Author's note: A couple of things about this chapter. Remember all those warnings I had at the beginning of this story? About violence and darkness? This might be the darkest thing I've ever written, but since it's me I don't think it's TOO dark. There is always hope. But yeah, warnings for graphic violence and character death. If you are familiar with my work, know that I will not steer you wrong (at least I hope). Let me know what you think!

Disclaimer: Definitely not mine.

Chapter 7

Killian grasped her elbow, gently pulling Emma into his arms. Dressed, cloaks tied at the neck, lightly armed, he needed to hold her one last time before they took this plunge. Needed to feel her softness, her love. Emma seemed to share his yearning, clinging to him tightly. The night was not as dark as they would have wished, the waxing moon dangerously close to being full. There was nothing for it; they needed to escape. Now.

"I love you," he said hoarsely, his throat threatening to close up. The mere act of leaving put her and their child in danger and it was killing him. "No matter what happens, know that I will always love you, Emma."

Tears stung her eyes, arms tightening around his neck. "Don't," she pleaded. "Don't say goodbye."

She was fighting so hard to be strong; he never loved her more than in that moment. Tenderly, he lifted her chin. "I made you a promise, Princess. I intend to keep it."

"You better."

He smiled. "I have no doubt you'll march down to the Underworld and flog me if I do not."

Her fingers curled around the edges of his cloak. "I love you, Killian." She swallowed, scared but determined. "And when we get to Porphyris, I want...I want to marry you."

He blinked, hardly daring to hope. Her love was enough; he never expected them to marry. She was an Amazon and valued her independence. "Emma, I could not ask that of you."

"Why not?" Hurt welled in her breast. "Does that not please you?"

"Love, nothing would make me happier than sharing my life with you as your husband, as father to your children. But I love you too much to ask that which you could not give."

"Why wouldn't I?" If there was a place were men and women truly lived as equals, then surely that applied to the married state as well? And Killian was a Spartan; they did not treat their women as property. She trusted him.

He cupped her cheeks, an awed look in his blue eyes. "You truly mean that? You want to be my wife?"

"I want everything with you, my brave Spartan. I want to marry you." She stood on her toes and pressed a kiss to his lips. "I want to bear your children." Another kiss. "I want to fight beside you." Kiss. "I want grow old with you." Kiss. "I want everyone to be in awe of us, the way we love each other. Forever." She kissed him one last time, passionately, lips and tongues in a heated dance that made her skin tingle and her blood run hot. The moment they were safe, she was having her way with him until neither could rise.

Breaking for air (and for sanity; if the situation were not so dire, Killian would be hauling her to bed this instant), Killian held her close, his cheek resting on the crown of her head. He said a silent prayer to Artemis to protect her if something should happen. He had to believe they would make it, but he was not a fool. Keep her safe, Lady Artemis, he prayed. Her and our baby. Please.

Finally, they could delay no longer. Killian tied the rope to the stone railing and let it drop toward the ground. Emma brushed one last fleeting kiss to his lips then took it in her hands, swinging her body over the side. She'd climbed up and down ropes in her training; it was not difficult to shimmy down to the ground. She had to drop the last few cubits, but she rolled to break her fall. By the time she stood, Killian was halfway down himself and her heart was in her throat. Her mother's letter and the map were sewn away in her pack, a secret compartment just in case. She waited at the tree line for her Spartan, silently counting the racing beats of her heart.

Killian too dropped to the ground, rolling slightly less gracefully than Emma had done. Once he found her, they clasped hands and ran, hurrying in the direction of the hollowed log. One stop and they could make a dash for the river. To freedom.

The log was right where she left it; they stayed silent as Killian unstrapped his pack so they could load in the stolen food. He tried to keep an eye out for anyone, but the canopies of the trees were thick, too thick for even the nearly full moon to pierce. Speed would be their best weapon.

Emma got the last cloth package out of the log and quickly stuffed it into the pack. It wasn't as much as she hoped but it would be enough. They could eat berries or hunt if they ran out.

A snapping twig was all the warning they received.

Killian threw himself on top of Emma, blindly reaching for his short sword. It was the best Emma had been able to sneak out of the armory before they fled; it was made for someone half his size. Emma had a sword and a dagger strapped to her thigh, but she needed to take extra care, being with child. A thud echoed in the forest, metal thunking into wood? A spear? A thrown dagger? It was too dark to see. "Emma, run!" Killian screamed.

"Together," she countered stubbornly, snatching his free hand.

He started to rise, but hardly got to his knees when something sharp pierced his side. He screamed in pain and Emma roared like a Gorgon. Medusa herself would not have been more terrifying. She was up in a flash, running in the direction the dagger had come from. Killian snarled as he pulled it out—it wasn't deep, he'd had worse—furious that Emma put herself in danger like that. She was carrying their child! Shoving aside the fire in his side, he got to his feet, running in the direction of clanging swords and hoarse shouts.

Emma roared like a banshee, anger and terror fueling her. No one hurt Killian, no one touched him! She was not her mother; she would not sit by while her lover was murdered in front of her. She did not know who she was fighting, but it did not matter. Elsa had betrayed her, there was no other explanation.

"Emma!"

Killian. She breathed a little easier, hearing his voice. He appeared at her side, sword raised, his side covered in blood. Like they'd done it a thousand times, they moved so they were back to back, ready to fight their way through. The forest made it difficult to see, but it was clear they were becoming surrounded.

"Princess!" an all too familiar voice called. "Please stop this!"

"Out of our way, Mulan," Emma countered. "We don't want to hurt you."

"We have orders," the other woman said stoutly. "The Queen..."

"I do not care what my aunt wishes; we are leaving." Unwilling to attempt more negotiations—they were only getting more and more outnumbered—Emma lunged at her erstwhile guard, sword raised high. Mulan was well trained, an excellent swordswoman, and parried the strike deftly. Killian tried to follow but he was set upon by three Amazons at once; it was all he could do to keep up and keep his head on his shoulders. "Killian!"

