A/N: Thank you to everyone who read the first chapter, it means a lot! I'm still really new to writing OUAT fanfic, but please don't be shy in giving reviews - I love feedback!

Disclaimer: I own nothing

Emma ran inside, rushing through the castle hallway until she found her bedroom and ran inside, swinging the doors shut behind her. Once she was alone, she pulled her hands out from where they had been shoved into her pockets, opening and closing them again and again, willing the white light to fade from her palms. Closing her eyes, she took in a deep breath then exhaled slowly outwards, forcing herself to relax. Much to her surprise, when she opened up her eyes, her palms had returned back to their normal colour, no evidence of the light ever being there. Frowning, she shoved her hands back into her pockets and made her way back to the castle halls.

Meanwhile…

Killian chuckled to himself as he descended the steps below deck, thinking of the beautiful blush that had risen on the princess' cheeks, visible even from the distance. He set about cleaning the boat, his mind replaying this morning's events. He cringed now just remembering it. He had walked into the banquet hall, set to make a good impression on his new employers. It wasn't even part of his job to serve drinks, he was just a naval officer for god's sake! Still, he thought he was being wise, offering to assist the kitchen staff in bringing the royal family their breakfast, thinking that he could formally introduce himself to the King and Queen. He had not accounted for the beautiful blonde seated with them at the table. His breath caught in his throat as his eyes fell on her, his whole focus suddenly fixating on her like she was the only person in the room. He didn't realise he had lost his composure before it was too late, the glass jug already in shatters on the floor. His awe grew further when the girl met his eyes, her green orbs staring at him with such intensity it felt like she could see into his soul. He tore his eyes from her as a small blush rose onto the girl's cheeks, making sure to apologise profusely to the King and Queen for his disturbance.

Another surprise was the Queen herself; her calming presence and caring nature something largely unfamiliar to Killian, especially coming from a Queen. He didn't understand why, but he felt himself relaxing in her company, even laughing at the story she told him. Killian began to understand why Liam was so insistent on them moving to this kingdom, the kind and modest nature of the rulers evident even in his brief meeting with them. His mind inevitably went back to the green-eyed girl. He had never felt such a sudden connection with anyone before in his life. It was silly to even entertain the thought of her reciprocating his feelings, but he still let his mind ponder the image of the alluring blonde.

That was why he was so surprised to see her standing on the balcony, her gaze evidently fixed on him. He laughed as he saw her duck below the balcony, only serving to confirm his suspicions that she was, in fact, staring at him. He saw her rise slowly and peek back over the balcony, and so he waved softly at her, alerting her that she had been caught. His laughter grew as she smiled shyly, before he turned around and stepped below deck, leaving him where he is now.

As he cleaned the boat, he stumbled across an old jewellery box; judging by the thick layer of dust covering it, he suspected it hadn't been touched since his mother's passing when he was just nine years old. Even ten years after her death, he could still picture her bright blue eyes radiating with joy every time she was with Killian and Liam. He knew that was the reason his father could not bring himself to raise Killian any further; those bright blue eyes still lived on in Killian, his face a living reminder of his lost love. From that day on he had been raised by Liam, who at the time was only fifteen, but managed to secure the two boys safe passage on a passing naval fleet, leaving them where they are now. A 25 year old naval captain, and a 19 year old naval officer. He was proud of how far they had come.

Lifting the lid on the box carefully, he rummaged through the old, worn jewellery. Finding nothing, he was about to close the box when he felt something like velvet secured to the lid. Lifting the lid higher, he saw a small velvet bag attached to the roof. Removing it gently, he opened the drawstrings of the small bag and tipped it up into his palm, two items falling out: a necklace and a tiny piece of scroll. Unwrapping the paper, he began to read the note:

To my dearest Killian,

I presume that if have found this, I am no longer with you. I left this necklace here for safe-keeping, knowing that one day, you would find it. I know how much you adored this boat.

I am not sure how much time has elapsed since my passing, but I know that you will have found this now because you are ready. This necklace, son, is very special. I wore it every day for many years, until I knew, in my heart, I had to leave it here for you.

