused, she was only a bargaining tool if he cared for her. Why on earth did the Dark One want her so very badly and why was he being .. well....nice to her? The Dark one wasn't nice to anyone! She decided she better keep her guard up, this may just be part of his plans to seduce and then discard her, just like Gaston had. There was no clause to their deal that guaranteed her life was not in danger but if so, why bother marrying her? Belle was exhausted and decided to curb her thoughts whilst it seemed he wasn't reading them. She would think more when she was alone. 'Rumpelstiltskin, wait! Belle chased him to the door. He turned and raised an eyebrow. 'Collect me for what?' 'Why, our wedding of course, dearie.'

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The bathing chambers were very warm and Belle supposed that her intended must magically control the temperature, especially as the large windows were flung open. There were robes and towels hanging on the grey stone walls and it all looked immensely inviting. Belle would have been lying if she'd said she wasn't ridiculously excited. When she was being held captive by Gaston she was seldom let out of her rooms to bathe, unless Gaston was intending to have his way with her. She shivered and shook her head. Now was not the time to be dwelling in the past. So far, Rumpelstiltskin showed no similar traits to her ex fiancé and she had to have hope.The tub was sunken into the stone floor and there were narrow steps that would guide her decent into the water. The problem was .. there were no taps and she had no idea how to make bath fill. Confused, she looked around the room, typical Dark One! Far too flashy for his own good....'Flashy!' The Dark One giggled to himself. Little did she know that he was watching (and listening to) her every move. There was a large vanity in the bathing chambers that linked to the long standing mirror in his own rooms. Usually the mirror's were kept covered; he had no time for spies, especially conniving, death defying corset wearing Queens. He stood before it, amused by her frustration, Belle was delightful when she was confused. He clapped his hands together, sending a little spell her way and with a little grin, saw her excitement as the bath began to fill. He knew he shouldn't really watch her undress but it wasn't like it was anything he hadn't seen before. She had been his for a long time, she had just forgotten. As Rumpelstiltskin watched Belle peel off the dirty clothes she had come to him in he felt a dark cloud of guilt descend upon him. He watched her struggle with the muddy, tangled laces of her stays and breathe a sigh of relief when the ruined gown fell to the floor. His mouth was extremely dry. Even with her poor fatigued body and grubby skin she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He wanted to wrap her up warmly in his arms, tell her how much he loved her, how he had longed for her but she wouldn't understand... not yet. Belle still thought him her captor and believed that she had been running from a man who had betrayed her. How could he tell her that all of those memories were fake....a curse. The only person who had ruined Belle was him, she was his and he had seen to it that no one else would ever have her. The Dark One swallowed when he thought of the little Pantomime in the tower. He had never felt heart ache like it; watching Belle try and hurl herself from the window. She was a truly desperate soul and it was all his fault. Rumpelstiltskin hadn't been lying when he told Belle of his many enemies and how they would use her. Truth be told, conjuring the mirage of Gaston that evening had been a purely selfish act on his part but he had to be sure that Belle was free of her feelings for the man, real or not. He sighed as he saw her slip into the bubbles. He had scented them with honey and milk, remembering exactly how she would smell from when they had used to bathe together, before falling into bed still wet....Belle was so relaxed, which honestly made no sense when she was positive the Dark One was watching her from some hidden crevice. As she closed her eyes she let her mind wander to the kiss they had shared. Maybe she should just admit it.. she wanted more. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was much more to this strange deal...to him...than met the eye. Her dream had been so real, she had felt it! It was there in her bones, a memory in her muscles, against her skin and lips. It was driving her quite mad! She tried not to pay attention to the way the bubbles felt against her skin, soft, like searching fingers. Belle wanted more than anything to feel loved and desired but she knew all too well that pretty words and kisses didn't mean that she was truly wanted. Maybe that didn't matter? Maybe she could let the Dark One love her in his own way and still feel safe? After all, she had promised to be his and this time she was certain there would, indeed, be a wedding....It occurred to Belle as time passed and the bubbles began to dissolve around her, that her memories of her time with Gaston became strangely distant. How odd, that she couldn't quite reach them, even with her eyes closed. Maybe her fiancé had put a spell on her to ease her burden, if he had she really didn't mind. Belle was brave but she wasn't stupid, she'd take what was offered, especially with such an unknown road ahead....Rumpelstiltskin had been listening to Belle's thoughts for a good hour and he could tell she was beginning to drift off in the warm water. He was on his knees in front of the mirror now in both a state of longing and of frustration. She wanted him, he was sure of it and her mind was slowly freeing itself. If he went to her now she would not turn him down. The primal side of him told him to whisk himself straight off to those bathing chambers.. but he couldn't. All that Belle felt right now was lust, she was alone and frightened, just as she had been before as the innocent who came to his castle and fell from the ceiling into his arms. When they had come together all those years ago she had truly loved him...and it had to be the same this time. True loves kiss would be the answer. He would break the rest of the curse that had kept her mind and body caged for all these years. Now that her body was free.. her mind would surely follow. In the morning he would make her his completely, as he should have done the moment she kissed him at the spinning wheel. One day soon his Belle would see the man behind the beast once again... and perhaps when she did, not one curse ....but two ....could be broken.

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The bed was so soft. Belle felt real and true happiness as she buried herself under the feather duvet. Happiness...when had she last felt that? She kicked herself a little for getting too comfortable. She had to keep her guard up, for all she knew she was the pivotal ingredient in the Dark One's latest potion! The lamps in her room blew out in a magical gust of wind. Obviously, her intended wanted her to get some sleep. She closed her eyes and let the coolness and comfort of the pillow allow her to drift off peacefully. The castle was silent apart from the flickering of embers that remained in the grate; to keep her warm, she supposed. Just as sleep began the take her she could have almost sworn that she heard a quiet voice and felt the soft brush of a hand against her cheek ...'Goodnight, my Belle....'*****'Rise and shine sleeping beauty! The day is new and you.... are being very, very lazy!''Mmmmm...' Belle moaned and shoved the pillow over her head. The Dark One giggled and pulled the duvet straight off her body, magically extinguishing the fire so her toes were frozen in moments. Belle immediately shot out of bed in favour of her robe, sending the Dark One a saucy look as she went. She noticed he was dressed in the dragon-hide he normally favoured, this ensemble with a slightly longer frilled sleeve and accentuated cravat. She tried not to let her eyes wander down to the tight leather trousers.'Ungrateful little imp! I have brought you a fabulous breakfast...which you ignore in favour of your bed! Let me remind you this is the biggest day of your life, dearie! Chop, chop or I'll feed your eggs and bacon to the three headed dog in the basement!' Rumpelstiltskin grinned as he teased his little guest, taking in her look of surprise. Reading her thoughts, he deducted that her shock at the three headed dog quip was quickly replaced by the promise of breakfast. Looking around wildly, Belle located the tray at her vanity and dashed for it. The Dark One didn't stop her. He had secretly put a little spell on the dish to restore her to full health, hopefully, with the fullness of the morning, Belle wouldn't notice immediately.'It's you who is the imp Rumple! But thank you for the breakfast' Belle said with a coy smile, a piece of toast in one hand and a teacup in the other. Her teacup, he mused. He wondered if she realised that she had called him by his nickname, an abbreviation he had hated until she came along. His face fell as he took in the picture; Belle seemed renewed as she ate, a picture perfect copy of her former self ... even down to the cup. It was somewhat easier when she was broken but now the real Belle sat before him, shining and smiling as she always had and his heart ached.Rumple cleared his throat as she regarded him with those piercing azure eyes. She had always looked at him like he was a mystery to be uncovered .. or a treat.. like a cat with a canary. He had never been able tell which it was for sure... he assumed both were the same to her. 'Ehem .. well enjoy your breakfast, dearie. Make sure you eat it all I won't have a walking skeleton on my hands! Think of all that clinking, clanking! No, no we can't have that!'Belle saw the Dark One work himself up like a mechanical clock, his arms flailing stiffly. She wondered what had affected him? She deterred him, she had some questions anyway ..'Dark One. If we are to marry today who will attend and ....what shall I wear? Not to mention the need for someone to oversee the ceremony a....''Ahhhhh keen are we dearie?!' The Dark One leaned in closely, bending at the waist, his nose almost touching hers. Belle leaned in too, probably a little wantonly but she felt like she was being pulled by a magnet. Rumpelstiltskin was not blind to Belle's movement, small at it was and he battled with his conscience in the silence of the moment. Just as their lips were about to touch Rumple stood up straight, his expression steely. 'It is all arranged, don't you worry your pretty little head. In the wardrobe you will find a dress that is perfectly adequate..' he pointed towards the set of wardrobes in the corner 'I will be back to collect you in half an hour, dearie. Be ready!' With that he flounced out of the room shutting the door with a wave of his hand as he went.Belle wondered whether she had imagined that little interlude. Why did he not want to kiss her? She was sure that he wanted her, she had felt it the previous evening. Maybe he did not wish to frighten her... or was keeping up appearances until the wedding night. The wedding night! Would he even be expecting one? After all, despite her dreams telling her otherwise they barely knew each other. She was also relatively inexperienced, with only the brute as a comparison. What if he thought her incompetent? Would he feed her to the three-headed dog in the basement too? Belle was exhausted and the sun wasn't even fully risen yet. She pulled herself out of the chair and went to see what he had left for her. Hanging alone on a beautiful silk hook was an ivory, satin dress. It was unlike anything she'd ever seen in the enchanted forest. It was modest but cut in a flattering style that draped about her shoulders and fell loosely at her hips with a gathering at the waist. In boxes beneath she found undergarments, a wreath for her hair and a small pot of rouge. Strangely, she felt a lot less scared than if she was about to walk down the isle to someone else, especially Gaston! She had to admit...the dress was beautiful....The Dark One paced around in his tower. The girl was thinking so loudly and so fast it was giving him a headache. She had always been one to overanalyse but this time of course it wasn't without cause. Marrying Belle was, for him, half-way there to his happy ending but this wasn't his Belle yet ... could he do this to her until she was ready? Rumpelstiltskin straightened up and stood still. Yes, of course he could.. he had to make her his; tie her to to him by blood and by magic. Eventually she would begin to love him again and true loves kiss would free her mind from it's prison. It was cathartic if nothing else and if she couldn't love him this time, at least, perhaps, he could make her happy. He thought of all the wrong he had done in his life, of Bae and of his Belle but this time he had a second chance. He would not fail her....
