The wonderful characters you recognize belong to Kitsis and Horowitz but I brought along few of my own to play.


"Do you ever wonder who thought of hardtack? Who was the bloke that thought 'hmm we need to come up with a tasteless brick that sailors will have no choice but to eat'. Even the rats refuse to go near it!"

"Have you been spendin' too much time up in the crow's nest, Hewitt? It would seem you've gotten a bit too much sun and it's baked your noodle."

"Aw, leave the kid alone Blakely. It's not like she's wrong about the hardtack."

"I'm not a kid, Johnson, I'm only three years younger than you."

"You're the youngest on board, that makes you a kid to the rest of us. Kid."

Killian laughed with the the crew as Hewitt angrily grabbed her plate and left the mess, presumably heading to the galley to finish her duties for the day. They hadn't broken into the stores of hardtack yet but all of them had been sailors long enough to almost immediately recall the taste of the flavorless biscuit. Even Killian couldn't repress his shudder as he remembered a voyage three years previous where all they'd had left to eat was hardtack before they were able to make it to a friendly port.

Despite having left Misthaven almost as soon as they had arrived there were plenty of stores on board to keep the sailors well fed for another few weeks. Even though Killian felt that Liam was a stubborn ass most of the time he was a gifted captain and commanded his crew accordingly. It had been a long time since he had last sailed under his brother and even then it had been easy to see the kind of king that Liam would become. Now instead of seeing a captain who would one day be a ruler Killian saw a king who was biding his time as a captain. The image was one he was having a hard time reconciling to himself.

They had always been close, even with the seven years separating them. When Liam had left for the academy when he turned fifteen Killian had sulked around the castle for weeks. It wasn't until Liam sent the first of many letters that he had snapped out of it. They had kept up their correspondence over the years, even when Killian had started at the academy as well, harkening back to the time they had spent passing notes behind their tutor's backs.

Yet something had shifted in the recent years. As Killian had been sent on more and more diplomatic missions Liam had been practically shuttered in the castle, shadowing their father as he learned how to rule their kingdom. The spring after their mother had passed was the last time Liam had gone out on an extended voyage. It had also been the first time Killian had spent only a month all told over the course of a year within the borders of his homeland. Their grief had manifested in drastically opposite ways, driving a small but distinctive wedge between them.

They had still written to each other but the letters had become filled more and more with news and figures from Balliolshire and the kingdoms Killian was visiting and less with details from their personal lives. Killian had been on an extended tour of the Southern Isles when he learned that Liam was courting Princess Margaret of Glowerhaven. Thompson had been the one to tell him.

He, therefore, wasn't surprised that following their fight on his first night on the Jewel Liam hadn't said anything more than orders to him. In turn he hadn't uttered more than a 'yes, sir' or a 'no, sir' in return. It was petty and childish but he didn't see Liam going out of his way to act like an adult either so he figured he'd wait it out a while longer.

"Your Highness?"

Killian looked up to see Hewitt standing at this elbow.

"Aye?"

"The Captain would like to see you in his quarters."

Hewitt smiled, as though a personal audience with Liam was an exciting thing. To anyone other than Killian it probably was.

"Tell him I'll be there shortly."

"Yes, sir. Oh, you're to be there as well Thompson."

Killian turned back to his plate suddenly finding the rest of his meal unappetizing. He wasn't prepared to be yelled at some more or worse, lectured about his duties to the crown. Turner had been keeping that theme going every time their duties put them within close proximity of each other. Where Killian had Thompson, Liam had Turner and while Liam was his older brother by blood Turner was his older brother simply through incessant lecturing. It was maddening to be sailing with the both of them.

"Great, that means Turner will be there and I'll have to listen to yet another lecture that might in appearance be for you but somehow it ends up including me as well. Can't you just talk to Liam about whatever it is that crawled up his arse and apologize for whatever idiotic thing you did now? I don't think I'll be able to hold my tongue if Turner starts droning on again," Thompson grumbled across the table from him.

"You do remember that Turner is above you in rank, right?" Killian asked bemused.

"As are you, sir," Thompson dipped his head in a mock bow. "Doesn't stop me from knocking sense into you every once in awhile."

"Liam would have you knocking it in a bit harder, or more often," he rolled his eyes, pushing his plate away from him.

