The title of episode 9 might be hinting that Belle (Emilie de Ravin) will be separated from her baby upon its birth. Meanwhile, can Belle and Rumple (Robert Carlyle) ever become a happy family with their child?
The upcoming ninth episode of "Once Upon a Time" season 6 is titled "Changelings." A changeling is commonly known as the offspring of a fairy or any other mythical creature that is secretly exchanged with a human baby.
It was recently reported that a black fairy — to be portrayed by Jaime Murray — will be appearing on the show. It is possible that the black fairy will be replacing Belle's baby with her own, which means that Belle will be separated from her newborn child without even knowing it.
Another possible alternative plot is that Belle and the black fairy will plan on exchanging their babies to prevent Rumple from having access to Belle's real baby.
Meanwhile, it seems that there is little hope for Belle and Rumple to reunite as a couple ever again. In an interview with TV Guide, executive producer Eddy Kitsis shared that even though Rumple and Belle have a child, Rumple doesn't want to change.
"Rumple declared last year that he was a better man, but he isn't going to change. He likes being the Dark One. Now that they have a child, it's just going to get messier this season," shared Kitsis.
But series creator Adam Horowitz says that fans of the show don't know yet where Belle and Rumple's relationship will go, and that there is still hope for the two of them.
"No matter how dark things get, the show doesn't go bleak. It's still about hope, and it's always darkest before the dawn," Horowitz shared with TV Line.
"Once Upon a Time" season 6 airs every Sunday at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
