Thanks for the nice comments about this fanfic so far. I will do what I can to keep it coming since it has gone down better than I ever imagined.
This chapter is dedicated to my wonderful friend, Lauren.
A few days had passed since the villainous captain had returned my heart to me and the confusion was still set in the back of my mind. He had no reason to give me it back. After all, I was a hostage, taken as leverage by Cora. Ever since that event had occurred, the pirate hadn't left my mind, a thought that I was not particularly glad about it. But it kept my mind from the loss of my true love.
"Aurora! Are you still coming with us to the ship? After all, we don't know where it is. Only Cora, Hook and you know." Emma's voice brought me back to reality, tearing me from my thoughts, something I was truly thankful for. I couldn't keep allowing the pirate to invade my mind like that. Shaking my head, I leaned forward from the bed where Snow had insisted I stay until they found a way for me to return to the Enchanted Forest. My feet hit the floor with a soft thump as I stumbled to my feet. It felt weird to be here. I still hadn't adjusted to the idea of being in a world completely different from my kingdom.
Once I had adjusted my dress and pulled the shawl around my shoulders, I stepped carefully towards Snow and Emma, who needed my assistance to find the ship. It was rare that people asked for my help so I hadn't hesistated to take a chance to prove my worth. After all, I did owe them. More Snow than Emma though. I had drawn my dagger to her throat and blamed her for Phillip's soulless state. I followed them out of the house that Snow owned and lived in with Emma, Charming and from time to time, Henry. The place was small but she wanted me to be safe and having me in the next room was her way of making sure I would be.
A few minutes passed and we were standing before the Jolly Roger and the air was causing me to shiver like crazy. This land was a lot colder than I assumed it would be. I felt a tap on my arm, forcing me to turn my head towards the blonde figure to my left. "Come on, Aurora. We'll protect you. We just need clues as to what Cora is wanting here." Emma assured me before I nodded, following them onto the ship. The place we headed was the captain's cabin, where sterotypical pirate captains kept their important artifacts. However, when we walked into the cabin, we were confronted by the infamous Captain Hook, who had spotted us coming to the ship and followed. I stood back as Emma pushed him against the side of the room, his blue eyes burning into me as if begging for the kindness I had shown him before. But no. He had lost any trust I held towards him. Returning my heart didn't excuse him taking it in the first place. With him being held away, Snow grabbed my arm and pulled me away, leading me off the ship, only for us to be followed by Emma.
When I stepped off the ship, I felt my shoe loosen. I leaned down, to lace it up again. "Go on without me. I'll catch up." I told the pair who didn't have time to argue with me. When I stood up, I felt the hook against my throat again, but it wasn't digging into the skin. It was just...there. I turned around only to see Hook standing far too close to me for my liking. "Oh, Princess. Is this any way to thank me for returning your heart?" He questioned, using his hook to brush my hair from my neck. "Considering you took it from me in the first place, I don't see why I should thank you. But since you bring it up, answer a question. What compelled you to give it back?" I replied, my eyes boring into his.
This question disarmed the pirate who stepped away from me, turning away. "I refuse to answer your question." He stated, walking over to edge of the pier. His tone forced me to roll my eyes but in a trance, I found myself following him. "I want an answer, Hook. You owe me that much for the pain you caused." I replied, standing by his side but I kept my distance. Suddenly, I noticed how he had pulled me around to face him, a look of anger on his features. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you." He said, his hand gripping my arm tightly. I leaned forward slightly, raising my eyebrow at him. "Try me." I insisted. I needed to know. I deserved to know.
I felt the grip on my arm loosen as his expression got softer. "I cannot stand by and watch another person I care about get their heart crushed. So I gave it back to you." Hook spoke, letting go of my arm before he walked away again. I stood there for a moment, trying to work out what he had said. Care? Turning to face him, my eyes opened in shock. "Care?" I called out, following him once again. "Leave it, princess." The pirate ordered, not turning back to face me. I shook my head, placing my hand against his shoulder. "I won't leave it. Tell me. Earn my forgiveness." I commanded.
I suddenly felt him shrugging his shoulder, causing me to drop my hand to my side. He wouldn't speak, I guessed. "Fine. Don't explain yourself." I spoke, turning to walk away from him as he had done to me. But instead, he grabbed my wrist, using it to pull me closer. His hook was used to brush the stray strands of hair from my face once again before I felt his lips against my own. At first, I returned it, forgetting who the man with his arm around my waist was. But common sense quickly kicked in and I used my hand to push him away from me. "No..." I whispered, shaking my head as I turned away properly, heading back to Snow's home.
His kiss had felt oddly familiar. Gentle, safe...The last thing I had expected from him. What had I done? He wasn't Phillip. He wasn't the man I loved. But the familiarity was confusing. I had only ever kissed Phillip. But I couldn't deny that the pirate had stirred up emotions that I didn't even know I could feel towards anyone, let alone to someone other than my prince. Realising how I had begun to trace my lips with my fingers, I sighed. "Why did I kiss him back?" I whispered to myself, my heart racing within my chest. "I have Phillip. He is my true love. I cannot feel for a pirate." I reminded myself, finally reaching the home of Snow and Emma. I wouldn't reveal the event with Hook. Not until I understood it myself.