Prompt: "Our siblings are in an arranged marriage and so we see each other at awkward social gatherings between our two kingdoms" au
Disclaimer: I do not own anything.
Who's Chaperoning Who?
He didn't think he'd ever seen Liam look quite so uncomfortable in his whole life and that's including the time he got completely smashed on his 18th and one of the maids found him lying completely naked by his grandmother's pond. Killian would be enjoying his normally confident older brother's discomfort a whole lot more if it wasn't for the fact that he felt so awkward himself; this was afterall going to be his future too at some point.
The Jones boys had always been considered odd as far as royalty goes. With Liam at 23 and Killian at 19, it was expected that they should both now be married off by their own devices, rather than being the bachelors that they actually were. It had lead to several arguments with their father who furiously insisted that they each find a bride and continue the kingdom's lineage to set a good example for their younger half brother. LJ had been written into the succession act by their father's own hand in order to legitimize his birth. Killian's mother had died when he was twelve from a plague that had swept their kingdom, a few months later LJ was found at the gate. It was then that he had found out of his fathers affair with one of the lesser noble-women producing a son whom her husband had named Liam after the eldest prince, not knowing the child wasn't actually his. The man had died and the woman fled not before leaving Liam Junior as he was now known, in the care of his real father.
Killian had thought that he may grow to resent the boy if only for the fact that he represented his father's betrayal to his beloved mother, but LJ was easy to love and so he stood proudly by Killian's side smirking at Liam who was blushing furiously as his father practically begged with the King David and Queen Snow White to accept an arranged marriage. Another first; King Brennan of Farraige, the proudest naval kingdom in Misthaven did not beg for anything.
As his father prattled on and on, Killian found himself growing steadily more bored and allowed his eyes to wander to the four people on the other side of the table. There were three women and one young boy around LJ's age, all with their hands clasped properly in their laps, feet planted firmly on the floor, ever the diligent royals. Everyone knew the story of David and Snow's children, or, unofficial children may be more accurate in some cases. Many years ago, the King and Queen of Arendelle had been sailing with their family when an almighty storm, sank their ship and everyone on it, save for the two young Princesses, who, by some act of divine intervention, had washed up on the shores of Misthaven in a trunk. Princess Elsa and Princess Anna had been found by David when he was out riding and he immediately brought them home. They had remained with the family ever since, a regent left in charge of Arendelle until they were prepared to return. Unfortunately, that could not be until Elsa had been married. The law of their kingdom could not be changed by any save the ruling monarch; as both were dead, Elsa needed to find a husband before she could take to the throne. A steady line of suitors had passed through these walls, each making their bid for Elsa's hand, each failing horribly. She was said to
have quite an icy personality, a stark comparison to her bubbly sister, who apparently struggled to keep her mouth shut most of the time.
The other two were Snow and David's own children. Prince Leopold the Second and his older sister Crown Princess Emma. Like himself, Emma was 19 and seen as quite the oddity for not yet having a husband. She was as beautiful as everyone said, supposedly fiercely strong and intelligent, a worthy opponent in the battle of both sword and wit. Word was that she had scared away her last suitor after nearly beheading him in a fight. His gaze remained trained on the blonde princess, his lip curling slightly at the amused expression on her face, eyes occasionally flicking to her 'sister' who was blushing profusely and trying to avoid looking at Liam.
"Perhaps if her highness were to spend just a little time with my son, she would come to realize what a suitable match it would be," Brennan said, looking more and more frantic. Really this was his last chance to get Liam into a powerful union.
"If Elsa is willing," replied Queen Snow cordially, looking at the white blonde princess who nodded her head ever so slightly.
"Excellent!" Brennan practically shouted.
"An escorted walk through the grounds I should think will be sufficient," intoned Kind David, eyeing Brennan carefully, "Your son Killian, I'm sure will be able to accompany and Emma too, she will be happy to act as a guide."
Killian stood straighter at that, his attention returned fully to the negotiations table. His father however was not remotely pleased with the arrangement.
