Hi guys! xD
I apologize for the very long delay. I'm so sorry! Please forgive me! I know it's not an excuse, but I had such a terrible week =( I know you have been waiting for this chapter, but it was impossible to upload. I wasn't even able to reply to your reviews as you noticed, but I just did it! xD
With that said ... I'll proceed xD I know there's so many questions about the last chapter, but they will be explained in this one. Oh, and there's such an interesting part, and I just absolutely adore it! xD And finally, yes, I'm sure you will have questions about this chapter too, but don't worry everything will be solve in the following chapters.
Thanks for your reviews! They're always very welcome! Thanks for your support! It means a lot to me! Keep doing it! :)
Re-edited by such a wonderful, talented and skilled person: "LucyTheMarauder"
SPARKLE OF A NIGHT
Chapter 9 The War
At dawn - once the ball is over and the guests have gone back home - King James is in a meeting with the guards in the now empty royal hall.
"Are you sure they've all been caught?" asks the King, his tone serious.
"Yes, Your Majesty. We caught the thieves and we also recovered the loot," explains the captain of the guard.
"Excellent. Keep them in the dungeons. We'll have to talk to them later. They may have some connection with other robberies in the Kingdom," orders King James.
"As you command, Your Majesty," the captain of the guard responds humbly.
King James remains silent for a moment - he is aware that the Princess was seen on the outskirts of the castle and the men who were following her; however, he hasn't said a word to his wife about it.
" … Are there any news of my daughter?" King James asks after a pause, his tone slightly fearful.
"I'm afraid not, Your Majesty. But the guards are still searching for the Princess," declares the captain of the guard tactfully.
The King stays as calm and strong as possible before his men, although a deep sadness and an overwhelming feeling of impotence is filling him within.
At that moment, the tall doors of the royal hall open abruptly and Robin Hood steps inside - with bow in hand; his merry men following behind him.
"I apologize for the abrupt interruption, Your Majesty, but we found her!" Robin Hood announces - as he approaches the King and the guards.
"You found my daughter, where?" King James asks immediately, his voice expressing surprise and hope at the same time.
"In the woods, Your Majesty. The Princess was trying to run away from one of the men. I shot a warning arrow, but if you allow me, your daughter is very bold. She got rid of him by herself," explains Robin Hood - as he comes closer to the King, so do his men.
King James smiles with relief - due to the good news and also her daughter's bravery.
"Well? Where's my daughter?" he asks, with a smile.
A silence follows.
"I'm afraid I don't have good news, Your Majesty. The Princess was …" Robin Hood hesitates. "She was captured."
"What?" the King asks him angrily.
"I tried to help her, but one of the men came out of nowhere. We fought and then well ... they disappeared into the forest," Robin Hood explains immediately to make him understand.
The King's eyes are filled with a deep sorrow - as a heavy weight falls on his shoulders. He doesn't know what to say. He remains silent - despite the problems in the Kingdom, this is the worst thing that could have ever happened to his family.
Robin Hood notices the sad look in the King's eyes.
"My men and I will find the Princess. I give you my word, Your Majesty," Robin Hood assures him solemnly and tactfully - to comfort him.
King James remains silent for a moment - his gaze lowers to the ground as he is still processing the information.
"Yes, you ... you must follow them," the King murmurs, and looking up at Robin Hood - finding courage somehow - declares "… and do whatever it takes. Nothing is more important than finding my daughter!"
Robin Hood nods along with his merry men - who are still behind him.
"Did you capture any of the men?" the King asks him - trying to recompose himself.
"Unfortunately, we didn't, Sir, but I identified the man who took the Princess away," Robin Hood declares.
"Who is he?" the King demands immediately, completely furious, with a look of great anger in his eyes.
A brief silence follows.
"He is a sailor, Your Majesty. And from his uniform ... I'd say he's a Captain," Robin Hood reveals.
Meanwhile ...
Somewhere in the depths of the forest, Princess Emma and Captain Killian Jones finally stop running - after what appears to be the most exhausting hours of their lives.
"Do you think we lost them?" Emma asks - catching her breath.
"Yeah, I'm sure," replies Killian - completely tired due to the run and the swordfight with the men; he puts his hands in his hips as he stretches his body.
They make an effort to calm down, but as soon as they realize they are alone again they cannot help but feel utterly uncomfortable - yet they both hide it.
Captain Killian Jones drags a hand through his hair, while she briefly looks at him and then looks away.
