Author's note: This chapter kinda got away from me but I guess that's what happens when you're writing about two couples like this! LOL I'm really excited about the next chapter; you'll figure out why as you read this. Hint: the wait is almost over! ;) In the meantime, enjoy!
Disclaimer: Hell no.
Chapter Fourteen
The wind whipped across his face and Killian felt Emma's arms tighten around him. He grinned, joy settling in his chest as he kicked the horse to greater speed. Even after their adventure, he'd been a little leery about rushing her back onto a mount, but as usual with his princess, his fears were groundless. She was fine. Better than as she egged him on, holding fast as they tore through the countryside.
They'd sent their letters two days ago after their romantic interlude in the gardens. It would take time for a reply; not even Emma's affinity for birds could literally reduce the distance between Arendelle and Misthaven. Killian tried not to be nervous and Emma spent a lot of time distracting him, even as it drove him mad from want of her.
Still, there was less than two days to go before her herbal remedy took effect. He was both giddy and terrified. What if—even after all their exploring—he did something wrong? Or worse, he hurt her? There was still a small voice in his head that admonished him for wanting her at all, despite all they'd shared. He was secretly holding out hope that they'd hear from her parents before the long anticipated day came; it would put his conscience at ease. He didn't regret anything they'd done together, but crossing that final line...there would be no going back. He couldn't undo it and she was still the princess, even if she'd given him her love.
Killian wanted to be with her, more than he'd wanted anything. But he loved her too much to ruin her life with scandal. If they were formally betrothed...but they weren't and couldn't be for some time.
He banished his worries as they lept over some stray fence; the sun was high, warming his skin. He could feel the horse tiring a bit; they should find a place for their picnic. Gradually, he slowed, casting his eyes about for a likely place.
Emma felt the tension in his shoulders; he was worried about something. They uncovered his rebellious side but at heart he was still her prim and proper lieutenant. She loved that about him. She was the rule breaker, always had been. She rarely pushed too far, but she got a thrill from going against what was expected of her. However, her feelings for Killian didn't feel like breaking the rules. They came to her as naturally as breathing, like he was the side of her that was missing. Her world no longer made sense without him.
She truly didn't care what others thought of her; all Emma wanted was to follow her heart.
Killian reigned to a stop on a rise overlooking the winding river below. It was a pretty spot, the evergreen trees tall in the valley and the riverbanks covered in wildflowers. Mere days ago all this had been covered in ice and snow; now it was pristine, the height of summer. It was August, hot, yet cooler than it would be in Misthaven.
"Hungry, love?" Killian asked, rubbing the back of her hand.
"Famished." She smiled over his shoulder but he didn't smile back. "This is a lovely spot."
"Aye." He helped her down, then swung off himself. He patted the horse's neck before digging into the saddlebags. He and Emma laid out a large blanket; she unloaded the food while he tethered the horse at the base of the rise, where a tributary of the river lay. "We'll water him again before we head back," he said absently, tugging off his boots. "Perhaps take a stroll along the river?"
"I'd like that," Emma agreed, tucking her skirts under her feet. She gnawed on her lip, debating. "Killian...is something wrong?"
He shrugged out of his jacket. "Of course not," he said. "I promised you we'd go riding, didn't I?"
He was not being truthful, at least not entirely. She could tell. "Yeah, you did. It was amazing."
"Better or worse than the last time?"
"When we were trying to stop Hans from murdering Elsa? Definitely better than that."
Killian chuckled. "I meant the last time we rode together, but that works too."
"I kissed you," she reminded him, handing him a plate.
"I remember. I'd wanted to kiss you for such a long time, love."
"Why didn't you?"
He shrugged, scooping some of the kitchen's latest goodies onto his plate. "Well, it would have been terribly bad form, lass. You're the princess. You'll be my Queen one day."
She put down her plate. "Can't I just be your Emma?" It came out more emotional than she intended, but he was omitting something that was bothering him and she didn't like it. They needed to be honest with each other, didn't they?
Killian laid his plate aside and knelt by her side. "Emma, sweet, you are. But you don't just belong to me, lass."
