In which Crown Prince Killian, eldest son of Queen Snow White and King James is kidnaped by the dreaded pirate, Captain Swan.

I own nothing.

Staring out the window Killian tried to stifle a yawn as his tutor continued to drone on and on about kings and battles fought long ago. Outside the window he could hear bird song and people shouting greetings to one another above the noise about the palace. Finally loosing his patience he questioned, "Can't we give it a rest already? The Ogre Wars were years ago, who cares how my great-great-great grandfather ended the first one, there were two more after that!"

"Your majesty," the old man drawled, looking down his pointed nose at the prince through his large spectacles that magnified his eyes to the size of dinner plates. "Those who ignore history-"

"Are doomed to repeat it." Killian grumbled having heard the saying many a time from his teacher.

"Precisely."

"But can't we be done for the day? The Independence Celebrations begin at sundown." The prince pleaded.

Sighing, the old man considered a moment before nodding, knowing he had no hope of retaining his pupil's attention the rest of their lesson. Smiling Killian dashed from the room whooping for joy as he exited the class room, running through the palace he tore at his cravat and vest tossing them to servants as he passed.

Reaching the main gate he paused taking a deep breath of fresh air, enjoying the smells wafting up from the village below as they made ready for the festival that would last the next two days.

"About time you finally showed up." A voice called.

Turning Killian smiled brightly spotting his closest friends leaning upon a low wall waiting his arrival. Princes Eric, Philip and Aladdin smiled back at him in return. The three men quickly closed the space and embraced Killian in turn.

"When did you arrive?" Killian asked looking to them all.

"Within the hour." Eric replied.

"Your mother is with our wives taking a turn about the gardens. Apparently there is a new form of rose that she simply had to show them." Aladdin smirked.

Killian smiled fondly at his mother's tact. She knew Killian missed his friends when they were away and now that he was the last remaining bachelor of their group, time spent with them was often spent with their wives.

"Well then no wonder you lads seem so lost." Killian laughed.

"One day my friend." Phillip assured, "You will find the happiness we have."

"I do not doubt it. But I shall not settle for any less then true love. I see my parents live it every day. To give yourself to someone so completely..."

Aladdin laughed clapping Killian on the back, "You are the product of true love my friend. If anyone's happy ending is assured it is yours."

"Come let us make our escape before your wives return and snatch you away to discuss curtain fabrics or nursery wall colors." Killian urged tugging at his friends leading them towards the stables.

In no time at all the four prices were galloping across the forest laughing and shouting challenges as they raced down the dusty trails.

"Beat that!" Phillip called jumping a large fallen tree.

"Gladly," Aladdin responded as he and his mount cleared the obstacle with ease. "No horse from The Enchanted Forest can beat those bred in Agrabah."

"But you can't duck low hanging branches like we can." Killian laughed as he inched ahead and batted a limb from smacking him in the face only to have it hit Aladdin who was right behind him.

"No fair!" he called swatting leaves and bark from his face.

"Who said anything about being fair?" Eric asked laughing as he caught up to Aladdin and giving the man's shoulder a shove, he galloped ahead of him.

"And the winner is Price Killian!" Killian announced as they cleared the forest and entered the field beyond.

"No you don't I was way ahead of you!" Phillip challenged.

"In your dreams." Killian laughed.

"Your all cheats so I should win." Aladdin pouted but his smirk gave away his joyous mood.

"It doesn't matter who won the race. We all know I'm the best." Eric cut in grinning.

"Oh here we go." Phillip rolled his eyes. "Again we have to hear how he was married first, to a mermaid none the less, who gave up her life at sea to be with him. And how he somehow thinks he's the best looking, most charming-"

"Best dancer, greatest sword fighter" Aladdin added.

"Not to mention the best sailor and adventurer." Killian laughed.

"You forgot the amazing horseman and I am the eldest of us, but I have so many great attributes I'll let it slide this time." Eric chuckled.

At that the four of them started laughing so hard they nearly fell off their mounts. Looking at his three friends Killian realized how much he truly missed them when they were away. Though they often sent letters, spending time together had become rare since they had turned 18, now that they were in their 20's it was near impossible due to marriages and the demands of State. But the Independence Celebration, commemorating Snow White and Prince Charming's retaking of the kingdom from the Evil Queen had brought them together once more, if only for two days.

"It's getting late." Phillip noted looking to the setting sun. "We should head back."

"Oh come on." Killian grumbled. "Liam is back for the celebrations and waiting for us at The Golden Goose."

"As much as I'd enjoy seeing your brother and hearing of his adventures, I'm sure Ariel is expecting me back soon." Eric reasoned.

"And Jasmine will likely need a foot massage. The pregnancy has been really wearing her down lately." Aladdin added.

