Killian felt like he was spinning; dragged around through a storm. He couldn't tell up from down. Once the spinning stopped and Killian got his bearings, he realised they were no longer in the woods. Instead, they were on a country road with a hilly landscape in front of them. There was no thick tree canopy over them; only a few trees lined the road. The orange and yellow leaves almost glowed in the sunlight. Killian could see a large house in the distance down the road.
Killian turned quickly to look at Emma, a huge grin on his face. He was unable to contain his joy as he laughed. Liam did too as they both looked around their surroundings and took everything in. They turned back to each other, Emma still in the middle—she hadn't moved—which confused Killian. But Liam and Killian quickly ran towards each other and embraced Emma in their hug.
Killian was swept up in the laughter until he noticed that Emma felt strange in his arms; she was stiff, until she went limp and started to fall. Killian and Liam quickly caught her before she could hit the ground.
"Emma!" They cried out in unison.
Killian had trouble getting a good grip on her arm with only one hand. "Emma, love, whats wrong?"
Emma moaned in response. The two brothers lifted her up and helped her stand, each one with an arm over their shoulders.
"She must have used too much magic; remember Tink's warning?" Liam asked.
"Aye."
"Sorry," Emma mumbled.
"You've nothing to apologise for, lass. You just got us out of the blasted forest," Killian affirmed as he got a proper grip on her.
"Let's see if that's an inn," Liam suggested.
"It should be," Emma mumbled once again as she tried to right herself. It only ended with her needing more support.
"Why did you use all that magic if you hadn't for that long?"
"We needed…to get out. Quickest way."
Killian sighed in relief. He forgot that their journey was only halfway finished.
The walk to the house was tough. Emma kept stumbling and Killian's energy was waning. He really pushed himself today and the last potion he drank was starting to wear off. He was having a hard time not tripping over himself and he was starting to get lightheaded. Liam would make sure the two of them could carry on, occasionally asking if they needed a break. However, both Emma and Killian wanted to get the short journey over with.
The house they saw at the end of the road indeed turned out to be an inn. Now they just had to hope there was a room for them.
They approached the door and Liam stepped forward out of Emma's grasp. She clung a little tighter to Killian and he had to lean into her to steady them. It was not the best idea for Liam to be the one to let go, although Killian didn't mind being closer to her. He would have preferred better circumstances rather than Emma trembling in his arms from overexertion.
Liam opened the door quickly before reaching back to Emma's side, helping them both through the door.
"Hello?" A thin older woman approached them. She had short curly blonde hair and was dressed impeccably. "Oh dear, are you three alright?"
"Aye, we just need a room. This is my brother and his wife, we've come a long way and ran into a bit of trouble in the Infinite Forest."
Killian felt his face turn red with the lie. Why would Liam say that? He suddenly felt self conscious, and Emma stiffened slightly in his arms.
"You've come all the way from the Infinite Forest in that state?" The woman asked, wide-eyed looking Killian and Emma up and down. "How did you get out?"
"Long story; do you have a spare room?" Emma asked. Killian could her the strain in hear voice to sound better than she was. Her grip tightened on his shoulder.
"Oh, right, yes; one minute. Two rooms?" the woman asked, hurrying to the desk to the side by the wall. The foyer was open with high ceilings and large windows. The innkeeper must have been incredibly wealthy with the fancy woodwork, large library to the left, and rich drapery. How would they afford this?
"One please, I'll need to take care of them. If you have any extra bedding for myself?" Liam asked.
"Of course, I'll have someone bring it to your room. If you need any bandages or clean clothes, let me know; we can find something."
"You are too kind, really." Liam took the key she offered him.
"Up the stairs, turn right, and your room will be the first door on the left."
After giving her their thanks, the three of them worked their way up the stairs. Their room was spacious—the most spacious room Killian had ever had the pleasure of staying in. A large bed filled the center of the back wall and on either side were two large windows.
Killian and Liam gently placed Emma on the bed.
"Thank you," Emma breathed. She took off Liam's coat and handed it back to him with a tired smile. She laid down after kicking off her shoes.
"Emma, do you want any food?" Killian asked.