"Stop...fighting...us," Mulan gasped, swinging her heavy sword. "We...are not...supposed...to hurt you!"

"I...don't...trust you!" She did not trust anyone, no one aside from Killian. She was not leaving without him. She saw him out of the corner of her eye, fighting for his life. She kicked Mulan in the stomach and spun, running to help. She was not losing him. He already had several slashes, shallow cuts with blood streaming from them, but he was a powerful warrior. He held off his three attackers, giving ground slowly. Not from fear; Emma saw his plan instantly. There was a trail behind him, one that led to the amphitheater. She'd shown it to him from her balcony. A bridge lay across the creek; if they could get across and then cut it, they could make a run for the river.

Emma fought her way to him, hacking and slashing; if the fate of her lover was not in the balance she would have enjoyed it. Her blood sung, her sword an extension of her arm, her will. She cut down two of her sisters to get to Killian; he was almost to the trail.

"Thank the gods," Killian exclaimed the moment he saw her. She sprinted to him, taking down another of her sisters, the girl screaming in agony. "Ready, Princess?"

"Ready." As one, they turned and ran for it, ignoring the whistle of arrows. The zig zagged along the trail as fast as they could, like Cerebus was after them. They were almost there, almost there, the bright moonlight guiding their way until something snapped and the ground seemed to swallow Killian whole. Emma screamed in fury, intent on going after him, but determined hands snatched her back, nearly wrenching her arms from their sockets. She howled, muscles screaming in pain, furious tears streaming down her cheeks. "KILLIAN!"

Then everything went black.


Bone deep cold. Water dripped from her chiton and hair, her whole body sluggish. Emma blinked hard, trying to remember why her arms hurt, why her throat was raw. Everything was so jumbled.

"Ah, she wakes."

Emma's head snapped up, a shudder of fear sharpening her mind. Regina. Her aunt stood in front of her in a blood red peplos, a satisfied smile on her face. Suddenly, Emma's heart began to race, terrified for Killian. Where was he? Where was she? What happened to them? One moment he was in front of her, the next he was gone, sinking out of sight. Then nothing. Had Artemis abandoned them? The goddess had promised to protect them!

"Where is Killian?"

Regina scowled. "After all my warnings, you just did not listen. I am so disappointed in you, Emma."

"Where. Is. He?"

The Queen laughed. "Oh, he's still alive. For now."

That was something. She tried to get up, but was brought up short by the manacles on her wrists. She landed on her ass with a hard thump, wincing in pain. "Cursed Hades!"

Regina's face hardened. "The only reason you are not dead yet is because you are a Chosen," the older woman snapped. She pulled something from her cloak; it was the sacred amulet of Hera. "This will determine if you die at sunrise."

Emma tried to get away, to twist and contort herself as Regina approached. She knew what the amulet would reveal. She kicked out, struggled and fought until Regina snapped her fingers. Two Amazons came into the cell and grabbed Emma by the shoulders, forcing her to be still. One was Rapunzel, who looked frightened and ashamed. The other, to Emma's horror, was Anna. Elsa's sister refused to look at Emma, leveling her near worshiping gaze on the Queen.

Emma refused to stop struggling; she knew deep in her bones that her pregnancy would mean Killian's death. Regina had that fanatical gleam in her eye, the one that preceded violence. Killian would die and it was Emma's fault. "No!"

Regina slapped Emma across the face, a hard sting that stole her breath. "You are nothing more than the Spartan's whore. Now be still or I will make his death very, very painful. Just like your father's."

That more than anything got Emma to stop struggling. She gazed up at Regina with wide hate filled eyes. Regina murdered James all those years ago. She killed her sister's lover...for sport? Had she discovered them? Gods forbid, had Regina murdered Snow as well? Queries turned over and over in her mind as Regina knelt in front of her. She slipped the amulet over Emma's head, the heavy crystal settling between her breasts. In a heartbeat it began to glow a bright gold.

"Finally," Regina said rapturously. Quite pleased, she lifted the necklace away and stood. Rapunzel and Anna released Emma, leaving her panting on the floor. She hurt all over, sick to her stomach, but all that paled in comparison to the dread in her heart. After trying so hard to save him, Killian would die. His light would be gone; she was truly her mother's daughter.

"Why?" Tears streamed down her cheeks, but Emma needed to know. She could only pray that Killian could forgive her when she found him on the Fields of Asphodel. One way or another, she would find him.

Regina turned; she looked triumphant. "Why what?"

"You could have just let us go."

Regina laughed. "And let you take my heir? That Spartan has addled your brain, Emma. You are just like your mother, forgetting your place as an Amazon!"

"Your heir? This is my child!"

"You have never shown interest in being a mother, Emma. I thought it only natural that I take the child. Now things will be easier; with you dead, I will be able to truly raise her as my own." She looked thoughtful. "I tried with you. I truly did. I tried to make you mine, but it was never enough, was it? There is too much of my wretched sister in you. Her and that no good lout she got to fuck. One man and she thought herself in love. Please. She lost all pride."

"And you killed him. My father. In cold blood."

"They were running away together; I had no choice. Snow always was an idealist. That's why she needed me."

Emma choked on a sob, wondering what might have been. She could not leave her child to such a monster. "Get out!" she screamed. "Get out!"

"Your daughter is mine, Emma. The moment she is born, you will pay for your crimes."

She said nothing, casting a hateful look at the woman she'd once admired. How could she have been so blind? The heavy iron bars clanged as Regina left, sinking Emma into darkness. She'd never felt so alone. Despair weighed on her; she tried to curl in on herself, desperate not to give in to it. How could she not? Killian was gone, possibly dead already. Even if he was alive, Regina was going to kill him, possibly torture him first. She knew her aunt well. Bile rose in her throat, heartsick as the thought of her beloved suffering. She retched, almost doubled over as she heaved her throat even more raw. "Killian," she half whispered, half sobbed. "Killian, I am so sorry."