"Ah, so we've reached the heart of the matter," Thompson said gleefully. "Is it about your idiotic plan to get on board the Jewel? If I had known you planned to swim in the bloody harbor I would have stopped you. Or at least made sure I was the one to cover your ass if only to spare myself from Turner's litany."

"You did what you were ordered to do, Turner shouldn't be admonishing you for that. If anything he should be singing your praises for letting Liam know I was doing something idiotic in the first place," Killian said standing up reluctantly.

"So you agree?" Thompson asked as he stood up as well.

"With what?"

"That what you did was idiotic."

Killian opened his mouth to argue and then promptly shut it because Thompson had him there. He knew what he had done was stupid and reckless, even while he was doing it. It had been the whole reason why he hadn't told Thompson what his plan was. Being yelled at about it and then admitting that Liam was right was something his pride was having a hard time accepting.

"Come on, Prince Stick Up His Arse and Sir I Told You So are waiting," he said instead of answering.

Entering Liam's quarters Killian was surprised by how untidy it was. The multitude of charts across the desk was par for the course but seeing them draped across the chairs and even some seemingly forgotten on the floor stunned him. The bed was made but Killian could see that Liam had either sat or lain down on it at some point and neglected to straighten the blankets back out. Worst of all Liam was pacing behind his desk hair in disarray, vest halfway unbuttoned, and if Turner wasn't there Killian knew the boots would have gone by the wayside. It was like stepping back into Liam's room at the academy and he was studying for a particularly vicious exam.

"Close the door," Liam muttered barely looking up at their entrance.

Thompson shot him a worried look but Killian just shook his head and did as he was told. He had suffered through enough of Liam's strategizing oddities that once the door was closed he simply crossed to a somewhat empty chair and cleared it off before sitting down. Turner was in the chair next to him looking idly over what looked like an old captain's log.

"We'll be reaching the port of Tuiscint in a few hours. We'll anchor outside the harbor, hopefully out of sight but still able to head off the Brooke in case they try to escape. Unfortunately the tide will be against us when we arrive, we'll have to wait until the morning to send scouts into the village," Liam ran his hand through his hair for what had to be the hundredth time by the state of it.

"It's probably for the best, sir. We may not have been at sea for long but I wouldn't doubt sending men into the village at night would just encourage them to visit the nearest tavern forgoing their duty," Turner said drolly, glancing sideways at Killian.

"You act as though our men are a bunch of low life pirates instead of highly trained sailors in His Majesty's Navy," Thompson said in an offended tone, finally stepping fully into the room. "I for one think waiting until the morning is ideal for more strategic reasons. It's less suspicious for a group of strangers to arrive in the light of day than under the cover of dark."

"Agreed," Liam said, forestalling whatever Turner was about to say. "Killian, you and five others will go ashore at first light. You are to scout the town for any sign of the Brooke's captain or her crew. Do not engage, just observe. If the rumors are true then the Captain will have no qualms incapacitating you or worse. His crew may be no better."

"Am I free to choose the men that will accompany me or have you chosen for me?" Killian asked.

"I'm assuming Thompson will join you-"

"Damn, right I will," Thompson muttered, coloring when Liam flashed a look at him.

"As will Turner. The other three you can choose at your discretion," Liam paused knowing Killian would protest but he remained silent. "Your nightly duties and those of the persons you choose will be handled by others so you can explain and plan for tomorrow. Turner, Thompson you are dismissed for now. Killian will be using my quarters for your mission planning but first I need to have a word with him."

Turner made to protest but kept his silence when Liam once again stopped him. Thompson merely shrugged his shoulders and turned on his heel. He started whistling a jaunty tune, one that had Turner's jaw clenching as they both left the cabin. Killian sighed at Thompson's goading of Turner and in order to steel himself for what was bound to be an awkward conversation.

"Daniel thinks I'm going to yell at you some more," Liam said casually, nodding at the closed door. "I'm sure he's right on the other side trying in vain to listen in."

"Thompson is probably grateful he's preoccupied. He's been on the receiving end of a number of Turner's ramblings these past few days," Killian matched his brother's easy tone but was wary all the same.

"Aye, Daniel never did approve of Thompson's cavalier attitude towards the difference in his position to ours. I don't think he fully understands that while Thompson has seemingly done away with all propriety he respects the crown just as much as he does, if not more."

