The One They Call Dark One

Prologue

Alone in his castle, he sat in his black velvet throne. His hand caressed the arm rest of his other throne, the one he never had the courage to sit at. He never knew why he had an extra throne, for he knew no one would ever dream of sitting there. For two centuries, that throne was empty, and he was dying for anyone to sit there. He didn't care who, he just wanted a reason to keep the wretched thing.

The Dark One never sleeps, and sitting in the same chair for three years never did him any good. Three years ago he was summoned by name, by a simple peasant wishing to live the life of a royal. It was such a stupid thing to ask of him so with the wave of his hand the old farmer was put to ash, and that was the last of anyone to see the Dark One. He sighed, the loneliness of his castle closing in on him.

Suddenly, he felt a presence in his castle, jolting him awake from his day dreaming. The two large black oakwood doors were pushed open, revealing a short chubby man with a red hat. The Dark One smirked, remembering his loyal servant he had for at least fifty years. "What trouble have you brought me this time, rat?" He spat, starring at the man who bowed before him. "Dark One, I bring news that should enlighten you." The Dark One tilted his head to the side, curious to what the mortal servant had to offer.

"Go on, I'm listening..." The man nodded, pulling out a scroll with red melted wax of the royal crest burned into it's core. "Those two royals? Oh Mr. Smee...what will I do with you? You're ignorant, and such a bore. What do royal have to do with me?" The Dark One asked mockingly, looking at the scroll Smee held in the palm of his hands.

"Dark One, it's an invitation I snatched up from the royal guard. There is to be a ball to celebrate the birthday of Princess Emma Swan, future queen of The Enchanted Forest. Would his dark majesty assist on attending?" Smee asked kindly, looking into the eyes of his master. The Dark One suddenly grew interested, leaving his very throne in order to take the paper from him with his very hands. "Emma Swan you say? Why not have I heard of such a princess?"

"My lord you have been isolated from that kingdom for decades, the last time you dealt with them was forty years ago when their current rulers were only mere children." Smee informed. The Dark One smirked, a plan stirring inside of him, "As a gift to the King and Queen on such a graceful day, I shall give them my protection." Smee questioned his actions, scratching his head, "Dark One, please enlighten me. You do nothing without a price."

"Of course I don't Mr. Smee! That is how it shall be such a great gift, they don't know the price."