Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters
Note: Sorry this chapter is a bit shorter, and no Regina. But next chapter will more than make up for it. Hopefully. Do you like it?
Chapter 4:
It had taken almost an hour for Emma to escape the adoring crowd. She hated it. She hated the expectations and faith that followed her everywhere. She hated the blessings, the cries for help, the waiting for a miracle from every person she had met. Regina hadn't known her. She hadn't asked for a sign from the "Savior". Emma had to tear herself away from the hands that gripped at her tunic. She had hoped that she had come far enough west to escape the fables and tales that followed her name. Gods. Save a kingdom and spare a few people and suddenly you were a legend, and apparently, legends never got a rest.
"Excuse me, I'm looking for the Captain's quarters." Emma said to a guard who looked at her nervously.
"It's just around the corner, Savior." He said reverently. Emma just rolled her eyes at the ridiculous title and strode off in the direction he had pointed. Pausing at the door, she knocked.
"Enter."
"Good evening. I am Lady Emma Swan. I was sent here by the King. I have enlisted." She stated after raising a salute.
"Ah. The infamous White Knight. I don't know why you wanted to come here, but I will tell you upfront that you won't be coddled by me just because the people think you are some sort of god. My name is Killian Jones. Captain Jones to you. Or, if you prefer, some of my men call me Captain Hook." The handsome captain motioned to a seat that sat next to the small cot that stood by the wall. Emma raised her eyebrows at the interesting nickname and slid gracefully onto the seat. Jones waved his hand towards his belt where a curved dagger lay sheathed as an explanation.
"Now. You are a problem for me. As you should know, the army is not just military. It is politics. Our ranks are riddled with sons of lords as well as peasant boys from the coast. There are all types of people but we have to be wary. As you are a knight, as well as a legend, I cannot put you under anyone. On top of that, the King wishes me to promote you to somewhere where you can be used to strengthen the public's view of the royal family." The captain sighed and put his head in his hands. "I also cannot just promote you over others, some of which hold great political power and I cannot afford to step on more royal toes than I already do."
"I apologize for the inconvenience I have caused. I never meant to cause any issues politically or otherwise." Emma apologized, feeling for the man sitting in front of her. Jones waved off the apology and leaned forward.
"I am going to claim that due to your status as Savior, you will not be serving under anyone but myself and the royal family until I can find a place that won't blow up in my face. You will be bunking in the other female dorms, and I suggest you make friends. And the right ones. Watch out for those who hope to make you a trophy. I have a feeling that you don't enjoy your status as much as I don't enjoy dealing with it. Now, your escort will be here any minutes, do you have any questions?"
"What would you like me to fill my time with during the day?" Emma inquired, confused over the position she was placed.
"I suggest keeping your cavalry skills sharp and the King suggested you use the noble's ring to keep your sword skills honed." He raised his eyebrows suggestively at that.
"So he wants a show from the Savior." Emma translated.
"Basically." As a knock rang out on the door, Captain Jones stood and went to open the door when he paused.
"A warning I will give you." He cautioned, "The King enjoys keeping the company of women around the castle. I hope that your status will exempt you from his attention, but if needed, you would report back to me and I would go directly to the Queen. You have the right to deny him, but don't entice him." With that, Killian swept her out the door and into the company of a dark haired soldier wearing a blood red cloak.
"Red. You are in charge of Lady Swan until she understands the procedures and layout of the castle. You will answer her questions and make sure she doesn't get into too much trouble before she has a chance to make a good impression. Dismissed." Emma turned to find the other woman eyeing her.
"Lets go." Walking swiftly, Red swept off, causing the guard at the end of the hall to jump to attention. "You can call me Ruby, and I wont be calling you no Savior. I'll take you to your bunk and then run you through the schedule."
"Emma is fine, or Swan if you prefer." Emma replied following after.
"I am first Lieutenant of the Fifth Cavalry, so I won't have time to baby you along. However, if you keep up for a day or two, you will catch on quick. I would take you by the armory, but it looks as though you are already set." Emma grinned. Being a knight had its perks and she didn't miss the days off ill-fitting, second rate armor and old men trying to cop a feel claiming they were taking her size down.
"This is our barracks, take any empty bed, there aren't many of us high ranking ladies left. Too many run-ins with that bastard we call King. I'll leave you to unpack and settle in. Try not to break anything till I get back."
Ruby smiled genuinely as Emma dropped her saddle-bags onto a bed. "Welcome to Castle Ryzi, Miss Swan." Wish a flash of her cloak, Ruby disappeared out the door, leaving Emma to wonder what she had gotten herself into.
