So as I was writing this chapter I had an idea so I went with it.
I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Please Read and Review! Your input is welcome
We climbed down a few minutes after our wanton make out session ended and we had both calmed down, me first and Emma following closely behind. She jumped off near the bottom and I caught her easily in my arms, keeping her cradled to my chest while I walked back toward the helm.
I set her on the railing to the left of the helm, letting her balance there while I grabbed a spoke on the right side, turning the ship so we were more angled toward the land mass of Mysthaven.
"So, Princess, what shall we do now?" I asked her, moving to stand in front of her.
She reached out and rested both her arms on my shoulders, pulling me a step closer. Her eyes then lifted to stare at the slowly setting sun.
"I suppose we could practice some magic?" she suggested, lifting her right hand from my shoulder to hold it palm up to me.
I placed my hand on top of hers and with a simple thought I used magic and created a large red rose bud in the middle of her palm.
When she lifted her hand to see the rose, her mouth dropping open, I gave her a grin and nodded.
"Very well. We'll practice what we can using the Jolly."
So, I tugged her off the railing and pulled her to the deck, setting up different exercise to practice her magic and that's how we spent some of our afternoon.
I taught her simple magic tricks, trying to keep the lessons easy until she was ready for the hard stuff. I showed her how to properly fix things when they're broken – constantly reminding her that magic comes from emotion so to focus on something that make her happy – then I showed her some elemental magic, stepping up the lessons.
I showed her how to use the different elements surrounding her to her advantage by using magic and how each one served a good purpose.
After a few hours of magic training, Emma was becoming a master at many different forms of magic. It might have been a selfish thought but I was proud of the teacher I'd become.
Emma only solidified my thought when she told me as we were setting up for a late lunch, "Thank you for your magic lessons, Captain. You are an amazing teacher, much better than the Blue Fairy."
I bowed to her and replied, my tone completely and utterly sincere, "It was an honor to teach you magic, Princess Emma and I am indebted to you for allowing me to be the one to teach you magic. It would be an honor to teach you again."
She smiled sweetly at me and cupped her hand around my cheek, pulling me down to kiss me sensually.
My arms wound around her waist and pulled her closer to me, kissing her back just as sensually sucking her bottom lip softly into my mouth.
She let out a small moan so I released her lip and began kissing her a little more passionately. My right fingers spread across her back, leaving my left arm around her waist. Her hands reached up and she grabbed the lapels of my jacket and pulled me closer. I stumbled into her and pressed her up against the mast.
But neither of us moved, just let out a breathy sound and our mouths dropped open at the same time. We seemed to be having the same thoughts because both our tongues slid out and glided across the others.
Her right hand slid its way up into my hair and she threaded her fingers through the strands at the back of my head.
"Killian," Emma breathed into the air between us.
I let the groan that grew from my throat out sealing out lips together by sinking my tongue into her mouth. The motion pushed her tongue back and suddenly the two were dueling for dominance.
She slid her left hand down my chest before her hand gripped the side of my waist, effectively pulling me closer to her. I couldn't hold back the groan that escaped me but I didn't want to.
I moved my left arm from my waist and instead reached up to hook it on a piece of dangling rope. My right hand slid to the back of her neck and I tipped her head to the side, kissing her deeper.
Her tongue battled against mine harder but mine prevailed, making hers lay flat on the bottom of her mouth while my tongue traced the roof.
She whimpered but I only swallowed the sound and pulled out mouths apart slowly.
"Princess Emma, you seem to have a habit of making me lose my mind," I told her in a gruff voice.
Obviously it had some effect on her because her body shivered against mine own so I dropped my head onto her shoulder.
"Well Captain Jones, you seem to have the same effect on me. I believe I'm in good company."
I chuckled into the skin of her neck, before softly kissing the crook of her neck.
I stepped away completely and lowered my hook from the rope.
"I know that I am in good company," I told her with a wide smile.
She returned my smile and moved forward to kiss my cheek sweetly.
I looked up at the sky and saw the sun was starting to get lower to the horizon.
"We should start heading back," I said sadly.
She pouted but skipped her way up to the helm, taking the wheel like a natural.
I slowly walked my way up to her but stood to the side to watch her. She wore a large smile on her face as she turned the Jolly Roger back toward my castle.
"You were born for the sea, Your Highness," I commented softly, leaning my hip on the rail.
She turned her head in my direction, her right eyebrow raised high while wearing a straight face. But the emotion was all in her eyes. Those emeralds eyes of hers told me she knew I was being genuine but years of fake compliments did still give her certain doubts.
"Is that so Captain?'
