Okay, guys. Here we go again! xD
I would like to reply to the guests because there's no other way to do it personally.
Yes, Emma belongs to royalty! I'm sorry, I couldn't remember the right word. I was a mess! As soon as I remembered it, I changed it. Funny fact: I was writing the word "royal" over and over again and still I forgot it lol I'm sorry! xD
About the King James, as I stated from the first chapter, David/Charming is the King James. The only name for him in the Enchanted Forest was "James" basically, so yeah, I call him King James, but he's David/Charming xD Hope you don't mind. Btw, if you are happy with the idea of a whole passel of brothers for Emma who are offscreen, good! :D
Thanks for your time and your reviews, guys! They mean a lot to me!
Finally, about this chapter. Gosh, it's very long! I'll be updating in two parts. This is the first part and it includes Snowing xD Hope you like it!
Re-edited by my beta reader: "LucyTheMarauder"
SPARKLE OF A NIGHT
Chapter 7 Part 1 Thief
Just like the waves of the sea, time doesn't stop moving. Three months have passed from the moment when Princess Emma was informed of the letter about the arranged marriage, and from when she decided to run away.
During these months, the now Captain Killian Jones, is strictly complied to his duties and obligations. And, as expected, in his free time, he discovers new kingdoms and meets new people.
When it comes to his brother, Captain Liam Jones, all he knows about him is through letters. Their traveling schedules don't match as much as they would like.
Meanwhile, Princess Emma tries to escape several times without success - the last time she had only managed to get into the forest when the royal guard found her. It is really difficult for her since Emma has never left the castle before, which is a great disadvantage for her to succeed. However, she finally has discovered her mistake: She has to stop trying to run away until the right moment presents itself.
On the other hand, King James and Queen Snow not only have to deal with the unexpected escape attempts of their beloved daughter, but also have to face major setbacks in the Kingdom, especially concerning its security.
Even so, Queen Snow is decided to lift their people's spirits with a ball. Although at first it seemed to be a bad idea, the King and the Parliament agreed to it, when she pointed out that their people needed at least some joy in their hearts in these difficult moments. Thus, a ball is being planned in the Enchanted Forest.
In the early morning, at the castle …
Queen Snow walks down a hallway, then approaches one of the royal rooms and knocks on the door.
"Emma, honey. Are you there?" Snow asks, with a kind voice.
"Um ... Wait a second, Mother!" Princess Emma exclaims - as Snow awaits outside of her daughter's chamber.
A short moment later, the door opens.
"Mom," Emma utters, a bit out of breath - nervously.
"I've got your dress, Emma!" Queen Snow announces cheerfully, with a bright smile on her face - as she walks inside, holding the beautiful dress in her hand and places it on the bed - "They had to fix some details, but I think it's ready."
"Good," Emma says - concealing her nervousness.
Queen Snow turns around to look at her daughter - the Princess is acting a bit strange.
"Are you alright? You look a little ... nervous," Snow comments.
Emma tries to calm herself down to hide her feelings from her mother.
"Um ... no, well, it's the ball. That's all," she explains.
The Queen senses something else - she's not convinced.
"You think something bad could happen?" Snow asks worriedly, yet maintaining her gentle tone.
"Yeah, that's it," Emma agrees immediately.
Queen Snow moves closer to her, delicately placing her hand on her daughter's arm.
"Don't worry about that, honey. I know things haven't been easy in the Kingdom, but your Father has increased the security tonight," Snow informs her, with a kind smile.
"Glad to know," Emma says, sarcastically, with some discomfort in her voice.
Snow looks at her daughter suspiciously.
"I mean, It's great," Emma rectifies, faking a smile.
"Yeah ..." Snow answers, not truly convinced by her daughter's words.
Emma's nervousness increases, so she decides to change the subject immediately.
"Um, I should probably try on the dress," she says taking the gown from the bed.
Queen Snow shakes her head - suspicious of her daughter's behaviour.
"Yes, you're right. You'll look beautiful, Emma!" Queen Snow comments happily - forgetting any suspicion about her daughter's behaviour instantly.
