Author's note: Every time I think I'm going to make a nice little short story, my muse refuses to let me. So I hope you all will indulge her. But this story is a lot of fun; I love having the Frozen characters! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Only in my dreams.
Chapter Three
Emma slammed the trunk shut, securing the buckle and lock. After staring at the Arendelle coast for some time, she headed back to her cabin to get ready for their arrival. She had to change her clothes, pack her belongings and make herself presentable. As much as she wanted to see Elsa, she was also there as Misthaven's ambassador, that added a whole different kind of weight to everything she did.
She paused, looking around to make sure she had everything. They would be in Arendelle for some weeks; she wasn't sure how long. Emma was willing to stay as long as Elsa needed her, but she knew at some point, she'd have to return Misthaven's flagship and crew. Most of her belongings were in the hold of the ship; her everyday things were in the cabin. Satisfied that her things were stowed, Emma started on her clothes. She stripped off the tunic and pants and reached for the corset. She wrinkled her nose in distaste but a princess didn't always get to be comfortable. She tightened it as best she could; not as tight as her maids usually did but enough that her gown would fit properly.
The gown was new, freshly sewn by her mother's army of seamstresses. It was a dark blue frock with a plunging neckline and cinched waist. She liked the three quarter sleeves and the beading on the bodice. It was one of the prettiest gowns she'd ever owned and there were at least a half dozen more of similar quality in her luggage. A princess she may have been, but Emma did know how to dress herself; it just took her longer. Finally, after a few awkward contortions, she had the gown in place and her best sapphire necklace around her neck. It took another half hour to arrange her hair; she wrapped it up into a simple chignon, adding her diamond studded tiara.
Crown Princess Emma stared back at her, ready to do her duty.
Killian knocked on the door, fidgeting in his dress uniform. Once Arendelle was in sight, Liam suggested the crew start to smarten themselves up. He wanted to make a good impression on the foreigners. This was true for Killian in particular, since he would be at the princess's side for the duration of their stay. So he scrubbed himself down and washed his unruly hair with some of their limited water. They would be able to restock once they reached landfall. In fact, Killian wasn't sure what the crew would do during their extended stay; he hadn't asked since he knew his place was with Emma.
The lock clicked and the door swung open. Killian's mouth fell open as he stared at Emma in utter shock. From the beginning, he'd been blown away by her beauty but she was simply stunning. The gown hugged her in all the right places, the swells of her breasts peeked out of the bodice. Her golden hair was up in an elegant knot and the tiara denoting her royal status crowned her head.
"Killian?"
He shook himself. "Apologies, highness." He bowed formally, mentally berating himself for staring. "But allow me to say that you look very beautiful."
Emma nodded, smiling inwardly as his compliment. He was expected to say that, but she knew that he was sincere. It was all in the way he stared at her before he'd gotten the nerve to speak. "Thank you, Lieutenant."
A shadow crossed his face, wondering if he'd angered her somehow. He'd gotten so accustomed to her using his name, the abrupt use of his rank felt like a pang in his heart. Would their relationship, such as it was, change once they arrived at their destination? "We're nearly docked, highness. It appears there is a welcoming committee."
"Oh. Okay." She frowned a little, curious about the sudden change in his mood. His blue eyes were a tad duller than they had been moments earlier, his voice oddly formal. She had to admit he cut quite the dashing figure in his best uniform, but she wanted to see him smile. "Is everything alright, Killian?"
Killian stood up straighter, tucking his hat under his arm. "Aye. Shall we?"
Well, if he was going to be like that. She took his arm and closed the door behind her. "There's no need to be nervous," she said briskly. "You'll do fine."
"Is that advice for you or for me?" he asked, guiding her up to the deck.
She laughed dryly. "I guess we're both a little out of our element."
"I'm just a simple naval officer, princess."
She looked at him and frowned., still bothered by his tone. "No, Killian. You're..." She paused, wondering how to phase what she was thinking. She'd come to genuinely like him during their voyage, aside from the enjoyment she got out of teasing him. He was handsome and respectful, seemed to have her best interests at heart, even when his attentiveness annoyed her. She was very attracted to him, of course, but even that aside, she enjoyed the time she spent in his company. "I hope that we...I'd like us to be friends. We're going to be spending quite a bit of time together."