"No, just sleep…"
And sleep she did. It seemed like she was out in seconds. And like that a wave of exhaustion overcame Killian. Without having to worry about Emma, he felt the growing pain of his wrist and his complete exhaustion.
"Well, she's out, how about I get us some food?" Liam asked.
"How are we going to pay for this?" Killian took the satchel from his shoulder and placed it on the end of the bed. He opened it to find three of the vials smashed. Great… only four left… he knew he would need it more now, and chugged one of them after ripping of the cap with his teeth. The rest he could ration.
"We still have a good deal of money left."
"The money you obtained by selling out Silver…"
"We need it. You both need a proper rest. You need to eat, too; keep up your strength," Liam argued.
Killian took one of the dried meats from the satchel with a flourish and took a bite. "I'm eating. I don't want to use that dirty money."
"He was a terrible man."
"What happened to good form, regardless? Doing the right thing, the thing you beat into my mind," Killian asked, and his voice rose. That money was just a reminder of what Liam had done and to say it didn't sit right with Killian would be an understatement.
Liam looked hurt and hung his head in shame. "We don't have any other options right now, Killian," he said quietly.
A knock at the door interrupted the tense silence that followed Liam's last statement. With a sigh, Liam quickly went to answer the door. Maybe he was right, but he really didn't like it. Killian looked back at Emma and felt guilty for his outburst, but it didn't seem to phase her. She looked so peaceful… and cold. Killian walked to the foot of the bed and grabbed the folded blanket there to lay across Emma.
"I've blankets for us. We can take one of the extra pillows from her bed," Liam said with a somber tone.
Killian nodded at his brother and moved around the bed to fetch the other pillow. "Why did you say Emma and I were married?" Killian asked to quickly before he could really think about it.
"I thought it was our best chance of all getting to stay in one room. You know how people can be. And besides, it was more believable if it was you," he teased cautiously, testing the shift in Killian's mood.
Killian rolled his eyes at his brother and grabbed some of the thick blankets from him. It was strange—Killian wasn't on the best of terms with his brother, and yet they could fall back into such easy banter. He wasn't sure how to handle it. He wanted to give Liam another chance, yet to continue using that money… it felt wrong.
Killian placed the thickest of the blankets on the floor at the foot of the bed and laid down after removing his boots and jacket. The sun had just set, bathing the room in twilight and candlelight. It might have been early, but Killian felt as if it could have been the wee hours in the morning. He really hoped he could regain some energy soon; otherwise, he would only hinder their journey to Misthaven.
"Brother, do you need your bandages rewrapped?"
"It's fine for now," Killian mumbled as his exhaustion caught up to him completely.
"Goodnight. If you need anything, don't hesitate."
/-/
Killian was out in seconds. Liam was tired as well, but his hunger won out. Quietly, Liam opened the door and headed downstairs. He found himself in a small tavern-like room. A few people who must have been staying in the other rooms were at the bar. Liam took a seat on one of the empty stools. The pouch containing his money weighed heavy on his belt after his talk with Killian. His brother was right, of course—he needed to get rid of the money. Give it to someone deserving.
"So, you all came all the way from the Infinite Forest?"
Liam turned quickly to see the innkeeper watching him.
"Pardon my bad manners. I realise I didn't introduce myself before. I'm Eunice."
"Liam."
"I lost my husband to the forest. It's nearly a four-day journey there and yet, you three made it here in that state. I can't help but be curious."
Four days?! How did Emma manage to do that? Liam was in shock she was still standing as well as she was after they appeared on the road.
"Are you alright? You look as if you've seen a ghost."
"Aye, sorry. It was a gruelling journey; no doubt about that. What did you say your husband's name was?" Liam said, fumbling, not wanting to reveal Emma had magic.
"I didn't… But his name is Thurston. Did you… see him?" she asked, cautiously hopeful.
"Thurston? Yes, we saw him; he gave us a ride."
"Really? He's alive?" She squeezed her hands together and Liam could see tears gathering in her eyes.
"Aye. However, I don't know about the state his is in now, I don't wish to give you false hope."