*****Belle waited on the edge of her bed. She was ready for whatever the day held in store.
Today she would be a bride...'Ah, I see you can follow directions...that's good...a good thing' the Dark One flourished his hands in the air from the doorway. He was obviously putting on an act. Honestly Belle had expected a much more fearsome creature than he. This was the monster who strung his prisoners up by their thumbs in the dungeons; tortured them, lead people to destruction through the loopholes in his deals. He was not at all what she'd had in mind from the books she had read as a child, or the tales she had been told.Rumpelstiltskin was secretly floored. He had waited for years to see his Belle in a wedding dress. He hadn't expected all those years ago that it would be quite like this, a nervous, somewhat unwilling bride and he still acting the monster. Well .. sort of. She looked radiant as she sat there perched on the end of her bed. The dress he had bargained for in a deal with a realm traveller. He assumed it was from the land without magic, the same place where almost the entire of the enchanted forest now resided. It fit her perfectly, only the slightest bit of magic needed to turn up the hem. She looked at him with those large, brave eyes, no judgement, just curiosity. He couldn't resist telling her 'You are certainly the loveliest thing I have ever dealt for my dear.. but there is something missing..' The Dark One clicked his fingers and a wreath of white roses appeared in her lap. They were freshly picked, with traces of morning dew still upon the leaves...'Are you ready, my dear?' The Dark One held out his green, scaled hand. She didn't even flinch at his talons as she took it. In fact, he was sure she leaned into him a little once again. She nodded.. 'Come then...' They swept out of her rooms, the doors closing behind her, she wondered if she would be sleeping in those rooms again? Saying that .. did the Dark One even have his own rooms? Did he sleep...surely he must have a bed somewhere? Belle couldn't keep up her train of thought and was relieved that he didn't seem to be reading her mind at that moment because she was internally blushing. He moved so fast, like a lizard in the sand and she grappled with her flowers and skirt as she tried to keep up. The grip he had on her hand was tight and he looked ahead with immense purpose and concentration. They were at the bottom of the staircase now, lit dimly with torches and candelabras and Belle got a brief look at some more of the Dark Castle. As they passed through the Great Hall she was able to discern a grand table; oddities and cabinets full of treasures, plinths with various precious objects displayed and pelts of fur adorning high back chairs. It was a confused mix of a Lords castle and a monsters cave.Belle didn't glimpse much more of her new home before finding herself in the chill of the morning air. They were standing still now in a clearing of the woodland that surrounded the grounds of Rumpelstiltskins' castle. The only landmark of such was an ancient well that was positioned right in the middle of the clearing. There was something undoubtedly magical about this place but the Dark One gave nothing away, instead leading her to stand before it. Belle reached out to touch the old stone before jumping slightly when she noticed a cloaked figure emerge from the trees; a man she supposed, as the figure was tall and lean of stature. Rumpelstiltskin squeezed Belle's hand as he noticed her body tense, she was afraid, he could feel the emotion course through her body. He did not enter her mind for fear of being deterred from his mission and instead decided to comfort her.'Do not be afraid Belle. I will keep you safe ...' Belle was mesmerised by the look in Rumpelstiltskins' eyes. He hid nothing from her in that moment, he looked as if he....loved her and Belle was sure that whatever happened he would keep his promise. The figure spoke in hushed tones, there were no standard readings to speak of, just words she didn't understand. Magic, she presumed. Belle had read many a magical text, translated them word for word but this was an ancient magic she had never come across in her scholarly days.Belle's attention was caught when she noticed movement, another figure lurking in the trees. She knew that they needed a witness for the ceremony to be valid and assumed this was he. Who on earth was this mysterious witness to her marriage? Belle felt herself pulled back into the moment when the figure said something she understood for the first time ...'Do you, Belle of Avonlea, take the Dark One, Rumplestiltskin to be yours for all eternity?' Belle didn't even think properly before saying 'I do' and was almost surprised when the words erupted from her mouth with such certainty. Rumplestiltskin was obviously as startled as she because his pupils dilated so much that they covered the entire of his eye. Rumplestiltskin made his vow as swiftly as she had, taking her hands more tightly in his as he did, as if he thought she may disappear if he didn't hang on to her. Maybe that's why he put that 'all eternity' clause in? Strange, she thought because as far as she knew she wasn't immortal and would be gone long before the Dark One with his famed immortality. Was he promising to be loyal to her even in the event of her death? How strange, Belle was truly baffled as to why he'd wish to tie himself to her in a such a way and promised herself she'd get some answers. After all, she may have made a deal of marriage but she hadn't gambled away her fate completely. She was still in charge on her own destiny. If she was never going to know another person in her whole life, she would make sure she got to know the man behind the Dark One.Belle could tell Rumple wasn't reading her thoughts because he had not stopped looking at her in utter wonder. It was unnerving, the way he made her feel, like she belonged to him completely. Belle was almost on the verge of wishing that he take her away and make her his well and truly but was broken from her reverie with a flourish of magic. The Dark One made two simple wedding bands appear, opening the palm of his hand to reveal them and securing the slimmer of the two upon her finger. Belle made the same exchange, marvelling at the way the gold merged with the glow of his skin. She ran her fingers over the tops of his and Rumplestiltskin couldn't help it; he pulled her to him with a force so great that she lost her footing. It didn't matter because he held her body so tightly against his that she couldn't breathe and as his mouth descended on hers she thought the world was standing still.Rumplestiltskin was really beginning to doubt why he was holding himself at a distance when kissing Belle felt so perfect. It made him feel like an ordinary man again... almost completely free. Now he had magically bound her to him there was nothing that could tear them apart, even death. Belle would not age as long as he was the Dark One. If the curse was ever broken, then their immortality would wain and they would live out the remainder of their lives as normal, as intended. He had no intention of telling Belle this yet, he knew how she had felt about his little curse and he had selfishly bound her to it. It would also be heartbreaking. Should Belle find out again that his curse could be broken with true loves kiss, she would never stop trying. It would be forced and love couldn't grow like that, like he needed it to, to save her from her own curse. Someone wise once told him that love was layered, a mystery to he uncovered. Belle had fallen in love with the man behind the beast, she had peeled back the layers all those years ago. However hard it was, he had to be the Dark One for a while longer, he had to let his Belle solve the mystery once again.

