A/n: Sorry for the delay, I hope you all had a merry christmas (or whatever you are celebrating these days) – this chapter is a bit long, I wasn't sure if I should split it, but I decided in keeping it as one. The next update will be in the next days as I really had a run and want to move a bit quicker so we will find out what happens to Killian ;)

Enjoy and leave a comment, so I know if anyone is still interested ;)


The sound of heavy boots woke Emma. She slowly opened her eyes, not sure where she was. Her eyes slowly accustomed to the bright sunlight. She sat up and stretched. She was in Killians cabin on the Jolly Roger and the ship was moving. Emma looked surprised. Suddenly all the memories of the last day came back. The big goodbye, their first night together on the Jolly. The begin of their journey.

Emma got up and dressed. She put her hair up and looked into the large mirror next to Killians bed. Their bed. She smiled. She did it. She finally did it. A whole year together with her boyfriend.

No parents who could interrupt, no balls or other royal commitments. Freedom.

That was everything she ever wished for and now she will have it. An entire year without any obligations.

She wasn't sure if she was allowed to use the hatch, so she decided to take the longer path up on deck. She passed some crew members, who greeted her or just looked up. Finally she stood on deck.

She observed it. It was quite busy. She wasn't used to the tasks of every single crew member so she watched them curiously. She found Killian and watched him fascinated.

He was discussing something with Mr. Smee and a naval officer. He looked stunning. On their journey to Neverland, she wasn't paying any attention, but now she could see that he felt so comfortable on his ship. It was like he was a part of it. (or her, she wasn't still sure how to talk about the ship.)

He moved gracile, he spoke with a fire she didn't know was burning inside him. It was like he had never done anything else. He seemed to be home, doing what he loved and knew.

"Emma!", Killian smiled and she started to walk towards him. Okay it was not walking actually, it was something in between stumbling and hoping not to fall over. How did Killian do this? How did everyone around do it? Okay, Densworth seemed to have the same problems, but all the others seemed to be able to walk as easily as on land.

"Hello princess", Killian said and pulled her closer. She was relieved being safe in his strong arms. She's kissed him and smiled.

"Good morning, Captain." He suddenly started to laugh.

"Morning, sweetheart? It's past noon. You slept like a rock, I checked on you three times since sunrise." Emma blushed.

"I'm sorry, it's so cozy sleeping on the rocking vessel."

"You don't need to apologise, love. You have all rights to sleep as long as you want. No obligations. Remember?!" She smiled and laid her head on his chest.

"I love you, Killian." He kissed the crown of her head.

"Aye. I love you too, Emma." Non of them said a word or moved until someone called Killian.

He broke the hug, but didn't let go of her. His hooked arm was still around her waist, holding her tight. He started to discuss with the man who has called him. After a while he turned to her.

"I need to show you some things later. The route we want to take, the stops we will make. I also want you to get known to my crew. Especially to my first and second mate." He kissed her temple and watched the crew.

Emma laid her head on his shoulder. Killian smiled satisfied. "You know, you can go wherever you want on that ship", he said smiling.

"I know, but I am where I want to be and besides, walking isn't that easy for me. How can you move that easily?!" Killian laughed again.

"Trust me, in a few days you will be moving around as easily as on land. You still have your land legs, but you'll get used to it. Promise." He still had his arm around her. "Come, you must be starving." As on command her belly growled, making her blush.


"So, we are here now and we will go all the way up to here. We will port here, here and here", Killian explained with so much passion, Emma got goosebumps.

She followed his fingers on the map. "The next four days we will be at sea. The first stop will be over here." He looked at her, at Smee and Commander Haddock, his second mate.

Emma tilted her head. "Whose kingdom is it? "Ellas and Thomas'", Killian told her smiling.

"The prince and princess will give a ball for you. This will be your debut as Crown Princess Emma of Misthaven", Densworth suddenly said. Emma's stomach flipped. She looked at him and back to Killian.

Killian ignored Densworth' statement and went on, "We will stay at least two days in port. Enough time to refill our supplies and let the crew go ashore."

"What shall we do with Coen?", Commander Haddock suddenly asked. "He needs to be replaced", Killian said coldly and looked at Haddock.

"I hope we'll find someone as a replacement for him soon."

"There will be plenty of good men waiting for an opportunity like that and if not we can always ask the prince to lend us one of his men", Killian answered quickly.

