A/N: Your responses for the prologue have amazed and overwhelmed me, it was so unexpected to me! Thank you all so much!
Here is the first chapter. Trigger warnings include assault and a non-consensual kiss, but not between captain swan. They have yet to meet, and this will be a bit of a slow burn, but I hope to make it worth the wait. With that said, if you're of a fan of Baelfire, this may not be a fic for you, unless you don't mind some Baelfire/Neal bashing.
Thank you ilovemesomekillianjones for your wonderful beta skills and gingerchangeling for all of your suggestions and feedback! This story wouldn't be the same without these lovely ladies.
Emma's emerald green eyes glitter in the sun, long golden hair flowing behind her as she rides a horse with her brother and their guards.
Over the years, she had transformed from an adorable young girl to an elegant young woman. Her cheekbones are high and prominent, she has fair, ivory skin, and her beauty is only increasing with every day. Emma is growing into a fine young woman who's loved by all of her people. She is growing too quickly for King David's liking. He looks at her and sees the small baby he'd held in his arms merely fifteen years ago.
Emma is wise beyond her years, well behaved and proper, with a serious demeanor while her brother is a rambunctious young boy who can never stay still. King David smiles as he watches the two of them riding off from the stables, Leo asking her to slow down so he can catch up. He knows that over time, Leopold will take after his sister and will be competent and mature enough to make a great king.
While the prince and princess are gone, Snow and David receive a letter from King Rumplestiltskin. They are both surprised to learn that Rumple wishes to visit with their family and discuss the betrothal of his eldest son, Baelfire, and their daughter.
David is not sure how he feels about the idea, and honestly, he's a bit perturbed and shocked King Rumplestiltskin would even propose this. He has no reason to find an ally in Misthaven.
Rumplestiltskin is a powerful king of unconquerable lands, but even the vastness of the Dark Kingdom over which he rules, is nothing in comparison with his pride. He was once a sweet, orphaned miller growing up in poor living conditions, but that all changed when he was taken in by a very powerful king who died of the plague years later. Rumor has it, however, that Rumplestiltskin had played a key role in the predecessor's death, for he is very cunning and good at making the people bend to his will. It is believed and spoken across the lands that he has been possessed by a demon, because how else could an amiable young man turn into such a vile creature? The rumors eventually gave him his moniker, the Dark One, and once he had taken the throne, he was feared by all in the Dark Kingdom, which had only increased his power over time. So, he did not need the security of David's friendship or an alliance with Misthaven, which leaves David mystified by Rumplestiltskin's letter, and also skeptical.
Uniting the two kingdoms will certainly avert a war between them and undoubtedly make them a great superpower, there's no denying it, but Emma has never even met the neighboring prince. David had made a promise to her she would only marry for love, not obligation. But if he refuses the wishes of Rumpelstiltskin, David fears he will incur the wrath of the Dark One.
The sound of galloping hooves along the dirt-covered forest floor gives Emma a rush as she grips the reins tightly in her fists. She loves riding in the Enchanted Forest; she enjoys leaving the castle for a short time, feeling the wind in her hair and the thrill of racing through the woods with her brother by her side. It relaxes and calms her like nothing else, and when they occasionally ride on the shore of the beach, with the view of the sea and the taste of the salt water on her tongue, she longs to see what is beyond. She has read and heard many stories, and her studies of politics, public affairs and history have taught her what goes on in the world, but her father forbids her from venturing out into it. He's so protective, wanting to keep her from harm's way in any manner he can. And while she loves him dearly and abides by him, she wishes for just one day, she could be normal. Not a Princess. She can't even fathom what that would be like.
Emma and Leo head home before twilight, returning their horses to the stables.
Upon entering the throne room in high spirits and laughing with her brother, she witnesses the change in her father's face compared to when she and her brother had left. Both parents look distraught. Had Emma and Leo been away too long for their liking?
"I'm sorry Mother and Father, we lost track of time."
