Lucy awakened Emma shortly before the sun rose. She handed Emma a simple light blue gown, and twisted her hair into an elegant coiffure. Emma smiled and thanked her.
"I'll make sure your son wakes at a decent hour and escort him to the sword master for his lessons, Miss," Lucy promised.
"Thank you," said Emma, toeing on a pair of white slippers.
Killian arrived at dawn just as he promised. After scanning the corridor, Killian pulled Emma into a curtained alcove, and wrapped his arms around her. "You look absolutely breathtaking," he whispered against her skin, kissing the spot right below her ear.
Emma leaned into his touch as he proceeded to place a line of kisses down the column of her neck, and for a moment, she allowed herself to forget about how nervous she was about meeting the Blue Fairy.
She sighed and arched herself against him, as his lips fell to hers. He kissed her deeply, his hand cupping the back of her head.
This time: "Hello, Princess Emma. My name is Liam." She saw the young black haired boy. Her younger self was dressed in a pink gown, and she grasped Liam's hand. "Will you be my friend?" she asked. "It would be my honor, Princess."
Emma gasped.
"What is it," said Killian, drawing back, concern evident in his eyes.
"I saw your brother again," said Emma.
"You know, my love, a man could take it as an insult if the woman he is vying for sees his brother whenever he kisses her."
"I'm sorry, Killian," said Emma earnestly, taking his face in her hands and kissing his cheek. "I can't control my memories."
Killian smiled. "You are forgiven, and so long as I am the one in your thoughts once your memories return, I shall be satisfied."
"I make no promises," said Emma teasingly.
Killian kissed her forehead. "You minx."
"We should go," said Emma.
"I see how it is Swan, you do not wish to keep my brother waiting," he said with a smirk.
"I do not wish to keep the Blue Fairy waiting," said Emma, trailing a finger down his chest, only to grasp his hand.
-/-
"May I present to you, Miss Emma Swan," said Killian, bowing to the Blue Fairy.
The Blue Fairy smiled. "Princess Emma, it is lovely to see you again."
"Have we met before?" asked Emma.
"Yes," said Blue. "Many times. I am a humble servant of your parents' kingdom. "
"So it's true," said Liam. "This really is Princess Emma."
"Yes, Liam," said Blue. "And I can prove it,"
"Tell me, Emma, what do you remember about your past?"
"Bits and pieces," admitted Emma. "The past is becoming more clear."
Blue looked from Emma to Killian. "And tell me, my dear, what is triggering the return of your memories?"
"Killian," said Emma. "That is to say, every time we kiss, another memory returns."
Liam's moth fell open. "Brother is this true?" he asked.
"Indeed it is," said Killian, cheeks turning red.
"True Love's Kiss," said Blue. "It can break any curse."
It was Emma's turn to be surprised. "But it cannot be True Love's Kiss," said Emma. "My memories have been coming back gradually."
"It is part of your curse, Emma," said Blue. "You are the product of True Love, and I'm afraid that you were cursed in a manner that would take away your happy ending. You see the person who cursed you never wanted you to find your True Love, knowing that if you did, your memories would return and you would find your parents. But they took precautions in case you did."
"Who cursed me?" asked Emma.
"Regina, the Evil Queen. You are a big part of your parent's happy ending, and without you, she knew they would be miserable."
"So I have a family? I can go home?"
"I'm afraid not," said Blue, "Not yet anyway. The curse Regina placed upon you was very specific. Until all of your memories are back and you fully accept who you are, you will not be able to return home."
"Does that mean I just keep kissing Killian?" asked Emma, her cheeks turning bright red.
Blue shook her head. "No. Killian will have to prove to you, just how much he loves you, and by accepting your True Love, you will be one step closer to accepting who you really are. Princess Emma, the daughter of Snow White and King David. A young woman who has a family who loves her and needs her."
Killian placed his arm around Emma's waist and drew her to his side. She took comfort in his nearness.
"I can see the doubt in your eyes, my dear,' said Blue kindly. "But I have no doubt that Killian ensure that you see yourself the way he does. And when that happens, your memories will return, and you will be able to return home. Until then, I will tell your parents that I found you. They will be overjoyed with the news."
The Blue Fairy embraced Emma. "Have faith, my dear. You are so much like your parents."
"Farewell, Liam, Killian," said Blue. Then she disappeared.
Emma stared at the spot where the Blue fairy had disappeared. Tears formed at the corners of her eyes.
"Brother, will you kindly excuse us?" asked Killian.
Liam nodded. "Of course," he said, before walking out of the portrait hall.
Once he was gone, Killian pulled her into his arms, brushing a kiss across he forehead. "My love—"
"Killian don't," said Emma.
"It appears that I am your True Love," said Killian, "and I plan on taking full advantage of this stunning revelation."
"Killian, please—" said Emma. "Not now. I just found out that everything I thought I knew was a lie."
"Of course," said Killian.
"I need a day to myself," she said.
"Emma, love, please, do not push me away now," said Killian.
"I'm not," said Emma. "I just—"
Killian cut her off with a kiss that stole her breath away. Emma wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back with everything she had. But this time, no memories came back and she supposed it was a testament to how broken she felt. She backed away. "I can't do this right now, Killian. I will see you in the morning. Please, do not visit my quarters today."
Killian stroked her cheek with his thumb. "As you wish, my princess."
Emma smiled slightly, before turning away from him. Once she was in the corridor she broke into a run. She needed to get as far away from the castle as possible.