She'd lost everything. Her Spartan. Her freedom. Her unborn child. Her life. It was all for nothing.


Killian came to in an unfamiliar place, heavy incense making him queasy. His head swam, but he fought it, desperate to find out where he was. He had to get to Emma before they hurt her. And their baby. If he lost either of them, he would march to the Underworld and demand Lord Hades condemn him to the lowest reaches of Tartarus. He would gladly die in their place.

His nausea subsided and he opened his eyes. The room was opulent, rich fabrics on the furniture; the sight of the ornate bed disturbed him greatly. What dungeon had such a bed? He tried to get up; metal bit into his skin at the wrists, his shoulders strained. He was bound to a chair.

And he was naked.

His body had its fair share of cuts and bruises from the fight in the woods. His ankle throbbed something fierce. Was it broken? He gingerly tried to put some weight on it; pain flashed up his calf. Not broken but definitely sprained. From his fall? He remembered falling, Emma's screams, then nothing. He must have been knocked out by the fall. The ground had not been solid; it had not been ground at all. Sod and sticks made to look solid earth, concealing a pit. And he'd fallen right into the trap. This was his fault. If he had not gotten captured, none of this would happening. Emma could still be living her life, blissfully unaware of him, of their fleeting happiness.

Perhaps it would have been better if he'd simply died at Troy.

"Yes, I imagine it would have," a voice said. Killian started, unaware that he'd spoken out loud. "But one good thing came of it, so I forbear."

He scanned the room for the voice. Leaning seductively in the door was the Queen herself, dressed in a flattering red peplos. She had a scroll in her hands, fingering it curiously. His heart sank; it was Athena's map. It had no place names on it, but Regina struck him as an reasonably intelligent woman, if insane.

"Where is Emma?"

Regina rolled her eyes. "The two of you. So concerned about each other. It's sickening."

Killian sighed in relief. She was alive. "I imagine love is not something you understand."

Regina scowled, marching across the room. She grabbed him by the chin and yanked his head up. "I'd watch your mouth, Spartan. I will not be as easily swayed by that pretty face."

"You think that's what happened?" Killian laughed. "You truly are sad."

The slap hurt, the Queen's rings biting into his cheek. He moved his jaw, turning his head to spit blood. "She only stays alive to birth my heir, Spartan. I have no such qualms about killing you."

Killian snarled, again attempted to wrench himself free. "So get on with it then! I'm ready for the sword."

"Ah, but that would be too easy. You corrupted my beloved niece. An example must be made. At the end of this ritual, I will personally have you carted out and destroyed. Until then, you are mine." She ran her hand over his torso, a lustful gleam in her eyes. Killian pulled back in revulsion, stopped by the chair. Regina scowled and yanked on his hair, pain exploding in his head. His eyes watered, but he grit his teeth. Regina could do anything she wanted to him, he would not yield. "I'm going to have so much fun breaking you, Spartan."

Killian's heart hammered, fear settling in his belly. He needed to hold on. For Emma. If Regina was busy with him, it might give his princess the chance to escape. To save herself and their child. He just had to be strong for them.

Regina untied him from the chair and hauled him up; another Amazon came running at the Queen's barked order. The unknown Amazon tied him to one of Regina's bed posts, arms above his head. He watched with barely concealed dread as Regina selected a dagger from the nearby table—Athena help him it was Emma's—and advanced on him, caressing it like a lover. "Now where were we?"


Emma lay on the cold ground shivering. She had no idea of time; all that changed in her hole was the food and drink brought to her. At first, she refused to eat, but in the end, she could not starve her child. She loved her daughter fiercely, even if the child would never know who she was. It was all she had of Killian now; in her darkest moments, she talked to her baby, trying to tell the story of the Amazon and the Spartan. It was all she could do, not to go mad. Grief and fear gnawed at her; was there something else she could have done? She had so many regrets, but as she silently rubbed her belly, loving Killian was not one. Despair made her weak only for a little while; she cried until she was physically exhausted. Tears purged, she struggled to remain hopeful, for her daughter's sake. Killian would never forgive her if she gave in. She had to protect their baby as long as possible.

"Let me through," a voice demanded. Emma sat up, moving too fast, head swimming. She knew that voice. Rage like she'd never known boiled in her veins, focusing her for the first time since Regina left her there.

The bars parted and Elsa stepped through.

Emma swung her legs out, taking her former friend's feet out from under her. The second Elsa was on the ground Emma struck, pure fury raining down on someone she trusted, someone who betrayed her. Elsa fought back, gasping for air, for words, but Emma did not want to hear it, did not want to listen, not when Killian could be dead or worse.

"How could you?" she screeched. "How could you?!"

Elsa fisted a hank of Emma's hair and yanked, a dirty move, but she needed to get Emma to listen to her. Using the momentary distraction, Elsa rolled them over and grabbed for Emma's flailing hands, holding them tightly above her head. "Gods above, listen to me!"

"Get off me! I should kill you! Killian..."

With supreme effort, Elsa held her friend's wrists in place with one hand and over her mouth with the other. Emma struggled and bit, but Elsa paid it no mind. "You have every right to hate me, Emma, but I did not betray you. I swear on the River Styx."

It took a few painful moments for Elsa's words to filter through her rage, but Emma gradually stopped struggling. She looked up at Elsa with wary eyes. "If you did not, who did?"

Elsa looked away, ashamed. "It was Anna. She overheard us. I am so sorry, Emma. Once I discovered the truth, I tried to get in to see you. To set you free."

Emma narrowed her eyes, wanting so desperately to believe her. Elsa stared back, soul bared in her ice blue eyes. It was true. Emma could feel it. Shame welled up in her, for attacking as she had. "Elsa..."