"Is that what you're upset about?" she asked, tentatively reaching for him.
"I don't follow."
"Killian, you've been antsy ever since we sent those letters."
He curled his fingers around hers. "You deserve better than me," he said softly. "My heart is yours, but I'm still just a lieutenant. I don't even have my own ship. I can't offer you anything except my love and a promise to be by your side always."
"That's all I need," she assured him. "I don't want some stuffed up prince, Killian. I want you. I don't care what anyone else thinks."
"But I do," Killian said helplessly. "I love you too much to ruin your life."
Emma forced him to look her in the eyes. "The only way you could ruin my life is if I lost you. I understand why you want to do things the right way, 'good form' and all of that. It's one of the reasons I love you so much. It's big and it's scary, but I know it's right."
"How?"
She raised his hand to her chest, laying it over her heart. "Because I can feel it right here."
His smile flickered briefly before he lowered his head and reverently kissed the swell of her breast, right over her heart. "You're scared?" he asked, tilting his head. "I didn't think anything frightened you, lass."
"Well, I guess you don't know everything about me yet," she teased with a soft smile. "But I hope you want to find out."
He nodded earnestly. "Nothing would make me happier, darling. I'd marry you now if I could."
Her eyes snapped to his in surprise. "You would?"
He immediately began to mentally retreat; his mouth getting the better of him again. "Sorry."
"Killian, be serious." Her heart beat faster. "I know we sort of talked about it, but you want that? Marriage, I mean."
Taking a deep breath, he nodded. "You don't?"
"No! I mean, yes! Of course I do!"
He laughed dryly. "Sorry, love. Was that a yes to marrying me?"
She scowled and smacked his shoulder. "Yes, you idiot!"
"Idiot now, am I?"
Emma simply shook her head in exasperation, then reached for his shirt. She pulled him close and covered his mouth with hers. He sighed into her kiss, cradling her head. Somehow she got him on his back, her weight settling over his hips. He held her close, still in awe that she was his.
When they broke for air, Emma was frowning. "You really thought I wouldn't want to marry you?"
He stroked her cheek. "Perhaps not so much that as worry about your parents. I'd feel better if we heard from them about us."
"What if we don't?"
"That is up to you, Emma."
"And you. I don't want to wait anymore. Well, any longer than we have to."
He kissed her sweetly. "Nor do I. Forgive me?"
"For what?"
"For even entertaining the idea that I could resist you. All my ideas of good form fly out the window when I'm holding you."
"I happen to think you have very good form then, Lieutenant."
"Why thank you, Princess. I'm interested to see if my form improves with practice."
She smiled down at him. "I'm sure it will. Because I don't plan on letting you go." She kissed the apples of his rosy cheeks, the tip of his nose, the scruff on his chin. "You're forgiven. Just do one thing for me?"
"What's that?"
"We make a promise to always be honest with each other?"
He hugged her to his chest. "Aye, I can do that."
They stayed like that for a while, until Emma's stomach started growling. Their lunch had been forgotten. Oops. Laughing, they sat up and returned to their meal. Killian shared some stories from his childhood; Emma couldn't help but feel angry at the man who had abandoned his small sons. That Liam and Killian turned out to be such honorable men was a testament to their own character and a belief in their mother's memory.
"Where were you born?" she asked gently.
"Tiny village. Far from here, certainly."
They finished their lunch and Killian laid his head in her lap. "I was born in the castle," Emma said, carding her fingers through his hair. It was soft to the touch; she loved it. "We were under siege from Regina's forces. A last gasp Papa called it."
"Truly?"
"Yeah. He refused to leave my mother's side until I was safely delivered. Then he went to fight. Mama didn't know if she would ever see him again." Emma hadn't mentioned this when she previously told him her parents' story.
"What happened?"
"He and his best knights cut their way through. He found Regina and killed her." Killian's respect for King David increased. He hardly knew him; all he really knew was that the King was a great swordsman. He'd taught Emma himself after all.