I nodded and gestured to the entireness of the Jolly.
"Aye, that is so, Princess. As a matter of fact, you were born so much for the sea that I would be honored to have you as First Mate whenever she sets sail."
Her left eyebrow joined the right and her mouth dropped open, making the perfect 'oh' shape. Her expression only made me smile but I quickly straightened my face, waiting for her answer.
"Are you . . . Are you sure?"
I nodded my head.
"Yes I am. Will you say yes?" I held my hand out for her, palm facing upward and waiting for her.
I counted the heartbeats – one . . . two . . . three . . . fou – before she nodded her head and slipped her hand into mine, allowing mine to grip her hand and pull it toward my mouth.
"I would be honored to be your First Mate, Captain 'Hook' Jones," she told me.
I grinned at the name, finally pressing my lips to the top of her hand then ghosting down to kiss her knuckles.
"I think we should watch the sunset from the crow's nest. What do you think, love?"
She smiled and nodded her head but frowned when I led her to the rope ladder.
"Would it be too much to ask to teleport us up there?" She asked curiously.
I let out a loud laugh, making her smile I noticed, before I answered her, "Not at all, milady."
My left arm snaked around her waist before pulling her close and waving my right hand to safely teleport us to the crow's nest.
I stood behind her, my arms wrapping around her waist to pull her against my chest.
"Is this better?" my voice was quiet but I knew she could hear me.
She sighed contently and leaned fully back against me. Her head dropped onto my shoulder so I couldn't help but turn my head and kiss the side of her head. My nose pressed into her temple and we stood there watching the sun slowly lower in the sky.
When it finally sank over the horizon I poofed us back down to the deck, just in time for the Jolly Roger to pull up to my castle. I took control of the wheel and carefully steered her next to the dock, talking Emma through every motion I made.
I lowered the anchor, using my magic to tie the large rope to the dock. Then I showed Emma how to tie up the sails and tie everything down.
She walked in front of me down the gangplank but I could only follow her eagerly, reaching out to snag her wrist with my hook to pull her back.
"How shall we go back to your kingdom?" I asked her.
She stumbled back into me and her head tipped one way then the other way, her eyes darting up to meet my eyes. Her arm seemed to move on its own to wrap its way around my elbow as her body tucked itself to my side.
"Well we've traveled by carriage, horseback and magic. Do you have any other means of travel that we could try?" she asked, her eyebrow raising playfully, "I'm sure being as magical as you are you have something up your sleeve."
I grinned and began walking us back toward the castle, guiding her to stairs that lead below the main level.
"Where are we going?" she asked quietly, her grip on my arm tightening.
"I didn't show you all the rooms on our tour last time you were here. This room I'm about to show you is where I keep all my . . . more magical items and relics. Things I got from Rumpelstiltskin's old castle or things I gathered after becoming the Dark One."
We stopped in front of a large door and I turned to look at her.
"This door is warded against anyone who isn't me, telling them to go away," I waved my hand over the door, highlighting the wards before they disappeared, "It's locked with blood magic which means -"
"Wait let me guess," she quickly interrupted, her voice teasing, "it can only be opened with your blood?" She finished with a little giggle as her arms folded behind her back.
I laughed and replied sarcastically, "Yes, very good guess, Princess."
My eyes rolled but she only giggled in response. I reached out and wrapped a few strands of hair around my fingers, giving a short tug. That only made her laugh, her eyes lighting up with the action. I couldn't help the smile that crossed over my lips but I let my fingers slide out of her hair before tugging her forward to press a kiss to her forehead.
"Come now," I told her, placing my palm flat on the door. There was a loud unlocking sound before the door opened and I ushered her in.
"So, what exactly are we looking for in here?" she asked me when I moved past her.
"Once I find it, you'll see," I told her with a grin.
Emma rolled her eyes but remained in the doorway while I walked around the room looking for my goal.
When I finally found it, I marched back to Emma and held the item over my arm to show her.
"A rug?" she asked, disappointed colored in her tone.
I shook my head – a chuckle gathering in my throat – before I ushered her out of the room and back down the hallway. I stopped to briefly make sure the door was locked securely, throwing another protection spell over it before following her.
"It's actually a carpet," I corrected her, wrapping my arm around her waist to guide her outside the main gate, "more specifically it's a magic carpet."
Emma's brows furrowed before she squinted at me.
"A magic carpet? Didn't that belong to Princess Jasmine at some point?"
I nodded and laid the large rug onto the ground, stepping back from it to show her rising and hovering in front of us.
"Very good. It did belong to her but after she became the ruler of Agrabah with Aladdin by her side she decided she no longer had any use for it. So it was given as a gift to me after I killed Rumpelstiltskin and righted all his wrongs."
