This is a little story I have been working on for a while until I can get through my writers block on my other story. I hope you guys like it. A couple events in the story are based of the TV show, The West Wing, I claim no credit there. The story is told through significant events in Killian and Emma's lives. Please let me know what you think!
-KE-
The First Encounter
Emma slips out of the cocktail hour because frankly she cannot stand any more small talk. She doesn't even know why she is here. Even on the campaign trail she only went to a few functions because she was finishing her senior year of college then. Now she's applying to master's programs. A year off seemed a good idea at the time now she's regretting it because she is being dragged to every function her parents go to.
She finds a small patio where she can get some fresh air. The palace is truly beautiful, she never thought she would get to see this. The details and art are beautiful. It's what caught her attention when they came in. Sure, meeting the Royal Family was nice, but it's very unlikely she'll see any of them after tonight. She won't deny the Princes were handsome, but after this trip she's returning to her normal life, one free of diplomats and royalty.
"Well well looks like I'm not the only one who cannot stand these functions," a charming, accented voice rings out behind her. She turns to see none other than Prince Killian.
"I can't, but I didn't grow up going to them," she says with an all to knowing smirk. He smiles and she can see a twinkle in his blue eyes. Oh I can see why all the women love him.
"Fair enough, but I am sure that's not true. Your mother is a politician, so I am sure you've been to enough fundraisers and things of that nature," he says moving a few steps closer.
"I made a lot of appearances, but school was always put first in the Nolan household," she says taking a sip of the whiskey she made sure to bring with her.
"Everything your mother campaigned on was true wasn't it?" Killian asks as he stuffs his hands into his pockets.
"Yes, she aspires to cause true change for our country and it sorely needs it," she says with a small smile.
"Miss Nolan, you can't keep slipping away like that," August says, interrupting the conversation.
"That's our que to return to the party, love," he smiles and they follow August back inside.
"August, sorry I'm not used to having a security detail. How many times have I told you it's Emma," she sighs.
"Too many, Miss Nolan," he says curtly. Emma rolls her eyes and Killian just laughs.
"My security detail still calls me Your Royal Highness," he says with a handsome smirk.
"Still, after all these years?" she asked surprised.
"It's a sign of respect and structure. Although if we are seated together at dinner I will tell you how to slip your detail here," Killian whispers the last part as he holds open the door for Emma. When Emma enters the room her father calls her over.
"I know these things are not your favorite, but can you not leave me alone with these vultures. One women already told me how brave it was to let your mother run for office. Let her? That's just ridiculous. I mean for god's sake it's the twenty first century that's not what happens anymore. Your mother and I are partners," David finishes his rant. Emma simply hands him the rest of her drink.
"I know that, but not everyone gets that. Just finish my drink and breathe," she says quietly, hoping no one heard him.
"I saw you walk in with the Prince, you're certainly making friends," he says with a smile and Emma laughs, "seriously though do I need to talk to him? Maybe scare him a little?"
"Oh stop that. I bumped into him in the hallway. He was very polite," she laughs.
-KE-
Killian got pulled into some boring conversation with some cousin or other, but out of the corner of his eye he can see her. Everything changes when he hears her laugh. Her laugh is beautiful. His eyes snap over toward her. Her golden hair cascades down her back and sways slightly as she shakes her head. Her father stands next to her a broad grin on his face. His idiot cousin pulls him back into the conversation and diverts his attention from Emma Nolan.
-KE-
Sure enough at dinner that night Emma is sat next to Killian and he is counting his lucky stars.
"I was hoping it would be you I sitting with," he smiles as she sits down.
"Hope? Are you sure you didn't switch the name cards?" she teases.
"Oh Miss Nolan I am honestly hurt you could suggest such a thing. That would disturb the truly delicate seating pattern that has been arranged here tonight," he mocks.
"Well then Your Royal Highness, we should be grateful you didn't disrupt the seating pattern then if it's so delicate," she says. The rest of dinner they exchange friendly banter. For once one of these boring dinners flies by.
Mary leans over to her husband, "I think our daughter is going to be a princess," she whispers in his ear.
"What?" he asks in a hushed tone and Mary simply nods in the direction of their daughter, who is carrying on a very lively conversation with Prince Killian. His Royal Highness can simply not take his eyes off Emma.
"Oh come on you really think so?" he says not taking his eyes off his daughter.
"I know so, David. She probably doesn't even know she likes him yet, so don't say anything," she quietly warns him before returning her attention to the King who was engaged in a conversation with his other son.
-KE-
"From what I know about American politics I know you were finishing college when the election was getting started. What was your major?" Killian asks during dessert.
"Art history with a minor in chemistry. I want to be an art conservator. I'm applying to master's programs for next year," she says.
