The Frog Prince // Mr. Gold

012. THE PRINCE

♛ ONCE UPON A TIME ♛

— TIANA'S POV —

  "I, Joseph Mills, hereby announce you under attest for the murder of Prince Naveen."

My eyes widened at the man named Joseph Mills and my throat tightened. My mind felt dizzy after Joseph Mills's words registered. Prince Naveen is dead? The same prince that I was meant to marry? How could that be and how can I be the one who murdered him? I've known of his existence since the age of three—my father made sure to secure our betroth to create an alliance between our two kingdoms. I didn't like him personally but I wouldn't hurt him.

My eyes moved to see Rumple unmoved. Those large sunken eyes glued onto Joseph. Since knowing him, I have never seen the Dark One so quiet. Did he kill Naveen to get my wish or am I overthinking this? Or while in my slumber did I do something horrible? My fingers grasp around the leather attached to my horse. Breathing in as everything settled on my shoulders.

"Who are you?" I question bravely, glimpsing at the man's brown eyes.

"Did I not just say who I am?" Joseph growled.

"He's the Evil Queen's eldest brother. The Royal Guard and her puppet," Rumple finally spoke, leaning lazily on his horse. Coming back to his usual self. "It's nice to see you again."

Joseph snapped a glare at Rumple; annoyed. There is a history there and from my point of view, it isn't a good one.

"Watch yourself, Coward," Joseph tells him, rolling up the parchment to dig into the pocket of his uniform. "I have had enough of you."

"Don't speak to him like that," I burst out before Rumple can retort. One thing I will not allow is this egotistical idiot to speak disrespectfully to my companion. Only I am allowed to do this. "I didn't kill Prince Naveen! I'm innocent..."

Joseph smiled wickedly at me, sending a shiver down my spine. Something is frightening about him. Dark and monstrous. I'm ready to run and get away from this man but Rumple doesn't back down. Not yet.

"Is that so?"

The soldiers behind Joseph are silent. They await their next order. Their opinion on this matter is irrelevant. They'll do anything to serve the Evil Queen and her brother. Anything to keep their heads.

In silence, I think of ways to escape before they make their moves.

"It's quite interesting that you disappeared before Prince Naveen's body was found. From the whispers of your court, you didn't want to marry him. So that gives you every reason to murder the Prince," Joseph paused for effect, giving me time to think about his allegations. "It doesn't help that I find you with the Dark One. The coward of his time; Known for murdering innocents to get his way—"

"Funny coming from a man who is willing to do the same," Rumple growled through gritted teeth. His body shakes as he speaks and I can see the hatred pouring out into the open. "For all we know, you could have killed that fool and planted this scheme onto Tiana for personal gain."

"You know how this goes, Imp. Hand over the girl and I'll leave you be until we have to do this again," Joseph smiles again, ignoring Rumple's retort.

With furrowed brows, I look over to study Rumple's side profile. He doesn't move. He doesn't give me an answer to my confused stare. What does Joseph mean by that? I have no idea what is happening but whatever transpired in their past isn't my business and I shouldn't be a part of this. Yet I am.

Not breaking his stare from Joseph, Rumple suddenly grins, and that childish laughter escapes his throat. He waves his hand toward the raven-haired man causing Joseph to narrow his thick brows.