He was startled by her little speech, and a little uncomfortable, truth be told. His feelings for her were such a jumble, caught between guilt and exhilaration. Part of him wished to be her friend, to be someone she liked spending time with and not merely because she had to. But he was still her bodyguard, meant to watch over her and keep her safe. "I'd...like that too."
Emma smiled brightly, pleased to hear it. It hit him like a sledgehammer to the chest. She lit up when she smiled. "Fantastic."
The Jewel's crew got them docked smoothly; Killian suspected it was Liam showing off for the princess. Once the ship was moored, Liam hailed the docking master and ordered the gangplank lowered. Emma caught sight of what Killian meant; there was a committee of people waiting for them. She scanned the crowd, but neither Elsa nor Anna were anywhere in sight.
"Are you okay, princess?" Killian asked, seeing the sad frown mar her face.
Emma sighed. "Yeah."
"I'm sure the Queen will grant you an audience as soon as we get to the palace." He didn't know why, but he wanted to reassure her. The Queen of Arendelle was her friend, the reason she asked for this duty in the first place.
"Your welcome committee awaits," Captain Jones said, stepping up behind them. Killian flushed, even though they weren't doing anything wrong. They were standing rather close together, but he was merely doing his duty as her escort and bodyguard.
"Alright, show time," Emma muttered, allowing Killian to guide her to the gangplank. They stepped down slowly, mindful of Emma's gown. Liam followed after, saluting the officer sent to greet them.
"I present Her Highness the Crown Princess Emma of Misthaven," he said formally.
The officer nodded smartly, bowing to Emma. "Arendelle welcomes you, Your Highness. Her Majesty regrets she could not meet you in person but mourning forbids it." Emma suspected this was a bit of a lie. Elsa never left the palace. Ever. It wasn't exactly a prison, but Emma sometimes thought of it as such. She hated the idea of Elsa being too afraid to come out. But her parents strongly discouraged it.
Emma held out her hand to be kissed. Killian had to look away, the gesture making his stomach churn. Emma caught him, but chose not to say anything. Killian's behavior toward her ran so hot and cold; it was difficult to get a read on him. But for the first time, she had a tiny spark of hope that she wasn't the only one feeling things they shouldn't.
"May I see Her Majesty?"
"Soon," the tall officer replied. "Her Majesty would like to give you the chance to get settled in."
"In that case, I should like to see Princess Anna. We are all dear friends."
"I will pass that along, highness." The officer looked ill at ease; he clearly expected Emma to follow his instructions. She had no intention of doing so, already suspecting that something was up. "If you will follow me." They followed the man up to the little platform that had been built to welcome the new arrivals. Emma was merely the first in a cavalcade of royalty and nobility that was due to arrive over the next few weeks for the coronation. The sea shimmered in the sun as Elsa's chief adviser welcomed Emma again, giving a little speech about the close ties between the two kingdoms. Emma nodded politely, wishing he'd just hurry up. When it was her turn, Killian gave her arm a little squeeze, nodding encouragingly. How did he know that public speaking was one her list of least favorite things?
Emma gave him a fleeting smile and stood. "Thank you, Sir Stefan," she said. "It is a joy to be back in Arendelle after so many years. I wish it were under happier circumstances." She paused, considering her words. "My parents, King David and Queen Snow, were devastated to hear of the loss of such dear friends. Queen Gerda and King Agmarr were great rulers, who treated their people with kindness and respect. That kindness extended to an orphaned princess and her prince, trying to reclaim their lost kingdom. My family will forever be grateful for that kindness. I pray that even closer relations between our two kingdoms may result as we come together to mourn the lost and celebrate the new queen, Her Majesty Queen Elsa."
There was some applause from the gathered courtiers and Emma curtsied respectfully. She took Killian's arm again and allowed him to help her into the carriage that would take them to the palace.
