This is my first Captain Duckling story, and I am super excited to write it. I've got about 4 chapters planned out - it was going to be one epic one-shot but I decided against that. Because I wanted to post a bit of it now, and because posting the beginning means I have to finish it. Hope you enjoy! Unbeta'd, so all mistakes are mine.
"Emma, would you like to come into town with me today?"
Emma hears her father calling through the door, but instead of answering lets out a deep sigh and continues staring at the far-off coastline. The town is a two-hour carriage ride from the castle, and Emma knows exactly why her father wants her to come out with him.
She has been sulking ever since her mother had announced, with quite a bit of exuberance during the last big family outing to visit the nearby town they rule over, that Emma's twenty-first birthday ball will also be her official debut and a night for all the men of the land, and a few princes and dignitaries from far-off lands, to have a dance with her so she may choose who she would like to court her towards marriage. Her father probably thinks that a trip into town just four days before the big event is meant to happen would distract Emma from the upcoming party and her duty to choose a husband. But what he doesn't know is that the town is exactly where Emma's sulking is coming from. Specifically the lack of a certain ship sitting in the dock, making the horizon just a little bit less beautiful. Her parents don't know how Emma's trips into town to visit with her friend Ruby only come up when the sails of the Jolly Roger mark the horizon, and Emma would like to keep it that way.
It all started when Emma turned eighteen, when her parents decided to give her a little bit of free reign in the kingdom when their focus turned to her new baby brother Leo. She had opted to live as a commoner for a few months, to get in touch with her people and see what types of lives they lived. Her father at first was not happy with the plan, worried someone would take advantage of Emma if they found out who she was. Her mother, however, was confident in Emma's skills to defend herself (after all, she learnt how to shoot a bow from Snow White herself, and Prince Charming had taught her everything there is to know about sword fighting) and her only condition was that Emma stayed at Ruby's Grandmother's Inn to be watched over.
Emma had taken a job as a barmaid, a perfect position to blend in and listen to the talk of the townsfolk and complaints of the workers without seeming nosy. It worked pretty well – only one or two people had recognized her, and even then they tended to leave her alone. She met a variety of different people including sailors, merchants, husbands and wives, and loved learning all of their different stories. She talked to farmers about their lands, Navy men about life on the seas, and the others who worked at the bar with her. In the first two months, Emma thought she had met everyone there was to meet – and then he came in.
Captain Killian Jones entered the bar like he owned the place. A few men got up and left when he came in, and a few others called out his name as if they were old friends. And not thirty seconds later had another man attempted to punch the Captain where he stood in the doorway. He had been unable to duck, getting punched square in the eye.
"You went and got my wife to leave me, you did! How DARE YOU!" the man had yelled.
Killian Jones did not fall though, even with the size difference between him and the larger man, and when his face turned back to the man who punched him there was pure hatred in his eyes. "I'm pretty sure she left you because you were cheating on her, mate. Not because I was the one to give her what she needed to see how horribly she was being treated." And with that, the Captain's right hand met the man's face with a loud crack.
Next thing she knew, Emma was stepping around an unconscious man that Captain Jones had knocked out, and ushering the Captain outside the tavern, a rag filled with ice in her hands. She had pulled the Captain around the bar into the back, away from prying eyes, and then forced him to sit down as she placed ice on his slowly swelling eye.
"Did that man's wife really leave him for you?" Emma asks, curiosity filling her voice. In her two months at the bar, it had been pretty peaceful. She had never seen a real bar fight, and she had never seen a real pirate before either, though she had heard stories. But Killian Jones had come crashing into her life and Emma was at an absolute loss for words.
"I wouldn't know – I have no idea who that man's wife is," the Captain replied. "Though from the way his breath smelled, he probably deserved it."
Emma stayed silent, and continued to hold the ice onto the Captain's eye.
"Though, I can say I haven't been with anyone's wife that I know of." He looked down at his left hand, a myriad of rings covering it but none adorning the forth finger.
"I've never been with anyone's wife either," Emma had said, eyes widening upon realization of her words and how absurd they sound. The captain only laughed, though, and through his smile and the deep timbre of his voice Emma felt herself relaxing.
"I suppose I should introduce myself, with all the help you are providing me," he said, his right hand moving up to pull the ice off his face so he can look into Emma's eyes. "Killian Jones, though some prefer to just call me Captain."
Emma could have drowned in the blues of the Captain's eyes, and she was at a loss for words as he continued to stare up at her. A small smile spread on his face, and his eyes trailed down her body to her exposed breasts in the low-cut barmaids dress. Emma could feel her face reddening as he looked back up at her eyes.