"Just knowing you've seen him…" She broke off to collect herself, getting emotional. "It's been three years," she choked out. "I never stopped hoping that one day he would return to me, and you've renewed that hope. You must be starving; what do you want? It's on the house!"
"Oh, that's very kind, but I'm afraid I didn't do much. It's Emma's doing if he returns."
"How so?"
"She found a way to lift the curse on the forest."
"Did she defeat the Dark One?"
He nodded and hoped she wouldn't ask anymore questions. There was no way he could tell her Emma had magic and he was too tired to think of a solid cover.
Eunice's eyes widened as she studied him. "All of you don't have to worry about paying for anything during your stay. Now, what do you want?" She looked at him expectantly. Liam was grateful she dropped the subject. He was afraid to reveal too much. He stared at her in disbelief, managing to tell her something and a few minutes later, there was plate full of meats and vegetables placed in front of him.
"You are too kind, really."
"Nonsense! Eat up and then get some rest; you look like you've been through hell!"
Liam did as he was told. The delicious food filled him up, but he still felt guilty. Here he was, reaping the rewards of Emma's work and his brother's loss. Meanwhile, they were both too exhausted from what they had gone through to stay up for dinner.
His own exhaustion finally caught up with him with half of his plate still full. It was a shame to leave it, but he was sure if he forced anymore food down he would pass out on the spot. After thanking Eunice, Liam found himself in the room again. Emma and Killian were both sound asleep. Hopefully, he soon would be, too.
/-/
Killian was the first to wake up. Judging by the low light coming through the windows, the sun was just about to rise. Killian sat up, looking around the room. Liam's jacket was folded by the foot of the bed. Emma's small slippers were placed neatly next to the side table. Killian raked his hand through his hair and felt how messy it had become during his slumber. There was no way he could tie his hair back one handed. It was time for a haircut. At the thought, his wrist throbbed. It wasn't unmanageable, just uncomfortable. He could last without the potion a while longer.
Killian got up quietly in hopes to get a few things done before they set out and so they could sleep a bit longer. His eyes lingered on Emma's still form. She looked so peaceful; it was hard to tear his eyes away.
Downstairs, Killian adjusted his sling as he looked for the innkeeper through the large halls. The inn was huge, but he knew it still wasn't as big as a castle and he already felt out of place and they still had a ways to go to get to Misthaven.
The thought of using Liam's money filled him with dread, but what other option did he have now?
"Good morning, dear!" Killian jumped at the innkeeper's voice. "Sorry, I didn't mean to spook you."
"It's quite alright," Killian said as he ran a hand through his hair once again and remembered his messy state. "You're just who I was looking for."
"Of course! I already told your brother whatever you need is on the house."
"Why this kindness?"
"We spoke last night and he told me how the forest is free of the Dark One. And that you saw my husband, Thurston, in there. Anything you want is on me; I've been too long without even word of him."
"There's no guarantee he can get out, though."
"If you three got out, that means he can, too."
Killian felt a weight lift off his shoulders knowing that he wouldn't be using Liam's money, but he didn't want to take advantage. Especially if they had given her false hope. "I don't feel comfortable—"
"Killian, I can afford it, clearly. Let me help. Now, what is it you need?"
"A couple of things actually, if you can, of course," Killian smiled at her kindness.
/-/
Emma woke up with her stomach growling to early morning light streaming through the windows. There was a soft chuckle from her left and Emma turned to find Killian sitting in a chair. He looked different. His hair was parted to the side, ponytail gone, and his stubble neatly trimmed. Emma thought he was cute before, but now she was dumbstruck. For a moment, she wondered if she was still asleep and dreaming, but the pain in her side from the Dark One's magic was still there, a dull aching throb.
"Morning," Killian greeted with a light blush colouring his cheeks as he tried to act nonchalant. "All rested?"
Emma sat up quickly, her height matching Killian's and it felt good to be eye level with him. It felt good being human again, minus the ache in her side, of course. She didn't have enough time yesterday for her return to being human to sink in. And now she had to get used to Killian's new look. "How long have you been up? You look—" she cut herself off and awkwardly gestured towards him.