My mind was suddenly racing through memories of the moment after I killed my crocodile. All the places I went and the monsters I fought and the people who gave me gifts of appreciation. I shook my head to clear my thoughts and offered my hand to Emma.
"Milady," I told her, gesturing to the magic carpet.
She grabbed my hand and I helped her onto the magic carpet, letting her settle before I climbed next to her. My legs folded perfectly behind her legs (my knees touching the back of hers) and she leaned her back against my chest. I wrapped both my arms around her waist to hold her steady.
"Ready love?"
She nodded and suddenly the magic carpet was rising high in the air. Emma gasped and her hands gripped my forearms tightly to stable herself. The action made me smile and I pulled her tighter against my chest.
"I've got you," I told her in a soft, comforting voice, letting my nose nudge the curve of her ear.
I could feel the tense leave her body and she snuggled back closer against me. As soon as she finished moving, the magic carpet started flying through the air heading straight for her castle.
Emma seemed to be enjoying herself as the magic carpet swooped around trees before going higher or hovering mere feet from the ground. I kept my eyes on her, determined to make sure she was having a good time.
She turned suddenly to look at me but I could only smile back at her, giving her the best tender expression I could. She met my expression quickly, letting her own tender smile grace her lips but instead of saying anything, she leaned forward to brush her mouth against mine.
I inched my face closer to hers to press our lips firmer together and she whimpered against me.
My hand was quick to lift and cup the curve of her jaw – her hand darting up to grab my wrist and hold me there - as our kissing escalated. I let my tongue caress the seam of her lips, prompting her to open her mouth.
Which she did without hesitation, letting my tongue slide into her mouth and tangle with her own. She whimpered again into my mouth and her tongue tried to fight against my own.
But I was quick to overpower her, tilting my head more to the side to kiss her a little deeper, my tongue seeming to sink further into her mouth. I traced it over the roof of her mouth before trailing it over her teeth.
She suddenly pulled our mouths apart to suck in a harsh breath of air. I dropped my head on her shoulder, taking in gulps of breath myself.
"Damn, Emma," I groaned, not excusing the curse word instead leaning forward to brush my lips across her shoulder.
She giggled and turned her head to press her lips against the top of my head.
"Something wrong Captain?" she asked teasingly.
I cleared my throat loudly and pulled away from her shoulder, leaning forward to peck the tip of her nose.
"Nothing to concern yourself with, Princess," I told her and pulled her back to rest against my chest, "we're almost there so you should be enjoying the sights our ride is providing us."
I heard her giggle but she very quietly muttered, "I liked what we were doing."
Grinning, I grabbed her hand and intertwined our fingers, pulling her hand up to my mouth to brush her fingers over my lips. Her head turned to watch me with close eyes, those emerald orbs getting a shade darker when our skin touched.
"Kissing you is addictive, Your Highness," I told her, my voice lowering into a pleasant growl, "as I'm sure that is the reason for your comment."
First, her body shivered from my words before she straightened up. Her eyes rolled at me but I could only smile wider when she answered me.
"Well, of course kissing you is addictive, Captain Dark One," she retorted, a smirk sliding across her lips and I had to roll my eyes at the name she called me. Her tone softened when she continued, "your handsome and you kiss like a god. I mean, every time we kiss you take my breath away."
I raised an eyebrow at her, tipping my head to the side while she just snickered.
"First question, Captain Dark One?" I asked her which just made her laugh, "and second question, how would you know I kiss like a god?"
When she finished laughing, her fingers slowly intertwining with mine before answering, "I thought Captain Dark One was pretty catchy. Don't you like it?" When I could only glare playfully she waved her hand back and forth, "fine, fine no more Captain Dark One. Now . . . I've never kissed a god so I don't know how they kiss but after kissing you, I'm sure that's what it would be like."
I smiled gently and leaned forward to nuzzle the crook of her neck.
"I am flattered by your compliment, Emma," I told her in a soft voice.
She smiled and kissed my cheek just as her castle came into view and the magic carpet slowed.
"Here we are," I said softly, my arm tightening around her briefly. I had a hard time letting her go – I realized I never wanted to let her go.
Emma cleared her throat and I released the hold I had on her. She turned in my arms the moment she could looking up at me with wide but serious eyes.
"I had an amazing time today, Killian. Today on the Jolly Roger was one of the best days I've had in a long time. Thank you."
I grabbed her right hand tightly, my thumb pushing her ring back in place before I lifted it to my hand and kissed her ring softly.
