Chapter 11: In Which the Princess Meets her Parents

Emma tossed a few essentials on to her bed, grabbing her bag and quickly packing everything. Her hands were shaking as she put on her boots. Stepping back, she ran her hands through her shortened hair. It was a lot lighter and reached the middle of her back. She definitely needed to fix it since it fell at an awkward angle, one side longer than the other. Still, she felt free with out the rest of it weighing her down.

Everything that had just happened rushed into her mind all at once. Killian had almost died and her feelings for him hit her harder than she was comfortable dealing with.

Regina was gone, at least for now, and Killian was to bring her to her parents. That thought worried Emma the most. Could she handle being a princess? The idea of it made her want to run. But she couldn't, she needed to at least meet them so they wouldn't go after Killian for lying or kidnapping or whatever.

Oh god! Killian! He said she was his new dream, and she said the same. But what does that mean for them now? Of course she meant it, but the whole princess thing threw a wrench into their plans. They were supposed to go sailing and she was to help Killian save his brother's paramour. Would Killian leave her now so he could save Milah and continue with his pirating ways? Emma wanted to help him with Milah, which may be easier now with her parents being the king and queen. But, would she be able to go off with pirates on a rouge rescue mission? Would he still think of her as his new dream with her being the princess? And—

"Love, are you alright?"

Emma's eyes snapped up to Killian, who was in her door way looking worried, and torn on whether or not to come into the room. She realized at some point of her worrying that she had fallen to the floor; elbows on her knees, which were tucked to her chest, and her head in her hands.

"I- I uh—"Emma stammered as Killian rushed over to her side. He crouched down next to her and put a tentative hand on her shoulder.

"Did Regina hurt you, or—"

"No, no. I just needed a minute." Emma breathed, getting up quickly. Killian followed suit, looking at her with furrowed brows and a frown on his face.

"Sorry, I just wanted to make sure you were alright." He scratched behind his ear. He looked out of place; that thought had her collecting her things and wanting to leave the tower as quickly as possible. Even though when they reach the palace they are likely to both feel out of place.

"Okay, let's get this over with." Emma said as she quickly left the bedroom she had grown up in. She didn't look back; not at her murals that got her though tough times, or at the man who stood in the room that would surely leave her. She did trust him. But, she didn't trust him to stay now that they both knew she was a princess. She couldn't ask that of a pirate. Too many things have changed, her feelings included. She needed to nip that in the bud.

"Swan…" she hardly heard his whisper.

Killian was freaking out, and that was putting it mildly. What the hell had happened with Emma? He gets it; she's overwhelmed. He is too. And he's not the one who just found out that he's royalty. He can't imagine what she is feeling, but Emma was closing her self off to him. Did she only say he was her new dream as well to make a man at death's door feel better?

They were riding on the same horse the king lent him. Her arms wrapped around him were a constant reminder of how close yet, far away they were. He decided that the next stream he saw, they were taking a break. They had the time. Getting back to the kingdom by horse was much quicker than walking, and though it would still it take a few hours, they would definitely get back before her parents did. Oddly enough, the Evil Queen's forest kingdom was not far from the good monarch's kingdom, which consisted of the coast and land immediately surrounding it. Maybe he could get her to talk, even just a little as to give him a hint as to why she's shutting him out.

They passed a stream not much later and he slowed down the horse and he guided her to the water.

As he hopped down, Emma shot him a confused look.

"What are we doing?"

"Taking a break. We could all use it." He answered as he held out a hand for her. She gave a curt nod and didn't meet his eyes as she took his hand, jumping down from her perch. She let go quickly and sat by the stream, her skirts fanning out beneath her. He led the horse to the stream to drink; she needed it after bringing him all the way to Emma this morning. He took a large swig of rum from his flask. Looking at Emma from the corner of his eyes, Killian found that she was quickly flipping trough her story book.

Killian pet the horse before he walked over to Emma, preparing himself to speak to her. It was now or never.

"What are you doing?" He questioned with a hint of harshness in his tone. Killian couldn't help it, he was upset but he needs to control his temper. He knows she has good reasons for being on edge. He is on edge as well. And with neither of them talking about it, they will only end up taking it out on each other.

She didn't respond. She's either lost in her own thoughts or ignoring him. He hoped it was the former. A sigh escaped him before he attempted to get through again. "Emma?"

"What?" Her response is curt.

"Talk to me. Please. What's got you in these poor spirits?"