"Killian? No there is absolutely no need for him to go, I am certain your daughter will be a perfectly capable escort on her own and Killian will stay here." Brennan glared at him, daring him to speak out against him in front of the others. Although, his challenge was not found in his son but-
"Nonsense," said Queen Snow, looking the other King over with a somewhat disgusted gaze, "Killian will escort Emma and Liam, Elsa; it is the only logical course of action, that is if you are in agreement?" All eyes were suddenly on Killian, though he found himself only concerned with the green pair that were now boring into his own.
"It would be my honour," he replied, never breaking contact and ignoring Brennan's indignant sputters as he made his way across the room to bow before the Crown Princess, "Your Highness, I would be delighted to share in your company should you consent to offering it."
Emma narrowed her eyes ever so slightly, and he got the impression she was sizing him up. Keeping his upturned palm in place, he waited patiently for her decision. She must have reached some kind of conclusion as he suddenly found her hand in his own, which she used to pull herself up.
"The honour is all mine," she assured, hand deftly moving to the crook of his elbow, before pausing to allow their siblings to sort themselves out.
Liam and Elsa after an awkward bow and curtsy, managed to link themselves up and fall into place behind them. Just as he was about to turn and allow Emma to pull him from the room, he felt a hand clamp down hard on his other arm.
"If you mess this up for me in anyway boy," his father hissed in a whisper, "You will pay for it dearly."
With that, Brennan dropped his elbow and fell back into his groveling routine, smiling widely at the Princesses and gesturing them from the room.
The door was shut behind them and the group began a quiet tour of the castle, Emma narrating on a few aspects but otherwise remaining quiet and allowing Liam an attempt to try and get to know Elsa a little better. The would be Queen seemed a tad cold and unsure, answering in single syllables where possible before taking over entirely and directing them out into the grounds. Liam seemed a bit besotted as she all but dragged him off, the outdoors seeming to empower her and letting her find the courage to hold an actual conversation.
He and Emma dropped back to witness the awkward attempts at flirting, him desperately trying not to laugh at his brother's utter uselessness with the opposite sex.
"So what's the deal with your father?" Princess Emma said quite suddenly, causing him to trip, until then she hadn't spoken to him directly since they left the room. "Sorry," she filled in quickly, "That was incredibly rude, forget I ever asked."
"No, no, it's fine," he quickly supplied, not wanting them to retreat back into silence when he found himself quite desperate to know her. "Brennan thinks I'm trouble. He doesn't like that I haven't married myself off to some far corner of the world where I won't be his problem anymore."
"But why?" She implored, "Why would he feel that way about you?"
"Probably because I called him a washed-up, old, bastard when I was thirteen for cheating on my mum."
That succeeded in drawing a quick and loud laugh from her, so loud in fact, that it drew the attention of the other's. Liam gave him a questioning look that he waved off, turning his attention back to Emma who looked horribly embarrassed.
"Wow," she eventually said, finally regaining some control, "thirteen year old you sounds like quite the rebel."
"Aye," he responded, with a hint of smirk, "I've always been a bit of a dashing rapscallion."
He knew he really shouldn't smolder at the Crown Princess, but that was all over now and he was delighted to see her turn a wonderful shade of pink.
"My, my; is the princess blushing?" He teased.
In return he got a shove, a muttered 'shut up' and the beginning of what would seem an unlikely friendship.
~E&K~
It was Elsa who ended up being Brennan's saving grace. He had done a poor job of convincing Snow and David, yet the Princess was quite taken with Liam and agreed to a courtship, as well as (if all went well) a marriage at the end of it. This lead to the best six months of Killian's life. While they had to return to their own Kingdom for a short while, Killian stayed in contact with Emma, the two sharing their personal views of politics, scandalous relationships and of course their own siblings. She was incredibly witty, sharp as a nail and he couldn't help but feel a little bit in love with her. Like himself, Liam maintained a written correspondence with Elsa for two months or so before they received an invitation to return to Misthaven.
In the time that had passed, Emma had declared him to be her best-friend (apart from her sister) but it was still a bit of a shock to him when she forewent all sense of propriety to hug him when he landed on the dock, much to his father's displeasure.
