Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time, or any of the characters within.
To any normal traveler, the rain would be a deterrent this day. Throughout the kingdom and the woods surrounding it, the rain came down heavily. If the goal of the cascading water was to prevent sight, then it succeeded, for no man could see but his own hand before his face. The few unfortunate souls who had been caught in the unsuspecting downpour had been forced to run to a nearby alcove and wait. The downpour went on for hours, each second ticking by slowly, and the atmosphere becoming more and more dreadful with each passing hour.
It is assumed that during such weather is when evil makes its deals. The harsh rain is a symbol of the suffering that is to come and the evilness of the deal. Windows are shut and doors locked, fear keeping the people indoors. But it is not evil at work in the kingdom, only a spring shower that had lasted a few hours too long. On this dreary night no deals were made, in fact, evil was not even in the kingdom. No, there was no darkness in the rain.
Now, the sun teasingly coming over the horizon, with that there is darkness.
Seventeen Years Later
Running through the streets wearing a skirt was hardly something that Emma would recommend to anyone. The ground was slick from a recent rain and several of the tiles were loose. Glancing behind her, she saw that the guards were still trailing behind her, though the distance was less than before. She had the advantage of being light on her feet, but they knew the kingdom better than she. It was only a matter of time before they caught up to her, and once they did she couldn't imagine the trouble she would be in.
Turning down an alley, she hoped that it led to the outskirts of town. If she made it to the port, surely she could hide for a time before making her way back home. Luck, it seemed was on her side, since with another turn the port was before her. The guards were no longer visible behind her, but that didn't mean they couldn't still find her. She searched the port for a spot to hide for a while, no longer paying attention to the people around her.
She took a step toward a small tavern when she felt a heavy weight slam into her and her balance was lost. Closing her eyes, Emma expected to feel the sting of the ground, but instead two strong hands grasped her arms to steady her.
"I am so sorry, miss. I apologize for not paying attention to my surroundings." The voice sounded apologetic, and slightly panicked. Glancing up, Emma was startled to be met by striking blue eyes. She had not encountered many men in her life, the guards being the only ones truly, but she was confident that no one on earth should possess a pair of bluer eyes. "Miss, are you alright?" It was his voice again that startled her out of her thoughts. Shaking her head, she stepped away from his grasp. She truly hated to appear rude, but standing in the middle of the street talking with a stranger would not help her stay out of trouble.
"I am perfectly fine, thank you. Please do pay attention in the future." How she hated to be so cold, but she could not risk this man following her. She aborted her plan of the tavern and instead made her way to the small shop that was closer to her. The tavern was a safer place to hide, but the shop was closer and that was what she needed.
It was only after the door closed behind her that she allowed herself to relax. The guards had either given up on her or they were looking in the wrong spot. The man had also not followed her, which was good. If her mother had found out that she had a brief interaction with a man, she would be angry. It was her mother's belief that a young lady should not talk with a man other than her betrothed. Emma had never understood the belief, but since she had never even spoken to her betrothed, she guessed it was fair. She only hoped to meet him soon.
It was several hours later that Emma decided to chance walking home. Nightfall had begun to settle, and if she wasn't home soon her mother would panic. There were no guards by the port when Emma first walked out, so she continued on. She knew no other way home than the one that she had come, so she had to risk the chance that one of the guards had stayed close by. Thankfully, she did not see any as she turned down the alley. The alley was dark at this time of day, and she would admit to the fear it caused in her. But she was not one to cower in fear.
A familiar shop told her that she had almost made it back to the hole she had originally snuck out of. She stopped for a second to breathe, her fear of getting caught having made her heart pound. She got on her hand and knees and crawled under the wall in front of her, something her mother would have been appalled at had she known. There was still a bit of distance that Emma needed to cover before she was safe, so she sprinted across the way. Grabbing the vine she had crawled down on, she started to pull herself up. The climb up was harder than the one down, but it only took her several minutes to figure it out. Climbing over the windowsill proved the most difficult part, but after a great heave, Emma fell to the floor of her room.