Princess Emma knows she has to leave now - to get away from him. She shouldn't be a single moment close to someone who has caused her so much pain.
Killian looks all around him and announces, "I think we'll have to camp here before we keep moving."
"Excuse me?" Emma asks.
"What?" he asks her innocently.
"I'm not going anywhere with you. I don't even know why you're still here," she says incredulous.
Killian grows annoyed by her words and walks toward her.
"Leaving aside everything you could be thinking of, Your Highness. I'm not here because I wish to be, but because I have no choice," he clarifies, his tone annoyed - he's tired of her, mostly of her ingratitude.
"What do you mean?" Emma asks puzzled.
Killian moves closer to her.
"If you don't remember, you're in danger," he mentions.
"Now you're going to pretend to worry about me?" Emma asks wryly - her face reflecting her tiredness.
"The last man came from the castle. Your Father sent him after you," Killian declares.
"How do you know?" Emma asks with surprise.
"At first, with the fight I thought he was just one of the men, but then I realized he was from a Kingdom not too far from yours. I talked to your Father, I know they are helping him, so ..." Killian explains.
"What?" Emma asks.
"So now they're going to think I have something to do with this," Killian explains - and remarks - "You're not going anywhere … without me."
"So now you're kidnapping me?" Emma asks wryly - her face reflecting the tiredness of his presence.
Killian moves closer with a determined look in his eyes - their faces really close; Emma can't help but feel nervous at that, but hides it.
"You won't go until I find a way to bring you back to your castle and I prove my innocence," he clears - looking deeply into her eyes.
A brief silence follows.
"... So you-you're doing this for you?" she asks tentatively and softly after a pause.
Killian stares at her for a moment, observing her hazel eyes, her delicate skin and her beauty, but he knows that her beauty is as false as her heart - he won't be tricked nor mocked again by the Princess.
His expression changes to an angry one.
"We'll stay here until the day breaks. We'll go down the village, I'll send for my ship and then ... then I'll get rid of you, Your Highness," he states, his tone changing to one of contempt at his last remark.
Thus, he starts to walk away from her.
Emma doesn't know what to feel - she's strangely disappointed, but hides it.
"You better get some sleep. You'll need it," Killian offers, his tone still annoyed - as he walks by the bushes.
"Where are you going?" Emma asks.
Killian stops and turns to her.
"I'm going to keep watch …" he informs - and makes it clear - " and don't try to escape."
With that, he turns around and disappears into the darkness of the woods.
Back at the castle ...
King James, Robin Hood and the guards are still in the royal hall.
"A Captain?" The King asks confused.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Robin Hood replies.
"Anything else?" King James insists.
"No, Sir. Unfortunately, that's all I know about this man," Robin Hood assures him.
"Well, you'd better investigate this sailor and with whom he works. I want answers!" The King demands to the captain of the guard.
"Absolutely, My King. I'll send part of the guard to the port immediately," the captain of the guard informs - then he makes a bow and retreats along with the rest of the guards.
King James sighs, trying to calm himself down - In no way this could get worse.
"Are you alright, Your Majesty?" Robin Hood ventures to ask, genuinely concerned for him.
"I ... It's just I don't know how I will tell my wife this terrible news," the King reveals, his voice expressing anguish.
"What terrible news?" asks Queen Snow fearfully - as she enters the room.
King James and Robin Hood exchanged a brief panicked look and remain quiet for a short moment, while Snow look between both men.
"You better retreat and please inform me of any progress," the King says to Robin Hood.
"It will be so, Your Majesty. My men and I will depart immediately," Robin Hood announces - he and his merry men leave the room.
A silence follows.
Queen Snow approaches her husband, who still doesn't know what to do or say.
"What's going on? What are those terrible news?" Snow asks him, with fear in her voice.
The King places his hands gently on his wife's shoulders, looking at her eyes - this is more difficult than he thought, so he tries to cover the truth.
"Just some businesses of the Kingdom, that's all," King James manages to say.
She doesn't believe him - there's obviously something more.
"Are you hiding something?" Snow asks - already knowing the answer.
"No, well, it's just ... I don't know if I should tell you until ..." the King starts, but Snow interrupts him.
"Until what?" Snow asks him, raising her voice a little bit - fearing for the worst.
A short silence follows.
"Snow, you have to calm down and wait ..." King James continues softly.
"Is this about Emma? Because I'm her Mother and it's my right to know the truth!", Snow declares firmly, her voice begins to tremble by the end of her exclamation - looking into his husband's eyes.
