The Frog Prince // Mr. Gold

011. MY ONLY HOPE

♛ ONCE UPON A TIME... ♛

– TIANA'S POV –

A loud clap shook me from out of my dream and suddenly I was thrown back into the real world. My upper body shoots upward while my hands squeeze the sheets covering my body. A slimy chuckle is the first thing that catches my attention and through my blurred vision, I see Rumplestlkin grinning at me with his hands clapping two more times.

"Seriously?" I groan, rubbing my eye with the heel of my palm. "You are an unearthly rude individual! Why did you wake me up like that?"

Waving his hand, a hand mirror clutched between his fingers in a blink of an eye. Handing it over, I take it, gazing at myself in irritation. Why exactly did he want me to catch sight of my disheveled appearance is beyond me but I do know that I hate him just as I did the day before. My fingers wrap around the silver handle and I draw the mirror closer to my face to see my curls a mess and a line of drool at the corner of my mouth.

With a suck of air, I lower the mirror to replace my gaze on Mr. Annoying. He hums gleefully, walking to the full-size bed to pick up garments that I haven't seen.

"We have much distance to cut through. Wash up the crust from your face and get dressed!"

A crooked smile curled, showing his teeth and he threw the clothing at my face. My hands catch the pieces of clothing—confused at first. Then I looked towards a small window that shined the dull early morning.

"The sun is barely awake. Can't we have breakfast first?" I question, recalling the delicious meal the night before. My mouth waters and my stomach grumbles. "I would really enjoy some pastries—"

"You ask for too much," Rumplestilkin grumbles, walking away from the sleeping area. "Get dressed!  I won't say it again!"

A smack left my lips and my hands gripped the clothing once again. If he isn't going to make me breakfast, I can find it on my own. Since when did I have to rely on a man? With a newfound mission, the sheets are thrown from my legs and I quickly stand to throw the nightgown from my body and pull on the clothes.

The white long sleeve blouse is breathable and fits perfectly but it's not too lose to wrap the leather corset around it. My hands carefully tie the front of the corset after stepping in front of the dusty mirror that hadn't been used in decades. The corset is tight, yet, comfortable. Comfortable enough that I can bend down to pluck up the dark brown pants to shimmy my legs and hips into. And with the finishing touch, my toes wiggle in the sturdy boots. Surprised that this creature had figured out my measurements from the head all the way down to the arch of my heel. It's impressive. Perhaps a little odd.

After yelling for the man to be patient, my hands braid my hair down my back. With my tongue between my teeth, I tie my knife to my hip and pack any vegetables and bread left over from last night's dinner into a shoulder bag Rumpelstiltskin had included with my outfit. Double-checking all of my supplies, I look over the home once more. A sudden rush came over me as I thought of what Rumpelstiltskin had spoken of just last night. I wonder what kind of life he lived so long ago. He must have truly loved his family before his heart turned to black. For a moment, I sympathize.

A heavy sigh left my lips, accepting that this place would be left behind in history yet again. Forgotten by the world. Forgotten by me. Except for him.

Finally, my feet step into the soil outside, shutting the wooden door behind me to keep any stray animals out. The sun creeps higher into the sky but the air around me is still cool and heavy with moisture. Crickets sing in the distance, preparing themselves to slumber.