The Best Tea Cup is Chipped Book 1

Cinderella's Ball

"Would you like to go to a ball?" were not the words Belle had expected to hear come out of her husband's mouth.

"That depends. Who is it for and why are we going?" as far as she knew Rumplestiltskin didn't get invited to many balls.

"It's the wedding ball of Princess Ella and Prince Thomas!" said Rumple sounding incredibly pleased.

"Ella. Isn't that the woman you made the deal with to go to the ball a few months back?" she asked.

"Yes, after searching the realm for the woman the fit the glass slipper Prince Thomas finally found his bride."

"Why didn't she just tell him who she was? And why did the man need a glass slipper to tell who it was he fell in love with?" asked Belle curiously.

"I don't know perhaps he felt simply knocking on doors and asking to see people's faces was too passe," shrugged Rumple and Belle laughed.

"Well, I suppose I wouldn't mind attending if you are the one taking me. Although something tells me we are less attending and more crashing this ball are we not?"

"If you want to put it indelicately then yes," said Rumple sipping his tea. "I just plan to show up and remind the woman of what she owes me."

"Yes a child she inadvertently signed away. Something tells me she isn't going to be too happy about that." said Belle dryly.

"I don't make deals expecting people to be happy with me," scoffed Rumple. "Besides we already established most people don't have your good sense when it comes to dealing with the Dark One." Belle shook her head.

"Apparently common sense isn't so common. Although for the record I made a deal with you and am MORE than happy."

"Well, you've always been an exception dearest," chuckled Rumple.

"I take it you're dressing me?" she asked

"If you have no issue with it," replied Rumple. Belle shook her head. Rumple had superb taste in clothing actually. She saw no problem with letting him dress her. She'd always been happy before. She actually guessed his good taste in fashion and fabric in part was down to his background as a spinner.

"None whatsoever," she replied.

"Then we'll leave tonight at 8pm," said Rumple with a grin.

OUAT

Truthfully the only ball Belle had fully enjoyed was the one for Grace's birthday. But that had in part been down to Rumple. Now given that she didn't have to parade around like a horse for inspection and that she'd have her exceptionally witty husband by her side to provide commentary Belle felt she'd be able to have a rather wonderful time.

She wore a poofy yellow and white off the shoulder gown that was once again reminiscent of the one she'd worn on the day they'd met though this one had a large bustle in the back. The craftsmanship was flawless. She wore her hair mostly down aside from being pulled up with pearl clips on either side.

Belle descended the stairs to find Rumple waiting. He wore a cream-colored coat and waistcoat and brown pants. To her he looked exceptionally handsome.

"Wow Auntie Belle you look lovely!" exclaimed Grace from the side.

"Thank you, Grace. It's all down to your Uncle Rumple really." said Belle modestly.

"Your natural beauty is unparalleled my love the clothes are a mere addition," corrected Rumple eloquently.

"To be fair you could probably wear a potato sack and he'd call you gorgeous," snickered Alice.

"As if Jefferson wouldn't do the same," replied Rumple and Alice rolled her eyes. The topic of Jefferson was no longer as taboo now that they knew they would see him again.