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Belle stumbled. She felt herself cocooned in a whirl of smoke before magically standing before the Dark One, her husband, in the Great Hall of the castle. He had stopped kissing her as they travelled and honestly, Belle now felt a little queasy. She lost her footing whilst attempting to steady herself and hit the floor so quickly even the Dark One didn't see it coming. 'Belle!' Rumplestiltskin bent to scoop her off the floor, she was conscious, overwhelmed he thought, so he brought her to sit in the chair of the grand table. She clung to his neck for support and he felt a tear against his skin. Belle was crying. When she was seated comfortably he wiped the tear away, careful to do it in a 'matter of fact' manner rather than the adoring way he truly favoured. 'Now what is this, dearie? There is nothing to cry about! I promise your duties do not involve skinning any of the children I hunt.... ' Belle gasped and stared, rigidly at her husband 'kidding dearie! Not serious, just pointing out that things could be a lot worse..' The Dark One grinned in his own manic way. 'I don't suppose you have had time to explore the library yet? How about you run along and enjoy it? There is a chaise set up in a cosy corner for your use, I would suggest taking a rest, it has probably been a stressful morning for you..' Belle was confused. That was it? A short wedding and he chucks her into the library? She wasn't going to let him palm her off in such a cowardly way, not when she had just agreed to spend every day with him for the rest of her life! She stood up and looked him square in the face. 'Oh no you don't Rumplestiltskin! You may be the big, bad Dark One but I won't let you marry me just to discard me into the library when I am not of use to you! Most brides come home to a feast...a festival! I will not be banished into the library for the remainder of my wedding day just because the man I have married happens to be a grumpy old sorcerer!' Belle crossed her arms haughtily and glared at her husband. The Dark One was only taken aback for a second before remembering that, memories aside, this was still Belle. 'I knew you were a feisty one, dearie, but really....I was simply sparing you from an afternoon with the monster..' he folded his hand across his chest in oath and giggled. 'Whether you are a monster or not, Rumple, you are still my husband. If I can't know anyone else for my whole life .. can't I at least know you?' There they were, the very same words she had used so long ago, the same pleading look, begging him to let her in. In that moment Rumple realised that, yes, Belle had fallen in love with the monster all those years ago but she was, ultimately, his true love. Being a monster had caused him to loose his Belle in the first place and more. There was so much more that she could not find out about until the curse was broken. The biggest secret of all was buried in Rumple's heart, the hardest secret of all to keep. Bigger than their past together, than their newly gained immortality, than either of their curses. Rumple saw Belle's inquisitive look as the stranger appeared to witness their wedding. He wondered how long it would be before she questioned him and what lie he would tell her? What guise he could cast upon the stranger? So many lives tainted by his darkness, all he wanted was to absorb, to bask in her light and banish every curse that could ever touch them. In that moment the Dark One couldn't pretend anymore, he picked up his Belle, lifting her to the table before him and kissed her with all the passion within him. The same desire that he had felt when he bargained for her as she wore that gold dress, the bravest woman he had ever met. Belle was so shocked she wasn't sure what to do with herself. She kissed the Dark One back, clinging to him and trying desperately to keep up with his heated embrace. It seemed he couldn't decide what to do with his hands because they gripped at her frantically, like they were painting a picture of her body and memorising each contour. When his hands smoothed the inside of her thighs she gasped. The Dark One gasped too and stared at her in horror, like he had broken something fragile. 'I ... I am sorry Rumple.. there was nothing wrong! I just became... overwhelmed.. I, forgive me ..' Belle stuttered over her words before looking at the floor like a scolded puppy. She berated herself for being such a coward, she was his wife and it was her duty whether she was ready or not. She also couldn't lie to herself ... she wanted him. 'Belle, there is nothing to forgive' the Dark One tipped her chin so she was forced to look him in the eye 'forgive me... I forgot myself, I would never force you I...' he stumbled over the words '.. care for you, dearie. More than you know. I wish I could explain everything but it is not the time. Just know, that you are safe here, there are no expectations, no obligations.. I wish to make you .. happy...' The Dark One looked her at her with such hope that in that moment she knew she was exactly where she was supposed to be. The Dark Castle felt so much like home and the more she gazed into the eyes of this monster the more she forgot her time with another. In fact, what colour were Gaston's eyes? She couldn't bring it to mind .. nor the colour of the drapes in the rooms where she was imprisoned .. or the faces of the servants who slammed her meagre meals down for her once a day. It was .. foggy. Not to mention that she was now processing the fact that Rumple was obviously in love with her. How? How could he know that already? And why did she dream of him in such detail? Of his body... his touch... the softness of his voice as he embraced her tenderly. Belle knew what it felt like to be lost in him, to sleep in the safety of his arms, to hear him cry, laugh, to fight passionately with him, to fear him, to love him ... she knew... everything... Just as Belle was about to open her mouth to expel all of the mounting questions there was an almighty bang! Rumple grabbed her hand, braced to sprint in the direction of the front doors, it sounded as if they had been blown straight off their hinges! 'No need to overexert yourself Rumple... I let myself in.' A low, sultry voice echoed from the other side of the grand table. A woman let out a low, rumbling laugh that made Rumplestiltskin's skin boil. He became rigid, immediately recognising the voice of the intruder. 'You never were one for knocking... your Majesty..'

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‘You never were one for knocking.. Your Majesty...’
The Evil Queen, as she was known to everyone in the Enchanted Forest, stood proudly before the newlyweds. She was dressed, as was standard, in an all-black somewhere between terrifying and stunning ensemble. Her long cape dragged along the floor, embossed with blood-red jewels and high feathers that framed her face, cut to sharp points around her collar-bone. The corner of her red-lined mouth twitched up, amused. Stretching a long, feathered arm towards the arch of one of the high back dining chairs she slid her her taloned finger-nail across the wood before lifting it to eye level to inspect. ‘I heard you got your little maid back Rumple… still, she’s as sloppy as ever I see.’ She rubbed her fingers together to expel the invisible dust and sauntered towards Belle, slowly. ‘Never did much housework did you dear? Well, it’s no surprise, it’s obvious the Dark One kept his maid busy enough….’ Rumpelstiltskin clenched his fist and bared his teeth. An invisible rope caught the Queen’s hand as she reached out to touch Belle’s face mockingly. She laughed, low and unnerved, even in the presence of the darkest entity in all the realms Belle wasn't afraid but she was confused; she was sure the woman had said ‘I heard you got your little maid back Rumple..’ So, did this mean Belle had been right all along? Her and Rumple had been together before. They had most certainly been lovers, maybe they were already married? So why on earth did a mixture of hazy visions cloud her true memories? How and why did Rumple ever let Gaston get to her? One thing she knew for sure was that he was possessive, he would not have willingly let that happen to her. So what was real…was any of it? She couldn’t ask any of these mounting questions now, she needed the Dark One on her side, never mind what strange and complicated secrets there were between them. Rumpelstiltskin could hear Belle’s thoughts; they moved through her mind quick as lightening, almost indecipherable with their speed. He didn't know how he ever expected to keep what he knew from her for long; she was the smartest woman he had ever met… and he had been alive for centuries. He would have to come clean. She didn't love him truly as yet, true loves kiss would have broken her curse and his and he was still, as ever, The Dark One. What Belle didn't know was that the woman who stood before them was the reason, the devil behind their demise. Rumpelstiltskin had gone to great lengths to conceal his recent heist; years worth of planning and work, shut up in his dungeon trying to rescue his little maid. He fumed, the woman before him had ruined not just his life but so many more and soon Belle would find out just how much she had lost. His heart ached. Without thinking he flicked his fingers up towards his new wife. Belle gasped as a shield of purple smoke was thrown up from the floor, she coughed in the fog as it swirled around her. Rumpelstiltskin watched as Belle froze in her protective shield, the magic seeping into her bones leaving her immobile in her cage but ultimately, as safe as she could be. The Queen rolled her eyes at this gesture. ‘Ohhh really Rumple, you have gone soppy in your old age..’ The Dark One growled and launched himself at the Evil Queen, teeth bared. For a moment she looked almost frightened but quickly threw up her hands relocating herself to the other side of the great hall. She grinned as her opponent swept his lean body across the hall, instinctively knowing her moves and in one swift motion gipped her neck with his claws. ‘Soppy, dearie? I think you misunderstand..’ The Dark One spat his anger into the face of the student who had once shown so much promise. ‘I do not appreciate you taking my things…dearie! Queen or no Queen, you do not rule me! I created you! Your powers were honed by me! And do not be mistaken…I…will…STRIP…them…from…you! Along with the flesh from your bones, dearie, for DARING to CROSS the DARK ONE.’ The Queen laughed and drew her face even closer to his. ‘Awww Rumple, don’t forget, I know your secret, I know your weakness! Love is weakness! You taught me that and yet you search for that little nobody for years, manically, obsessively! You are not the most powerful being in the Enchanted Forest anymore! I am the one with the power! And I have found a way to cast my curse without your help! You can keep ‘the help’ for now Rumple…because soon you'll be parted all over again! This time for good!’ She moved in close to his ear.. ‘Those little stories I planted in her head about Gaston…I know you were listening in, I was very thorough with the details wasn't I? In this new world, I’ll have your lost love straight into someone else's bed Rumple and there will be nothing you can do about it!’ Rumpelstiltskin saw red. In his anger he was surely going to kill the Queen. He stepped back and before she could move even an inch had taken her heart from her chest in a swift motion. Black, like his. Every black mark an innocent life taken, a loophole, a betrayal. He knew that his heart was healing, that the light was slowly creeping back in and casting outwards from the blackened recesses. Belle, she saw that light above all else. The Queen looked confused clutching her chest as he gripped her heart with an iron fist. She thought herself invincible, no doubt had cast a myriad of protection spells upon herself to stop this from ever happening. Still the student, she was ultimately second to the Dark One. The fool! He had made those spells; invented, boiled and stirred them until they grew into magic and they bent to his will! ‘Nooo Rumple, Rumple stop…please…I know you are hurting but killing her is not the answer..’ He heard Belle’s thoughts as she watched the scene unfold from her shielded cage. ‘You are strong Rumple..you will find another way…please!I will help you.. we will defeat her together!’ Belle, goodness incarnate. How could he murder the Queen in front of her after gaining so much of her trust back. He had to make Belle love him again, it was all that mattered, if he killed the Queen now it would not matter if they were parted forever, she would never love him. With a roar he slammed the Queen’s heart back into place and dropped down to floor level with her as she coughed and wheezed in shock. He tipped her chin up and told her clearly… ‘You forget, Your Majesty… I know Dark Magic. Whatever curse you have managed to make, to procure, there will be a price. There is always a price and whenever the time comes for you pay it, do not be mistaken…I’ll be watching!’ With that he swept his hand across her crouched form and banished her back to her castle. Falling to he floor he did something he hadn't done for may lifetimes. He wept. In his vulnerability the spell on Belle was lifted. Dizzily, she fell towards her husband. She had never expected to see the most powerful man in all the realms so defeated. Should she comfort him or let him be? Before she had a chance to think about it the Dark One had gripped her small hand between both of his taloned ones and pulled her down to him. He wrapped her up with him on the cold floor, her body cradled between his legs and her head tucked beneath his skin. He was silent now, stoic. Belle allowed him to hold her, for she believed, she was all he had in the world and the more she thought about it, he was her world too.

