The Neverland Queen (Sequel to Confessions of a Lost Girl) [DISCONTINUED]

Chapter 9

Talia Vicore

I flipped my hair over my shoulders as I strode down the long, grand hallway, Rumplestilskin behind me. Belle had been sedated again on the ride here; she had woken up and nearly fallen off the horse, the poor girl.

Fortunetly, Rumplestilskin was anticipating this, with a handkerchief saturated in a liquid that knocked you out like a light. He was carrying her bridal style this time, following close behind me as I sent condescending smirks at Ravada's guards. I could tell that they were irritated that I knew the way around the castle already. 

I threw open the doors of Ravada's throne room without waiting for any of my escort's consent. One tried to grab me, but I just ended up back handing him in my haste. I didn't have time for this. This was a huge step in finding the way back home, and I didn't have time for petulant guards to try and assert their dominance and superiority to me. I get it.

Ravada raised an eyebrow as I walked in. "Well I wasn't expecting to see you soon; especially with him." She nods towards Rumplestilskin, who comes to stand beside me. "Had I known I'd be having guests, I would have worn something nicer." I snort, rather unladylike, I admit. Nicer? What could be nicer than the floor length black slik gown she's wearing? And did I forgot to mention the rather expensive looking diamond earring dangling from her earlobes? 

"Don't worry dearie; you still look rich to me." Rumplestilskin mocked, making Ravada send him a mocking smile. 

"That, doesn't look like Mulan." Ravada said, pursing her lips as she studied Belle.

"In fact, it looks like Belle."

"Thats because it is dearie. And I need you to return her memories." Rumplestilskin demands, his voice growing harsher as time wears on. I can almost feel the agression coming off him in waves.

"And why, would I do that?"

"Because I need his help, and this is the favor he asked in return for his services." I quicky cut in, tired of the fake pleasentries. I despise this game of who can 'outfluff' each other with their fancy words and fake pleasantries. Being eloquent was never my strong suit. 

"You said you'd help me; this is what I need. He'll help me find Mulan, and she'll have her memories returned too."

"I'm starting to think you're asking too much, Citrine." Ravada snapped, eyes blazing angrily. "I promised to help you, yes. I did not, however, promise to return the memories of all of the people in the Enchanted Forest!"

I huffed and crossed my arms in annoyance. "Please Queen Ravada; just help me. The more you help, the sooner I'm out of your hair. Him too." Ravada looked contemplative for a moment, then slowly nodded.

"Fine. But you owe me a favor." I opened my mouth to agree, before Rumplestilskin made a warning noise beside me. 

"Wait." He turned to look at me. "Owing her favors is almost as dangerous as owing one to me; are you sure you want to do this?" 

I frowned and tapped my foot impatiently. "Yes, I'm sure. I just need to get home and out of this cursed land; forever." I turned and looked at Ravada again. "Fine. I'll owe you a favor." 

Ravada grinned, and walked gracefully towards Rumplestilskin. She pressed her open palm onto Belle's forehead, and murmured a few quiet words; too quiet for me to hear. A purple glow seemed to be coming from underneath her palm, and when she flipped her hand over, palm up, a shining purple stone was resting in her palm. 

"Beautiful." Ravada murmured, then looked up and gave me a sly wink. "This stone is the source of all these people's fabricated identities; the force behind their... Shady dreams." Ravada slurred the last two words maliciously, and her tone of voice made me uneasy. I was sure they had some sort of double meaning, but I didn't have time to figure that out now.