Killian sat back stunned. Liam hadn't been as vocal as Turner but Killian had always thought that his brother disapproved of Thompson just as much.

"Do you know what Father told me before I left?" Liam asked breaking into Killian's thoughts.

"To keep an eye on me and keep me in line?" Killian sighed rolling his eyes. "The same thing he's said to you for years? I feel like nobody realizes I'm a grown man nearing thirty years of age and not the young lad of twelve leaving home for the first time."

"No," Liam said shortly. "He told me that Mother would be proud of the men her sons had become, that he was proud of us. Killian, I underestimated how dire our situation is, not as royalty or leaders but as mortal men. It was as though Father was saying goodbye because our fate has already been decided. No matter how this mission ends we will be at the mercy of the Queen and her whims.

"When Thompson told me of your plan it brought such fear to my heart that it took all of my willpower not to abandon the group I was travelling with and haul your sorry ass out of the water myself. To attempt something like that was foolish but to do it within the borders of the one thing threatening our lives was insanity. I admit that my reaction was extreme but you cannot fault me for behaving so after everything we have come to understand. I've survived the death of our mother I don't think I could do the same if it were you."

Words were lost to Killian. They had never been ones to talk about emotions or feelings and Killian had never doubted the depths of their brotherly love but to hear Liam talk about it so openly was jarring. He wondered if the feeling of becoming unmoored and at the whims of fate were what Liam had felt when their father had said his parting words to him.

"Liam, I..." Killian swallowed around the lump that had formed in his throat. "You know I would follow you to the ends of the earth. Not because you will be my king but because you are my brother."

Liam looked taken aback, as though he had expected Killian to dismiss what he had said. Killian shrugged almost apologetically but it had been too long since he'd had any kind of heart to heart with his brother, he wasn't going to be the one to break the congenial silence they had found themselves in. It wasn't until they heard a muffled shuffling outside the door and harsh whispers that they simultaneously remembered what needed to be done.

"Well, Turner's and Thompson's impatience is all the indication I need to return to my duties as captain," Liam stood and Killian watched as the mantle of leader settled back on his shoulders. "I shall leave you to it then, little brother."

"Younger brother," Killian corrected, standing as well. "Send those two in and if you run into Hewitt send her along. She's been getting a bit of grief from the others about her age, figure I'd show them that sometimes being younger has an advantage."

"Anyone else you would like to extend an invitation to?" Liam asked with a smirk. "Perhaps Smith, he's been complaining about being stuck in the galley or Yardley she seems a bit aggrieved by the weather lately."

"Ha, bloody, ha. Hewitt will do for now, we'll discuss our other options as we plan," Killian circled the desk and began to look over the charts Liam had left behind.

"Aye," Liam laughed, buttoning his vest and trying in vain to tamp down his curls. "I'll leave you to it then."

As Liam opened the door Thompson and Turner practically fell in confirming Killian's suspicion that they had been practically plastered on the door to listen in. Turner immediately righted himself, ears a burning crimson, while Thompson slowly picked himself up with a wide grin and a wink.

"I think Hewitt will be an excellent addition, sir," Thompson said, addressing Liam. "She's quite good in a fight."

"I'm aware of that Thompson, thank you," Liam grinned rubbing his chin ruefully. "Turner I expect you to keep them somewhat on task."

"I shall try my best, Your Highness," Turner bowed deeply as Liam exited the room. "Shall we proceed?"

They had planned well into the night, filling out their ranks with the sailors they felt could not only handle themselves but also keep their mouths shut. The Jewel had anchored outside the harbor of Tuiscint as they were discussing the final arrangements for the morning. Killian had dismissed the others so they could get a few hours rest before they went ashore and followed them shortly after.

With the first light of dawn brightening the horizon they had gone ashore, rowing past the village fishermen on their way out of the harbor to earn their living. After a few fruitless hours of walking through the village Hewitt suggested they break for a meal and Killian had agreed reluctantly. As they finished eating he looked around at the group and reached an uneasy conclusion.

"We need to split up."

The protests immediately started and he let them get out their grievances, Turner being the most vocal of them all.

"It makes the most sense," Hewitt answered before Killian had the chance. "We're a group of strangers stomping up to their homes and into their shops without actually saying what we're looking for. We'll have a better chance of getting people to talk if we move around in groups of two, plus we'll cover more ground."

