Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time
AN: Again, a big thank you toBeckyzoso and to GranddaughterOfCaskettAndTivia, you are seriously awesome and so patient with me! ~ XOXO MAS
The Lord's gonna come for your first born son
Emma's eyes fluttered open when Killian pulled back. She opened her mouth to speak, but he beat her to it. "I'm so very sorry, Princess Emma." He bowed slightly. "It won't happen again. It was bad form on my part." He was out the door before she could protest.
When the door shut behind him, she crumpled onto the bed, her head falling into her hands. She was so utterly confused. Her head and her heart were at war with one another. Her head was reminding her that she was betrothed to Prince Baelfire, that she needed to remain loyal to him. An alliance with his kingdom would save her people. And that was her duty as the crown princess. Her duty was to her people first, and to herself second.
Then there was her heart. And she was afraid that Lieutenant Killian Jones was well on his way to owning that. He was just so. . . . She didn't have the words to explain how confused she was. She only knew one thing for sure, and that was she really wanted him to kiss her again.
OUAT
The next morning, Emma found herself on the deck long before the sun rose. Huddled beneath her cloak, she tried to make sense of her conflicting emotions regarding the young lieutenant. She wished Elsa or her mother were here. They would be able to advise her. She furrowed her brow as she tried to formulate their responses herself. Pulling her legs up, she wrapped her arms around her them, rocking with the movement of the ship as she sniffled, wiping away the stray tears of frustration. She wanted to be home with her parents more than anything. Letting out a ragged breath, she focused on what her mother's advice would be.
Her mother would want her to be happy. She would want that no matter what. If the lieutenant made her happy, then she would be happy. She would allow Emma to be with anyone of her choosing. The only thing her mother ever wanted was for Emma to find her true love. And she would be more than willing to severe the allegiance with Prince Baelfire's kingdom.
Elsa would be a bit more practical. She would be the one to ask Emma if she could really trust the lieutenant. In the end, though, if Emma was happy, she'd be happy. She would definitely make Killian sweat. Or freeze, as was Elsa's way.
She sighed and curled up, leaning against the side of the ship. Emma needed to decide for herself what would make her happy and if she could trust Killian to help her people. If she could, and if it would not endanger her people, maybe she wouldn't have to marry Prince Baelfire after all. As her eyes fluttered shut, she was faced with visions of the bluest eyes she'd ever seen and the memory of soft lips against hers.
OUAT
"How long has she been up here?" Killian asked Peek as he followed him up to the deck.
"Since long before dawn." Peek and Killian were both watching her sleep. Liam was below, dealing with a small crisis in the cargo hold. "I found her when I came up for my shift moments ago. Clark said she appeared around 3:30 this morning. She just smiled, told everyone she was fine, she was just feeling a little queasy from the rocking of the ship and she needed some air. Clark promised they all tried to get her a quilt or something to eat, but she just shook her head and settled there. She fell asleep about an hour later." Peek hesitated.
"What is it?" Killian asked quickly.
"Clark also said he thought she may have been crying, but she would never admit to it," Peek murmured, looking at the princess. There were clear tear tracks on her cheeks. "It appears she was."
Killian sighed, guilt at more than likely being the cause of her tears twisting his stomach. "I'll take her below." He moved quietly towards her, scooping up her little body, she was far tinier than she should be, he noted. Clearly the stress of the war with George had taken a toll on her. She made a small mewl of protest at the change in position, but Killian ignored it, making his way back down to his quarters.
Setting her on the bed, he pulled off her boots and unclasped her coat, tucking her under the covers. "Killian?" She asked quietly, her eyes fluttering open.
He straightened. "Aye, I'm just bringing you back below. You should keep sleeping."
She reached out and latched onto his wrist. "You're going to stay away from me now, aren't you?" She asked quietly, her tone agonized.
He watched as she fought with the drowsiness that had consumed her earlier. "You're betrothed to another," he reminded her softly.
She yawned, pulling him back to the side of the bed as she turned over, her cheek coming to rest on his palm. "I don't want to marry him. I never did." She continued to cling to him.
Killian cleared his throat. "Still, your highness, I will keep a respectful distance."
