In which Crown Prince Killian, eldest son of Queen Snow White and King James is kidnaped by the dreaded pirate, Captain Swan.
I own nothing.
Waking up slowly the first thing Killian noticed was a pounding in his head and a cotton feeling in his mouth. Next was the smell of iron and sea salt. Groaning he opened his eyes and peeked about at his surroundings. He was definitely on a ship if the rocking motion was any indication and he was being held in the brig. Breathing deeply of the fresh sea air Killian tried to settle his churning stomach and for a moment he felt slightly better, but then the ship rocked again and Killian scrambled for a small bucket he had spotted within his cell. Moaning after he was finished, he scooted the bucket away from himself and closed his eyes for a moment hoping to relieve his pounding head.
Suddenly hearing footsteps and his cell door opening Killian opened his eyes and saw a man, not much older then himself with curlyish blond hair and blue eyes step into his cell. Fearing the man meant him further harm in his weakened state Killian attempted to move away as the man kneeled down beside him.
"Don't worry. I'm here to help. That was a nasty blow you took to the head." the man spoke placing gentle cool fingers on the side of Killian's head.
"Where am I? Who are you?" Killian demanded, his eyes going hard.
"I am Doctor Victor Frankenstein. Medic upon this vessel. I'd suggest you not do too much talking or moving. Wouldn't want you getting sick again." the doctor instructed looking to the pail nearby.
Killian rolled his eyes at the man but stayed still as he continued his examination of his head.
"Well it seems no permanent or serious damage has been done. I shall let the Captain know immediately." Victor said rising and making to exit the cell.
"Captain? Captain who?" Killian questioned.
"Ahh Henry just in time my boy." Victor dogged, smiling at a young boy who had entered the brig carrying a large bowl as he closed the cell door. "Our guest is quite hungry I'm sure."
Looking at the boy Killian felt his eyebrows raise. He couldn't of been older then 10 with a mop of brown hair and dark eyes. He wore a green shirt that was too big on him, black trousers that ended just below his knees and was barefoot.
"Thank you." Killian said as Henry handed him the bowl through the bars.
"Henry I want you to make sure he eats everything then head back to the Galley." Victor instructed.
"No problem." Henry smiled, obviously proud to be told to "stand guard" over the prisoner.
Killian watched the doctor leave before turning his attention to the contains of the bowl in his hands. While the appearance of whatever it was had much to be desired, the delicious smell made his stomach turn and growl, demanding to be filled.
"Tell me lad, where are we? What ship is this and who captain's her?" Killian asked between bites.
"I don't know if I should tell you. You might freak out and hurt yourself. And Doctor Frankenstein wouldn't be happy."
"I promise I won't freak out."
Henry appraised him gravely for a moment but then he said, "We sail on the Jolly Roger. The fastest, greatest pirate ship that ever was."
Killian felt his eyes go wide and his face go pale. He was held captive by non other then Capitan Swan herself.
"See, told you you'd freak." Henry grinned seeing the Prince's shocked expression.
"No." Killian choked. Then recovering slightly he cleared this throat saying, "No, I just was surprised that's all. You seem a little young for a pirate."
"And you seem a little dirty for a prince." Henry replied chuckling.
Looking down Killian saw he was indeed filthy. His shirt was caked in dirt from the chase in the woods and stained with blood from the blow to his head. His pants had a tear in the knee and his boots had multiple scuff marks on them.
"Right you are my lad." he smirked.
"I gotta go." Henry announced sliding off the barrel he's been sitting on. "Granny will start wondering where I am, and believe me you don't want her to come looking for you."
Watching him go Killian raised an eyebrow wondering what kind of grandmother allowed her grandson to be a cabin boy on the most notorious ships that currently sailed the oceans.
What seemed like hours later Killian heard footsteps making their way towards his cell once more. But as the figure came into view Killian realized it wasn't the doctor or Henry. It was a woman he had never seen before dressed in light armor, a sword upon her hip. Killian knew she hailed from the Eastern Empire given her dark almond shaped eyes and long black hair.
"Your awake. Good." The woman said unlocking the cell door. "Come with me. The Captain wishes to speak to you."
Knowing he had no choice but to obey Killian stood and walked in front of her down a long corridor then up to the main deck of the ship. Squinting in the sun, his eyes adjusting after having been in dim lighting for so long.
"This way." His guard instructed pushing him slightly on the shoulder directing him to the stairs leading to the Quarter Deck.
