So Much More (Three)
So Much More
Three
Note: I do not own “Once Upon A Time” and I do not make a profit from writing this story. I’m just amusing myself. The book that is being read does not belong to me either, that belongs to Mr. Dickens.
Authors Note: Given my complete and utter distain for “Skin Deep” I almost stopped writing this, I still might not continue but this chapter has been lurking and I haven’t been able to bring myself to look at it since the night episode 12 aired but I still want this chapter, at least, to come to light. I hope you give it a chance.
Setting: Enchanted Forest
Rating: PG
Warnings: None.
Genre: General/Romance/Angst
Word Count: 1,740
Cast: (in order of appearance/mention) Belle, Beast/Prince Adam, Rumpelstiltskin, Gaston, Enchantress (OFC)
Chapter Summary: Prince Adam learns Rumpelstiltskin’s true motivation for the change and learns never to cross Belle.
PART THREE
Belle was dining by herself when the large doors swung open and the Beast loomed in. She wasn’t used to such a loud entrance, given Rumpelstiltskin usually magiced himself in or just appeared. She dropped her utensil and then stared at him wide eyed as he looked guilty.
“Oh!” she cried, “No, no! It’s not because of your appearance, you just started me, I’m used to Rumpelstiltskin sneaking around like a snake!” she said immediately, face darkening.
The Beast just lumbered by, “I did not take offense but I do appreciate that you explained your actions. It is very thoughtful of you,” he said, his voice was still a loud grumble.
Belle nodded, “I was raised to be respectful of everyone.”
“Even a Beast?” he asked, “You do not fear me.”
Belle shook her head, “Look who I’m living with and consider his mentality.”
The Beast nodded, “Very true. But I’m sure most maidens would run at the sight of me, you’re different,” he observed.
“Given I’ve been terrorized by the Ogre wars for years, I’ve become level headed to the events and appearances of others. You’re that Prince, aren’t you? He changed you, why?” she asked.
“Because I made a deal, for his help, he transformed me into this,” he gestured to himself.
Her brows knitted together, “But why? What was so bad that you had to come to him?”
“My land is being destroyed in the Ogre wars; it’s one of the many but I could not fight, I could not risk my life. I needed to do something,” he said, once more Belle’s silverware clattered to the table.
“You,” her voice was filled with anger, “You! You’re the Royal family from Dore! Whose son is so selfish that for the last 7 years you’ve been letting your land fall because you will not take up arms!” she shouted, “I’ve lost friends, family, even my own brothers to this war! I’ve given up everything to make it stop!”
The Beast seemed to coward away from her shouting, “I am sorry for the loss you’ve suffered, but I could not fight, I am my parents’ only child. They are too old to have another, if I die, what will become of my Kingdom?” he asked.
She slammed her fists down on the heavy table, “It doesn’t matter! What kingdom will there be after the war?! It is better to die with honor! You’re a coward hiding behind your excuses! I gave up my freedom, damned to stay here with Rumpelstiltskin for his help since you were too much of a coward!”
“He never said-“
“And why would he? It is not your business! I have been here for months, leaving my Father, my betrothed! Do you know what it’s like to be surrounded in such darkness with nothing but him for company?” she demanded, with a disgusted noise she stormed from the room.
Adam winced, hanging his head, guilt rushing through him. He knew she was right, he heard Rumpelstiltskin appear behind him.
“Well, that went well,” he said brightly, then dodged as Adam growled and swung at him. “Don’t get mad at me, as she truthfully stated, this is your entire fault, not mine.”
Adam continued to growl,” I did not start the war! That is not my doing!”
“No, that has been going on longer than either of you have been alive. Foolishly, mind you.”
“If you’ve that against it, why haven’t you done anything to stop it?” Adam demanded.
Rumpelstiltskin shrugged, “Not my place. I’ve always been a mere peasant to the likes of you, you’re family has been in power long enough to stop it but no. You let the Duke try and all he did was send wave after wave of children and the poor at them. Thousands of people have died in your family’s name for no good reason. I’ve lost so much myself that you cannot imagine, though not directly at fault, I do hold grudges, Child. I want to see you suffer,”
“Is this form not suffering enough for you?”
“No,” Rumpelstiltskin’s voice was cold and hollow, “Because as I said, that form can be changed back with true love. Everything that has been lost cannot be gotten back. I’ve become damned over the years because I was trying to stop this and save my people! Because the Royal family was more concerned with their selfish ways,” he snapped.
“I’m sorry,” Adam rumbled, “I’m just a Prince, I do not hold any power yet, I cannot undo the past but I can apologize. It’s all I can do.”
Rumpelstiltskin eyed him, “You still have a bit of charm, don’t you dearie? Though I should not be moved by your petty apology, I do appreciate the sincerity. Unfortunately for you the damage is done and you’re still going to suffer.”