"Aye." Haddock looked at the map again. "What's that, Captain?", Smee asked curiously.

Killians eyes narrowed. "This will be our final stop. There we will hopefully find what the king is in need for."

"What is it?", Smee and Emma asked simultaneous at the same time.

Killian looked at Emma and shook his head. "The less knows the safer it is."

"Killian!", Emma protested, but Killian shook his head again.

"I'm sorry, love. Kings order not to tell you too much." Emma pouted.

At this moment everything Killian wanted was to throw out anyone and hug his Princess. He wanted to be alone with her and kiss her, show her that she was important to him, but he just smiled and looked back at the map.

"Commander Haddock, Mr Smee, we will talk about this later." The men nodded and Killian went on explaining their route and the stops, in which kingdom they will stay how long.

"And our last stop will be in Arendelle." Emma looked up. She hadn't paid much attention after Killian had told her she wasn't allowed to know too much.

"We are going to see Elsa and Anna again?" Her smile grew bigger.

"Aye, love, but this will be in several weeks, maybe months."

"Why can't we skip everything and just go there straight?", Emma asked.

"Well, we are on a mission which includes several stops until we reach Arendelle. Kings order."

"It's important to represent the kingdom, Your Highness. Show the other majesties that the Queen and King are back, that our kingdom is still wealthy. After everything your parents have gone through, it's the least to show everyone that we have our strength back." Emma turned. Densworth was sitting on a chair in a corner.

"So this is this mission about? To show the world that Snow White and Prince Charming are back? That our kingdom is built up again and its rulers willing to fight and defend it?"

"Yes, your majesty."

"No, Mistress", it was Haddock who talked now. He looked at Killian but he only nodded in sympathy to give him permission.

"This mission is very important - we are supposed to bring something back what vanished during the first curse. Your father was looking for it since the arrival about a year ago. I bet he searched for it since he had his memory back", he smiled, it was an honest smile, a loyal smile, "when you decided to come with us, your father decided to add these stops. He is so proud of you, he wants to show every realm how wonderful and stunning his daughter and heir is. I promise you, King David would never do this to you, he loves you and wants to show you his world."

Emma's eyebrows were raised, she was stunned. She always liked Commander Haddock, but hearing him talk like that to her and about their mission and her father made her proud.

"Thank you, Commander", Killian said quite impressed. Emma's expressions calmed, she smiled at him and formed a silent thank you. Killian went on.

Emma stopped listening, she leant against a wall opposite Densworth and watched the man intensely. From the first time she was introduced to the elder man, she had a bad feeling. She couldn't understand why her parents decided to send him with her. He was so different, he was into the whole royal stuff so much. She sighed frustrated.


The next few days Emma, Killian and the crew fell into a routine. Killian got up at sunrise every day, Emma daily slept until noon, Densworth tried to teach Emma royal behaviour for the ball.

He also wanted her to practice dancing every day, for this he always chose a naval officer but Emma refused it and only danced with Killian (when she did it, in their cabin, alone).

Emma still had the problem of land legs. Walking on board was still hard, every now and then she bumped into a sailor or stumbled or fell. Killian teased her, but also protected her from the crew and their comments and smiles.

Emma practiced her magic. The days were long on the ship and she had nothing else to do. She didn't want to tell Killian but she felt a bit bored sometimes. He as the captain was always needed somewhere or had to do something, but she had no real task, she was more a passenger than anything else.


It was dark when they landed in Thomas' kingdom. They sent a sailor to the castle to tell their majesties that they will meet them the next day.

Emma stood on deck. She was fascinated by the busy life in port. Killian stood at the wheel, yelling and commanding. The air was cold, but Emma was so excited she denied the cold.

"Your Highness, it's getting cold, you should wear a cape." She turned and wrinkled her nose.

"Thank you, but I can handle myself." Densworth sighed and walked away. Emma got more and more annoyed of this man. He should be her assistant, instead he was sneaking around, criticizing everything she did.

At first she had invited him to eat with Killian, her, Smee and Haddock, but when he started picking at her every time she just lifted a finger, she stopped asking him to join them.

He also followed her everywhere she went. Only the captain cabin was a safe place for her.

So she tried to spend as much time there as she could, practicing magic or reading. God, she wished there would be a television.

