An empty heart and a chipped cup.

Chapter 1. Part 1.

Belle looked out of the carriage window, trying to keep her eyes on the road. Hoping the man sitting across from her would not notice the tears rolling off her cheeks as the rain did upon the carriage window. She clenched the book she was holding to her chest. The man across from her, Rumplestiltskin was his name, was said to be the most powerful sorcerer in all of the realms, and he certainly looked the part. His leather attire, Ruffled collar, and his messy yet glorious hair. But belle wasn't interest in his clothing so as the carriage, led by two black horses, rolled down the wet road in the dreary weather, belle merely looked towards the enormous castle hidden behind marvelous iron gates. The castle was soon to be her new home for the rest of her existence, or so she believed. The castle was very fascinating. The sculptures lining the walk ways and the beautiful textures of the castle it self. The dazzling shrubbery. The ravishing gardens. Belle could only imagine what the interior of the castle looked like. The carriage was driven to the enormous doors of the castle. Belle could barely react before a well dressed steward opened her carriage door and helped her out. The steward left to open the door when belle reached the steps. Rumplestiltskin accompanied her and walked with her into his castle. Belle saw a few servants running around cleaning up. "Josephine, Show Ms. French around the castle. Introduce her to everyone and state the rules to her. I would do it myself but I must go attend to some business." He said to a rather plump woman with dark brunette hair bundled up atop her head, She came to stand beside me, And never taking her eyes off of the ground she said "Yes master." With a flick of his wrist and a puff of smoke he was gone. Belle looked to Josephine. She was looking up now. "I-I'm Belle, Belle French."Belle said. She acknowledged her words turning promptly towards belle. "I would say it's nice to meet you, but look where we are."she said unhappily. "Is it that bad?"Belle inquires. She looks surprised at her question. "I guess it could always be worse. But I must show you around before he returns. When he's back he'll surely expect you know what to do." She said taking belle by the hand. She explained to belle everything she was to do as she showed her around the castle. She warned her about Rumplestilstikin's bad temper, the things he had done, and the things he was capable of. She told her how he had immortalized all of the workers so they could work for him, literally forever. She also mentioned that belle was the first person he had brought into his home to work in the last 100 years. Belle was shocked to find that all of the servants were over 100 years old. Lastly Josephine took belle to her room. "This is your room, I know it's not much but none of our rooms have much to them. They are merely places to sleep, nothing more."she says to belle. "It's fine. Thank you for showing me around." Belle says. "You're welcome, if you ever need anything don't be afraid to ask me. Oh and remember what I've told you today. If you forget, both of us will be punished." Belle was already very fond of Josephine. She trusted her. Josephine was the only thing that comforted belle in this beautiful, yet lonely castle.