The One They Call Dark One

4) She's Staying

The carriage wheels rocked against the rough roads, and Emma came up with a plan. She'd stop the carriage three minutes away from the castle, and run for the far back entrance with is a one minute run, or a two minute run since she'd be carrying a few crates of rum. He put her plan into motion once she could start to see the castle down the mountains, and she nudged Robin.

"Robin? Robin, this's my stop..." It seemed he fell asleep, as he was jolted awake from her simple push."Oh? Alright, let me help you take your belongings." He jumped off,swiftly grabbing both crates while his merry men were still in their slumber. Grabbing the two crates, she held to them, and smiled, "Good luck with the Dark One!" She called as the carriage disappeared into the distance. As soon as the carriage was out of view, she ran. Ran for what felt like an eternity. Her legs pushing past their limit, the sound of twigs snapping and branches being pushed.

The moment she was to give up, and collapse of exhaustion, she saw the back balcony of castle, only a quarter mile off. She drew the strength to lift herself up, still carrying the crates, and dashed for the back door.

Looking at her watch, it was only a quarter to six, and she left at half past four. She carried the crates up the stairs, and as quiet as possible kicked the dining hall door open, placing both crates beside the back shelf. Lifting her head, she saw the Dark One silently looking out the window. Emma smirked, tapping his shoulder, "You're happy I'm back, aren't you?" There, could be seen a smile on his lonesome face, until it was washed away.

"I'm neither, miss Swan... If I had a liking to you, you'd be dead. That's what happens to all who dare to love one- a monster. Now, if you'll excuse me I'm needed at my studies." He walked right past her, heading to the library upstairs. "I might actually stay if you'd say something..." She moped to herself, sitting at one of his thrones lazily, wiping dust from it's armrest in boredom.

"While you're still here, I'd like you to - excuse me, uh, what're you doing sitting on that throne?" The Dark One walked in, stunned at where she was seated, "Honestly, get off." Her only response was a raised eyebrow, "Are you not unhappy that I'm still here?" He sighed, playing with his thumb nails as he walked towards the throne she sat upon, and smiled weakly, "Does it really matter, princess?"

For the first time in a long time, the Dark One himself could feel a pull towards her, but one he knew all too well, and pushed away. Before he could turn away from the memories, she grabbed her by the arm, "You did just take me away from my parents as a prize or as a maid, did you? You took me from my parents because you were lonely. Alone in a castle for centuries sounds horrible..."

"Not as horrible as what happens to you if you dare touch me again." He spat, waving his hand above her head, and disappearing to thin air. She gasped, finding herself back in her quarters. She ran towards the door, rustling the handle that refused to budge. Locked indoors, all alone. She banged her fists against the door, wanting to be let go of the dastardly room she was held in. It was no use, for the Dark One enchanted it, forbidding her from ever leaving the room ever again.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you..."

She streaked, turning around to find him sitting at her window, "Your parents traded you, in exchange for a peaceful war free kingdom. Your highness, your parents may be strong, but a kingdom run by idiots is what I see." He chuckled, his hand firmly grasped to the bed frame, leaning over. "I've been a neighbouring kingdom of yours for centuries, and the last time I walked in it was chaos. Their majesties were corrupted, fuelled by wealth and lust. Your parents might have hearts, but they're still blind to see what truly is going on."