She looked over at Killian, but he was busy yelling at a naval crew member. She smiled weakly and turned again, facing the port.

Although it was late, there were many people around. Mostly men standing, talking, some sat around gambling, a few seemed to be drunk.

"It's not very busy at this hour. Tomorrow there will be much more to see", someone suddenly told her. Emma turned and smiled slightly. It was Lieutenant Forbes, a very young officer, who seemed to be very loyal to Killian.

Suddenly Killian stepped up beside her. "Captain", Forbes said and nodded.

"Lieutenant Forbes." The young man clicked his heels and left.

"Everything alright, love?" Emma leaned against him, still looking at the people on land.

"Yeah. I'm just curious about these people."

"We will stay for two days, so you can explore the town and its surrounding. Well, of course escorted by me or someone I chose." Emma raised her head so she was able to look at him.

"And why is that, Captain?" He put his arms around her waist.

"It's not safe there, Emma. And although I know you are a tough woman, I'd feel much better knowing someone with you." Now Emma turned.

She placed her hands on his shoulders. "Thank you for being protective over me." Now Killian raised an eyebrow.

"You are not complaining?" She shook her head, eventually a bit irritated about her words herself.

"You know, I had many discussions with David the last year, about riding out alone, about the behaviour of men in this realm, about the role of a woman here. I cannot say I do love the idea of being a woman in this world but I chose this life and because of that I do have to adjust. And besides, having you by my side is not that bad either."

She now smiled, pulled him closer and kissed him passionately. Killian responded immediately. They deepened their kiss when suddenly someone cleared his throat next to them.

"The carriage is waiting, Your Highness." Emma broke their kiss and looked at the man standing behind Killian without letting go of him.

"Carriage?", she asked annoyed.

"Yes, Your Highness, we are going to the castle. Although their majesties will see us by tomorrow, we still are allowed to stay there. Much more comfortable than here."

Now Emma broke their hug and stepped forward. "The Jolly Roger is one of the finest vessels of all realms, if not the finest vessel. The beds here are as comfortable as in a castle. (definitely a lie but Densworth didn't need to know that.) I will not leave this ship tonight."

"Your Highness", Densworth started to protest, but Emma only turned her attention back to Killian.

"Fine", Densworth said offended, "I'll take the offer and will excuse you. Everything else would be bad manner." Emma shrugged but smiled at Killian. "And besides, Princess, it's not appropriate to make out in public."

He stomped off the Jolly Roger into the carriage, when he looked up at Emma, he saw that Emma and Killian again were in a heated kiss. He shook his head and slammed the door shut.

When the carriage left, Emma bursted into laughter, still holding on to Killian.

Killian allowed the crew to go ashore. Only two men had to stay behind. A pirate and a naval officer, both seemed not very happy about the captains order but obeyed. Commander Haddock also stayed on the Jolly Roger as Killian and Emma did.


The next morning, Emma woke up very early. It was still dark when she heard the screaming and shouting again.

She jumped up, put on some clothes and climbed up the ladder.

When she saw what was going on, her eyes widened. A man was tied to the main mast, another man stood in front of him, smiling heartlessly. In his hand he held a whip. Blood dropped off it on the floor.

Emma wasn't able to move, she was just staring at the scenario.

Suddenly the whip rushed through the air. When it hit the back of the tied up man, Emma winced.

She tried again to move closer or at least to say something, but she wasn't able to.

The man at the mast turned his head slowly, Emma's eyes widened again.

She started to tremble while she screamed his name.

"KILLIAN!" She sat up straight. She was covered in sweat, her hair sticking at her forehead. Her breath was sped up as her heart beat was.

She looked around, Killian wasn't there. Suddenly fear ran through her veins. She heard noises from above.

She quickly put on a gown and climbed up the ladder.

When she stood on deck, she looked around. Sighing in relief when seeing Killian standing at the railing, she started to run, only to trip on a rope laying around and falling to the ground face first.

"Emma!" Killian hurried to her, but Lt. Ivory and Lt. Forbes were quicker and helped her up. Emma didn't thank them, when Killian stood in front of her, she put her arms around him and held him tight.

"Emma, you are paler than a sheet, what's wrong?"

"Are you alright, Killian?" Killian was surprised by the question but nodded. Emma was trembling, so Killian pulled her closer. "I...I had a bad dream...it...it seemed so real", she mumbled.