"He was protecting his family. It was a war," Killian observed. All of Misthaven knew of the reign of the Evil Queen. She was why magic was still so feared by the people. The King and Queen had done much to heal the wounds, but that remained. It would be up to Emma to do the rest. And she wanted him by her side.
"I know. Regina committed unspeakable crimes. If Papa hadn't killed her, she would have been executed. It's the law." It was most likely the fate of the man who'd tried to kill Emma; she couldn't find herself being sad about that. She'd seen the mania and hate in his eyes. The desire to end her life. She would abide whatever fate her parents chose.
"You'll be an excellent Queen, Emma. I believe that."
"Maybe." She shrugged, looking down at him. "But I hope that's not for a long time. I've got other things I want to do first."
"Such as?"
"You promised to take me to new lands."
"I did. We'll find a way to do that."
"Can we come back here to Arendelle?"
"If Liam's suit with the Queen goes well, then we'll have to."
She grinned. "That would make Elsa and I sisters."
"So it would. Our mother would never believe this, her boys courting royalty."
"I wish I could have met her."
"As do I, my love."
Emma lifted his head off her lap and stretched out beside him. "You know what else I want?"
"Pray tell."
"You to kiss me."
He chuckled and brushed his lips to hers. Emma's warm hand lay on his chest, fiddling with the loose buttons of his open shirt. Teasing kisses melted into open mouthed hungry kisses as Killian moved so he was half on top of her. He worried her pouting lower lip between his teeth as he fondled her breast through the fabric of her dress. The dress was plain or as plain as a princess's dress was allowed to be. It was made of rich fabric, a sweet lavender color. "No corset, lass?"
She shook her head. "I wanted to save it."
Killian's eyes fluttered shut, imagining how she would look in nothing but a corset and stockings. "We got robbed of that," he muttered. "I was looking forward to undressing you after the coronation."
Emma laced her fingers with his. "So was I. I wore it for you."
Killian kissed her hard, trying to reign in his desire for her. They had less than two days. "Will you? When we..."
"That was my plan." She didn't need to properly seduce him or anything. Their desire lay on a razor's edge, so long had they been waiting. But she wanted to look nice. To make it memorable. "Are we still...?"
Killian let out an anguished breath. "Bloody hell, lass. I want you so much I can't think straight. If you're certain about our future, then aye."
Emma cupped his face. "I'm certain. I want to be your wife. No matter what."
"I don't have a ring or a token to give you."
"I just want you." She coaxed his lips back to hers and urged him to touch her again. His hand molded to her breast and slipped inside her dress. Emma moaned, fingers clenching around his. She sucked in a breath as his lips moved south over her jaw, throat. He licked the swell of her breast, stroked the nipple of its twin to hardness.
"Gods, the way you respond to my touch, sweetheart," Killian mumbled against her skin. "Makes a man greedy for more."
"So have me," she countered.
"We're out in the open." Despite his words, he circled his tongue around pebbled flesh, sucking the bud into his mouth. Emma keened, hips rocking up, wetness seeping between her thighs. "Anyone could see me ravishing you."
"Don't care."
"Fuck, these next two days better hurry," he complained, adjusting his arousal. He couldn't control it when she looked at him like that. "I need to know what you feel like."
Emma waved her hand; a magical shimmer fell between them and their tethered horse. "There, no one can see."
"What did you do?"
"Magic, now get your shirt off." Her sharp tone sent a shiver down his spine; this was his princess giving him an order. He didn't argue, just sat up and pulled the linen over his head. Emma rolled them over so Killian was the one on his back and lowered her lips to pay special attention to the sensitive spot below his ear. Killian hissed and groaned, his hands skimming down her clothed back.
"May I?" he asked, giving the dress a tug. Emma nodded, licking along his collarbone as Killan loosened the laces of her dress. She helped him get her out of it, leaving her only in her blue silk panties. His cock throbbed at the sight of her nearly nude glory. "Fuck, you are gorgeous."