"Hook—" It came out in a frustrated breath.

He flinches at the moniker. She's still not even really looking at him. "That's it then is it? Pirate's not good enough for you now?"

"You're gonna leave either way," Emma mumbled to herself more, than to him, with her eyes shut tight.

"No. No, I won't. That was a set up, Emma. Regina made it seem that I left, but I would never leave, not unless you wanted me too. I meant every word I said in that tower, Emma." It came out sounding like a plea.

Emma looked at him. He could see her walls coming down with as her shoulders relaxed and her face softened. Relief rushed through him. "I- uh- the leaflet about the pr- about me… it said the king and queen were Snow White and Prince Charming. You mentioned the story in my book about them was true?" Her query was so soft and unsure. She wanted to know about her parents.

He smiled a soft thing, hopefully reassuring. "Aye, that it is. Though I'm beginning to wonder if that book of yours has depicted them to be more of the bleeding-heart sort. They were ready to kill me for stealing the crown. Hardly a crime to punish with death."

Emma chuckled. Her smile warmed him.

"As far as I am aware, that version in your book is indeed true. Liam used to tell me stories of our parents. I was so young when we lost them and I could never help the bit of jealousy I had. Liam had the proper memories and I was left with stories." He glance back up at Emma finding her with a sad smile. "But, what I'm trying to say is, it's best if you find out for yourself."

Emma nodded as she carefully shut the book.

"It will be alright love, I promise. And if it isn't, well I guess I'll be a wanted man again… stealing a princess, now that's a crime punishable by death."

Emma laughed as she rolled her eyes put him at ease. They both got up, and Emma shook off her skirts before turning her attention back to him.

"Do you kn—"

A poof of magic interrupted Emma, and there he stood. Rumplestiltskin. Killian's blood ran cold as he grabbed his sword and pointed it at the imp, all while taking a step in front of Emma.

In turn, he just looked at Killian as if he were nothing. Suddenly, he made the same motion with his hand as Regina did the previous night and he was immediately gasping for breath. He dropped his sword and reached for his throat.

"Stop!" Emma yelled. Her heart was in her throat. Something felt as if it was bubbling up inside of her at the sight of Killian, once again, gasping air.

He giggled at her. Giggled. It made her blood boil.

"Oh, my, what have we here?" The imp said in a flourish stepping closer to Emma. She heard a strangled cry from Killian and she panicked even more.

"Let him go," She demanded, feigning confidence.

"Or what? You don't know how to use your magic!" He teased, quickly stepping around her. "The pirate's been a thorn in my side for quite some time. Shame I can't kill him, not yet any way." With those words, he pushed his hand out and Killian flew backwards into a tree, gasping for breath. As he got a hold of himself, vines came from behind the tree, tying him down in a criss-cross pattern from hip to neck and down his arms.

"Killian!"

"Where is Milah?" Killian gritted out towards the demon.

"Don't you want to know about you magic, dearie?" Rumple ignored the pirate's question.

"My magic's gone. Where is Milah?" Emma snapped.

"Oh no, dearie. You've got magic in you yet! You just don't know how to use it. See, that flower that saved your mother, it gave you certain powers that blocked your true potential. Now with that gone, well, you could do anything."

Emma tried to keep a level head as she listened to what Rumplestiltskin had to say. She couldn't believe him. "You don't know what you're talking about." Emma gritted out.

"Let's see, shall we. A little test perhaps?" The Dark One moved his hand so fast Emma had trouble keeping up. Killian moaned and it appeared to be the vines tightened around him.

"No!" Emma cried. She ran to Killian's side and pulled at the vines, to no avail. Killian couldn't speak, his face turning red.

"You can do better than that, dearie."

Emma heard her pulse in her ears. She was freaking out. For the second time today, Killian was fighting for breath. The tingling sensation she felt earlier was much stronger. "Stop!" She yelled as she quickly turned toward Rumplestiltskin. He flew back a couple of feet before disappearing. Emma's eyes widened and stared at where he was just moments ago. Her arm was outstretched; her hand was warm, tingling, and glowing… He was right, she had magic.

Killian coughed from behind her. She spun to him and started tearing at the vines with her dagger.

"You really are bloody brilliant," Killian rasped with a tiny smile. As she freed him from the rest of the vines, Emma looked him up and down. He didn't appear to have any major injuries, though there were a couple of reddening scrapes along his neck and exposed chest.