"Give speeches like that often?" Killian asked.
She shook her head. "First time. How'd I do?"
He scratched behind his ear. "I'm no expert, princess, but I think you did a fine job. Your parents would be proud."
"Thank you, Killian." It occurred to her that despite their tentative offer of friendship, he was still being formal with her. But she had plenty of time to work on that. She was anxious to see Anna and Elsa, the latter especially. Elsa said she had things she wanted to talk about but couldn't put in a letter; Emma had an inkling of what that could be. "Feels a bit odd not having the ship swaying, doesn't it?"
"Did the princess get her sea legs during our journey?"
"I did. I think I prefer it to these bumpy carriages." She winked at him and he flushed. She felt better, hoping their little silent misunderstanding was behind them.
The palace gates opened and the carriage clattered through. They passed through the courtyard and the fountain on up to the front doors. The doors were enormous, easily ten or twelve feet, although they looked a bit smaller than she remembered. The last time she'd been in Arendelle she'd been around ten years old. Her brother hadn't even been born yet.
When the carriage stopped, Killian practically jumped out of it, offering a hand to her. She took it, trying to ignore the warm gentle touch of his fingers. This was a time for focus. She didn't trip on her skirt thankfully and quickly looped her arm through his. She liked the solid feel of him next to her more and more, even as she liked to tease him about his brand of respectful shy attentiveness.
A pair of footmen opened the doors, nodding respectfully as they crossed the threshold. They were only about ten feet inside the entrance hall when a blue, green and auburn blur slid down the banister, squealing excitedly.
"Emma! Is it you? It's been such a long time, of course it must be you, they wouldn't have let you in otherwise! It's so good to see you!" The petite figure threw her arms around Emma, forcing a shocked Killian to step back. He eyed the newcomer warily, unsure of if she was friend or foe. Emma wasn't protesting, so he tentatively assumed the former. The girl meanwhile was still jabbering away. "Elsa refuses to come out. I go see her everyday, but oh my goodness, it's been awful! But now you're here and I missed you!"
Emma smiled fondly down at the younger girl. "I missed you too, Anna," she said, holding her hand. Anna was sweet if impulsive. And really a lot of fun. She and Emma got into all kinds of mischief when they were little, games Elsa wouldn't—or as Emma suspected later, couldn't—participate in. Anna just had an irrepressible spirit and Emma loved her. "I'm hoping to stay for a while, so we'll have plenty of time to get caught up."
Anna's eyes lit up. "Really? That's wonderful!"
"Didn't Elsa tell you?"
"She said you were coming—which made me so excited—but not how long you were staying. Things have been kinda gloomy around here...obviously."
Emma smiled sadly. "I'm so sorry, Anna. How are you holding up?"
Anna shrugged. "It's been hard. Elsa didn't even come to the funeral. I begged and begged through the door, but she wouldn't come out." She glanced away. "But you know how she is."
"Anna, I know it doesn't always feel like it..."
But Anna cut her off, her curious blue eyes alighting on Killian. "Ooooh, who's your friend?"
Killian bit on his cheek, mildly offended. He was an officer in the Royal Navy. Didn't this princess have any manners? Emma merely grinned. "This is Lieutenant Killian Jones, my...well, he's my bodyguard for as long as I'm here. Don't let the stern face bother you; he's always like that."
Killian huffed until he realized his princess was teasing him again. "It's a pleasure to meet you, your highness," he said to Princess Anna, bowing.
Anna actually blushed. "Call me Anna, everyone else does."
Emma laughed. "Don't even try. He's a stickler for protocol, but I'm working on it."
Anna giggled. "I bet you are."
One of the staff came up to them and gently cleared their throat. "Your luggage is being brought in as we speak, your highness," the butler said. "We've taken the liberty of having your rooms prepared for you."
"Thank you. I appreciate that."
"It was Elsa's idea," Anna said, looping her arm through Emma's and heading back up the staircase she had slid down moments before. Killian was forced to follow as few steps behind, which grated on his nerves. He didn't know why. He knew it was his place to protect her, not squire her around everywhere. Still, it felt a little like his place had been usurped by a tiny slip of a girl. "They're a floor below to hers, just like when we were kids."