Emma straddled his hips, biting her lip as she settled on his straining bulge. She could feel him through the thin fabric that separated them, long and thick. She moaned softly, guiding his hands back to her bare breasts. "Gods, just touch me." She craved his hands on her body, the feel of his skin on hers.
"How do we," he began, rubbing his thumbs over stiff peaks, "always wind up like this?"
"Because," she breathed, lightly rocking her hips. "We're meant to be together, Killian. I can feel it."
He pushed himself up, one hand on her hip, the other still fondling her breast. "I can too. Mine, lass."
She nodded. "And you're mine." She kissed him, tongue delving deep as she rolled her hips faster. It wasn't enough for her to climax but it still felt good. They were chest to chest, his wiry chest hair scratching her sensitive nipples, sending shivers down her spine.
"Can we...like before?" Killian breathed, fingertips tracing her spine. "In the cabin? I just need to feel how wet you are."
Emma bit her lip and nodded. She kissed him hard one last time, then stood to shimmy out of her underwear. She, the Crown Princess of Misthaven, was entirely naked on a rise in Arendelle countryside. With the man she loved. She didn't stop to think, although the faint chance of getting caught did thrill her. No one knew where they were so it was unlikely. But she didn't care. She watched as Killian stripped off his trousers, cock bobbing over his stomach. Emma's mouth watered; even that part of him was gorgeous, red and throbbing. Before he could protest, she was on her knees, taking him into her mouth.
"Fuck!" Killian cursed, unprepared for her warm wet mouth. He had to breathe deeply to stop from coming on the spot; her skill at this increased every time she did it. It was just how he'd imagined, her hair loose and flowing, his fist curled in the golden locks, her pink lips wrapped around him. She experimented, taking him as deeply as she could until she started to gag. When she pulled back, Killian was panting, barely hanging on. "Bloody...fuck, darling."
"Good?"
"Oh aye, but I don't want to come like that."
"How then?"
Killian fell to his knees in front of her. "With you riding me. Wet skin sliding over me until you scream my name." He pulled her in for a kiss, fingers skimming down to her aching clit. "Gods, you are wet." He teased the swollen nub then slid a finger inside her heat. "And hot. Do you want me, Emma? Do you want me to fill up this sweet quim over and over?"
She nodded hard. "So much, Killian. Fuck."
Killian added a second finger, teasing her. She had no idea how it would compare to his cock, but anything sliding along the aching walls was better than nothing. The cool summer breeze touched her flushed skin, making her shiver in his arms. Killian kissed her, slowly, exploring her mouth thoroughly as he continued to finger her. He added his thumb, rubbing over her swollen clit; Emma bit back a moan. "Ah, ha, lass. Want to hear everything I do to you."
Emma reached for his wrist, trying to hold him still as her hips rocked wantonly. "Gods," she hissed, head falling back, exposing the column of her throat. Killian couldn't resist the pale flesh, lips attaching at her pulse and sucking greedily. Emma moaned in approval, fingers sinking into his thick hair.
His feeble imagination could never have concocted anything like this; his princess allowing him to touch her intimately out in the open. She was a goddess, a bloody nymph, stunning and sublime in her desire. Emma dragged his mouth back to hers, arms around his neck and shoulders as she began to tremble, her body coiling for release. Killian nudged her legs wider apart and slid a third finger into her heat, curling them, seeing the spot that could make her see stars.
Emma inhaled sharply, knees aching on the hard ground as she rode his fingers. "Ah, ah, oh!" she cried, clutching him as she fell, practically quivering with pleasure. He knew her body well enough now to ease her down, arm tight around her waist as she shuddered with aftershocks. Killian murmured his love for her, kissing any patch of skin he could reach.
She sagged against him, momentarily dazed. Each high was different, but equally pleasurable. Killian lay her on her back, littering her flushed skin with kisses as he toyed with her hair. She opened her eyes and looked up at him, the lust not gone from his eyes. She smiled and reached for his hand, bringing it to her lips. She licked at the still damp fingers with a smirk playing at the corner of her lips. Killian felt his cock throb in response. "Emma..."
"What?"
"You make me crazy, like I need to have you."