Sighing Killian conceded, "Go on then. Gods know how you old married types need your rest and relaxation, far from the excitement of your former bachelorhood."

"Killian, ride back with us. I'm sure tomorrow night we can slip away from the ball and scour the shoreline for pirates." Phillip baited raising his eyebrows and smirking.

Not able to help the smile that formed on his lips Killian nodded. As children they had often snuck away from the parties held at the palace and made their way to the beach to play their favorite game, Pirate Hunters. Sometimes they were Royal Navy officers chasing down buccaneers who had landed on their kingdom's shores, other times they were pirates themselves scouring the beach for a place to burry their treasure and keeping an eye out for other pirates who would steal their booty.

"You go on ahead. I promised Liam I'd meet him." Killian said waving his friends along.

"You're sure?" Aladdin asked.

Killian nodded. "I won't be out too late Father." he winked flashing a smile to the one among them who would indeed soon be a father.

"See you tomorrow then." Eric said clasping his friend on the arm.

Smiling Killian bade farewell and urged his horse forward across the field and onto the road that led into town.

Arriving at the tavern Killian dismounted his horse and handed the reigns to a waiting grooms man. Handing the man a coin as thanks he made his way towards the entrance bellow a wooden sign depicting a golden colored goose. Pushing the heavy door open Killian walked into the bar and looked around. It was still early so there were only a few people milling about. The bartender gave a slight incline of the head acknowledging his presence while an auburn haired barmaid batted her eyelashes at him while giving a flirtatious smile.

'Killian!"

Turning Killian spotted his brother Liam in the corner, two cups of rum waiting on the table. Waving he made his way over, dogging the other tables set about the tavern. Killian smiled as his brother stood up and shrugged out of his Navy jacket.

While both princes had a deep love of sailing and the open ocean, as Crown Prince Killian was not able to pursue his passion. Liam on the other hand, had shot up through the ranks to become the youngest Lieutenant of the Royal Navy in nearly a century.

"Liam! Its so good to see you." Killian embraced the younger man.

"You as well brother. What is this?" he asked tugging at the thick stubble on Killian's chin. "Did you glue hair upon your face after your last trim?"

Laughing Killian batted his hand away. "How long are you back?"

"I'm not entirely sure. Mother and Father said it should be at least a fortnight until we're shipped out again. But with that insufferable Captain Swan terrorizing the coast and our trade ships we could be called to action at any time."

"If there is anyone who can bring that wench to justice its you." Killian assured raising his cup to toast his brother.

Liam let out a chuckle before clinking his cup against Killian's. The rest of the night they spent dinking, laughing and catching up. Liam spoke of his adventures upon the open ocean while Killian divulged the latest castle gossip. An hour before dawn the brothers stumbled back to the palace singing sea shanties at the top of their lungs.

"Killian. Killian dear wake up."

Opening his eyes to slits Killian saw his mother moving about the room readying his cloths for the day, and picking up the cloths he had tossed about after returning home mere hours before. Coming to the window she through open the heavy curtains causing Killian to groan and burrow deeper into his blankets to escape the light.

"Come on sleepy head. Up."

"Ugh! Mom!" Killian complained as Snow White tore the covers from his grasp.

"It's your own fault. You knew you had to be up early for the jousting tournament yet still came home drunk as a pirate at dawn. Be glad it is me waking you and not your father. Liam is no doubt regretting his own inebriation much more then you are."

Moaning Killian lifted himself into a sitting position placing his feet on the cool wooden floor. Walking over from his armoire the Queen picked up a porcelain tea cup from the breakfast tray that contained a hangover cure and handed it to her son.

"Ugh that is foul." the prince gasped choking down the bitter liquid.

"Just be glad I stopped to see Blue before coming up. I doubt your brother will be supplied with the same."

Killian let out a breathy chuckle. "Thank you Mother. You look lovely today."

In fact the queen did look stunning. She wore a dove grey gown, the bodice embroidered in cream thread and seed pearls. The expansive skirt was dotted with pearls as well, while the short cap sleeves were bordered with the same cream thread. Her long dark hair was piled on top of her head, her crown perched amid the curls.

Snow crossed her arms and raised her eyebrow at her son. Seeing his open face hiding no trace of false flattery she let out a small laugh and brushed his hair from his eyes.

"You have ten minutes." she told him placing a kiss on his forehead before exiting the room.

Standing up Killian stretched his arms to the ceiling grateful for the fast acting potion. Coming over to his lounging chair before the large ornate fireplace opposite his bed, he surveyed the cloths his mother had chosen for him.

Laid out was a cream colored chemise, and a midnight blue doublet. Killian smiled remembering how his mother remarked the color brought out his eyes. Next to them was a dark brown leather jerkin, fawn colored trousers and his riding boots that reached his knees.