"It is wonderful to see you again Killian," she breathed into his ear before pulling away, only to giggle as he handed over a buttercup that he's had LJ snatch from the ground for him, knowing they were her favourite.
"Ready to chaperone more awkward interludes between your sister and my brother?" He queried, smiling in response to the grin that lit up her features.
"I can think of nothing better," she replied, towing him along back to the castle.
~E&K~
INTERLUDE #1 THE LIBRARY
Elsa and Liam were tucked away in some corner, not so much out of the view that it would cause a scandal, but enough to have what passed as privacy. Meanwhile, Killian was relaxed back in a one of the many comfy love-seats, reading aloud to Emma as she scanned the shelves before coming to settle on the opposite end, propping her feet in his lap as if it was something they always did.
"My name is Inigo Montoya," he said in a deliberately poor accent, that he knew would make her scoff, voice rising dramatically "you killed my father prepare to die."
"Killian!" Liam bellowed in response, "Can you please shut up. Some of us are trying to hold actual conversations without your terrible acting interrupting."
Emma threw back her head in laughter, and he could even here Elsa's tinkling giggle as he shot back a snarky reply, enjoying how his princess' had unconsciously curled into him.
~E&K~
INTERLUDE #2 HORSE RIDING
He didn't know whether to punch Liam or hug him. True, the idiot had tried to impress Elsa by cutting down a tree in their path, which ended up spooking Killian's flighty horse and sending him flying to the ground in agony as the creature bolted; but it had ended up with them travelling back to the castle with Emma pressed tightly against his back so they could both fit in the saddle.
He hissed slightly as she prodded one of the many grazes he now had about his person, this one on the side of his neck.
"Sorry," she murmured, fingers soothing over the reddened flesh.
"Well you can always kiss it better," he half teased, hearing the anticipated snort.
"In your dreams," she replied, though he would swear on his life, that that was the first time he felt the brush of her lips.
~E&K~
INTERLUDE #3 MUSIC
She truly was remarkable, he thought as her fingers danced lightly over the keys of the piano, her whole concentration centered on the sheets of music in front of her. He in turn kept his eyes on her as she continued to play. He knew that Elsa was humming along softly where she was seated next to Liam. It would appear that she had a marvelous voice were she to use it, but that was of little import right now. The three of them burst into applause as Emma finished playing, again staining her cheeks a delightful rouge colour.
"Alright," she interrupted, "So that's me, someone else go." He looked expectantly at Liam, as his brother was the one who was meant to be wooing a fair lady, though Liam's had that conniving look that meant he was going to make Killian do something which would embarrass him.
"Why don't you sing for us little brother," he announced as if the idea had suddenly come upon him.
"Younger brother and absolutely not."
"Please Killian," said Elsa, obviously getting in on the scheme, much to Liam's delight.
"Yeah come on Killian," added Emma and he knew he was done for, "I showed you mine, so you show me yours."
He was the one blushing now, but steeling his resolve he stood and ambled over to the piano, hitting a couple of notes to try and find the right key. He began to sing and old sea-shanty that had been one of his mother's favourites, getting lost in the words and the memories, barely noticing when he reached the end. His eyes opened from where they had fallen shut in the moment, glancing at his brother who seemed close to tears and then to Elsa who was watching Emma, watch him. He swore to himself then and there that he would never forget how she looked at him that day, as if he was the best thing in her world.
~E&K~
INTERLUDE #4 SWORD-FIGHTING
He was completely breathless, all of the air stolen from his lungs after he slammed into the ground with an added weight atop him.
"I can't believe you tackled me," he huffed out in a gasping laugh, "bad form Princess."
Emma only sat up, still astride him he might add. "Yeah well, I wasn't about to let you win."
"I'm fairly certain that's against the moral rules of engagement," Elsa chimed in from where she was seated in the royal box. Emma simply shrugged, still looking perfectly content and smug, sitting on him.
"I always knew there was a little pirate in you love," he teased, bucking her off when she tried to push his face back into the dirt.