"Soon. Then you can have me whenever you want."
He shook his head. "Don't give me such liberties, my love."
She pulled him down for a heated kiss. "I told you I wanted to lock us away." She spread her legs, sighing as he settled between them. She felt him, hard and heavy, against her sensitive flesh. "So close," she whispered.
Killian let out a pained groan. He was right there; with a little push she'd be his. He shuddered. "Fuck, this is hard."
"I know, I'm sorry." Emma kissed him apologetically. She moved her hips experimentally; the hard ridge of his cock rubbed right over her clit. "Gods yes."
"Emma?"
"Like before, right? Just move with me." She reached down and gripped his ass, encouraging him to move. He followed her lead, rocking his hips, rubbing himself through her slickness. He groaned out her name, the friction exactly what he needed. Emma pushed her hips up to meet him, finding a rhythm, more wetness coating his cock. They kissed and groped, hips grinding together, seeking climax. Killian suckled her breast; Emma keened loudly.
If anyone happened by they could hear plain as day what they were doing, even if they couldn't be seen. Emma was too far gone to care, a second orgasm building. Killian hitched her legs up under his arms, glancing down to where they touched intimately. He vowed that next time he'd been inside her slick heat, feel her squeeze his cock like she did his fingers.
"Look at us, love," Killian breathed, finding her eyes. They were drenched in lust and love, all of it for him. He was the only one who could make her feel like this. She followed his eyes, taking in the sight of his straining cock stroking her wet swollen flesh. Emma shivered, finding his hand and entwining their fingers.
"Killian, please," she begged, nails digging into his skin. "Fuck."
He nodded, increasing his pace, tilting his hips until he was grinding right on her clit. "So close, lass," he hissed, forehead hitting her shoulder. "Need to come so much."
"Me...too," she whimpered. "Right...fuck! Yes, yes, yes!" Killian felt her shudder, thighs quivering as she climaxed. A handful of strokes and he was there too, screaming her name as he spilled his seed across her stomach. He rode it out, Emma still shaking, until he collapsed, barely managing to roll away from her.
Emma panted for air, spent from two highs in relatively quick succession. Blindly, she groped for Killian's hand, finding it and giving it a squeeze. "You okay?"
He chuckled weakly. "Shouldn't I be asking you that?"
"I'm great." She turned her head to look at him, a joyful smile on her lips. "Breaking the rules is fun, isn't it?"
He brought her hand to his lips. "I get the feeling you make your own rules, princess."
"That's only fun if I have a partner."
"I will happily be said partner for the rest of my days, love." They enjoyed the sun on their bare skin for as long as they dared; they'd been gone for a while, Killian still fretted that someone would come looking for them. At length, Killian got Emma cleaned up; going for a dip in the river was far too risky, so he was forced to improvise. They redressed, sharing kisses, then packed up their luncheon.
Emma lowered the magical barrier and led them to their tethered horse. It was an idyllic afternoon; she wasn't ready for it to end just yet. She convinced him to take that stroll along the river before heading back to the palace. On the way back, Emma rode in front of him, content to doze in his arms.
Elsa rubbed her temples; she hoped she wasn't getting a headache. After breakfast with Liam, Emma, Killian, Anna and Kristoff, Liam had insisted Elsa tend to her kingdom for a few hours while he slept. She hadn't left his side for days, ignoring all state business. Liam was improving rapidly, even though he was still sleeping every few hours. The doctor assured them this was normal, the body replenishing the blood that had been lost. When Liam was awake, they spent hours talking, punctuated by long stretching of kissing. Elsa liked that. She thought she was getting better, very occasionally she was even bold. But Liam never complained, never bemoaned her lack of experience. He was patient and considerate and it warmed her heart.
Emma and Killian had disappeared shortly after breakfast; Elsa couldn't begrudge them wanting to be alone together. Everyone had been through trauma very recently; Elsa spent as much time with Liam as she could. It was liberating to not have to worry about her powers any longer. Emma had been right; being in control had freed her.
There was a sharp knock on the door, one Elsa recognized. "Come in, Anna!"
