I'm back, guys! xD

First of all, thanks for your support, reviews and PMs. You put a big smile upon my face! xD You're so sweet and funny! (I'm sorry, I can't reply to some of you because you don't have an account, but I really appreciate your thoughts!)

And yes, I too want Emma and Killian together, but they're so stubborn! lol

About this chapter: I know I said it would be very long and that's still true. I even had to split it in two parts. In this first part we have a special guest and some Snowing time! :)

I love to have fun with my own stories so in this chapter I couldn't help the whole James Vs. David/Charming thing LOL xD

Have a good time as you read guys! xD

Re-edited by the wonderful: ""LucyTheMarauder"


SPARKLE OF A NIGHT

Chapter 11 Part 1 Dangerous Grounds

As light as the wind at sea, days are gone. It is harder for Princess Emma and Captain Killian Jones to stay together in the same ship - even more than either one of them could have imagined.

Everything between them is an uncomfortable and bittersweet feeling; a tension that is hard to conceal. It is completely unbearable.

Emma cannot help but feel nervous whenever Killian approaches to talk to her. Even more, she hates those feelings that the Captain ignates on her despite his past lies and deceits.

For his part, Killian can't stop staring at the Princess - without her knowing. A shiver runs down his spine every time he looks at her beautiful hazel eyes, but refuses to believe that she rekindles a flame inside him after her proven cruelty.

However, they will not play the same game again: Both are determined.

Although the hatred between them is clear, they are in need of each other's help. Killian is not planning to leave the Princess behind when he's aware of the evil men who are following her - he still keeps his code of honor.

And Emma ... despite the fact that she really wants to get away from him at the slightest opportunity; knows she can't do it. She wouldn't.

Not only because she's surrounded by the sea, but furthermore the Captain's life is in danger because of her - her sensitivity towards the man is enough for her to help him.

Nevertheless, Emma is taking drastic measures - normally, the Princess remains in her cabin all day; they rarely share a pleasant talk without ending up angry with each other somehow.

Naturally, not everything is difficult. The truth is that the view is spectacular, the journey is refreshing and the sailors are polite and very kind toward Emma. And Killian ... well, he is the Captain of the ship.


About noon ...

Captain Killian Jones is on the main deck, giving orders to his sailors when Princess Emma approaches him.

"We need to talk," she says, faking kindness in front of the men.

"Look who finally decided to come aboard for some fresh air!" Killian teases her.

Emma rolls her eyes, but smiles. "I'm serious."

"As Your Highness wishes," Killian says wryly, and dismisses the sailors to their duties.

Once they are alone, he turns to her. "So, what's so urgent?"

"I-I think I have an idea of how to prove your innocence," Emma declares, her tone serious.

"Do you?" he asks rhetorically, enjoying the idea, with a suspicious look on his face, while he moves closer to her.

The Princess hates when he does that, but remains as calm as possible; she needs to be focused, control her nervousness and be careful if she really wants to leave the ship.

"Yeah, I think I could write a letter to my parents where I can explain to them how things really were and then we can take our paths. I won't have to go back to the castle and you can do ... whatever you were doing before you got in my way," Emma explains.

Killian moves even closer to her, shaking his head and smiling. "You really planned everything, didn't you?"

"What?" she asks, her tone annoyed.

"As much as your plan sounds good, it is impossible for you to send them a letter, or a message," Killian assures her.

"Why's that?" she asks puzzled.

"There are men who are following you. There is obviously someone behind all this," Killian explains. "Don't you think that person will interfere everything before it gets to the castle?"

"Well, I didn't think about that," Emma whispers annoyed with herself and discouraged by the truth.

"Maybe I can send them a letter with someone else, or somewhere else other than the castle … " she insists thoughtfully - trying to be a little optimistic, but he interrupts her.

"And how do you plan to tell them to leave the castle?" Killian retorts - trying to make her understand his point. "Besides, it would be very dangerous ... for both of us."

Discouraged by Killian's reasoning, Emma sighs in frustration and stares at the calm sea. Every idea she seems to have proves to be useless!

Killian sighs - trying to be understanding with her - and takes a step towards her.

"Look, I know this situation is hard, but we have to be patient," he offers kindly.

"Speak for yourself, Captain," Emma states angrily, looking at him.

"Do you really want to start with this again?" Killian asks her annoyed - referring to their constant ritual of fights.

"I'll find a way to get my life back!" Emma states determined, looking into his blue eyes, then turns around and leaves - completely furious.

Killian sighs - He's so sick of her!


Meanwhile ...

An elegant and magnificent ship sails between the waves. The wind gently blows on deck, where a woman - who wears an exquisite dress and gold pendants is enjoying the view: A village and a very big and beautiful castle can be seen in the distance.

A naval officer appears behind the woman moments later. "Your Royal Highness, we'll dock in a few minutes," he informs her politely.

"Yes, I can see the Enchanted Forest from here, Captain," says the woman kindly, with grace - her eyes fixed straight ahead.

"Her Highness might find it more pleasing to wait in her cabin," the sailor indicates humbly.

The woman turns around to face him. "I will, thank you. And please let me know of our arrival as soon as we are at the port. It is urgent for me to have a meeting with King James," the woman says gently.