"Are you alright?" Emma asked, her voice coming out shakier than she had expected. She reached up to cup his cheek, her thumb rubbing against his stubble. She felt his hand come to rest on her waist.

"So long as I'm in your more than capable hands, I'm wonderful." He smirked.

Emma stifled a laugh and her hand slid from his face to rest on his chest. Killian took her hand in his and kept it in place. "Do you think he's gone?" She asked, eyes on their hands.

"Not just yet, dearie."

Emma jumped up and stood in front of Killian.

"What do you want?"

"Magic is a tricky thing. Can be quite dangerous when not wielded properly. You wouldn't want to hurt anyone now, would you? If you ever want to train, he knows where to find me." He pointed his finger at Killian before disappearing into thin air.

Emma felt Killian's hand on her back. "Love, are you alright?" His face showed a mix of emotions from fear to anger to confusion.

"Why would he…" Emma trailed off, frightened and unsure of what all this meant. His thumb was now rubbing circles on her arm.

"He's a manipulator and out only for his own skin." Emma started to lean in to Killian at his words, seeking his comfort.

Then, before she could process what happened, Killian was on the ground with an arrow sticking out of his left shoulder.

"Oh, bloody hell!" He yelled out.

"Seriously?" Emma yelled, kneeling while holding on to him. Her head snapped up at the sound of horses approaching. There was the tingling sensation within her again.

Then the guards she saved Killian from the other day entered the clearing. "You're not getting away this time."

Emma stared him down about to say something before she was hit on the back of the head and collapsed next to Killian. The last thing she remembered hearing was him yell out for her.

Killian couldn't believe the day he was having; it was truly one thing after another. They hardly had a moments rest before something else happened. He was currently bound, gagged, and thrown up onto their borrowed horse. The guards were leading the horse quickly towards the kingdom. His shoulder was throbbing and Emma was unconscious next to him, bound and gagged as well.

He was ready to kill the nitwit who manhandled her unconscious form onto the horse. And he would have, were it not for the other one ripping the arrow he shot from Killian's shoulder. He was confused as to why these guards were still coming after them, there was no way the king and queen were back already to send soldiers for them.

Emma's eyes slowly crept open. Killian watched her come to, silently wishing he could comfort her. Emma's eyes widened and looked around before landing on his. She made a frustrated noise through the gag in her mouth. All they could do was wait.

It felt like they were riding for hours; by the time they reached the kingdom it was dusk. Killian was so sore and he needed to have his shoulder tended to. The lack of sleep, food, and now blood was making him feel out of sorts. His eyes felt heavy and the times he did dose off, when he awoke he found Emma looking at him worriedly.

They reached the stables and the guards started grabbing them from the horse. Emma stood shakily on her legs, and he faired no better when his feet touched the ground.

"What the hell do you think you are doing?" Boomed a voice of whom he could assume was the captain of the guard barreling towards them. He was shorter than Killian expected.

Their captors stood stock still as their captain addressed them.

"Sir, what- we caught the pirate Captain Hook and his new blonde partner."

"That 'new blonde partner' is the bloody Princess!"

The guard's face paled and Killian couldn't help the smug satisfaction rising up in him.

"What?" The guard squeaked.

"Get out. Now! I'll be seeing you in the barracks for your punishment." The captain spat. He turned his attention to Emma and Killian, quickly rushing over to Emma, untying her arms and removing the gag from her mouth. "My deepest apologies, those two prats will be dealt with. Captain Leroy at your service, Your Highness."

"It's alright. Thanks," Emma awkwardly responded. Killian looked Emma up and down trying to see it she was hurt at all. There was nothing on the surface other than some red marks from the ties.

The Captain turned to Killian and freed him from his binds as well. "Nice to see that you actually kept your word."

Killian mustered up a response of one cheeky smile. His tired mind was not quick enough to come up with any clever retorts.

"Come follow me and we can get you two comfortable," the captain said with a raised brow. Comfortable sounded wonderful to Killian. Hopefully that involved some food, water, and medical attention. He hadn't the energy for anything else after this trying day.

Killian and Emma nodded in unison, but before following him, Emma came to his side to inspect his throbbing shoulder. He winced as he heard her sharp intake of breath, her fingers gently touching his wound. He had a bad feeling his arm may be out of commission for a little while. At least it wasn't his right shoulder.

"Um, Captain, we need a doctor or something." Emma said loudly but just a bit unsure of herself. She looked into Killian's eyes with concern and gently held on to his arm.

"Enjoying the view, love?"