Groaning, she rolled over onto her back. The room was empty, which was good. A part of her had feared that her mother would be in here waiting. Slowly getting to her feet, she was relieved to see that her door was still locked, meaning her mother had not yet come looking for her.
Emma was still standing in the middle of her room when her stomach growled. She had spent so much of the day running, that she had not eaten since early that morning. Suddenly starving, she set about grabbing a new dress, for her current one was in disarray. After she was satisfied that her appearance would not give her day away, she left her room.
The table was set for two when she made her way into the dining room. She was a bit surprised, but the cook always seemed to know exactly when she would be hungry. Sitting down and grabbing what was before her, Emma was just biting into a piece of sourdough bread when the door to the dining hall opened again. Her mother walked through the doors, head held high. Footmen on both sides of the door shut it behind her as she walked into the room.
Emma stood up quickly and offered a curtsey, still chewing on the piece of bread. She swallowed quickly and added "Your Majesty" to her bow. Her mother, the queen, sat down next to her, giving her a quick smile before turning toward her own plate. The silence stretched on between them for most of them meal, only an occasional comment disturbing it.
"I have been in a meeting all day with the diplomats, and we have reached a decision on when your wedding is to take place."
Emma had been dreading this news. It was part of the reason she had run today. While she knew her betrothal was for the best of the kingdom, she still did not like the idea of marrying a man she did not know. Despite her rare encounters with men, she still held on to the notion of romance and true love. Instead of either, she was being forced into a marriage of convenience for the kingdom.
"And when, o pray tell, have you decided my life shall be given away?" At the look on her mother's face, Emma wished she had held her tongue. Her mother was not any happier with the situation than she was. If the kingdom hadn't been struggling for several years now, then this wouldn't have been necessary at all. But they needed the alliance with the Dark One that this marriage would bring.
"Emma, sweetie, I'm sorry." Her mother grabbed her hand and gently squeezed it before releasing it. "I wish I could have given you more time, but it has been decided that you will be married by the next summer solstice."
There were still four months before the winter solstice, which meant there would still be almost a year before her marriage. She would be barely eighteen and vowing to spend her entire life with a man she didn't know. Tears pricked at her eyes at how unfair this was. Why was the kingdom forcing her into this? Refusing to let her tears fall, she stood up quickly from the table. She didn't know where she would go, but it didn't matter, she just had to get away.
Her room was the safest place in the kingdom for her to truly be herself. Opening the door and crawling onto her bed, she wished she hadn't stopped the tears. Her eyes burned with the need, but no tears fell. She heard her door open again, and she knew it was her mother. While she had hoped to be alone, she knew her mother wished her well.
The bed dipped and a second later an arm was put around her, comforting her. Many viewed the queen as a strict leader, but Emma knew better. Her mother was strict only because she had to make difficult decisions for the sake of the kingdom. And one of those decisions just happened to be letting her only child marry a man she had never met.
Her mother pulled her closer and stroked her hair. "I'm sorry, my dear, so sorry. I have fought this decree for months, but I have not been able to convince the council. If there was any other way, I would do it in an instance." Her mother's words were soft, comforting her even in her despair.
Swallowing a sob, Emma nodded against her mother. "I know why you are doing this, Mother. But that does not mean I have to like it. I have not yet given up on the notion of marrying for love."
Love was a subject not often addressed in the castle. While Emma knew her mother had been in love at some time, she had never met the man that was her true love. All Emma ever knew about the man was that he had been killed before her birth, so she had never met him. Her mother had only mentioned him two times during her life. Emma had never felt connected to the ghost of a man, and had never really considered that this man must have been her father. She knew the facts, but the emotions weren't there.
Her mother stiffened, as expected. "Emma, I do not wish for you to marry against your will, but do not discard the idea of love completely." She was surprised her mother had not written love off as a foolish idea. "You have never met this man, Prince Baelfire, how can you be certain that you cannot grow to love him?"