"It will be so, Ma'am," the man replies and the woman leaves.


Hours later …

At the castle of the Enchanted Forest, King James is in his royal office, having a meeting with his guards, when a servant enters the room.

"Please, take this to my carriage," the King orders the servant, handing him his belongings as soon as he sees him - the man nods, takes the bag and retreats immediately.

"What's going on? Why are you packing?" Queen Snow asks confused - as she walks in.

"Please, leave us alone," the King commands, and the guards leave.

"What's wrong?" Snow insists - once they are alone.

The King approaches his wife to hold her arms. "I'm going to find Emma."

"What? When did you decide that?" Snow asks surprised.

"The instant I learned our daughter is in danger," explains King James, looking into her eyes.

"She is already in danger," Snow empathizes - completely confused by his abrupt trip.

"Yes, I know, but you heard what Robin Hood said in that message. Something is wrong, Snow. I don't know what it is, but I won't wait here anymore. If the guards can't find our daughter, then I will," affirms the King. "I don't care if I have to burn down the castle of King Midas to find her."

Snow stares at him disapprovingly.

"It's just a manner of speaking," the King clarifies.

"Then, I'll go with you!" Snow states.

The King looks at his wife tenderly.

"I'm serious!" the Queen exclaims.

"It's better if you stay here, Snow," he replies. "The castle is the safest place for you now, my darling."

"You'll be with me! You will protect me!" Snow insists.

King James is touched by her words - she wouldn't mind facing danger if he is by her side; he will always take care of her no matter what.

"You know better than anyone that I would never let anything bad happen to you. I'd rather give up my life for you, Snow, but you promised to stay here. I won't put your life at risk," the King declares tenderly, caressing her chin.

Snow looks at him lovingly, although she is not truly convinced by his plans.

"I'll be gone for a few weeks. I'll find our daughter and bring her back to your arms," the King vows. " … I love you."

"And I you," Snow says.

With that, they kiss slowly, with a little bit of passion trying to make it last longer - a perfect goodbye kiss.

"I better hurry," King James whispers - once they pull apart.

"I know," Snow utters, flushed.

At that moment, the gates of the office open - a servant enters the room and bows.

"Your Majesties, I apologize for the interruption, but you have a visitor," the man informs humbly.

Snow and James look at each other surprised and confused.

"We weren't expecting anyone," Snow assures her husband.

"Who is it?" King James asks the servant.

A female voice responds before the man does.

"Me ..." the woman announces, with self-sufficiency - as she gets into the office, clad in a elegant golden dress. "Princess Abigail ... or should I say 'The soon-to-be-Queen'?"


Meanwhile ... somewhere at the seas.

Despite the stormy life on the ship, Princess Emma has managed to be friends with the first mate. The sailor is the only one with whom she has some interesting talking besides the Captain.

Of course, the Princess asks him about Killian - in every opportunity she has. These conversations in particular always impress her in a good way - and secretly. She doesn't know why she keeps doing it, but she simply cannot help it.

Although Captain Killian Jones respects and trusts his first mate, he can't stop glancing at him and the Princess every time they're talking. And this moment it's not the exception …

"Are you enjoying the journey, Your Highness?" the first mate asks her kindly - as he approaches the railing of the ship where she stands.

"Something like that," Emma replies politely, with a smile - enjoying the sunny day and the fresh wind.

"Don't worry, Princess. Soon you will be home. My Captain always keeps his word," the man affirms - something hits inside her upon hearing the sailor's words, but smiles to disguise the feeling.

"... May I ask you something?" Emma says - to change the subject.

"Of course, Princess," he replies.

"Have you ever felt the need to leave this place?" Emma asks him, with longing in her voice - looking at the sea.

"I'm afraid I don't understand," the sailor confesses humbly - staring at the horizon just like her.

"I mean, wasn't there a moment when you wanted to escape and leave everyone and everything behind? Your duties, the orders ..." Emma explains.

"I admit it crossed my mind once," the first mate confesses.

"Why didn't you leave?" Emma asks confused, looking at him.

"Well, if I wanted to escape, it was probably for good reasons, but we shouldn't run away from our problems, we must face them with courage and honor, Your Highness," the man affirms.

"I see …" Emma utters, turning to the ocean, with a slight smile - and adds wryly - "And even if you wanted you couldn't do it with this ocean surrounding you."

"That wouldn't have been a problem at all, Princess," the first mate assures her.

Emma looks at him very confused. "What do you mean?"

"Well, if you're surrounded by the sea, there is only one way to get out of here," the sailor mentions.

Emma grows really interested, but decides to act innocently to hide her true intentions - as best as she can. "How?"

"The mermaids," the first mate discloses.

"Wait, they are mythological creatures. They are only stories," Emma asseverates.

"They are more than a legend, Princess. They are quite real. Some are evil, but not all of them, and if you call the right one, she will perceive your true need and will help you," the sailor affirms.

"And how would you find the right one?" Emma asks curiously - trying to hide her interest.

"It is said that at night, when the moon is reflected in the waves like a mirror, and the sea is quiet: You just need to call for her and she will come," the first mate replies simply.