Meanwhile ...
In the distant sea, a ship makes its way through the gentle waves.
"Captain, the sailors are ready for our arrival," a sailor informs his superior politely - as the Captain comes out of his cabin.
"We're not in a rush, sailor," Captain Killian Jones says listlessly - as he walks slowly on deck.
"Is everything alright, Captain?" the sailor ventures to ask, genuinely worried for him.
An attempt of a chuckle is heard from the Captain's throat.
"What's with that question, sailor?" Captain Jones asks, with a mocking smile, but still remarkably downhearted - as they walk; the sailors are moving from side to side of the ship, while they get ready to dock at any moment.
"If you allow me, Captain, you always look excited each time we visit a new place and today you ... you don't seem particularly enthusiastic," the sailor points out humbly and confused - as he follows his Captain on deck.
"Why wouldn't I be?" Killian asks - faking confidence.
The sailor tilts his head to the left - thinking.
"I don't know, perhaps you don't wish to arrive to the Kingdom of the Enchanted Forest," the sailor comments vaguely, worried about his Captain's mood.
The mention of said Kingdom hit Killian deep within - he stops abruptly and turns to the sailor.
"We serve our Kingdom, sailor. Our personal interests are not admitted. And this duty is no different from any other. We obey the orders of our King and that's it." Killian states solemnly - as kindly as he possibly can.
"You're right, Captain. My apologies," says the sailor humbly.
Killian nods politely.
"You can retreat sailor, you will be needed in the prow." Captain Jones orders, his tone serious.
"Yes, Captain," responds the sailor - and obeys immediately.
Killian looks at the ocean - to the distance; with sadness and discomfort in his eyes. He can catch a sight of the Kingdom of the Enchanted Forest, the place he'd never thought - or wished - to get back to. Although, deep inside he always knew it would only be a matter of time before his King would send him and his crew there on a mission.
Despite of what he has promised to himself, he cannot escape his duty. He will have to step inside the castle … again.
In the meantime …
King James is in his office, holding a meeting with the guards.
"Another robbery in the Village?" The King asks surprised - displeased with the announcement.
"I'm afraid yes, Your Majesty," the captain of the guard affirms humbly.
"How can this be possible? The security has been improved many times!" The King exclaims, a bit angry, completely disturbed and distressed.
"We're sorry, my King," the same guard replies.
The King sighs heavily.
"No, it's not your fault," he says - as he sits on his chair.
"We have to do something! My people is suffering out there. We can't allow this to happen anymore. If this continues soon they will be in the castle! We need to find a way to stop them," King James says worriedly, his voice lower than a shout.
The guards remain in silence - as the King rubs his chin, thinking.
"Has anyone seen these people?" King James asks - and adds a bit sarcastically - "Whoever they are."
"No, Sir. We haven't been able to identify them yet. They seem to be different people in every attack," one of the guards informs fearfully.
"Well, that's just wonderful," The King comments wryly - still disturbed by the news.
The guards await for their King's decision in silence - as he thinks for a moment and then sighs.
"I will speak to the Parliament about it," he finally says - and adds - "We have to increase the security of the village and the castle, specially tonight. And please assure that the guard sent by Princess Belle and her husband Rumple, has arrived".
"Yes, my King." the captain of the guard assures humbly.
"Please send them to the outskirts of the woods as soon as possible. I heard Princess Belle's guard is talented in those territories." The King comments.
"It shall be done, Sir." responds a guard.
"If something happens, come to me immediately. That would be all for now." states King James.
"Absolutely. Excuse us, Your Majesty," the captain of the guard says politely.
With that, the guards bow and leave.
In that exact moment, Queen Snow enters into the office while her husband leans back in his chair. She stares at him for a moment - the King's face is full of consternation.
Snow approaches his desk.
"Are you alright?" she asks him gently - already knowing the answer.
King James turns to look at his lovely wife, while she smiles down at him. He gets up from the chair and walks over and embraces her.
"Oh, honey," Snow says lovingly - worried for him. "What is it now?"
