Author's note: So I'm kinda nervous about this chapter. This is actually the second version of it; I decided the first was rubbish. So I scrapped it and started over. I hope you enjoy it? Let me know what you think. And as always, any mistakes are mine.
Disclaimer: Ha! That's funny.
Chapter 4
Shouting woke her the next morning. Emma jerked awake, her heart racing. The closest weapon was the dagger she kept by her bed and she snatched it up as she climbed from the pallet.
"I demand to see my niece!" Regina shouted. "I am the Queen!"
"My Queen," came Rapunzel's voice, "the Princess was very specific..."
A sharp crack sounded that made Emma wince. "Heed me, girl, or you'll be mucking out stalls for a month!"
Emma heard Killian behind her, grumbling groggily. Silently, she waved him quiet. Clearly, it seemed their excursion had not gone entirely unnoticed. She was painfully torn, her instincts telling her to get Killian as far from Regina as she could, but she knew there was no time. There was nowhere for them to go. Quickly, she wrapped herself in the chiton and stepped from her room, dagger concealed in the folds.
The moment she saw Regina she knelt. "My Queen."
Regina did not look amused. "What is the meaning of this? First I hear your Spartan has displeased you, now this child stands between us? Answer me, Emma!"
Emma silently prayed that was all Regina knew. "All is well again, my Queen. The Spartan has been properly chastised."
"Where is he?" Regina asked suspiciously.
"In my suite. I attended to his discipline myself. It took...some time."
"Is this true?" Regina demanded of Rapunzel.
"The Princess and her mate returned near dawn, my Queen," the blonde said. "There has been no one else."
"Why am I barred from your room?"
Emma took the chance of standing. "I gave Mulan instructions several days ago, Aunt. The Spartan is my prize." Still, she thought it politic to through her aunt a bone. "Spartan!"
Killian gritted his teeth, listening near the door. He'd been careful not to make a sound, but he wanted to be there to help Emma if necessary. He didn't quite know what Emma's plan was, but he was sure she had one. To that end, he obediently joined her in the hall, kneeling at her side on the hard stone.
Regina's brows shot up in surprise. The Spartan's head was bowed respectfully; he had faint bruises on his chest. Had Emma managed to break the defiant slave? Regina shoved Rapunzel aside and stepped closer. Emma had to fight the instinct to stand between her and Killian, lest she give them away. Surely it was better for her sisters to believe that what she and Killian shared was purely physical, as was proper. To them, her beloved was a slave.
"What was his offense?"
Emma thought quickly. "He refused me."
Regina scowled. "Did you learn your place, slave?"
"Yes, milady." Killian did not dare look up; the idea that he would refuse his princess laughable. Indeed, they could not get enough of each other.
Regina stepped directly in front of him and grabbed his hair, pulling on it roughly, forcing him to look at her. A muscle ticked in his jaw, but he kept obediently silent. "Defy her again and I will not be so gentle, Spartan."
It took everything he had not to jump up and throttle her. "Yes, milady."
Regina let him go and turned to Emma. "I am proud of you, Emma. I did not think such a thing was possible. Can you spare his attentions long enough to enjoy the morning meal with your Queen?"
Emma bowed. "I am at your service, my Queen. Allow me to dress?"
"Of course." Regina leaned forward and kissed Emma's forehead; Emma struggled not to recoil in disgust. This was exactly the fate she had been trying to save Killian from. Seeing him on his knees, the rough way Regina treated him, it all turned her stomach. Had Regina always been this way? Had she? Emma felt shame wash over her, thinking about how she'd treated other prisoners captured in war. Perhaps Killian was a rarity among men, but slavery now felt wrong to her.
The moment Regina was gone, Emma beckoned Killian to follow her. She did not stop until she got to the balcony, launching herself into Killian's arms. He held her tight, her warmth soothing his own jumbled emotions. "Emma, Emma, Emma," he whispered softly.
"Can you forgive me?"
He stroked her hair soothingly. "There is nothing to forgive, love."
"I was asleep and there was shouting and...I didn't give you a choice!"
"Regina didn't give you a choice, Princess. She is your queen. Letting her see me that way was the only choice."
It still didn't feel like enough. "This is why I wanted you to go. You are not a slave, least of all mine."
"I am yours, Emma. In every way that truly matters." He tipped her chin up and brushed her lips with his. "I love you."
Her heart ached; she loved him so much it hurt. She had to protect him from her aunt. From the laws of her people. Her child needed to know the wonderful man who was its father. "I love you too, Killian." She kissed him desperately, tears sliding down her cheeks. They lingered as long as she dared; Regina was expecting her. "I'll be back as soon as I can."
Killian was reluctant to let her out of his sight; he hated letting her face Regina alone. But she was an Amazon and could handle herself. He had to trust that the gods would keep her safe for him. "I'll be waiting."
Emma forced herself to leave his arms, changing into a soft blue peplos. She strapped the dagger to her thigh, just in case. It wasn't all that unusual for an Amazon to be armed. She said a silent prayer to Hera, pleading with the goddess to keep Killian safe until she could return. Rapunzel was gone, an unknown guard in her place. Regina's doing? Emma frowned, again ordering that her mate not be disturbed by anyone.
Her steps felt heavy; she was still shaken by the abrupt start to her day. They'd only been asleep for a few hours; the adrenaline from her confrontation with Regina was fading. Fear for Killian settled in her breast; had she condemned them both already? Did Regina know? Emma was usually good at spotting lies; Regina's pleasure at Killian's subservience seemed genuine. Perhaps that was all she wanted, just to see that Emma was acting like a proper Amazon, particularly after her warning the day before. Regina was unpredictable at the best of times; Emma had never learned why. It was not so obvious when she was a child; Snow curbed Regina's wilder tendencies. As an adult, Emma learned to stay out of her way; as long as Regina was obeyed, the Amazons loved her. She brought them glory in war, kept them prosperous and well fed.