Adam sighed, “Why make me suffer for sins that are not mine?”
“Because, Princling, you came here and offered yourself to me. Had you stayed safe at home as the coward, I would have nothing to do with you,” Rumpelstiltskin informed him. “But my wrath is not important, unless you want to stay in that form, I’d be more concerned with getting on her good side again. She’s a little angry French woman, they hold grudges better than I,” with that he vanished with a giggle.
Adam hung his head in shame and looked towards the kitchen. His appetite was now gone, his only thoughts were of the sins of his family and Belle’s anger. He could not leave this home, so he tried to shove away the guilt of his family ties and went off to find Belle. Inhaling deeply he followed her scent, the scent of roses, down the dark halls towards, from the scent of old paper, would be a library.
The door was cracked and he peered in, Belle was balanced on a high ladder, stretching for a book that was just out of reach. He maneuvered in as she leaned back to top of the ladder, clutching to the old wood. He could hear it creaking dangerously under her weight, no matter how light she was.
“Belle, be careful,” he said softly, she didn’t seemed surprised but just glared.
“I have nothing more to say to you, now please go. This is my Sanctuary, not even Rumpelstiltskin bothers me here,” she said, turning her back on him.
He nodded, “Very well,” he said, and just as he was one paw out the door, he heard the ladder give way and with a scream, Belle’s head made a sickening crack as she hit an end table on her way down.
He saw the blood flow fast from the wound on the side of her face and head. He ripped his cloak and began to wrap it as Rumpelstiltskin appeared.
“What did you do?” he asked, Adam growled.
“Nothing, she fell. Maybe if you actually kept your home in repair, she wouldn’t have fallen!”
Adam wrapped one arm under Belle’s hips, and then placed his hand behind her head; his paw was able to cradle her skull with room to spare. Rumpelstiltskin lead him to her room, as Adam gently laid her down, the being looked at her, then into the distance. Then he placed his hands on either side of her face, his hands giving off an eerie glow.
“She will be alright, let her rest,” Rumpelstiltskin’s voice was soft; “It may be days before she awakens, and as much as I would love to linger, duty calls. I’ll check on her when I return.”
Adam looked from Belle to Rumpelstiltskin, “You assume I’ll be watching over her?”
“I don’t assume, I know. Even though she is furious with you and loathes your company, you will not leave her. Not now, not even if I ordered you gone,” Rumpelstiltskin said.
Adam sighed, “You’re such a complicated man. You speak of your grudge and want my suffering, then in the next moment; it seems you are purposely shoving us together. What are you up to?”
Rumpelstiltskin just smiled, “Oh, you two have much more to worry about than just me. As Belle mentioned she is betrothed to another. He’s a good man who loves her more than the next breath he draws. And you have someone to worry about as well. The woman you continually spurn, she won’t rest until she has you. She is aware of the King you will become and the power you will hold.”
“Mala,” Adam whispered, Rumpelstiltskin nodded.
“That’s the one Princey,” the Imp confirmed.
A sigh rumbled through his chest, leaving his mouth as a low growl, “Will she continue to pursue me?”
Rumpelstiltskin just giggled, “Not telling. That’s something you’ll have to find out on your own. Bye Princling, I will return,” with that he vanished from sight.
Adam sighed, sensing that true to his word, the Imp was no longer anywhere in or around his home. Belle’s heart rate was steady, she was resting comfortably. He found himself wandering to the library, examining the ladder to find that it had been tampered with. He knew it had to be Rumpelstiltskin, since there were no other scents in the room but his and Belle’s. Instead of focusing on that, he effortlessly climbed the shelves to find the book she had been reaching for.
Clasping it to his chest, he lumbered back to Belle’s room. He pulled over an old chair that creaked under his weight. Once he was sure it wouldn’t collapse he opened the book and began to read. Hours passed, the sun set and begun to rise and he didn’t stop. He continued to read her the tale until his voice began to fade. When he neared the end, he stopped, sighing, throat aching.
That’s when he heard a small whisper in the sudden and consuming silence, “Don’t stop, I want to see how it ends,” Belle murmured.
He wasn’t sure if she was even coherent but who was he to deny such a request, “Alright then,” he said, clearing his sore throat, “I took her hand in mine, and we went out of the ruined place; and, as the morning mists had risen long ago when I first left the forge, so the evening mists were rising now, and in all the broad expanse of tranquil light they showed me, I saw no shadow of another parting from her…”
---
To be continued?
---
Feedback is love, and the story he is reading is Great Expectations from Charles Dickens, a nod to the lovely 80s series. Which is a bit cheesey but surprisingly violent but is so spellbinding and beautiful. And Ron Perlman as the Beast? Who can deny that voice?! Anyways, I hope you enjoyed!