Her sister stepped through the door, closing it behind her. Elsa frowned but said nothing; it wasn't like Anna to be this subdued. "Elsa?"
"Anna, is something wrong?"
"No! Not wrong really. I was just hoping you had a minute?"
"Of course." She closed the book she had been examining; she'd been trying to look for precedent on how to handle the delicate Hans situation. She wasn't having any luck. "How is Kristoff?"
Anna blinked. "How did you...?" She shook her head. "Nevermind. He's fine. Kristoff is fine."
"You've been spending a lot of time with him."
"You've been spending a lot of time with Liam."
"True. But he's recovering." Elsa blushed. Nursing him wasn't the reason she stayed with him.
"It's okay, you know. You're happy, Elsa."
Elsa got up from the desk and moved to the window seat. Anna joined her. They used to sit there together as children and play as their father read to them, their mother answering correspondence or working on her sewing. At least, that's how it had been before the accident."I am happy, Anna. But I don't want to neglect you. Not ever again."
Anna covered Elsa's hand with hers. "Believe me, the last thing I feel is neglected, Elsa. We see each other every day! Breakfast is fun now."
Elsa laughed; it was quite the sight, with six of them gathered in Liam's room enjoying a meal together. They typically ate dinner as a group too; Elsa felt close to all of them. Except Kristoff. Her sister's friend was still figuring out where he fit. But Elsa liked him; he was good to Anna.
Still, Elsa knew it couldn't last. Emma would have to return home in a few weeks. Liam would go with her. Elsa wasn't sure when or if she'd see him again. And she would miss Emma terribly. She smiled bravely. "Somehow I doubt you came here to talk about food, Anna."
Anna glanced away, surprisingly shy. "Well, the thing is...I was hoping we could get Kristoff his new sled? The one I promised him when his crashed into the gorge. After the wolves attacked us."
"Yes, I remember. Anna, you're lucky you weren't killed."
"We are all lucky we weren't killed, Elsa! Between Hans and that Ian guy...ew."
"You're the one who was going to marry him," Elsa pointed out.
"I sang with him!" Anna screeched. "What was I thinking?"
Elsa bit back a laugh. "You were lonely. Believe me, I know how that feels."
Anna smiled knowingly. "Still, I'm sorry. I never meant to make you freak out like that."
"It wasn't just you. Emma warned me about not being in control, I just didn't know how. The point is we are all home and safe. Everyone we love." She looked at Anna pointedly, secretly hoping her sister would open up about Kristoff. It was obvious they were smitten with each other.
"I'm going to miss Emma when they leave. Things won't be the same around here."
"I know. Now you wanted to acquire a new sled?"
"Yeah, I had some ideas..." Anna rattled them off, describing precisely what she wanted. They talked about it, how much it would cost, etc., Elsa finally agreeing to give the necessary orders.
"Kristoff delivers ice, right?" Anna nodded, confused. "Well, I think in light of this new sled we could make him the official ice deliverer of Arendelle."
"Elsa, that's brilliant!" Anna hugged her tight. "You are the best sister ever."
"We'll see. Maybe you should go tell him?"
"Oh! Good idea!" They hugged again then Anna was off; Elsa was thrilled to see her sister so happy. She thought about going to check on Liam but surely he would still be asleep. Her Council was after her to make a decision on Hans and the Duke of Weselton; Elsa knew she couldn't put them off forever. She'd spend another hour searching then go check on her captain.
Elsa returned to the big desk and picked up another giant tome. It was almost too heavy for her. She pied open the dusty pages and started scanning for anything that looked applicable. She got so lost in the pages, she didn't hear someone slip through the partially open door.
Liam shut it behind him, smiling at Elsa. She still hadn't noticed him; she had a dark smudge of dust on her cheek, tendrils of hair falling from her plait. She was usually so put together and demure...well, except for those moments in his bed when his kisses had her undone. They hadn't done much; partly due to his injury, partly due to her relative innocence. But they were getting there. His favorite part of the day was waking up with her by his side.
He cleared his throat.