"But my rooms aren't near the Queen's chambers."
"Elsa hasn't moved into Mother's chambers," Anna said sadly. "I think it's too hard for her."
Emma pressed her lips together, unsure of what to say. She could only imagine what Elsa was going through, the conflicting emotions, but she couldn't hide from the world forever. And here was Anna, sweet, trusting Anna, who just wanted a relationship with her sister and she had no idea that anything was wrong aside from grief. Emma decided right then that she was tracking down Elsa the first opportunity she got, palace protocol be damned.
Killian saw the steely look in his princess's eye and suspected she was up to something. And certainly the Queen's lack of personal welcome had to bother her. Emma had come to comfort her friend and her friend wasn't anywhere to be found. So when they arrived at her suite and she begged off from more visiting with the young princess, Killian was on alert.
"I think I'll take a nap," Emma said, feigning a yawn. "I just can't sleep on those ships." Killian knew that was a bald faced lie, but Princess Anna seemed to accept it. She wished Emma a good afternoon and disappeared down the corridor. He tried to catch Emma's eye before she closed the door but Emma shook her head. "I'll be fine, Killian. You don't have to stand guard outside my door, you know."
"Princess."
She could tell he wasn't buying her nap excuse. "Please? This is something I have to do."
"Why?" he demanded. Attracted to her he may be, but he was still going to protect her.
Emma glanced away, unsure what to do. She didn't want to give away Elsa's secret. But she knew Killian would dog her every step unless she could reason with him. "Get in here."
"Highness..."
"Now."
He scrambled to do as she bid, gulping when the door closed behind him. "What is so bloody secret that you had to give the princess the slip?"
Emma glanced away. "I can't tell you."
"If you expect me to shirk my duties, highness, you're going to have to do better than that."
Emma scowled. She hated when he saw through her. "I can't tell you because it's not my secret to tell. I won't betray my friend's confidence, Killian."
He considered everything he'd pieced together since he met Emma. And he was pretty sure he had a good idea what the Queen's secret was, but out of respect for Emma he wouldn't force the issue. He admired Emma's faithfulness to her friend, reinforcing his good opinion of her character. "Very well, princess. What do you need me to do?"
Emma felt like she could kiss him for his willingness to go along with her, no questions asked. "You're not going to interrogate me?"
"As I told my brother, I trust your instincts, highness. Only a fool would try and gainsay you."
"I know it's a lot to ask but could you maybe keep Anna company? She's hasn't had the chance to be around other people very much; she seemed to like you."
"Is that what that was?"
Emma looked at him in surprise. "You really don't see it do you?"
"See what?"
Emma rolled her eyes. "You're handsome, any idiot can see that."
"Any idiot?" What mattered to him was if she thought he was handsome. Bugger the rest of the world.
"Will you do it or not?"
"Leaving you alone to what?"
"Go find Elsa. I don't think she's avoiding me on purpose; I think the staff is just trying to protect her. I'm just a visiting princess to them." She didn't recognize many from when they were children. In fact, there wasn't very much staff around at all.
"Princess..." He still didn't like leaving her alone in a strange place.
"You know I don't really need you, right? Between the magic and my swordsmanship, I can take care of myself."
"It had crossed my mind. Why put up with me then?"
She shrugged nonchalantly. "I have my reasons."
"Will you enlighten me one day, highness?"
"Perhaps. I swear, I just need this one tiny favor."
At length, he nodded. He would probably regret it, but he was helpless against her. Emma smiled, and in thanking him, placed a featherlight kiss to his cheek.
He was still standing there, stunned, minutes after she left the room on her quest.