"About that," he laughed awkwardly. "Now, we are friends, right?"
"Yes?" Emma answered unsure; while they were helping each other out, it was still stemming from a deal, but she did see both the brothers as friends, at least she hoped. This was a nice confirmation.
"Then, as my friend, please be brutally honest… does it look alright?" He scratched that place behind his ear, his embarrassment and nerves showing on his face with his blush.
"Yes. You look great. You'll fit right in in the navy." Emma felt her face burning with her own blush with her blunt answer, but the shy smile on his face that was full of genuine happiness rather than smugness had her glad that she answered as she did.
Killian cleared his throat. "I spoke with Eunice, the innkeeper; breakfast will be ready shortly." As he spoke he was rubbing his bandages with a slight wince on his face.
"How are you feeling?"
"Fine, I just have yet to take this morning's potion."
"I could heal it, if you want." Emma extended her hand towards him.
"No. You need to save your strength." He gently pushed her hand away. His was warm hand lingered before he realised that he didn't pull back right away.
"Killian, I overexerted myself yesterday. I'm fine." She tilted her head back like a petulant child.
"We've a long way to Misthaven; you need all of your strength. And besides, I believe your side is in more dire need of healing than my arm."
His words made Emma aware once again of the dull ache in her side she didn't realise she was favouring as she sat. She should probably fix that. "Are you sure?" She watched him looking for any other signs of discomfort but he appeared to be fine.
"Aye, I've enough potion."
With a nod she turned her attention to her side and focused on healing the tender spot. A few seconds later, after her magic dissipated, she felt great. With a happy sigh, Emma moved to get up. Killian quickly rose as well, watching her carefully.
"I'm fine, really."
"Sorry," Killian scratched the back of his neck, backing out of her space.
"Do you need your bandages changed?"
"Already done," Killian lied. Emma could tell. But the uncomfortable look he had as he dodged her gaze was not because of pain. Emma would drop it—for now. "Oh, I was able to acquire you a pair of boots and a jacket."
"How?"
"Eunice is Thurston's wife. She was talking to Liam last night and now she's giving us everything. No payment necessary."
"Really?"
"Aye. She had been trying to break the curse on the forest for years. Apparently she had to drag the details out of Liam. Here," Killian whispered as he handed her the dark maroon jacket from the edge of the bed and motioned to the boots on the floor. They looked a little big, but they would do. The jacket was long, falling just past her knees. The thick fabric warmed her in the slightly chilly room. It was also a bit big, the coat sleeves falling past her hands. She quickly folded up the cuffs to free her hands and then donned her new boots.
"Come; you must be famished."
Killian walked over to rouse Liam. Killian had to call is name a few times with a shake to wake him up. Emma wondered how it was that Liam was able to sleep so soundly.
"Brother? What have you done to your hair?" was Liam's greeting as soon as he opened his eyes and saw Killian leaning over him.
"What?" Killian's hand flew to his head and shot Emma a look, almost of betrayal, but it did look good! Too good, in her opinion.
"You look, dare I say it, dashing." Killian's eyebrows rose as he stared at Liam in shock. "Now, don't let this get to your head. It's unbecoming."
Killian rose a single eyebrow at Liam and offered him a hand off the floor. "Don't tell me you're jealous."
"This is what I'm talking about." Liam turned to Emma then. "Cocky doesn't look good on him, am I right?"
Emma just laughed, shaking her head at them as she walked through the door. The two brothers followed shortly with their belongings in tow. The three of them descended the staircase and were on the search for food. Since Emma was no longer exhausted, she could finally appreciate being human again. Her freedom was back and she could eat whatever she wanted.
Killian led them to the dining room of the inn and there was a large spread out in front of them. Emma's stomach again growled and her mouth was watering at the sight. Killian pulled out her chair for her. With a "thank you," she sat. He took the seat next to her and Liam was across from them. "It seems Eunice has outdone herself," Killian said as he stared at the food in front of him.
"Oh gods, cake!" Emma exclaimed as she took a slice from the small cake in the middle of the table. Wait, Killian had talked to Eunice this morning. Did he ask for cake? For her? She turned to him with the question in her eyes. "You did this?"
