Prologue
Fifteen years ago a proclamation was made.
"My people. I am long without heir or issue, and in this matter I have failed you and can only beg your forgiveness. However, in respite and to balm this wound, I have travelled our kingdom and found one worthy if not by blood but by mettle to succeed my throne." The king pushed forward a young man no more than 20, and clapped a hand on his shoulder, "from this day forward, he shall be our hope, our light, our prince."
And so it was written. Liam Jones ceased to be and Prince Liam of the Oceanic Lands had risen in his ashes. Out of sight, another young boy stared on with wonder, his brother bending to accept the circlet placed on his head. His dark hair curled unruly against the gold band and the people cheered happily as they accepted their prince. Killian had smiled wide when Liam turned back to him, coming in from the royal balcony. Despite his solemn face, Killian knew that Liam was happy. They were happy because they were together. Killian bowed deeply to his brother and felt happiness bubble under his skin when Liam laughed and picked him up, hauling him over his shoulder,
"Dearest brother, nothing shall separate us again."
"I am to court the princess of Misthaven," Liam said with an echo of disbelief. Handing the letter to Killian, he read over the same sentences and found no lies in his brother's words. Disbelief was the very least of the emotions his brother should be feeling. It was one thing to be adopted as the king's heir by nature's fortune but another to court a princess of truly royal birth. Princess Emma was to arrive in two weeks for a ball in her honor where they were to begin to ascertain their compatibility as future spouses. Their union, in theory, could build a most advantageous alliance between Misthaven and the Oceanic lands.
Killian laid the letter down on the wooden desk that separated them. "Yes, court her, not marry her."
Liam glared balefully, "We would never get a better opportunity to secure our people's happiness than a wedding to the daughter of Snow White and James."
Beyond their stations as King and Queen, Snow and James were beloved by their people and in times of war that was the difference between an army and a civil uprising. Their valor and honor was spoken of with quiet reverence and their kindness exalted in festivals. It was said that the princess commanded much of the same love and respect. Killian scrubbed a hand over his face, "Well, she's coming whether you like it or not so. Put on a good show."
Wine goblet in hand, Liam sighed, "We are what we are brother, and I will never be good enough for such a princess's hand."
"Brother, there was never a princess as lucky as the one who is about to meet you," Killian smiled and raised his own cup to his brother. For his many faults, Liam was a good man, good enough to be seen and raised above all others by the king. No one else could claim such a noble heart.
Still, the night remained long for Liam and Killian could do nothing to ease the tension that had descended, so he left his brother with his thoughts. The grounds of the castle were vast, and it calmed Killian to walk their silent forests with the coastal air whipping at his face. It had been years since he had voyaged to a new land, sails whipping with the call of the ocean. He no longer swayed with the rhythm of the sea but remained rooted in the earth. Deny it all he might, Killian missed the water like a phantom pain that ached and flexed in the cold weather but he vowed never to leave his brother's side. Liam never abandoned him when his advantage screamed that he should, and while there was still breath in his body he would return that same oath. Part of him chilled to think that that was about to change because of her, Princess Emma. He knew very little of her character beyond her apparent endless duties as Misthaven's beloved princess. She travelled under her parents' banner, attended the sick and soothed the hurts of those unloved by the reign of Queen Snow's stepmother, Regina. By all accounts she was everything a princess should be, but could she be his brother's wife? Would she take up the same vow as Killian? Would she care even one iota beyond doing what was right?
Kicking a stone in front of him, Killian reached his destination, a lake centered towards the back of the castle, the water rippling gently in the cool breeze. Hidden completely by a bracket of thick trees, it was his sanctuary from a world he was a part of but had no place in. He removed his boots quickly and walked into the shallowest part of the water, its lapping tide washing contentment over him with every drop. The truth was this: Emma would arrive in two weeks and come rain or snow, the two would be married. Both fools for moral compunction, Killian could even see the marriage contract, signed, sealed and in the king's gleeful hand. Sighing again, Killian allowed himself a few more moments of respite before he headed back to the castle. He would be here for his brother. He would not interfere even if only he could see the futility of this union.
Note: The scene is set! Please bear with me and any formatting issues, it's been years since I used FF dot net.