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Belle shivered slightly in his arms. There was a draft creeping across the floor of the Great Hall where they had been laying together for many hours. Despite the days events Rumpelstiltskin felt great peace, he knew that Belle was starting to see the man behind the dragon-hide and scales. She had fallen asleep some time ago and the sun was starting to dip behind the trees of the forest that surrounded the castle. The light from the windows was dimming and he remembered the day that he fell in love with her; the day she tugged down the heavy drapes and let the sun stream in. He had stopped stroking her hair, not wanting to wake her but was perfectly content to lie with her like this, to remember what her love felt like. The Dark One conjured a fog that relocated them to the chaise in library. With a flick of his heavily adorned wrist he set a roaring fire in the grate and Belle sighed, burying her cold nose into the crease of his neck. He pulled a fur blanket up to cover her arms and marvelled at the feeling of her light frame against his once again. Belle was right, he had worked so hard to get her back and to become the man that she deserved. They would fight together for as long as it would take; there were people loyal to them who she would soon remember and they would win. Happily ever after, he would make sure they had theirs…
****When Rumple awoke he was aware of an elbow digging into his chest and he smiled as memories of similar times flooded back. Greeted with one of his favourite sights he turned his head to see Belle balanced against him, a pile of books strewn in her lap and her nose stuck between the pages of the thickest, most daunting looking tome. ‘I see you've explored your library dearest..’ Belle jumped but smiled back. ‘You looked so peaceful husband I could not wake you. In honesty, I wasn't sure that you even slept…’ ‘I don’t regularly.’ Admitted the Dark One. ‘I think the last restful night I had was about fifty years ago, I’ve had a lot on my mind.’ He grinned a her, his lopsided smile beaming. Belle squinted at him with that knowing look she had always used to pry out his secrets. ‘I know there is so much you are not telling me Rumple, I know we have known each other before. I know you have feelings for me, perhaps you love me, or did once upon a time. I think its time you told me our tale; if we are ever going to stand a change against the Queen, we have to work together!’ Belle looked at him with resolution, her eyes sparkling and before he could say a word planted a kiss upon his lips. It was only a peck really but it was enough to make him want to throw her on the chaise and make her his all over again. He wasn't sure but he thought he felt a small surge of magic in the moment their lips touched and it reassured him. ‘Trust me Rumple…’ He couldn't help himself, not with her pressed so close, looking just like she always had with a book in her hand and her hair all tousled. The wedding dress made her look angelic, such a contrast against his green-gold skin. He kissed her deeply, passionately and his heart thumped as she opened her mouth to his. Within minutes he had unlaced the stays of her gown and she had shook the shoulders down in utter frustration as they caught at her bodice. Throwing away all caution he ripped the gown from her upper body (he could mend it later if she wished) and pulled her to his lap, her knees straddling either side of his thighs against the chaise. Rumpelstiltskin couldn't hear any of Belle’s thoughts in this moment, she was consumed. Her hands burnt trails of fire against his neck and he balled his hands into fists, catching the satin of her skirt and pulling it high above her thighs. Her breath caught at that but he didn't stop this time, instead gently running his claws against the soft skin of her thighs. Belle kissed him again, fusing their mouths together and pulling against the shoulders of his coat. In that moment Belle gasped as a surge of magic almost cast her off his lap. Gripping his shoulders she was overwhelmed with the visions that plagued her. They came so fast, like lightening bolts against her skull and with her eyes shut tight she could see flashes of light swirl into pictures. Rumple was shocked, he gripped Belle’s face and arms supporting her as she hung her head against his chest, absorbing the magic. ‘Belle, dearie, you must breath, you have been exposed to a powerful magic, it will pass just hold on to me.’ He gripped her against him and rocked her until she calmed. When she finally lifted reddened, wet eyes to his black orbs he breathed a sigh of relief.
‘Rumple..’ She stuttered and fingered the laces of his tunic, a habit of hers from years ago. ‘I don’t…it doesn't all make sense but I remember…’ She furrowed her brow and looked around, confused.’ “Tell me Belle’ he stroked her face.. ‘What did you see..’ ‘I remember kissing you, at the spinning wheel. I remember you catching me when I fell from the ladder. When I kissed you, you were so angry…your curse, it began to lift…’ ‘Yes, yes you are right, my Belle but I came after you! You were everything to me but I needed my curse, to find my boy… do you remember? Belle eyes sparkled ‘Baelfire….’ ‘Yes Belle, we made a deal, do you remember? That we would find him together and then when we had we would break the spell and live together, peacefully, forever…’ Belle’s anger flared and she scowled at him ‘If you ever talk to me like you did that night again Rumple I will skin you!’ She crossed her arms against her chest and pouted. The Dark one giggled and touched her face. ‘I know, dearest, forgive me, please. There was so much we shared after that moment, I was a coward but we lived so happily..’ his voice caught ‘for a time…’ ‘Please Rumple, please tell me everything, I need to know!’ She pressed her forehead against his and he sighed at her touch. ‘I have touched you like this so many times Belle but you have no idea how long it’s been, how long its taken me to bring you back. You never were a damsel in distress, you’re far too brave for that. When you were taken from me, I kept thinking that as I failed to find the answers you might, somehow, find a way to come back to me, you always came back to me…’ ‘I am here now Rumple.’ She grasped his hand and put it back against her thigh. ‘show me how you loved me..before.’ The Dark One didn't need to be asked twice, he pulled her beneath him in one swift motion and began unlacing her bodice with a speed he didn't know he possessed without using magic. She giggled and he caught the smile from her mouth with his lips. She moaned as he kissed her and wriggled beneath him in a way that would certainly drive him insane. The Dark One was so immersed in their kiss that he nearly chocked when she gasped and pushed against his chest to get him off her. ‘Belle, what is is? Did I do something wro….’‘No Rumple its just…your curse, you still have it. I mean you are still..’ she waved her hand up and down his body. He was shocked, she had never been put off by his appearance before, scales and all. ‘Yes but I don’t…’ ‘Rumple! You saw what happened today! It seems to me we are going into battle. I don’t like the sound of this curse the Queen has got planned, we have to stop her!’ ‘What are you getting at Belle?” ‘You need your curse Rumple! I know I didn't always appreciate its perks before but I can see you now. You are no longer your curse and you can hone it…use it to save the Enchanted Forest!’ The Dark One sat back on his heels and ran his hand through his unruly waves.‘Belle..’ he took her hands in his. ‘For so many years I promised myself that if I could save you and you would have me I would break the curse immediately. It was all you ever wanted Belle, the man behind the monster..’‘I see no monster now Rumple…I am telling you we have to be brave for a while longer. If not for ourselves then surely for the other innocent people who will be affected by this curse!’ Rumpelstiltskin smiled, running his fingers against her lips in longing. ‘Very well, dearie, we will fight for a while longer but you must keep me grounded Belle, don’t let me get sucked into the darkness again whatever happens…’ ‘I promise Rumple. We will live happily ever after, I know it.’ She smiled, brilliantly at him and it was only then that he realised quite the extent of her dishevelled state. Her dress hung from her breasts, her skirts pulled right up. He could see the beautiful satin undergarments that he picked for her bridal wear. His mouth watered and he reached for her …‘Belle…’ Rumpelstiltskin began to plead with her but Belle stilled him with a gentle hand on his chest. ‘Rumple, it’s time you told me everything…’ He sighed ‘there is so much to tell my Belle, it won’t be easy for you to hear.’ ‘Its ok Rumple, I’m ready.’ She curled her body against his and he pulled the blanket around her shoulders to keep her warm.‘Where do I start Belle?’‘At the beginning…’

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Readers, thanks so much for being here!It's been a long while since I posted another chapter for this story. I wondered if I might ask for suggestions ... Would you like me to round off the story with an ending ( I know you might not like the ending.. but I'll round it off in the way I always intended x )?Or would you like me to expand the story, keep going, see where it takes us....? I can only say I ran out of steam but I love the characters so much and feel ready to start writing them again! Please forgive the delay x So let me know your thoughts and we'll go on a rumbelle journey together ... Lots of love and stay safe Tor x