Before she was ready, Regina's private audience chamber loomed before her. Protect Killian, she reminded herself just before stepping inside. A lavish table was laid, far more food than two people could eat. Emma preferred her simple meals with Killian, taken on her balcony when the weather permitted. Remembering herself, Emma knelt, waiting for Regina.
The Queen entered from the right, changed into a red peplos with jeweled leather girdle. A ceremonial dagger hung from it, the jewels matching the ones in her black hair. It struck Emma forcefully, just how different Regina was from her sister. Emma couldn't remember a lot about her mother, she'd been only four when she died. But she did remember Snow's warm smile, her kind touch. Both women had dark hair, but Emma had inherited her mother's green eyes. Regina's were brown and had none of Snow's warmth. Regina was the younger, her father a mere mortal, rather than a god. And yet here she was, Queen of the Amazons.
"My Queen."
Regina took notice of her for the first time. "Emma, in these rooms I am your loving aunt, not your Queen."
Emma stood, willing herself to relax. "Apologies, Aunt. I fear I am still tired."
"Yes, chastising a willful slave can be difficult."
"Does it get easier?"
Regina stepped up and clasped her hands. "You are so much like your mother. She had a kind heart as well."
Emma did not need to feign the sadness she felt. She missed her mother more than ever. Snow would know what to do, what words to say. "But that didn't stop her from being a great Queen."
"Our enemies do not deserve kindness, Emma. You will do well to remember that when you are queen."
"Which I pray is many years from now."
Regina smiled, pleased by the compliment. "It may comfort you to know that your Spartan is not the only slave who has been...difficult."
"Oh?"
Regina wrinkled her nose in distaste. "It's these Greeks. An unruly people at the best times. Why do you think they fight amongst themselves? Is it too much to hope that the Trojans throw them back into the sea?"
"I can led the army back, if that is your wish." Perhaps she could smuggle Killian out with it.
"No, you were right to bring our Amazons home. Let those men fight over a feckless woman."
"They say Helen is very beautiful."
"She's from Sparta, I imagine your Spartan is biased."
"He's never mentioned her."
"Well, I hope for your sake, you don't let him do much talking!" Regina laughed at her jest and urged Emma to sit. There they carried on a somewhat stilted conversation where Emma endured stories of Festivals past. Regina was very proud of her conquests, despite the lack of children. Emma picked at her food, not very hungry to begin with and even less so at the almost fanatical gleam in her aunt's eyes. It was almost like she was seeing Regina for the first time and she did not like what she saw.
"I've been waiting for the right time to give you this," Regina was saying. She snapped her fingers and a servant stepped out of the shadows carrying a wooden box. "Your mother left it in my care, to be given to you at the right time. Your choice to join the sacred rite of your sisters is the right time, Emma."
"What is it?"
"Snow's most treasured possessions. She would be proud of you, the woman you've become. As I am." Regina took the plain box from the servant and handed it to Emma. "I know I have been a poor substitute for her." Emma's instinct was to protest; as much as the current situation appalled her, Regina was the only maternal figure she knew. But she kept silent. "But I will do all in my power to help raise your child, Emma. I know how much leading the army means to you."
It meant nothing to her in comparison to Killian's safety. Or the well being of her child. Emma would not let this woman anywhere near her family, not after the way she treated Killian. Still, Emma forced herself to nod, accepting the box. "Thank you, Aunt. That means a lot to me."
"It is what I promised your mother, should anything happen."
"What did happen? I was so young..." All she'd understood at the time was her mother was sleeping and would never wake up. The wound had scabbed over in the years since, but now she was curious.
"The war with the Ephesians. You're too young to remember it. Bastardized Greeks believing this part of the world belonged to them." Regina scowled. "We were on the verge of driving them into their pathetic little city, the battle was to be the next day. Your mother called a war council and she simply...collapsed. No one knows why. An untreated wound? Poison? A curse from the gods? Emma, I was on my knees, by her side, praying as she fell into a sleep from which she would not awaken. I was much like you are now, living only to fight, not wanting the responsibilities of being Queen. That is your birthright, Emma, not mine."
She sat there, not knowing what to think. Regina's grief and sadness seemed real. She missed Snow as much as Emma did. But how could she be so callous to someone like Killian? In one breath Regina could mourn her lost sister and the next condemn a man to death. She would wield the sword herself and take pleasure in it. Emma could not believe this was all her people stood for. She was proud to be an Amazon, to be a warrior. But she could not callously murder. Was that what it took to be Queen? If it was, Emma wanted no part of it.
"I am not ready to be Queen, Aunt."
"Your mother wouldn't have wished it so. She would have wanted you to enjoy your youth!" Again, Regina's mood abruptly changed, it was giving Emma whiplash. "Speaking of, it is selfish of me to keep you from the attentions of your Spartan."
Emma nodded, tucking her mother's treasures under her arm. Then a flash of inspiration hit her. "Aunt, might I make a request?"
Regina looked delighted. It wasn't often Emma asked for things. "If it is in my power to grant, you may have it."
"Athena is much beloved in Sparta, their patron goddess. It is tradition for a Spartan male to make a sacrifice to her when he is looking to carry on his line."
"Your Spartan wishes to appease his goddess? Or save his own skin?" Regina sneered.
Emma forced herself to stay calm. "My child will be half Spartan."
"Your child is an Amazon, Emma. No other. Still, it can not hurt to make an offering. She is the goddess of war. Perhaps she will bless your daughter to be like her mother."
"Thank you, Aunt."
"Thank me when you are free of that Spartan."
Emma nodded respectfully and turned to go. She was so conflicted. She was furious and disgusted about the way Regina spoke about Killian. About anyone who wasn't an Amazon. But elated that she'd convinced Regina to allow them to visit the temple of Athena. Regina most likely would be watching her from now on, which meant that smuggling Killian out would be next to impossible. Now she could make her plea to Athena with Regina's sanction. Was Hera smiling on them?
Killian always said that the gods brought them together for a reason, perhaps it was time she shared his faith.