Emma dashed down the hall; she paused at the back staircase, listening for any stragglers. When she heard no one, she hurried up the stairs, skirts held high until she was standing in front of Elsa's door. She remembered the way well, even though a decade had past. She'd learned to navigate it in the dark during visits. She and Elsa would spend long hours closeted in her rooms, as Emma gently coaxed her into using her powers. After the accident with Anna (Anna still bore the white shock of hair in her auburn locks), Elsa's parents forbade her to use them, forcing her to wear those gloves. But Elsa couldn't control it, so she spent her days in her rooms, only coming out for very formal occasions. Emma had discovered Elsa's powers by accident, when she was seven.
They'd been fast friends ever since.
When Emma reached the door, the knob was chilled. Elsa was definitely inside. She knocked lightly. "Elsa? Elsa, it's Emma." She could unlock the door with magic, but she wanted to be invited in.
It took a minute but the door swung open. A woman with luminous pale blue eyes, taller and more slender than Emma remembered, stared back at her. "Emma? They hadn't told me you arrived!" Elsa cried, flinging herself into Emma's arms. She hugged her friend tightly, gently stroking her hair.
"I haven't been here very long. But I was wondering where you were."
Elsa stepped back, sighing heavily. "That was my fault. I told them I didn't want to be disturbed. But come in, please."
Emma stepped into the room; it was much chillier, which surprised her. "Elsa? What's going on? It's cold in here."
Elsa looked sad. "It's a...bad day, that's all. It will thaw out eventually."
"How do you stand it?"
"The cold doesn't bother me, remember?"
Emma rubbed her arms. "Right." Elsa hurried to get her a blanket, checking to make sure her hands were covered first. Emma frowned. "Elsa, when was the last time you used your powers? On purpose?"
Elsa cringed. "I know what you're going to say and you're wrong, Emma. Conceal, don't feel."
Emma's green eyes flashed. She took the blanket from her friend, and waved her hand. In a moment, a merry fire crackled in the disused fireplace. "That's crap and you know it."
"My powers are different from yours, Emma," Elsa said patiently. "I've hurt people."
"Anna is fine. She's been fine for years! She says you won't come out. That you missed the funeral! And you're still in this prison when you're the rightful Queen!"
"I am the Queen," Elsa cried imperiously. "And I'll do what I like!" She ripped off her glove and shot an icy blast at the fire, freezing it instantly. And just like that, her gentle kind face crumbled. "Oh gods, I am so sorry, Emma!" To Emma's surprise, she sank to her knees, head in her hands, shoulders shaking with sobs.
Emma was beside her in a flash, quickly relighting the fire. The fire burned around the ice, but the ice didn't melt. Elsa was the only one who could unfreeze something, as least that was what Emma always thought. But with her stunted powers, she'd never learned. Now she was too afraid to try anything. Elsa tried to shrug Emma off, fearful of hurting her, but Emma held fast. "You won't hurt me," she said fiercely. "Just get it out."
Emma held Elsa as she sobbed, stroking her hair. Elsa was so frightened of her powers; she didn't get a chance to grieve, to mourn the loss of her parents. Now she had the responsibility of an entire kingdom on her shoulders, not to mention a beloved sister she hadn't spent more than ten minutes with at any one time almost fifteen years. "It's going to be okay," Emma whispered. "I'll stay as long as you need."
Elsa sniffed, brushing away her tears with her left hand. They didn't freeze. "How can you say that? I'm supposed to be the Queen yet stepping out of this room terrifies me!"
"But you have, haven't you?"
"Only a few times. For Council meetings. Anna tries but I...I'm such a terrible sister, Emma."
"You are not," Emma said firmly. "Anna loves you. And she needs you now. You've only got each other."
"She said that too, after the funeral." Elsa looked down at her hands. "I want to be there for her. Hug her. But I can't risk hurting her again. What if I lost control?"
"Elsa, you're implying that you're in control now," Emma pointed out. "And yet your room is freezing."
Elsa tried to smile. "Good point."
"I'll help you. Like when we were kids? We'll practice here, anywhere you want. You don't have to do this alone."
Elsa looked her with hopeful eyes. "Really?"
"Of course. I came here for you. You're my best friend, Elsa. If I can help, then I want to."
Elsa tugged her glove back on. "There's so much to do. But I promise I will make the time, Emma. I want to be a good Queen."