Emma's face burned red with her blush. Killian was sitting shirtless across a small table from her. His face was smug, though still showing signs of exhaustion. A nurse from the castle was tending to his shoulder, and luckily the damage wasn't too bad. A couple days of rest in a sling should be good enough to help him heal properly.

The room was small and clean, one of a few that are considered part of the castle infirmary. Emma didn't get to see much of it while being rushed from the stables. She was checked all over for any wounds, including her head which carried a small bruise. She also had a couple scrapes here and there, but nothing serious. She was just quite tired and hungry.

The nurse left after Killian was all bandaged up. Emma walked over to him to inspect the bandages.

"How do you feel?" Emma asked tentatively feeling the bandages.

"It hurts, but I've had worse. And today at that," he chuckled.

Emma cracked a smile and brushed his bandages with the pads of her fingers. She had no clue about the magic she now currently possessed, but she wanted to do something for him. "I wish I could—"

Killian turned to look at her, grabbed her hand in his, "Love, I don't expect—"

A maid entered into the room with a serving tray which had water and some food. She looked between them, alarmed. Emma realized that she was hovering over a still shirtless Killian. She jumped back from him just as the maid started her apology.

"I'm sorry, your highness. Just a wee something to tie you over until dinner. Should be ready soon," the maid murmured quickly, clearly uncomfortable with the situation.

"Thank you," Emma stammered her face was warm with another blush. The maid placed the tray on the table that sat in front of Killian, curtsying before leaving the room.

Emma grabbed his billowy black shirt from the bed behind him. "You should probably put this back on."

Killian smirked at her with a raised brow, "Care to help an invalid?"

Emma had trouble suppressing her smile to his challenge. She took the shirt and carefully navigated his hooked arm through the left sleeve until it could easily go up the rest of his arm. Killian stopped her reach, his hand cupping her face, an invitation for a kiss. She would be lying if she said she didn't want to kiss him. She wanted to since their almost-kiss last night, which seemed so far away. She leaned in a bit more, their foreheads softly touching.

And then a loud commotion came from the hall. Emma pulled away looking towards the door. She heard Killian curse under his breath.

"She's here? Where?" A man asked loudly. She vaguely heard a response and within seconds the King and Queen came barreling through the door.

Emma took a step towards them, wide eyed. They were definitely her parents, she knew upon first glance. They were younger than she expected. Her eyes grew watery as her parents stared back, both of them started crying.

"Emma?" Her mother asked in disbelief.

She could only nod her head, not trusting her voice. All her previous doubts seemed pointless.

David and Snow ran through the corridor. As soon as they reached the castle they were told of their daughters arrival. And when they heard the word infirmary, they bolted, not waiting to hear anything more.

David's mind went blank upon seeing his daughter. Finally. It was her, he could feel it. Those eyes, so similar to the ones he gazes at every day. And the perfect match to those he could not forget of his baby girl, the ones that haunted his dreams. His heart broke at the years they missed, but having her back was already starting to fill in the cracks. Snow and he swiftly ran to her and hugged her after she nodded her reply. David cradled her head as she hugged them back. He glanced at the pirate who looked incredibly disheveled in only a thin black shirt. It would've made him want to kill the bastard if not for the lopsided grin and look of utter happiness on his face at their reunion.

He gave the pirate a nod, to which he responded with one of his own. At Snow's soft cries of joy, he turned his attention back to his family in his arms.

The three of them broke apart and the comfortable silence in the room disappeared with Snow's questions. "Are- are you alright? Why are you in the infirmary?"

"Uh, well," Emma stammered and took a step back towards the pirate. She looked unsure of herself and found comfort in his gaze. A pang of jealousy ran through David. This pirate was so much closer to his daughter than he was. David wasn't a source of reassurance like he should have been, he was a stranger to her. "We— we on our way here when two soldiers attacked. I'm fine, just bruised. Killian took an arrow to his shoulder." David would deal with those guards later.

"Is everything all taken care of?" Snow asked as she wrung her hands together as David placed a hand on her back. Emma nodded politely in response.

"Well, it has been quite the day for all of us. I think dinner might be a good idea?" David suggested with a shaky voice.

"Yes, please," Emma responded shyly. She turned to Hook and asked quietly, "Do you need help with your vest?"

"I can help him, you and your mother can head to the dinning hall. We will be close behind." David spoke quickly, wanting to have a word with the pirate.