"You are very welcome Emma. And for the record, I had an amazing time today as well. It will be an honor and a pleasure to spend time with you again and again."
She smiled and pulled my hand to her mouth to kiss the soft center of my palm.
I glanced quickly to see how far we were from the front gates and from the ground before turning and kissing her deeply, trying to give us both a kiss to last us through the night.
She kissed me back with vigor, her left hand raising to cup my cheek while our mouths moved together and our tongues twisted together. I sucked her tongue into my mouth and she nipped my bottom lip. We slowly pulled apart from each other, our foreheads pressed together.
As the magic carpet slowly descended and we quickly pulled away from each other, making a respectable space between us.
"I'm going to try and talk to my father tonight at dinner. I should hopefully have his answer for you by tomorrow morning."
I nodded my head just as we landed on the ground. There was an echoing gasp of shock sounding around us when I stood and walked off before holding my hand out for her to grab.
She used careful steps down off the carpet and I kept a hold on her hand until we were standing side by side. We couldn't stop the smiles spreading across our faces as we stared at each other. Until we heard the rushing clank of metal approaching us.
We both turned in tune to see Henry running up to us, the look of astonishment on his face.
"Is that a magic carpet?" Henry said in a quick rush of words and so much incredulity.
Emma and I both laughed at the same time but before I could open my mouth and speak, Emma beat me to it.
"Yes it is and it was amazing. Like . . . nothing you've ever experienced," she gushed.
I couldn't help the chuckle that left my throat when Henry's mouth dropped open and he stepped closer toward it.
"This is amazing," he breathed out, before he quickly turned his gaze to me, "where did you get it?"
"I received it as a gift from Princess Jasmine," I told him, smirking when he once again looked back at the carpet.
"To fly on this . . . how amazing."
I cleared my throat to draw his attention. When he did look at me, I gave him a low bow before smiling at him.
"If you would like, Your Highness, you may borrow the magic carpet for as long as you like. Use it to your heart's content."
Both Mother and son's mouths dropped open at my offer and Henry rushed up to me, standing in front of me. He looked up at me with wide brown eyes and I could see the hint of the young boy who still enjoyed play time and the fun things when he wasn't worried about his duty as a knight or protecting the kingdom.
"Really?" he confirmed and I could see his hands tighten in anticipation.
I nodded and clapped a hand on his back, pushing him toward the object in question.
"Of course, lad. I've enjoyed having it for many years and using it to my heart's content. I think I can part with and give it to someone I know will enjoy it also."
Henry maintained the same shocked look on his face but I could slowly see the wide smile spread across his face. His hand reached out again to run over the soft fabric, his fingers tapping the small strings that dangled from every side.
He turned quickly in my direction before he rushed toward me quickly. My body tensed in anticipation of a possible attack, my hand tightening around Emma's reflectively. Her thumb immediately started rubbing back and forth on my skin, trying to make me relax so I wouldn't lash out when it's not needed.
And my defensive behavior wasn't needed because all Henry did was throw his arms around me in a tight hug.
"Thank you so much!" he exclaimed, hugging me tightly.
After blinking away my surprise, I reached around with my left arm and patted the boy on the back using the side of my hook. I looked at Emma over the top of her son's head but could only see her broad smile and happy shining eyes as they flittered between me and her son.
Henry pulled away from me and I could see the utter happiness on his face, his eyes shining much like his mothers were.
"You're very welcome, Henry," I told him with a large smile.
I released Emma's hand quickly – the action had us both sucking in a sharp breath – and lifted to muse the top of his hair and head, making him laugh.
I lowered my head and it seemed Emma and I were in sync since her hand outreached toward me and intertwined our fingers.
"Keep it for as long as you'd like," I told him, tugging Emma toward the main gates, "when you're ready to part with it, let me know."
I could see the boy vibrating with excitement as he circled the magic carpet, reaching out to stroke his hand along it. The carpet seemed to respond to the young prince between it began to lower to the ground.
It only took one quick glance back at her son for Emma to look straight back ahead, watching the large front doors to the castle open.
"Henry!" she called in a warning tone, "we have to go inside to dinner now. You can ride it tomorrow."
I could hear him laughing behind us and it made me chuckle, a smile spreading across her face moments later. I could hear him order a nearby servant to take the carpet to his room before Henry's heavy boot steps were rushing to catch up until he was walking beside Emma's other side.
"Grandma and Grandpa are already in the dining room waiting for us. But I should probably warn-"
Henry didn't get to finish his sentence because we were suddenly approached by a young man around Emma's age suddenly stopping in front of us.
Out of reflex it seemed, both Emma and I dropped our hands but let them dangle next to each other before someone noticed.