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‘Where do I start, belle?’‘At the beginning…’ Belle looked at her husband with absolute resolution. He knew it wouldn’t be long before all of her memories came back to her; the magic was coursing through her veins now. Belle had always been brave; often infuriatingly so, but the biggest blow was yet to come…She smiled at him in the way she always had, it wasn’t to show happiness but to make him feel safe, loved, secure. It was how she’d pried his story from him in the first place. When they had sat knee to knee at the spindle and she’d asked him to tell her about his son…‘My actions that night, they were unforgivable, Belle. I loved you from the moment I saw you in your father’s throne room. The most beautiful woman in the realms, wrapped up a gold dress…’ Rumple grinned at her and she batted him. ‘I can see the future, Belle, but I never saw ours. My own destiny was kept from me and I was a coward, I thought love was a weakness and I needed to find my son…’ ‘We will find him Rumple!’ Belle interjected…‘Belle, I did find him…’ she looked aghast, so he took her hands between his own to calm her. ‘After the Queen cursed you, a bigger curse came and some of us were taken to another world, a realm where there is no magic. You were left behind, along with a few others who missed the spells reach…cursed as you were, you couldn’t have known it ever happened. He was there, Belle, in that realm, he came back with me, we all did. Whilst we were cursed he had a child with Emma, Snow White and Prince Charming’s daughter…’Belle was obviously both shocked and confused. He knew her well enough to know she was bursting with questions. ‘But, Rumple, if Regina is about to cast a curse and you all came home, surely she wouldn’t try and cast another? And where is Baelfire….?’ She looked around frantically as if he would magically appear. ‘The Queen didn’t cast the first curse, Belle, it was her sister, The Wicked Witch of the West. Just as tricky as Regina and twice as sneaky; luckily I put a clause into the curse just in time so that I retained my memories, it was how I was able to find Bae and get home to you…’‘And Bae…?’ ‘He’s gone Belle…’ Rumple looked down and blinked back tears. She saw the pain course through his body as he sighed, raggedly. ‘When we found a way home, the witch wasn’t defeated, she followed us through the portal with her army of flying monkeys and the battle raged across the whole realm. He died saving Emma and their baby, Henry…he was a hero…’ Belle was mortified, she held her tears back, she was devastated, but she knew Rumple was proud of his boy. ‘Rumple….’ Was all she managed but the look on her face said everything. ‘He was going to help me wake you, Belle, we had planned it together; all of the ways we would try to rescue you…’ Rumple laughed a sad laugh…his eyes cast low. ‘He wanted to meet the woman who’d tamed the beast…’Belle smiled longingly, she had wanted nothing more than to embrace Bae alongside his father. She knew she was too young to try and be his mother but she’d hoped she could be his friend, his family. 'How long were you cursed for, Rumple, I don’t even know how long I was under Regina’s spell for…?’ Belle shook her head, her hands clasping through her hair, she was stressed and Rumple thought it might all be too much too soon. ‘Even I don’t know to the year, Belle, time moved differently in the land without magic. All of the children who were born there aged normally, like Emma, but the rest of us, we stayed as we were when the curse hit. Even the realm around the town we were trapped in moved differently to where we were. It is often the way, realm to realm but the cursed added another level of complexity….I’m sorry, I know it is a lot to take in….’Belle signed, it seemed she wasn’t going to get all the answers tonight. She grimaced and touched her forehead; the pain came in waves amongst a blur of pictures, thoughts and feelings. It was like re-learning herself all over again and every time is was more painful. All she knew was that her love for Rumple was stronger than anything else she could feel or remember. It hurt her to think that he had lived through the pain of loosing her, whilst she had been asleep. True, she’d had the cursed memories to deal with, but they were so distant now she only knew what Rumple had told her of them. It was like they had happened to someone else…The Dark One stroked Belle’s arm and conjured a thick woven blanket to wrap her in. The night air was cold, bitter even and he wanted to take her to his bed and wrap her in his arms. Should he tell her the worst of it yet? He wasn’t sure…the morning would come soon and he felt that they should rest before the task ahead. In the morning they would get to work building an army…never an easy task…luckily, the Dark One was not as feared as he once was. Rumpelstiltskin’s guard was well and truly down from the moment he and Belle set about their lives together. It mattered not to him that he was ‘The Dark One’ once she was lost, he stayed in control of the darkness, just as she would have wanted. He’d thought love was weakness but it had built him friendship, trust, allies and it was those he would need if he was ever going to beat Regina. Belle furrowed her eyebrows and pouted. She was reading his countenance, as she often did. Rumple grinned and jabbed her, gently with his taloned hand. ‘I know that look, dearie, do not presume to think you know allllll the Dark One’s secrets…’ he smiled at the familiarity of it, it was like she had never gone, he only wished he could forget the pain of those days…‘Rumple, you are easier to read than one of my books…what is it you are not telling me…’‘Dearie, it’s….’‘Yes, yes it’s late, or rather, early… and I know we have a fight on our hands come morning. But, Rumple, I will most likely remember whatever it is sooner or later. Don’t you think it’s better to ease the blow…’ ‘I doubt it, love…’‘Rumple! Please…’ ‘Belle, it’s not as easy as…’‘Tell me Rumple!’‘But, Belle…’ ‘Rumplestiltksin!’ ‘Its our son Belle!’ Rumple sighed… ‘We have a son…’

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MANY YEARS AGO…
‘All you’ll have is an empty heart…and a chipped cup…’ With that Belle left the room, full of resolution. How dare he discard their true love like it meant nothing. How dare he think that she was stupid enough not to know that this was just a front. She knew he loved her, it was true loves kiss! The curse had begun to break and with it she’d seen a glimpse of his true self. The man behind the monster…No! He was not a monster. Belle had known real monsters in her time and Rumple was not one of them. The scales and dragon hide were a just mask; he hid behind his flourishes and wild curls so that the realm didn’t see him for what he truly was…a scared man with a shattered past. It didn’t matter to Belle the he was a coward, it didn’t matter to her that he had made mistakes; he was not the devil incarnate. He was misunderstood. The wind was brutally cold. Somehow Belle had found herself in the grounds of the Dark castle; a dangerous place to be at night with no protection or shelter; let alone without a cloak to fend off the chill. Belle was slight and she knew it wouldn’t take her long to succumb. Damn Rumpelstiltskin! The infuriating man! How dare he let her go, like she was nothing to him; right into the clutches of an icy winter. Belle shivered as a breeze whipped up her hair and pulled at her skirts. Her ankles were surely blue and her arms were wet with a cold sweat…Belle was not a damsel in distress and she did NOT need her master to rescue her, or anyone else for that matter! She didn’t quite know where to go from this point; her options were limited. Avonlea… could she return? Like a heroic warrior Princess from the clutches of the Beast. But what would she tell them…that she had tamed the beast and he had let her go? Surely not! Belle loved her family and her father was a good man who had cherished her. But in Avonlea, there were punishments for those who meddled with dark magic. They would never believe that the Dark One simply ‘let her go,’ they would assume that she had seduced him for her freedom and in doing so, she would be named the Dark One’s mistress. Her father was powerful, but the council surrounding him were more so…they had always kept an eye on Belle, warned her father of her ‘strange’ and unwomanly ways. She had challenged all perceptions of what a woman could be in this world and the elders had not liked it. No, they would find a way to get rid of her. Probably with scourges and flaying as they so often favoured. The worst possible way to go…Just as she began to contemplate her next move a cloud of purple smoke engulfed her. She became lost in it for moment and once it cleared she was surrounded by a heavy, fur coat. The hood pulled up around her temples and the hem reached about an inch above the floor. Belle breathed a sigh of relief. Then, impetuously, stamped her food hard against the ground!! The nerve of that man! His guilt said everything! He sends a spell because he’s worried about her freezing to death! Love is weakness…rubbish! He couldn’t even send her away properly. All she had to do was wait it out until he came to his senses. She just wasn’t sure how long it would take, so she had to make a plan in the meantime…Belle approached the entrance to the forest surrounding the dark castle. If she stuck to the path it might be safe; she had traversed the same route to town earlier that morning. But now it was pitch black and the forest did not look so inviting. Two hours, maybe three in the dark and she would make it into town. Belle cast her eyes over the estate, to the west was a wide expanse of lake. It rolled lazy, black waves that glittered in the light of many stars. She thought about staying put; perhaps curling up by the water underneath a large tree for shelter and awaiting the morning…but Belle was stubborn and he had, ultimately, told her to go. So, go she would. The trees loomed over like cloaked figures, it frightened her, the unknowing of the situation. Belle had heard tales of things that lurked in the dark forest. Witches, ogres and wolves…wolves bigger than humans and ten times stronger. She caught herself as her body lurched forward; her foot caught up in a fallen branch; she must be more careful, an injury at this time of night, with nowhere to go and miles from anyone would surely be the end of her. Things rustled, ominously, it was unnerving. It was probably just rabbits and other creatures that she had disturbed by crunching through the undergrowth. She thought she must have been travelling for a couple of hours now; surely town wasn’t far away. If only she had some light to go by, it was getting more and more difficult to stick to the path…Belle was tired and the wind was strong. Do the brave thing and bravery will follow. Once she got to town she would find a room. There was ample money in the pocket of her cloak, as well as some small rations. She would be fine…
