Thanks again for the reviews! Here's the next chapter. Enjoy

CHAPTER 3

Emma awoke early the next morning, worn out by the beginning of her adventure. She inhaled and couldn't help but smile. The room smelled like old books and the sweet scent of Killian. She stretched her arms above her head but stopped when she felt something move on the bed beside her. Emma cautiously rolled over and saw the Captain slumbering beside her. She gently poked his side and he stirred but only to fling his arm over her side and pull her closer to his warm body. Emma blushed red and slid softly out of his grasp.

She knew that she couldn't very well roam the ship in her black dress so she rummaged through his drawers until she found an old pair of brown trousers and a thin white shirt. She emerged from the captain's quarters and all eyes were on her.

"Hello miss, anything I can help you with?" Mr. Paine appeared behind her bowing slightly.

"No, thank you sir. I was just hoping to explore the ship. Is that okay?"

"Not my ship miss. If the captain says it's okay then feel free."

Emma smiled and began to wander the deck. She moved around the ship and observed every detail of the ship and watched with interest as the men worked. It looked like a play to her. Every person playing their roles, every person picking up the right props and pulling the right ropes. She couldn't help but feel out of place. As she walked to the bow she could feel the strong wind on her face and she had to hold onto the rigging to keep from falling over.

"This is what freedom is." She thought to herself, "This is what it's like to have no boundaries. It's not moments surrounded by other people who claim to be free. It's standing with just you and yourself and knowing that there's nothing in the world that can stop you."

Emma's thoughts were interrupted by a strange man's voice, "Careful lass, fall off you will if ye get too close."

Emma turned and smiled kindly, "Thank you sir but I think I'm quite safe."

"Aye that ye are." The man was good enough looking but something menacing gleamed in his eyes. Emma's father had always told her, 'A man's desires can be read through his eyes. If he doesn't look at you like he's worshipping you then he will only be trouble.' The man moved closer and Emma became wary of his words, "Yer a pretty little bit of skirt aren't ye? You best be careful miss, there may be some on this ship who would take advantage of a young thing like you. Take the Capt'n for instance. He be a nice enough man on the outside but he's just a body filled with coal."

"Then it is quite obvious you know nothing about the man that you serve. He is all goodness and kindness." Emma didn't know why she was sticking up for the man that she didn't even know but she felt a responsibility to say the best about him. He had after all, helped her take hold of her life.

"Ah that's right. You're his mistress." She didn't like the way he spat out his words, "I tell you miss you could do a lot better."

"Weren't you ever taught not to play with another man's things?" Killian walked to Emma's side and slid a protective arm around her.

"Excuse me Capt'n. Seems I forgot my place." Said the man, still eyeing Emma.

"Back to work now! If I see you with the lady again I will personally handle your…. Resignation." The man walked away without and work and Killian simply pulled her closer. "There are many good men on this ship but Lagen Hills is not included in that category. It's best to stay away from him love."

"Thank you." Emma removed herself from his grasp and clung to the rigging once again. "Oh and thank you for the clothes. I know I didn't really ask but I didn't think you'd mind. After all…. We did share the same bed."

"I don't mind, they suit you. And I thought it was quite obvious about the bed. I'm the Captain and the Captain does not sleep on the floor. Don't worry love, I'll be the perfect gentleman. Besides, if ever I did anything to you, you would definitely want to be awake for it." Killian's smile grew into a devilishly handsome grin that Emma almost couldn't bear.

She cleared her throat and changed the subject quickly, "So, where are we headed?"

"We're going to the Brooke Kingdom. That's where Mr. Gold is. He's going to help me get what I need."

"And that is?"

"Gold." Killian said no more on the subject but strutted around his ship yelling orders. Emma followed loosely behind him but stopped when she reached a young man fiddling with some rigging.

"Can I help?"

He looked curiously up and her and stuttered out, "Well… It's not… I don't think…. Do you really want to work? It's not for a woman."

"I would love to learn what you're doing."

"B..but the Captain."

"He'll be fine with it. I'm a quick learner and I want to pull my weight." The man complied and began to teach her about the rigging. The two caught Killian's eye and he almost scolded them until he noticed the joy on Emma's face. His heart danced for a moment but it was quickly repressed. He shook his head and let the two work.