"Killian will do," Emma replied, her eyes dropping from his as she placed the ice back on his face.
"And may I ask for your name, love?" Killian had asked.
"Emma," she replied, her eyes widening upon realization that she had used her real name.
"A lovely name," Killian said, grabbing Emma's free hand and placing a kiss on it. "I do believe the princess of this realm shares your name, does she not?"
Emma could see the way Killian was observing her, could see there was no getting around it, so instead of words, Emma had nodded and decided to let Killian make his own thoughts on the matter.
They had stood in silence for a while, both just staring at each other as the ice slowly melted on Killian's eye. At some point, Emma had dropped the ice, and sat down on a chair next to Killian.
"So, are you really a pirate?" she asked, leaning forward unconsciously.
Killian smiled, leaning in as well. His eyes had dropped again to her bosom, but very quickly pulled back upwards. "Pirate Captain, love. Very different."
"Hmm…" Emma replied, thinking. She looked Killian Jones up and down, from the red leather vest to the necklace hanging over his chest hair to the tight black pants. She had left the castle for these few months to go on an adventure, to try out new things, and Killian Jones was definitely a new thing. And definitely something her father would not approve of at all – which was exactly what caused Emma to lean in even more as she said, "And does this Pirate Captain have a… ship… to show me?"
Emma's hand had unconsciously reached out to grab the necklace around Killian's neck, which had caused her to lean in even more towards him. She was so close, she could breathe in his musky smell and feel the heat beginning to pool in her stomach.
Captain Jones had visually swallowed, and Emma's eyes followed his Adam's apple as it bobbed in his throat. Emma had been with men before, had suitors and the like, but she had never wanted someone as much as she wanted Killian Jones. Between the intimacy of the moment, and the forbiddenness of it all, and the fact that he seemed very versed in the art of sexuality, everything about Killian Jones screamed for an adventure.
"Would the Princess like to see my ship then?" he had asked, eyes raking up and down her form.
"Very much, so," Emma had replied, before she reached over and pulled Killian Jones forward in a searing kiss.
From then, it was a whirlwind as Killian Jones pulled Emma towards the harbour, intermittently kissing before he lifted her up to take her onto the Jolly Roger proper. To say that night was the best night of her life is saying something, as Emma grew up a princess in a castle. But the amount of worshiping and devotion she had received from Killian Jones that night (and in the next three nights that he was docked in Misthaven) are rivals for the best of balls she had attended as a child.
For the next three years, Emma had made sure to time her visits to Ruby and Granny with when she saw the sails of the Jolly Roger in the Misthaven docks. Her relationship with Killian Jones moving from a tryst, to an affair, to what Emma thinks is love. And therein that one word lies the biggest problem she has ever had to face.
Though Emma had been smiling when thinking back on her first few nights with Killian Jones, a frown quickly marks her face again when she remembers that he will not be one of the bachelors at her twenty-first birthday, and he will never be one of her suitors. Her parents don't know the true reason why Emma is dreading her party – not that she has to choose a future husband, but the fact that the one man she truly wants will never be deemed worthy, or even allowed to come.
Emma reaches under her nightgown, pulling out the single chain laying against her chest and running her hand over the ring strung upon it. Killian had given her it on his last time in port – a promise, of sorts, that he will always come back to her. Emma took it as an engagement ring, though she knows it could never truly be an engagement ring without the proper courting and title. Thus, it is her secret that she keeps close to her heart.
"Emma, this isn't a question. You are coming into town with me to collect a few things for the ball."
Her father's voice rings through the door, and Emma lets out a sigh as she drops the ring again below her dresses and looks towards the harbour. Killian hadn't docked in Misthaven in over three months, but at least the Jolly isn't there today. At least she has no chance of running into Killian when out and about with her father. And at least Killian won't be in town for her birthday celebration ball.
"Coming, father," Emma calls, breathing out a deep sigh before grabbing one of her more comfortable dresses to wear into town. "Just give me a moment to change."
"You're quiet today," her father says, watching her from across the carriage. "Normally you are so excited when you go into town to visit Ruby, or even just on minor business on your own. What is different today?"
Emma shrugs, looking out the windows. They only have a little while longer before they reach the town, and Emma wishes she could feign sleep like when she was a child. Her father continues to stare though, obviously not wanting to take the shrug for an answer. As Emma takes a deep breath to come up with an answer, possibly something about not wanting to go to another dress fitting, the carriage makes a sudden sharp turn to the left.