"I just asked; really, you should be thanking Eunice." And as he spoke her name, the innkeeper walked into the room.
"Oh, darlings, I'm glad you're all awake so I can thank you all for everything."
"You don't have to thank us, really, you've done enough," Emma said. Just a night here and the clothes was more than enough.
Eunice replied going over the conversation she had with Liam the night before. He looked sheepish with her explanation. "The least I can do is make sure you are well fed. I've been searching for my husband and a way to break that curse on that awful forest for three years now."
"Really, why didn't you mention that last night?" Liam asked; his attention on her.
"You looked like you could fall asleep sitting up."
"I've seen him do that, too," Killian joked. Emma was glad to see him in such good spirits.
The rest of breakfast passed on amicably. Emma never added too much to the conversation, just enjoyed the food she hadn't been able to eat in so long. But her journey wasn't over and thoughts of her family came rushing back. They couldn't stay here long. "Do you know where the nearest stables are?"
"Hm, I believe it's a over a half a day's walk, towards Misthaven," the innkeeper supplied.
"That's great, thank you." Emma could easily magic them there and they could cut their travel time to Misthaven in less than half with horses.
Killian gently squeezed her arm and her eyes shot over to his. "Emma, we can walk it," he said under his breath. Liam and Eunice, in their own conversation now, couldn't hear him.
"It's not far, I can do it with no problem," Emma defended quietly. Damn, he could read her too easily as a human now.
"But—"
"So, how did you two meet?" Eunice asked with her hands under her chin, staring at them doe-eyed.
"Uh—at a market," Emma stuttered.
"Near the docks," Killian added quickly. There was no way they could sell this.
"Was it love at first sight?"
"Aye."
"It took a while," Emma laughed a little at his reply. Love at first sight with a swan! The thought was absurd. But, Eunice didn't know that.
"Oh, you two are just too cute!"
Emma blushed and started to eat the sweet cake. As soon as she put it in her mouth the flavour almost overwhelmed her. It was amazing; just the right amount of sweet. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Killian watching her and she grew self conscious. "What?"
Killian shook his head slightly, the shy smile still on his face. "Nothing. Do you like it?"
"Yeah," Emma smiled. "Do you?"
"Aye, it's delicious. I don't know if I've ever had something so sweet."
Emma went back to eating after noticing Eunice happily watching them. She blushed as conversation started again. She noticed Killian struggling minimally with his food, but there was still some frustration. She really wanted to heal his wrist so that it could be a little bit easier for him. Maybe tonight before bed, he wouldn't protest against her using magic.
"Eunice, do you know how things are in Misthaven?" Emma didn't know why she hadn't asked before. Maybe she could get information on the type of curse plaguing her kingdom.
"Oh dear, such a tragic thing. The poor kingdom."
Emma's stomach dropped. "What? What happened?"
"Well, about five years ago, the princess was stolen. Ever since then, they closed down their borders. All trade has been done outside of it and no one speaks of what happened. No one has actually gone into the kingdom for years. They can't, really."
"Why not?" Emma asked, trying not to sound too eager for information.
"There are barriers surrounding the kingdom. Can be quite dangerous." Fantastic. Just what they needed: more obstacles. "Is that where you are headed?"
Emma was lost in a fog. How could they do this? How could she drag them through more hoops?
"Aye," Killian said in her absence. His hand found her's and gave a slight squeeze. "Emma, we'll get there; it will be alright." He smiled at her. Emma didn't know what she did to deserve a friend like him.
"Too right, little brother. We best get going."
"Already?" Eunice asked.
"Aye, we've a long journey ahead of us."
"Thank you for you hospitality," Killian bowed slightly in Eunice's direction.
"And the clothes," Emma added. "I don't know how—"
"Believe me, it's my pleasure. I wish you all luck on your journey."
"Thank you. I hope Thurston is able to come back swiftly." Liam also gave Eunice a slight bow. The three of them walked out of the inn refreshed and energised for their journey. They walked in a comfortable silence for a while, all of them content and full. A short while after they were out of sight from the inn, Emma grabbed onto both Liam and Killian and before they could protest, they all magicked away.