It was a fair point, and she knew her mother was only trying to help, but she did not want to find love in captivity. And that is how she viewed this upcoming marriage, as a prison. Holding her tongue, Emma chose not to voice these thoughts to her mother. They had too many discussions on this for her to waste her breath on another. No, her fate was decided; she would marry this Baelfire person and spend her life with him.
"How was the kingdom today?" It was Emma's turn to stiffen. She turned in the bed so she was facing her mother. Her dark hair was down and falling gently over her shoulders. Her mother looked younger, softer perhaps. It was not often that she was let down her queen persona. Emma expected her to be angry and harsh, but instead her mother had a small smile on her lips.
"How…" Emma started but was interrupted.
"You left your dress on the floor." There was a sparkle in her mother's eye as she motioned to the discarded gown on the floor. She had forgotten to put it away in her haste this afternoon.
"I'm sorry for disobeying you, Mother. I just wanted to be free from the pressures of this life for a few hours."
Her mother smiled in understanding. "I knew could not keep you safe in these castle walls forever. I have always known that you would eventually venture into the city on your own. I had thought that it would be up to you when you were finally ready to be outside these walls." That was a surprise. She looked at her mother again. "Did you see anything that interested you in the kingdom?"
She was sure her mother meant something among the merchants, but her thoughts drifted to the blue eyes she had seen at the port and the man they belonged to. She had not gotten a glimpse of his entire face, her thoughts mostly consumed with getting away and then distracted by how blue they appeared. He was the first man she had ever really met, and the first she had even been touched by. She felt her face warm at the thought of having his hands on her arms as he caught her.
She shouldn't have these thoughts. The truth, she was sure, was that it could have been any young man that she had fun into and she would have felt the same right now. It was only because he was the first man she had even run into that she was curious about him. Not that she would ever see him again.
Her mother was still waiting for a reply, so she came up with her best. "I ventured down to the port for a little bit. The ships were magnificent! I would wish to travel on one at some time."
Her mother seemed to take this into thought. "I had planned for an escort to take you to the Dark One's kingdom across land, but it is also possible by the sea. The trip would take longer by sea, so if you do wish for this, you would have to leave much sooner." There was a tremor in her mother's voice as she presenting this idea.
Emma knew what her mother was doing, and couldn't stop the tears from finally coming. Her mother was willing to let her go early if it meant that she could enjoy her last few months before her marriage. Her mother had tears in her eyes as well.
Emma had not truly considered traveling by sea, but the more she thought about it, the more the idea appealed to her. For several months she would be free of the responsibilities of a princess. The sea had always seemed so dangerous to her, but now it seemed like freedom. She was going to miss her mother when she left, but her departure was imminent either way. She would have a chance to be free for a little while if she chose this.
Her silence seemed to provide her mother with the answer she needed, because she pulled her tighter and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I'll find a crew and escort in the morning."
oOoOo
A week later the plans were still being finalized. The crew had been procured, and her escort chosen. One of the older maids would be accompanying her so she was not on a ship full of men alone. Her mother had chosen a simple navy vessel to transport her. It would have all of the weapons necessary to keep her safe, but it would also be inconspicuous. Nobody would be looking for a princess on a ship.
Her mother had personally gone through all the reports of the sailors and picked the best crew for her to travel with. As far as her mother could tell, the men were respectful sailors who had served the kingdom honorably. The queen was going to meet with the captain and lieutenant the day after next, and if she approves of them, then Emma will meet them. It would be another month before they set sail, but Emma was sure the time would move quickly. Then she would be at sea for nine months before arriving at her intendeds' castle a month before the wedding.
Her mother approved of the men and invited them to dinner to meet the princess. With her limited exposure to men, Emma was anxious about the dinner. She would have to sit through an entire meal with them. Of course, she would also be stuck on a ship with them for ten months, so it would be good to get to know them now. If she didn't trust them, her mother would start looking for a different crew.
The night of the dinner, she dressed in her finest gown. The gown had been bought with the intention of wearing it to a ball, but the occasion had never arisen. The floor length dress was ruby red, with a fitted bodice. Sparkling gems gathered around the neckline and waistband, showing off her figure. She teased her hair so the curls cascaded around her shoulders and down her back.