Killian waited not so patiently for Emma to return. He tried eating but had no appetite. He simply sat on the balcony, watching as Helios traveled across the sky. He knew he should feel angry or regretful about not accepting Emma's offer of freedom when he had the chance, but he couldn't. She would have been in terrible danger if he left. She and their child. He refused to abandon them, no matter what. They could find a way to be together, he was certain of it.
More than an hour passed and he began to get anxious. What was taking so long? Was Regina interrogating Emma? Did she not accept their explanation? It wasn't until after Emma left that he noticed the bruises on his chest from where Emma had struck him. They were faint but enough evidence to lend some credence to their story. He wasn't afraid of Regina or any other Amazon that stood between he and Emma. Give him a sword and a shield and he'd take on Hades himself to get to her.
"Killian?"
Relief washed over him. When he turned, she was there, looking relieved, scared and determined all at once. They crossed the room at the precise same moment, holding each other in a fierce hug. "Are you alright, love?"
She melted into him, not caring if she looked weak. "Better now."
"What happened? Does she suspect us?"
Emma buried her head in his shoulder, inhaling his scent. It soothed her, waves of calm washing through her. She recalled the night before, Killian echoing her love for the water, the calming effect. Just one more way they were made for one another. "Let's go out to the balcony?"
"As you wish." Killian watched curiously as she toted a medium sized wooden box; he'd never seen it before. Emma didn't have much in the way of personal possessions. He was about to ask her about it, but she cut him off with a fierce kiss. The box clattered to the ground as he kissed her back, picking her up effortlessly. He deposited them on the chaise, Emma in his lap. "Emma..."
She unpinned the clasps holding up her peplos, untied her girdle. The material pooled around her hips, only his hands holding it to her body. "Just love me, Killian. Please?"
He could not deny the plea in her eyes. He ran his hands up over her newly exposed skin, the silky peplos falling as he brought her lips to his. They both moaned into the kiss, emotions bubbling just beneath the surface, love, fear, hope, desperation. The love between them was so new but it felt old, like their souls had been entwined long before they met. It was not the first time Killian had felt it; he'd felt the world shifting beneath his feet the very first time he laid eyes on her. One way or another, this woman was his future.
Emma paused in her exploration of his body only long enough to impatiently rip the stubborn silk from between them. She needed to feel his skin against hers, the hard planes of his chest against her softer curves, skin hairy where she was smooth. Teeth sank into her swollen lower lip as he moved to her neck, tenderly kissing her pulse. He felt it flutter under his tongue, rapid and thready; he could almost taste her desire. Whatever had happened with the Queen made her needy for him, desperate for his touch. Emma clutched at his head, arching in his lap, his mouth hot on her chest. She whimpered, chanting his name, his mouth sucking on her nipples. He slipped a hand between her thighs, finding her hot and slick already.
"Tell me what you need," he mumbled against her skin. "Fuck, you're so wet, darling."
"You," she panted. "I just need you."
"Like this?" He boldly pushed three fingers in, her breathy moan going straight to his cock. Holding her hip with his free hand, he encouraged her to ride his fingers, chase her own pleasure. "You are a vision. So good, Princess. Love watching you like this, taking what you need." Emma braced her hands on his shoulders, giving herself over to the demands of her body. Here she didn't need to think about what was outside her room, it was nothing but harmless shadows. All that mattered was Killian, the way he made her feel, the love in his eyes. The pressure built low in her belly, she brought one hand to her cleft, seeking the sensitive nub. Killian moaned, turned on by her willingness to touch herself. She was a goddess, coming apart in his arms, crying out as she bounced on his fingers, walls clenching around them. "That's a good girl, so lovely when you come."
Emma tried to brace herself but sagged, breathing coming in harsh pants. "More," she whispered in his ear. Her emotions were still coiled and frazzled; she needed to him to love her into exhaustion so she could rest and regroup. Rest in the safety of his arms. "Gods, please."
Killian bit his lip in concern; he'd seen Emma hungry for him, but never quite like this. "Are you sure?"
She reached down and curled her hand around his cock, soft and smooth and hard. "I need you inside me, Killian. Fucking me until I can't think, until there is nothing but us. Can you do that for me?"
"I would do anything for you, love." He kissed her hard, pushing aside his own concern to give her what she needed. She tried to guide him to her, but he slapped her hands away. "Ah, ah, Princess. You're mine." He stood, Emma still in his arms, delighting in her squeal of surprise as he pressed her back into the chaise, Emma facing away from from him. He had her on her knees, bent over so her arms rested across the top. Easing her hair aside, he kissed a trail down her back, cock rutting against the cleft of her ass. "Hmm, you like this, don't you? You like it when I fuck you from behind, utterly at my mercy."
Her hands gripped the top of the chaise, back arching. "Please! Please!"
He teased her with the head of his weeping cock, just barely penetrating her. She whined and moaned, trying to push her hips back, force him deeper inside her. It was intoxicating, seeing her so desperate to be fucked. He grabbed her hips, forcing her to be still so he could take her, sinking deep inside her hot willing body. He paused for a moment both to gather himself and let her adjust to his girth. The chaise kept her legs closer together than usual and it made her even tighter. He needed several steady breaths before he felt like he could fuck her the way she wanted. Killian bent over her, slowly undulating his hips; Emma bit her lip, her awareness shrinking with every stroke. It was exactly what she needed, tender but forceful, passionate yet loving. They moved together, Emma arching her back further, taking him deeper, crying out.
"Yes, yes, yes!"
Killian curled an arm around her middle to steady them both. "Gods, you feel...ugh, so perfect, Princess. My Princess."
"Harder, Killian," she breathed. "Harder!"
"Hold on tight." Emma braced herself, knuckles white on the edge of the chaise. Killian pulled almost all the way out then slammed back in, much to her delight. She truly could not think, her mind blissfully blank as her Spartan rode them both into oblivion. They came almost simultaneously, a single perfect wave of ecstasy. She milked him dry, walls clenching around him tightly. It left them both exhausted, more emotionally than physically. Emma collapsed almost immediately, spent. Killian caught her, holding her gently as he rearranged them on the chaise. She curled up like a cat in his lap, head sweetly on his shoulder.