Tears stained his shirt. Killian soothed her, he hasn't seen her like this since her visions of death a few years ago.

"Come, lets go to my cabin."

"No, can we please stay up here? Just maybe sit?" Killian put a strain behind her ears. They sat down, Killian put an arm protectively around her. "It was just a dream, Emma." She nodded but she was not as sure as Killian.

"Captain", suddenly Smee appeared and looked at him nervously.

"Bad timing, Mr Smee, as always", Killian sighed and looked at him annoyed.

"But Captain, you should really...", Smee said but was interrupted by heavy boot steps.

"Bloody hell", Killian suddenly said and got up.

"So it is true", a deep voice said. Emma looked up, but her view was blocked by Killian.

"You are back. On my ship", the voice continued.

"Your ship?", Killian asked, his voice dark and harsh.

"Aye, Hook. The Jolly Roger is mine."

"It clearly is not", Killian denied and placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.

"You did trade this ship for...what was it again...aye...a magic bean...and I was the lucky one to cross the merchant's ship - and after some business talk the Jolly Roger finally was mine."

"You mean you captured it", Killian growled, still blocking Emma's view. The other man bursted into laughter.

"That's what real pirates do. But I heard you are no pirate anymore, only a lovesick puppy. For whom did you trade your ship again?" Killian got angry.

"Buggar off MY ship, Blackbeard. You lost the ship to Queen Elsa of Arendelle."

"Oh the ice queen? The bitch bottled up my ship", he growled.

That was enough for Emma, she jumped up and stepped next to Killian. "Don't you dare talk about Elsa like that", she said sternly.

"Ahh, that must be the wench you traded your ship for." Killians eyes narrowed.

"Off my ship", he commanded and stepped forward, "the Jolly Roger is mine. Back off." Blackbeard laughed again.

"Don't think this is over yet." Blackbeard looked directly at Emma. She tried not to show it, but her blood ran cold. The man in front of her was the man from her dream. The man who tortured Killian.

When Blackbeard left, she needed to sit again. Killian walked to the railing and watched Blackbeard walk away.

"Double the guards. The ship has to be watched all the time. Especially when I am not on board." He came back to Emma.

"You alright, Emma?" She got up and hugged him. She didn't say anything, just held him close. He didn't want to push her and so he said nothing. He only stroke her hair and held her tight.


About an hour later a carriage came to collect Emma and Killian.

"Why can't we stay here? I don't want to go to the castle." Emma was still thinking about her dream, she didn't want to leave the ship.

"Love, Ella and her Prince want to see you. They haven't seen you for a while." Emma sighed. She walked off the ship, but when she turned, Killian wasn't following.

"You coming?", she asked but saw the concern on his face. She sighed again and walked back to him. "I won't let you stay here alone. I'll stay too."

"Emma, you have to go."

"But not without you."

"I am needed on the Jolly. Besides, what shall I do there?" Emma felt hurt, she needed him, as support, she didn't want to go without him.

"Alex surly wants to see you again. She adores you." Killian suddenly smiled. He thought about the little girl, but still seemed to be conflicted. Emma hasn't told him about her dream.

She sighed, still not feeling well leaving without him. "You stay here, I'll go alone. But promise me not to get into trouble." He stepped closer.

"Of course I'll stay out of trouble and I'll join you tonight at the ball."

"That you must do, I can't do it without you." She quickly kissed him on his lips.

"I love you." He took her face into his hand and caressed her cheek with his thumb.

"And I love you, princess." He kissed her on his lips and forehead.


When Emma stepped out of the carriage, her stomach was in knots. The huge castle was impressive. There were many guards, servants and other people standing around.

"Emma!", someone suddenly shouted. She turned and was facing Ella and her family. Alex was in Thomas' arms, not looking at her.

"Where is Killian?" Emma tried to put up a happy face.

"I am sorry, he is distracted. But he will join us later at the ball."

"Uhm about that...", Ella suddenly said and looked at Thomas. Emma raised her brows. "I am sorry but there won't be ball tonight", Thomas said stroking Alex back and looking between Ella and Emma.

"I beg your pardon?", Densworth, wo did appear a few moments ago, suddenly asked. Thomas turned his attention to him.

"Yes, we are sorry but we were not able to arrange the ball."