"I'd rather you didn't," she murmured. "I'd rather you kiss me again." The end of her sentence was slightly slurred with sleep.
Killian stared down at her. "Sleep, Emma," he whispered, withdrawing his hand from hers, his fingers lightly caressing her cheek before exiting the room as quickly as possible.
OUAT
When Killian reappeared on deck, Liam was there. "Peek said you took the princess down to her bed?"
Killian nodded. "Aye, she was asleep on deck."
Liam shuffled from foot-to-foot. "Killian." He glanced down at his little brother. "I feel I should warn you..."
"About what?" Killian snapped.
Liam sighed. "I can see it in your eyes, brother, and I can see it in hers." He scratched the back of his ear. "I understand what you see in her. She's one of the most beautiful lasses I've ever seen, and she's got a fire that's unusual for a woman of her stature." His head cocked to the side. "Unusual for most anyone, I'd imagine."
"Liam," Killian sighed. "You're worrying unnecessarily, there's nothing between us. Besides, she's a princess."
"I don't believe you for a second, brother. But for the moment I'll let it go." Liam turned back to the helm.
Killian busied himself with helping to shift a mast as he thought about Liam's words and Emma's exhausted admission. And bloody hell, he wanted to kiss her again. He wanted to do more than kiss her.
OUAT
When Emma woke again, she had the faintest memory of falling asleep on deck and Killian bringing her below, but she wasn't entirely sure if it was real or a dream. Pushing back the covers, she noted she was dressed for the day. Rumpled, but still dressed. Frowning, she changed her clothes quickly before making her way to the galley.
"Emma!" Harkey was slightly startled to see her. "You must be starved, lass, it's nearly noon."
Emma glanced out one of the portholes. "I didn't realize I slept so late," she admitted.
"Do you feel ill?" He asked, approaching her slowly. "Perhaps you contracted what Smee had?"
Emma shook her head. "No, Harkey, I feel alright. I was wondering if I could perhaps help with preparations? I'd prefer a bit of a quieter day, if you don't mind, but I do want to help."
He smiled and nodded. "Come on in, lunch is already done, but you can help with dinner."
Emma smiled gratefully. "Thank you."
"Do you want to eat first?" He offered. She shook her head and he studied her silently. "You can tell me about it, whatever it is that's troubling you. I may not be of the female orientation, but that don't mean I can't help. I've got a young lass of my own and even she admits at times I'm helpful," he told her kindly.
Sighing, Emma picked up the dough he was kneading, taking over for him. "It's really silly, to be honest."
"If it has you upset, lass, it's probably not silly at all," Harkey corrected. "You don't strike me as the kind of woman to waste your time on something petty."
Emma sunk her fingers into the dough again, pounding into it briefly. "I'm just very confused right now." she admitted softly. "And I wish my mother were here to tell me what she would do. She always gives the best advice."
"Mothers usually do," Harkey acknowledged. He continued chopping the potatoes as he asked, "Does this have to do with the lieutenant?"
Emma's eyes snapped up to the older man's. "Why would you ask that?"
He gave a knowing grin. "You know, he's a good lad. Occasionally a bit brash and reckless, but he'd treat you very well. You could do much worse than him. And I doubt you would find someone much better. He and the Captain are good men. They believe in good form and have good instincts."
"By much worse, I take it you mean Prince Baelfire," Emma surmised.
"Aye, lass. I wouldn't tangle with the Dark One if I were ye," he admitted. "It terrifies even a soul as old as my own." Harkey looked at the dough in her hands. "I think it's ready," he murmured.
Emma stared down at her flour covered hands. "Oh, I suppose it is."
"Emma." Harkey turned to look at her. "Don't over think it too much." He smiled softly at her. "And I know that you have a responsibility to your people, but you also have one to yourself. If you commit yourself to a life of unhappiness, you won't be able to rule them well. That is, after all, part of what happened with Regina. You should follow your heart. It won't steer you wrong."
Blinking back tears, she realized that this older Navy man gave her the same advice her mother would've given her. Wiping her hands on a stray rag, she pulled Harkey into a hug that surprised him. "Thank you, Harkey."
When she stepped back, she was wiping away tears. He shook his head and grinned, "You should go up top, get some fresh air." He winked at her. "Enjoy the view some."