"Thank you," she whispered.
He brought her fingers to his lips and kissed them. "Rest, my love. I am right here."
They'd promised not to do this anymore, not to fall asleep in each other's arms outside the relative safety of the pallet but she needed this. His arms around her, cool breeze on their sweaty skin, his heart pounding under her ear. She knew they needed to talk, decide what to do next, but all that would ruin this quiet moment. Quiet moments she lived for, where there was nothing except the love they shared. She closed her eyes, secure in his arms and gave into sleep.
Killian continued to rub her back as she slept; he was so worried about her. More so than himself. He was a Spartan, trained from young childhood to give his life for his people. He knew the moment he stepped onto the ships to sail to Troy he may not come back. Now he had so much more to live for, but he would happily trade his life for hers. For their child. He'd found something even more important than Sparta and he'd do whatever it took to protect her.
The late night, early morning, intense emotions all conspired against him; now that she was safely in his arms, he could feel sleep tugging at him. He considered moving them back to the pallet, but it was half hearted at best. He didn't want to wake her, his princess was exhausted, needed to rest. They would talk later.
Emma woke shivering, the air much cooler than she remembered. She tried to move, but came up short at the kink in her back. She'd fallen asleep in Killian's arms. He was still in the land of dreams, looking painfully handsome in the fading sunlight. They'd slept the day away. Gently, she kissed the scruffy underside of his jaw, easing herself out of his lap. She stretched, trying to work out the soreness in her body. Focusing on simple things helped her avoid the knot of fear in her chest. She'd been—if not overly optimistic, at least hopeful—when they returned from the meadow, but now? She wanted to believe but did not know how.
"Emma?"
"I didn't mean to wake you."
"You did not." Killian swung his legs off the chaise and stood, gathering her to his chest. "Ready to talk, love?"
"Kiss me?"
He smiled down at her and did, an aching tender kiss. "Better?"
She didn't answer, just hugged him tight. They were in terrible danger, locked in a place that condemned their love as wrong, but none of that mattered when he held her. Gathering her courage, she stooped to pick up her mother's box, then tugged him back into her suite. He looked at her questioningly, but didn't press. She made him wait as she took up the flint to light a candle, not wanting to wait for the servants. Killian reclined back on the pallet, watching her. Her movements were sure, even as her face was drawn in apprehension. Whatever Regina had said frightened her, even if Emma would never admit it out loud. She was so strong, his Amazon.
When she finally turned to face him, her nude form was bathed in a golden glow. She truly did look like a goddess. Aphrodite herself could not have been more beautiful. He kept that opinion to himself, not wishing the goddess to strike him down where he sat. The stories all said she was a very jealous creature. Not to mention she sided with the treacherous Trojans, patron to Paris himself.
The cause that brought him to this place suddenly felt inconsequential in comparison to the future before him.
"Is it safe for us to talk?"
Emma nodded, finally joining him on the pallet. "For now, it seems like Regina believes us. I have kept the meadow a secret for many years, let us pray it remains so."
He took her hands in his. "You took an extraordinary risk for me, Emma. I trust you with my life."
"I feel like I do not deserve your faith," she admitted. "Or your love."
He shook his head. "You deserve more than I could ever give you. I am only a simple soldier."
"A soldier's life was all I thought I wanted. That I would live and die on the battlefield."
"And now?"
She drew his hand to her stomach. "I want our child. I want to raise her with you, have her know that she is an Amazon and a Spartan. I just don't know how."
"Athena will answer our prayers, Emma. I believe that."
"Our play acting this morning did accomplish one thing."
"What's that?"
"I asked Regina if we could visit Athena's temple, make an offering."
"You did?"
"She gave her permission."
Killian beamed, a toothy dimpled smile that stole Emma's heart all over again. He hugged her close. "And you thought my faith in you misplaced," he whispered happily into her hair. "Silly princess."
"I had to make something up. I wanted to take advantage of her good mood."
"I don't care. It matters not how you obtained this gift, Emma."
"She should not have touched you," Emma declared. "Or said those things. You're not a slave, Killian."
"Your laws would disagree."
She nodded sadly. "I promise to protect you until we find another way. Listening to Regina talk about her conquests...it made me sick. For the first time, I am...ashamed to be an Amazon."
He kissed her brow and hugged her, wishing there was more he could do for her. He understood her feelings; he felt it himself at Troy. Years of seemingly fruitless war took a toll on him, made him wonder what it was all for. "We were brought together for a reason, my love. No matter the mode, I could never regret being with you. And I love you, just as you are."
She smiled, trying to soak in his faith. She wanted to believe so badly. "We'll go to Athena's temple tomorrow."
He stroked her cheek. "Perhaps you should visit Artemis as well. I know she's important to you."
"I doubt she'd listen. I gave up my virginity."
He looked away and her heart clenched. "Do you wish you hadn't?"
Emma cupped his cheeks and forced him to look in her eyes. "I truly don't. I did wonder if I'd made the right choice at first. I didn't understand the things you make me feel." She blushed. "I've never been in love."
"Nor I. But I would not trade what we have for anything."
"Not even to be free?"
"I thought we sorted that last night, love. I will not leave you or our child. I want us to be a family."
A family. Even among the Amazons, her sisters, Emma had always felt alone. Like she didn't quite belong. It was why she threw herself into her duties as head of the army, only had a couple of close friends. Her mother had been gone for so long now. "I have not had a real family since I was very small."
"Not even your aunt?" Regina disgusted him, but she was the only blood family Emma had.
"She and my mother are very different. She became...colder, more unpredictable after Mother's death."
"I know you miss her, Emma."
She nodded, drawing comfort from his embrace. Snow was the last person to hold her this way, truly care about her feelings. She spent so long burying her emotions, it was no wonder they frightened her so much. "Regina...gave me this box. She says it contains my mother's most prized possessions."