Emma falls over in her seat, but her father seems stable, obviously anticipating the turn. Practically leaning out the window, Emma takes a look at the surroundings and turns back to her father in confusion.
"Why did we turn left? Isn't the town to the right?"
Her father smiles, a devilish grin that Emma can tell is hiding something.
"I just have to pick something up from one of the merchant ports. Shouldn't take too long, and then we will head in town for your dress fitting and to visit with Ruby." Her father doesn't say more, but he seems satisfied in Emma's curiosity to stay quiet about her previous apathy. Emma doesn't stay quiet any longer, though, instead asking her father question after question about what it is they may be picking up. It is obviously a gift for her birthday, but every guess Emma has her father shakes his head and his smile increases in size.
"Come on, Daddy! Just tell me!" Emma cries, exasperated after ten minutes of guessing.
"You'll have to wait for your party to find out, princess. Besides, what is the fun in spoiling the surprise?"
Emma lets out a small groan, but her smile stays plastered on her face as she turns to look out the window as they approach the merchant port. But as she takes a closer look at the ships they are coming up on, and as they become clearer on the horizon through the window, Emma's heart both does a leap and drops out of her stomach at the same time.
Sitting on the port, far from where it is usually docked near the town, is the Jolly Roger. Though its black sails have been traded for whites, and the pirate flag is gone, the gold details of the ship and dark woodwork is unmistakable. Flying proudly from the mast is a flag from a land Emma has never seen before. Instantly, she wants to look for Killian and see where he is. She also wants to yell at him for docking somewhere she cannot see from her window, hiding from her when they normally communicate so well. But mostly, she wants to make sure he doesn't run into her when she is with her father.
The carriage comes to a stop in front of a ship docked two moors away from the Jolly, and for that at least Emma is grateful. She cannot have her father running into Killian or his crew, as he would either demand the pirates leave or lock them up in the jails immediately.
Her father makes to leave, exiting the carriage after the footman opens the door, but his head pokes back into the carriage when Emma doesn't immediately follow. "It's been a long ride, Emma. Come out, stretch your legs before we ride to the town," her father says, his hand reaching in to help Emma out.
Emma exits the carriage, trying to seem as reluctant as she was before seeing the Jolly and failing miserably when she instantly begins looking in all directions for any sign of her pirate. Thankfully her father thinks she is just trying to see who he is buying her present from, laughing at her and telling her he will only be a minute.
"Though I know you can protect yourself, Emma, please do not stray far from the carriage alone. At least take Grumpy with you," her father says before placing a kiss on her forehead. With that, he walks around the carriage towards the ship they are parked in front of.
Emma rocks back on her heels, trying to seem nonchalant as Grumpy watches on from his spot sitting on the front of the carriage. Her eyes are scanning the docks, trying to catch any glimpse of Killian or his crew. But she is too far from the Jolly to tell if anyone is even nearby.
"Hey Grumpy?" Emma says, moving towards the front of the carriage so she can talk to the dwarf face to face.
"Yes, your majesty?" Grumpy says, and though Emma knows he is being sincere it still comes out a bit sarcastic.
"I am just going to go… relieve myself…" Emma says, motioning vaguely to the forests around the docks in the general direction of the Jolly. "I won't go far, or be long. Just, it's urgent. And I have a dagger, anyways, tucked under my dress just in case." Emma bounces in place, attempting to make her story sound plausible.
"Alright," Grumpy says, his head turning to where her father is walking onto the nearby ship. "Just be back before the king, alright?"
"Got it!" Emma says, before turning and dashing down the docks. When she gets halfway between the carriage and the Jolly Roger, she turns around to double check that Grumpy has gone back to reading whatever it is he brought for the journey. Sure enough, his eyes are downward and Emma is supervisor-free. She takes another two steps forwards, when someone grabs her and pulls her into the woods.
Emma tries to scream, but a hand covers her mouth and another holds her stomach so that her body is taught with the one behind her. She struggles for a moment, trying to get out of the man's grip, then instinct kicks in and she bites down on the hand covering her mouth.
"Aurgh! Bloody hell!" The man's familiar voice cries from behind her, his arms letting go and pushing Emma forwards. "Why on earth would you bite a man's hand? He could lose it that way, you know!"
Emma turns around, her mind registering the voice before she fully looks at the face before her. "Killian!" she cries, jumping forwards reaching her arms around Killian's neck in a strong embrace. Killian steps backwards, the two almost falling with the force of Emma's hug.