Once the familiar spinning sensation stopped and Emma regained her bearings, both of the brothers turned towards her, staggering as their got their balance.
"Bloody hell, Emma," Killian said looking upset with her.
"We need horses. Look: right down there are the stables," Emma breathed, slightly winded from her magic, but nothing she couldn't handle.
"But your magic; we can't have a repeat of yesterday!"
"I'm fine. Trust me." Emma looked at him imploringly. She really was fine. While she did need to work on her magic, that wasn't enough to seriously weaken her.
"A little warning next time would be nice." Liam was staring at her with a slight frown.
"I'm sorry; I thought you wouldn't let me." Guilt shot through Emma. Did her magic affect them? Did they not like it? Killian wasn't phased when he learned about it, but she had no idea how Liam felt about magic. And the disorientating feeling… getting them out of the forest was a given, but using it again without their consent—well, she shouldn't have done that.
Emma backed away, grasping her hands behind her back and looking down.
"You're right, we wouldn't because you should be saving your strength," Liam chided.
Was he not afraid either, then? She looked up to him and found a look on his face similar to one her father would wear when she would do something wrong.
"I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable, but I know my strength. Yesterday was a long shot, and I knew I wouldn't be in the best shape afterwards, but we had to get out of there."
"And you some how knocked of four days of travel with that one… spell, is it?"
"Yeah, you could think of it like a spell."
"No incantation needed?" Killian chimed, his voice a bit higher with his genuine curiosity. Both brothers were looking to her as they would a teacher.
"Nope, just focusing on the magic within and a feeling that sparks it. Some spells need the written word, which has the incantation within it, but I never really thought of it as a travel spell."
"Interesting. Wait… four days?!"
"Yeah," Emma looked at Killian sheepishly. It was more like five from where they were in relation to the closest point of the forest to the inn, but they didn't need to know that.
"You truly are bloody brilliant," Killian said in awe.
"Right then, so no more questioning your powers. If you do tire, please don't push yourself," Liam said, impressed with her. "But if you do that again, a fair warning would be nice. That is quite…disorientating."
Emma nodded with a relieved smile. They weren't afraid of her. And now they were only a few minutes away from the stables. Maybe things would go well and it would be a smooth journey to Misthaven.
/-/
Things did not go as well as Emma had hoped.
The brothers didn't know how to properly ride a horse. Emma would have liked to know that sooner, but there was nothing she could have done. She knew her magic would not be enough to teleport them much closer to Misthaven at the moment.
They traveled just as much as they would have had they walked. Emma's less-than-perfect crash course in riding slowed them down. Killian was on her horse, thinking it best for him not to ride a horse for the first time one-handed. He had said so himself, in a sour mood, and not just from his injury. Both of the brothers were on edge as soon as payment came into the conversation, leaving the air around them tense.
Even at dinner, the three of them sat in silence. The brothers were brooding over who knows what while Emma silently lamented on her own anxieties and frustration in not traveling as much as she had hoped for the day.
Killian's wrist was bothering him, too. Emma could tell with the way he took measured breaths and fidgeted in his seat. The tavern they had found luckily had a room available; while Emma would have preferred to trek through the night, she knew it wasn't a good idea. The tavern was lively contrasting with themselves. The singing drunks were getting on Emma's nerves and it took a lot for her not to just get up and walk out.
"I'm going to get some air," Killian announced as he quickly rose from his chair and made a beeline for the door from their quiet corner table. With a full mouth, Emma watched him leave and gave Liam a questioning look.
Liam's gazed dropped from Emma to his food. Emma swallowed before getting up to check on Killian if she wouldn't get any answers from Liam. She needed to know what was going on. He was in great spirits this morning. His drastic change in his mood seemingly had come from nowhere.
Outside, the brisk night air sent a chill through Emma. She looked around, but there was no sign of Killian. Emma took a deep breath and walked around the tavern. She found him on the ground with his knees to his chest and cradling his arm. His face was twisted in pain.
"Killian?"