"She just...gave it to you?"
"She promised my mother that she'd give it to me at the right time. Choosing to become a mother myself...is the right time?"
Killian smiled tenderly down at her. Emma would be such a good mother; she had too kind a heart to be anything else. "Would you like me to stay while you open it?"
"Please?"
He pressed a kiss to her temple, then moved so the box was between them. Emma had to take a deep breath to steady herself; she was surprisingly nervous. What could her mother have wanted kept from her for all these years? Slowly, she lifted the wooden lid and laid it aside. The box wasn't as deep as it appeared from the outside; the contents were covered in loose yellow silk. She pulled the cloth out and gasped.
"Emma?"
"I thought I lost this," she whispered. "I was so scared; I couldn't tell her. She had it all the time." Gingerly, Emma lifted the golden chain from the box, the jeweled flower pendant still hung from it. Killian noted the tears that welled in her eyes; the necklace was clearly important to her. "My earliest memory is her wearing this. She never took it off. But one day I saw it in her room and I put it on. I knew it was wrong, but I was so curious about it. I went out to play on the grounds; it must have slipped off. It was far too long for me then." She smiled at Killian; he probably thought her a sentimental fool.
"It's beautiful, love. May I?"
Emma folded it carefully into his hand and returned to the box. There were some scraps of cloth she didn't understand, a long curved dagger that she'd never seen. Jeweled combs finely wrought in both gold and silver lay beside a papyrus scroll she knew well. Emma had a similar one; it chronicled her achievements, victories in battle. Every Amazonian warrior had one. She carefully unrolled it; it was a bit brittle. She read the facts of her mother's life, her eyes lingering on the year she became one of the Chosen. Emma had always wondered about her father; it was a mystery, unlike her grandfather. Snow liked to tell the story of Ares disguising himself to participate in the games. She was not arrogant about having a god for a father, but she did want Emma to be proud of her heritage.
Which made Snow's reluctance to speak of her mate even more perplexing.
Killian laid the necklace aside, studying her face as she examined the scroll. He didn't know what it meant, but he could be patient. The box was empty now, so he took the opportunity to examine it. It wasn't as ornate as he expected, considering its owner. No gold or gems, simply smoothly planed wood. He turned it over, finger tracing the small knot in the wood; to his shock, he discovered it wasn't a knot at all. It was a hole, painted black for better concealment. Too small for his index finger, he slipped his pinky inside. The very tip brushed against more wood. He pushed a little harder and the bottom (or what they thought was the bottom) of the box moved.
"Emma?"
"What is it?"
"I think this box has more secrets."
"What?"
He showed her his finger still in the hole he'd discovered. Emma's eyes widened and she set the scroll aside to take the box from him. Her finger fit much more easily in the hole and the false bottom popped out. Inside, she found layers of papyrus, carefully sewn together rather than rolled. She'd never seen anything like it. She peeled the first piece back and recognized her mother's hand.
"What is it, Emma? What's wrong?"
"I am...not sure. This is my mother's handwriting, but I've never seen this before."
He took her hand in his; it was trembling. "I am right here, my love."
Emma squeezed his hand gratefully. Her mother's words from beyond the grave? She didn't know if she was ready, but surely it was important if she'd gone to such lengths to conceal it. Emma was certain that if Regina knew such a thing existed, she would have kept it for herself. She started to open it, but they heard commotion in the hall. Thinking quickly, Emma hide the papyrus under the blanket, shoved the false bottom back into place. She and Killian replaced the other treasures in the box, all save the necklace. She handed it to Killian and allowed him to place it over her head as the servants brought in the evening meal.
Once they were alone again, Emma pulled out the bundle. "I want to read this."
Killian nodded in agreement. "Come, I will make sure you eat while you read." He did not want to pry, the words were meant for Emma alone. But he could watch over her. Getting up, he strode to the balcony to fetch her peplos. He wound it carefully around her body and urged her to join him at the table. Emma kissed his cheek in gratitude, clutching the bundle to her chest. She waited until he'd poured them some wine and fed her a few tasty morsels of fruit before returning her attention to the papyrus.
My dearest Emma,
As I write this, you are playing at my feet, just beginning to crawl. Every day that passes, my love for you grows. You are the light of my life; I know you will be a great Queen one day. But not too soon, sweet girl. I can not wait to see how you grow and change, even as I long for you to remain as you are in this moment. Your birth was the greatest day of my life, a comfort to me in a time of great sorrow.
You are too young still, my daughter, but I know one day the questions will come. We are so isolated here in Themiscyra, our way of life unique in the known world. I pray to Hera that I will be there to give you the answers you seek, but in case I am not, I have decided to leave you this record. Its very existence is subversive to our way of life but I will not conceal the truth from you. You deserve to know the man who gave you to me and how much I loved him.
Emma nearly dropped the bundle in shock. She was not alone. Her mother had loved her father, just as Emma loved Killian. This knowledge only begged more questions. Who was he? Where had he come from? Was he still alive? Emma thought she already knew the answer to the last. If her birth was a comfort, then her father must be dead. It was something that Emma had thought herself, when she was determined to let Killian go. That her child would comfort her, allow her to have a piece of the one she loved with her forever.
"Emma?"
"She loved him," she found herself saying. "She loved him and she had to keep it a secret."
"I'm not following, love."
"My mother. When she was a Chosen, she fell in love with my father."
Killian blinked, then realization dawned. He'd been right. Emma wasn't the first Amazon to fall in love. "Holy Hera."
"I have to finish this. I have to know what happened."
"Of course, love." Snow's tale could have the answer they sought. At the very least, it gave him hope. Someone with Emma's kindness and compassion had to been born of great love. It made him love her all the more, even as his heart bled for her. To find this out now, this great secret from a mother she barely remembered had to be difficult. He offered what comfort he could, made certain she nourished herself. He watched as she turned the pages, her cheeks stained with tears.