"I agree with Hewitt," Killian said before the protests could begin again. "We don't have much time before the crew of the Brooke gets word that strangers are in town and if their captain has half a brain he will know we're here for him. Hewitt, you'll be with me we'll head towards the outer edges of the village, Turner with Bilson at the docks, and Thompson and Shaw will keep going into shops and talking with villagers. Stick to the plan otherwise, if you find the captain or any of the Brooke's crew only engage as a last resort. If you don't find any sign of them meet back at the docks at sunset and we'll return to the Jewel for further instruction. Dismissed."

He could see Turner wanting to try and persuade him otherwise but Thompson appeared in front of him first with a look of worry. Killian nodded for the others to do as they were ordered and turned to Thompson.

"Out with it, you think this is another dumb move on my part," Killian sighed.

"No, it's actually a solid plan, one we should have thought of last night in fact," Thompson ruminated. "I just don't understand why you're going out there with Hewitt by your side instead of me. Seems like a lousy way to repay me."

"Repay you?"

"Aye," Thompson said inspecting his nails. "I've saved your hide more often than not. You'll end up finding yourself at the wrong end of a sword without me, mark my words."

"If you hadn't noticed I paired each of the junior officers with Turner, you, and I. It's not because I prefer her company over yours, even though she talks far less, but because we're beholden to maintaining their safety above all else. Even capturing the Brooke's captain," Killian clapped Thompson on the shoulder. "Besides I've seen the way you look at Hewitt, figured I'd talk you up while we're out from under your doey eyed stare."

Thompson blushed and Killian grinned widely. Before Thompson could refute his claim Killian walked out of the tavern and down the road leading out of the village center. He knew Hewitt would follow but looked back anyway to see Thompson stepping outside with a scowl aimed in his direction. With a laugh he slowed and allowed Hewitt to catch up with him.

They made it to the outskirts of the village in under an hour. While the village itself wasn't large there were plenty of people they had encountered along the way and they had stopped to talk to nearly every one of them. Hewitt had more success than he did at getting the villagers to at least take the time to answer their questions but more often than not they merely shook their heads and went about their day.

"This is hopeless. Either they don't know anything or don't care enough to share it if they did. You'd think they'd be happy to hand over a pirate," Hewitt groaned as she sat down on a roughly hewn bench at an equally roughly hewn table.

"Some would be but most people are happy not to stir the pot, especially if said pirate has been bringing in much needed gold to their village," Killian pointed out as he sat down across from her.

"Hmph," she grumbled as she looked around them.

It was clear that there was no further that they needed to go. The table they were sitting at was seemingly part of an abandoned inn, the sign for it hanging pathetically from one corner above the door that had a locked chain wrapped around the handle. They were on a slight slope, one that put them slightly above the village that Killian could see a fair distance behind Hewitt. At his back were nothing but grassy fields that led into a wood, the least likely place to find a sailor let alone a pirate captain.

"Do you think there might be a well behind the inn?" Hewitt asked hopefully, craning her neck to look over her shoulder at the forlorn building to her right.

"There is. I saw it while I was looking around," he scratched his chin thoughtfully. "I wonder what caused the owners to close their doors."

"Failure to pay their taxes," Hewitt answered immediately. "It was posted on the door. I read it while you inspected the stable."

"Pity, I'm sure this was a proud establishment before-"

"Before they lost everything," Hewitt whispered. She sucked in a breath before looking up at Killian, her eyes too bright, "I'll just go see about that water then, shall I?"

She was rounding the corner of the inn before Killian could even begin to wonder what she could have meant. It wasn't uncommon, that a fellow sailor or servant would reveal something personal to him because he never acted like royalty around them. Then when they remembered that he was their prince they shut down. He hated that he could do nothing to earn their complete trust even when he had their unwavering loyalty.

"Your sweetheart seemed upset," a female voice said from behind him.

"I assure you a sweetheart she is not and she is also not mine," Killian retorted as he turned around.

The flirty grin he had plastered on his face melted into something akin to awe as he took in the woman who had addressed him. He had been intending to use his tried and true method of charming the information out of her but with one look all thoughts had turned to a low buzz in his head.