Once land was spotted Killian shouted for Emma. She brushed the dirt off her hands and made her way to his side. "You're coming to shore with me."

"How long will we be there?"

"Just after sunset. Why? Do you like being aboard the ship?"

"Yes! I love it here. I think I could be persuaded to live on a ship for the rest of my life." Killian snorted and almost responded with a snarky comment but for some reason held his tongue. "Do I need to get my dress?"

"No. We'll find you one once we get into town."

"But I have no money."

"Who said anything about buying it?"

Emma and Killian entered a small shop behind a tavern called "The Gold Emporium". As they made their way to the back of the shop Emma couldn't help but admire every inch of the store. Rich rugs were thrown on the ground, all around lied antiques and trinkets and jewels of all shapes and sizes. Some items almost looked like trash to her eye but they had worth to somebody despite her doubts.

"Ah, Prince Killian!" The man behind the counter shook hands with the pirate.

"Hello Mr. Gold. As you may have well guessed I am here to collect my favor."

"Of course how could I forget the service you provided me with?" Mr. Gold was an odd looking fellow. He had a narrow, aged face but he wore a certain youthful look in his eyes. His suit was made of the finest leather and he smelled of rich perfumes. "What can I do for you?"

"I will need two sets of fine clothing, an invitation to the best private party tonight, and a carriage."

The man stroked his chin and replied, "You must understand I can only lend you the items you require."

"Of course. Whatever we…. Receive at the party tonight will be more than enough."

"I'll have the arrangements made. Come back at around four o'clock and your items will be waiting for you."

"So who is Mr. Gold?" Emma didn't speak until they were well away from the shop.

"Have you heard of Rumplestiltskin?"

Emma shivered at the name, "Of course, everyone knows about him."

"Aye but not everyone knows that he has a brother. And that brother just happens to be Mr. Gold."

"How did Rumplestiltskin's brother ever end up owing you a favor?"

"Rumple's son, Baelfire, was quite desperate to get out of his father's reach. So he looked to his uncle for help. I came along at just the right moment and agreed to give the boy safe passage to a land where his father would never find him. I couldn't name a price so I had him simply owe me a favor."

"What of the boy?"

"He changed his name to Peter and he now leads a group of orphan boys around a place where they will never grow up. Seems like it was well deserved after what he had to go through with his father."

"Emma hurry up!" Killian had already changed into his outfit for the night and was waiting impatiently for the woman to finish.

"I'm coming! You do understand that there are far more layers to a lady's dress than a man's right?!"

"Don't I know it?" He mumbled mischievously under his breath. She walked out of the room and Killian's breath caught in his throat. She wore a fine red silk gown. The color matched the red on her soft lips and her hair was swept up upon her head. The low neckline complemented her pretty pale chest and Killian was sure he wanted to slip his arms around her tiny waist and just hold her.

Emma nervously cleared her throat, "Um, how do I look?"

"You… You look good." Killian turned away, "Rumple! Is our carriage ready?"

"Yes sir!" The man quipped. "Sir and Lady Collins, your carriage is outside."

"And they'll be expecting us?" He offered Emma his arm and she took it.

"Indeed. Make sure you say you are friends of Sir Oakwood and his wife. Then no one will think twice about you actually belonging there."

The two men shook hands and Emma was escorted into the carriage. "So… We're married?"

"Just for tonight love." Killian grinned and wondered what she was thinking. "So once we're inside look at the couples in the room. Just do what they do."

"Do you have practice at this Killian?" Emma almost didn't want him to answer. For some reason she wanted to be his first adventure.

"A pirate never reveals his secrets. You remember what we practiced this afternoon?" Emma nodded but didn't respond. She didn't know if she could pretend to love him. It would either cause her to hate him more or God forbid, she would actually start liking him. Emma was pulled out of mind when to carriage bumped to a halt and Killian took her hand, leading her out of the carriage. He slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her dangerously close to himself, "Remember, we're madly in love." He winked and showed his invitation at the door.

Emma caught her breath and chanted to herself, "This is all just pretend. He doesn't want a woman. He doesn't want me." She pasted on a pretty smile and wandered the room with her 'husband'.

"I don't believe we've met!" An older man in uniform approached them.

"I'm Sir Collins and this is my wife. We're friends of Sir Oakwood. We come from a far away kingdom."