"No, I meant it when I said you should hate me. I almost did it. I was so confused after our talk in the library; part of me wanted to unburden myself of it. I thought about going to the Queen a dozen times. But I did not. I could not betray your trust, even if I do not understand you. For that I am sorry."

Emma wanted to talk more about this, but there was no time. "Elsa, Killian. Is he still...?"

"As far as I know he's alive. The Queen has him bound in her chambers. I do not know what has been done to him."

"How long?"

Elsa frowned. "Two days. We must get you away from here; Regina intends on making examples of you tonight."

"Elsa, I am..."

Elsa shook her head. "Say it after we've freed you and your Spartan. Can you walk?"

Emma nodded and Elsa let her up. She fished out a key and unlocked the manacles. The skin under them was red, scraped and bleeding, but the pain was minor compared to her ever present fear for Killian. If Regina broke his spirit, she would not rest until the Queen was dead. The two Amazons padded from the cell; Emma was stunned to find Rapunzel and David on the other side.

"Apologies, Princess," Rapunzel said quickly. "The Queen forced me..."

"Nevermind that," she replied. "We need to go." Her sword and dagger were obviously gone, but David handed her new ones. He looked grim, dressed in a ragged woolen chiton. She nodded her thanks, hurrying to catch up to Elsa. "He will not be unguarded."

"I know."

"Why are you doing this?"

"Because you are my friend and I failed you." She glanced back at David, eyes soft. "And perhaps you were right."

The quartet took a little used set of passages through the palace; it seemed Elsa had used some trickery to get to Emma in the dungeons, pretending to be taking David there. In a different world, Emma had used that same trick for Killian. She prayed that he was alright, even though that felt useless. Where was Artemis? She promised to protect them, but the goddess was nowhere in evidence. Captured, imprisoned, probably tortured...it did not feel like protection to her.

As they approached Regina's corridor, Elsa waved them flat against the wall. As silently as they could, each one drew a weapon. Emma could make out two guards outside Regina's door; there were probably more inside. Not to mention Regina herself. No matter the odds, Emma was getting her Spartan back. She nodded at Elsa, likely thinking the same thing. They'd fought side by side long enough to know what the other would do. Swords raised high, they jogged down the corridor, David and Rapunzel on their heels. Once they were nearly on top of the guards, both women let out a piercing war cry, felling their opponents with ease.

Emma yanked back the filmy curtain that hid Regina's chambers from view, running through the doorway, braced for an attack. There was none. There was only one person in the room; a crumpled bloody lump on the floor.

"Killian?"

There was no response. Emma ran to him, sword forgotten. Her knees cracked on the hard floor, but she paid it no mind, carefully lifting his face. "Killian? Merciful Zeus, what has she done to you?"

Killian tried to flinch away, but he was too weak. This was too cruel; now he was hallucinating his love. Seeing things that weren't there. Emma was far away; he would never see her again. "No, no," he pleaded, voice hardly louder than a whisper. "Not Emma. Anything but her. Anything!"

Emma felt her heart shatter; he did not recognize her. Or he did and could not believe it was her. As if she would leave him alone. "Killian. Please. I'm real, I am Emma. Look at me. Please."

His left eye was nearly swollen shut, but he managed to open the right. He blinked, still not quite believing the evidence of his sight. Emma, sweet beautiful Emma. A little dirtier than he remembered, but she was there and she was holding him, tears swimming in her green eyes. "Emma?"

She choked on a sob, clutching him to her. He was naked and bloody; a hundred little cuts criss crossing his skin but he was alive.

"Emma, we need to hurry. The Queen could return at any moment!"

She wanted nothing more than to hold him, clean his cuts, heal his wounds and his heart, but Elsa was right. They still were not safe. She pressed a kiss to his forehead, tasting dried blood. "Killian, we need to get you out of here. Can you walk?"

He shook his head violently. "Not me. Go."

"I am not leaving without you, Spartan."

"I am no good to you, love," he said, painfully stretching out his leg. The ankle was swollen, black and blue. "Leave me. Save our child, Emma."

"I am not losing you again. I'll carry you if I have to." Resolute, she caught the key Rapunzel tossed to her and unlocked his cuffs. Then she lifted him into a standing position, ordering him to lean on her as much as he needed. He was heavy, very weak, but she was determined. David came up on Killian's other side and offered his assistance. Together the three of them maneuvered back into the hall; they could hear shouts and shuffling. In moments the entire palace guard would be upon them.

"Which way?" Rapunzel asked, terrified.

"This way." Elsa led the way, sword out. Rapunzel brought up the rear, their only warning if set upon from behind. Emma absolutely was not leaving without Killian; she'd go down fighting if necessary. They were a pair, a family; it was both of them or nothing.

"Come on, Killian, almost there," she said soothingly.

"Don't start lying to me now, Princess," he scolded, wheezing. "This damnable ankle is slowing us down!"

"Suck it up, Spartan," David snapped. "We're not leaving you."

"How'd you even get here, David?"

"It's a long story. I'll tell you if we live."

That was oddly prophetic as Rapunzel shouted a warning moments later. They all ducked and turned the next corner, Killian panting hard. "Get out of here, damn it!" he growled. "Leave me!"

"No!"

"They're coming!"

Elsa stood. "Take Killian," she said. "I'll hold them off."

"Elsa, you can not take on the whole palace guard by yourself!"

Rapunzel stood too. "She won't be alone."

"Yes, this is all very noble," a new voice said. "Perhaps it'll even make it in the song, if my brother ever gets to sing again."

All five heads turned toward the voice; it belonged to a young woman about twenty, dressed in a delicate shade of green, a bow and quiver on her back and a sword in her hand. A little older than when Emma saw her last, but it was unmistakably Artemis. "Lady Artemis?"

