Maybe no magical creature is allowed to have love. Maybe that’s a strictly human thing. There were certainly going to be major consequences for Rumple if he allowed himself to love — he would have lost his magic altogether. I might be mistaken but I seem to recall somebody saying that love is the most powerful magic of all. (Did I dream that?) Maybe you can either have one or the other, but not both. EQ had magic but no love. And didn’t Maleficent lose her love? I don’t know. Just shows there is a lot more to this show than it seems at first glance. (Which is why I love it!)
I wish I could remember who said that. but good observation. 😀