"That's interesting. You know we have some excellent art schools here in London, Miss Nolan," he playfully suggests.
"I think you've earned the right to call me Emma, Your Royal Highness," Emma teases.
"If I am to call you Emma you must call me Killian," she nods and he continues on, "Very well then, Emma, we have some excellent art schools here in London," he says again.
"I know you do, why do you think I agreed to this trip?" she said with her eyebrow raised.
"How long is your trip?" he asks, his curiosity peaked.
"A week. Will you be at the Prime Minister's dinner on Friday? She asks.
"I haven't looked ahead at my schedule, but I am sure my father will send either Liam or I as a representative. Why? Looking for more excuses to see me?" he smirks.
"I don't need an excuse to see you. I was merely hoping you'd be there to keep me from dying from boredom," she says with a slight blush in her checks.
"Well we can't have that now. I'll try my best to be there," he assures her.
"That would be nice. I heard you're in the Royal Navy, what's your rank?" she asks.
"Lieutenant commander," he answers with pride.
"Do you like it?" she asks.
"Very much, the sea has always been a place I felt comfortable. I'll miss it when I'm no longer active," he explains.
"When is that?" she asks.
"I have a year left," he sighs.
"If you enjoy it so much could you extend your active duty?" She watches his face fall.
"I wish I could, love, but unfortunately I have duties here that will need my attention."
"You'll have something here that will keep you busy I'm sure," she gives him a smile, which he returns.
"There's never a relaxed moment here that's guaranteed," he chuckles.
"I'm starting to get the same feeling about my life," she says.
"Ah yes, but your mother's term is limited. One day normalcy will return. About slipping your detail…" he says with a mischievous smirk and a huge grin crosses her face.
"Please go on. I have the feeling I am going to need some privacy sooner rather than later." There's this look in her eye that tells him she isn't the perfect daughter the campaign painted her to be.
-KE-
As the First Family walks towards the motorcade Madam President just smiles. Emma crosses her arms.
"What are you so happy about?" Emma inquires.
"Oh nothing, it's just the Prince couldn't take his eyes off you tonight could he?" Mary smiles with an all too knowing look.
"Mom! Oh please that isn't true. He was just being friendly," Emma explains as they get into the town car.
"That's not what it looked like, Sweetheart," David says with his eyebrow raised. The town car heads back to the hotel.
"Oh come on not you too," Emma sighs as she falls back into her seat, "There's was nothing going on with us." Emma looks out the window and her parents exchange a look.
"Alright whatever you say, Emma," her mother just smiles. One day she'll figure out that she likes that boy. She's in denial now, but eventually she'll know that she likes His Royal Highness Prince Killian.
-KE-
Later that night after all the guests have left King Brennan, Prince Liam and Killian share a night cap in his majesty's study.
"Killian, I didn't see you most of the night what were you up to?" King Brennan asks, curious.
"I was at the dinner father. I simply was not engaged in your conversations," Killian brushes off the question.
"What he means is he was distracted by a rather attractive blonde american," Liam teases. Killian shoots daggers at his brother for ratting him out to their father.
"Killian, do not get into trouble please. This President seems to have a good head on her shoulders and I would like to keep our relationship with them a good one," Brennan says in a stern tone.
"Now, why do you assume I'm going to get in trouble?" Killian asks fists clenched.
"Your previous track record with women might have something to do with that," Liam says before sipping his drink.
"Miss Nolan is quite the conversationalist and a lovely acquaintance. I wasn't getting into trouble," Killian says. He finishes his drink and then storms out.
"Don't be so hard on your brother he's been on his best behavior lately," Brennan scolds.
"Someone needs to keep him on his toes," Liam mutters before following his brother. King Brennan sighs wondering if either of his sons will ever be ready for him to step down from the throne.
-KE-
A few days later Killian spots Emma from across the room at The Prime Minister's house. Tonight's dinner has a couple more foreign dignitaries in attendance, but that doesn't matter he could find her in any crowd. She's wearing a silver dress that hugs her curves in all the right places all while remaining modest. She looks beautiful, she turns just about every head in the room and there she is tucked away in a corner avoiding them all. He smirks and grabs two flutes of champagne. He swiftly makes his way across the room. Expertly avoiding anyone who might want to have a conversation with him.
"Now don't look too excited people might think these dinners are fun and then they will make us come to more of them," Killian says as he approaches Emma with a flute of champagne for each of them.
"Thank god you're here. Already I've had three guys try to hit on me by telling they know many important people in London. As if that would that impress me. My mother's the leader of the free world," she says as she accepts the flute of champagne from him.
"Bastards. No worries I'll fend them off for the rest of the night, milady," he says looking into her jade green eyes.