At Killian's awed croak, the goddess smiled. "Spartan. My deepest apologies for being late. There has been fighting at Troy; I was unusually...detained." She bent and touched a hand to his obscenely swollen ankle; it healed in a flash. "I am not quite as proficient at this as my nephew, but that should get you to the river. Do not linger there; we will do our best to give you the time you need."

"Huntress," Emma began. She wanted to know just where the goddess had been, why she'd allowed Killian to suffer so.

"Emma, all your questions will be answered. Please know that I did not willingly shirk my duty to you. I am here now. Get to the river, find Athena. She will protect you."

The urge to argue was strong but the guard was perilously close now. Nodding her thanks, she wrapped an arm around Killian's waist and hurried toward the west exit of the palace. David looked left, then right, his gaze falling on Elsa. He was not sure what he felt for the Amazon; she'd been kind to him, given the circumstances. But if he remained, he was most likely a dead man.

"Go," Elsa said, shoving at his chest. "Please."

"Elsa..."

"You have a chance to be free," she said. "Take it."

David nodded once, then hurried after the princess and Killian. Even with Killian's healed ankle, they could not move very fast; unlike Emma, Killian had not eaten since their capture. He was dead on his feet. David took over for Emma, using his taller frame to aid his friend. Emma nodded her thanks, unsheathing her sword once more. They could hear the crashes and battle cries of their companions as the guard descended; Emma forced herself to keep going. Getting them to the river was the only thing they could do now.

It was too dangerous to take Emma's usual path to the clearing; the woods would be crawling with Amazons to prevent their escape. Just before stepping into the treeline, Emma sighted on the brightest star in the sky; it pointed north. If they followed it, they would find the river eventually. No one spoke; it was clear to all they stealth was a necessity. This was made more difficult with Killian's exhaustion, but he found the strength to shove his friend off and make his own way, at Emma's back. He had no weapon, could hardly put one foot in front of the other without feeling woozy, but he was not leaving Emma again.

Every snapping twig, every breath of wind made them stop, wait several tense beats, then keep going. Emma was certain Regina would not leave the woods unguarded; it was what she would do in her aunt's place. The deeper they got, however, more silent the forest became, which was concerning. If there were no guards then there was a very good chance they were walking into a trap. The river was the only safe and swift road out of the Amazons' territory; they did not have anywhere else they could go.

"This doesn't feel right," Killian whispered.

"I know," she whispered back. She found his hand in the dark and squeezed. His desperate squeeze back broke her heart. She would find a way to make Regina pay for doing this to him. "But it is the only way."

"Agreed."

"How much further?" David asked.

"Just over the rise. We will need to run for it."

Killian took a deep steadying breath; he was a Spartan, he could do this. "Right behind you, Princess."

A fleeting smile twitched on her lips; she could not describe how much hearing that familiar endearment meant to her. Her Killian was in there; he just needed to be far from here where he could rest and heal. She took his hand firmly in hers. "Together."

He nodded and braced himself to run. They took off toward the clearing; Killian stumbled the first few steps, cursing under his breath. As they moved strength flowed into his limbs. He did not know where it had come from, but he dared not question it. He prayed quickly to Athena and kept going. He could see it now, shining in the nearly full moon, just as beautiful at the first time Emma had brought him here.

"Hurry," Emma panted, eyes searching for the raft. It had to still be here, it had to. She made a beeline for where she had hidden it in the brush. Holy blessed Hera, it was still there! She pulled it free and David sprang forward to help her drag it to the riverbank.

"They are here, my Queen! Here!"

"No, no, no," Emma chanted. "Killian! Hurry!" She could hear them now, a score of Amazons running through the forest; her secret no longer concealed. Anna was the first to emerge, bow and arrow raised. Killian shouted a warning and Emma ducked; the arrow whizzed over her head. She and David tugged on the raft again, they were almost there. Killian's wheezing cry echoed in the clearing and she panicked. No, she was not losing him again. She dropped the raft and ran back up the bank, David hot on her heels. She found Killian brandishing David's fallen sword, trying to stave off Anna and Aurora. Emma screamed and rushed to him, parrying Aurora's blow at his neck. She shoved back and kicked, sending the other Amazon to the ground.

Emma moved, deliberately putting herself between Killian and the line of approaching Amazons. There were only a dozen or so, but Regina was there, glaring daggers at her. A sword rested on her hip; a royal blue chiton draped over her artfully. Regina always did pride herself on being well dressed.

"Emma," Killian said urgently. "Let them have me. Just go."

"We are having a talk about this later. I am not leaving you!"

"You see, Amazons," Regina drawled, stepping through the center of the closing noose. "Your princess has given herself to this man. He thinks he owns her. She had betrayed her sisters! Gone against our sacred ways, defied Queen Hera! What should be her punishment?"

"Death! Death!" chanted the Amazons. "Death to the traitor!"

Killian snarled, trying to elbow his way through. "Killian, no!"

"You should not be punished for loving me," he growled. "I will not have it!"

"No one cares what you want, Spartan," Regina snapped. "You are nothing. A means to an end. But my people have spoken. I shall have to find my heir elsewhere." She drew her sword. "Pity."

Emma shoved Killian back into David. "Hold him. If I fall, get far away from here, do you understand?"

David looked wary but nodded. Killian struggled and kicked, terrified not only for Emma but their baby. Their light sparring was nothing compared to what Regina would do to her. As he knew all too well.

Be strong, Spartan, a female voice said. Killian whipped his head around, trying to find the source. My sister has protected your child. Trust in your Amazon. Athena. There but not there, just like in his dream. Give her strength, he prayed. And thank you.

Emma was under no illusions as Regina stepped into the ring of women. This was a battle to the death. Only one of them would come away from this. This was her chance to avenge her father's death, Killian's torture. She could still see him in Regina's room, bound, bloody and terrified. Terrified but not broken. Even then his only thought was to protect her. His love for her gave her strength and she tightened her grip on the sword.