She had never had much reason to dress up before, and as loath as she was to admit it, she had enjoyed getting ready for the dinner. Her nerves had calmed at the least.
She usually took the steps two at a time, but the dress restricted such movement. If she tried it would most likely end in a face plant. When she arrived at the dining hall, her mother was already there. She was standing and talking to two men in uniforms. She could not see their faces from the doorway, but they appeared young. Their backs were straight and stiff, and they appeared to be speaking only when addressed for a question.
Taking a deep breath, Emma stepped into the hall. She walked towards her mother, only seeing them men in her peripheral vision. Once she had curtseyed at her mother's side, Emma faced the captain and lieutenant. The captain was a little older than Emma had originally thought perhaps late twenties. His hair was dark and curled and his skin tanned. His looks gave the impression of many nights on the sea, which probably was true.
She turned her gaze toward the lieutenant. He couldn't be a day older than twenty. He had a boyish look to his face, though the light scruff helped him to appear older. Finally looking him fully in the face, she caught his eyes and gasped lightly. They were blue. Startling blue, really. Only once in her life had she seen such a beautiful pair of eyes, and she knew that such eyes could only be found on one person. The lieutenant was the same man she had literally run into at the port.
His eyes were wide as well, but if he recognized her, he didn't let it known. As her mother introduced her, the lieutenant turned his attention back to the queen. The captain, Liam Jones, bowed to her and took her hand. He kissed it quickly before releasing her. The lieutenant did the same, but she was too busy staring intently to catch his name. The feeling of his lips on her hand sent a shock through her body. But his captain had just done the same and she had felt nothing then.
Once they were sitting, Emma ate in silence. Captain Jones spoke with the queen about the course of the journey they were about to undertake. The waters would be rough for the first month, but there were plenty of nearby landings that they ship could rest on in the case of an emergency. Emma was listening so intently to her mother and the captain that she hadn't realized the lieutenant had yet to speak. Her mother must have noted the same thing, for she turned to address the lieutenant.
"And how long have you been serving in our navy?" Her voice was kind and inquisitive.
The lieutenant straightened even more in his seat. "Four years, You're Majesty."
This was the first time she had heard his voice since their first meeting. She had almost forgotten the accent that he spoke with. His voice was soft, though not timid. It was a pleasant sound, and she wanted to hear it again. Without thinking about what she was saying, she addressed him. "A navy lieutenant in four years? That is impressive."
She hadn't meant to say that, and she especially hadn't meant for it to come out slightly breathless. Thankfully her audience seemed to take it as nervousness and no comment was made.
The lieutenant gave her a small smile and shook his head. "If I have done well it is only because I have had good teachers."
The captain scoffed. "Forgive me for speaking up, my queen, but my brother is far too humble. He was top of his class during school, and had proved himself at every task he is presented with."
Brother? She must have missed that when she was dazed during the introductions. And if he indeed was top of his class, then his brother was right, he was too humble. There were hundreds of applicants to the naval academy, and to be top of the class was an accomplishment.
Her mother must have agreed. "I have read both of your records, and they are exemplary. It is one of the reasons I chose you for this task. The other is your reputation as respectful and honorable sailors."
The captain nodded his thanks, and the lieutenant blushed slightly. She needed to figure out his name. It didn't seem right to keep thinking of him as the lieutenant. Using her inherent boldness, Emma decided the best route was just to ask. Besides, she would get to hear him speak again.
"I would love to hear about some of your travels, Captain Liam Jones and Lieutenant…I'm sorry, I didn't catch your full name." Emma cringed at her pathetic attempt to learn his name, but it sounded better than saying she was so distracted by his eyes that she hadn't caught his name.
"Killian Jones, my lady." He supplied gently. He didn't seem fazed that she hadn't remembered his name. Instead it seemed like he was used to having to repeat this information. "And I am sure Captain Jones would have the best stories to share."
He was being humble again, and it irked Emma. Why couldn't the man just take a compliment? The conversation between her mother and the captain continued, but she was too busy staring at Killian to notice. No one seemed to notice her diverted attention, not even the man it was focused on, who was looking at his brother.
