An Apprentice In Magic: Chapter One

Prologue

            Twilight settled upon the world with a lingering sense of magic in the air as Rumplestiltskin, known to many as the Dark One, waited for his latest customer to arrive.  The man insisted on meeting at twilight afraid of getting caught making a deal with the Dark One.  Rumplestiltskin was willing, but the man was late.  He was growing impatient, but as just Rumple was about to leave a cloaked figured emerged from the forest.  He was a well-built muscular man, who was taller than Rumple, but not towering.  Rumple bowed mockingly as the man arrived.

            “My Lord Maurice, I’m pleased you have finally graced me with your presence for our meeting that you requested at this ungodly hour,” Rumplestiltskin said smirking as he lifted himself up straight again.

            The Lord rolled his eyes. “It wasn’t an easy feat to leave as I had to wait for my fiancée to return to her sleeping quarters.”

            “Ah, your fiancée, Lady Isabella, whom I believe is the reason you’re acquiring this potion?” Rumple inquired cocking his head to the side curiously, though he already knew the answer.

            “Yes, yes,” the Lord Maurice said hurriedly, “just give me the potion!”

            “Ah, ah wait, what will you give me in return for this potion?” Rumplestiltskin asked the Lord.

            “Anything, gold, jewels, protection? Whatever you desire I can give you,” Maurice offered as he reached for the vial that contained the blue sparkling liquid, but Rumplestiltskin pulled it farther away.

            “What would I need protection for?  I’m the most powerful sorcerer in all the realms and can defend myself from my enemies,” the Dark One said, “as for gold and jewels I don’t need that either, but what I do need is something infinitely more precious.  Something of great value to you, but I will not collect it just yet.  I will come for it when the time is right, but for now you’re safe.”  He smiled mischievously and dropped the bottle into Maurice’s outstretched hands and waving he disappeared into the night.

            Maurice knew of course he would never feel safe again knowing the Dark One would be coming for something of value, and he had no idea what it was.  For now, he would just have to wait and at least be happy to know his wife was going to be cured after taking this, for the Dark One always kept his word.

 

Chapter One

            Twenty years had passed since Maurice had made the deal with Rumplestiltskin to cure his wife, Isabelle.  Since then Isabelle had given birth to a baby girl they chose to name Belle, but Isabelle was only alive for eight years of Belle’s life before she became very ill again.  Maurice spoke to healers, but none could find a cure, and out of desperation he was forced to contact Rumplestiltskin again.  The Dark One refused saying he would not make a deal until Maurice paid the price to the first deal he made, and Rumple would not  allow Maurice to pay his debt early.

            Now, it was Belle’s twenty-first birthday and there would be a ball in her honor.  Maurice went in search of his daughter finding her in the library lost in her latest book, Dante’s Inferno.

            “My daughter, always getting herself lost in a book,” Maurice said chuckling.

            Belle stood up from sitting in the comfortable arm chair greeting her father with a warm hug.  “Sorry papa, I didn’t hear you come in,” she replied.

            “What is today’s latest adventure?”  He inquired trying to get a glimpse of the book she was reading, but Belle, afraid her father would think she was into the dark arts was hesitant to share.  The book was about the seven circles of Hell, and was considered a book that would put dark thoughts in one’s head, so Belle improvised.

            “It’s Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.  You know how I love Shakespeare’s work,” she said, hoping her father wouldn’t try to look at book. 

            He studied his daughter’s innocent expression, but dismissed his suspicions as he always believed his daughter to be an honest person, who wouldn’t lie about something so trivial.

             “Alright, anyway, sweetheart I came to give you an early birthday present before the guests start arriving for the ball,”  Maurice said, and presented Belle with a square objected wrapped in a cream colored cloth.  

            After putting down the book she was reading on her chair, trying to hide it, Belle slowly began to unwrap the package, layer by layer, unveiling a leather bound book.  Written on the pages were several poems but as she flipped through the book she found a few blank pages as well.

            “It was a gift your mother wanted me to give you it on your sixteenth birthday, but I never did.  I thought now would be the appropriate time to give it to you,” Maurice said apologetically.

            “I love it papa.  Thank you,” Belle replied giving him a kiss and a hug, “I’ll treasure it always.”  She clung to the book tightly against her chest.  “Actually, papa I’m glad you’re here.  There is something I need to discuss with you.”

            “Yes of course,” Maurice said.