David sighs deeply, concern etched in his features as he approaches his daughter. "Your timeliness or lack thereof is not what worries us, you have returned home before your curfew."
Emma's brows furrow. "Then what is it?"
He pulls out a letter and opens it up, reading it aloud.
On the sixth of the midwinter month, the feast day that celebrates gift giving, Emma is sitting up straight in her chair and glaring at Baelfire with those luminous green eyes. David had seen the seventeen-year-old prince and his younger half-brother, Gideon's, gaping mouths and wide eyes as they had drooled at the mere sight of her from the moment they'd entered the throne room and saw Princess Emma. With a glance at Baelfire, David sees him return her devil stare with that of a dangerous smirk. The king's stomach churns at the way the Prince drinks in her figure. She is only fifteen and already men and boys alike can't keep their eyes off of her. She steals the hearts of all knights and noblemen who look at her. Of course, impeccable Emma isn't aware what those looks mean, nor the intentions behind them, but David can see right through them.
She turns away from Prince Baelfire and responds to Queen Belle when asked a question, no longer paying attention to the prince as he continues to admire her beauty. She is not happy about the circumstances, but she understands the importance of her betrothal to Baelfire and had agreed to meet him. Her parents want to give her the chance to get to know the prince before the wedding so Emma has a chance to grow fond of Baelfire.
King David however, does not like the looks of him. The prince has an unfavorable reputation. He's heard stories of Prince Baelfire gambling and drinking at the tavern and spending his nights with sordid women. David has a bad taste in his mouth at the mere thought of Baelfire putting his paws on the beloved Princess of Misthaven.
The prince may have his work cut out for him, though, as she obviously does not reciprocate any feelings he expresses for her.
When King David dismisses everyone from the hall, he moves swiftly to his quarters with King Rumplestiltskin following behind him, leaving their queens to chat among themselves.
"How old is Princess Emma?" the Dark One asks him after David settles in his chair, quickly getting down to business.
"She is fifteen."
"And she is not betrothed yet?"
"No, she is not."
King Rumplestiltskin nods and appears to be in thoughtful contemplation. "My son is quite taken by your daughter, and not to be blamed. She is of great beauty and intelligence, and as I had spoken in my letter, I'd like to arrange a betrothal," he says.
David has a feeling the statement is not a request, but more of a demand. David eyes him warily, not wanting to refuse him, but he has to think of his daughter at the same time. "With all due respect, Prince Baelfire has quite the reputation, does he not?"
"He does." The king slowly paces in front of David, a troubled expression on his face. "And that is what worries me. Baelfire is first in line for the throne, but I'm afraid he will not uphold my legacy when I'm gone. He has often been caught at the tavern drinking and doting with lowlife peasants. He is impudent and doesn't take his crown seriously. I'm afraid he may not be suitable or habile enough to take the throne and uphold the reputation of the kingdom. It appears Princess Emma, however, is properly groomed for the throne, I believe she will have great influence on Baelfire and can turn him into a prince who will make me proud." He stops and turns to meet David's eye. "If your daughter were to marry my son, she will be an outstanding ruler and queen one day."
"She will be, but what other interest is to be gained from marrying your son if she does not love him?"
"There has been peace between our lands, and if your highness agrees to the betrothal of Prince Bae and Princess Emma, I can guarantee peace for the foreseeable future." Rumple's lips curl up into a menacing smirk. "If you deny my request, I will be your worst enemy," he says with a patronizing grin, his eyes daring the other king to refute him.
King David stands, seething with anger. "You threaten me in my own castle?" The audacity! He's tempted to retrieve his father's sword from above the mantel behind him.
Rumple shows no remorse. "If you don't accept my proposal, your castle and your kingdom will ultimately be mine, I'll make sure of that," he promises, standing so close, King David can smell his strong breath, the unpleasant stench passing through David's flaring nostrils.
As insulted as he feels, David does not want to wage a war against the powerful king.