Elsa's crystal blue eyes snapped up; she nearly jumped out of her skin. "Liam! What on earth are you doing out of bed?!"
"May I not visit my Queen?"
She blushed. "I wouldn't let Emma's mother hear you say that."
"I'm sure Queen Snow would understand. She married for love."
Elsa smoothed some loose hair back. "Still, you should be in bed. Resting."
"I missed you. And I'm not an invalid." He walked over to her, heavy boots clunking on the hardwood floor. "I can only heed that bloody doctor for so long, Elsa."
"And what about me? What if I made it an order?"
He smirked, picking her up out of the chair and sitting her on the desk. She squealed and kicked, her eyes filled with laughter. "As you so helpfully pointed out, I don't answer to you, love."
Her fingers were curled around his forearms, eyes clashing with his. She loved the deep blue depths she found there. "Do you want to answer to me?"
Liam shivered and groaned. In her innocence, he was sure she didn't truly understand all the meanings of those words. "Perhaps one day, lass."
Elsa reached up and cupped his cheek. "I just want you to get better."
"I am. Or nearly so. Another week and I'll be good as new."
Elsa bit her lip. A week? She wasn't ready! "I understand."
Liam frowned, confused. "Elsa, I didn't say we were leaving just yet. Don't be sad."
"No, but you will have to go!" Elsa cried, surprised by her own vehemence. But the ache in her chest at the thought of him leaving was undeniable."Then what happens?"
"I have a duty to return Emma home, you know that."
She sighed. "I do. But I will miss you. More than I can say."
Liam kissed her brow. "I will think of you every moment, Elsa. But it won't be goodbye. Not forever."
"It won't?"
Liam shook his head. "Bloody hell, lass, do you really think I could just leave you? It nearly killed me to be the good sailor and stay here when you were in danger! No offense, love, but your kingdom be damned if anything happened to you!"
Elsa gaped, taken aback. She knew he loved her; he'd said it many times in the last few days. But she hadn't understood how much, especially when she'd given him so little. "Liam, I..." But she didn't know what to say.
Liam sighed, running his hand though his curly hair. He knew better than to rush her. He believed that she loved him, but she wasn't just some wench in a pub. She was the bloody Queen of Arendelle. "Apologies, Elsa. I didn't mean to scare you."
She smiled hesitantly. "You didn't, I just...I've been alone for so long...this is all new to me. I promise I'll do better."
Liam shook his head. "No, there's not a blessed thing wrong with you, love. I just...I love you so much I can't think straight. But I do want to come back as soon as I can to court you properly. If you wish."
"Really?"
"Aye. Killian's not the only one helplessly in love with a royal lass."
Elsa beamed. "I would like that very much, Captain. Until then..."
"I believe if Emma has her way, we'll be here for a few weeks yet. She's not very anxious to return home."
"I'm not ready to lose her either."
"We didn't get to celebrate your coronation properly, you know. I think a party or two could be an interesting way to past the time."
"I think I'd like that. I owe you a dance."
"I was not aware," he shot back cheekily.
"That's because I've just decided. I am the Queen."
He grinned. "Indeed you are." He tipped her face up and slanted his mouth over hers. Elsa gripped his forearms as he kissed her, she welcomed the now familiar slide of his tongue against hers. Liam groaned; she was soft and plaint, eager. She laid her hands on his chest; he was warm through the thin shirt. "Elsa..."
"Hmm?"
"May I?" His hand rested near her leg; her thigh peeked out of the high slit. She nodded. She'd only gotten a hint of what his hands felt like on her skin; she wanted more. Liam moved the heavy book and laid Elsa down flat on the desk. She pulled him down by his shirt, crushing his lips to hers, moaning when she felt his large hand creep up her thigh.
"Oh gods."
"Too much?"
"No, just...kiss me." Everything was alright as long as he was kissing her. Warmth pooled in her belly; her hips moved involuntarily. She was still getting used to her body like this; she hadn't known it could feel this good. The beginnings of an ache settled between her legs, increasing the higher Liam's hand rose.