James. His name was James. He was a member of a neighboring tribe, captured in a skirmish. Blonde hair, blue eyes, handsome. Emma smiled to herself as her mother waxed poetic about her lover; it reminder of her own thoughts about Killian. She thought her Spartan was the most handsome man in the world as well. Unlike Emma though, Snow didn't realize how she truly felt until the end of the ritual.
My heart jumped in my throat as the crystal was placed around my neck, suddenly terrified for James's life. What if it glowed dreaded blue? Could I watch him cut down in front of me, the one who made me feel so much? I knew then that what I felt could only be love. The relief I felt when the crystal shined gold was palpable; my eyes instantly saw his. He smiled at me, my own feelings reflected in his eyes.
Our joy was shortlived, as the captives were to banished the next morning. We stayed up all night, loving each other, finally saying the words out loud. I did not want to let him go. How could I? I made the mistake of voicing my fears out loud and James begged me to run away with him. To leave Themiscyra and find our own way. We would raise our child together, give you brothers and sisters, be happy. In that moment, I wanted to. Desperately. But it was so difficult to leave everything I knew. And I would have left our people with Regina as my mother's heir. I love my sister, but she has not the temperament to be Queen.
Still, James overrode my objections. In truth, I allowed him to convince me. We concocted a plan. He would leave with the other survivors and I would meet him the following night at the edge of the city. From there we would travel downriver to the coast and find a ship to take us anywhere we wished to go.
Emma choked on tears, not wanting read what came next. Killian saw her distress and took her into his arms. She leaned on him heavily, sighing as he rubbed soothing circles in the small of her back. He didn't ask her to explain, willing to wait until she was ready. Emma kissed his lips in gratitude, drawing strength from him. She read as her mother packed her most necessary possessions, purloined food from the kitchens. In the dead of night, Snow slipped from her bed, pulled on a traveling cloak and crept from her room.
Snow knew something was wrong the moment she reached the secret rendezvous. Leaves shined black in the moonlight, felt wet even though there had been no rain. She groped in the darkness, not daring a torch, and tripped over something lumpy and heavy. It was James. Lifeless. Blue eyes sightless and wide. Dead.
Killian did not need Emma to speak to know what she'd discovered. Gently, he pried the bundle from her hands and held her as she cried. Mourned the father she never knew. How could Amazons be so cruel? To cuts fathers off from their children? From the potential for love and to be loved in return? Did they not worship the same gods he did? His heart shattered for Emma, her poor heart going through so much in such a short time. Was it just last night that they swam together in the river? She'd tried to save them from this fate and he rebuffed her. Had he condemned them to an even worse fate? It was so difficult to have hope when his princess felt so broken, so fragile in his arms.
"I am so sorry, so sorry," he whispered into her hair. "I did not mean to fall in love with you."
Emma looked at him through her tears, confused. He could not mean he regretted her? "Don't," she cried. "Please don't be sorry. I could not bear it."
"But what have I done? You would not be here weeping if not for me."
"Killian, I always wondered about my father. You did not do that. You did not end his life nor make me love you. I fell in love with you all on my own. I believe the gods brought us together for a reason."
"Isn't that my line?" he joked, his voice strained with unshed tears.
"It's also my mother's line." She looked around, finding the bundle to Killian's left. She picked it up and thumbed to the right page. She read aloud. "Despite all that has happened, I would not change a single moment, Emma. I will forever believe that the gods brought us together for a reason. That reason is you."
He offered her a watery smile, his lip quivering. "I love you more than you will ever know, Emma."
"As I love you." She kissed him, tasting the salt of her own tears. But they were hopeful tears. She had been loved. By a mother and a father, parents who wanted to raise her far from here. Their story ended in tragedy, but hers did not have to meet the same fate. She and Killian could make it. They could have the life Snow and James had been denied by the Fates. It would hard, they would need to fight for it. But she was an Amazon. Amazons did not give up, they fought until the bitter end.
Killian leaned his forehead against hers. "How do we begin?"
She carded her fingers through his shaggy hair. "We visit the temple. We go there, make our offering. Beseech Athena for guidance and wait for a sign."
"Let us pray she is quick about it."
"Remember the shooting star? Hera sent it, I'm sure of it." She raised her head and traced his features. "However, I do have a confession to make."
"A confession?"
"I did not visit her temple to thank her. You confused me so much, the things I feel when we're together, I did not understand. And when you accused me of just wanting you for myself..."
"That was ungenerous of me, Emma. Apologies. Again."
She smiled; the whole thing seemed silly now. "But I do want you for myself, Killian. It wasn't why I saved you in that precise moment, but I was attracted to you from the moment I saw a bold Greek staring me from the river as he washed."
"You were a vision. I could not help myself."
"If you had, we would not be here. All this to say, I prayed to Hera for guidance, to figure out what to do about you. When she sent that shooting star, I knew that this was right. We are meant to be together, Killian. And I no longer have the strength to send you away."
"Nor I the strength to go. Not without you."
"We must hide my mother's diary. If anyone knew what it contained...she called it subversive."
"At the very least. Your people's entire way of life is based on not needing men."
"And what about your people? How do the Spartans treat their women?"
"Very well, much better than our neighbors. Women are educated, can hold their own property. Every bit as well fed and fit as an Amazon. And Spartan women get married much later than others without becoming subservient to their husbands."
That explained so much about him. Hera truly had blessed her in her choice of mate. "I was taught that in Greece women are little more than slaves."
"Not in Sparta. I would love to show you my home one day."
"And I would love to see it." She laid her head on his shoulder, exhaustion settling in her bones. "Hmm, it's late."
"Indeed. We should hide your mother's things then get some sleep. You're exhausted."
"Leave the dagger out; we can take it for our offering."
"You would part with it?"
She touched the chain around her neck. "He gave this to her. This flower is the symbol of his people. That's why she never took it off."
"She wanted you to have it."
"I hope so. I feel...connected to her now in a way I never was before."