"But David, we made a promise to Emma," Snow shrieks when David reveals Rumplestiltskin's deal. She storms out to the balcony, looking out over the sea, and he follows behind her. An unseasonably warm breeze sweeps over them as they decide the fate of their daughter—of their kingdom.
David comes up behind her, wrapping his arms around his wife, but she doesn't melt into him like she normally does. "We did when she was a baby, but if we agree to the marriage, our kingdom will be secured," he coos in a soothing voice, caressing her arms over the sleeves of her nightgown.
Snow White turns around in his hold and looks up him, her eyes full of worry and concern for their daughter. "But, is this really the best choice? Rumplestiltskin said it himself, Baelfire is not fit for our princess. She is too special to be given away to some rogue who will only seek another's company after the marriage is consummated."
David cringes at the idea; he doesn't wish this kind of future for his daughter. "Perhaps we can give him a chance. He's still young. This arrangement may change him. We can announce the betrothal, but the wedding doesn't have to take place immediately. Rumplestiltskin has promised to give us time. Emma is not to marry until her eighteenth birthday."
"And what if Baelfire doesn't change? What if Emma doesn't grow to love him? If we break off the betrothal, Rumplestiltskin will never tolerate such an affront."
David sighs, knowing she's right. "Then we have to hope Emma will love him. We can let them spend time together before the wedding." He caresses his wife's cheek to calm her nerves, and she finally succumbs, letting her eyes fall shut at his touch. "What if we left it up to our daughter to do the right thing? If after their time together, she chooses not to marry Baelfire, then we'll suffer the consequences. We'll do it for Emma."
Snow nods and opens her eyes. "Emma is wise enough to make the right decision, for herself and for the kingdom."
David smiles and presses a kiss to her forehead. "Yes, she is. It will all work out, my dear, I just know it."
They discuss Rumple's proposal with Emma and, at first, she is not happy and argues with her parents regarding the issue. Emma is very skeptical about the Prince's character and potential to run a kingdom. She and Baelfire do not even have the same interests, which she had discovered immediately upon meeting him, but eventually, she caves. Knowing it's best for her kingdom, she agrees to the betrothal for her parents and for her brother's future as king of Misthaven.
With her parent's trust in Emma's hands, a treaty of peace is signed between King David of Mishaven and King Rumplestiltskin of the Dark Kingdom. The Dark One also agrees to wait until Emma's eighteen birthday for the marriage, for her parents feel she is too young to wed and her body is not ready to bear children.
The news of the agreement travels quickly, and while some are excited for the union of the kingdoms, there is one person in particular who is greatly angered by this. Lady Maleficent slams her fist on the table, full of rage. It was supposed to have been her daughter to marry the prince! Lily was supposed to be Queen of the Dark Kingdom; Maleficent has waited years for this. Their children had been betrothed at birth, and in her eyes, the betrothal is still valid. Forbye, she has been a loyal countess and friend to the king and now he has arranged the betrothal between his son and a Misthavian?! Well, she will see about that. There cannot be a marriage if the princess isn't present at the wedding. Her scowl quickly transforms into a devilish look at the thought, and she calls on one of her henchmen. Both kingdoms will pay for its treachery against her.
"Sister, for heaven's sake, can't you hurry up?" Leo asks impatiently as she sits on her bed cross-legged in her riding leathers, weaving her long, golden hair into a braid. "You've kept Bae waiting for nearly an hour."
"Let him wait."
"But, Em—" he starts to whine before she cuts him off.
"Patience, Leo, or you will not be allowed to ride with us."
Leopold climbs up on the bed, next to Emma, giving her his best pout. "Why must you choose him over me anyway?"
She looks over him under long, dark lashes as her eyes widen in surprise. "What do you mean? You're my brother, I would never choose anyone over you."
"But you spend all of your time with Baelfire instead of me," he sulks sadly, looking down to avoid her gaze.
Emma's heart breaks at her brother's words and the look on his face. She has spent a lot of time with the prince now that she is betrothed to him. "Oh, dear brother, that's not true. You are always welcome to come with us, you know that, but it's my duty to spend time with Prince Baelfire. He and I are betrothed."