***
Rumpelstiltskin sat at the hearth in the great hall. No fire burned…what was the point? He breathed raggedly and hid his face behind his scaled hands. What had he done? She was probably half-way into the Dark Forest by now. She should never be in there alone at night, surrounded by darkness and God knows what else. He had thought she might remain on the grounds once he sent her the cloak; he had supplied her with some food and money, just in case she really wanted to leave. But of course, she wouldn’t want to be anywhere near the beast anymore, not now she’d seen his true colours. He missed her already; her light and warmth and smile. The blackness in his heart had begun to dissolved the moment she came to his castle. He wanted her her. He loved her…Rumpelstiltskin had consulted his crystal ball the moment Belle left. Of course, the interlude with the Queen had been entirely down to Regina’s own meddling. No doubt she had her own reasons for breaking his curse; power…it always came down to power. For him too. Could Belle understand that he needed his curse to find his son? If she loved him, then surely she would? And she must love him…because when they kissed, he’d felt the curse begin to break. Kissing Belle was more earth-shattering than he could ever have imaged. He loved her so completely and madly that just being close to her made him feel dizzy. It was…scary. He was overcome with the need to have her in his arms again, in his bed. He wanted to love her like she deserved. He felt that maybe it was too late, his actions were unforgivable…The Dark one clutched his knee as a searing agony splintered through his bones. He screamed into the empty fireplace and his eyes widened with fear and as he realised…Belle, she was hurt! How could he have been such a coward. With a wave of his hand he engulfed himself in purple smoke. Thinking only of belle, he trusted the magic to take him to his true love…

***

The howling began as Belle tugged at her cloak. It had got caught on a low-hung branch and she wrestled to free it. The noise got louder and more threatening; they were getting closer. She would discard the cloak; town wasn’t far off now and rather succumb to to cold than a pack of angry wolves! Belle shook the heavy fur from her shoulders and ran; it was like pushing against a cold wall of ice with heavy, cold winds that bit her face, making her eyes stream. She didn’t know where she was running to or in what direction, the woods around her blurred into a giant dark mass that threatened to swallow her. Belle was afraid. The howling was close now; maybe only paces behind her. Wolves. She could hear their heavy paws land against the cold earth; there were a few of them, maybe a whole pack. Belle was nearly screaming with each breath but she couldn’t hear herself, her ears rang with fear and all she could think of was that Rumpelstiltskin would never forgive himself. If she died, any hope of freeing him from his curse was lost and he would remain the Dark One for all eternity. His heart would fill with darkness once more and all hope would be lost. ‘AAAAAARRGHHHH!’ Belle screamed as a large jaw clamped itself around her knee; the creature took her down with one bite; coming clean out of the woods to her right. It let her go then, to tower over her; crying as she was from the cold and the fear; she could only make out its dark fur and piercing yellow eyes. No. Belle wasn’t going down without a fight! She felt, frantically in the undergrowth where she lay and her hand landed upon a large rock. She hurled it at the creatures face and it bulked, giving her a moment to fling herself from the ground and shoot off through the trees. It was fruitless, she knew, but it bought her a moment and just as three more wolves blocked her path and the attacker leapt towards her there was a loud pop and purple smoke filled the air…The Dark One Stood her in path and before she knew it a glittering shield flew up around her, deflecting the wolves as they pounced. She didn’t see much, her vision was waning and the forest spun around her. Her skirts were soaked through will blood. ‘Rumple…’ Belle said quietly…
And then the world went black…

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It was warm. Belle was somewhere, but she was nowhere. She thought she felt satin sheets against her skin, maybe the heat of a fire. Magic pulsed through the air creating a sense of calm. It smelled like incense and dragon hide and…the Dark One. ‘Hmmmmm…’ Belle sighed and stretched her naked limbs. Someone stroked a long finger across her cheek. The skin was coarse, and she felt the stranger’s breath against her neck. No. Not a stranger. Rumpelstiltskin. ‘Where am I?’ She asked, quietly. Like she wanted to know. But she didn’t, really. Nothing mattered here… ‘Somewhere, but nowhere…’ The Dark One traced her thigh with his fingers and kissed her deeply. She opened her mouth to his and raked her fingers through his hair. They fought for dominance and it was passion like she’d never known or would ever know again. She bit his lip, impulsively and he moved against her, like it was the best thing she’d ever done. ‘You were mean, Rumpelstiltskin…’ Belle scored her nails down the scales of his back. She realised now that he was as naked as she was and as they kissed she didn’t know anything, nor care about anything, yet she teased him…‘I will make you pay, Dark One…’ He gripped her jaw and tipped her mouth up to his. He kissed her with such force that she shook with the power of it. Gripping his shoulders and wrapping her legs around his waist. Daring him. ‘I do hope so, dearie…I’ll do anything…’ He punctuated his words with sharp bites down her body, soothed with kisses. He looked up at her from between her thighs and ran his claws across them leaving faint streaks against her skin.‘Anything…at…all’ …Belle awoke with a gasp! Her breath came harshly, pained even. The pressure in her chest made her sit up and pull the heavy sheets from her body. She was in a bed, surrounded by blood-red curtains with a tasselled canopy hanging overhead. The air was filled with something like incense; smoky, the remnants of magic. A candle was almost burnt out on the bedside table and a pitcher of water sat adjacent. She noticed wolf-hide on the floors and a large fireplace with antlers above it. On the mantelpiece was a chipped cup, her cup… ‘Do you feel well, dearie…?’Belle whipped her head around to the other side of the bed, where the Dark One perched, looking at her intently. How strange, she hadn’t noticed him before. Magic, she supposed. ‘I was always here, Belle…’ Belle frowned…he had stopped reading her mind the moment she fell from the window, the moment he had realised he loved her. Trying to sit up, Belle soon realised her leg was cocooned in a purple cage. She felt only the ghost of what might be pain, she supposed it was badly cut, the wolf had taken a rather large bite out of it in any case. ‘Don’t try to move, dearie. The magic will run its course soon and your leg will be good as new. There were some minor scrapes, easily fixed…. I….’ He looked down and stopped talking, looking haunted and embarrassed. ‘Forgive me, Belle, please….’ Belle wasn’t sure she was ready to forgive. He had been cruel and forced her out into a cold, dark winter. The Dark One had dismissed her love like it meant nothing and she was angry with him.‘I know you are angry with me, dearie…’‘STOP reading my mind Rumpelstiltskin! I forbid it!’ The Dark One shut his mouth like a scolded child. Belle supposed she should let him speak his piece; apologise, he did rescue her after all. ‘Leave me, please Rumple. I am tired and…. I wish to rest.’ The Dark One quickly conjured a large fur, which he draped across her body, bar her leg. She turned to the best of her ability and watched the remnants of the candle wax melt down to the silver. She knew he had gone because the room had become so quiet, only one heartbeat could be heard. After such a tumultuous day, she was glad it was her own….
***
The Dark One was in his tower. He sat at the large worktable, pulling hair through his fingers. Before Belle awoke, he had been beside her, sleeping. His dreams had driven him insane. He was sure she’d had them too, for it was unmistakably their true souls connecting somewhere. Such things were not unheard of when true love was at play. He had well and truly ruined his chances with Belle, she would probably never trust him again. He had been neglectful with her; with her safety and her heart. In honesty, he’d known deep down she would go into those woods. Belle was unafraid, brave, she had certainly never been afraid of him. Some would call her foolish; but it made her the only true love he would ever know and the only woman who would ever truly change him. Each second the clock ticked by was like torture for the Dark One. He could feel Belle’s anger; her pain, radiating through his body. Gods! How could he ever think that a villain deserved a happy ending. One realisation of true love didn’t erase the years of pain and suffering he had caused. His heart was still black after all, save a small speck of light…. Belle. In desperation, the Dark One began to rifle through the miscellaneous potions that cluttered the shelves of his workroom. The tower was made of ceilings as high as one hundred feet. Shelves were stacked right up to the ornate glass ceiling, which formed a grand dome that cast a dark, round shadow upon the dusty floor. Rumple was floating, his heels in line with the top of the grandfather clock he never looked at. Time was of little concern to him in general. He was immortal, after all. Rumpelstiltskin often liked to use a ladder when perusing his potions and ingredients; the little action grounded him, and he enjoyed the odd moment where he felt somewhat human. Despite this, he flew between shelves, his arms outstretched like an eagle’s wings, looking for something, anything. The Dark One’s eyes widened as he clasped a bottle he had used many times over. It was a purple liquid, still, with a slight sparkle to it. Nothing remarkable but very potent. A forgetfulness potion. One drop was enough to create a general bout of forgetfulness; one cup, brewed in moonlight, would make the drinker forget a whole day. A whole day? The rules were very specific, a drop or a cup full. A teacup to be exact. He laughed, bitterly, at the irony. The Dark One thought if he could make Belle forget the day’s events, she would surely come to him again. He could let her go; await her return and allow her to kiss him and break the curse. Live happily ever after. But what if the Queen was waiting for her again? A predator lying in wait of something to play with! If she had a better plan to use Belle against him, he should probably take care of the Queen first…‘Aaaaarghhhhh!!!!’ He raked his nails viciously through the wiry tendrils of his wild hair; pulling at the roots until the pain grounded him. He hadn’t even noticed that he had floated back down to the floor. His knees buckled beneath him and he stared at the ground, palms flat against the floor. No. This was not the way. Belle would never forgive him if she found out! You don’t administer potions to the people you love when you make mistakes. You find a way to fix them. The Dark one picked up the bottle from where it lay beside him and released it in a sharp flick of the wrist…The bottle whirled upwards into the dark abyss of smoking, frothing objects, never to be seen again.