"Ah I see. It's always a pleasure to have visitors." He shook Killian's hand and kissed Emma's knuckles, "Are you here on business?"

"No actually my wife and I were just married. This is our honeymoon." He smiled sweetly at Emma and kissed her temple.

"Young love I remember it well!" The man and Killian babbled on for several minutes and Emma excused herself to get a drink.

She found a table with refreshments and picked the one that looked the strongest. Unwanted feelings were plaguing her and she needed to push them down somehow. Emma stood watching the dancing and the conversations and felt out of place. She was used to being the center of attention at parties like this. People from far away kingdoms would come just to see her, The Princess. But she looked at Killian who smiled warmly to her and she couldn't help but feel like it was all worth it.

"Hello dear!" A middle aged woman stood to Emma's side and introduced herself as the host, Lady Cora.

"Oh it's nice to meet you. I'm Lady Collins but please, call me Emma. My husband and I are here visiting Sir Oakwood." Emma motioned to Killian who bowed slightly.

"A pity they couldn't make it. If I may be so bold you have a very handsome husband there! How long have you been married?"

"Just a few months now. Yes, I like his face well enough." Emma joked, thanking Cora for her compliments. The older lady wanted to know everything about their relationship. Luckily, Emma was good at making things up. She painted a beautiful picture of a chance meeting which led to a whirlwind romance which led to a happy marriage.

"That's so beautiful! I must get back to greeting but you and I will have tea very soon!" Emma took Cora's hand in both of hers and thanked her for a magnificent party. As Cora pulled away Emma gently slipped off a diamond bracelet and an emerald ring.

She hurried over to her 'husband' and took his arm, "I'm sorry could I steal my husband away for a moment?" They excused themselves and Emma showed him her treasures, "Is this what you wanted dear?"

He grinned and kissed her cheek, "This is perfect love! Are you making friends?"

Emma snorted and shook her head, "All I can say is that I'm glad we don't live here. That Cora woman is nice enough but there's something about her that's menacing. She wants me to come to tea with her."

"We could stay a few days longer if you wanted to." He smiled teasingly and took her hand. "Let's mingle!"

The couple roamed the ball room talking to people, dancing, and slipping priceless jewelry from the pompous people that had more at their castles. By the end of the night Emma's hand bag was quite weighed down. Once it was full the couple excused themselves, got back in their carriage and rode back to Rumple's shop.

As the castle disappeared from view Emma and Killian burst into uncontrollable laughter. "I can't believe I just did that! I just stole a bag full of jewelry and pretended to be married to a pirate!"

"Are you enjoying yourself princess?" Killian nudged her and cocked his eyebrow.

"Yes I am!" Emma sighed and let her head drop comfortably to his shoulder. They sat in pleasant silence back to Rumple's shop. They returned the clothing and walked back to the ship dressed like pirates. "As much as I love dress up, I must admit your clothes are much more comfortable!"

He chuckled and remarked, "Well you look quite nice in them." Killian was no longer looking at Emma as a burden, but a friend.

Mr. Paine carried Emma aboard as usual and the pair immediately retired to the captain's quarters. They laid the treasures on his table and admired their work. "Would you like to keep one Emma?"

Emma laughed, thinking he was joking but noticed his seriousness, "What would I do with fine jewelry?"

"Wear it! That's what I was told that women to with jewelry."

"Yes that is what's done! But I'm aboard a ship, why would I need it?"

"It's called a gift but if you don't want it then by all means don't take it!" He gathered the jewels and locked them safely away in a cabinet.

Emma pulled off her boots and lay down, wrapping the blankets securely around her. She was almost asleep when she felt Killian lie down beside her. Without thinking, Emma scooted closer to his warmth until he fixed his arm around her waist. "Goodnight." He whispered gently into her ear.

Emma smiled contentedly and fell quickly to sleep.

Killian lay awake for a while not sure of what was happening. Here he was, swearing he'd never get emotionally attached to anything and yet he was holding a girl in his arms that he cared so much about. His arm around her wasn't merely for comfort; it was his way of telling her that he would protect her no matter what. She was his responsibility and he knew without a doubt that he would give his left arm to keep her safe.

I hope you all enjoyed! It'll be a busy weekend so I probably won't update until Monday. But i'm sure some comments will help the writing process! (If i get three reviews i promise to update by Sunday!)