"But you do not love him, do you?" her brother questions.
She silently condemns Leo for his perceptive mind; he's becoming too much like her. "Not yet, but eventually," she assures him. "I shall grow to love him and become queen of his kingdom, but no matter what happens, you will always be my little brother, got it?"
"Promise?"
Emma laughs and drops a kiss to the crown of his head before ruffling a hand through his curly, brown hair. "Promise. Now, let's go riding, shall we?"
A big smile lights up his face and he jumps off the bed, racing for the door. "I'll beat you to the stables!"
Emma launches from the bed and runs after her brother, both giggling through the halls of the castle and getting scolded by the guards and servants along the way.
The next day, Emma challenges Baelfire to a game of chess. She loves chess and knows if the man she is to marry does not have the same affection for the game, then she will never love him. Although it is not really a game to her, it's a passion, for it challenges her mind, unlike most people she encounters, and it's very therapeutic. Her late uncle, whom she'd never met also had a love for the game, and there is a chess piece, a white knight, David had swiped after James was taken from his village and killed by slavers. David had carried it with him so he could carry a piece of his brother wherever he went. He had passed it on to Emma once he discovered her love for chess; she was merely five years old at the time.
When she presents the game to Baelfire, however, judging by the puzzled look on his face, she realizes she may have her work cut out for her if she is to teach chess to him.
"What is this game you speak of?"
It turns out the prince has never heard of chess, nor played it, so Emma takes him to her chess board and tries to explain the game of strategy to him, but he becomes more and more confused and eventually grows frustrated.
"This game is pointless!" he shouts angrily and throws one of the pieces to the floor, causing it to break in two as he tips the chessboard over, letting it crash on top of the fallen chess pieces.
Emma's eyes widen as she kneels to the floor to pick the two halves of her favorite chess piece. "You broke the white knight!"
"Who cares? It's just a stupid game piece," he scoffs.
"This was my uncle's! It's all I had left of him!" she cries out furiously, tears spilling down her cheeks. "You're a pig!" She dashes away and runs up to her room, but he follows behind her.
"Princess, I'm sorry, I didn't know. Please forgive me, Your Majesty," he pleads with her. "I was intimidated because you are smart and beautiful, how can I ever live up to your expectations?"
She whirls around to see if he's telling her the truth, but the insincerity is written all over his face. He may be as dumb as a brick, but he is cunning, she'll give him that. He grabs her hand and pulls her to a secluded part of the hall, away from the eyes of her guards, pressing her against the wall.
"You have my heart Ems, and I fear I will disappoint you as a husband," he claims softly and lifts a hand to caress her tear-stained cheek.
Emma stiffens and moves her head away from his touch. "Do not refer to me as such," she snaps.
This angers Baelfire, and she can see his eyes brewing with rage as he grabs her arms.
"Unhand me this instant, you brute!" she cries out.
He doesn't abide by her request and instead forces her to him, pressing his mouth to hers and ravaging her lips. Emma's eyes widen in horror, and she tries to push him away, but to no avail; he is much stronger than she. Strengthening his grip around her with one arm, he fondles her breast with the other hand and plunders her mouth with his tongue, reveling in her taste and perfection. The intrusion is far from welcomed.
Emma bites his tongue hard enough to draw blood and wrenches her body away from Baelfire. She raises a hand to his face, slapping him hard. He cries out in pain and slips his finger into his mouth, drawing it over his tongue where she'd injured him, and the blood seeps around his fingertip as he touches his cheek with his other hand.
Glaring at the princess who dared harm him, he grins unexpectedly. "You are a vixen."
Fury burns under her skin. "We may have an arranged marriage, but you will not lay your hands or lips on me without my permission! And if you try to again, I can guarantee you will never be able to again, as I will cut off your tongue and both hands with my grandfather's sword!"
He appears to be challenged and further roused by her fierceness, his eyes lighting up with mischief.
