Author's Notes: I do not own Once Upon A Time. So, I put this up on tumblr a while ago thanks to a prompt and realized I ought to add it here. Basically, how did Beatrice and Sherlock meet? Please let me know what you think and happy reading!

"That's lovely, sweetheart," said Belle.

Beatrice giggled as she made the snowflakes dance in the air of her nursery. Belle smiled at Rumplestiltskin.

"Isn't it, Rumple?"

"Yes," he agreed. "An impressive display for a young sorceress. Your mama was just as talented when she was your age."

Beatrice beamed back.

"Olaf, catch!," she said to the snowman, conjuring a snowball and tossing it.

"I've got it! I've got it!," the snowman cried, sliding into the floor as Zazu entered.

"Your Highness," he said, looking skeptically at the snowman.

"Yes, Zazu?," asked Belle.

"The tutors from Edelweiss have arrived to meet the Dark Princess. They are waiting in the throne room."

"Excellent, Zazu," said Belle. "We'll be down directly."

Zazu bowed and left.

Beatrice looked up at her parents.

"Tutors?"

"They're teachers," Belle said softly. "Just as I've taught you to read and Papa and Grandfather have taught you magic, they will teach you anything else you wish to know."

Beatrice frowned.

"Well, come on, we mustn't keep them waiting…" said Belle.

Rumplestiltskin took Beatrice's hand as they walked down to the throne room. She was scared, although she was the Dark Princess, she really didn't meet many people. Rumplestiltskin held her through Belle's morning levies and afterwards, it was always the family. She never had to speak to anyone new. Beatrice held on to the back of Belle's skirt as she stood.

"Your Highness, Siger and Violet Holmes."

The man bowed, the woman curtsied.

"You are most welcome to the Far North Kingdom, Mr. and Mrs. Holmes," said Belle.

"Thank you, Your Highness," said Siger.

"How was your journey from Edelweiss?"

"Very good, Your Highness," said Violet.

"And your accomodations are to your liking?"

"Your Highness has been most generous."

"Well," said Belle, "this is my husband, Rumplestiltskin."

They bowed their heads.

"And Olaf and this," said Belle, peeling Beatrice away from her skirt, "is Beatrice, the Dark Princess."

"Your Highness," the couple said, again bowing and curtsying.

"Hello," Beatrice said softly.

"Is there anything in particular Your Highness wishes to learn?," asked Violet.

Beatrice grabbed hold of Belle's legs.

Belle smiled. "Princess Beatrice can read and she's already being schooled in magic. I suppose we would like to start out with things she's interested in. The stars, for example."

"The stars?," asked Siger. "Well, we can certainly help with that."

Belle noticed Beatrice's grip had loosened and looked down. She was staring across the room behind the ice sculptures at a little boy. Probably six or so.

Belle smiled. "And who might this be?"

The Holmes looked down at the boy.

"Sherlock…" Violet said in quiet dismay.

"Our youngest son, Your Highness. We're so sorry. He must have followed us, he's very good at sneaking."

"It's quite alright," said Belle.

She knelt down. "Come here…"

"Sherlock, Your Highness," said Violet.

"Come here, Sherlock."

"Bow," Violet managed to hiss as the boy came forward.

He bowed his head.

"Welcome to the Far North Kingdom, Sherlock," said Belle. "How do you like our land so far?"

"It's cold."

"Well, yes," Belle admitted with a smile, "but it's never bothered me. This is Princess Beatrice."

Sherlock stared at Beatrice. Belle smiled as she realized her daughter was staring back.

She knew smitten when she saw it.

"Perhaps you and Princess Beatrice would like to play in the sculpture garden," said Belle.

"Yes," said Sherlock.

"Yes," Beatrice repeated.

"Well, Olaf, take them," said Belle, standing up. "We'll be along shortly after we discuss some more things with the Holmes.'"

"Come on, guys," said Olaf, bouncing to lead the children. "I'll show you my favorite snowflakes!"

"I'll just go with them," said Rumplestiltskin.

"No, Rumple, you'll wait," said Belle, pleased that Beatrice was with another child.

Her husband scowled at her, frowning as the children disappeared.

"Tea?," Belle suggested.