"That's a good story," She says ironically, completely incredulous.

"Sailor!" shouts the Captain.

"Excuse me, Princess," says the first mate and bows.

Emma nods and he retreats.

The Princess turns to the sea, rolling her eyes - that story is probably the craziest thing she has ever heard.


In the meantime ... back at the castle of the Enchanted Forest.

King James and Queen Snow are utterly surprised by the sudden and unexpected visit of Princess Abigail.

"What are you doing here?" the King asks outraged - holding Snow instantly.

"It's good to see you too, James," Princess Abigail says casually and calmly, taking off her gloves, ignoring the way she is being welcomed - the servant retreats discreetly.

"My name's David. You know that," he emphasizes annoyed - and adds angrily - "And I'm afraid I don't share the same opinion about seeing you again."

"Of course I remember your charming real name," Princess Abigail tells him, her tone a bit playful, with a smile.

"... but 'James' has always been stuck to you for politics and that's precisely why I'm here," she continues after a brief pause, her tone serious this time, while placing her gloves on a chair - making herself at home.

"I don't understand," Snow says kindly - though she's not very pleased to see the woman.

"Me neither," King James affirms. "Doesn't it frighten you that we could hurt you?"

"Please, you would never hurt me," Abigail replies, shaking her head slightly - completely sure that it's an absurd idea.

"What makes you so sure? ... Did you come to make fun of us?" the King insists angrily.

Princess Abigail smiles. "I would never make fun of any of you. I came personally to clarify things before a war starts when there's no need for one."

"What do you mean?" Snow asks her very confused.

"Well, you know what they say: bad news travels fast," Princess Abigail comments.

The King and Queen glance at each other - their faces reflecting great confusion.

Princess Abigail proceeds. "It is said in every land and Kingdom that King James is accusing my Father of kidnapping his lovely daughter."

"And you came to speak in his defense? Because he will need more than soft words and a golden army when I see him," the King states angrily.

"Oh, calm down! You're making a terrible mistake. I assure you my Father has nothing to do with it," says Princess Abigail, with her composure intact.

"Why are you so sure?" King James asks - not believing her even a little.

Princess Abigail sighs. "Because my Father is just an old man," she replies - as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"And does it stops him to plan something that evil?" James asks wryly - still angry; Snow places her hand on his chest.

"Why would he take your daughter away?" Abigail insists rhetorically - to make him understand.

"I don't know. Perhaps to expand his kingdom with ours? … As an act of revenge because I didn't marry you?" the King suggests.

Princess Abigail laughs.

"Oh, please! It's ridiculous! We both know that neither of us wanted to get into that forced marriage. I loved Frederick, and you found Snow at that ball. Thus, everyone got their happy ending," she says, with a friendly and sincere smile.

"Yes, I know, but your Father didn't like much the idea of not being able to expand his Kingdom. Perhaps, he thought that this would be the perfect opportunity," King James alleges.

"He actually did with Fredericks. My husband and my Father joined forces and lands once we got married," Princess Abigail informs them calmly.

A silence follows - Queen Snow and King James start to doubt of their assumptions.

"... Then, your Father didn't kidnap our daughter?" Snow asks tentatively.

Princess Abigail smiles. "Of course not! And even if he had I would know."

"Why's that?" the King asks her - still not truly convinced.

"Because, as I said, my Father has been an old man for too long," Princess Abigail replies - and adds, with sadness - "The truth is that Frederick and I are ruling the Kingdom along with the Parliament. My Father simply represents it."

"Is that why you said you'll become Queen soon?" Snow asks, her tone gentle.

"Yes, my Father needs to rest," Princess Abigail responds. "In just a few more weeks I'll take the throne ... I'm grateful to have a man like Frederick by my side."

Snow smiles slightly when Abigail mentions her husband.

"I'm really sorry for your Father," Queen Snow expresses tenderly.

"I know you are," Princess Abigail tells her, with a smile.

Snow looks at her husband and then at her. "If you ever need help, you can count on us."

"Thank you," Abigail says.

King James sighs and both women look at him.

"What happens?" asks Princess Abigail.

"I'm more worried now than before. If your Father, King Midas didn't take our daughter away ... then who is behind all this?" King James replies anguished.

"That's something I don't know, but you can be sure that you have the help of my Kingdom to find your daughter and the responsible of this," Princess Abigail informs them.

"You're serious?" Snow asks.

"You have my word," Princess Abigail vows, with a sincere smile.

"Thank you, Abigail," the King says - and adds, with regret - "I apologize for this terrible misunderstanding."

"Don't worry, we made things clear. Now you have more important things to worry about like finding a way to get your daughter back," Abigail affirms, while touching the King's arm friendly.

"I wonder how is Emma," Snow wonders, her tone sad.

Abigail is touched by those words and can't help but feel bad for the Queen. "If there is anything else I can do for you ..."

"Yes, you can do something else!" King James exclaims, and then places his hands on Abigail's arms - he looks into her eyes hopefully. "Tell us everything you know about Captain Killian Jones."


Hope you liked it :)

And now, it's time you get all your feelings out of your system ...

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