"Princess Emma," the boy greeted, giving a low bow before holding out his hand for her, "I am Prince Shaun from the kingdom Camelot. I asked my parents, King Arthur and Queen Quenivere, to come here so that I could ask permission to court you for your hand in marriage."
Both Emma and I went completely still while we stared at the new prince. My throat suddenly tightened and I tried to swallow the lump that remained, my hand clenching unintendedly.
Emma cleared her throat and I could see that she was becoming Princess Emma once again just by her demeanor changing.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Prince Shaun," she greeted, stepping forward to offer him her hand, "Camelot is a very beautiful country, or so I've heard."
Prince Shaun smirked and grabbed her hand, practically yanking her forward before pressing what looked like a hard kiss on the top of her hand.
"It is a very beautiful country. Perhaps you can accompany me back to Camelot and see for yourself," he smoothly told her after pulling his mouth away from her hand.
My teeth gritted immediately so I didn't say anything rude or upsetting. But it seemed Henry didn't share my restraint.
The lad scoffed before he said in a sharp tone, "Well that was a little forward, wasn't it?"
The new prince turned sharply toward Henry and glared at him. It was seconds later I watched Emma's body tense and I longed as to pull her to me.
"And who might you be to say something so insolent."
I couldn't helping growling at the boy while Emma snatched her hand out of his briskly and stepped back toward me and Henry and further away from him.
"Excuse me for being rude. Let me introduce my companions," she apologized but her tone indicated she wasn't really. She gestures to Henry first, wrapping a protective arm around his shoulders, "this is my son, Henry. His father, Sir Baelfire, passed away eighteen years ago. I'm sure you heard of his deeds."
Prince Shaun eyes seemed to light up in recognition at Sir Baelfire's name and the look of shame crossed his face very briefly.
I stood completely still, knowing she was going to introduce me next. But I relaxed almost instantly when her arm slid through my elbow.
"And this is Captain Killian Jones. I'm sure you're already aware of his other titles and all that he has accomplished for the realms."
Prince Shaun snapped his head in my direction, the glare seeming to increase in severity.
"Of course. Hello, Dark One," he sneered his greeting.
I grinned inwardly at his tone, noticing he shared his distaste for me like his father did. But instead I reached my hand out to him, feeling Emma's hand slide to the back of my shoulder. I could feel her fingers pressing into my skin as they rubbed soothing circles over the muscle.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Prince Shaun," I greeted with a smile, waiting for him to grab my hand.
His eyes looked down at my offered hand, the disgust clear in his eyes, before he grabbed mine tightly and glared at me.
I gripped his hand just as tightly, ignoring the impulse to send a shock of magic through my hand to his before I released his hand and let Emma's wrapped around my elbow again.
Prince Shaun looked back at Emma expectantly, his brown eyes holding certain mischievousness in them before he spoke again.
"Just so you are aware, Princess, I have already spoken with King David and he has given me permission to court you. If I may, I would like to escort you to dinner now. He has graciously allowed me to dine with you."
He held out his elbow to her and waited for her response but the expectant look in his eye told me he wouldn't take no for an answer.
I swallowed harshly and met Emma's gaze just as she looked up at me.
"Well, Your Highness, I suppose this is where we part ways for now?" I stated simply, trying to keep the disappointment out of my voice.
But Emma is much more attentive than I gave her credit for. Her eyes softened at the look I knew were in my eyes, hidden to all except her, but she didn't comment on it. She only gave me the same almost desperate look.
"Captain Jones, thank you again for a marvelous day aboard the Jolly Roger. I look forward to doing it again," she finally said after a moment we were both silent.
I cleared my throat and our hands moved like they had a million other times until I was gripping her hand tightly in mine. My thumb rubbed her skin softly, sending little shocks of magic through my hand to hers, knowing that she could feel it. It was seconds after I sent my little shocks of magic that I could feel her sending flicks of her own magic back into my hand.
"Of course, Princess Emma, it was pleasure to take you out on the Jolly Roger. I agree that we should do that again some time."
Slowly I pulled her hand up to my mouth and kissed over the spot Prince Shaun did before placing another kiss on her knuckles.
"Until later, Your Highness," I told her softly, dropping her hand.
She reluctantly slid her hand from mine before taking a step back toward Prince Shaun. She gave me one more longing look before turning and reluctantly looping her arm through the prince's arm.
He grinned, much too confidently and started pulling – yes pulling – Emma down the corridor to the dining hall.
I couldn't drag my eyes away from her retreating form, my heart hurting with every step she took.