His eyes found hers and they widened. She quickly knelt before him and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Can I see your wrist? I promise, I have enough magic to heal it. And we're about to sleep anyways," Emma added on, cutting off any protests he might've had.
Killian nodded before showing her his arm with a wince.
"Can I heal it?"
"Please." His voice was a broken whisper.
Carefully, Emma rolled up his sleeves and unwrapped his arm. Killian was breathing heavily as she did so. She couldn't imagine the pain he was feeling. Once the bandage was off, she saw the raw, scarred flesh. She felt Killian freeze. Emma looked up to him and he was staring at his wrist in horror, his face pale and breathing erratic.
He hadn't seen it yet.
Emma quickly placed her hands over the worst of the injury and called upon her magic. Once again, she thought of her family, but this time she also focused on Killian and making him happy and comfortable. The warmth started from within and spread down to her finger tips. Her hands glowed as she gently held his arm and he was healed.
Once she was done, Killian looked less in pain, but still troubled.
"Are you okay?"
"This is the first time I've seen it… I—" He cut himself off and threw his head back against the building with his eyes shut tight. His face was still ghostly pale.
Emma gave his wrist the slightest squeeze she could manage, in case it was still tender. She sat next to him, leaning against the building, and took his hand. They stayed there like that for a while. She didn't want to push him; she just wanted to be there for him. His breathing was heavy as if he was fighting off tears.
They sat like that for a while and after what felt like hours, Killian's breathing finally slowed to a normal pace.
"I'm sorry, I—"
"You don't need to apologise." She gave his hand a squeeze. "Though I am curious: was that the only reason you came out here?"
Killian swallowed before answering. "No."
"What happened between you and Liam?" she asked quietly.
He sighed, dropping his head back against the wall. "Long story short: Liam sold out our old captain to his enemies, lied about it to me, and has been using that blood money ever since."
"The captain who enslaved you?" Emma asked bluntly.
"Aye, that's the one. And, no, I don't feel bad for the bloody bastard; it's just—"
"He lied." Killian looked at her with a nod. His eyebrows knit together in hurt. "So, that story with the family?"
"All a lie so that he could be a good example for myself."
Emma gave his hand another squeeze and he held on a bit tighter. It was warm and comfortable. She'd had a feeling the story was a lie, but this was a bit extreme. Yep, Liam was definitely a slef-righteous ass.
"Have you two spoken about it?"
"Aye. He says he will try not to let me down again and make it up to me. Still, I don't feel comfortable using the money."
Emma considered Killian for a moment, turning her head towards him and watched him watch the stars. "Do you believe him?"
"I want to."
"Then you should give him the chance. Yes, the money didn't come from a great place. But at least now you are free and it will help us get to Misthaven and you'll be able to help people then when you join the navy."
Killian sighed, dropping his eyes to his knees.
"At the very least, I think you two need to talk about it."
"Aye." His fingers fidgeted in her hand, but he didn't let go. After a few peaceful moments of silence, Killian asked, "Why couldn't you use your magic before you were turned into a swan?"
His question took Emma off guard and she answered after a beat. "Regina had put some sort of magic-cancelling cuff she had on me."
"I'm sorry, love. That must have been terrible for you to have such a gift and not be able to use it."
Emma felt her face blush with the complement. "I take it the pain's gone?"
"Aye, good as new; minus, well, you know," he said with a flippant smirk.
Emma shook her head at him and with a squeeze of her hand, she let go of his, and rose from the ground. "Come on. I feel bad leaving Liam alone." And maybe she was tired from healing Killian.
Killian followed Emma back into the tavern. She was thankful for the room that awaited them. Hopefully, tomorrow would go smoother than this day had.
A/N: Sorry for the delay on this! I had trips back to back and work and a new puppy. I hope you enjoyed the chapter! I have a headcanon since Swan Song that Liam is a heavy sleeper lol. Thanks to the lovely Spartanguard on tumblr for betaing!
Also, I posted some fanart from the last chapter on my tumblr, its under my "CWS tag" tag if you want to see. And Cocohook38 did some lovely fanart too! :D