Looking about at the crew Killian was slightly surprised much of the crew was made up of women. Though he reasoned that if a woman could captain the ship why couldn't they make up the crew?
"Well look who finally decided to raise themselves from the watery depths." a voice called.
Looking up to the one who goaded him, Killian took in a deep hissing breath before accusing "YOU!"
Standing before him at the top of the quarter deck stairs was the woman who had robbed him the night before. But now her simple blue cloak had been traded in for a maroon paisley-printed vest, a white off-the-shoulder cotton shirt with ruffle trim along the neckline, a black corset with silver brocade detailing, black leggings, and knee high black boots.
"Captain Emma Swan at your service your majesty." The blond woman introduced giving him a mock curtsy.
"My parents will see you beheaded for this." Killian hissed.
The captain just laughed. "Oh yes, I'm sure Mommy and Daddy will send ships to search for you but they won't catch us. At least not for awhile. For you see the Jolly isn't just a ship, she's made of enchanted wood. Makes her faster and stronger then any other ship that has yet sailed these waters."
"Its not just the King and Queen you should worry about dear captain." the prince sneered. "There is also my brother. He is a member of the Royal Navy and will not rest until I am returned and you meet justice."
"Liam?" Emma laughed. "That fool couldn't button his own coat without someone watching over him. A few months ago I over heard him crowing how he'd catch the despicable Captain Swan if it was the last thing he ever did. If only to be removed from beneath your shadow. Little did he know the woman he attempted to bed that night was me."
Stunned Killian stared at the Captain wordlessly. Did Liam really feel like that about him? That he lived in his brother's shadow?
But his brooding was interrupted by Emma commanding, "Mulan, see our newest crew member to the Galley. I'm sure his help could be useful there."
"Crew member?" Killian questioned looking at Emma like she'd lost her mind.
"I do not tolerate idol hands upon my ship. You may be our prisoner but that doesn't mean you can't be useful." The blond woman smirked.
"I've brought you a new set of hands to help." Mulan announced as she and Killian entered the Galley.
An old woman with white hair looked up from a boiling pot and glared at the prince.
"We'll don't just stand there then!" she barked. "I've got potatoes and carrots that need peeling, and fish that needs boned out."
Stepping forward Killian found himself slightly intimidated by the ship's cook. Taking up a knife he set to peeling the potatoes and carrots being careful of his fingers not wishing to seek further medical aid from the ship's medic.
"Your actually pretty good at that." The cook commented sometime later as Killian finished filleting a large red snapper. "For a prince."
Frowning Killian replied, "You may call me Killian Mrs..."
"Call me Granny." she instructed. "Everyone does."
Raising an eyebrow Killian nodded none the less. Maybe this woman wasn't Henry's grandmother after all.
"Mind if I steal your helper away Granny?" a voice questioned.
Turning the two of them spotted a young woman at the Galley doorway. She had dark brown curly hair that fell halfway down her back, a white chemise, green corset with a red skirt that swished about her ankles. Upon her shoulder's a red hooded cloak was tied.
"Go ahead Ruby. I was getting tired of him being underfoot anyway." Granny told her.
Killian smiled slightly as he followed Ruby up the stairs back to the main deck, he realized the ship's cook was much like his uncle Grumpy. While on the outside they may seem gruff and harsh underneath was someone deeply caring and loyal.
Once they reached the deck Ruby turned to him and said, "I'm First Mate on this ship. I am the arbitrator in disputes, I maintain discipline through Mulan our Quartermaster, it is my duty to make sure everyone pulls their own weight, and I keep things running smoothly. I am a direct link to and from the Captain. If you have any questions or concerns bring them to me. Do you understand?"
Killian nodded.
"Good." Ruby smiled. "Now," she continued handing him a bucket, bar of soap and a rag, "help Henry swab the deck."
For days Killian was worked to the bone aboard the Jolly Roger. He had been in good shape due to exercise and training he had received in the palace but each night when he retired to his bunk he'd been given he sank into exhaustion. The only solace he received was that he was finally able to live his passion for sailing. And those he met who made up the ship's crew he found to actually be quite kind and generous.
There was Belle the ships Navigator, Geppetto the Carpenter, his son Pinocchio was a gunner along with Jefferson. Killian was sure that Jefferson was someone who Liam liked to call "rowed with one oar."