He ran his thumb over her lips. "I never knew her, but I can see her in you. She would be proud of you."
When Killian said those words, she believed him. Snow would want her to find happiness, she was certain of it. She gave him a slow deep kiss, then reluctantly stood so they could clean up and hide her precious treasures. The diary when back into the false bottom, then was covered with the scraps and jewelry. Emma laid the ornate dagger beside her bed, to be offered to Athena on the morrow. Killian unwound the silk from her body and carried her to bed, concealing them behind the curtain. They cuddled close, drawn to each other for comfort as they slipped into a deep slumber.
Killian's jaw ticked as the manacles clinked around his wrists. He knew this was necessary, but he still hated it. Emma tenderly kissed each wrist before she chained him, feeling awful for him. The dagger was tucked into her girdle, ready to be left as an offering. "Ready?"
"Almost." She looked up at him, confused, but sighed as his lips crashed to hers. She slid her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply, pouring all the love she felt for him into it. They did not break apart until her lungs threatened to burst from lack of air. She licked her lips, savoring the sweet taste of him. She squeezed his hands, then led him from her suite. She wore a simple white peplos, emphasizing humility and reverence. Killian was dressed similarly, if asked she would just repeat Regina's permission for the special circumstances. She'd told Regina that this was the way of Killian's people; he couldn't stand before the goddess naked. Nor did Emma want him to be anymore humiliated than he already was. She watched with a pained heart as he lowered his eyes the moment they left the safety of her room, ready to play the part of the submissive slave.
She longed for the day when they could both hold their heads high and not be concerned what anyone else thought of them.
Mulan was at the end of the hall this day, which Emma found comforting. She liked Mulan, trusted her to do her duty. They exchanged pleasantries, Emma explaining their excursion. She took the quickest path to the outdoors, seeking to avoid as many people as possible.
Killian breathed easier the moment they were outside; he could feel the sun on his face, breeze in his hair. He could see and hear a gaggle of Amazons engaged what appeared to be training off to their right. A dozen young girls, all with wooden practice swords, obeying commands from a black haired beauty.
"That's Jasmine," Emma whispered as they passed. "She's one of our fiercest warriors."
"Training the young ones in your stead?"
"We all do the training, but I guess you're right." She would likely have been training some of the little ones had she not saved Killian's life.
"I do not want you to give up the things you love," he whispered back. He did not miss the wistful look on her face. She was a great warrior; he knew how much it meant to her. It was one of his favorite things about her.
"One thing at a time, Spartan," she said, little louder. They could talk about this once they had a plan, a sign from Athena as to what they should do. If there could not be a place in Themiscyra for them together, then they would go somewhere else. Sparta, perhaps. Or one of the many islands in the Aegean. The place did not matter, as long as Killian was by her side.
They crossed the beautiful grounds, passing Hera's temple along the way. Emma said a silent prayer to the goddess as she passed, truly thanking her this time for bringing Killian into her life. She understood exactly what her mother meant when she'd written that she could not regret her love for James. Killian made her feel alive, comfortable in her own skin for the first time in her life. She was more than just a warrior, just as her own mother was. Glory in battle was fleeting but love was forever.
A large olive tree grew in front of Athena's temple, planted by her ancestors decades ago. Stone owls guarded the entrance to the formidable place of worship. As the goddess of war, Athena had a large cult among her sisters, second only to Artemis. Emma had chosen Artemis as a child, appreciating her love for the hunt. Now she wondered if she would choose differently. Probably not. It was Aphrodite who held new meaning for her.
They paused at the entrance to the temple, Emma looking around to ensure they were alone. Then she removed the manacles from his wrists. They would face the goddess as equals. Killian immediately threaded their fingers together, giving her a reassuring squeeze. She smiled up at him, squeezing back. Together they entered the temple, both taken slightly aback at its sheer magnificence.
Built from limestone, ceiling soared more than ten cubits over their heads. At the base of each column lay hundreds of offerings from generations of Amazons, broken shields, swords covered in dried blood, dented armor. Accouterments that had served them well in war. The largest pile lay at the base of the statue; her inherited dagger felt paltry in comparison.
"It is dear to you, to your family," Killian said softly, sensing her thoughts. "It will serve."
She nodded, guiding him to the small washbasin. They each cleansed their hands and forearms; the familiar act centered her, calmed her lingering trepidation. They needed to be focused, certain of what they wished to ask of the goddess before they made their plea.
Emma watched as Killian reverently approached the image of the goddess. He knelt before the statue, a regal Athena, dressed in peplos and armor, a helm pushed back on her head. She held a spear and the fearsome Aegis, the shield that contained the head of the Gorgon, Medusa, a perfect warrior.
"Wise Athena, we come to you humbly and with great respect," Killian began. "Our two peoples have been at war for many years, we ourselves faced each other on the fields of Troy." He glanced Emma, who used his pause as her moment to join him in supplication. She knelt by his side, entwining her hand with his. "Now we find ourselves engaged in a different kind of battle, one we wish to fight side by side...as equals."
Emma took up his plea. "Pallas, you are beloved among my sisters, the patron goddess of Sparta. You are known to be wise and cunning, a champion of heroes and mortals. We wish to stay together, raise our daughter together. We beseech you to help us make it so. She would be a child in your image, a fierce warrior." She extracted the curved dagger from girdle. "This dagger belonged to my mother, given to her by her beloved, my father. I wish to honor them by living with Killian at my side, not as a slave." She placed the dagger at the goddess's feet, then turned back to Killian. "I love you," she mouthed.
He smiled, warmth spreading through him. He turned back to the goddess, humbling himself once more. "We pray for guidance, for protection from those who would do us harm. The Princess is dear to me, as is the child we pray she carries. Do not take them from me, goddess. Please." Another beat and he squeezed Emma's hand, indicating it was time to go.