She was a young woman, near his own age if he had to hazard a guess. Her long, wavy blonde hair was pulled back in a high ponytail but it hadn't prevented several tendrils from escaping and framing her face. While her dress wasn't scandalous it also wasn't typical of the maidens he had seen throughout his scouting of the village. She was wearing a white linen shirt with dark blue leather vest over it that was cinched at the waist with a scabbard and sword hanging from it. Her trousers were the same color as her vest and tucked into supple black leather boots. Even her hands were encased in leather, brown this time, leaving him wondering if her skin was as pale as her complexion seemed to suggest.

Yet, for all of that it was her eyes that had arrested his thoughts so suddenly. They were glittering emerald in color, similar to a ring that his mother had worn when she was alive. He could see caution in them and curiosity but most of all amusement. As if she had heard a particularly entertaining joke and was just waiting for him to understand the punchline.

"Pity, although I'm sure it wasn't from lack of effort on your part." She said with a raised eyebrow.

"What makes you so sure I've extended my best effort?" he asked, intrigued as she approached the table.

"You don't seem the type to give up so easily where a maiden is concerned," she said flippantly as she sat down in the spot that Hewitt had recently vacated. "I'd say you're used to women practically falling over themselves to be on your arm."

"Ah, but only the ones that tempt more than just my eye earn that place of honor," Killian raised his brow and licked his lips. "I have a feeling you have what it takes in spades, love."

"That and more, sailor," she said breathily as she leaned closer to him over the table.

Killian knew he had a mission to focus on, that there were more pressing matters than flirting with a gorgeous woman but he couldn't think much past the way she was looking at him, how he could feel the warmth of her hand on his wrist even through her glove. Something she said, however, caused a small warning bell to start ringing in his head.

A movement at the corner of the inn caught his eye and he turned towards it expecting Hewitt to be walking towards him with a full water skein. Instead he saw a brown haired man with a red bandana around his neck making his way over to the table. Killian was immediately on alert because if Hewitt wasn't walking beside the man then she had been incapacitated in some way. Before he could unsheathe his sword he felt a hand pull his head back by his hair to expose his neck to the blade that had found its way under his chin.

"I thought I'd have a bit more time to wheedle out your purpose sailor but I could see the cogs start turning in that pretty little head of yours," the woman said jovially in his ear.

She increased the pressure on the dagger and tugged on his hair, forcing him to stand slowly with his arms raised in supplication. The man with the kerchief watched in amusement as the threat of a cut moved from Killian's neck to the small of his back. With his arms still raised the woman prodded him forward towards a large oak tree set slightly back from the road, enough so that it couldn't easily be seen by passerby.

"Turn around and put your back up against the tree like a good boy," she ordered. "My friend and I are pretty quick on our feet and even quicker with a blade so I wouldn't think of trying to escape."

Killian scowled and did as she said. As he turned she pulled his sword from its scabbard and used that to pin him against the trunk. Without a word her companion pulled a length of rope from the satchel at his side and began to tie Killian down. Paying no mind to the man tightening his restraints he glared malevolently at the woman standing in front of him. Her eyes were glittering in amusement again, now that he had figured out the joke.

"Who are you?" She asked as soon as the final knot was secured.

"Who are you?" He parroted back, voice calm despite the rage roiling through him.

"Oh, I don't think you understand how this is going to work. I ask the questions, you answer them and then maybe I'll let you live once I'm satisfied," she lowered the tip of his sword to the ground, leaning on it like a cane. "Who are you?"

He kept his mouth shut but watched carefully as she studied him in return. She had the bearing of someone who spent many months at sea, feet set wide apart as if to brace herself against the rolling motion of the water when standing on deck. Her cheeks were dusted with freckles, lips chapped, nose slightly pink, all sure signs that she was often exposed to the sun. There was something more to her that intrigued him. Her proud contenance, the way she held her shoulders, even the way she tilted her head to puzzle him out spoke of an upbringing far above one expected of a pirate, for he was sure who he was facing and the caution with which he would need to proceed.

"One last time, sailor, who are you?"

"No one of consequence but you on the other hand, you are far more important than I'll ever be," he grinned careful not to let his derision seep through.

"What are you talking about," she asked flippantly but Killian saw her shifting almost imperceptibly back and forth on her feet, a sure sign she was nervous.