While nearly everyone else upon the ship seemed to gravitate towards him, Killian noticed that Captain Swan did her best to avoid him. He found it odd until he caught her watching him complete his daily chores about the ship. Her deep green eyes tracked his movements and a small smile would play about the corner of her lips when he would tell amusing stories of his life or sing songs with the crew. A part of him thought that Emma's silence and distant nature could be seen as off-putting, but being who he was, he loved a challenge. And she was beautiful to be sure, long curly blond hair that fell halfway down her back, sparkling green eyes, a curvy athletic build and legs that seemed to never end. If she had been a princess he'd marry her in a heartbeat.
His thoughts were drawn away from daydreams of the Captain one midday as the crew braked for lunch when Henry sat down beside him and asked, "Tell me a story."
Smiling Killian looked down at the young boy he had befriended during his time aboard the Jolly.
"What would you like to hear?"
"The one about your parents. Tell me about Snow White and Prince Charming."
Killian chuckled, of all the stories he had told Henry and the others about his life as a prince, of Liam's Navy adventures and his friend's misadventures, the boy enjoyed the story of his parents the most.
"I've told that one five times at least lad. I bet you could tell it better then I can by now." he smiled.
"But its such a good story. Sword fights, betrayal, murder, dragons, torture, revenge, monsters, chases, escapes, and best of all true love."
"Alright lad you win." Killian laughed conceding.
With that Killian began telling the story of how his parents met and fell in love. When he got to the part where Prince Charming slayed the dragon terrorizing the countryside Henry interrupted saying, "I wish I could be like that. Brave, fearless."
Feeling a small smile form the prince replied, "Let me tell you a secret lad. One my father told me and my brother that was just between us." he made a show of dramatically looking around to make sure no one was listening in. "Being brave isn't the absence of fear. It's deciding that something else is more important then your own fears."
"I can't wait to grow up and have my own adventures." Henry vowed excitedly.
"I wouldn't be in such a hurry to grow up if I were you. Children see the world in such a magical way. Every day is filled with newness, possibility and to see a world in a grain of sand, and heaven in a wild flower, hold Infinity in the palm of your hand and Eternity in an hour. After all adults are merely grown up children anyway. But never forget Henry, laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams, they're forever."
That night Killian stood his watch post soaking in the cool midnight sea air. The only sound was the ocean lapping against the bow of the ship. Above, the stars kept silent vigil. In the stillness Killian reflected on how drastically his life had changed. Mere weeks ago he had been a price longing for the sea, to share in his brother's adventures upon the waves. Now he sailed upon a pirate ship, as a member of it's crew.
"Anything to report sailor?" A voice called breaking the silence.
Turning Killian spotted the Captain making her way towards him from below decks, a bottle of rum in her hand.
"All's quiet Captain."
"Good. Would you then care to join me for a drink?" she asked holding up the bottle in the moonlight.
"I have not completed my post. Would it no be bad form for me to indulge in drink?" he asked his eyebrow raised in amusement. "What if the entire ship's fate rested upon my sober diligence?" he chuckled.
Emma smirked, "I don't believe a watch has ever been completed upon this ship without at least a swallow of rum before."
"So it is a bit of a tradition then?"
Laughing handed him the bottle as she replied, "Exactly."
"Who then am I to argue with tradition." he asked raising the bottle to his lips.
"You'd make a hell of a pirate." Emma complemented seeing the long swallow he took.
Killian stared at her a moment, wondering if she was being sincere, but then he spoke a quiet, "Thank you."
"I overheard you with Henry earlier. The little speech you gave. Very moving." she said moving past him, coming to sit on a large crate.
Frowning he replied, "It wasn't a speech. I meant every word. Henry's a good, kind, intelligent lad. He can do anything he sets his mind to."
For a long moment Emma appraised him, looking him hard in the face searching for hidden truths, much like his mother did.
"You are the first man who has come upon this ship who hasn't complained about Henry being here. Except current crew members of course. Geppetto has a son of his own so he knows what it's like to have a young boy around, and Frankenstein sees him as a protégé to mold into the next great scientist of his generation. Jefferson and Pinochio see him as a younger brother. Others have said he's underfoot, a distraction in need of constant babysitting."
"I'll admit the boy is young. But as I said he is smart and capable. Though if I may ask, why do you allow him to sail with you?"
Emma took a long swallow from the bottle, then running a hand through her hair she sighed, "Henry showed up about a year ago at a stow away, I was ready to toss him overboard but then he said something I'll never forget. He said 'Please. Please let me sail with you.' And the look in his eyes, so lost and broken, wanting so bad to belong somewhere..."
"You recognized the same look you have." Killian guessed gently.