I suddenly felt the confirming grip of Henry's hand on my shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Captain," he apologized, weekly continuing, "Grandma tried to subtly hint that the arrangement had gone on long enough and my mother was no longer available. But . . ." he slowly trailed off.
"But your grandfather saw the opportunity and took it," I sighed, slowly turning to face him.
He nodded and smiled sadly at me. He patted my shoulder before holding his hand out to me.
"Try not to worry, Captain. I'm sure grandma and mom won't give up on persuading grandpa what a bad idea this is. I'll be sure to help too."
I smiled broadly and gripped his tightly firmly, giving it a shake.
"Thank you, Your Highness. I appreciate it."
He rolled his eyes, telling me firmly, "It's Henry, please."
I winked before walking out the large doors and front gates but disappearing mid step.
I appeared in my main entrance, allowing myself to feel every emotion from the time we arrived at her castle to the time I watched her walk away from me.
Sadness, then frustration, then anger washed over me in a manner of seconds. In that rush of anger I couldn't help but embedded my hook in the table with a hard slam, the sound echoing through the large hall.
I couldn't stop thinking about the way he approached us or the way he spoke to both Emma and Henry. Even if he was a Prince there is no reason to talk like that to a lady or her son. He was too smug and selfish, much like his father is.
I gritted my teeth tightly yanking my hook from the table as I lifted it to slam it back down. But I suddenly felt the swell of comfort and affection wash through me and I knew it was Emma, trying to relax me and keep me from the edge. I lowered my hook slowly; ghosting my hand over the mark and making it disappear.
I made my way to the kitchen, swiftly making a small dinner for myself. I ate silently and slowly, trying to enjoy my meal as much as could.
Before long I was finishing my meal and heading toward my work shop, looking through spell books to find something to help my prisoner.
I flipped through page after page, lingering on spells to bind magic or take it away, before looking at magical items.
I was halfway through a book on magical items when I suddenly heard the voice of been dying to hear all night.
"Killian," Emma said hesitantly from the ring.
I swallowed before raising the ring to my mouth and answering her.
"Good evening, love."
She was silent for a moment but when she spoke, it was quiet.
"I'm so sorry, Killian," she whispered and it was easy to hear the sadness in her voice.
"Don't be Emma. Please," I urged her, turning to lean on the table, "you had no idea. And even though we both thought your father was having a change of heart it appears . . ."
I trailed off, berating myself for speaking ill of the king, my king and more importantly Emma's father.
"Apologies, Your Highness, that was out of line," I apologized quickly.
"Not if it's true," she grumbled under her breath.
I chuckled before the smile slid off my face and we were silent again.
"Prince Shaun is staying with us during the courtship. Father has given him a room in the far side of the castle."
"Far away from you I hope," I growled.
She giggled but didn't seem to mind my comment. Only answering with, "Yes, very far away from me and Henry. Mother doesn't like or trust the new prince."
I snorted, thinking of his father.
"He seems to be to perfect replica of his father. King Arthur is one of the rulers that hates me, but I believe it is for other things besides me being the Dark One."
"That explains a lot," she mused and I pictured her thinking face, "any time you were mentioned he got really defensive and lashed out. Tried to change the subject from you every time."
That made me laugh, the sound making Emma do the same. I scratched my chin as our laughter died down and we were silent once again.
"I missed you tonight," she spoke quietly again, "at dinner and after."
"Gods, Emma I missed you too," I told her, perhaps a tad too desperately.
"I want to see you but my father has . . . requested," she said after a moment with distaste in her voice, "that I spend some time with Prince Shaun, get to know him."
"Well of course," I muttered under my breath, gritting my teeth at the thought of her being alone with him.
"What's wrong?" she asked me tenderly and I smiled.
"How do you know something's wrong?" I asked, my voice carrying a teasing tone to it.
She snorted a laugh before her tone grew serious again.
"You don't think I can hear that tone in your voice or feel your frustration?"
"No," I sighed in resignation, "you seem to know me better than anyone else. Better than anyone ever has."
"Just like you know me better than anyone else. So, tell me what's wrong."
"I don't trust the young prince," I finally confessed, walking out of the workshop and heading toward my bedroom, "and I don't like the thought of you spending alone time with him."
"I know and I don't like it either. But I'm not leaving the castle grounds with him. I refuse to go anywhere alone with him."
"Why doesn't Henry accompany you?" I asked her.
"He would love to actually but unfortunately he must attend to his other duties first and whatever else the King gives him."
"Which could mean that he might not be there at all during the day," I concluded for her.
"Exactly. At least if we stay on the castle grounds then we can stay in view of the guards."