            “I understand why you want me to marry Gaston and he seems like a decent man,” Belle said to her father, “ but I don’t love him or want to marry him,”.

            Maurice sighed in resignation having had this conversation before with his daughter. “Sweetheart, Sir Gaston is a good man and he cares for you.”

            She highly doubted that. “I know, but I feel nothing for him,” Belle argued, “I care for him as a friend, nothing more.”

            “This will be a good marriage and you’ll grow to love him,” Maurice replied, taking his daughters hands in his so she would listen. 

            “I don’t want to grow to love him.  Gaston is dull and the only thing he appreciates is a good kill,” Belle said, trying to think of another argument to convince her father.

            “He could make you happy and content,” Maurice continued to insist.

            “I don’t want to just to be content.  Why can’t you let me pick my own husband?”  She asked.  Father and daughter had had this argument many times and no one ever really won the, but Belle was determined to get out of this as soon as possible.

            “Belle, I won’t have this argument again with you.  You’re going to marry Sir Gaston in a month.  You must learn to accept this and you will be happy,” Maurice told his daughter standing up with a firm expression on his face as if to say the argument was done.

             Belle left in angry huff not in the mood to talk to her father anymore.  Why did she have to be so difficult and question his decision?  She was just like her mother in that sense, Maurice thought to himself leaving the room irritated as well.  He loved his daughter’s determination to make her own decisions, but in certain cases she should be more sensible about these things looking at the big picture.

****

            Belle slammed the door shut to her bedchamber and began to pace restlessly she sighed in exasperation.  How could he not understand she didn’t love Gaston and wanted to marry someone she loved than her own life?  Gaston didn’t love her,  he loved the idea of having power over and her throne, but her father couldn’t see it.  Feeling restless, Belle retrieved her riding garments from her wardrobe.  She needed to get some air and get out of the palace as she needed to calm her emotions before the ball.

 

            The air was crisp and felt soothing on her face as Belle sat atop Philippe, refusing to ride side saddle, staring at the world beyond.  The forest beyond her kingdom was full of secrets and mysterious to be discovered, though as a child she was told it was too dangerous for her to enter, and Belle couldn’t help feeling its magical allure.  Squeezing Philippe’s thighs asking him to go forward, despite his hesitancy to do so, Belle traveled into what the people referred to as the dark forest.   To most the gnarled trees and branches that reached out were claws waiting to shred you to pieces, but to Belle they were the hands and fingers of ancient wizards casting spells.  The forest and its darkness was helped her think and get lost in her own thoughts.

             Belle had to approach convincing her father not to force her to marry Gaston in a different way.  Her father believed marrying Gaston was the best thing for Belle, but she didn’t agree.  Alright, it was true that she would have security, some to rule the throne with her, but Gaston didn’t care for her.  Not in the way she wanted to be cared for

            A swish of vast wings stirred up the air above her in a broad arch, and her eyes glanced upward as she saw a magnificent griffin soaring above the trees.  She stared in awe at the great beautiful beast with its huge feathery wings swiping across the sky. How she envied the freedom the griffin had.  Seeing a griffin was rare, not as rare as coming across a unicorn, but rare.  An image came across her mind of having wings of her own, feeling the warm breeze as she glided through the air, and left the world below behind her.  The idea of being free to do what she wanted without feeling tied down to the ground was appealing.  She wouldn’t have the responsibilities of being the next heir to the throne, and marrying Gaston so she could have a husband to rule the throne with her.  For now she was stuck on the ground and would have to accept her life as the future queen of Avonlea, but she wasn’t going to marry Gaston.   Returning her mind to the world she was in presently, Belle continued forward, deeper into the forest exploring its darkness beyond, but she didn’t get very far as an overwhelming feeling of not being alone came over her.  Her eyes shifted back and forth between her surroundings as she lingered for a moment longer, but decided she didn’t want “company” right now returned home.  She returned to the castle still not sure what she would say to convince her father not to force her to marry Gaston.

 

****

            Lord Maurice’s castle was extravagantly decorated with a theme of the roses. There were wooden tables full of fruits, meats, vegetables, two bowls of wine, and candles surrounded the room.  A glass chandelier lit up the ballroom from above casting the room in a warm glow. Despite their disagreement this morning, father and daughter seem to be in good spirits as they greeted their guests. 

            “Lord Maurice, Lady Belle,” said Gaston approaching them bowing formerly, “May I wish you happy birthday, Lady Belle.”  Maurice stared pointedly at his daughter, and Belle sighed, smiling politely as she stepped forward to greet her fiancé.