Once dressed he glanced over the breakfast tray his mother had brought up. A fresh baked croissant sat next to a bowl of strawberry jelly with sausage and two fried eggs. Picking up a steaming cup of hot chocolate Killian sighed with pleasure as the taste of hot chocolate and cinnamon mingled on his tongue. Before leaving the room he scarfed down a large bite of the croissant knowing he has used much of the time the Queen had allotted him getting dressed.

Exiting into the hallway he immediately bumped into someone already occupying the space just outside his bedroom door.

"Forgive me you majesty." a female voice pleaded.

"Milah?" Killian questioned looking at the woman before him. "What are you doing here? Not that I'm not happy to see you."

"I was assisting my father in making the finishing touches on the King's wardrobe that he will wear at the ball this evening. I had assumed you were already up and had met your friends upon the jousting field."

"Liam and I arrived home late from the tavern last night. I was on my way to meet them now." Killian stood staring at her a long moment unsure of what else to say. Milah's father was the King's chief tailor and for the entire summer the year before they had engaged in a secret relationship. Killian had been attracted to her bright grey eyes and easy smile but the fact that he was a prince and she was promised to another had eventually driven them apart.

"I will not keep you then." Milah spoke softly bowing her head as she moved out of his way.

"They can wait a moment longer. How have you been?" he asked hoping to be civil and polite.

"Busy. My parents have been planning my wedding."

"Ahh yes the silk merchant. When are you to be married?" Killian questioned hoping she did not notice the bitterness in his voice.

"Within a month." She answered not looking him in the eye.

"A month." Killian echoed flatly. The sting of the news was not as severe as he would have expected it to be, but the fact that the woman he had once thought himself to be in love with marrying someone else still did not sit well with him. Taking a steadying breath he said, "Well then I offer my sincerest wish for your happiness. Good day."

Turning to go he stopped suddenly feeling Milah's hand upon his arm. "Killian...what we had...it wasn't true love, but it was...it was real. Wasn't it?"

Without turning he whispered, barely audible to his own ears. "Yes. I believe it was."

Gently removing his arm from Milah's grasp he made his way down to the entrance hall of the palace, finding Liam already waiting.

"You look horrible." Killian told his brother, noting the wrinkles on his Navy uniform, disheveled hair and dark circles under his eyes.

"You would too if you were woken by a bucketful of ice cold water and flung from your bed as the mattress was flipped over." the younger prince grumbled.

Killian chuckled, "Father always believed in the punishment fitting the crime."

"Meanwhile you had Mother no doubt gently coached you awake with a waiting hangover cure and hot chocolate with cinnamon."

"Don't be such a whinny baby." Killian teased.

"But I am the baby, the youngest. Father should of woken you as rudely as I was."

"You forget, I am always woken at dawn by him for our morning ride, then there's fencing, archery, then history, dancing-"

"Alright I get it. Your giving me a worse headache." Liam cut in rubbing his temples. "Life of the Crown Prince isn't all heroics and damsels."

"I should say not. Imagine all that constant questing. It would get very boring."

Turning the princes spotted their parents walking towards them arm in arm.

"Good morning Father. Good morning Mother." they greeted.

"Good morning. My what handsome young men our boys have grown into." Snow beamed kissing her sons on the cheek.

"Handsome yes. Mature and wise, that has yet to be seen." James countered looking at the pair with disappointment.

"Father-" Liam started.

"It was my fault." Killian cut in. "Liam hasn't been home in nearly two months and we got so caught up in talking, we didn't realize what time it was."

"And the drinking?" his father questioned, his face blank but his eyes held a questioning amusement.

"I challenged him to a drinking contest. I boasted that though he was now a sailor he couldn't possibly drink like one." Killian covered.

The king looked between his sons searching for any hint of truth to the opposite.

"Come now we're wasting time." Snow White cut in. "You can punish them if you wish later, we are all expected at the tournament now."

Nodding the King motioned for a servant to step closer, within his hands he carried a velvet pillow upon which sat the prince's crowns. Taking up the silver one, a oak leaf design upon it, he gently placed it on Liam's head. Next he picked up the golden crown, oak leaves also graced the design along with fleur de les and at the very center sat a sapphire within a compass rose. This crown he placed upon Killian's brow.

"Remember my sons, when you wear these crowns they are a symbol of your station, your leadership. They are the symbols of strength and traditions of our family, and the hopes and dreams of our country men. One day they will look to you lead them, guide them, and protect them. Though you will make mistakes never forget that the welfare and the needs of your subjects should come before your own desires."

"Yes Father." the Princes assured.

