Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time
His hair's on fire and his heart is burning
Emma's body hummed as she dressed for the day. Settling in front of the small mirror, she worked her hair up into an intricate braid. Her eyes were sparkling as she rose, brushing through wrinkles on her blouse, when a knock sounded at her door. "Come in."
The door opened as she continued to swipe at her shirt. "You look beautiful, darling."
Emma spun at Killian's deep voice. Her eyes landed on him. "Killian," she murmured softly, a light flush spreading across her cheeks and chest.
He stepped inside tentatively, closing the door behind him, he walked over to her. "I was hoping to escort you to breakfast, milady." He bowed lightly.
She bit her lip and her head fell to the side. "Is that all you were hoping?" She teased lightly.
He stepped further into the room. "I'm a gentleman, love. Of course that's all I was hoping." She could see in his gaze that he was hoping for more. She was craving more. It may be entirely improper and it may be entirely too fast, but she couldn't help herself. The way he looked at her, the way he spoke to her, the way he treated her and valued her. It was more than she could ever hope for.
She hummed. "That's too bad," she replied briskly, moving away from him to pick up her coat. "But if breakfast is all you desire, then we best be off." She gasped when he latched onto her arm, spinning her body into his, his mouth lowered to hers immediately. He kissed her hungrily, one hand threaded through her braid, most likely undoing it, the other around her waist, pressing them together from hip to lips. When he pulled back, she let out a breathy sigh. "That's what I had in mind," she admitted, her head coming to rest on his shoulder.
He let out a hum of agreement. "You are a bloody siren, Emma," he admitted. "You're all I could think of after leaving you so hastily when Liam arrived last night." He paused. "Actually, I do believe you're all I've thought about since I saw you standing over Smee with that bloody candle stick."
She dug her head into his shoulder, laughing lightly. "I thought he was there to hurt my crew. I wanted to do whatever I could to help protect the men and the ship." Her arms wrapped around his waist tightly. "If only I'd known."
Killian tightened his grip on her, one hand rubbing her back, the other lightly toying with her tangled braid. "Sodding bastards, the entire lot of them," he muttered. "Apologies, lass, that was crude."
She shrugged. "It's quite alright. After all, it's true." She bit her lip. "Have we heard any word from my parents?" She asked quietly.
He shook his head. "If you'd like, we could send another letter today."
She nodded. "I need to ask them to sever our ties with Prince Baelfire's kingdom." She chewed on her lip and snuggled in closer to Killian. She was fairly certain there was no place she would rather be in the world. His embrace was comforting and warmed her all the way to her toes. She felt safe, cherished, precious, valued, loved. It was everything she could ever hope for. And something she would never find anywhere else. Of that she was sure. "I hope his father doesn't react poorly to that," she admitted.
Killian's lips brushed over her hair, down to her ear. "Whatever happens, love, we'll handle together," he promised.
She tipped her head back. "You promise?"
He raised a hand to gently stroke her cheek, this thumb running across the dimple in her chin. "Aye, darling, I promise."
She rocked up on her toes and pressed one last kiss to his lips. "Let's go to breakfast before someone comes in search of us."
"Liam certainly will if we're not careful," he agreed. Holding out his arm, he asked, "Shall we?"
Emma found herself flushing at the sweet gesture. Looping her arm through his, she smiled up at him. "We shall," she agreed.
When they reached the galley, she let him pull out her chair before he took a seat next to her. Liam eyed the two of them steadily for a moment before clearing his throat, "Did you sleep well, your highness?"
Emma's eyes fell on Killian's older brother. "Very much so, Captain."
He nodded and studied her uncertainly. "It seems something has upset your braid." He motioned to her hair.
Emma raised a hand and patted her head. Killian must have half-dislodged her braid earlier. She flushed a deep red, as did Killian. There were some chuckles around the room as she reached behind her and yanked at the tie holding it in place before running her fingers through it.
When it seemed like everyone was thoroughly distracted with their breakfasts, Killian leaned over. "For the record, I really do love your hair down," he murmured in her ear.
She whipped her head to the side, sucking in a quick breath at how close he was. She raised a brow. "I shall remember that, Lieutenant." He just grinned shamelessly back at her.
Peek cleared his throat, getting their attention. "Am I to assume that this means you wouldn't be interested in the letter that arrived from Prince Baelfire's kingdom?" He asked, Emma, holding up an envelope.
Emma gaped at it. "He sent a letter?" She asked.
Liam nodded. "Yes, he also sent one to me. They arrived this morning. It's in my cabin, if you would like to read it."
Emma stood abruptly. She took the letter from Peek. "I would." When he didn't move, she narrowed her eyes on him. "Now," she ordered. Turning to Killian, she asked, "Would you join me?" Her demeanor softening slightly.
"Of course, darling." He stood, moving to her side. They waited for Liam to stand as well. When the three of them were in his quarters, he murmured, "It will be fine, love, no matter what is in the letter," he promised.
