Emma thought of the prince more than she should, over the course of the next week. It was ridiculous, because they could never be together. Killian would eventually marry a princess or a noble woman, and she'd still be living alone with Henry, striving to get by.

The smart thing was to keep herself from getting attached.

Emma looked out the window. Henry was brushing Buttercup's mane and feeding her sugar cubes that Emma had obtained in the market. Her son loved the horse, and Emma was glad that her son finally had a friend. Most of the other children of the village preferred to stay away from him. Henry wouldn't tell her why this was.

Emma's heart squeezed in her chest as she realized that Prince Killian was, in part, responsible for her son's happiness as of late.

She still hadn't decided if she was going to go to Firefly Hill. As unwise as it would be to go and open her heart further to Killian, she was still incredibly tempted. She had let him kiss her, after all, and as much as she wanted to deny it, the press of his lips against hers had haunted her dreams, making her yearn for him.

Emma Swan did not yearn.

Henry came inside a few minutes later after having put Buttercup in the shed that they had converted to a small stable.

"So, mother," said Henry, "are you still going to Firefly Hill tonight?"

"Trying to get me out of the house?"

"No. But I heard the prince ask if he could meet you there."

Emma glared at him, putting her hands on her hips. "What have I told you about eavesdropping, Henry?"

Henry had the good sense to look embarrassed. "I'm sorry, mother, but this is the fist time I've ever seen you smile around a man. For as long as I can remember it's just been you and me. I know that you get lonely sometimes."

"Henry," said Emma, her gaze softening, "You shouldn't be worrying about my love life."

"I want you to be happy. Not all men are like my father."

"He's the prince of this kingdom, Henry," said Emma, moving to sit by her son.

"That doesn't matter. You've heard the stories of Snow White and Prince Charming. She was a bandit, and he was a shepherd."

"That's different," said Emma. "They are True Love."

Henry looked up at her. "Do you like him?"

Emma bit her lip, hesitating.

Henry grinned. "Then give him a chance."

-/-

Killian was pacing around the portrait hall, lost in thought.

He practically jumped out of his skin when he heard Liam's voice behind him. "Killian," said Liam, walking up to stand beside his brother. "You've not been yourself this past week."

Killian nodded.

"Tell me what is on your mind," said Liam.

"I met a woman," said Killian softly. "The most beautiful woman in all the realms."

Liam grinned. "At last, my little brother has finally fallen in love. Who is she? Milah, daughter of the Dark One?"

Killian shook his head. "No. I met her in the tavern in the village. Her name is Emma Swan."

Liam rose a brow. "A commoner?"

"She's hardly common," scoffed Killian. "She is kind, caring, brilliant, and gorgeous."

"Then what is the trouble?"

"She's stubborn. I think she's been abandoned before. She doesn't seem to believe that my intentions are sincere."

"Are they?" said Liam.

"It was love at first sight, brother," said Killian. "I knew the moment that she walked into that tavern that she was the woman I wanted to spend my life with."

Liam clapped his brother on the back. "Then fight for her, brother."

"I intend to," said Killian. "Then you approve?"

Liam nodded. "You should marry for love. I was not given that luxury, and you saw how that turned out."

Killian nodded. His brother had been miserable with his late wife. She and the baby died in childbirth. Liam had not been inclined to marry again.

Killian's eyes flicked over the paintings until a pair of familiar green eyes caught his attention. It couldn't be.

"Brother who is this?" said Killian, hastening over to the painting.

"That is a portrait of Princess Emma, the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming. She disappeared twenty years ago. Her parents had the portrait copied and sent to every kingdom in the realm. Why do you ask?"

"I'd recognize those eyes anywhere," said Killian, eyes roaming over the painting of the young girl with golden curls and jade eyes. It was too much of a coincidence.

"And you think this Emma Swan might be the lost princess?"

"Perhaps," said Killian.

"Then you'll need to bring her to the castle. We need to be sure. I can send a message to Snow and Charming."

"No, " said Killian. "Not yet. I'm going to see her tonight. I will try and convince her to come back with me. Send a message to the Blue Fairy. If anyone can help us discover the truth it will be her."

"Fine," said Liam. "And Killian?"

"Yes, brother?"

"If your suspicion proves to be true you will be hailed as a hero," said Liam.

Killian nodded as his brother left the room. He didn't need to be known as a hero. But if Emma did turn out to be the Lost Princess, then perhaps she would be more open to the idea of being with him. But more importantly, she would be reunited with her family, and she would have a chance to be truly happy.

And Killian was determined to make sure that Emma Swan had all the happiness in the world.