"Do not let the scum escape," Regina ordered, tossing away her cloak. "We will make examples of them."

Emma snarled. "I won't let you take Killian."

"We will see." With no other warning, Regina attacked, the blow aimed at her head. Emma grunted as the swords clanged and sprang apart. "Do not interfere!" the Queen shouted at the Amazons.

Emma used the momentary distraction to sidestep and slash, getting Regina across the bicep. Blood flowed from the shallow wound and Regina screamed like an irate bull. She charged, sword glinting in the moonlight. Emma parried and spun out of the way, but Regina was faster than she expected. It took all of her considerable skills to hold off Regina's fury, thrust, block, lunge, kick, slash, block, duck, roll. It occurred to Emma as they traded blows that even as angry as Regina was, she still seemed reluctant to kill. Holding out some hope that Emma would repent and vow to give up her baby? Perhaps she could use that, find a way to get Regina off balance.

"Did you kill my mother?"

Regina laughed, going low to slash at Emma's thigh. "No, but I almost wish I had. She never got over that man."

"James," Emma spat. "His name was James."

"Whatever." Regina tried again, reaching for a dagger in her belt. "You are just as weak as she was!"

The dagger sailed toward Emma's head; it missed at least a cubit. "I am not weak!" Emma screamed. "I am not nothing!" Furious, she lunged toward Regina and they collided, tumbling to the ground. Killian, despite Athena's assurance, tried to get a way again; David held him fast. But he kept struggling, refusing to let Emma take on that harpy alone.

Emma trained to fight at Regina's knee and if there was one thing her aunt had taught her, it was to use every tool available no matter how inconsequential. They kicked and punched, rolling in the dirt and grass. Regina's dagger lay on the ground a few cubits away, whoever got to it first would most likely be the victor. Another roll and Regina landed on top of Emma. One hand clamped on her throat, the other tried to reach for the dagger. Emma struggled and kicked, her air getting short. She gripped Regina's wrist, trying to twist it off. Digging her nails in as hard as she could between the tendons, Regina screamed and let go; Emma thrust her hips to the left and somehow leveraged her aunt off her. At the same moment, Killian broke free of David's hold and barreled toward Regina, tackling her to the ground. But he was still weak, ravenously hungry, one well placed punch to the gut sent him sprawling.

"This is what I get for playing with my toys," Regina snarled, kicking him again.

Emma snatched up the dagger and ran for them, arm raised high. So intent on Killian, Regina lost track of her real prey, giving Emma the chance to strike. The dagger sliced through Regina's back and the Queen arched, a eye piercing shriek erupting from her throat. Dropping like a sack of meal, she landed heavily on Killian, who grunted in pain but managed to shove her off. He grabbed the dagger from her back and plunged it deep into the Amazonian Queen's heart, watching as the life drained out of her.

"May you be banished to the depths of Tartarus," he growled breathlessly, falling back to the blood stained earth.

"Killian!" Emma hurried over and lay his head in her lap. "Stupid, stubborn Spartan!"

He found her hand and squeezed. His were covered in blood. "You are safe now."

"We are both safe," she corrected. She held him protectively against her and looked up at the Amazons. "Regina is dead. I do not want the crown. Leave us in peace." Every single one of those Amazons had chanted for her death; she could not lead them as Queen. They were no longer her people. "Go while I still have some mercy left."

One by one they retreated, sheathing their weapons. Anna was one of the last. Part of Emma wanted the girl to pay for what she'd done, but she could not allow revenge to continue to rule her heart. Killian was safe now, they could go find the life they dreamed of at last.

Though not without scars.

Their carefully laid supplies were gone, but they needed to go. As soon as they were far enough away from the city, they could find some food. Emma and David got the raft into the water, leaving Killian to scoop out handfuls of water to quench his considerable thirst. He was still starving but it was the best he could do at the moment. The raft wasn't made for three but Emma had no intention of leaving David behind. Killian stretched out on the bottom, his head back in Emma's lap. She touched his cheek tenderly, then nodded to David, who gave them the final push off from the bank. They used some long branches to propel them through the water, following the current.

Emma thought she'd feel something, a pang of regret or longing as she left her home, but she was too exhausted to feel anything. Killian fell asleep, curling up in her lap like a cat. She smiled down at him, thankful he was getting some much needed rest.

"You should sleep too," David said, shielding his eyes from the rising sun. "I can handle this."

"That is kind of you but..."

David waved her off. "My father was a fisherman," he said. "I grew up on skiffs like this. It's the least I can do. Please. Rest. We'll need to hunt in a few hours."

"Very well." Killian stirred when she lifted his head off her lap, but she quickly hushed him, settling in beside him. He rolled onto his back and she snuggled up beside him, her head on his chest. Instinctively, his arms came around her; for the first time in almost three days she felt completely safe.


"Emma! Emma!"

She came running; Killian lay exactly where she left him, thrashing in his sleep. Another nightmare. She knelt beside him and shook his shoulder. "Killian! I'm right here, wake up."

He grunted, eye fluttering open. "Emma?"

She smiled softly. "Always, my love."

He glanced away, ashamed of his weakness. "Apologies, Princess."

She cupped his cheek. "You have nothing to be sorry for, Killian. I want to be here for you."

"I am slowing us down."

"You were tortured. With Regina gone, there is no one in charge in Themiscyra. While they fight amongst themselves, we have time to rest." She bent and tenderly kissed his lips. "I love you."

He turned to kiss her palm. "As I love you." No matter what Regina had done to him, he clung to that truth. He loved Emma more than his own life. "The babe?"

Emma touched her stomach. "I feel fine. She's going to be okay, you said Athena promised."

"She said that Artemis...did something so that our baby would be safe."

"Then we shall trust in them." In truth, she was a little worried; in the two days since they fled, there had been no sign of the goddess. Artemis promised her answers and Emma wanted them. She needed to know where their protector had been the night they attempted to flee. Killian's nightmares were a constant reminder of what they'd suffered and very nearly lost. "Hungry?"