Three
Note: I do not own “Once Upon A Time” and I do not make a profit from writing this story. I’m just amusing myself. The book that is being read does not belong to me either, that belongs to Mr. Dickens.
Authors Note: Given my complete and utter distain for “Skin Deep” I almost stopped writing this, I still might not continue but this chapter has been lurking and I haven’t been able to bring myself to look at it since the night episode 12 aired but I still want this chapter, at least, to come to light. I hope you give it a chance.
Setting: Enchanted Forest
Rating: PG
Warnings: None.
Genre: General/Romance/Angst
Word Count: 1,740
Cast: (in order of appearance/mention) Belle, Beast/Prince Adam, Rumpelstiltskin, Gaston, Enchantress (OFC)
Chapter Summary: Prince Adam learns Rumpelstiltskin’s true motivation for the change and learns never to cross Belle.
PART THREE
Belle was dining by herself when the large doors swung open and the Beast loomed in. She wasn’t used to such a loud entrance, given Rumpelstiltskin usually magiced himself in or just appeared. She dropped her utensil and then stared at him wide eyed as he looked guilty.
“Oh!” she cried, “No, no! It’s not because of your appearance, you just started me, I’m used to Rumpelstiltskin sneaking around like a snake!” she said immediately, face darkening.
The Beast just lumbered by, “I did not take offense but I do appreciate that you explained your actions. It is very thoughtful of you,” he said, his voice was still a loud grumble.
Belle nodded, “I was raised to be respectful of everyone.”
“Even a Beast?” he asked, “You do not fear me.”
Belle shook her head, “Look who I’m living with and consider his mentality.”
The Beast nodded, “Very true. But I’m sure most maidens would run at the sight of me, you’re different,” he observed.
“Given I’ve been terrorized by the Ogre wars for years, I’ve become level headed to the events and appearances of others. You’re that Prince, aren’t you? He changed you, why?” she asked.
“Because I made a deal, for his help, he transformed me into this,” he gestured to himself.
Her brows knitted together, “But why? What was so bad that you had to come to him?”
“My land is being destroyed in the Ogre wars; it’s one of the many but I could not fight, I could not risk my life. I needed to do something,” he said, once more Belle’s silverware clattered to the table.
“You,” her voice was filled with anger, “You! You’re the Royal family from Dore! Whose son is so selfish that for the last 7 years you’ve been letting your land fall because you will not take up arms!” she shouted, “I’ve lost friends, family, even my own brothers to this war! I’ve given up everything to make it stop!”
The Beast seemed to coward away from her shouting, “I am sorry for the loss you’ve suffered, but I could not fight, I am my parents’ only child. They are too old to have another, if I die, what will become of my Kingdom?” he asked.
She slammed her fists down on the heavy table, “It doesn’t matter! What kingdom will there be after the war?! It is better to die with honor! You’re a coward hiding behind your excuses! I gave up my freedom, damned to stay here with Rumpelstiltskin for his help since you were too much of a coward!”
“He never said-“
“And why would he? It is not your business! I have been here for months, leaving my Father, my betrothed! Do you know what it’s like to be surrounded in such darkness with nothing but him for company?” she demanded, with a disgusted noise she stormed from the room.
Adam winced, hanging his head, guilt rushing through him. He knew she was right, he heard Rumpelstiltskin appear behind him.
“Well, that went well,” he said brightly, then dodged as Adam growled and swung at him. “Don’t get mad at me, as she truthfully stated, this is your entire fault, not mine.”
Adam continued to growl,” I did not start the war! That is not my doing!”
“No, that has been going on longer than either of you have been alive. Foolishly, mind you.”
“If you’ve that against it, why haven’t you done anything to stop it?” Adam demanded.
Rumpelstiltskin shrugged, “Not my place. I’ve always been a mere peasant to the likes of you, you’re family has been in power long enough to stop it but no. You let the Duke try and all he did was send wave after wave of children and the poor at them. Thousands of people have died in your family’s name for no good reason. I’ve lost so much myself that you cannot imagine, though not directly at fault, I do hold grudges, Child. I want to see you suffer,”
“Is this form not suffering enough for you?”
“No,” Rumpelstiltskin’s voice was cold and hollow, “Because as I said, that form can be changed back with true love. Everything that has been lost cannot be gotten back. I’ve become damned over the years because I was trying to stop this and save my people! Because the Royal family was more concerned with their selfish ways,” he snapped.
“I’m sorry,” Adam rumbled, “I’m just a Prince, I do not hold any power yet, I cannot undo the past but I can apologize. It’s all I can do.”
Rumpelstiltskin eyed him, “You still have a bit of charm, don’t you dearie? Though I should not be moved by your petty apology, I do appreciate the sincerity. Unfortunately for you the damage is done and you’re still going to suffer.”