Eyes snapping to his Killian could almost hear the thundering crash as her walls came snapping back in place. "But I bet you wouldn't know anything about that would you? Your life has been one of privilege. Full of loving parents and extended family. I bet you haven't gone a single day hungry or cold." she sneered.
Feeling his irritation flare Killian rounded, "I may have not grown up in poverty or squalor but I do know about disappointment and longing. All my life I have been prepared for the day when I will be King, and an entire kingdom will look to me. The pressure of knowing one false move can crumble everything my parents and countless others have given their lives to building can cause the inability to breath sometimes. But I bear it, because it is what is required of me. Yet all I have ever wanted was to be on the ocean. To be free of the pressure, the expectations, just the feeling of being trapped."
"Really?" Emma smirked, "You'd give up the cloths, the riches, the princesses falling all over themselves to marry you, for this?" she gestured about the ship with the hand holding the rum bottle.
Rolling his eyes Killian told her, "Royal life isn't all daring quests, rescuing princesses and slaying monsters. It's a lot of work to make a country run smoothly."
"Yes, those grand balls you always through look like such hard work." she smirked taking another swallow of rum.
Killian chuckled snatching the bottle from her and taking a drink, "Balls are for forming and reforming alliances, showing off your generosity and wealth, but also to assure the public all is well."
"I saw a ball once, peeking over a garden wall and looking through the windows. All the women in their beautiful dresses, every color of the rainbow, and the men all dashing in their suits. And the music and oh, the dancing," she sighed wishfully looking off into the distance, caught up in the memory. "it was magical."
Not being able to help staring Killian took in the appearance of the Captain in that moment. He long blond hair falling about her shoulders in soft curls, a red leather jacket that came to her knees with a simple white top and navy pants with brown boots. Yet it was the woman who made the cloths. This strong, fierce beautiful woman who currently had stars in her eyes that out shown the one's in the heavens.
"Would honor me with this dance Captain Swan?" he asked coming to stand before her, bowing slightly and holding out his hand.
Looking to his hand she said, "I've never danced before."
"It's easy." he told her placing her hand in his and drawing her to standing, then with his other hand he placed her's upon his shoulder, lastly he placed his remaining hand on the small of her back. "And 1,2,3, and 1,2,3" he directed.
They did well the first few steps but then Emma began stepping all over his toes.
"Ugh I can't do this. I told you." She huffed, dropping his hand and taking a step back.
"You have to let me lead." Killian commanded.
Eyes narrowing Emma said, "I don't take orders very well."
Sighing he replied, "Why not try something new darling, its called trust." Without waiting for a reply he grabbed her hand again and repositioned them before resuming their earlier movements.
For the first few steps Emma continued to step on his toes, but once she allowed herself to trust him, she soon found herself being twirled around the ship's deck like she had been dancing her whole life.
Watching Emma's joy at the new experience Killian felt his heart soar. As he spun her she let out a laugh, a real laugh, so joyous and musical he knew it would echo in his ears forever.
Without realizing it their movements eventually slowed, until they came to a standstill staring into each other's eyes. Killian desperately wanted to place a kiss upon the pair of perfect lips that taunted him so but he didn't wish to scare her either. Her trust and heart would be hard won, but a voice inside him told him it would be well worth it.
"Reporting for duty Captain." a voice spoke, breaking the moment.
Jumping apart the two of them saw Peter Pan leaning on the railing not far away.
"Good." Emma squeaked. Clearing her throat she continued, "Excellent, right on time. As always."
Moving quickly the Captain crossed the deck, nearly running away from Killian and disappeared below deck. Sighing Killian glared at the young man eyeing him up with smug amusement.
"Thank you for the relief of my shift." Killian told him, his voice laced with sarcasm.
"Any time your highness. Any time." Peter smirked.
Making his way down the stairs to the crew's quarters Killian nearly jumped when a he felt a hand upon his arm. He quickly recovered though with a smile when he realized it was Emma.
"I just wanted to say thank you. For Henry...and the dancing." she whispered, her body so close to him he could smell the rum on her breath and faint hints of thelilac perfume she wore.
Feeling bold he whispered back, "Any time love."
A flicker of amusement made it's way across her face before she turned away saying, "Goodnight, Killian."
Stunned at her using his real name, he watched her go, speechless. She had always called him prince, your highness, or some other false attempt at propriety for his title. But now, to hear the word on her lips caused a warmth like nothing he had ever felt before spread through him. So mustering everything he felt into a single farewell he breathed, "Goodnight, Emma."
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