Emma shook her head, now he sounded a bit like Elsa. Every once in a while her friend would say something that bordered on scandalous. "I think I shall. Thank you, again."
"Any time, Emma, my door is always open." He motioned to the doorway of the galley that lacked a door altogether. That had Emma chuckling as she made her way up top.
The wind whipped through her hair as she emerged on the deck. Reaching back, she tied it off into a sloppy braid as she made her way to the helm, where the lieutenant and captain were. "Good afternoon." She smiled warmly at the two of them. They both raised their eyebrows, their expressions a mirror of one another. She found herself laughing lightly at that. "How are the winds today, Captain? Are we still on course for Misthaven?"
Liam glanced between Emma and his brother, "The winds are against us today, it may extend our voyage by a day or so, hopefully they will change though."
Emma's face fell slightly. "Oh, well at least the weather appears to be holding up." She looked up at the sky. The only clouds were fluffy and white, they reminded her of pillows. As a child she used to lay in the gardens with Elsa and the two of them would find shapes in the clouds. The memory made her smile again. Dropping her gaze back to Killian and Liam, she turned her broad smile onto them. "Well, thank you for the update. I'll just step out of your way now." She nodded slightly to each of them in turn, before she moved to a place where she could watch the sea as they sped towards her parents' kingdom.
Liam faced his brother again. "And what, do you suppose, has lifted her spirits this morning?"
Killian shook his head, averting his gaze. "Honestly, brother, I haven't the slightest idea."
Liam wasn't buying that. "I'll bet you don't."
OUAT
Dinner that evening was a light affair. Emma asked the men to regale her with tales of their voyages and they were more than happy to supply them. After dinner, she moved up to the deck with the men, where they continued to tell her stories of their adventures in the Navy and some of the tighter spots they'd found themselves in. Settled between Peek and Harkey, she was even taught a few dice games the men typically played to pass the time.
All the while Killian watched her. She was happier, more trusting, like something inside of her had shifted. It was as if she'd made a decision that had been weighing on her and was now lifted from her shoulders. He noted that she ate more than she had at previous meals. She even indulged in a small bit of wine they had on board.
When she stood from her spot, she stretched slightly. "Well, gentlemen, thank you all for a wonderful evening. I do think I'm going to retire now, though."
Peek stood beside her. "Thank you for joining us, Emma. It was an honor." He bowed, as the other men shared his sentiment.
Once the dice games begun again, Killian stood, slipping down below deck quietly. He rapped sharply on her door, only opening it when he heard her call out. "Come in." She looked up from her spot on the bed. She'd already changed for the evening, and she was seated by a single lantern, reading a book. "Killian." She set the book by her side. "Is everything alright?"
He scratched the back of his head, unsure of what exactly he wanted to say. Finally, he asked, "I just wanted to make sure you were alright?"
Emma's brow furrowed. "Do I not seem alright?" She asked.
He shook his head. "You were in the best spirits I've ever seen you in," he admitted. "It was a shift that I hadn't expected."
Emma nodded knowingly. "I see, well, I've made a few decisions that have been weighing heavily on my mind as of late."
Killian remained standing near the door. "Oh?"
She nodded again. "Yes, I've decided to severe ties with Prince Baelfire's kingdom." At his arched brow, she pushed the covers to the bed back, standing up. Dressed in only a chemise, she moved towards him.
He cleared his throat, turning his gaze up to the ceiling, and repeated, "Oh?"
"Mhm," she murmured. "One kiss from a particular lieutenant in King George's Navy made me change my mind in regards to what I want."
Killian swallowed hard. "Princess Emma," he began.
"Emma," she corrected sharply. "And don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about and do not bring up 'good form' to me," she ordered.
He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, still not used to his shortened locks. "Then what will you have me do?" He demanded.
"Kiss me," she requested softly.
His eyes fell to her slightly parted lips. Instinctively his tongue peeked out to run across his teeth and her breath hitched. "It wouldn't be proper." He murmured, his voice deep and dark, making her shiver.
