A contract sealed with the utterance of those simple words: We'll do it. She had signed over her children, either for the taking or for the saving.

Aurelia's eyes burned emerald as she stared intently at the spot Mr. Gold had stood. He had disappeared with a giddy gasp at her agreement.

"Lia... What are we going to do? We can't spin straw into gold. I think we've proven it time and time again." Lucas whispered to his wife.

"No, but we're going to find out that bastard's name." Aurelia hissed with poison in her throat. She set Lacy in her bassinet. "I've bought us that much time. Have ever guard in the kingdom ready to capture that elf on sight and I want at least six of the most trusted to watch over the twins. We've got some research to do." The blonde commanded.

Lucas didn't argue. He did as she asked and had six guards, as well as Aurelia's sister Ariana, watch over the sleeping babies while the king and queen delved into the darkest books on foreign magic they could find. They were going to discover how to turn straw into god or they were going to find out that monster's name. One or the other.

They were not losing their children.

"Still no luck?" A voice wondered, hours later as Aurelia made a feeble attempt to spin straw into gold. She jumped at the noise, only to realize it was her beloved husband.

"No. Find anything?" She wondered.

Lucas shook his head sadly. "No. I feel like we've been sent on a wild goose chase."

"Haven't we though?"

Lucas ran a hand through his untidy hair. "It appears that way. Aurelia, I don't know what else to do."

"We'll find a way, Luke. We always do."

Their first night was deemed a failure. Neither slept.