King James lowers his gaze and remains silent for a moment. Then, he looks up at her - he can tell she's determined to know the truth, even though her eyes reveal her fear.
"Yes, you're right, my dear. You deserve to know," King James agrees - as he searches in his mind for the right words to say.
He swallows and looks into her eyes firmly - his hands still on her shoulders.
"Emma was captured," he discloses bluntly, but softly.
Suddenly, an immense sadness and pain fill Snow within.
"What? ... They-They have my daughter?" she asks, her voice shaking - in disbelief.
King James hugs her tightly - as tears start to run down her face.
"I'm sorry, Snow. I should have protected her better. I failed you both, but I promise I'll find her just like I found you," the King says quickly - to comfort her. "Please, forgive me."
"You don't have to apologize. This is all my fault," she replies - moving away from him to look into his eyes.
"What do you mean?" he asks.
"I was the one who insisted with the ball. I should have listened to you and maybe Emma would be here and ... " Snow starts, while sobbing.
"Don't blame yourself, Snow. This not your fault," the King says her tenderly.
They hug again in a tight embrace - as Snow cries. But suddenly, Snow breaks apart.
"We can't stay here ... We have to do something!" she says desperately, her tone serious.
"Snow, you have to calm down," he offers softly, but his wife continues, not paying attention to her husband.
"Maybe I can go to the village and talk to ..." she says.
"Snow, listen to me!" King James says raising his voice a little bit to catch her attention - his hands on her shoulders.
"What?" she asks frustrated - with tears rolling down her cheeks.
"We have a clue about these people and we are investigating. And I sent the guards after them. There's nothing more we can do for now," he explains calmly.
"So you expect me to cross my arms and wait here?" Snow asks incredulously and angrily.
"No, but I don't want you to try anything, Snow," he affirms, his tone serious - and adds looking into her eyes - "I don't want to lose you too!"
A silence follows.
"Let's stay here until we know something more. Just trust me," the King says tenderly.
"I trust you, but I don't know if I can do this," Snow explains.
"It's not safe to leave the castle now. Please, promise me you'll wait here," the King insists softly.
Snow looks at him more calmly. "... I promise," she replies, and then they kiss.
"I'll bring her home, Snow … I will" he vows, while they hug.
In the meantime …
In the woods, Princess Emma is sitting on the ground with her back against a trunk of a tree. Her eyes are fixed on Captain Killian Jones, who after the euphoria and the fatigue has fallen asleep.
Emma stares at him, thinking only one thing: It's the perfect time to leave that place and finally get away from him.
She stands up carefully and noiselessly. She adjusts her cloak and starts to walk away among the trees of the forest.
Soon her steps are faster. Her breath is heavy, but she keeps walking. She only thinks about not having anything to bear: No more cynicism and hypocrisy. No more royal duties, or forced marriages. She will take care of herself and she will start a new life away from everything and everyone.
As she starts to run, Emma turns her gaze back - to be sure that the Captain has not noticed her absence and he's not following her. She's so concentrated taking a look behind her that she's suddenly surprised by a force that pushes her hard against the trunk of a tree.
"I said, don't escape," Killian states annoyed, his tone serious - looking into her eyes.
"How could you ..." Emma starts completely surprised.
"I'm smarter and faster than you think," he explains mischievously, with a playful smile.
"Really?" Emma says, with a challenging tone - as she tries to draw her sword, but to her surprise, she can't find it.
"Looking for this?" Killian asks mockingly - as he puts Emma's sword sideways, against her chest, preventing her from moving.
"How did you ..." she starts - her eyes open wide with surprise.
"I have my ways," Killian responds, winking at her.
"I'll go anyway," Emma assures him angrily.
Killian remains silent for a short moment, staring at her - she grows nervous at that.
"Are you sure?" he asks softly, his tone serious again - as he's looking deeply into her hazel eyes.
"Yeah," Emma utters - nervously; without sounding convinced.
Killian keeps staring at her face and suddenly, he brings his free hand to her face and caresses her cheek gently - Emma's heart starts to beat faster, and of course, this time it's not due to the run.
"You don't have to go if you don't want to," he whispers tenderly - completely surrendered to her beauty.
"I do want to go," Emma manages to say - trying to hide her feelings, but her heart is pounding.
"You don't have to lie to me, Emma," Killian says tenderly, with a smile - tracing softly random patterns on her cheek with his finger.
Emma tries to be strong - more like trying to control herself.
"I'm not lying," she says, completely nervous.