Killian nodded, thankful she did not press him to speak of his dream. He did not think he could bear it; the vision was too fresh. Regina pleasuring herself, telling him all the things she wanted to do him, if he just accepted her as Master. Every single time he refused, his body shuddering in disgust and each time she made him pay, her dagger carving through his flesh. Never too deep, as she did not want him to lose consciousness. But the small cuts were almost worse, the pain keeping him awake even when Regina was not there to torment him.

The first time they stopped to hunt, David went while Emma gently washed Killian from head to toe. Dried blood, dirt and salty sweat sluiced off his skin; he winced as she cleaned the fresh cuts. The stab wound in his side was red and inflamed; Emma knew enough about tending wounds to make a poultice to draw the infection out the worst of his wounds, including his swollen eye. He had a fever for the first day, giving him the first of his terrifying nightmares, but it thankfully had passed. David cut the wool of his chiton in half, so Killian had something to wear. It was itchy on his damaged body, but better than nothing.

"We're only a half day from the coast," David said as they ate the game he'd caught. It was tough and a bit leathery. "We can be there by nightfall."

"We will be under Athena's protection there," Emma said. "But I do not think we should linger."

"Agreed," Killian said. The sooner they set sail for Porphyris, the better. He never wanted to see this accursed place again.

Emma watched him carefully, so, so worried about him. She did not want to pry, but keeping his anguish locked up inside him was clearly eating away at him. She did not know precisely what Regina had done to him, aside from the obvious cuts. His physical wounds would heal; most of them would hardly even scar. Not that she minded. Each one proved how strong her Spartan was; they were just another reason to love him. She wanted to help but did not know how.

He caught her watching him and he just felt ashamed all over again. Aside from the dagger and a few angry slaps, Regina had hardly touched him. It was her words that dug deep, the knowledge that she wanted to violate him while the Amazons watched. He could not bear it if Emma looked at him with pity; he was a Spartan. He wanted her, wanted her touch to burn away the memories of Regina's torture, but he did not feel worthy of her or her love. He'd let Regina into his head and tormented him.

Tossing aside the ragged bone, he stood and strode into the forest. He needed to get a hold of himself before they set out again. Emma hesitated, anxious, but ultimately followed. This distance between them was tearing her apart. She wanted her Killian back, as much as that was possible. She needed him to know that she loved him unconditionally. She refused to let Regina win, especially from the grave.

"Killian?"

He sighed, resting a hand on a nearby tree. "Yes, Princess?"

Hesitantly, she rested a hand on his shoulder. "Talk to me? I miss you."

"I've not gone anywhere, love."

She frowned at the bitterness in his voice, the pain. "I do not care what happened, Killian. You are still my Spartan."

"Perhaps you should care." He looked away. "See? I can not even look you in the eye."

She moved around to face him. "Yes, you can." She lifted his chin, smiling when he did finally look at her. "There you are."

"But for how long? Emma, I...she's in my head. Every time I close my eyes. I hate it."

"So we get her out. Perhaps not all at once, but..." She drew his hands to her belly. "I need you. Our child needs you. If you still want us?"

He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her tight to his chest. "Gods, so much, Emma. You helped me stay strong, when I thought I could not bear another moment. I would picture your smile, the light in your eyes. I knew I had to survive, so the two of you could live."

"And I have told you, living without you is not something I want. So you have to come back to me."

His throat tightened; the purity of her love choking him. He wanted to be worthy so badly. He wanted that life they talked about, a long life with love and family. Suddenly he could not be apart from her for another second. Crushing his mouth to hers, he felt her melt in his arms, a pleased mewl in her throat. "Emma." They collided with a tree, mouths still fused together. Killian grabbed her legs and hoisted her up; Emma nodded fervently as she locked her ankles behind him. She offered him her neck, moaning as he lapped at her pulse. Talking could come later, when they were safe, but for now she just needed to feel him, to know without a doubt they were alive and whole and together.

"Gods, please," she panted. "Need you so much."

His hands wandered her body, retracing her lush curves. "Mine."

She nodded hard. "Yours, Killian. Always yours." She drew his lips back to her. "Show me. Right here. Right now." She would give him anything he needed to be whole again, starting with her body.

"Not like this." He kissed her, with far more tenderness than she expected. His hands worked the pin on her chiton, the dirty ragged cloth beginning to fall away. "I wish to worship you, Emma."

Time was everything, David was waiting, but neither cared at the moment. Finding each other like this was far more important. "Yes, yes, please."

Killian set her down and unwound the cloth from her body. He folded it and laid it on the ground in a makeshift bed. Let David hear them; if he knew what was good for him, he'd wait. He picked Emma up and stretched her out on the cloth, but she would not let him get away so easily. She held his arm with one strong hand, deftly untying the knot holding the wool in place. She peeled it away, revealing his marred skin. "Want to worship you too."

He glanced away but Emma drew him back, her green eyes shining with love and lust. "Stay with me." She tenderly kissed the still swollen skin around his left eye, pressed more kisses to his bearded cheeks, his nose, his lips. "Love you."

He had to blink rapidly to keep the tears at bay, mouth hot on hers. He could feel her love in every touch, every slide of her lips and it slowly began to knit the wounded parts of his soul back together. He urged her back onto the fabric, his mouth trailing down her neck, over her collar. Emma arched under him, her fingers in his dark hair, hoping to keep him with her. She was more vocal than in the past, loud moans, keening cries and gasps telling him just how much she needed everything he could do her. He suckled at her nipples until she was shaking, core molten and desperate to be filled. Still he denied her, flipping them over. He stretched out on his back and lifted her until she straddled his face.

"Yes, Killian, yes!" she cried the moment his tongue touched her. She braced her hands on his chest, wantonly grinding against him as he devoured her.