Contrary to what she had expected, Emma felt the dinner had ended too soon. She wanted to spend more time listening to stories about the high seas and the adventures the captain and lieutenant had. And, she admitted to herself, she also wanted to keep looking at the lieutenant. He was a handsome man, though a strange one. She had always assumed men boasted about their successes, but the young lieutenant seemed rather shy about sharing his own. She was going to enjoy getting to know him in the next ten months.
Her mother couldn't have chosen a better crew.
Changing into one of her sleeping gowns, Emma laid in her bed thinking on the night. If she was going to be at sea for the next few months, she couldn't have picked a better captain herself. Listening to Captain Jones talk about his travels, and also the work of his little brother, Emma had grown confident in their ability to safely take her to her prison.
Her door creaked open and the queen entered. Unlike days ago, she did not approach Emma's bed, but stood by the door. "What is your opinion on Captain Jones and Lieutenant Jones?"
Emma considered the question before she answered. "I believe they are trustworthy men. Both were polite and respective at dinner. I trust them to do their job well."
Her mother nodded. "I agree. Captain Jones is an excellent captain and has proven he is capable of important tasks. The Lieutenant Jones has not yet had as many opportunities, but he has risen quickly through the ranks, and all of his previous superiors have said the same about him."
Emma expected her mother to continue, but when she did not, Emma pressed. "And what do they say about him?"
Her mother raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. "He is the most straightforward and by the books young man they have encountered in the academy. Humble as well, this was evident last night. I don't know what to make of him. His brother is the perfect sailor both in skill and mannerism. Lieutenant Jones does not act like a lieutenant."
Emma wanted to argue that Killian was a fine sailor, but she had no evidence against this. "I thought you said his record is exemplary?"
"It is. It is his shyness that makes his rank a surprise. Once you reach a certain ranking, and especially as quickly as he, there is an overconfident aura that usually surrounds you." There was nothing wrong with that! Her mother continued. "Which is why I plan on asking him to be your personal guard."
Emma could hear her heart pounding. Her mother must have mistaken her shocked look as panic, for paused to reassure her. "If you do not wish for him to be your guard, I will ask another. But do consider that he is an excellent swordsman and proven gentleman. I do not think you will find a better man for the task. He is a quiet man as well, so you will most likely not even notice his presence."
Oh, she would notice him. Every second he was around her, she would notice him. There was a high chance she wouldn't be able to relax for the entire nine months if he were guarding her. "No, no, I do agree with you. I was merely surprised that you had already decided on this. From what I have seen of Lieutenant Jones, he appears to be an honorable man."
Pleased with her answer, her mother bid her goodnight. Emma had been ready for bed until her mother brought up Lieutenant Jones. Huffing, Emma turned over violently in bed. She had only just met the man! They had never even had a real conversation! But he intrigued her. Despite his abilities and position, he seemed to dislike attention. He was a man with a story, that much was evident. What was also evident was that he was a man who would not willingly share that story. It only made her want to know more.
His blue eyes and handsome face certainly didn't hurt matters.
oOoOo
Emma had expected to see more of the crew before heading out, but she had been too busy spending time with her mother to visit the port. Currently, she and her mother were walking in the palace gardens, discussing the final plans of her departure.
"We will be sending an ambassador across the lands as well. I do not want to put you in danger by having every man know what road you are taking and how you will get there. The ambassador will be a decoy, allowing you to leave on the ship unnoticed. Once you are out to sea, no one should know who you are until you arrive at the Dark One's kingdom. The crew is the only exception."
Emma nodded. "Any time we encounter someone, I will introduce myself as Emma Swan, like we talked about. I don't think it will be too hard to hide this. I mean, how difficult can it be to be a commoner?"
Her mother laughed, which was Emma's intent. The truth was, she had no idea how she was going to pull of acting like a commoner. She had barely interacted with them as it was. She would be taking tips from the maid accompanying her on how to act.