"Hello there, love," Killian says, his arms coming to wrap around Emma once they finally have steadied their bodies. His nose leans into her hair, breathing her in, and Emma does the same to Killian's chest.
"I've missed you," Emma says, her eyes closing as she squeezes a little tighter.
"And I, you," Killian replies, placing a kiss to the crown of her head.
They stay in their embrace for a few moments, breathing each other in and just revelling in being together, before finally pulling back. When they do, Emma reaches over and punches Killian in the arm.
"Why aren't you docked in the normal spot? Why didn't you let me know you were here?" she asks, the last three words punctuated with three more punches.
Killian laughs, his hand coming up to catch Emma's fist before it can inflict a fifth punch. "I was hoping to make it a surprise, love." Killian says. "For your birthday."
With his last words, Emma's face falls. "Oh," she says, breathing out a deep sigh.
"What is it, love? Is everything alright?"
Emma shakes her head. "Everything is not alright, because my parents announced that my birthday ball will also be my debut, and a chance for all the eligible men in the land to have a dance with me." She pouts, avoiding eye contact with Killian to avoid seeing his reaction. Instead, she looks down at his outfit, noticing for the first time that Killian is not in his normal pirate leathers. The pants he wears are white, and his white top is covered by a blue overcoat with gold detailing. It is… interesting, to say the least. Not an outfit Emma has ever seen before, even in travelling dignitaries.
Killian, for his part, doesn't seem too put off by Emma's revelation. Because instead of getting mad, or upset, he lets out a laugh. "Well, yes, love, that is what the surprise was supposed to be. I was hoping to find a way to make myself one of those eligible men, as you call it."
"Is that what is going on with your weird outfit, then?" Emma asks, and then she truly hears what Killian had said. "Wait, you want to court me? Officially? And at balls? But my parents would never allow me to court a pirate! How were you planning on getting an invitation?"
Killian rolls his eyes, then points down to the outfit. "Believe it or not, Swan, I did have a life before I became a pirate. And part of that life involved me working for the Navy from the land I once came from. Though I do believe it is from another realm, which is why you have never seen this outfit."
"You kept this from your Navy days? That must've been like a hundred years ago." Emma says, reaching up to run her hands along the collar of the coat. In their many nights together, Emma and Killian had shared many things about their pasts. Emma knew of Killian's days in the navy, of his time with his brother, and of how he had fallen from grace to become a pirate. But she didn't know he still had his navy uniform somewhere on his ship.
"Aye," Killian says. "I had a whole plan to get an invitation, use my brother's unsullied name, and make my way into the castle. I was to surprise you at some point throughout the night, ask for my dance, and then hoped that you would grace me with the final dance of the evening. I believe that is an important one."
"That is an important one," Emma says, remembering that the last dance at a coming out ball is reserved for the man the princess has chosen for courtship. "But, wait, you were going to give up everything to do this for me? Give up the Jolly, and life as a pirate, and travelling, and… everything?"
"Aye," Killian says, lifting Emma's hand to his lips to place a kiss there. "I do believe you are worth it, Emma."
Emma feels her face warm. Though they have shared much more intimate touches, the simple act of Killian placing his mouth on Emma's hand leaves her swooning. It may be something about him saying he'd give up his life for her, or it may be the look in her eyes as he stares at her as if she is everything. They don't move, instead speaking in silence and looks until they are broken apart by the sound of Emma's father calling from just beyond the forest.
"Emma? Emma where are you?"
Emma smiles, turning to Killian and whispering, "I think I can get you an invitation," before grabbing his arm and pulling him back onto the docks. She looks quickly for her father, then drops Killian's arm and motions for him to follow.
"Daddy!" She cries, walking swiftly to where her father stands. "Did you get my present?"
David lets out a laugh, a brown package wrapped with twine held beneath his arm. "Yes, I did. Now, we should be heading into town. I do believe Granny has made us a nice lunch to eat."
"Right, yes, of course," Emma says, coming to a stop in front of her father. "But first, I wanted to introduce you to someone. I got lost in the forest trying to find my way back, and he happened to find me and lead me out."
Emma smiles, then turns to pull Killian forward. "Daddy, this is Captain Liam. And Captain, this is my father Prince Charming."
Killian falls into a deep bow, and Emma is impressed with how proper he is acting. When Killian rises, Emma swears she can see him wink before saying, "It is my honour, your Majesty. Anything to help a Princess in need."