"Unacceptable", Densworth said and looked at them angrily. Emma was more than surprised. She looked at the man and inhaled sharply.

"Please forgive my servant", Emma suddenly said, looking at Ella, "of course it is no problem not having a ball tonight. We thank you for your invitation and don't want you to have any troubles with having me here." Ella looked at Thomas, she seemed to be a bit embarrassed.

"Why don't we get inside and talk." Emma nodded, she looked at Densworth who wanted to follow her.

"Mr Densworth, I don't accept a behaviour like this. I think it will be the best you take a walk to calm down. I can handle the situation myself."

"Your Highness!", Densworth protested, "your father gave me strict instructions."

"But he is not here and I tell you to leave me alone with my friends."

"Your father won't be happy about it. I'll have to report him about your behaviour and about the state in this kingdom. Not acceptable."

"Watch your mouth!", Emma yelled at him, "and report whatever you want. My father knows me, I'm no kid you can educate. Now leave and turn back to the Jolly Roger."

"Your Highness!"

"Leave!" She turned to Ella and Thomas. Both were looking at her impressed. She walked towards them.

When they all were in the castle, Emma's features fell. "Thank god. I am so relieved there won't be a banquette for me. I really think I'm not ready for it." She looked at them and smiled. "But tell me, how are you, is everything alright?"

Ella looked at Thomas and smiled. "Come and see yourself." Emma got curious and followed her friend.

A few minutes later they stood in a nursery. Emma's eyes shone bright. A little baby girl laid in her crib, sleeping. A young maid sat in a corner, greeting them silently when they entered.

"Congratulations", Emma said happily.

"Thank you", Ella smiled too, "young girl decided to come a bit sooner than expected. I am sorry we weren't able to tell you." Emma hugged Ella.

"David didn't even tell me you were pregnant", Emma said while hugging Thomas and Alexandra.

"Come, we should go and sit as long as our little girl rests", Thomas said. Emma now could see the bags under his eyes. He seemed to be exhausted. Ella also seemed to be tired and worn out.

"Guys, you look very tired. You should rest too. A baby is nothing easy to handle. When I think back the nights with Baby Neal at home...", she smiled sympathetically.

"But you just arrived."

"Really it's okay. I don't know the exact timetable but as there should have been a ball planned for tonight we surly will stay until tomorrow. So plenty of time to see us again and sit together."

"You sure, Emma?"

"Yes I am sure. Please, I don't want you to feel obliged to anything at all. Enjoy the time with your daughters." Ella hugged Emma again.

"What about having dinner tonight? Just you, Killian, Thomas, Alex and I. We still do have to eat."

"Deal", Emma said and smiled.

"Great. So let's meet again at six?!" Emma nodded and left the castle. Twenty minutes later she was at the docks again.


Killian was nervous. He walked up and down in his quarters. The appearance of Blackbeard had made him nervous. His words had made him think.

He still was a pirate - wasn't he? He was no lovesick fool who couldn't handle himself.

His fist landed on the desk, teeth clenched. His decision was clear. The next time he will see Blackbeard, he definitely would show him that he still was the fearsome Captain Hook. No matter what.

He sat down, but jumped up again the next moment. "Mr Smee, Commander Haddock", he yelled out of the door. He walked back to the desk, placed both hands on it and sighed furiously. The two men appeared moments later.

"Captain?!"

"Close the door", Killian said sternly. "I trust in your discretion, gentlemen." Both looked at each other and back to Killian.

"Aye, sir."

"Good, we need to find Captain Blackbeard. He is dangerous and a threat of the princess. When he finds out who Emma is, she will not be safe anymore."

"So what is your plan, Captain?"

"Track him, chase him, capture him."

"And than?", Haddock asked quietly. Killian turned to him, as much as he liked the naval officer, he wasn't used to the procedure of the pirates.

Smee smiled and nodded. "Aye Captain. I'll put the search parties together." Killian nodded and turned to Haddock.

"Any problems with that?" Haddock shook his head.

"As long as we tell the men it is for the princess' safety, everything is alright." Killian clapped him on the back.

"Aye."


"Is everything alright? Where is Killian?", Emma was nervous when she saw the crew leave the ship in small groups.

"Aye Mistress, everything is alright. Captain's in his cabin", Smee said, looking as nervous as ever. She sighed in relief and walked on.