"You will be. Now tell me, how are you? Really?"
"Honestly? I'm not really sure. I've mostly been...numb. I was too worried about losing control to go to my own parents' funeral. I know they're gone...oh gods, when they brought us the news...it was awful. The worst part was hearing Anna crying and not being about to hug her. I miss her, Emma. We were so close...before. But after...Papa said that Anna couldn't know, that they wiped her memory for her own good. So I thought it was better to just stay away."
Emma tugged the blanket tighter around her shoulders. "Anna misses you too, Elsa. She practically attacked me the moment we stepped inside. I was thrilled to see her, but...doesn't she have anyone else to talk to?"
Elsa shook her head. "Mother and Papa dismissed all but the most trusted staff after the accident. But most of them are gone now too. They've been very...protective of me, I guess."
"I asked to see you as soon as we disembarked, but they kept putting me off."
Elsa laughed. "You never were good at following instructions."
"Instructions are boring."
"But what's going on with you? Who is this mysterious we?"
Emma blushed. "My parents would only allow me to come if I accepted a bodyguard."
Elsa's brow crinkled. "You are the last person I'd think needed a bodyguard."
"Well, I fully intended to ignore him. But he's...nice. We got into a swordfight about five minutes after we met."
"What?!"
Emma described the scene, accosting Killian and his brother unexpectedly and her challenge. But once she started talking about Killian, she found that she didn't want to stop. Because he was more than just a bodyguard to her. She wasn't sure what she felt or anything like that, bu she hoped they could be friends at least.
"And you said his name is Killian?"
"Yeah, Lieutenant Killian Jones. He serves on the Jewel of the Realm, my father's flagship. His brother Liam is the captain."
"He sounds very thoughtful. I'd like to meet him, if he's got you all aflutter!"
"What do you mean, aflutter?"
"Emma, you've just spent a half hour going on about him! Even when you were complaining, you just have this dreamy look on your face."
"I do not!"
Elsa laughed. "You do. It's okay if you like him. You do like him, right?"
Emma sighed. "Yeah, I guess I do. I like spending time with him even when he's 'princess' this or 'highness' that. Ugh, it's so frustrating."
"Well, I think he's just being conscious of your positions. That's good, Emma."
"But what if I wanted more?" It was the first time she voiced that latent desire out loud. She didn't let herself dwell on it because she didn't want to see her hopes dashed. This was really the first time she'd felt anything like this for someone since her ridiculous crush on Graham. Part of her wanted to explore it, but if he didn't feel the same, what was the point?
"Have you told him?"
"Told him what?"
"That you like him!"
"Well, no. We only met two weeks ago!"
"And spent the majority of that time together on a crowded ship," Elsa pointed out.
"Because he's doing his duty." But Emma knew that wasn't strictly true. Occasionally, she caught flashes from him, when she thought maybe, maybe he liked her too. As a person and not as the princess. Sometimes he'd stare at her when he thought she couldn't see. Or earlier when he was stuck mute by her beauty.
"Now who's afraid?" Elsa asked wisely.
Emma sighed. It was one thing to flirt with Killian when he annoyed her. It was another to put her heart on the line. But she felt a pull toward him; she felt safe when she was with him, like he actually cared about her. She couldn't believe that was feigned or forced. He may not have been crazy about being roped into being her bodyguard, but he seemed to enjoy the time they spent together.
"Let's worry about my problems tomorrow, okay?"
Elsa grinned mischievously. It was the happiest Emma had seen her since she opened the door. "No time like the present. We should have dinner! You, me, Anna. We can invite the Captain and the Lieutenant!"
"Elsa!"
"If we're going to make any progress, we have to leave this room," Elsa pointed out. "Baby steps?"
Emma huffed. "Okay, fine. I'm sure Killian will love spending even more time with Anna."
"What?"
"I sent him to keep her company while I came looking for you."
"And this was after she pounced on you in the entrance hall?" Emma nodded. "Then I don't think there's any doubt. He must like you, Emma!"