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Belle had been dosing for a while. Her eyes were heavy and lidded as she strained to open them. It was still dark and for a moment she was afraid, until she remembered these were the Dark Ones chambers. Belle hadn’t known he had a bed, she cleaned a few rooms daily, presumably delegated merely to keep her busy and occupied. The castle probably cleaned itself magically, anyway. After a moment, Belle realised that the heavy, restrictive glow from earlier was gone. She tried her leg and marvelled as it moved easily; if anything, it felt better than it had before! She pulled her skirts up to admire her calf; the skin as pure and white as always, like nothing ever happened… ‘Hmmmph!’ Belle exhaled in annoyance at the whole charade. Swinging her legs off the bed and kicking off the heavy fur she paid attention to the nightgown she was wearing. It was beautiful, sensual. Her chest was encased in a deep, red lace, pushing her breasts so high that they were barely covered at all. She brought her hands up to cover herself when she realised her nipples were clearly visible through the meagre material. The skirts were a gorgeous red gauze that hit the floor, with daring splits up each thigh. She lowered her hands and smirked. If the Dark One thought he was in trouble then he would be right, she was going to punish him in the best way possible… Rumpelstiltskin knew that Belle was awake. He had felt the spell wain and the prickle of its magic leave his body. It dawned on him that he should take her refreshments. After all, now that the spell had healed her, she would be starving, an after effect of any healing magic. It didn’t matter how much she hated him after the day’s events, he couldn’t let her go hungry. It was freezing in the Dark Castle; so, with a flick of his wrists he ignited every fire. A golden glow traversed the halls, creating an amber carpet that rolled under each doorway. Better. Belle hated being cold. He had lit fires for her even in the warmest days of summer. There was a short hallway from the tower to his chambers. He had magicked them to the same floor of the castle years earlier; for those rare occasions that he stumbled to bed after completing a particularly tricky project. Rumple didn’t recall sleeping since Belle had come to him, no, she was far too distracting. Instead, he had often stayed awake listening to her thoughts as she read long into the night. Intrusive, he knew, but not really, for Belle rarely broke focus when reading. Her stories soothed him, and the sound of her voice brought him peace. With the door in view, he gathered himself. A cloud of purple smoke cleared to reveal a silver platter with enough food for them both. If she’d have him. *** Belle knew he’d come back. No doubt he’d been brooding in his tower thinking of all the ways he could right the situation. She’d not be surprised if he tried to wipe her memory. Silly man. If he tried to use that ugly, purple potion on the fifteenth shelf furthest from the stack of birdcages, then it only worked if the victim was unsuspecting. She smirked at the thought. His knock was weak. At least he didn’t magic himself inside this time. The pause gave her time to arrange herself accordingly. She pulled the lace of her top down just enough that it wasn’t indecent. The hem of her skirt she pulled aside to reveal a milky thigh. With that, Belle draped herself across the bed, as though resting. She may have been somewhat inexperienced, but Belle wasn’t stupid. He’d be begging for her by the time she was done. ‘Yes …’ Belle said, groggily, as though she was awoken from a deep slumber. Rumple knew she was only pretending to be sleeping; he assumed she was avoiding him at all costs. The door creaked in the silence as it opened. The Dark One was rarely speechless. But he cursed himself as his eyes traversed the sight of Belle, robe-less and coverless in his bed…When he had snapped his fingers and transformed her sopping, cold dress into a nightgown he must have brought into existence his most genuine fantasies. It wasn’t exactly planned, but his subconscious had run away with itself. What the covers had obscured earlier was the most erotic sight of his life. Belle was draped across his silk sheets in a red gown, her breasts falling from the tiniest amount of lace he had ever seen. Her arms were above her head as she stretched, and he could see her nipples straining against the fabric. His mouth watered. As she moved, the tulle of her skirts fell ever further from her thigh; revealing her hipbone and the tight curve of her stomach. He balled his claws into tight fists.‘What do you want, Rumple?’ Belle grasped the silk sheet and held it up to her chest. But in her grogginess, all she did was pull it between her breasts, accentuating them. In the Dark One’s defence, even if he hadn’t been in love with Belle for what felt like years, any man would have been floored. ‘Errr, you… I….’He stuttered and flailed his hands in a way that was oh so very ‘Dark One’. All Belle did was raise an eyebrow at that. ‘Eat. You must eat…’ The Dark One retrieved the platter, lifting the lid to reveal a simple meal. He made it hover before her on the bed. She stared at him for a moment; brow raised the entire time before replying. ‘Alright...’ In honesty, she’d been starving since she’d awoke and there was no real danger, even if he did try that silly potion on her. Rumple turned his back as she ate, not joining her as he’d intended. What a distracting turn of events. He went through all the memorised ingredients he had learnt for as many potions as it took for her to eat. It was a pretty poor distraction. The platter vanished with a crack when she was done. Still, he didn’t turn around. He heard he rustle of sheets as she reclined again. Assuming she was once again asleep, he turned. Belle’s eyes bored straight into his. The Dark one started. Collecting himself he went gingerly to the bed, perching so that his face was inches from hers. She tried to cover the hitch in her breath, but he didn’t miss it. It made his skin burn. He brought his hand up to her face and traced her cheek with his claw, ever so lightly. She caught his hand. ‘I didn’t say you could touch…’ her eyes sparkled. She was playing. She knew exactly what she was doing. ‘I would never, without your permission, dearie.’ The black orbs of his eyes expanded so there was no gold left. ‘You hurt me Rumple...’ ‘Forgive me, dearie...’ ‘You turned me away, shunned my love, our love…’ ‘Let me explain, please ...’ ‘You will say anything to get what you want; you may be the big bad Dark One but inside you’re still a man. You want me ...’ ‘I always want you Belle… you have driven me insane for months, flitting about the castle, always so close…’ he moved his mouth to her neck, never touching, not until she said yes. Belle moaned softly. ‘I wanted you…when we kissed at the spindle. I wanted you to make me yours…’ The Dark One made a sound like he was wounded. ‘I will tell you everything, Belle. I promise. I thought you were working for the Queen! How could a woman as beautiful as you, want a demon like me…’ his voice was heavy. She pulled away and smiled softly. Belle had fully intended to send him away. But she wanted him so badly. Maybe just one kiss and he’d understand how she truly felt. She closed the distance between them, taking him off guard. Before she knew it his lips where tugging at hers in a way she had never experienced before outside her dreams. He pulled her lower lip between his teeth and bit it softly, making her moan with pleasure. His hands never left the silk sheets, she knew he wouldn’t touch her until she gave him permission. Maybe, she could use that to her advantage. Rumple growled when she pulled away. His brows taught. ‘I thought you were innocent, dearie. There is nothing innocent about this … ‘ ‘I have only ever wanted you, Rumple. But that doesn’t mean you are off the hook… ‘ She didn’t think he was really listening. He was staring at her lips. In a moment of abandonment, Belle tore the gown from her upper body. No one had ever seen her naked before; no man anyway. But she wasn’t in the slightest bit afraid. The Dark One stared at her. Aghast. His mouth hanging open. His gaze moved rapidly between her eyes and her naked breasts. He immediately and instinctively reached out to touch her … ‘Ah, ah, ah… I didn’t say you could touch yet! You must learn a lesson, Rumple. And I think this is the best way to get through to you...’For a moment, the Dark One looked mortified. Like he was being tortured. Before something switched in his countenance and a grin tweaked his lips. How interesting. He didn’t like the idea of not being able to touch, but she was so, very beautiful. And the Dark One loved games…‘Now, now dearie… you’re playing a lovely little game here. But surely you aren’t going to torture me by revealing every inch of your perfect body piece by piece. Where is the fun in that for you? I could do so much more than simply behold your beauty…’ Belle ignored him and drew the curtains about them, so they were cocooned in a sea of red velvet. They both sat on their knees facing each other, inches between their lips. She shook her head. The Dark One grinned…‘As you wish then, dearie… ‘ Playing her at her own game the Dark One moved one taloned finger in a slicing motion and her bodice dropped to the bed, bearing her entire torso. She gasped. He didn’t want to frighten her, but if he was going to be tortured, he may as well see all of her. His eyes scanned the taught planes of her stomach; toned and lean from her work in the castle.‘If you’d let me dearie, I could make it up to you in delectable ways...’ He moved his mouth close to her and fused their lips together. After all, it seemed there were no rules against kissing. ‘I could trace my tongue against your beautiful, soft nipples… you would moan for me, dearie. And your thighs; imagine my lips tracing them, working my way up higher … and higher…’ he was breathing against her ear now and she was shaking. Gods, it was backfiring on her! Belle hadn’t considered him turning the tables on her. Infuriating imp. She dug her fingers into the curls at his temples and drew his mouth even closer, merging them together like they were one being. Her mouth ached with the fury of their kisses, his tongue frantically battling with hers. But she loved it. It was everything she’d craved for months and more. Impulsively, Belle dragged her hands down the dragon hide at his chest and pulled at the laces. By some force of magic... or maybe by actual magic... she shrugged him out of the heavy leather. Scoring her nails down his thin chest towards his hips she stopped to admire him. All gold and glowing against the velvet drapes. He returned his mouth to her ear…‘You are so, very beautiful dearie. I cannot bear it. Do you remember when you fell from the ladder and I caught you. I could feel every curve of your body against mine. All I could think about for a month afterwards was making you mine right there on the floor. I wish I had; with you bathed in the light from the window…’ Naughty imp. Now it was her turn. She looked at him and bit her lip, coyly. ‘Did you know, Dark One, I thought of you, at night, when I was in my bed. Sometimes, I would get beneath the covers and trace my fingers across my body... pretend they were yours. I would ache to touch myself, but I wanted it to be you… only you...’ ‘Gods, Belle. I cannot bear this anymore!’ The Dark One threw himself back on the bed in what seemed to be agony. ‘Anything! I will do anything…’ he pulled himself back up, their noses so close they were almost touching. ‘Never, ever, treat me as you did today again…’‘Never…’ ‘Trust me …’‘Always…’ ‘Tell me everything, everything there is to know…’ ‘I will, dearie…’ ‘Love me ...’ ‘I do!’ Belle sighed. Her shoulders dropped. ‘Touch me...’‘Gods, yes ...’ Rumpelstiltskin caught her is his arms and rolled her beneath him. She knew he would make her his tonight and she wasn’t afraid. His hands were everywhere. He scored his nails up the inside of her thighs before lavishing her breasts with hot kisses. Each pull and tug of his lips against her nipples sent a bolt between her legs that felt like white, hot heat. Before she knew it, he was between her thighs kissing her in ways she had only read about in books. She grabbed the hair at his temple at a loss of what to do. The pleasure came in waves and soon her back was arching off the bed and she was crying out to the ceiling. In that moment he was inside her; she felt no pain just sheer pleasure as they moved together. Later, they fell in a heap of limbs against the satin sheets. Rumple wound her hair around his fingers and pulled her bare leg higher against his hip. Belle was drowsy, she expected they had made love well into the afternoon; at some point the sun had come up and strewn through the drapes. ‘You are a tease, little Belle. Wherever did you learn such trickery?’ The Dark One raised an eyebrow. ‘I read a book about the art of seduction once. My nurse found it under my pillow and banned my books for a month. A few weeks later I found it in her very own embroidery basket...’ Belle grinned. ‘A book. I should have known… ‘he propped himself up on an elbow and kissed her. ‘What else did you learn in your books, little maid?’ Belle’s breath hitched as he traced her breast with his finger. ‘A few things… I recall that changing location is considered fun…’ Before she could even finish, he had clicked his fingers and they were surrounded by warm bubbles in the bathing chambers. ‘Will this do, dearie?’ ‘I suppose so, Dark One ...’

