Killian urged his horse forward, galloping away from the castle at top speed.

He loved and respected his brother more than anyone in the world, but Liam, when under stress, was incredibly overbearing, and highly critical.

Killian couldn't handle being told for the one hundredth time about all the various minutiae of Royal Protocol, and how he must learn to take his responsibilities seriously.

-/-

The tavern was dimly lit, only a few patrons present as it was the middle of the day.

Killian pulled his cloak a little tighter and retreated to a table in the corner of the establishment.

A serving girl unceremoniously brought him a mug of ale, asking no further questions. This was a regular retreat when he wished to escape his royal duties.

He drank the ale in silence, taking pleasure in the sensation of the alcohol burning down his throat.

After a while, a soft voice startled him out of his stupor. "Mister, you dropped this," said a brown haired boy, no older than twelve, offering him the pouch of gold coins.

"Thank you, lad," said Killian, taking the proffered item. "I must say, it is a rare person that would return such a thing."

"My mother raised me to always be honest and honorable," said the boy.

Killian smiled. "Your mother sounds like a good woman."

"Henry," a voice sounded through the nearly empty tavern.

Killian turned, only to see the most beautiful woman he'd ever laid his eyes on. Her simple dress was ragged and dirty, but she had the face of an angel, and her golden tresses flowed freely down her back. Killian had never been in love before- yes, he'd had dalliances- but he'd heard splendid tales of love at first sight from rulers of other kingdoms.

His heart hammered in his chest, and he knew. He loved this woman already. His breath hitched as she made her way over to the table.

"I apologize" said Emma. "My son knows better than to bother strangers." She glanced at the boy, her expression telling him to return home. The boy looked up at his mother, with wide, apologetic eyes, before turning to leave after a "Goodbye, Mister."

"Goodbye, lad, and thank you again," said Killian.

"Sorry again," said the woman, turning to follow her son.

Killian stopped her retreat by grabbing her wrist."He was not bothering me," he said.

Only then did the woman seem to recognize him. She gasped and immediately sank into a curtsy. "Forgive me, your highness," she said softly.

"There is nothing to forgive," said Killian earnestly. "May I have your name, my lady?"

"Emma Swan, your highness."

"A beautiful name for a beautiful woman," said Killian with a debonair smile as a most becoming blush spread across her cheeks.

"Your highness is far too kind," said Emma, her breath catching nervously.

"I am nothing if not sincere, I assure you," said Killian, placing a finger below her chin so that she would look up at him.

Her blush deepened.

"I would like to see you again, Emma Swan," he said, his voice caressing the syllables of her name.

"Why? I am not but a simple peasant," said Emma softly.

"And I am little more than a humble servant to the King," said Killian.

"You're a prince," said Emma, backing away from him.

He stood up and closed the distance between them. "I have a name, you know. You could try using it."

Emma looked away from him. "It would not be proper. Forgive me, your highness, but I should not leave my son alone."

"Indeed not," agreed Killian. "You may leave, but only if you tell me where I will be able to find you again."

"I live in a small cottage at the edge of the kingdom, near the lake."

"How fitting, a beautiful Swan lives by the lake," said Killian, inching closer. "Good afternoon, Emma. I hope we will see each other again soon."

"Farewell, your highness," aid Emma meekly.

Killian caught her wrist again. She met his gaze, confusion in her jade eyes.

"To you, I am simply Killian," he said softly.

"Then good day to you, Killian," she said, giving another curtsy before rushing out of the tavern.