Fear races through her and she scurries away, rounding a corner and running directly into a solid form. Looking up, she sees her newly hired guard, Graham Humbert who eyes her in concern.
"Is everything alright, Your Highness?"
"I'm fine," Emma pants. "Please don't allow anyone in my chambers after me," she commands, looking behind her to make sure Baelfire isn't chasing after her.
"Very well."
Emma heads for her room and furiously slams the door behind her. She vows to herself she will never love Baelfire, though it has nothing to do with his disdain for chess, how he had broken her favorite chess piece or how she no longer has anything left of her Uncle James. No, the loathing she feels for Baelfire supersedes that. She is a princess, not a prized possession to be touched or ravished when he pleases, nor will she ever be.
She can't breathe a word to her parents though. If they find out, they will certainly break the contract with Rumplestiltskin, as they would never agree to a marriage between their daughter and a man who would put his hands on Emma without her consent. But first, David would cut off Baelfire's hands and tongue himself, and have them delivered to Rumplestiltskin's doorstep. Then the Dark One will assuredly make them all pay for their disloyalty and betrayal against him. While Snow and David would gladly risk their lives for their children, Emma does not wish to put them or Misthaven in danger.
Prince Killian sits up in his bed, staring blankly into space. "You may take your leave," he commands coldly, his face showing no emotion.
"Yes, my lord." The maiden slips out of the prince's bed and quickly dresses into the white gown she'd entered with, her head down as she backs away towards the door her knuckles gently tapping on the surface. When it opens, she's escorted to the women's quarters, leaving Prince Killian to his thoughts.
He remains in bed, his heart emptier than it has ever been. Jasmine had given herself to him willingly as they always do, but he curses himself for summoning her in the first place. She has long ebony hair, a lovely caramel skin tone and a sweet face—her physical beauty is why he had called upon her for the evening—but she is not Milah.
Killian sighs deeply and closes his eyes. He has grown tired of the customs of his people, but he must abide by them. He has a great responsibility on his shoulders, as his father is Sultan and Killian his heir. It will only be a matter of time before he is left with his father's role and is further pressured to sire a prince.
But without his lost love, what is left? Only a darkened heart and a deep ache for her and their unborn child who'd never had a chance to breathe in the Neverland air. Since their tragic deaths, Killian has refused to find another woman to bear his prince. He refuses to bed a concubine until they've taken a potion which makes them sterile, for the thought of history repeating itself is just too much to bear.
He tries to sleep but is restless, so he gets out of bed and slips into a wool robe and leather slippers before opening the door and calling a slave to bring him his most trusted advisor and confidant. This man was once a slave, but Killian had spent part of his childhood with him and has grown to see him as part of the family—as a second brother. Liam was his blood and Killian has longed for him since he'd died in battle, but this other man is also someone who has been by his side through all the treachery and despair in Killian's life.
He walks out onto the terrace of his private garden where he breathes in the cool air and studies the sea, the night sky glittered with stars and a silvery moon reflecting off the water. It's very calming and peaceful.
"My lord, I thought you had gone to rest."
The sound of the man's voice causes Killian to whirl around, and he sees the blue-eyed falconer entering the terrace, his hands joined together in front of him.
"I couldn't sleep."
The other man's face clouds with concern. "What weighs on your mind, my lord?"
"It's nothing, I think some time away from the palace is overdue. Perhaps a hunting trip is in our near future."
"Of course. Anything you wish," he answers compliantly.
The trip will help Killian clear his mind while escaping the everyday monotony of his life in the palace. He strides across the terrace and takes a seat in a chair, using the light of the fire from the mounted torches to aide his sight. There is one other thing that always makes him feel better. "Care for a game?"
His friend quickly makes his way over, sitting across from the prince. Between them is a chess board where all the pieces stand, ready to be played. They have a mutual love for the game and play every opportunity they can afford.
"Always." James Nolan of Misthaven grins as he ponders his first move. "You need not ask twice, my lord."