"Then tell me why you wear the bracelet all the time?" Killian asks softly - looking into her eyes once again.
"I just thought it would be useful, I didn't know where to go," Emma manages to say.
"No, it's not that," Killian affirms softly, shaking his head slightly - as he gets lost in her hazel eyes.
Emma tries to stay calm - as much as she can.
"I won't fall for that again," she whispers.
"... then I will," he declares tenderly, his tone serious.
Killian leans in and Emma closes her eyes. He's about to place his lips on hers, but suddenly ... Emma wakes up.
Princess Emma is lying on the ground. She sits down quickly and looks around her - she is alone. She tries to steady herself and forget the dream. What was that?
At that instant, Killian appears, making his way between the bushes.
"Good to see you're awake. The sun has risen. We better keep moving," he says.
"... Yeah," Emma utters - still confused by her dream.
Killian notices immediately that something's wrong with her.
"Are you okay? Because I don't think it's a good idea to step on my ship if Your Highness is sick," he teases her.
Emma looks at him annoyed.
"I'm not sick, but I think I will be if I keep being by your side," she replies wryly, her tone serious - as she stands up and adjusts her cloak.
"Then I guess the sooner we get rid of those men and I prove my innocence, the sooner we can take our paths ..." Killian affirms, animatedly - and adds, with a more serious tone - "I don't think you would say a word in my favor."
"Don't count on it," Emma proffers sarcastically.
"Then, we'd better go ... shall we?" Killian says teasingly, while he's pointing the way.
Emma rolls her eyes and with that, both walk towards the village.
Later …
Captain Killian Jones and Princess Emma walk down to a near village with caution. The Captain sends for his ship and his crew, with the utmost discretion, while they use their time to improve their appearance and eat something to recover their strength.
Later that afternoon, at sunset ...
Princess Emma and Captain Killian Jones walk on the docks - she is covered with her hood to avoid being seen.
"I can't believe I'm doing this." Emma whispers, his tone incredulous - as they make their way between sailors.
"It's better than to spend your days running in the woods, don't you think?" Killian says annoyed. "And don't take off the hood until we are at sea."
"Okay," Emma says quietly. " … And what are we supposed to say?"
"To whom?" Killian asks confused - as they keep walking.
"Your crew? ... 'Hi, I'm Princess Emma and your Captain is kidnapping me'?" Emma whispers wryly.
"Perhaps we could say that you fell madly in love with this handsome Captain and now I can't get rid of you, better?" Killian replies with a mocking tone.
Emma rolls her eyes.
Killian sighs. "Everything will be fine. There's no need to get anxious. We'll simply say that you are a King James guest of honor and he asked me personally to take you home ... as a special favor," he explains - as some sailors glance at them and then return to their duties.
"Don't you think it will be suspicious that you came here without them?" Emma asks wryly.
"I'm the Captain. Their duty is to obey my orders," Killian simply explains.
"And that includes to believe you?" Emma whispers wryly.
Killian gets really angry.
"I'm sure I'm more believable than yourself, Your Highness," Killian replies, faking a smile.
It's obvious implying something, but she doesn't get it.
"Captain!" a sailor greets, while Emma and Killian step on the gangplank.
"We were waiting for you last night. We were afraid something bad happened to you," the sailor declares, with genuine concern.
"The matters with the King took longer than planned, sailor, that's all. There is nothing to worry about," Killian assures him - as Emma and him finally step on deck.
The sailor stares at the woman in front of him, completely puzzled. "... And I see you bring company with you, Captain," the sailor points out politely.
Killian clears his throat. "Yes, um, she is one of the guests of King James. The Princess needs to go home and he asked me to escort her. Hope you understand that our journey back to our kingdom will be postponed," Killian informs.
"I see ..." says the sailor - not truly convinced. "And who do we have the honor to escort?" the sailor asks her politely - in an attempt to learn the name of the Princess.
Emma is about to reply, but Killian speaks first.
"Don't you think you're making unnecessary questions, sailor?" Killian asks him firmly, but kindly.
Emma cannot help but notice Killian's humility to treat their sailors - she disguises her surprise.
"Yes, you're right. I apologize, Captain," the sailor responds.
"The King personally requested me to keep the Princess identity private, and it will be so. Understood, sailor?" Killian adds firmly.
"Absolutely, Captain," the sailor assures him. "Welcome aboard, Princess."
The sailor smiles, bows at her and Emma nods.