"... There was another robbery," declares James overwhelmed, after a short pause.
"Another?" Snow asks softly.
"Yes, in the village. I feel like we're under attack, Snow. Everything is going wrong in the Kingdom," he comments, his tone is dejected, stressed.
"I know everything will be fine," she offers to comfort him while looking into his husband's eyes.
"How do you know? Maybe, tonight's plans weren't a good idea. I don't think we have something to celebrate," he says distressed.
She looks at him tenderly.
"Of course we do," Queen Snow points out, holding his hands in hers. "We're alive and our people need joy. We have to show them that we have everything under control."
"I don't know what to do, Snow. I feel this is getting out of my hands," King James confesses aguishly.
Snow throws her arms around his neck.
"I'm sure we'll think of something together. Besides, we have loyal friends who are helping us, and perhaps tonight you can get help from one of the Kings," says Snow hopeful.
"Yeah, well ... we'll see that tonight," Her husband responds - still discouraged.
A silence follows.
"Any luck with the King of the North?" Snow asks carefully.
"No, and I don't even want to talk about him. Not when I see my daughter is suffering because of me," King James implies, regret in his voice.
"It's not your fault, honey," she corrects him tenderly.
"Yes, it is. And all of this because of that arranged marriage! I shouldn't have done that, Snow," he confesses.
"You had no choice. You did what any other King would have done in your position," she affirms to comfort him.
"And a Father?" he asks quickly.
Snow stares at him tenderly.
"You shouldn't do this to yourself, you know? You're my husband and the Father of my daughter, and I know for sure, with all my heart, that you are a great King," she affirms lovingly.
King James smiles slightly at that - It's incredible that despite all the problems around, she can bring him peace.
"I'm proud of you. And I'm sure that if Emma knew everything, she would understand. I love you and that will never change," Queen Snow states, with a smile on her face.
"I love you too, Snow," he responds with a smile, staring deeply at his wife.
He leans in to kiss her and she responds at the contact of their lips. Their lips brushing tenderly, but soon they get carried away in the moment. She embraces him tightly and he moves his hands to her face as they deepen the kiss making it more passionate, when suddenly - and unexpectedly - Princess Emma enters into the office.
"Have you seen my Mother, Dad? They need us in the kitche ..." Emma barely says, while she's distracted looking at a sheet of paper she's holding in her hand - her parents break apart abruptly; they are flushed and out of breath.
"Am I interrupting something?" Emma asks innocently and confused.
"No!" Snow replies quickly.
"Of course not," says King James nervously - disguising his feelings at best he can.
Emma looks at both of her parents suspiciously as they clear their throats.
"You-You were saying something?" Snow manages to say - trying to change the subject to escape the embarrassing situation.
Emma is uncomfortable, but decides to ignore what just happened.
"Yeah, um ... the chef is looking for you. Apparently, it's a big deal to decide between chicken, or meat," she says mockingly - as she gives the sheet of paper to her mother.
Snow gives her daughter a disapproving look. "I'll handle this, come with me."
Emma and Snow leave the office, and King James sighs with relief.
Still in the morning …
Captain Killian Jones and his crew finally dock at pier. They begin to unload the cargo they have brought from their distant realm.
Captain Jones immediately realizes that things have changed in the kingdom: the guards are everywhere.
He doesn't pay further attention to it and returns to his duties - even so, Captain Killian Jones has been aware of the sun: It has been crossing the skies and going down quickly.
He knows that soon he will have to be in the castle with the King - inevitably. However, this time his brother, Liam Jones, is not there to take his place.
In any case, with a bit of luck, he'll avoid seeing the face his mind has avoided for so long.
Soon, the daylight moves away with its white clouds and disappears into the mountains.
The night is now painting the sky with dark colors and only the moon and a few stars are still sparkling in the sky. These, and a cold wind are traveling through the Kingdom of the Enchanted Forest.
The castle is dressed in light and celebration - Captain Killian Jones can see it from his ship, standing on deck.
He arranges the lapel of his uniform, takes a deep breath and with a firm gaze, he starts walking his way to the castle ...
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