Once Killian recovered from his shock, he left Emma's room and hurried off in the direction he'd seen Princess Anna disappear down. The palace was a maze but he finally caught up with her in the art gallery. She was singing. She had a very pleasant voice. Idly, he wondered if Emma sang. Killian waited until the princess was finished then cleared his throat. Anna fell off the couch she was standing on. "Oh!"
Killian flushed crimson and hurried to help her up. "My apologies, highness. I didn't mean to startle you."
"It's okay," Anna said brightly. "I'm fine, I promise."
"Still, I should have alerted you to my presence sooner."
Anna dusted herself off, looking unperturbed. "I've tripped and fallen off that couch more times than I can count. Mother says I'm her clumsy little angel." Her face fell. "Said. She used to say that."
"My condolences for your loss, princess."
"I'll see them again," Anna said hopefully. "Some day. It's nice to know they're watching over me and Elsa now."
Killian frowned. "You believe that?"
Anna cocked her head. "Yeah, I do. Don't you?"
Killian started, surprised. "I suppose." He looked sad. "I lost my mother when I was only small. I don't think I've ever given it much thought, honestly."
"Are you alone now?"
"No, my brother's with me. He's the captain of the Jewel of the Realm, the ship that escorted Princess Emma here."
"That's good. Siblings are important."
"I agree, highness."
Anna giggled. "Are you always this formal?"
Killian straightened up. He may allow lapses with Emma, siren that she was, but he was still a representative of his Queen and country. "Aye, even when Her Highness scolds me for it."
"I can see why she likes you."
Killian's eyes widened, completely nonplussed. "Come again?"
"Emma's totally got a crush on you, Lieutenant."
"I'm sure you're mistaken." It was too much to hope for, that his silent yearning and longing may not be in vain. "Respectfully, of course."
Anna shrugged. "Suit yourself." She grinned mischievously. "Race me down the connecting corridor?"
"That would be unseemly."
"Come on, Lieutenant. Live a little." She dashed off and Killian growled. Emma had asked him to keep Princess Anna company, so he would. He hurried after her.
Emma found them over an hour later, behind a pile of books in the palace library. After their race (he judiciously allowed the princess to win, he wasn't a fool), she offered to show him the impressive library, so he followed her dutifully. It turned out the library contained several fine volumes on naval warfare that Anna graciously allowed him to borrow.
"Having fun?" Emma asked, startling him.
He closed his book. "Aye, princess. How was your nap?"
"I feel much better," she said, smiling at him. "And I have news."
"I love news!" Anna cried.
"The Queen has asked us to dinner in the private family dining room. You, Lieutenant Jones, are also invited, as is your brother the captain."
Killian nodded respectfully. "It is an honor, highness."
"So I can assure the Queen of your attendance?"
Killian cocked his head, trying to figure out what was different about her. She seemed much happier, glowing even. "Of course. If I may be dismissed to fetch my brother?"
"Anna can keep me company until then, right, Anna?"
"Yes! I can show you my friends in the art gallery!" Emma wasn't entirely sure what that meant but she was up for an adventure. Killian nodded and left, several books under his arm. "Killian!"
"Aye, princess?"
"You can put those in your room. It's right next to mine." She grinned and hurried off with Anna. How was he supposed to function with her in the next bloody room?
He grumbled the whole way, dropping off his books before going to fetch Liam. Liam was unsympathetic, even though he had no idea of the true nature of his brother's dilemma. But Liam was delighted to be invited to dinner with the Queen. He'd supervised the unloading while Killian had been busy indulging Princess Anna, so he was glad of the opportunity to get off the ship. Killian thought he detected a hint of curiosity about the new Queen, a curiosity Killian shared. Emma seemed reluctant to talk about her, which Killian understood, given what he suspected about her. Having met Princess Anna, he had no idea what to expect from Queen Elsa.
When they arrived at the entrance hall a footman directed them to the private dining room. Emma was waiting when they arrived. Both brothers bowed to her. "Good evening, your highness." Emma had changed her gown again, this one was lavender but without a mourning band, which struck him as odd. But still, she was very beautiful. She smiled at Killian.