We both fell silent again and I sat on the edge of my bed. I took a moment to unscrew my hook and set it on the nightstand next to my bed. I reached up and scratched the back of my neck, before lowering my hand to speak again.
"Do you think I'll see you tomorrow?" I asked her timidly, part of me afraid of her answer.
I didn't hear her speak for a moment until she finally gave a little sigh.
"I . . . I don't know Killian," she started off in a small voice and I ached to be holding her right now, "I don't know but I really hope that you do. I dread thinking of tomorrow without seeing you."
My heart constricted in my chest and I knew that there was no doubt in my mind I was falling more in love with Emma.
"You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that," I breathed out in relief, "Gods Emma I really hope I see you tomorrow too. We'll . . . we'll try alright? We'll see if we can find a way to see each other at least once."
I could see her nodding in my head and when she spoke there was a more upbeat tone to it.
"Agreed! If I can I will let you know what the plan is and where we will be."
"Agreed," I affirmed.
"We should probably get some sleep now. We've had a pretty exciting day."
I chuckled, responding, "Yes, we should. Good night, Emma. Sweet dreams."
"Good night, Killian. Sweet dreams."
The ring went silent and I knew she was falling asleep now.
I dreaded yet longed for tomorrow to come. I was still angered by the thought of her alone with him but the thought of her being eager to see me tomorrow – her dreading the thought not seeing me tomorrow – made me feel so elated and I longed for our plan to work out so we can see each other.
I woke up in the morning to a whispering coming from the back of my mind. Queen Merida of DunBroch was reporting a large beast attacking her lands. I quickly got up and began getting ready, dressing in my Dark One clothing and screwing my hook back in place. As I rushed down the steps to get a quick breakfast my ring snatched my attention.
"Are you really awake at this hour?" I could hear her shocked yet tired tone.
I stopped mid step and raised my hand to my mouth to answer.
"I've been summoned by Queen Merida. What are you doing awake?"
She chuckled and I imagined she was rubbing her eyes cutely.
"Normal morning for a Princess's life. I'll get ready here in a few moments and then go down to breakfast."
"I was actually getting a quick breakfast before I head out."
"What's going on over there?" she asked curiously.
"Apparently there is a beast attacking her lands."
"I've heard DunBroch is very green there. Is it?"
I nodded even if she couldn't see it before I continued down the stairs and into the kitchen.
"It's very green there and very beautiful. It's a shame it requires more than one day to travel there by ship but we can use magic to travel there next time we spend time together. I would be honored to introduce you to Queen Merida. I think you two would get along."
"I would enjoy that, though the idea of going by sea is much more appealing," she giggled.
"It usually is," I laughed, "unfortunately, I must depart now and head to DunBroch before Queen Merida thinks I'm not coming."
"Of course. After breakfast will be morning courts, so when I know what my day looks like, I'll let you know."
"Very good, Your Highness. Have a good morning."
She laughed and replied, "Thank you, Captain. Don't have too much fun over in DunBroch."
"I'll try not to, love," I teased her before disappearing and sending myself to the great hall of DunBroch's castle.
Queen Merida sat in the middle on a large throne while her three brothers sat to her right but the chair to her left remained empty since she hadn't married.
I bowed low to her before straightening myself and giving a slightly sheepish expression.
"Your Majesty, apologies for my delay. Has it been reported what kind of beast is attacking the lands?"
Queen Merida bowed her head in response but gave me a teasing smile.
"It's quite alright, Captain. I understand the delay, believe me I know that its early."
I grinned and waited for her to finish talking.
"From what I've heard from my people and those who have seen the beast they believe it's a Questing Beast."
"Also known as the Beast Glatisant," I finished, rubbing my chin slowly, "there hasn't been reports about this beast for centuries."
She nodded her head and cleared her throat before speaking again.
"No there hasn't. I believe that's why the people had a hard time identifying it at first."
"Do you know where the beast is now?"
Before she could answer, a young man burst through the large doors and rushed up to the Queen's throne, sliding onto his knees.
"Your Majesty! The beast is attacking the village on the outside of the forest line!"
Queen Merida jerked her head in an understanding motion before she turned to grin at me.
"There is your answer, Captain."
Smirking, I bowed lower before disappearing and going to the village that was reported being attacked.
Just as I arrived the Questing Beast was jumping onto the back of unsuspecting and running villager, its long snake head and neck coiling back to strike the man which would inject him with deadly poison.
I lifted my hand and quickly grabbed the beast's body before throwing it against a nearby tree. The man jumped off the ground and continued running until he was safely inside. I didn't see any other villagers lingering outside so I turned my attention back to the beast, studying it.