Adam sighed, “Why make me suffer for sins that are not mine?”
“Because, Princling, you came here and offered yourself to me. Had you stayed safe at home as the coward, I would have nothing to do with you,” Rumpelstiltskin informed him. “But my wrath is not important, unless you want to stay in that form, I’d be more concerned with getting on her good side again. She’s a little angry French woman, they hold grudges better than I,” with that he vanished with a giggle.
Adam hung his head in shame and looked towards the kitchen. His appetite was now gone, his only thoughts were of the sins of his family and Belle’s anger. He could not leave this home, so he tried to shove away the guilt of his family ties and went off to find Belle. Inhaling deeply he followed her scent, the scent of roses, down the dark halls towards, from the scent of old paper, would be a library.
The door was cracked and he peered in, Belle was balanced on a high ladder, stretching for a book that was just out of reach. He maneuvered in as she leaned back to top of the ladder, clutching to the old wood. He could hear it creaking dangerously under her weight, no matter how light she was.
“Belle, be careful,” he said softly, she didn’t seemed surprised but just glared.
“I have nothing more to say to you, now please go. This is my Sanctuary, not even Rumpelstiltskin bothers me here,” she said, turning her back on him.
He nodded, “Very well,” he said, and just as he was one paw out the door, he heard the ladder give way and with a scream, Belle’s head made a sickening crack as she hit an end table on her way down.
He saw the blood flow fast from the wound on the side of her face and head. He ripped his cloak and began to wrap it as Rumpelstiltskin appeared.
“What did you do?” he asked, Adam growled.
“Nothing, she fell. Maybe if you actually kept your home in repair, she wouldn’t have fallen!”
Adam wrapped one arm under Belle’s hips, and then placed his hand behind her head; his paw was able to cradle her skull with room to spare. Rumpelstiltskin lead him to her room, as Adam gently laid her down, the being looked at her, then into the distance. Then he placed his hands on either side of her face, his hands giving off an eerie glow.
“She will be alright, let her rest,” Rumpelstiltskin’s voice was soft; “It may be days before she awakens, and as much as I would love to linger, duty calls. I’ll check on her when I return.”
Adam looked from Belle to Rumpelstiltskin, “You assume I’ll be watching over her?”
“I don’t assume, I know. Even though she is furious with you and loathes your company, you will not leave her. Not now, not even if I ordered you gone,” Rumpelstiltskin said.
Adam sighed, “You’re such a complicated man. You speak of your grudge and want my suffering, then in the next moment; it seems you are purposely shoving us together. What are you up to?”
Rumpelstiltskin just smiled, “Oh, you two have much more to worry about than just me. As Belle mentioned she is betrothed to another. He’s a good man who loves her more than the next breath he draws. And you have someone to worry about as well. The woman you continually spurn, she won’t rest until she has you. She is aware of the King you will become and the power you will hold.”
“Mala,” Adam whispered, Rumpelstiltskin nodded.
“That’s the one Princey,” the Imp confirmed.
A sigh rumbled through his chest, leaving his mouth as a low growl, “Will she continue to pursue me?”
Rumpelstiltskin just giggled, “Not telling. That’s something you’ll have to find out on your own. Bye Princling, I will return,” with that he vanished from sight.
Adam sighed, sensing that true to his word, the Imp was no longer anywhere in or around his home. Belle’s heart rate was steady, she was resting comfortably. He found himself wandering to the library, examining the ladder to find that it had been tampered with. He knew it had to be Rumpelstiltskin, since there were no other scents in the room but his and Belle’s. Instead of focusing on that, he effortlessly climbed the shelves to find the book she had been reaching for.
Clasping it to his chest, he lumbered back to Belle’s room. He pulled over an old chair that creaked under his weight. Once he was sure it wouldn’t collapse he opened the book and began to read. Hours passed, the sun set and begun to rise and he didn’t stop. He continued to read her the tale until his voice began to fade. When he neared the end, he stopped, sighing, throat aching.
That’s when he heard a small whisper in the sudden and consuming silence, “Don’t stop, I want to see how it ends,” Belle murmured.
He wasn’t sure if she was even coherent but who was he to deny such a request, “Alright then,” he said, clearing his sore throat, “I took her hand in mine, and we went out of the ruined place; and, as the morning mists had risen long ago when I first left the forge, so the evening mists were rising now, and in all the broad expanse of tranquil light they showed me, I saw no shadow of another parting from her…”
---
To be continued?
---
Feedback is love, and the story he is reading is Great Expectations from Charles Dickens, a nod to the lovely 80s series. Which is a bit cheesey but surprisingly violent but is so spellbinding and beautiful. And Ron Perlman as the Beast? Who can deny that voice?! Anyways, I hope you enjoyed!