Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time

AN: Again, thanks to beckyzoso and GranddaughterOfCaskettAndTivia! ~ XOXO MAS

The cock's gonna call in the morning baby

Emma had a hard time keeping still during breakfast the following morning. If she was right, and they really were lying to her, this would be a chance to prove to them that she was no ordinary princess, she wasn't a damsel in distress, and she didn't have a traditional upbringing. They would rue the day they chose to kidnap her. She bit her lip to a hide her smirk.

"You seem to be in better spirits this morning." Liam observed, eyeing her suspiciously, "Is everything alright?"

Emma stared at him from across the table, "Of course, Captain. What could possibly be wrong?" She snarked.

Liam's eyes narrowed, and his mind spun on the possibility of her attempting to lead a mutiny against him. The crew did appear to be quite taken with her. Should she present her offer in the right way, they may follow her lead, "What indeed?" He muttered.

"Perhaps the princess is excited for a lesson in sword fighting?" Killian suggested with an arched brow.

Emma feigned ignorance, her green eyes going wide with excitement and her hands fluttering around her, "Of course, I've always wanted to play swords." She smiled widely at him. She may not have had a traditional upbringing for a princess, but she was still around enough of them that she knew just how to act.

Killian chuckled, "Aye, love, we shall 'play swords,' as you so charmingly put it." The rest of the crew looked at her with bemused expressions, more than likely attempting to hide their chuckles.

Twenty minutes later, with Smee at the helm (he was still hellbent on keeping a respectable distance from Emma, the memory of her knocking him out far too fresh in his mind), Killian and Emma lined up to one another, "Now, love," Killian began, "would you like to give it a go, or shall we start with instruction."

Emma smiled sweetly at him, "I've watched my father over the years, it looks quite easy if you ask me."

Killian grinned at her enthusiasm, "It's much harder than it looks, your highness." He warned her.

"Why Lieutenant Jones," she scoffed, straightening momentarily, "are you afraid that I may best you at swords? Are you actually putting off our fight? I'm quite ready to play now."

Killian shook his head at her petulance and impatience. "The proper term is 'duel,' love and no," he lined up and raised his sword, "I'm not."

Emma took her stance, remembering what she'd learned from her father, one of the best swordsmen in the realm, Princess Anna of Arendelle (who had originally taught her father), and Lancelot and his men. Not to mention the fact that she'd spent much time dueling with the dwarves. Apparently, these young navy men had no idea that she scared suitors away quickly when she decimated them in duels.

With the first clash of their swords, Killian realized that Emma had played him. She'd done more than just watch her father, she'd wielded one herself. And as she spun just out of his reach, causing him to stumble, he'd have wagered his year's salary and the Jewel on the fact that she was taught to fight not just for sport, but to protect herself if necessary. At the look of utter confidence on her face, he realized she may very well best him.

"Bloody hell," Liam muttered, "she can actually fight."

Peek shook his head as he, Liam and Harkey stood next to Smee at the helm, "That whole bit about 'playing swords' was nothing more than a way to catch Killian off guard. A tactic only a female would come up with, but an effective one, nonetheless."

Harkey motioned to the two dueling as Emma pressed Killian towards the mast, "She's got him."

Liam grinned at the glint in Killian's blue eyes, "Not quite." He watched as Killian shoved off, angling his sword to catch Emma off balance so she stumbled and he was leaning over her. The ship erupted in cheers.

"Well," Killian leaned over her, "you are far better with a sword than I thought you may be. Your form is good," He paused, "but not quite good enough, it seems, Princess."

Emma quirked a brow at him, "Why would you say that, particularly when I'm winning?"

"Wha" Before Killian could even get a full word out, Emma slipped between his legs, startling him, knocking his own sword away and pressing her cutlass under his chin.

"What was that you were saying, Lieutenant?" She asked archly, a teasing note in her voice and her eyes sparkling with mirth.

He chuckled and brought his hand up to her blade, gently lowering it, "So tell me, Princess, who taught you to fight?"

Emma gingerly rested her weight against the sword, "My father, King David, Princess Anna of Arendelle, Sir Lancelot and his knights, Robin Hood is also quite a good swordsman, as is my mother, Queen Snow. They, however, are far more skilled with a bow and arrow." She paused, "I'm adept at both, among other things." She taunted lightly. "Don't feel too bad, Lieutenant Jones, every would be suitor has left after I've decimated him in a sword fight. I've also humiliated quite a few members of our own guard and navy with my abilities. Though they all can take pride in knowing they've helped hone my considerable skills over the years."

"Well," Killian took a step closer to her, his eyes roving over her flushed form, "it seems you've had quite the education, indeed."

She looked up at him, her breath catching in her throat at the nearly predatory gleam in his blue eyes, she could clearly see the want in them, "You haven't the slightest idea, Lieutenant." She taunted lightly, not bothering to smother the grin as his own breath hitched slightly.

It took Liam clearing his throat for the two of them to step back, both flushing. Emma dropped Killian's gaze, the memory that she was betrothed flashing through her mind. Guilt swept through her as she turned to the box with swords. Wordlessly, she carefully laid hers back in its proper spot before fleeing down below, "Well, little brother," Liam crossed his arms and raised a questioning brow, "what was that about?"

Killian scratched the back of his ear nervously, "Don't know what you're talking about, brother."

Liam rolled his eyes, "Right."

"I'll take over at the helm for Smee." He offered, moving away to avoid any other questions.

Emma barricaded herself in her quarters after that, needing to put space between herself and the young lieutenant. Betrothed or not, that man had assisted in her kidnapping and she couldn't trust him until she was safely on her own shores. Liam was not able to rouse her for lunch, so Harkey brought her a tray. The same was done at dinner.

It wasn't until well after dinner that a knock at the door to the captain's quarters stopped Liam and Killian's quiet conversation. Liam was slightly surprised when the door opened without his permission and Emma stood there, "Can I have a word with the two of you?" She held Liam's gaze for a moment, before her eyes darted to Killian's. A small flush rose on her cheeks and she turned back to his older brother. Liam raised a brow at that, but shook his head. His brother was smarter than to get involved with a princess who was betrothed to another.

Liam held the door open for her and she entered, taking an empty chair that Killian pulled out for her, "Thank you." She murmured quietly.

"What can we do for you, Emma?" Liam asked.

Emma cleared her throat and directed her request to Liam, "Please enclose this with the letter you plan to send to my parents." She held out a piece of parchment.

She hesitated long enough for Liam to ask, "Is there something else, Princess?"

"Has word gotten to Prince Baelfire about what is happening?" She asked timidly.

Liam's head fell to the side, "I'm not sure. I would assume so, we have not received word that he is willing to help ensure your safe return, though."

"He likely won't," Emma leaned back, "unless there is something in particular my parents can provide his father with, and I should think there's not. Though with the Dark One, you never can tell. He once asked for a lock of my mother's hair and my father's coat." She noted their surprised looks, "This was many years ago. Long before I was born." She murmured. She stood suddenly, "Have a nice evening."

And she was gone, just as suddenly as she appeared. Liam looked over at his brother, who was still silently staring at the door, "She's engaged to be married, brother." He reminded Killian in warning.

Killian tore his gaze from the door, "I haven't done"

"Your look says it all." Liam told him, "Tread carefully there. More so because of whom she's engaged to."

When Emma shut her door a moment later she leaned against it, letting the cool wood press against her forehead. She couldn't afford to spend any time alone in the presence of the young lieutenant. She had to keep her wits about her in case an escape was necessary. Resolving to that she was stronger than some attraction to a handsome stranger, she stepped away from the door to prepare for bed.

OUAT

XOXO

MAS