"Prepare the master cabin, sailor. The Princess will remain there during the journey," Killian orders him.
Emma is surprised that he's going to give up his cabin for her, but remains silent.
"Where do you plan to stay then, Captain?" the sailor asks him, with genuine concern in his voice.
"I remind you that your duty is to obey the orders of your superiors without asking questions, sailor. Now do as I told you," Killian says, gently and firmly.
Emma is surprised again by him and the way he treats his sailors - she keeps her thoughts to her.
"I'll do it immediately, Captain," the sailor replies humbly, and he retreats, leaving Emma and Killian alone again.
Emma takes off her hood up a little - as they remain on deck.
"Now you can rest and tomorrow we'll think what to do," Killian tells her, slightly worried.
"What about you?" Emma asks him, genuinely concern - referring to the place he will use to sleep.
"Are you worried about me?" Killian teases her.
Emma rolls her eyes.
"I'll be fine," Killian assures her. "I'll prepare the sailors to leave the port immediately. We need to move away from those men."
"Yeah," replies Emma.
At that instant, Killian sees the same sailor coming back to them.
Killian grabs Emma's arm firmly, pulling her toward him - his face close to hers. "Now go to sleep ... and don't try anything, Your Highness," he whispers firmly.
She fakes a smile.
Emma and Killian break apart and she puts her hood on.
"Captain, your cabin is ready," the sailor reports.
"Good. Then I'll see you in the morning, Your Highness," he says politely, faking a smile and then bowing his head slightly to her.
Emma nods.
"Follow me, Princess," the sailor says, offering his arm.
As soon as they are out sight, Captain Killian Jones sighs and looks towards the sea - his face reflecting his concern and anguish.
Late at night ...
In the castle of the Kingdom of the Enchanted Forest, King James is on his chamber's private balcony - he's staring at the horizon; with a worried face.
At that same moment, someone knocks on the door. The King moves towards it quietly - trying not to wake up his wife after she cried herself to sleep.
The King opens the door.
"Your Majesty, we have news of the investigation," a guard tells him, with a serious tone.
Minutes later ...
King James and his guards have an urgent meeting in his royal office.
"Did you find something?" the King asks, his tone serious - as soon as he enters into the room.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I sent the guards to the port. They searched each ship, unfortunately, some of them had already left early in the morning", informs the captain of the guard - as the King moves in the room and remains right behind his desk.
King James is frustrated, but remains in calm. "Any trace of my daughter? Any anomaly?"
"No, Sir, but we were informed that one of the ships left the port in the afternoon. The crew navigated to a nearby village without their captain," informs the guard.
"And this is important because ..." the King says - putting pressure to the matter.
"The crew met with their captain there, even when it's known they landed here. In fact, the captain of said ship attended the ball," the guard continues.
"That seems strange, but I don't understand what this has to do with the disappearance of my daughter," the King clarifies.
"The Captain was in that village for a few hours until he returned to his ship. He was seen accompanied with a woman and by the description of some witnesses ... It is the Princess, Your Majesty," the captain of the guard reports carefully.
The King's anger comes alive at that instant.
"Who is that man?" King James demands angrily, raising his voice.
"He was registered in the port as …" the captain of the guard takes a look at the papers he is holding in his hands. "Captain Killian Jones, Your Majesty."
The King's face changes even more - his body tenses up; he has never felt such great and deep anger in his life. It can't be possible what he just heard!
"He and his crew come from a Kingdom at the Northeast, My King," the guard finishes carefully.
King James remains silent, looking at his desk, his hands into fists - his eyes are filled with wonder at such mockery. The King opened the doors of his home to this man; he also conceded his trust to this Captain and his King and everything was just a trickery. They only wanted his beloved daughter to take advantage over the Kingdom.
"Follow them immediately," he says, looking slowly up at the guards. "I don't care what you have to do. I want my daughter back!"
"Yes, Your Majesty," the guards say in unison.
"And bring the Captain before me, alive!" the King demands furiously, raising his voice - completely blinded by the rage.
"As you order, My King," the captain of the guard says, and then they retreat, leaving the King alone in his office.
"First, he mocked me and my trust," King James says aloud. "Then he kidnaps my daughter to take advantage over my Kingdom."
"Well, if that's what King Midas wants, he'll have to face a war first ... Nobody takes my daughter away from me," King James affirms - completely furious, filled with hatred.
What do you think will happen next? :D Remember to share thi story! Reviews and PMs are very welcome! Thanks again and see you next chapter, guys! xD