It had been three day since his dinner with Emma. He listened to her advice and went back home agreeing to marry this princess.
Flashback
"Oh, Killian! Where were you?" His father exclaimed as Killian showed up at the ball. "The princess had come to visit but she had to leave because of urgent matters arose. She is a lovely lady, Aurora is her name."
"Don't even try. You can try a hundred times but I won't have any affection for this girl," when Killian said that the king's face seemed to drop."But saying that, I will agree to marry this girl. Not out of love but for the welfare of the people."
The king stopped and stared at Killian for a while. Then he broke into a smile, "Son, one day you will make a very good king."
Even though he agreed to this marriage, he regretted it. He hated this palace and the politics. He wanted to be free, sail the seas like he would when Liam was alive. He wanted to go find Emma again. She was intimidating and strong, but she was also beautiful. An ethereal beauty was hidden behind that scowl she always wore, he was sure of it. Maybe she wasn't human, maybe she was a nymph, like the ones from the rumors he used to hear about. Creatures of the forest who protect the forest, they were the peacekeepers of nature. Killian quickly dismissed that idea because Emma did not seem like the type of person who would keep peace. She was probably the type of person who could kick your ass when she needed to. He liked that about her.
"My lord!" a *letter boy* called out.
"What is it?" Killian asked snapping out of his daze.
"The princess is soon to arrive; His majesty expects you to greet her and make her feel welcome." Said the *letter boy*.
"Alright, then," Killian said "You're dismissed."
Killian got up to go greet Princess Aurora.
She was a pretty girl, there was no doubt about that, but it was no comparison to Emma. Wait, did I actually think that? She seemed sweet and innocent, a proper princess through and through. She didn't seem very happy though, marrying a complete stranger would do that to you.
"Welcome, my lady, to the Western Kingdom, I am Killian." He offered her his hand which she hesitantly accepted.
"Pleasure to meet you." She said but her voice sounded forced and almost venomous. "I would like to see the gardens, would you be so gracious as to escort me? I have heard so many tales about how beautiful your palace gardens are, so I would like to see it for myself."
What the bloody hell is wrong with this woman? Gardens! They aren't even pretty and most of the flowers there are probably dying. Well, I was supposed to please the woman.
"Of course. This way, my lady."said Killian showing her the way.
The princess began to walk faster taking longer strides, Killian followed until the guards were beyond their hearing distance.
"I don't want this marriage." Muttered Aurora.
"I am not a fan of this arrangement either, if that makes you feel better." Said Killian.
"Then why would you accept the proposal?"
"We need the money your kingdom has to offer. And your kingdom needs the ports."
"This marriage can't happen. I don't want to be with you, I pray you. Please call off this engagement."
"Why did you offer it if you had no intention of going through with it?" Killian asked.
"I never wanted to… Alright. I'll tell you. I am in love with Prince Philip of the central lands."
"Didn't he die a fe-"
"He is not dead!" Aurora growled. "I know he isn't. Nobody believes me, but it is the truth."
"Easy there, princess." Killian coaxed her. "I believe you. If you say he isn't dead then he isn't dead."
"You don't think I am mad?" asked a surprised Aurora.
"Mad isn't the word I would go for. I would say determined." Killian said winking at Aurora. If Aurora had been some other maiden she would have definitely blushed, but she didn't seem to be bothered. "But there is a fatal flaw in your plan, princess, I have already accepted the proposal you offered-"
"My kingdom offered." Aurora corrected. "Yes, I am well aware of the fact that the people are expecting a wedding, but maybe if you can help me find my Prince, I could help find you a perfect wife. Also, even if we were to be married, I don't think we would really be any good for each other. You are far too roguish for me."
"Hey! Women love my roguish charm," he said giving his best smile. "I'll help you find your prince. Even though our kingdoms need each other's finances I am sure we can come up with an agreement which does not include marriage. The king won't be too pleased to hear this but I won't marry a woman against her will. And the find a wife part? Let's leave that for another day."
Aurora broke into a smile. "Thank you, prince, I am ever grateful." She took a step back, looked around to see if anyone was near and when murmured, "Phillip never actually died. He was captured by a wraith. His soul is still alive, and his body preserved. If we can find this wraith and exchange his soul for another, Phillip can be brought back."
"You want to exchange his life for another? And who do you think is dumb enough to take up your offer." Killian asked.
"I haven't thought the schematics yet, but somebody must be willing to help the king, right? I mean he was loved be all his subjects, I am sure there will be someone."
"No. We are royalty, not the gods. No one should even be asked to sacrifice their life for another's, it is selfish. I will have no part in it, if that is how you plan on reviving your prince." Killian stated.
Aurora opened her mouth to say something but nothing came out. What Killian said made perfect sense. She was being selfish and putting her needs before the people. Maybe she was just a spoiled little princess like many called her. Having nothing else to say Aurora walked away. Even though he is a bit of an ass he is a good person and will make a good king someday, thought Aurora as she walked towards the palace.
Under normal circumstances Killian would have probably followed her, but he knew that he was right and that he should allow the princess to think about it on her own. Moreover, Aurora wasn't the person Killian wanted to see. It was Emma.
There was going to be a celebratory dinner tonight for Aurora's welcoming, a perfect time to sneak out and meet Emma. If she was still here that is.
Night fell and Killian was able to escape the festivities and ventures into the dark forest. He knew Emma would be difficult to find, but he loved a challenge. And Emma, well, she definitely was a hell of a challenge.
He walked through the forest. It was pitch dark except for the small torch light he had in his hand. He would often hear the soft noises of animals skittering around the forest but none were loud enough to be humans. Hours passed and Killian wasn't able to find Emma. He didn't want to give up his search but he had to show his face back home so that The King wouldn't send a search party to find him.
When he entered the castle the dinner and dancing was in full force. Most of the men were drunk out of their minds and the women were merrily chatting away. The King was laughing with his advisors and Aurora noticed him when he entered, "Where were you?" she asked.
"Just here and there." Killian said brushing off her concern and heading for to his quarters.