"Captain. Lieutenant. How are things on the Jewel?"
"Ship shape, highness," Liam said. "She'll be unloaded by midday tomorrow."
"I hope you don't mind we ladies detaining you from your duties." She looked pointedly as Killian.
"We are yours to command, princess," Liam said.
"I think we can all enjoy this visit, don't you?"
"I certainly hope so."
"Elsa—the Queen—asked that I meet you out here before going inside. She's a bit shy, so try not to take it personally. She really is sweet."
"We shall do our best," Killian cut in. He offered Emma his arm. "Shall we?"
Emma laughed and leaned in as Liam opened the door for them "Took you long enough to catch the hint, Killian."
He glared at her but held his tongue. Was he supposed to be a bloody mind reader? Or was she teasing him again? Women. "Apologies, princess."
"Do me favor?"
"Another one? Two in one day; must be some sort of record for someone like me."
She elbowed him lightly. "Relax," she hissed. "If I didn't know you better, I'd think you were here against your will."
"How do you know I'm not?"
"I'm going to get you out of that shell, Killian. Mark my words."
"You seem to enjoy a challenge, highness."
"And you don't?"
"I love a challenge, princess."
"Good." She beamed at him and he had to swallow, his throat suddenly painfully tight. Conversing with her was like getting through an obstacle course, one he enjoyed far more than he should. He was curious about her game when suddenly he was face to face with a very pretty woman around his age. White blonde hair coiled on her head, tall, slender, bright blue eyes the same color as Princess Anna's. She wore a gown of purple, black and green; her delicate features were composed.
"Elsa? This is Lieutenant Killian Jones. Lieutenant, Queen Elsa of Arendelle," Emma said.
Killian bowed. "It truly is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty."
Elsa smiled, but didn't hold out her hand. "Emma's told me so much about you, Lieutenant. I'm sure I can speak for her family, when I say thank you for taking such good care of her during your voyage. In many ways, Emma is like another sister to me."
"The Princess is too kind. I am merely doing my duty."
"But it's not an onerous one, I trust?"
"No! Not at all. It's very, ah, interesting."
Emma shared a smile with Elsa. Since confiding her blossoming feelings to her friend, she felt a little less guilty about teasing and flirting with him. Particularly since he seemed to be flirting back. Emma eased them to the right so she could introduce Liam. "This is Killian's brother, Captain Liam Jones. Captain Jones, Queen Elsa."
Liam bowed, a broad grin on his lips. "It's not every day I'm referred to as Killian's brother, highness."
"One day won't kill you, Captain."
"I, too, am honored to meet you, Your Majesty," Liam said, turning his charm on Elsa. Killian had to fight not to roll his eyes. "Thank you for the invitation."
To Emma's surprise, Elsa blushed. "As Emma's escort, I wished to thank you personally for your safe voyage. Her presence means a great deal to me and to my sister, Anna." Elsa frowned. "Speaking of, where is she?"
Emma looked around. "She said she was coming."
Just then, the doors on the opposite side of the room burst open and Anna hurried through them. "I'm late! Did I miss anything? Sandwiches? I love sandwiches, but that wouldn't really be appropriate for a formal dinner." Anna noticed the newcomers. Her eyes lit up. "You must be Killian's brother! He mentioned you earlier when I fell. Not that he's clumsy. I was clumsy, or rather he startled me. Anyway, how do you do?"
She said all this very fast; Liam seemed a bit taken back by the young princess. He bowed gracefully. "Aye, I'm Captain Liam Jones." He laughed. "Killian's older brother."
Everyone laughed. As they went to sit, Liam grabbed Killian's arm. "Brother, just what have we gotten ourselves into?"
"Your guess is as good as mine, Liam. Best make the best of it, yeah?"
"Aye." He frowned. "Speaking of, just what have you been telling these very royal ladies about me?"
Killian couldn't resist the urge to tease his brother. Liam loved to rub his seniority in Killian's face. Good naturedly of course. "I'll never tell." With a grin, he joined the royal princesses for dinner.