"Mistress!", Commander Haddock suddenly said, his tips of the ears went red, "you are back quite early." Emma tilted her head.

"Any problems with that, Commander?" The man hastily shook his head and cleared his throat.

"No, not at all. Captain is in his cabin. He will be pleased to see you again so soon." Emma watched him suspiciously. He went on, without looking at her again.

Emma opened the door to Killians cabin.

"Commander Haddock, I told you, if you have a problem with it than you don't need to join the search." He turned and stopped dead in his tracks. "Emma!" Emma looked at him, not able to tell what was going on.

"Why is everyone so surprised by seeing me again so soon? What's going on, Killian?"

"Nothing, love." She narrowed her eyes.

"Who or what are you looking for and why can't I escape the feeling that something is going on I should not know about?"

"Why are you not at the castle? Is everything alright with Ella and Thomas?"

"Don't start a hare!"

"I am not, I am just curious", Killian said and scratched a spot behind his ear.

"Ha!", Emma said and pointed at him, "you are keeping something from me, you are doing it again." "Do what?" "This thing with the scratching behind your ear."

"What? Are you mocking me?" Emma blushed and smiled.

"I would never. It's kind of adorable. Every time you are nervous or uncomfortable, you do it."

"I so am not adorable. Pirates are everything than adorable."

Emma stepped closer, lowered her voice. "Yes, you are, Captain. My adorable, sweet pirate."

Killian raised an eyebrow and tilted his head. He seemed to be a bit offended.

"But devilishly handsome", Emma added, stepping into his personal space.

Now Killians brows raised even higher. "Go on."

"Fearsome." She kissed him. "Brave." Kiss. "Caring." Kiss. "Strong." Kiss. "Passionate." Kiss. She deepened the last kiss, her hands playing with the hair on his nape. "My soulmate". Kiss. "My lover." Kiss "My true love." Kiss. This time Killian deepened the kiss. He pulled her closer, his hook resting on her smaller back, his hand between her shoulder blades.

He hated to lie to her, to keep something from her, but it was easier to say nothing. She probably would tell him to stop. She would tell him that it was not about her it was about him, why he was tracking Blackbeard down. That he was hurt and offended by his words. And she would be damn right about it. He was not a lovesick puppy, he was not a shadow of his glorious former self. He still was Captain Hook. The fearsome pirate who did not have to ask permission for his actions.

Dammit. He didn't notice that he had broke the kiss, that Emma was staring at him.

"Killian, you are keeping something from me." It now was a statement, not a question anymore. He looked up.

"You were not supposed to be back so soon." Emma stepped back.

"I am sorry that I wanted to be with you instead of hanging around with newly minted parents who definitely need to sleep and rest." She was getting angry and walked toward the desk, she stumbled but reached the desk without falling.

"They have another baby?" Emma turned slowly. Really? They were having an upcoming argument and the only thing he wanted to know was the news of the baby?! "Boy or girl?"

"A baby girl." Emma answered confused.

"What's her name?"

"I...I don't know. I haven't asked." Killian raised an eyebrow, again. Damn him and his eyebrows. "Forget it, okay? If you don't want to tell me what's going on, fine. Just be ready at half past five. We will have dinner with Ella and Thomas tonight."

"What about the ball?"

"No ball, just dinner", Emma said, leaving the cabin.

She hated to fight with him, especially when she knew he was lying in her face. How often had he told her to be honest, not to tell lies. She was hurt and she wanted to be alone. When she reached the deck, there was only a small group of men standing at the helm. She watched them, when Killian came up the hatch.

"Captain, will you join us? Ivory, Giddy, Collins and Ashton will stay", Smee told him eagerly. Killian looked at Emma, their eyes met.

"Aye, I'll come with you. Lieutenant Daring, you will stay here and keep an eye on Emma." He lowered his voice. "She is not allowed to leave the ship and she doesn't have to know who we are looking for." "What shall I tell her if she asks?" "Lie!" Forbes swallowed and looked at Emma. "Yes, Sir."

Killian led the small group. Emma watched them leave while Lieutenant Forbes came over.

"You don't have to lie. I know the Captain told you to watch me." Forbes swallowed again, he seemed to be nervous. Emma sighed. "I'll be in the captain quarter."

Forbes didn't know what to say. "Yes, Mistress."