            “Sir Gaston, it is good to see you again,” she said letting Gaston kiss, “thank you for the birthday wishes.  It is kind of you to say. “

            “Not to insult your father, but my birthday celebrations for you will be even more extravagant than this,” Gaston said winking playfully.  The action made Belle cringe, but she kept a smile on her face.

            Maurice chuckled. “It is no insult Sir Gaston.  I hope you spoil my daughter as she deserves it.”

            Belle smiled at her father’s compliment, but in truth she didn’t like the idea of Gaston doing what he considered spoiling.

            “Lady Belle, may I have the honor of the first dance with the birthday girl?”  Gaston asked offering his hand for her.  She looked pleadingly at her father, but he gave her an encouraging smile that held underneath an expression of, please sweetie!  Give him a chance.

            “Of course, Ser Gaston,” she said placing her hand in his.  Her smile was there, but it was forced and resigned.

            As Gaston escorted Belle on the dance floor, the orchestra struck up a lovely waltz.  Belle placed her left hand on his shoulder and her right hand within this trying put as much space between them as possible.  At first it was working, but gradually the space between them was shrinking.  She began to feel claustrophobic in Gaston’s presence and desperately needed a drink.

            “May we rest for a moment?” She requested.

            “Of course, my lady,” Gaston agreed, much to Belle’s relief. “Would you like some wine.”

            “Yes, please.  Thank Gaston,” she said.

             “I hope you’re accommodating in when were married.  I know you are not fond of me Lady Belle, but we are going to married.  I don’t want a wife who will defy me at every turn, especially in the bedroom,” Gaston sneered, knowing Maurice couldn’t hear them and Belle would never tell her father the truth.  She was too cowardly to even dare it.

            Belle swallowed the bile that rose in her throat as she watched Gaston leave to get them some drinks.  The thought of knowing Gaston’s intentions made Belle sick to her stomach, but she couldn’t tell her father the truth because Gaston would have one of his men assassinate her father.  Maurice was a good leader mentally, but physically his prowess wasn’t as strong as when he was a much younger.

             Her friend Jasmine, who was visiting from the Arabian kingdoms with her father, approached with a cheerful smile, but frowned at sight of Belle’s lack of one.

            ‘What’s wrong?  You seem distressed Belle,” Jasmine said putting her hand on Belle’s shoulder in a sisterly gesture.

            “I’m fine just a little concerned for my father. Gaston pointed it out to me my father doesn’t look well,” Belle lied easily. 

            “I had no idea your father was ill.  My father even said yours was as lively as ever,” Jasmine said.

            Belle shrugged. “He hides it well.”

            Jasmine arched her brow knowing there was more to Belle’s words than what she was sharing, but before she could ask Gaston returned with two goblets of wine.

            “Oh, forgive me Princess Jasmine.  If I had known I would have gotten you a glass as well,” Gaston said.

            “It’s fine Sir Gaston.  I’m not thirsty, but when I am I’ll get my own,” she assured Belle’s fiancé.  Jasmine didn’t trust him any more than she trusted her father’s advisor Jafar.  Jafar was a master manipulator and something about Gaston made Jasmine suspect that about him as well. 

            Belle accepted the wine from Gaston, wanting to gulp it down, but kept to taking small sips because gulping it down was unlady like.

            “Actually, I have an ulterior motive,” Jasmine said, “Philip has requested to have a dance with the birthday girl.  Is that alright Gaston?”

            Jasmine didn’t even wait for Gaston to reply taking Belle away from Gaston.  Gaston muttered to himself, “bitch!  I better get another dance tonight.”

            Belle nodded contemplating ways to avoid dancing with Gaston again she sighed and couldn’t be more grateful for Jasmine’s rescue.  Philip was chatting with his friend prince Thomas about the ball his mother and father were having so he could find a bride.  Philip was already engaged to Princess Aurora, and they were promising to attend the ball to support Thomas.

            “I know my parents have good intentions and I have specific obligations to fulfill, but I don’t see how I could find a wife at the ball.   I would rather not be paraded around like some prize bull they were trying to rope in,” Thomas was saying as Jasmine and Belle came up to the group to join them.

            Aurora giggled. “It can’t be that bad Thomas.  There are some sweet, beautiful women, who would be a good queen and wife to you,” she insisted.

