"Princess—princess, wake up." Emma heard a voice say as her vision cleared from the grogginess of sleep. "Your majesty, you must wake up."

"Oh, Liam, just five more minutes, please." She replied turning around and closing her eyes once more, but the Captain of the Royal Navy didn't let her drift off again. It was odd that he was in her chambers at this hour, well, it was odd that he was in her chambers at all.

"Princess, you must hurry up, the castle is under siege." He said pulling Emma's arm and forcing her out of bed.

"What? How could it possibly under siege?" She asked as he handed her a cyan blue cloak to put over her silk nightgown. The castle was protected by magic; no evil should be able to get through that.

"The Evil Queen's army was able to break the barrier and they are approaching the castle fast. I must get you to safety." He was already pulling her out of the door and through the giant labyrinth that was the Royal Palace.

"Where are my parents?" She asked as they crossed the bridge that connected the east tower with the main building. He was running as fast as he could with her slowness in tow. There was an explosion in the distance and she could feel his worry; that only added to her own. They ran faster.

"The king and queen have gone to the fronts to try to make peace with The Evil Queen." Another explosion. It seemed like things weren't going well. "They entrusted me to take you to safety and I intend to do just that." With that they were silent and Emma could tell that they were headed for the stables. The night was moonless and there was a strong wind. If there were a night that was needed for escape this would be it. She looked around and saw empty hallways mostly. Some maids were left, but the rest had gone to fight. Emma had never seen the Evil Queen, but from what she heard, her parents would need all the help they could get.

They arrived at the stables and Liam guided Emma to her horse, Buttercup. The steed had already been prepared for travel. Liam helped her onto the horse. Emma had never really opted for the sidesaddle and today was no different. "Stay here for a moment." He said as he walked away into the darkness to get something. He came back a few minutes later with a leather satchel, "I've packed some food, two letters, a map, and a dress for your majesty. Take this canteen of water as well. This will be more than enough for your journey."

"How did you fit a dress inside this thing?" She asked as she pulled it on. The satchel was small and weighed almost nothing.

"It's enchanted, just reach into the bag and you'll find it." He then handed her a sword, my father's first sword. "Take this to defend yourself, the journey may be treacherous."

"Aren't you coming with me?" He lowered his head solemnly and she knew the answer. "Why not?"

"Your parents need me here to help run things. I am a soldier in their army as well as the others. But you will not be alone. Once you leave palace grounds open the letter I gave you and follow what it says."

"Why can't you just tell me?"

"The Queen has ears all over the place. I cannot risk your safety." They heard yet another loud explosion in the distance. "The Queen is here. Go! Now!" And with that Emma rushed out of the stables and into the woods leaving behind the only life she had known for eighteen years.

As she rode into the forest she could feel the danger seeping around her, but she knew the woods almost as well as her mother did. She would be safe in here and when she realized that, she rode as fast as she could until she knew for sure that she was out of the palace grounds. When she came to a small clearing, she stopped to catch her breath and open Liam's letter.

Your Majesty,

I never thought I'd have to give you this letter. This was supposed to be for emergencies only, but this seems like a pretty big emergency. The situation is so grave that you need to leave alone, but no worries, just follow these instructions and hopefully all will be well again soon. Go to the docks at the border of the kingdom and seek out the man with the name on the second letter I gave you. He will help you.

Princess, I must warn you, the man you are going to meet is nothing like you think he will be. Yes, he is warm and kind on the inside, but do not be surprised if on the outside you think he is the complete opposite. I would trust this man with my life and yours. So go to him, he will care for you and help you and when you see him, give him the letter I gave you.

Be Safe,

Captain Liam Jones of the Royal Navy

PS. I suggest you burn this letter once you've read it to avoid the Evil Queen's tracking methods. She is as evil as you've heard.

Who could this man be? Her curiosity was burning to find out so she searched through the satchel and found the letter that had the name of a man written in Liam's elegant script.

Killian Jones.