The Questing Beast was a hybrid monster much like the chimera is however the Questing Beast has the head of snake, the body of a leopard with the back structure and fur of a lion on the back. Instead of paws for the feet the Questing Beast had the hooves of a deer, the thumping sound echoing through the forest.
I stared directly into its eyes, noticing they were cold yet somehow fearless. The creature let out a loud cry, the sound of it like dogs barking, before it charged at me its long neck stretching toward me.
I kept my stance, holding my hand out while generating a small ball of lightning to throw at the beast. But it seemed to anticipate my attack because it suddenly changed direction and I spun to keep up with it.
Questing Beasts were also known for their speed so when I shot the lightning and it changed direction again I was irritated but I wasn't surprised.
We continued going in circles, the beast would lunge toward me, trying to bite me with its poisonous mouth but when I summoned some sort of magic to attack it with it would suddenly change position. Just as I shot a fireball at the creature it jumped high in the sky, landing behind me and suddenly disappearing.
I spun in a circle, trying to find it but not seeing it anywhere. I quickly placed protection spells over each other the houses in the village just in case the creature decided to attack those. I was wrong though.
There was a sharp and sudden pain in my right side, the action causing me to fall briefly to my knees. Reaching with my hand I grabbed my side, instantly feeling the stick mess that now covered my side. The poison from its bite was flowing through my veins but since I was the Dark One, instead of affecting me the poison slowly disappeared. I looked up to see the beast standing directly in front of me, now making more than just one cry at a time, squawking relentless like a bird.
Gritting my teeth at the pain in my side, I quickly stood from the ground and using my hook grabbed the Questing Beast in a tight hold so it couldn't move. It roared at me, the barking dog sound getting louder and louder every time its mouth opened. Its feet stomped the ground hard with every step it tried to take toward me but I refused to let it move.
I raised my hand and created a fireball, making it a tad bigger than usual before I sent it flying toward the creature.
One last deafening roar left the Questing Beast's mouth as it perished in the fire, its body slowly disappearing into ash.
Once I knew it was gone I quickly ran my hand over my side, healing the bite wound. Then I lowered the protection spell, letting people out of their homes.
"Is there anyone hurt? Apologies for my delay," I asked the approaching people.
"None of us were seriously injured, just a few scrapes."
"Would you like me to heal them before I leave?"
The leader shook his head, waving his hand back and forth nonchalantly.
"They are just scrapes no need for magical healing," he said with a smile, "Thank you, Captain Hook. Please report to Queen Merida that you've defeated this beast."
I bowed respectfully to the villagers before sending myself quickly to the great hall of the castle.
"Your Majesty, the Questing Beast has been destroyed," I started off saying, "I made sure the village was ok before coming back here."
She nodded and replied, "Thank you for your assistance, Captain. To show our appreciation we give you an ancient bear relic. It's been said it holds the magic of the ancient mages and wizards that helped DunBroch through the years."
One of the triplets stepped down and held out a medium sized figurine colored black of a bear standing in its four paws. I plucked it from his hand, bowing to him before he walked back up and I turned my attention back to Queen Merida.
"Is there anything else that I might be assistance of?"
She looked at her siblings for a moment but when they shook their heads so did she when her gaze turned back to me.
"No, I think that will be all for now."
I bowed and raised my hand to send myself home when her voice interrupted me mid spell.
"Actually, I did have something to ask you."
I lowered my hand, folding both my arms behind my back.
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
Her lips pursed together a slow spreading across her face before she spoke.
"You seem . . . happier since the last time I saw you. Has anything happened recently?"
I knew the moment I gave it away when the smile spread across my face and my eyes softened.
Hers eyes got bigger and so did her smile. Her teeth gleamed thanks to the firelight and her eyes sparkled.
"I knew it! What happened?"
I licked my lips quickly, my smile remaining before I answered, "I've been courting Princess Emma of Mysthaven for a while now and I believe it's going very well."
Her brow seemed to furrow a moment before the name registered in her mind. A knowing smile spread across her face and she nodded her head like she approved.
"I've heard good things of the Princess from Mysthaven. Her mother and father defeated the Evil Queen once and for all. Queen Snow and King David are legends."
"Their daughter is certainly a marvel," I mused quietly, looking down at my boots.
Queen Merida smiled softly and her head tipped to the side.
"You sound like you're quiet taken with her."
I looked back up at her and gave her a crooked smile.
"I am. Princess Emma makes me feel so much more than I ever have in my life."
With a giggle she waved her hand at me in a 'be gone' fashion.
"That will be all, thank you."
I bowed and parted, "Farewell, Your Majesty."