Though the young men had grown up privileged, both of their parents had made it no secret they themselves had not always lived that way. The King had been born the son of a Sheppard, taken from his home to replace a twin brother he never knew. And the Queen had lived as a woodland bandit after her stepmother had tried to blame her for her own father's murder and had been charged with treason.

"Now let us all go down to the field so the celebrations can begin." Snow suggested, smoothing out Liam's shirt and combing her fingers through Killian's hair.

Offering his arm James smiled to his wife as they exited the castle and walked the short distance to the jousting field.

"Presenting their royal highnesses, King James, Queen Snow White, Crown Price Killian and Prince Liam." the herald called as the royal family took their seats upon the dais.

The crowd cheered and whistled welcoming their beloved rulers, waving flags and banners depicting the royal crest.

"We wish to thank you for sharing this day with us!" Snow White smiled to the crowds. "For many years we have lived in relative peace thanks to the brave souls who stood with us to remove The Evil Queen from our lands. May the Gods grant us further peace and prosperity for years to come."

"Without further ague...let the tournaments begin!" The King called waving a hand in the air, signaling the start of the first match.

Sitting beside his father Killian watched as the jousting men rode hard towards each other, lances at the ready. Many of the men he knew as his parent's knights, other's were from neighboring kingdoms come to seek glory and gold at the celebrations.

Spotting his friends Eric, Phillips and Aladdin sitting with their wives, he gave a wave and incline of the head, smiling when the gesture was returned. After the first round of competitors were finished Killian excused himself wishing to stretch his legs and see what other sights and excitement could be found.

Wondering through the streets he reveled in the variety of sights and sounds that did not usually grace the market in such abundance. Stalls had been set up selling the wares of the farthest kingdoms. Spices and perfumes from Agrabah, silks and paintings from the Eastern Empire, fish and other sea creatures from the Southern Isles were laid out next to each other as the vendors excitedly enticed new customers to purchase the unfamiliar items.

"What a lovely necklace. Don't you think so Aurora?"

Looking up from the brass sextant he had been examining Killian easily spotted his friend's wives.

Ariel, Jasmine and Aurora were two stalls down examining jewelry at a booth run by his uncle Grumpy.

"Yeah yeah its pretty." the dwarf cut it. "That'll be 5 gold pieces, take it or leave it sister."

"Now Uncle, is that any way to talk to three such lovely ladies?" Killian asked walking up to the group.

"Killian." Ariel smiled looking to him. "How wonderful to see you. What do you think of this one?" she asked holding up the jewelry to her neck.

Looking at the gold necklace Killian smiled realizing the 'stones' dangling from the chain was actually blue and green sea glass that had been worn smooth from the tides.

"It's beautiful." he assured.

"Ok. I'll take it." Ariel gushed reaching for her coin purse.

"No let me. I insist." Killian interjected.

"Your too kind." Ariel smiled.

"It is truly a marvel you are still single." Jasmine told him, absent mindedly rubbing her enlarged stomach.

Chucking Killian questioned, "Can you truly blame me? Three of the most beautiful women in all the realms are already married. And to my dull, plain looking friends who could never have hope of deserving you."

While Killian missed the old days when his friends were yet unmarried, he would never begrudge them the happiness they had found. And he would always be grateful to the women they had found such joy with.

"Still the charmer I see." Aurora laughed as they continued browsing the stands.

"I know no other way to be." Killian bent giving a flourishing bow causing the three women to laugh once more.

The rest of the afternoon the four of them wondered the market chatting and discovering all the merchants had to offer. As the sun dipped lower into the sky the women bade Killian farewell and departed wishing for time to ready for the ball that evening.

Still wishing to peruse the shops located at the docks Killian made his way down the near empty street. Suddenly a passing figure bumped into his side nearly causing him to stumble.

"Excuse me." he said slightly annoyed. As the figure continued walking Killian shouted, "I'm sure a crocodile has more manners then you just displayed."

Grumbling he absentmindedly put a hand upon his hip. Suddenly he realized his coin purse was missing.

"Stop! Thief!" Killian shouted running after the cloaked figure.

The thief broke into a sprint heading for the edge of town and the forest beyond.

Fool. Killian thought. I'll catch him in no time. I know these woods as well as any Huntsman.

And so, as they sped through the trees Killian raced off down a game trail he knew was a short cut to the path the robber would likely take. As he thought he easily caught up to the cloaked figure and tackled them to the ground.

Tumbling together the Prince landed on top of the scoundrel. But in the struggle to get free, the thief's hood came away from their face revealing long curly, blond hair.

"Your a girl!" Killian gasped, lowering the fist he had been prepared to strike with. His eyes continued to widen looking at the female below him.

The green eyes of the thief flashed with smug amusement before she breathlessly corrected, "Woman."

In the next instant Killian's world went dark.

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