"Oh so you are a gentlemen?" she blushes.
"Of course I am. What would suggest otherwise?" he scoffs.
"I suppose you can't believe everything you read. The papers paint you as quite the cad," she sips her champagne waiting for his response.
"And if I believed your papers I would assume you have four boyfriends currently," he teases.
"Point taken. I am glad you're here tonight. I can say I know at least one person here," she smiles.
"That you can love," he smiles and sips his champagne, "We've got at least thirty minutes until dinner. Come on." He nods toward the door.
"Lead the way your highness," she smiles and he just rolls his eyes. They quietly slip out and Emma notices August trailing behind them.
"It's always hard to lose your security at a function like this they always worry about someone getting too close and kidnapping you," Killian says in a hushed tone. They are standing quite close together, their arms brushing against one another. This doesn't bother Emma. She's just surprised she didn't notice.
"Really? Are you kidnap me cause I don't see anyone else around here," she says matching his tone.
"You never know, you must keep your wits about you," he teases her and she just laughs. He leads them down a hallway and out onto a balcony. His hand on her lower back guiding her. Usually Emma doesn't let anyone touch her, but strangely his touch is comforting. And she misses it when his hand leaves her back.
"Have you enjoyed your stay in London?" he asks her between sips of his champagne.
"Surprisingly yes. I don't want to go back home," she says enjoying the view.
"Did you have time to tour our art schools?" he asks.
"Yeah dad and I went to Camberwell yesterday. It's my top pick, but I'm sure my parents want me to stay close to home," she says.
"Do you always do what your parents want?" Killian asks her turning his body towards hers.
"No, I don't. I think it drives them crazy most of the time," she chuckles.
"I can imagine it would. Don't worry being in a public eye gets easier," he reassures her.
"It does? Because I thought it would die down after the election, but it's just gotten worse," she says and places her hand on the balcony railing.
"Okay fine it doesn't get easier, but you get used to it," he says and places his hand next to hers. His fingers inch slowly until they touch hers. Her head snaps up and her eyes connect with his.
"I don't know if I can believe that," she says quietly.
"Oh and why not?" he asks, knowing they aren't talking about being the public eye anymore.
"You're quite literally royalty I think our views are different," she says their eye contact never breaking.
"That may be true, but I think you're just a little scared of your new life. Change is a good thing Emma," he smirks.
"Hmm maybe it is." At the same moment they both lean in and this kiss is slow and sweet. Emma tastes ever so faintly of strawberries. He pulls her in closer. One hand gripping her back the other cradling her head. The kiss increases in intensity. Her hands gripping the lapels of his navy suit jacket. It's feels right like it was supposed to happen. Like kissing him was the easiest, most natural thing she could do. They break apart, both of them breathing heavily. That's when reality sets in. It was like waking up from a dream. Emma Nolan is a simple american girl, she doesn't kiss handsome, british princes.
"That was…" Killian trails off. He finally looks at her and he can see the gears turning in her head. He can see her walls building up.
"A one time thing," she says with finality. She begins to walk away from him, but he grabs her hand.
"Emma," he pleads.
"Wait before rejoining the dinner," she says coldly. Her hand slips from his as she walks away.
"As you wish," he mutters. He can't quite believe what just happened. He kissed Emma and her walls shot up, but that doesn't matter to him. He knows she felt what he did. There was a brief moment after the kiss ended where he saw something call it hope in her eyes. He respects her wish and waits a few minutes before rejoining the dinner.
-KE-
Mary maybe busy talking to the Prime Minister, but she's not blind, she did notice her daughter slip away with Prince Killian. Not long after Emma returns to the room her cheeks slightly red. She grabs another drink and joins her father's conversation. Prince Killian returns to the room several minutes later with a rather confused look on his face. Something happened between the two of them, but Mary is sure Emma will object to this if asked. She'll have to wait for Emma to come to her.
-KE-
Unfortunately at dinner they were not seated together at dinner, but she was across the table from him a few seats down. Whenever he can he tries to catch her eye, but she seems determined to not look at him. Even though once he caught her looking at him out of the corner of his eye. She looked away quickly. He keeps an eye on her the rest of dinner, but listens in on the conversations. Madam President seems to get along well with the Prime Minister, which will satisfy his father.
At the end of dinner he tries to grab a moment alone with Emma, but she's nowhere to be found. There will be other dinners especially with their countries. He'll see her again in the near future.
-KE-
That kiss is all Emma can think about and she likes him she truly does, but she doesn't trust anyone with her heart. Not after Neal. She's had the occasional one night stand, but no one's gotten as close as Neal because she doesn't let them. Killian is already too close. He understands her and all the complications of her new life. It's a good thing there is going to be an ocean between them and she'll probably never see him again.