Its purpose you are yet to discover, however remember this: give it to the one who shines the most brightly, and follow them to the end of the realms.

I love you, my dear Killian, and please send my love to your brave brother Liam.

Yours forever,

Mother.

By the time he had finished reading the letter, tears had stained the paper, causing some of the ink to run. Clasping the necklace by its chain, he held it up and examined it. It was a simple, small circle on a thin, silver chain, a small diamond encased in the circle. Tucking the letter carefully into his satchel, he took the necklace and placed it over his head, the chain long enough that the diamond fell just below his breast bone. Wiping away the fallen tears from his cheeks, he lifted his head up with conviction.

"I will honour your wish Mother."

"So Emma, I heard you had a bit of a run in with the handsome new naval officer this morning," Ruby said, wiggling her eyebrows playfully.
"Not really, he just dropped something in the hall where we were having breakfast, it was nothing dramatic," Emma stated, eyes pointedly focused on the book that was perched in her lap.
"So you're not denying he is handsome?" Ruby said, a teasing smile growing on her face. Emma looked up at Ruby, attempting an 'are you serious?' face, but the rising blush on her cheeks gave her true thoughts away.
"Oh my god, you totally like him!" Ruby squealed, dropping the pillow she had previously been fluffing before running over to Emma and jumping onto the bed.
"You do realise people would think it was improper if they saw my chambermaid lounging around on my bed like this," Emma said, eyes still fixed on the words in front of her, although she had stopped reading a while ago.
"Oh come on Em, I know you don't give a crap about things like that. Plus, everyone in the castle knows that we're best friends, so wouldn't even question it. No quit avoiding my question and answer me!" She said, nudging her friend in the shoulder. Emma made a dramatic show of slamming closed the book, resting it on her bedside table before turning back to her friend.
"What?" She said, acting like she hadn't heard every word of Ruby's accusation.
"I said, do you like the new naval officer, Killian Jones I think his name is?" Ruby said, a knowing smile on her face.
"To be honest, I barely even remember him, sorry," Emma said, playing with a loose thread on her bedspread.
"Oh my god, even if I didn't know you so well, I would be able to tell that was a lie!" Ruby laughed, rolling her eyes light-heartedly at Emma.
"Hey! That was not a lie!" She replied, almost petulantly.
"Okay," Ruby said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Emma grabbed the pillow from behind her and threw it at her best friend's face, a loud cackle sounding from her when she saw the look of surprise on Ruby's face.
"That is it. You're on!" Ruby declared, picking up another pillow before hurling it at Emma, who had already jumped off the bed in an attempt to dodge the flying pillow. When it hit her square in the face, Ruby let out a loud cheer, being greeted seconds after by her own pillow to the face. Minutes later, the girls were both slumped over in the bed after a full-blown pillow war. Sobering up, Ruby turned round to lay on her stomach, facing Emma.

"Seriously Em, I have known you for nearly 12 years now, and never have you shown an interest in a guy."
"I mean, obviously he was absolutely gorgeous, but when he looked at me, I felt like he was literally staring into my soul…is that dumb?" Emma said, embarrassment plain on her features.
"No! When I first met Whale, I felt the exact same thing. Granted he was a bit more of a jackass than Killian, but despite that we just had a connection. Don't rule anything out just yet. Maybe try and let down some of those walls you built up so high." Ruby said, squeezing Emma's leg in reassurance before hopping off the bed to finish off her work tidying Emma's room. As Emma looked down at her fingers that were still nervously playing with the piece of loose thread, she noticed her finger tips had become as white as snow, emitting a soft glow of light. Confused, Emma brought her hand up and rested her fingers against her cheek, a sudden wave of calm washing over her entire body as the skin came into contact with the glowing. Lifting her hand from her face, she looked down to see that the glowing had ceased. How weird, she thought to herself, her lips pursing in thought. Closing her eyes, she let her head fall back against the headboard of her bed. Before she knew it, the relaxing waves pulled her deeper, helping her drift off into a deep and peaceful sleep.

Thanks again for reading, please make sure to review and spread the word! For chapter updates follow me on twitter haler_lovatic! Let me know if my fic sent you to my twitter and I will make sure to follow back :)