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A fake look of disappointment appeared on Rumpelstiltskin’s face when Belle pulled away from him. “Do I truly disgust you, mademoiselle?” He asked with fake innocence. However, he started making fun of his deals and a smile grow on his face. This thief was an entertaining woman! It was about then that Belle stabbed him in the stomach. For a moment, lightning flashed in his mind and he was back in a clearing of the woods with his father, about to drive the knife into the old man’s heart.

The momentary flashback confused him. Why did he feel the need to suddenly remember his father? No matter! He reached down and pulled the knife from his stomach and went to sit down by the gypsy. As soon as the knife touched Esmerelda’s cheek, Belle gave him her full attention and it was about time! He smiled as he threatened to stab the gypsy. At first Belle tried to act as if she could care less, but the ways her eyes tracked the knife told Rumpel everything he needed to know. 

The book worm was going to cave before he would be able to get the blade anywhere near the gypsy. “Oh good! You are finally beginning to see things my way!” He pulled the knife away from the gypsy and examined the blood staining the silver. With a grunt he wiped the blood on Esmeralda's shoulder. “You were such a great support.” He whispered in her ear before standing up. 

With a wave of his hand the knife disappeared, put somewhere amongst his collection at his castle. “Now that I have you within my grasp, what should I do with you?” He asked her as he walked around her slowly. “I could stop you from stealing, but where is the fun in that? It would cause me no pleasure!” He stopped in front of her with a gleam in his eye. 

A smile grew on his face and his eyes sparkled with malicious glee. “I got the perfect price for you, my love.” He reached out and ran a finger down her cheek before going to stand behind the gypsy. “But before I tell you my price, I will tell you what you are saving.” He leaned over, ran his hand along Esmerelda’s cheek, whispering softly. As his fingers passed the open sore, it mended itself and disappeared. “You will be saving your dear friend’s life. Not only will she be allowed to leave with her life, but she will not have to watch her son killed at the stake for being a monster. Meaning, if you don’t take my deal, I will pull her son out of hiding put him on the spotlight, and let the towns people humiliate him, torture him, and then kill him. And your friend here will watch the whole thing.” He laughed as the gypsy tried to scream and tears ran down her face. 

“The best part is, I will let her live for a few months, really soak up the pain of losing her only child. Then I will kill her nice and slow in front of you.” He put his hands behind his back and walked up to Belle. “Or, you can promise you life in service to me. You will become my thief. Stealing what I ask, when I ask, and staying at my castle to do my bidding as I see fit. Really, the choice is yours.” He wave a hand at the gypsy, taking off her silence curse.

“Belle…” Esmeralda said, her voice hoarse from screaming silently. At this point, the gypsy did not know what she wanted from Belle. She wanted to save her son’s life, but she did not want to see her only friend enslaved to the monster. “I’m sorry.” she shook her head and looked down ashamed. Rumpelstiltskin laughed, there was no way Belle would refuse his offer. She was too tender hearted, which was her only mistake in life.