The next morning Isabelle awoke and got dressed quickly. She wore a beautiful flowing blue dress and tied her hair back in a matching blue ribbon that she had found in one of the drawers in the vanity. She was excited to start her day, even if she had to clean and cook and any other duty he saw fit. Even if she wasn't able to leave the castle, she was still rewarded more freedom than she had had in a very long time. She was up for what ever task he would give her, no matter how hard. She wanted to prove to him she could earn her keep.

She slipped her shoes on and made her way out the door, down the hall, and down the spiral staircase that led to the great hall, where the dark one was already waiting for her. The table already had pastries and fruit spread out across it. He stared at her with that curious look on his face as she walked over to the opposite end of the table and picked up her plate and placed a muffin and a few grapes on her plate. She moved to sit next to Rumpelstiltskin as he continued to stare.

she said as she set her plate down next to his and flashed him that beautiful smile again.

She sat down beside him and began nibbling at her muffin. She couldn't remember the last time she had had one. Although her father did have food sent to her once a day, it was only a piece of rock hard bread and a cup of water, barely enough to stay alive. He watched her face as she bit into the muffin and all he saw was pure delight, with her eyes closed as she chewed and a smile upon her face. She looked as if she wanted to savor every little bite. When she opened her eyes she realized he was still looking at her. He must have realized it too because he quickly looked away and gained his composure again. he gave her an impish grin which immediately told her it was going to a lot more than a bit of tidying up, but she was ready for whatever he would throw her way. She nodded and took a big gulp of her juice. She squeezed her eyes shut and puckered her lips, not used to the bitter taste of the orange juice. . He said.

She could only eat half of her muffin before she stood and began gathering the dishes. The dark one was impatient though and with a wave of his hand the dishes disappeared. he said turning to walk towards the kitchen. Now she wondered even more why he had wanted her here. If he could magic away the mess him self what was the point of having a caretaker? She followed closely behind him as they entered the kitchen.

she asked looking over to the two large sinks

she asked a bit curious.

He thought for a second before answering because, to be completely honest he wasn't sure how to explain something like that. He knew of course, how magic worked but it was not something you could explain to someone who doesn't posses magic themselves. Magic had to be felt. He himself could always feel the magic pulsating through his body. The darkness always eating away at his soul. The way it made him feel so powerful and yet so drained. He couldn't burden this girl with his darkness though. She needn't know any thing about magic. he turned away from her.

he turned back to look at her again and she took a step closer. She said and he looked away a bit ashamed. He had only known this girl a day and a half and he already realized that this girl was quit different and now that she was here in his home he was quite glad that he had acquired her but she wasn't the one he had in mind. Regina was the one who was suppose to come with him. He had no idea that Maurice had another child. He still needed Regina but he would get her another way.

he said coldly. he said with out even turning to look at her and walked towards the broom closet. He stopped when he heard her sniffle behind him. He quickly turned to see what was the matter and he saw tears steaming down her face.

she sobbed. she pleaded.

He walked over to her and grabbed her by the shoulders and looked at her sadly. he asked softly. This time she was the one who looked away.

she sniffled.

he asked

she began to cry more violently than before.

He felt awkward trying to soothe her to calm her down a bit. he said as his thumb wiped away a few of her tears. She calmed down a bit and her tears stopped. he said and she nodded her head and wiped at her eyes.

She left the kitchen and made her way to her room. As she walked she wondered what he was going to want to know. For now she was just happy he was not going to send her back. He had promised.