Emma looked taken off guard, but nodded in agreement. She glanced back at Hook, who gave her a nod and a smile before she left the room with Snow.

"I take it my plan worked well, were you able to apprehend the Evil Queen?" Hook inquired with a groan as he rose to his feet.

David walked toward the pirate, grabbing his vest from where it rested on the bed by the wall. "Yes, she's in the dungeons now. Here."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." He took the offered vest and struggled with putting his arm through the appropriate hole.

"I think I should be the one thanking you."

"It was nothing," Hook responded, scratching behind his ear.

"So, are you not interested in a reward?"

"There's only one thing I want."

"A pardon?" David asked with a light tone.

"Well, maybe two then." Hook grinned, it turned sour before he continued in disbelief. "Were you seriously going to execute me for stealing a crown? If so, the stories I heard of the benevolent sovereigns of Misthaven were horribly mistaken."

"What is it you want, Hook?" David asked warningly.

"Permission to court your daughter."

David, of course, saw this coming after the pirate's confession earlier this morning, but it still made his stomach drop. He regarded the pirate, looking serious, and, frankly, desperate. David only knew of him through his reputation, a fearsome pirate captain after the Dark One. Who has stopped at many ports of call looking for information while still enjoying what those ports had to offer in food, drink, and women.

"I know of your reputation, and I want to say no. I don't want my daughter to get hurt anymore than she has—"

"I assure you, I want the same."

"It would be wrong for me to deny you after all you've done, and also because of my own history with love. If Emma wishes for you to be part of her life, well, that's my answer."

Hook nodded his head, a serious look crossing his face. David wasn't ready to welcome Hook with open arms, but he was willing to give him a chance.

"Let's go, it'd be best not keep them waiting." David clapped Killian on the shoulder causing him to groan in pain. "Oh right, sorry."

Emma and the Queen (no, her mother) walked down the corridors leading to the private dining hall. As they walked, her mother filled the silence with a small tour of sorts, telling her about the castle and it's history. Emma had trouble catching up, her mind spinning from exhaustion and being overwhelmed from the day's events.

"I'm sorry, Emma, I've been dreaming of this for so long I hope I'm not boring you, I—"

"No, no it's fine. It's just… a lot, you know?" Emma insisted, cutting off Snow's stammering.

"Of course, I can't imagine."

"I've been wondering about meeting you for so long, and it's nothing like I thought it would be." Emma was having trouble forming sentences and being so open with her, but she wanted to try after learning how much they went through in search of her.

"What did you think it would be like?" Her mother asked gently as they slowly walked through a grand hall.

"Well, for starters, I thought I would be angry with you." Snow looked a bit frightened at her words and Emma quickly continued, not wanting her to feel that way. "Oh, no, it was Regina, she- she told me that my parents abandoned me… I only really had her and Graham, who left too. But, I never imagined that I was a princess or, well… wanted." Emma grimaced at the last part.

"I'm so sorry you had to grow up thinking that," her mother shakily said, her eyes shining with new tears. She squeezed her arm in reassurance. "Regina lied to you more than you think."

"How so?"

"Graham, he didn't leave you either." Emma was taken aback, not expecting those words. "Regina had his heart, she was controlling him. We found him in her palace, freed him and all others whose hearts she had taken."

Emma felt relief at her words, but anger as well. How could Regina have done all this? "What happened to him?"

"He's resting right now. Turns out not having your heart for years messes with your head a bit. You can see him tomorrow."

"And Regina?" The words came out a little harsher than Emma planned.

"She's locked up and her magic is disabled. You are safe from her now," Snow said with a sympathetic look on her face. "Here we are." She waved her arm to the left. "The dining hall. Well, the private one."

Emma stepped through the wooden doors to see a large room with a table that sat ten people. There were four place settings and maids were bringing out food from a door in the back of the room. It was gorgeous, but on the simpler side with a wall of windows. The moonlight streamed through the windows, pale blue light mixing with the orange glow from the numerous torches.

"Wow," Emma whispered as she gazed around, soaking it all in.

"If you think this is nice just wait until you see the grand dinning hall."

Emma turned to her mother, finding her standing there with a small smile, watching Emma look around the room.

"Sit where ever you like."

Emma sat on the right side of the table so she could look out the windows. Snow sat on her right, which left her slightly disappointed that Killian wouldn't be sitting next to her. At that thought, she heard her father and Killian approaching. Killian came in the room with his left arm in a sling, his hook absent from his brace. He smiled when he saw her, though, it didn't completely meet his eyes. He looked so exhausted and out of place. Not far off from how she was feeling herself; it was going to take a while to adjust to all this.

