Chapter Text
He was a SHE.
It was not very often Rumplestiltskin was surprised. Having seen future and what it held for him and his plans. Now, however, was one of those rare moments. He remained on the floor, bringing his legs up to bend his knees, placing his elbows on them. His feet flat on the floor. She tensed at his movements, her hold tightening on the serrated dagger she held against her leg. "Pray, tell, Dearie, How you came to grasp my dagger in your hand?"
His anger roiled off him in waves, nearly tangible in the lare room. The girl knew better than to take her eyes from him, always expecting the unexpected. Someone had schooled her quite diligently in her handling of him. Handling, ha! He would wait. He would bide his time, and when she made one mistake, he would show her the true dangers of trying to play gods and demons. He was a master at this chess game. and he always won.
"Your name is Rumplestiltskin." she said, ignoring his jib, "And I command you." Her voice was soft, a lilting melody that was haunting as it lowered. The stillness of the room was nearly suffocating as the magic weaved through and around them, binding them together. A dark symphony of magic that chilled her blood. "You will obey my every order and execute it without question." Rumplestiltskin gritted his teeth, hating this girl, hating the power that she wielded so immaturely. Surely she did not know what she was doing. Or did she? He looked into her face. Wanted to see what story her eyes told.
They were old. So very old in one so young. They had seen so many terrors, bore so many sorrows. Her eyes so blue they rivaled the sky. They were clear. straightforward. Determined. She had taken that sorrow. That grief. and turned it into purpose. In that alone, was this child like him. "Any and all who wishes me harm," she continued in the same tone, "you will dispose of them only after I have finished questioning them, and have given you leave to do so." She paced around him, watching him, his every motion. tapping the dagger against her leg. A nervous habit perhaps?
"I have two companions with me. You will protect them as well. from any and all who wish them harm." She walked a full circle around him and crouched to look him in the eye. "You will not harm them. They are in my protection and as a result they are under yours as well." Emotion tugged through her facade and there was the desperation he had scented on her when he had her up against the wall. She felt strongly about these mysterious companions. In an unexpected move, she placed her hand on his knee. Rumplestiltskin's eyes glanced down at her small hand, then slowly raised his reptilian gaze to hers.
"I have no room to be gentle. I can't afford to be. I know I am dead the moment I release you," a twist of her lips in what was a weak attempt of a smile made him wonder what his face must have shown. "However, here and now? I have need of your power."
Rumplestiltskin moved to stand, pausing to glance at her. With a nod, she removed her hand and stood. He rose to his feet slowly, standing his full height.
With a sweeping bow, he addressed her, "My Lady"
She rolled her eyes, never failing to see the sarcasm behind the gesture. Gripping the dagger she tipped the edge to her pointer finger, pricking it. The blood was deep red and bubbled on the pad of her finger. "You are mine. Now. Go. Tend to my companions."