Belle was born a Princess to King Maurice and his Queen, Colette. Their kingdom was one of many that was among the Enchanted Forest. Belle's early life was very privileged. She lived a happy life with her parents though she was closest with her mother. Belle's mother had a very big part in making Belle the woman she became. Belle's mother taught her to love books and adventures and that family, friends, and bravery were everything. When Belle was older she and her mother remained close though she and her father had a strained relationship. With the Ogre wars drawing closer to Belle's kingdom Belle's father arranged her marriage to Prince Gaston. Gaston's father was the King of a neighboring much larger kingdom. And Belle's father thought the marriage would make a very good match and keep everyone safe. Both Belle and her mother reluctantly agreed to this marriage though Belle truly didn't love Gaston.
As the Ogre wars got closer life in the castle became more dangerous. Even with her engagment to Gaston joined their kingdoms together both fell to the Ogre's. Belle lost her mother in an Ogre attack. They had been trying to flee the castle library in time and simply didn't. Belle's mother died protecting Belle. Soon after the kingdom only fell more resulting in Belle's father making a desprate call to one of the darkest men in the realms, Rumpelstiltskin. Rumpelstiltskin came to Belle's kingdom and promised to spare them all for a price. And the price was Belle. She was to leave her father, Gaston, her kingdom and friends and come with him to his castle where she'd work as his servant for the rest of her life. Belle's father and Gaston instantly declined this deal but Belle stepped up and made the deal regardless of their feelings. She struck that deal with Rumpelstiltskin and saved her family and kingdom from death.
Belle had a difficult time adjusting to life in Rumpelstiltskin's castle and as a servant. For the first few months she spent most of her time crying, she missed her father. Though as time went on Belle became more comfortable with her life in the castle, she even made a few friends. Some of the furniture and other items in the castle weren't actually furniture or items at all. But instead people that had broken deals with Rumpelstiltskin. As punishment he took them prisoner and transformed them into living objects. Belle felt horrible seeing all these people trapped here and after stealing magic from Rumpelstiltskin, helping them all escape Rumpelstiltskin was furious at Belle. For weeks he locked her in her room but eventually came around. He let her back out and she resumed her job as a servant in the castle.
Working for Rumpelstiltskin he and Belle became close. So close that it began to scare him. This led to him kicking Belle out of the castle. He wouldn't see her again until after the Evil Queen's curse was broke. After leaving Rumpelstiltskin's castle Belle went on a few adventures though was eventually captured by the Evil Queen. The Queen kept her prisoner hoping to one day use her against Rumpelstiltskin. While being locked away the Evil Queen spread the word she was dead. So no one ever came looking for her.
When the Evil Queen cast her curse Belle was not free but instead kept prisoner in Storybrooke in the mental assylum. She had no memories and was considered mute. When she was freeded and returned to Rumpelstiltskin when the curse was broke she remembered who she and he were. Belle remains with Rumpelstiltskin until he has to leave Storybrooke to find his son. Just before he leaves Killian Jones, better known as Captain Hook shoots Belle as revenge to Rumpelstiltskin for killing the woman he loves. Not only is Belle shot but she falls over the town line and again loses her memories. When Rumpelstiltskin returns Belle has false memories, given to her by Regina. She is no longer a beautiful, smart, bookworm. But rather a woman who spends most her time at the bar drinking, shooting pool and doing other activities that Belle herself would never normally do. She also no longer goes by Belle but instead Lacey.
As Lacey Belle is not herself, so she does not love Rumpelstiltskin. He tries to woo her but she is no longer the heroic brave woman he fell in love with. Instead she is underhanded, cold hearted and all together a terrible person. Seeing this he decides to show her his darkness and together they embrace it. Though eventually Rumpelstiltskin misses Belle being herself and he wakes her.
Over the next few years Belle helps Rumpelstiltskin and the others in Storybrooke fight against curses, witches, dark spells. Belle resumes her life in Storybrooke, working at the library.