            “It takes more than an evening to fall in love and find a good spouse, Aurora,” Belle told Aurora.

            She pursed her lips at Belle’s comment.  “Yes, well not all of us are able to have time to find spouse over a long period of time.  Some of us are arranged to be engaged to someone, and can find love and happiness with that person.”

            “Forgive me, Aurora.  I didn’t mean you two.  I know some can find happiness in an arranged marriage,” Belle said knowing Aurora and Philip’s marriage had been an arranged one since she was born and Philip was eight.  The couple had never met before except on the day of Aurora’s birth, and then when she was sixteen living with the three good faeries, Flora, Fauna, and Merriweather, as a peasant girl and their niece.  Neither had any idea who the other one was, but were smitten with each other, and were immediately smitten with each other.   Belle knew of course that everyone was that lucky in finding true love with their betrothed.

            Just as Aurora was about to speak, Philip interrupted.  “Belle, I would be honored if you would oblige me with a dance?”

            “I would be delighted Philip.  If Aurora doesn’t mind,” Belle replied.

            Aurora said, “Of course, I don’t mind.  It is your birthday.”

            Philip guided Belle onto the dance floor mimicking the same movements of her and Gaston, except Philip didn’t try to get closer to Belle than was necessary.  Belle enjoyed dancing with Philip as he was a gentleman and a friend, although sometimes she suspected Aurora believed there was something more going on between them.  Belle felt nothing for Philip, but understood Aurora’s insecurity because Belle and Philip had been friends since they were children giving them a history together.  Belle chose to only have one dance with Philip so she wouldn’t give Aurora a reason to be worried. Besides, Belle was more concerned about avoiding Gaston without making it obvious, and having Aurora mad at her would be a distraction. 

           

            While nibbling on a finger sandwich she made herself Belle pretended to laugh at perverted joke James made about his fiancée Katherine when Maurice approached.  “Belle sweetie, can I talk to you.”

            “Of course father,” she said, “I’ll be right back.”

            She followed her father and as soon as they were far enough she said, “thank you so much father.  I can’t stand James.”   

            Maurice chuckled. “I can tell, but that’s not the only reason I wanted to talk to you.  Sweetie, you’ve been avoiding dancing with your fiancé.”

            “I haven’t been avoiding him,” Belle insisted, but Maurice arched his brow.

            “Alright I’ve been avoiding him because I don’t feel comfortable dancing with him.”  Belle defended her actions being as careful as she could with what she admitted.

            “Sweetie it will take time.  I know you don’t feel comfortable with him now, but you will if you give Gaston a chance,” Maurice promised his daughter, pleading with her to give Ser Gaston a chance.

            Knowing she wouldn’t win this argument, at least not just yet, sighed in resignation. “I will be patient with him for tonight.”

            “Good. I’m pleased to hear that,” he said with a satisfied smile and guided his daughter over to Gaston, who was arguing with Ser Graham.

            “Darling, what are you two arguing about?”  Belle asked in an over the top sweet voice.

            “We’re comparing our fighting strategies, and what is the best way to defeat an ogre hoard,” Gaston explained putting his arm around Belle’s waist as if to establish publicly to Sir Graham she was his.  If her father hadn’t been watching them she would have removed it, but she was forced to bear the gesture.

            “Oh be careful Sir Graham, Gaston is a stubborn and doesn’t take losing arguments very well,” Belle teased, but cringed at Gaston’s thin lipped smile.

            “Don’t worry Lady Belle I’m not afraid of Gaston,” Graham replied smirking, “he’s just full of pride and hot air.” 

            Belle forgot to stifle her giggles at Sir Graham’s joke knowing her fiancé didn’t take well to teasing.  “Excuse us Sir Graham, my fiancée and I need to have some private time with my private time,” Gaston said through gritted teeth.

            “Yes, of course,” he said, “I will talk to you both later this evening.”

            Once again Gaston positioned Belle into a dancing stance, and requested the orchestra play with a swift gesture.          

            “Belle, you seem to have forgotten yourself back there.  You know how I don’t like being humiliated in front of people,” Gaston said whispering directly in her ear as if he was telling her sweet nothings.  He gripped her arm tight digging his nails into her skin drawing blood that dripped down her arm.