"Missed your sweetness...fuck," he groaned, lapping at her. She was swollen and pink, dripping on his lips and chin. "So good."

She sucked on her lip, riding high on his touch, his tongue sinking inside her. He rubbed her clit with a finger and she exploded, screaming out her climax. Killian did not stop, drinking her down, manipulating her body the way he knew she craved. She fell to her elbows, purring, slowly riding his fingers. Head laying on his hip, his cock was right there and gods, she needed to taste him. She started slow, running her tongue over his length, like a cat lapping at water. He groaned, hips bucking up off the ground. "Fuck, Princess."

"Don't stop," she whispered, blowing cool air over the sensitive flesh. "Feels so fucking good."

He squeezed her ass with his free hand. "Suck me, love. Need it so much."

She hummed in response, wrapping her hand around him. After a few hard pumps, she opened and took him in, deep. His moan reverberated through him, making her shiver above him. Licking, sucking, swirling, she used every trick she knew to make him feel good, to chase away the bad dreams. Deprived of each other's touch, it was not long before he was trembling, on the verge of coming. "Stop!"

"Killian?"

He extracted his fingers from her core. "Need to be inside you. Please."

She moved without a word, spinning around to straddle his hips. Together they angled her hips just right so he could penetrate her. "Oh, oh, oh," she breathed, the stretch and burn so good after too many days apart. "Oh yes."

Killian's eyes rolled back in his head; this felt like coming home. She was hot and wet and so tight, like she was made for him. He was so swept up in the feel of her, he did not realize he was chanting her name like a prayer, like she was his very own goddess.

Emma bent over him, smoothing her hands down his chest, up his arms. His eyes flew open, bright with panic, but she threaded her fingers through his. "I'm here, Killian. Hold on to me. Stay with me."

He nodded, kissing her hard, nipping at her lips. She rode him faster, turned on by his aggression. She let out a yelp as he pushed them up so she was sitting in his lap, grinding sensuously. "Ugh, so wet," he groaned, squeezing her ass firmly. "Never leaving here again."

While the idea of him locked within her and stroking her body to endless orgasms was appealing, she needed to come now. "Make me come," she pleaded, guiding his mouth back to her breast. "Please!"

He flipped them over again, slipping from her briefly. She hardly had the chance to miss him, cock plunging right back into her heat forcefully. She cried out, spreading her legs wider, hooking them over his shoulders. The change in angle had her coming quickly, so hard she saw stars, but Killian did not stop. He pounded into her over and over and over; Emma screamed, another orgasm gripping her hard on the heels of the first. It was wild and intense; she felt like she was flying. Killian groaned loudly, his own high finally taking him, fire licking through his veins, scorching him.

They collapsed, Killian barely rolling off her. Emma groaned a little as she straightened out her legs; he'd bent her double and she could feel it. But she did not let him get away, tucking herself against him in the cool air. "Hmmm."

Killian lay on his back, eyes closed, breathing hard. He had never felt anything like that before, especially not with Emma. It felt like the crushing weight that hung over him was—well, not gone but considerably less. He did not know if it would hold, but he prayed that it would, that he could once again be the man Emma loved.

"I love you, Emma," he whispered into her hair. "Thank you."

She felt sleepy and sated but she fought it. "I just need you to stay with me, Killian."

"I know. I will, I promise."

She looked up at him, tenderly stroking his swollen skin. "When you want to talk, I will be here for you. Just...do not shut me out? I hate seeing you hurt."

He kissed her sweetly. "I did not care what she did to me as long as you and the little one were safe. I hoped you would find a way to escape."

"And Elsa came for me." She sighed, not knowing what happened to her friend. She would never get to repay Elsa for helping her free her beloved. "But I could not leave you."

"Even though it put you in more danger," he chided. "Though I am grateful, love."

"Don't ever demand I abandon you, Killian. I will fight to my very last breath for us."

"As I will. That may sometimes leave us at an impasse."

"What's done is done. I plan on growing old with you, Spartan."

"Right now, I will settle for reaching Porphyris safely. You need consistent nourishment for our child."

She rolled onto her back, coaxing Killian's head to her belly. He needed that connection, as she did in her darkest moments. The life they'd made together, the symbol of their future. A future she was determined to have now that they were free.

Killian sighed, lightly stroking her belly with his thumb, her fingers massaging his scalp. At his lowest point, he'd despaired of ever having this again, a simple quiet moment with the woman he loved. Regina had done her best to persuade him that he did not deserve this, that he was just a thing to be used and discarded. His body bore the marks, as did his mind. Emma saved him, not only from Regina but from the lingering doubt that he did not deserve to be happy, or even alive. She wanted them to have the family both of them had once been deprived of; he could not let her down. He wanted to watch Emma grow round with their baby, live a life free from fear and judgment. He heard the terrible chants of her sisters, condemning her for loving him. It enraged him, but they would soon be far from this place. Away and free.

"Your mother is an extraordinary woman, little love," he murmured. "We are going to give you a very happy home."

The tenderness in his voice made her heart ache; she could not stop the tears scrolling down her cheeks. Killian just kept talking, musing about what their new life would be like, all the things he wanted to do with his baby girl, how much he wanted to give her brothers and sisters. It was a beautiful idyllic portrait of life, one Emma never believed was possible until he came into her life. A life she had not known she wanted or known that her mother had wanted for her.

I avenged him, Mother, she thought. She prayed her parents had reunited in the Underworld and they could now be at peace. James' murderer was dead; Regina could never hurt anyone again.

David was waiting when they returned to the makeshift camp. He said nothing about their delay, although as loud as they were, he surely knew the reason. Killian seemed more himself, more openly affectionate, his head held higher. He was not all the way back, but Emma had faith that he would heal. Things would be better once they arrived in Porphyris. They could start over, build the home he spoke of so passionately, the home they fought so hard for.