"I do believe I'm in the presence of the pirates from the Tarina Brooke. Forgive me for not realizing it sooner, Captain," he dipped his head, the only part of him free to move, in a mocking bow.

"How?" Her eyes were wide and he could see her resisting the urge to glance back at her companion.

"You're something of an open book, love," he drawled. "Question is why did offend the Queen so thoroughly that she'd send the fastest ship in all the realms to stop you. The Jewel is positioned outside the harbor to prevent your escape, at least by sea. There are others beside myself to stop you on land. Forgive me if being tied to a tree doesn't quite inspire me to give up my name."

"I could run you through with your sword," she growled, swinging the tip up so it was level with his sternum.

"You could," Killian agreed, "but you won't."

"And what makes you think that?" She stepped closer to him, the point of his sword now a hairsbreadth away from his chest.

"Because you would have done it the moment I revealed that I knew who I had the pleasure of being interrogated by," he winked. "Now, if you'd be so kind as to answer a question of my own. How did you know I was a sailor?"

"Aside from the uniform I can clearly see under that ill fitting robe?" She stepped up to him, letting the sword drop to her side again. Reaching behind his head he felt her grasp the hair that was in a queue at the base of his skull, and tugged it sharply. His head fell back against the tree and he felt her breath ghost across his ear as she murmured lowly to him. "No one but a highly ranked naval officer wears their hair in this ridiculous ponytail."

She released his hair and stepped back, a smirk on her lips but her eyes wary. He was glad to see she was rattled but he was in no position to goad her further. No one would be expecting him and Hewitt to return to the docks for hours and he had no idea if Hewitt was merely tied up as he was or knocked unconscious as well.

"So what are you going to do with me, Captain?" Killian asked hoping to stall for time or, even better, be taken as a prisoner and led to the Brooke. It would be easy to alert Turner or Bilson if they headed towards the docks or anyone else if they neared the village at all.

"I was planning on taking you back to my ship, figured I'd get at least a hefty payment if I ransomed you off," she said thoughtfully, starting a slow pace in front of him. "Can't do that now if the Jewel of the Realm really is lying in wait. Although I might be able to use you as a bargaining chip instead. Your freedom for mine."

"No honor among thieves then?" Killian sneered.

"I'm a pirate,not a thief" she corrected with a grin. She turned to face the man standing steady behind her, "Pinocchio, head back to the Brooke and alert the crew that we sail as soon as I step on board. Anyone who isn't there before me gets left behind. Understood?"

"Yes, Captain,"Pinocchio answered, immediately turning and running back towards the village.

"I don't know whether to be honored or insulted, love," Killian remarked as the man rounded a bend in the road and was no longer in sight.

"By what?" She turned around and regarded him warily.

"That you think you can handle me by yourself," he raised his eyebrow and let his eyes travel the length of her body. "Before you untie me and I make my daring escape I think you should tell me your name. It's only fair I know exactly who I'll be taking to the brig of the Jewel."

She had scowled at his insinuation that she was incapable of dealing with him and at his leer. He knew he was playing with fire since she could easily slice him open for his impertinence. What he wasn't expecting was the slow, sensual smile that was gracing her lips.

"Oh, I won't be going to the brig, of the Jewel or of any ship, and I certainly won't be untying you," she purred as she stepped towards him again, this time allowing her hand to trail over the ropes around his midsection. "You've already provided me with everything I needed to know."

"What?" He stuttered trying frantically to figure out what he might have let slip out but his brain was focused on the slow drag of her fingers that were now at the base of his neck.

"I'm not the only one who's an open book, sailor," she fluttered her eyelashes at him. Then stepped back abruptly, her voice steel, "And you can call me Captain Swan."

There was only a brief glimpse of the descending arc of the butt of his sword towards his temple and the vicious grin on Captain Swan's face before Killian's world went black.


A.N.: A few things Princess Margaret is a little nod to the best agent in the SSR Miss Peggy Carter. We probably won't see the character in the actual story but I figured Liam needed someone like Peggy to keep him on his toes. The title of the chapter is also a nod but this time to the original title of Pride and Prejudice and how that first impression can be oh so misleading.

We'll be seeing a lot more interaction between our good prince and fiesty captain from here on out so buckle your seat belts lovely readers we're in for a wild ride.

Next: An unexpected run in causes headaches all around.