~E&K~
INTERLUDE #5 DINNER
"So I hear Emma showed you up in the ring today Killian," David said from his seat at the head of the table, pride ringing in his every word.
"If by showing me up you mean that she through her sword aside and launched at me then I couldn't agree more."
That drew a laugh from everyone save for Brennan who was still not speaking to his middle child. David raised his glass in salute, "Rather you than me son."
Killian froze, Brennan choked, Liam, Elsa and Snow shared a secret smile and Emma just stared at her father who went on eating as if nothing had happened. It was Emma's Aunt Ruby who broke the silence, bringing out some ridiculous story from the girl's childhood that was almost enough to distract Killian from how desperately he wanted the King's words to be true.
~E&K~
INTERLUDE #6 DANCING
"Bloody hell Liam, could you be any worse at this. I feel as if I'm experiencing Elsa's pain for her." Liam flipped a finger at his brother, shooting an apologetic look to Elsa who had taken the opportunity to rub at her stamped upon toes.
"It's not your fault," she said, "we'll get there. Until then lets see how your brother fairs against Emma."
"Hey!" Emma cried indignantly, "I'm not that bad."
"Of course not, I'm sorry," Elsa said aloud before mouthing 'good luck' to Killian.
His princess was till stewing at her sisters dig, so it was up to him to position her in his arms, before using a finger to tilt her chin so she would look at him.
"Eyes on me love," he whispered solely to her, "Fortunately, you picked a partner who knows what he's doing." With that he swept her away, twirling her round and round the empty ball room, to the music the band was playing in rehearsal for the ball. He didn't notice the King and Queen come to a halt as they passed by the doors, nor did he notice how the palace staff stopped what they were doing to watch the Prince and Princess spin this way and that, the smiles on each of their faces, brightening the sunlit space. He lifted her at the waist as the final noted echoed, turning once and lowering her gently back to the earth, like the precious cargo she was.
Applause erupted all around them and his hand automatically rose to scratch behind his ear, before he finished in the customary bow, lifting Emma's hand to brush a kiss across her knuckles.
"It seems we make quite the team your highness," he whispered as he stood back to his full height.
"Indeed," Emma replied, bottom lip drawn between her teeth, forcing him to remember that they did in fact have an audience.
~E&K~
INTERLUDE #7 THE BALL
"I swear if another guy tries to put his hand on my ass-" Emma huffed, leaning heavily against the balcony next to Elsa where they had escaped to get some air.
"Well not everyone can be Killian," her sister said, tugging at the collar of her dress.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Oh Emma please, the two of you are so ridiculously in love it's maddening. Sometimes I have trouble remembering who's chaperoning who when the four of us go out."
"That's ridiculous I-"
"Love him and want to have his babies. I know Emma, you should probably kiss him first."
With that closing statement, Elsa swept back into the ballroom, off to find Liam, leaving Emma to maybe finally figure out what everybody already knew.
~E&K~
INERLUDE #8 THE PANTRY
Killian was trailing behind Emma down corridor after corridor, as she lead him to the kitchens in search of snacks. They were now permitted to leave Liam and Elsa alone for certain periods of time as it was believed that the engagement wasn't far away now, the two clearly being sickeningly in love with one another.
He was excited for his brother, overjoyed that he had finally found what he was looking for and could marry for love.
He- Was abruptly shoved aside behind an unassuming door and pushed up against some shelves. "Emma what the-"
"Shh," she whispered quickly, before pushing up on her toes to press her lips against his.
It lasted all of two seconds, giving him no time to react before she pulled away to look at him expectantly. His mind took a moment to remember how to function before he was suddenly surging forward, a growl emitting from somewhere deep in his chest. Killian quickly spun her around, to press her back up against the door they had just come through, ignoring the heavy scent of cheese and vegetables, instead letting his senses be taken over by all things Emma.
She moaned low in her throat as he slipped his tongue between her lips to tangle with her own, their hands losing themselves in each other's hair as they tried to get closer. He could never properly how long they spent kissing in that pantry, if you asked him, he'd have been happy to stay there forever.