"And what of my guard?" Emma ventured to ask. The topic of a guard had not been brought up since they agreed to it almost four weeks ago.
"I have spoken with Captain Jones, and he has agreed that the lieutenant will be an excellent guard for you. I trust the crew well enough, but I want the lieutenant to be close to you at all times. I have told the captain that you do not wish to displace him, so you will be staying in the first mates quarters. This will help to avoid suspicion, since a lady would not get the captains quarters, but a gentleman might give up his." And Killian Jones was nothing but a gentleman from her observation.
"Where will the lieutenant sleep?" She did not like the idea of displacing him either, but the idea of sleeping in a room of strangers did not sit well with her.
There was an apple tree in the garden that her mother stopped to pick a fruit off of. Cleaning it off, she bit into it before answering. "I have been thinking hard on this. Eve will be sleeping in the crew's quarters. Since it is a naval ship, there are several rooms off of the sleeping quarters for when woman are on board, though none fit for a princess. However, I do not want Lieutenant Jones far from you at any time.
"After thinking about this for some time, I have asked for a partition to be put up in the first mate's quarters. The room will be smaller, but Lieutenant Jones will be close by in the case of any emergency."
Emma knew what her mother was hinting at. While she fully trusted the captain and lieutenant, the rest of the crew wasn't as well known. In case any of them tried something, Killian would be close by. Emma shivered. She would spend the next nine months almost constantly by the side of the man who had been invading her thoughts. It would be a long nine months. But then again, on the other side of the trip would be her wedding, so maybe long was good.
"Lieutenant Jones will still have his normal duties to attend to, which you will have to stick close by him for."
oOoOo
Her last day at home was filled with such melancholy, Emma was sure she was coming down with a fever. The day dragged by, yet her time with her mother went by too quickly. It seemed like only a day had passed since the plan was first made to today. Emma hugged her mother tight, wishing she never had to say goodbye. It would be too good to be true if her mother was able to be at her wedding. But the kingdom could not spare its queen for such a long period of time.
"You are beautiful, my swan." Her mother whispered. A tear escaped Emma's eye at her comment. "Do not ever forget that I love you and wish you the greatest happiness. Please send a letter when you have safely arrived."
Emma nodded against her mother's neck. "I love you too, Mother. I'll let you know as soon as we arrive in the kingdom."
"I will miss you, darling." Her mother's voice was strained.
"I'll miss you too, but this isn't goodbye forever, right? We will see each other more when the kingdom's are united."
Her mother pulled back and nodded. "You are an amazing young woman, Emma. I am so proud to have the chance to be your mother."
Emma didn't want to leave, but the schedule was tight. She couldn't be seen boarding the ship, so it was important that she make it to port before the crowds grew. To avoid suspicion, she and her mother had to say goodbye now. Her mother pressed a kiss to her cheek before giving her one last hug.
"Until the future comes." Her mother whispered. Until they saw each other again.
Without looking back, Emma left through the castle doors. For the first time in her life, she was free from the pressures of being a princess. The port was nearly empty when Emma arrived on the Jewel of the Realm. The crew was at work readying the sails and tying ropes around the deck. Ahead of her, Captain Jones and Lieutenant Jones were making their ways toward her.
She hadn't seen either man since the night of the dinner. Neither of their appearances had changed, except perhaps Lieutenant Jones' facial hair was more pronounced. The captain bowed to her before dismissing her escort. She was safe now onboard.
"We are pleased to have you onboard, Princess Emma." Captain Jones had a carefree smile on his face, like he escorted princesses on a daily basis. It helped to calm Emma's nerves that this man wasn't showing any worry about the journey.
Next to him stood the lieutenant. Killian, as Emma had been calling him in her mind. He was dressed in a similar uniform to the one he wore during the dinner. "Good morning, Princess." He bowed slightly. He seemed more relaxed outside of the queen's presence. "I understand I am to keep watch over you for the entirety of the journey. I promise you I will do everything in my ability to keep you safe."
"Thank you, Lieutenant Jones, I am sure that you will." And she really did have no doubt that he would protect her.