Her father smiles, and for that Emma is grateful. "Well, my Emma is known to wander, so thank you for helping her find her way. Is there any way we could repay you?"
Killian shakes his head, a smile forming on his face. "Oh, of course not, your Majesty. The knowledge of knowing she is safely returned to her father is payment enough."
Emma smiles, but internally is rolling her eyes at Killian's antics. Sucking up is one thing. Sucking up to her father is another altogether, because he never lets people get by on that.
"Oh, nonsense. There must be something we can do for you." Her father thinks for a moment, then looks Killian up and down. "Say, I don't recognize your uniform. Where do you hail from?"
Killian smiles sheepishly, but from what he said earlier Emma is sure this is exactly the line of questioning he was hoping to get. "Ah, it is from a far off land in another realm. I don't think there is a way for me to get back any time soon."
"So you captain a ship here in Misthaven then?" David asks.
"Just a meager merchant ship, your Majesty. Haven't had naval duties since we lost touch with our land. We are just trying to get by until we can find a way back home. Though, at this point I feel Misthaven may be becoming more home than my previous land ever was." With this comment, Killian turns to look at Emma. She has to try quite hard to prevent the blush from forming, but thankfully it is warm out and Emma could pretend it is just the weather.
"Well, I must say I am glad to have a noble ship's captain like yourself call Misthaven home." Her father says, smiling down at Killian. "Do you have any family with you?"
"No, your Majesty, just my crew. Though some of them have met a few fine women here in town." Killian says. "I have yet to find a love other than that I found on my ship."
David nods, then turns to Emma. "Well, we best be going to town now. Can't have our lunch being cold when we get there, right?"
Emma nods and says, "Right, Daddy."
Her father turns back to Killian, leaving him with a nod. "Well, the ports of Misthaven will always be open for a fine captain like yourself, Captain Liam. Now, do send message to the castle if there is anything we can do to make your time in Misthaven easier."
"Of course your Majesty," Killian replies, bending into a low bow again.
Daivd turns to leave, reaching his hand out for Emma to take it and follow as Killian continues to stay in a bow. They take a few steps before Emma jumps up, pretending to have a revelation when really she has been planning her next few words since they began this conversation.
"Oh! Daddy! I just thought of something!" Emma cries, stopping in her tracks and pulling her father with her. When her father turns around to look at her, he has a question on his face, so Emma continues, "To repay the Captain! I know what we can do!"
"Ah, and what is that, Emma?" Her father asks, intrigued.
"We can invite him to the ball!" Emma says, a little too enthusiastically for the way she has been discussing her birthday the past few weeks. "I mean, if he will still be in port by then," she adds, slightly less exuberantly.
Her father stands quiet for a moment, thinking about it, before his face breaks out into a smile. "That is perfect! I don't see why a former Naval captain like Liam couldn't come to your birthday ball. Why don't you head back to the carriage and I'll give him an invitation? I do believe your mother gave me a few to make sure everyone in town got one."
Emma nods, trying to hold back her smile. "You should make sure to catch him before he gets to his ship though!"
"Of course, of course," her father says with a smile. "If inviting Captain Liam makes you this excited about your upcoming ball, I will give him five invitations and personally welcome him to the castle. Now, go back to Grumpy and the carriage and I'll be there soon."
Emma smiles, jumping into her father's arms as she thanks him for helping. As Emma heads back to the carriage, she occasionally sneaks glances behind her to see her father and Killian conversing about the upcoming ball. Her smile doesn't fade, even though sudden worries about what she will wear, and how she will do her hair, and if she will step on Killian's toes when they dance fill her thoughts. When she reaches the carriage, Grumpy gives her one look and lets out a scoff.
"What got into you? Complete mood change there Princess," he says, opening the door to the carriage for her.
Emma shrugs as she steps into the carriage. "Oh, nothing much. Just realizes I'm having a birthday ball and I'm actually kind of excited for it." Grumpy closes the door to the carriage while muttering something to himself under his breath, but for once Emma doesn't mind Grumpy judging her or mocking her.
Because for once Emma is excited about her 21st birthday ball. She is finally going to get to see what courting Killian Jones would really feel like. And she is finally going to get to have a real dance or two with him at a real ball. And perhaps, if her parents see Killian as the proper Navy man, they will also accept him as the pirate Emma is in love with.
Emma reaches into her dress, pulling out the chain with Killian's ring on it. She twists it in her fingers for a moment, imagining a future where she actually gets to be with her pirate. And she lets the dream linger even after she tucks the ring away and her father climbs back into the carriage as they make their way into town.