Chapter Text
Rumple was twitchier than normal. Belle watched his hands flutter like nervous birds as he paced up and down the great hall. He suddenly turned on his heel and waved a finger in her direction.
“What do you know about Amazons?”
Belle took a sip of tea as she gathered her thoughts.
“A race of warrior women, their society is matriarchal and they are rumoured to be descendant from a demi god.”
Rumple nodded, “Not bad, you’ve got the general overview.”
He threw himself into his chair, finally still for the first time in quarter of an hour; well almost still, his fingers were still dancing.
“Would you like to visit them?”
“The Amazons? Yes that would be wonderful. What do you need me for?”
He chuckled at her perceptiveness.
“What makes you think I need you for anything, dearie? Maybe I think you need some sunshine, stop you looking so pale and wan.”
Belle snorted at him.
“If you thought that you’d simply set me to work in the garden more. You never offer a trip out unless there is a purpose to my presence. So, why do you need me to accompany you to see the Amazons?”
Rumple squirmed in his seat, Belle had never seen him look so uncomfortable.
“Last time I dealt with the Amazons I was lucky to get out of there without a wife. Apparently they believe me to be good husband material.”
The last was said in a tone of loathing, Belle wasn’t sure if the emotion was at the idea of marriage as a whole, or at the idea of that he would make a good husband.
“What would I need to do to show them that you are off limits?” Rumple cocked his eyebrow at her, “I assume that you want to take me so I can pretend to be your wife, yes?”
He nodded slowly as if expecting her to rage at him for making the suggestion. She sat calmly waiting for him to explain his plan.
“Alright then, it’s very simple really, I will wear a ring marking me as y…yours, and you will introduce me as your h…husband.”
Belle nodded that didn’t sound too difficult.
“What about touching, kissing and the like?”
Rumple bounced to his feet and began pacing again.
“There wouldn’t be any need for touching, or the like, just a declaration that we are wed during the introductions.”
He watched her carefully and then shook his head and flapped his hands around.
“Why are you so content with this plan? I’m asking you to pretend to be my wife and you’ve barely batted an eyelid.”
Belle stood up and patted his arm, he didn’t flinch from her touch anymore.
“Rumple, the whole Enchanted Forest already thinks I am your lover, pretending to be your wife will be easy.”
She smiled as his mouth dropped open in surprise.
“Oh well, now that’s sorted out, I best get started on dinner.”