Her hands were shaking as she took the letter from her betrothed's kingdom. She bit her lip and her eyes watered as she read it. The Dark One was not interested in helping to retrieve her from King George. She had nothing of value for him. She scoffed and tore open Prince Baelfire's letter. It echoed his father's sentiments. She swiped at tears. "Well, I'm certainly glad that I won't have to deal with them anymore," she admitted. "I don't see the point in responding. It's not necessary." She turned to Killian. "I would like to send my parents another letter, though," she admitted.
Killian nodded. "Of course. Once you've penned it, I'll send it for you."
Reaching up, she brushed a kiss to his cheek. "Thank you." She turned back to Liam and nodded curtly before leaving the brothers.
When the door to Liam's cabin closed behind her, Killian spun. "You could treat her with some form of kindness." He glowered at his older brother. "She's done nothing wrong," he reminded Liam.
"You don't honestly think it's a coincidence that we have yet to receive a letter from King David and Queen Snow? When we get to their kingdom, we will not be welcomed," he warned Killian, "More than likely, we shall be arrested for taking Princess Emma."
Killian scoffed at that. "You must realize that Emma has a streak of honor and loyalty a mile wide. She'll not let that happen."
"She may not have a say," Liam deadpanned. "And if they were to find out that you'd-"
"We haven't done anything improper," Killian cut in before Liam could finish. "And I will be asking his majesty for her hand. I shan't break protocol if that's what you're worried about. I do believe in good form, after all."
Liam's eyes narrowed. "I realize that, brother. I just think you're ignoring the consequences that could be a result of your actions."
OUAT
"He doesn't trust me," Emma surmised as she stood by the helm with Killian. "And I suppose I do deserve that. I was not exactly gracious when I first arrived."
Killian's gaze was soft as it swept over her concerned look. "You thought you'd been kidnapped," he reminded her. "And we didn't exactly think it through that you may not trust us right from the start. I don't know how we bloody well missed that," he admitted.
She let out a soft laugh. "You were busy trying to figure out how to do the right thing," she reminded him. "And I'm very grateful that King George commissioned you and your brother to be the ones to take me. I can't imagine my fate if he'd hired another Captain. Or worse, pirates."
When she glanced over at Killian, his knuckles were white he was gripping the wheel so tightly, and his face was hard. "We would've found you. We would've heard about it and found you," he promised.
Emma laid a hand on top of his. "I know you would've, Killian," she murmured affectionately. "I know what kind of man you are."
He twined their fingers together and continued to steer. "Would you like to learn to steer, love?" He asked suddenly.
He watched the way her eyes lit up. "I would love to." She took a step closer, smiling softly when he pulled her in front of him. With his head near her ear, he murmured a small lesson about different parts of a ship, resting her hands over his as she guided the Jewel through the slightly choppy waters. After a moment of silence, he whispered a promise to her. "I will always find you, Emma."
She craned her neck to look at him. "I know, Killian." She nudged her nose against his. "And I will always find you."
OUAT
It was much later that evening, when Emma was keeping Killian company on deck during a late watch, that a bird landed with a letter tied to its tiny leg. "My mother," Emma surmised, cooing to the bird to soothe it. She quickly unrolled the scroll, standing near the lantern Killian had lit.
Our Darling Emma,
We have received your letter, as well as King George's initial instructions and the letter from Captain and Lieutenant Jones. We, however, are not writing to them. We want to make sure you are safe before we send a ship after you. We have sent a search party out to find The Swan. We are very interested in bringing the men back to stand trial. If you are alright, please let us know. Once we hear from you, a ship will go out in search of you, to bring you home safely. If we do not hear from you, we will assume that you are in need of immediate help and will have the Navy dispatched.
We love you, Emma.
Mom & Dad
Emma pressed her hand over her mouth to stifle a small sob. "They must be so worried," she admitted. "I need to send a letter out tonight." She flew below deck to pen the letter.
Killian's grip on the wheel tightened again, as he thought of what King George was putting Emma and her parents through. Most likely the entire castle knew what had happened. He was sure they all adored Emma and they would all be worried. He was personally looking forward to exacting his revenge on the monarch.
When Emma reappeared with a letter written to her parents, he did his best to relax his posture and his grip. It did not good to scare Emma or cause her anymore worry.
"Are you alright, darling?" He asked quietly as they both watched the bird fly away.
She nodded. "I told them I was safe and to make sure the crew that went after The Swan was careful. There was a good chance they were headed to King George's port. I told them she didn't need to send a ship after me. We'd be a port in just four days time now and to have transportation waiting. I told them that you and your brother were honorable men, as were all the men on your ship and that you were to be treated as visiting dignitaries. I do not want anyone harmed or imprisoned."
Reaching over, he wrapped an arm around her waist, drawing her into him. "That was very generous of you, considering what we did put you through."
She shrugged. "I made it far harder on myself than it had to be," she admitted. "And besides, we will need help in securing our kingdom from King George. Who better than his own men?" She questioned.
He chuckled. "You are going to make a wonderful queen," he predicted.
She let out a nervous sigh. "I surely do hope so, Killian."
OUAT
XOXO
MAS