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It had been a tumultuous few months for the two lovers as they navigated through their new relationship in the dark castle. Belle, not really accepting her place fully and unwilling to become lazy continued with her duties despite the Dark One’s protestations.‘Belle, why do you insist on flitting around me with that infernal duster. The castle cleans itself!’ The Dark One flourished his adorned sleeves and took in her look of mock horror…..’Oh, what a shock! It was all a ruse!’ He giggled manically. ‘I insist if you are to be overexerting yourself it be with me, in my bed…or wherever else you may choose…’ he scored his nails down the bare skin of her arm as she reached past him with her duster, nose in the air. She didn’t fool him; her skin prickled with excitement whenever he touched her.They had indeed, become adept at getting carried away in some very questionable places around the castle. Belle blushed as she remembered the time they fell out of the tower window; thank goodness for having a sorcerer for a lover in moments like those. And now they loved, worked, talked and a manner of other things as though they had never known life without one another. It was a comforting, if slightly disconcerting feeling. But then Belle acknowledged to herself that life always felt disconcerting with the Dark One.It was clear now that Rumple had never really needed a maid. Magic ran the castle more efficiently than she ever could. Deep down, Belle felt as if she was without purpose. She felt lonely when her lover was called to his deals in distant lands and jealous because adventure was what she coveted most. Other than the Dark One, of course.Rumpelstiltskin noted Belle’s sad demeanour. Her life at the Dark Castle was weighing on her. He could feel her need for adventure coursing through her body every time he touched her. She was not meant to be kept in a dark estate, locked away like one of his trophies. She had too much life in her. He thought he should take her away, show her she was everything to him. If he started work straight away he could concoct a potion to quieten the voices of his summoners; then he could be present for his Belle.It was only then that he noticed Belle staring at him wide eyed.‘You would do that for me, Rumple? Truly?’ Belle was beaming. The Dark One glared at his maid … how could she possibly know what he was thinking?!‘Dearie, how the devil did you….’‘Rumpel, I’m sorry, I’m just SO BORED!!!!’ She threw her hands down at her sides and slumped into the golden chaise he’d put in his workroom for her use. She looked at the floor as she admitted…‘Yesterday, when you were attending your deal I was reading right here waiting for you. Rumple, I love reading but I have read EVERY BOOK in this dingy castle!!!! I thought, perhaps, I could mix a simple spell. Honestly, I have no interest in magic for my own gain or use; I just wondered if I could do it! With only three ingredients it really wasn’t so hard at all… ‘The Dark One looked at her with a smirk. She couldn’t tell if he was irked, amused or both.‘W-when you came home, I realised it had worked… because I could hear everything you were thinking. Today, I’ve tried to ignore it…I swear!’She looked like a scolded child, and he hadn’t even responded. Just like his little Belle, getting herself into mischief. He could reprimand her but he’d rather enjoy her, fighting was no fun and not the best use of their time… in his opinion.‘You always were a naughty one, dearie. Freeing my prisoners, chipping my favourite cup!’ He grinned. ‘I think we should put this new skill of yours to the test, don’t you…?’He sauntered up to her in his cat like manner. His dress shirt unbuttoned to his naval, as was preferred when he worked. She was wearing her simplest white cotton dress with a laced bodice. He enjoyed ripping the strings, easy to fix with a little magic.Belle flushed and her breathing became ragged as he swung her onto his lap on the chaise. He pulled her knickers down in one fail swoop, wasting no time. With a flick of his wrist her bodice unlaced itself baring her breasts to his gaze….‘What am I thinking, dearie?’ The Dark One spoke into her ear and nibbled it, making her body ripple against his. Soft against the hard planes of his chest and thighs. Belle grabbed his hair and grinned…‘ I love you too, Rumpelstiltskin….’
***Plans for their departure were imminent. The Dark One was eager to please his lover and planned to make her his intended as soon as they reached Wonderland. It was time the Dark Castle had a mistress. He had only one deal left to complete before they were away and Belle was so excited he thought she would burst and require magical intervention.Across town were a couple who had not been blessed with a child. As they had true love, the Dark One believed he could form a potion that would gift the couple with a child of their own. It was fortunate for them that in their possession was an ancient artefact, a Golden Fleece passed down through generations. This, and it’s power, he had coveted for some time. They struck a deal with little quarrel and so on he worked, his last deal before he took Belle to see the world. A good deed, he hoped, with a little bit of a perk thrown in.The potion was complete, the last step being to stopper the purple bottle and label his achievement. But before he could, a vision plagued him, it didn’t happen often but when it did he lost all focus. Clutching his head he was transported to a room so green it could only be made of emeralds. A large cauldron spat out viscous flames on a stone podium and a witch, as green as the emerald room itself, howled with pride as the fumes rose. As the vision cleared his head seared in agony and with flailing hands the potion was knocked to the floor, not before it soaked through his trousers and met his golden skin.‘No, no!!!’ The Dark One cried in anguish. This potion was not the kind you should spill! It’s effects were designed to be quick and he had not planned on creating a counter potion. He expected, quite honestly, for this to be his last deal.He heard a huge bang reverberate from the kitchen and a subsequent squeal. With his own heightened stress levels he couldn’t be certain which came first. In his distraction instead of poofing to the kitchen he sprinted down the stairs, his hair wild and sticking to his forehead.He came into the kitchen and slid to abrupt halt. Oh! It was worse than he’d thought!Belle was stood by the stove amongst an array of strewn pots and pans that she’d obviously dropped, hence the clatter. She looked dumbstruck and clutched at her stomach, which was now large, rounded and he guessed, about eight months with child…. She averted her gaze to him and the look of shock turned to rage.‘Rumplestiltskin, what did you do!!!!!!!!??’ Her whole body shook and she looked around in anguish for a place to sit. The Dark One snapped out of his own shock and conjured a soft chair for her, before running over to grab her arm and help her sit. He knelt before her…‘Belle, I’m so sorry! I was finishing that potion, you know, my last deal… and I had a vision, a disturbing one. It split my head open with pain and I knocked the potion in my distraction. When it soaked through to my skin it must have taken effect. You being my true love, dearie, it was bound to work …. I …. I’Belle was still staring at him in shock. Her mount open, eyes wide.‘Good gods, Rumple… ‘ was all she could manage.His Belle didn’t ask if the spell could be reversed, nor scold him any further. She just collected herself, signed and said.‘This is our baby, is it not? It’s not some demon child crafted from your dark magic?’The Dark One giggled softly. ‘Well, dearie. It’s half of me and technically I’m a demon.. but yes. It’s our child. It’s designed to be the child of true love…’In that moment, Belle rose, if somewhat uneasily, dusted off her aprons and marched back to the stove.‘Well then, Dark One. I would suggest you start looking for an appropriate nursery. One of the brightest rooms would be best, a nice sunny room. And to think, that was the first time my loaf has actually risen!!!’ She tutted down at the rather delicious looking bread strewn across the floor.Rumpled remained on his knees, gripping the chair and stared at her in amazement. Belle was already buzzing about the kitchen. Never did she cease to amaze him, it may not have been the adventure she had wanted… but he knew it would be one, nonetheless.

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Hello dearies! I’ve missed talking to you personally! It’s been a while since I last updated. Thank you so much for the kudos and reads of late. I’m currently working on what will be my final two chapters (18 is my lucky number and I always wanted to end it there). It’s proving very hard to let go of this story. After 5 years it’s like ripping off a band aid …The good news is, I’ve got another story planned (set mostly in Storybrooke) which I’ll be starting after this one! I’m so excited, as I’ve been dreaming this new one up for quite a few years now!I wanted to let you know I’ve just joined Tumblr. I’d love to hear your prompts for future fanarts and fanfics! So having the hub on Tumblr seemed a great way forward! I’d like to make your prompts come true via smaller fanfics alongside my bigger story that I’ll be starting next year. So please find me on there and let’s collaborate !!!https://www.tumblr.com/ladyjanesficsTake care dearies and let’s strap ourselves in for the final two chapters on ‘his little wife!’ Xxx