"I don't care." She stepped forward, her chest now brushing his. "I don't care about being proper. For once, I don't want to think. I just want to feel." Her hands were shaking as she raised them to his chest. She could feel his heartbeat beneath her palm as she slowly twined her hands behind his head. "Just kiss me, Killian."
His eyes darkened at her plea and his head dipped. "As you wish," he murmured, before his lips brushed hers again. This time it was slow and deliberate, as if he were trying to memorize the feel and taste of her. She arched into him, letting out a small moan that made him snap. One hand slid around her waist, hauling her flush against him, the other rose to her hair, tangling his fingers through her tresses, tipping her head back to deepen the kiss. She tugged lightly on his own hair in response, trying to pull herself closer to him.
A knock at the door sounded and they both sprung apart as Liam opened the door. "Emma, is Kil-" he stopped and stared at the two of them. Both of them were panting, flushed, with kiss bitten lips. He cleared his throat and ducked his head. "You're good to take first watch, Killian?"
Running a hand through his hair, he nodded. "Of course, Liam." He turned back to Emma. "Goodnight, your highness." And he was out the door quicker than she thought possible.
Liam stalled in the doorway, his arms crossed as he studied her. A small smile was tugging at her lips, and her hand raised almost absently so she could brush her fingers against them as she sunk down on the edge of her bunk. "I suppose that explains your good mood."
Emma's eyes snapped to his. "Captain, I..." she paused. "I know he's your younger brother, but I would never-"
"I know you wouldn't intentionally," Liam consented. "But you may be putting him in a position that damages his career."
Her eyes narrowed. "You don't honestly think I would do anything to damage such a promising career?" She stood up and stepped towards him, advancing like a predator does to prey. "I am not some silly little girl who wants to enjoy some time with the handsome lieutenant, quite possibly at his expense, Captain Jones. I am a woman, and I have figured out what I want and what I don't want. And if Killian wants me as well, I see no reason why a union couldn't work. I would never do anything to put him in harms way. I don't wish to put anyone in harms way. In fact, it is my duty as Crown Princess to protect every member of my kingdom to the best of my abilities. That includes the lives of those who are members of my guard. I don't send them into pointless battles, I would never send them in unarmed and I would never provoke a war with a neighboring kingdom. Goodnight, Captain Jones." She left no room for argument or further discussion, but that didn't mean Liam couldn't try.
Liam hesitated. "Princess Emma," he tried for a formal title in hopes of soothing her.
"I said goodnight, Captain," she snapped, turning away from him.
He sighed, knowing a dismissal when he heard one. "Goodnight, your highness."
OUAT
It was early in the morning when she heard a tap at her door. Rubbing her eyes she mumbled a barely coherent. "Come in." She squinted trying to blink away the sleep to see who was in her doorway. "Killian?"
"Aye, may I?" He asked, motioning to her chambers.
She sat up, tugging the quilt up with her. "Is everything alright?" She asked, moving over and patting the edge of the bed once he'd closed the door.
He hesitated for a moment, before finally sitting next to her. "Emma..."
"This is about what I said to your brother," she surmised. Glancing down at her hands, she collected her scattered, still half-asleep, thoughts before she continued, "Killian, I would never intentionally hurt you or do anything to damage your career in the Navy. It's not my intention to-" she was cut off by his lips on hers. After a moment, she sighed at the contact, pushing the covers away from her so she could move closer to him, wrapping her arms around his neck.
His own hands moved to her waist, tugging her closer to his lap. When he pulled back, he murmured, "I know you wouldn't, Emma. And, if you are indeed interested in pursuing this," he paused, his eyes flicking over her face for any signs of uncertainty. "I would be honored to be the suitor who courts you."
Emma chuckled, nudging his nose with her own. "You're so very formal, Lieutenant Jones." She lightly scratched at his scruffy cheek with her fingers. "And yes, that would please me greatly."
He leaned forward and brushed one more kiss against her lips, his mouth moving up to her ear. "Go back to sleep, darling. I'll see you later," he whispered the promise in her ear before he stood, making his way back to the door, his eyes twinkling as he bowed before leaving.
When the door shut, Emma let out a very quiet, and very undignified squeal, before tucking herself under the covers and closing her eyes again. Her mind replaying that very moment over and over again on a loop.
OUAT
XOXO
MAS