Killian paced in the room he was given. As weary as he may be, he needed to see Emma before he could sleep. Too much happened today and there was never a good time to talk. Dinner was pleasant enough, though awkward at times. Talk of him still needing his ship came up, and Emma appeared a little worried at that. She also didn't mention her magic, new or old, to her parents. He could understand that though, as there was a lot of catching up to do.

Realizing he wasn't going to get any sleep until he spoke to Emma, he left his room in search for her's. He had made a mental note of which hallway she was directed down after dinner. As he walked through the large corridor, he found two soldiers on watch, one on either end of the hall. He briskly walked to the room he assumed was Emma's, passing a guard giving him a questioning look. He knew he wouldn't be able to stay for long without word reaching her parents.

Killian knocked on the door and Emma appeared a few seconds later, clothed in a dressing gown and robe. She looked beautiful as always and as soon as she saw Killian standing there she immediately looked relieved.

"Killian," she breathed. "Is everything alright?"

"Now it is." He smiled.

Emma stepped aside and welcomed him into her room with a warm smile. It was spacious and ornate, but tasteful. He looked around as she shut the door before approaching to him.

"How are you feeling, love? I know this all must be overwhelming."

"It is."

Killian studied her as she fidgeted with her hands. "Out with it, love."

Emma sat down on the cushioned bench in front of her bed, releasing a shaky breath. Her hands were lightly trembling. Killian quickly sat to her right on the bench, turning to face her. He took her hands in his, but she gently pulled away, wringing her hands in her lap. "Killian, my magic, I don't—"

"Don't listen to that crocodile, Emma." He said as he caressed her face. She slightly leaned into his touch.

"It's just, I felt it a couple more times today and I don't know what to do. What if I do hurt someone?"

"You won't. If you're worried, perhaps your parents know of someone who could help you learn how to use it. You'll be a quick study." He added reassuringly. He hated seeing her doubt herself.

She smiled weakly, "When are you leaving for your ship?" She timidly asked, still wringing her hands. He was right; it was weighing on her.

"I do have to take care of that. Your father said I could dock her here and make the necessary repairs. I may have to leave in a couple of days to do so, but I won't be gone long, I promise."

She smiled at his reassurance. "I'm surprised you're not asleep yet, you look exhausted," Emma teased.

"You sure know how to make a dashing rapscallion who almost died today feel good about himself." Killian shook his head at her, though happy for the change in atmosphere.

Emma just looked at him with a tempting smile and a gleam in her eyes that he didn't realize how much he missed.

"You know, I couldn't go to sleep with out a proper goodnight," his voice was deeper than usual. His eyebrow raised in a challenge.

"I believe I said goodnight in the hall," the minx teased, biting on her lip, smiling.

He cheekily tapped his lips as he watched her eyes go from his eyes to his lips and back again.

Then, before he realized it, Emma grabbed a hold of the collar on his shirt, pulling him towards her and crashing their lips together. He tasted the cocoa and cinnamon from their earlier dessert. His hand went into her hair, threading through the golden strands. He wished his other arm wasn't in a sling so he could wrap her in both. He felt her fingers run through his hair and cradling his head. Their lips parted momentarily before they both crashed together again. He breathed her in and didn't want to stop, but it did. They both pulled apart, catching their breath, foreheads resting together.

"That was…" Emma breathed.

"One hell of a good night kiss," Killian responded, just as out of breath as she was. They stayed like that, catching their breath for a few more moments. "I should probably go before the guards gossip." And before he is too far gone and can't make himself leave her presence.

"Right," Emma pulled away and got up. He quickly followed her to the door. She was still wringing her hands together, now even more than before.

"I'll see you at breakfast. Sweet dreams, my love," Killian said while his voice was still shaky.

"Good night, Killian," she said, biting on her lip.

Killian couldn't help himself as he quickly went in and pecked her on the lips. He backed away and Emma was trying hard to suppress a smile, which made him grin wider. He backed out of her room, taking a couple steps backwards down the hall, watching her close the door with a smile on her face. He turned when it was fully shut.

What could've turned out to be the last day of his life (multiple times), actually turned out to be one of the best.

A/N: Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Thanks for new follows and reviews, means a lot! And Thanks to Swansouat on tumblr for beta-ing. I'm working on the next chapter now :)