~E&K~
INTERLUDE #9 THE ENGAGEMENT PARTY
Liam and Elsa were positively glowing as the swarms of people surrounded them trying to get a closer look at the ring that was now on her finger. Emma was at his side, their hands secretly linked together, hidden from everyone's view, though today was the day that he decided to change that.
He watched as Snow and David removed themselves from the hoard to take seats in a quiet corner of the room, the perfect location for him to speak with them privately.
"Go say congratulations to them from me love, I've got to do something really quickly." Emma gave him a suspicious side-eye but didn't question it any further, squeezing his hand gently before cutting smoothly through the mass of people towards the bride-to-be.
Killian steeled himself before turning and marching determinedly towards the royal couple. "Your Majesties," he said, dipping into a formal bow, "I was wondering if perhaps I could have a moment of your time?"
"Of course Killian," Snow replied with a knowing smile, that made him wonder how long she had been waiting for this moment.
"I know it is not entirely appropriate to draw any attention away from the happy couple which is why I wished to do this quietly. So I shall just come right out and ask, rather than beating around as I have been doing for what feels like months now. My lord, my lady," he said to each in turn with as much confidence as he could muster, "I would like to ask your express permission to allow me to court your daughter. Emma is the smartest, most beautiful, enchanting woman I have and will ever come across; over the months we have spent together I have found myself falling willingly under her spell and would like very much to pursue the deep affection I have come to feel for her."
"That was wonderfully rehearsed Killian," said the King with an expression that was surely meant to be though his pleased smile broke through.
"Aye, I have thought about it long and hard, perhaps over thought it." The three shared a chuckle before the older royals exchanged a quick look.
"Killian," said Snow, making him stand straighter, "We can think of nobody better nor worthy for Emma to have bestowed her affection upon. What she feels for you, what i see on her face whenever you are around is all I have ever wanted for my daughter. The fact that it will surely annoy your father is only an added bonus." "Indeed milady, a most excellent bonus indeed, though I assure you, this opportunity to be with Emma is more than enough."
"Perhaps you should now express these feelings to her then?" The king supplied.
"A most excellent plan, Majesty. Though I believe I shall save it until after the wedding, the Kingdom will have more than enough to deal with without adding towards the arrangement of a new courtship."
"Killian you've been courting her for five months now, though I do agree with you about it making things easier, there is much to do in the next four weeks."
"I shall help wherever I can."
He bowed once more, turning away and only just preventing himself from giving a mini-fist-pump. It was finally happening, soon he could be with Emma officially.
~E&K~
INTERLUDE #10 THE WEDDING
Killian and Emma were gliding smoothly around the dancefloor in their official dance as best-man and maid of honour (Anna had insisted upon being the flowergirl) He paid no mind to the many eyes of both his and her kingdom that lay on them as they moved, instead contemplating the best way to sneak Emma out for a moment to kiss her senseless, as looked positively ravishing in her pale blue gown.
"So," she murmured into his ear, "When were you going to finally ask me to court you? I know you already talked to my parents." Killian very nearly missed a step in surprise, just managing to catch himself.
"Bloody hell, how did you find out?" "Leo overheard you asking, also I overheard my mother squealing with ruby and Elsa; truly my family isn't very subtle."
"I see you are no different my love, straight to the point as always?"
"Am I?" she asked quietly, shyly.
"Are you what?"
"Your love," she answered, glancing up through her lashes, to meet his wide, hope filled eyes.
"I would like you to be mine Emma, if that is what you so desired."
"And if I did?"
"I would have a very hard time preventing myself from kissing you right here and now, causing all sorts of drama for both our families."
"Eh," she shrugged, "That's their problem."
With that his Princess promptly seized both sides of his face, pulling his down for a searing kiss in front of both of their kingdoms, politics be damned, taking attention away from the married couple be damned. Liam and Elsa didn't seem to mind. In fact, they were the ones who cheered the loudest.
The End
A/N: I saw this prompt today and just had to write it. Please forgive any mistakes that came out with my mad writing spree. That's what I get for fitting 4k into two hours.