            She bit her lip, tears slipping through her eyes as she felt the pain of Gaston’s nails digging into her skin and his tight grip, and she winced, trying pull away.        “You’re right Gaston I shouldn’t have disrespect you, but can you release my arm.  My father won’t like it if he sees blood and you said so yourself I’m a terrible liar,” she added the last part knowing he would argue that she could lie and tell her father something else about why her arm was bleeding.

            He released his grip on her reluctantly.  “Forgive me,” he said.  A charming smile was once again pasted on his face as they continued dancing.

            The sounds of sudden screeching, a sudden abrupt twang of a wire snapping, and the music halting awkwardly got everyone’s attention.  “I’m assuming the dove that was delivering my invitation was lost in the wind,” a high pitched voice spoke from out of nowhere.

            The guests turned in the direction of the voice to see a thin man with unusual greenish gold skin, and was standing there grinning mischievously.  The sounds of gasps, wide eyed expressions, and people hiding behind their loved ones made Belle curious about the mysterious imp like man, who appeared at her birthday celebration.  She was intrigued by this man wondering how he could have such an effect on people, especially surrounded by trained knights.   He stood there with an aura of confidence and intimidation that his physical appearance wouldn’t at first glance give off that impression.  He strutted towards the guests smirking as many of them stepped back keeping an eye on the imp as he got closer to them.  Belle rolled her eyes as Gaston stood in front of her, but it didn’t block the mysterious imp from winking at her.   Belle’s cheeks flushed a rose color, and couldn’t help but notice his tight fitting leather pants that hugged his butt perfectly, and once again her cheeks flushed again. 

            “You’re not welcome here Rumplestiltskin,” Maurice declared, his eyes narrowed as he watched the imp.

            Rumplestiltskin gasped dramatically putting his hand to his heart.  “Now, that hurts Dearie.  I thought we were such good friends.”  Rumplestiltskin smirked.

            “Why would I associate with you, beast?”  Maurice asked.

            “To save your wife from the illness that plagued her,” Rumple said giggling.

            Everyone’s eyes turned to Maurice, including his daughter and whispers swept across as fast as a flight of faeries.

            “Lord Maurice relying on dark magic to save his wife? How could he do something so fowl?!”

            “He must have been a desperate man.”

            “I hope I’m never that desperate that I have to rely on something so wicked.”

            “He’s sinned”

            “The man is tainted!”

            “What would his daughter think, especially since her mother died when she was so young?”

            “Do you think that’s why she died?” 

            Belle’s eyes widen when the strange man explained what her father had done out of desperation.  It was a bit hypocritical of her father to have relied on dark magic to save her mother, even if she had good intentions.  At the same time, it was none of the people’s business her father’s personal choice.  It had not affected them, but his people wouldn’t see it that way.  They would turn against him, and she needed to protect her father’s reputation for the sake of him and the kingdom.  She slipped away from Gaston, sneaking behind the guests so she could be closer to her father and talk to this man, who wanted to make a deal with him.

            “I told you Imp I was grateful for what you did, but now I owe you nothing, especially since she died eight years later,” Maurice snapped.

            “I told you there was nothing I could do to save her, but on the contrary you do owe me.  I told you I would come to collect someday and now I’m here,” he reminded Maurice, who grimaced at the memory of Rumplestiltskin’s warning.   

            Maurice asked through gritted teeth. “What do you want?”  He was desperate to get rid of the imp, who was ruining his daughter’s birthday celebration.  Damn, you Maurice for being so desperate, he thought to himself!  Why did I have to make a deal with the dark one?!  And now everyone, including my daughter, knows.

            Rumplestiltskin furrowed his brow, tapping his chin, as he pretended to think this through, but in truth, he had been planning for a good many years.  “As you know Dearie, I told you I wanted some infinity more precious than gold, and your protection was unnecessary.  This precious item I want is infinitely more important than your whole kingdom or even your life.  The most valuable item you have claimed to, next to your soul of course, and it is definitely a fair trade I think considering what I did for you.”

            The good news was Gaston no longer had her in his grip so she was able to sneak away while he like everyone else was watching imp carefully.  Good thing she preferred to wear slippers that wouldn’t make any noise, but as she walked Belle kept an eye on the strange man, intrigued by him.

            “Spit it out imp!  What is this precious thing you want from me?”  Maurice demanded.

            “Why your daughter of course,” Rumplestiltskin said giggling as Maurice looked exactly like puffer fish.  Rumple turned to face Belle, who paused, as all eyes stared between her, her father, and her betrothed, who looked to shove a sword into Rumple’s gut if he were to take what was his.