Captain Jones nodded toward to back of the ship. "My lieutenant will take you down to your sleeping quarters so you can get settled. We will be setting sail within the hour."
Emma nodded and followed Lieutenant Jones toward the stairs. Below deck she walked the halls and turned several corners before arriving at the former first mates room. "I don't know how you manage to navigate on the ship. I have no idea how we got here!" Emma exclaimed. If it was up to her, she would never find her way back to the deck.
Beside her, Killian laughed. It was a carefree sound, the first she had ever heard from him. "You'll get used to it, I assure you. I've lived on this ship for a while now. I'm sure it'll feel like home soon."
Emma wasn't sure she wanted it to fell like home or not. If this became home, then it would be even harder to leave at the end of the journey. Killian seemed to understand her thoughts, because he gave her a slow smile. "Or this place could be so awful that you cannot wait to run into your betrothed arms at the end of it."
The comment was hardly appropriate for a navy lieutenant to say, but she couldn't help it. She laughed and returned his smile. It registered to her that the only reason he said anything was because he felt she needed cheering up. The comment worked, and it surprised her at how well he understood her. She turned toward the door, with a smile still on her face.
"So this is my room?" She asked as he pushed the door in.
"Technically, this is my room." He replied quickly. That's right; she was kicking him out of his room. The room was small. There was a single bed in one corner and barely enough space for a dresser. To the left of the bed was a door, which must lead to the adjoining room. "And this part is still mine. I thought it would be safer to give you the room on the inside."
Emma smirked. "So any evil men who come after me have to get through you first?"
"You better hope I'm not a light sleeper." She laughed before a thought caught her off guard. They were flirting. That was hardly appropriate. Her demeanor must have changed, because the lieutenant straightened up and walked towards to other door. On the other side was a larger room. This one contained a bed, dresser, and a desk, with a small window that overlooked the sea.
"Who divided the room so unevenly?" Emma asked.
He looked down at his feet. "I choose the arrangements. It is nothing compared to what you have at home, but I thought it would be the most comfortable. I tried to get a door added to this so the rooms are completely separate, but we didn't have time for any more construction."
Her heart picked up speed. He had thought of what would comfort her most and keep her safe. He had not only given up his privacy, but he had also allowed for her to take over his room and have most of the luxuries he should have as lieutenant. His room was barely a closet now.
Without thinking, she reached for his hand. He looked up, startled, but not pulling away. His eyes were what she had noticed first about him, but she had never gotten the chance to stare into them before. They were the brightest blue she had ever seen. It looked like what she assumed the ocean was like on a calm day. His hand in hers was warm and calloused from long days working on ships. "Thank you, Lieutenant Jones." She whispered finally. For what exactly, she no longer knew.
Neither did he apparently, for he stared at her saying nothing. His eyes stayed on her face, but his gaze moved from her eyes. It seemed to drift over her entire face before settling on her eyes once again. "Killian." He whispered back. It took her a moment to realize what he was saying. He was giving her permission to call him by his name.
"Alright." She smiled softly. "Killian."
It was the first time she had spoken his given name out loud, and she liked the way it sounded. His eyes seemed brighter than a second ago. Emma had no idea what possessed her to do it, but she took a step forward, a step closer to him. Whatever spell was on them must have been broken with her step, because he moved back and dropped his gaze.
"Is there anything that you need, princess?" He asked her professionally.
She shook her head, but then realized he wasn't looking at her. "No. I would like to get settled for a minute, and then see the ship leave port."
Killian nodded before stepping back. "I'll be on my side of the door. Please, if you need anything at all, let me know."
Emma had a feeling she would be taking him up on that offer a lot in the near future.
A/N: I absolutely love Lieutenant Duckling, and there is not enough of it. I have all of this story planned out, but sometimes my mind gets away from me, so I have no idea how long this will be. This is the longest chapter I have ever written at once, so I hope it is good. I cannot wait until OUAT returns! This story is going to be my attempt to deal with the hiatus the writers have decided to leave us with.
Please review! I want to know what my readers think, and also what I need to do to improve.