They rose and backed away from the statue, heads still bowed. Once they were outside, Emma wrapped her arms around him, touched by his heartfelt words. Killian buried his nose in her hair, inhaling her scent. She smelled of sunshine and ambrosia, the faint smell of sex clinging to her skin. "Love you," he whispered.
"And I you." Gently, she raised his head. "Do you think she'll answer?"
"I do. We must have faith."
"Yes." She looked around, questioning if they should press their luck. Killian had suggested she make her peace at Artemis's temple; it hadn't seemed necessary. But looking at their situation now, it would not do to offend the goddess she'd worshipped for so long. "Do you mind waiting here? Artemis's temple is not far from here."
Killian nodded, glad to hear she wanted to pay her respects. Artemis was the goddess of childbirth as well as virginity; appealing to her could ensure her a good hour when the time came. He was convinced it would. They would have a child. He would enjoy being a father, something his brother never got to experience.
Emma did not want to take any more chances than they had to, so she replaced the manacles to his wrists. A swift kiss to his cheek and she ran in the direction of the temple. It occurred to her that she had no offering but it was too late now. Artemis's temple was tiny compared to Athena's, even though she was almost equally beloved. This was due to the fact that it was a cave and not a traditional temple. It faced southeast, the direction from which the moon rose. Here the offerings were mostly animal skins, brought down in the hunt. Emma had not been here in since before she left for Troy.
The washbasin was carved from the rock wall; Emma hurriedly washed, not wanting to leave Killian alone for too long. Artemis's statue lay at the very back of the cave, a girl no older than sixteen, a bow and arrow in her hands, woodland animals at her feet. To a young Emma, she embodied everything she wished to be. Fiercely independent, worshipped by men but beholden to none, a deadly shot with her bow. Artemis appealed a great deal to Emma then and she still did.
"It's a bit of a misconception."
Emma jumped, looking for the sound of the voice. At first she thought she imagined it, then she saw the young girl at the mouth of the cave. "Who are you?"
The girl laughed, bronze curls bouncing behind her. "It has been a while since you've been here, Emma."
Emma stepped closer, cursing the darkness at the back of the cave. "Do we...know each other?"
"I know you very well, Amazon. But no, we have never formally met."
A strap crossed the girl's torso; she had a bow in her hand. No, it couldn't be. Gods did not converse with mortals! "You're Artemis." Emma dropped to her knees, utterly stunned.
Artemis laughed, mortals amused her. "Well, you did figure it out sooner than most. Rise, child."
Emma stood, still gobsmacked. What did the goddess want with her? Where was Killian? Was he safe? Before she could get a word out, Artemis held up her hand. "Your Spartan is fine. I concealed him from prying eyes so we could talk."
Emma let out a sigh of relief. "Apologies. It has been an...intense few days, Huntress."
"Yes, I've been keeping an eye on you. Even though I am mildly offended you went to my sister for help first."
Emma gnawed on her lip, suddenly very nervous. As if conversing with a goddess wasn't nervewracking enough! "I am sorry, we simply thought..."
Artemis waved her hand. "I understand why you did; your reasoning was sound. You and your Spartan are both warriors; she'll like that."
"She will?"
"Oh yes. Dedicating your daughter to her was a nice touch."
Emma shook her head, still massively thrown. "Apologies, Huntress. But why..."
"Am I here? An excellent question." The goddess sat on an outcropping urging Emma to sit by her. She did, her hands shaking slightly. She was in the presence of an actual goddess. "First, I came to disabuse you of the notion that I do not understand your situation. You think I am offended because you surrendered your virginity."
Emma cringed, having voiced that exact concern. It was why she'd demurred visiting the temple in the first place. "I haven't offended you?"
"Of course not. I loved once too, you know."
"You did?"
"Do they teach you nothing in this country? I'm going to have words with my brother, make him put it in a song. Something that doesn't rhyme. He is obsessed with rhyming." Artemis turned her attention back to Emma. "His name was Orion. We hunted together."
Emma had heard of Orion. "Didn't you accidentally kill him?" She clapped her hand over her mouth for her impertinence; if she hadn't offended the goddess before, she surely had now.
Artemis sighed sadly but nodded. "A trap laid by my brother. I still have not quite forgiven him."
"Apollo?"
"Those closest to us have the greatest capacity to cause harm."
"I am sorry."
Artemis's face softened, looking more like a young maiden than ever. "You really mean that."
"Apologies, but after reading about my parents...no one should go through that."
"Which brings us to the second reason I am here."
"I can't send him away," Emma said abruptly. "I tried, I tried to set him free but he doesn't want to go. I vowed to give him a choice."
"A very noble thing," Artemis said sagely. "I've never approved of the way the Amazons treated their prisoners. However, some things are too ingrained to be undone."
"Then what can we do? I can't watch him die."
"Well, you don't have to worry about that." The goddess smiled. "For you are with child, Emma."
Her eyes widened, hand flying to her stomach. "I am?!"
"You are. I know you've already dedicated her to Athena, but I will also do what I can to protect her."
"Her...I'm having a daughter?"
"I am the goddess of childbirth, I make it my business to know these things."
Happiness surged through her; Hera had answered her prayer. "But Killian..."
"I will speak to Athena. I'm certain we can come up with something. It may take some time; she's rather angry with me at the moment."
"Angry?"
"It's this war. The Greeks and Trojans. Athena, naturally, supports Sparta and the Greeks. However, my brother is patron god of Troy. The gods are fighting just as much as the mortals."
She could not imagine gods fighting. But then again, she still could not believe Artemis was actually in front of her. "Anything you can do would be deeply appreciated, Huntress."
"As I said, I've watched over you since you were a small child. Your anguish called out me."
Emma looked away, embarrassed. She had not meant to disturb the goddess. "I am humbled and thankful. I never expected...any of this."
Artemis stood. "Go, find your Spartan. Tell him your news. I'm sure you will enjoy celebrating."
Emma knelt, her head bowed. "Thank you, Huntress. We will not forget your kindness."
Artemis touched Emma's shoulder, granting her blessing. When Emma looked up, she was gone.