Liam's lips ghosted over her jaw, down her elegant neck. Elsa appeared fragile and delicate but she was strong. She'd come through so much; Liam just wanted to take all her pain away and replace it with love and joy. He wanted to show her what it felt like to love someone as completely as he did her. He tried to control his arousal, but it was impossible. She was too gorgeous like this, spread out on the desk, lips kiss swollen, skin pale and soft.
"Liam?"
"I'm okay. I...bloody hell, love, trying to control myself isn't easy."
Elsa frowned, then her eyes lit up with understanding. "Oh."
"It's quite the dilemma, lass."
"Maybe if...we took things slow?"
"Anything for you, Elsa."
She grinned. "In that case..." She sat up and urged him into the nearby chair. Once he was settled she hiked up her skirt and climbed into his lap. "This better?"
He laughed dryly. "Not sure about better, but it's very welcome." He rested his hands on her hips, letting her kiss him. She nibbled on his lower lip, kissed along his jaw. She found a spot below his ear that made him moan; she liked that sound. His hands started to wander, sliding up under her dress. Elsa found his lips again, getting more and more comfortable with her own passion.
"Oh bloody hell!"
Elsa and Liam both jumped; Elsa letting out a little scream. She turned, face beet red, to find Emma and Killian standing in the doorway. Killian was looking anywhere but at them while Emma was grinning. "Um, hi!" she said cheerfully. "Are we, uh, interrupting?"
Liam groaned. Elsa was still blushing furiously. Emma thought it was cute. "No, we were just...talking?" Elsa stammered.
"Talking."
"We talk all the time, don't we, love?" Killian said, turning to Emma.
Emma smirked. "Yes, we do."
"Was there something you wanted?" Liam asked. Elsa was still in his lap; he was fairly certain she was the frozen statue now.
"Council meeting, mate," Killian said, still unable to look his brother in the eye. "They are asking for Elsa."
Elsa's heart sank. She completely forgot. "Right." Reluctantly, she stood; her legs shaking a little. Liam steadied her. "I know this is a bit awkward, but...I think we should all be there? Hans wronged all of us. I'd like to hear opinions."
Emma's face grew serious. "We can do that."
"Too right," Killian added indignantly. He wanted punishment for the wanker who tried to kill his brother. And conspired with another to kill the woman he loved.
"Can you give us a moment?" Liam asked.
Emma nodded. "Sure, we'll be outside."
Liam distinctly heard her giggle as they left. "You okay, lass?" he asked, stoking Elsa's arm. He was embarrassed to have gotten caught—how many times had his brother been in a similar position with Emma and not gotten caught? On second thought, Liam didn't want to know—but he was more concerned about Elsa.
She looked down at him, still a little red. "I'm okay. I can't believe that happened," she said breathlessly.
"It was my fault. Sorry."
"I'm not ashamed of you, Liam."
"I didn't say you were."
She turned and kissed him. "I love you. I was just...okay, embarrassed."
"That makes two of us, love."
"But how about we think of it as making up for lost time?"
He grinned. "I like the sound of that." He took her hand and together they headed for the Council chamber, picking up Emma and Killian on the way. Both couples entered the room hand in hand; Elsa looked around, almost daring any of her councilors to say anything. No one did. In fact, a few of them nodded at Liam respectfully. Killian knew his brother had earned their respect before the coronation crisis; it seemed to have increased following Hans' attempted coup.
Liam, Emma and Killian sat to the left of Elsa as she called the meeting to order. She was about to address the group when Anna and Kristoff came rushing in. "Wait for us!" Anna cried.
"Anna, you don't have to be here," Elsa said worriedly.
"He lied to me and tried to kill you," Anna pointed out. "I deserve a say."
Elsa exchanged looks with Liam and Emma; they both nodded. Anna took her seat to Elsa's right. There wasn't a seat for Kristoff, but he stood right behind Anna, glowering at people who were not family. Emma concealed a smile as a few of the councilors began to fidget.
Elsa returned to the task at hand. "You all know why we are here. Something must be done about Prince Hans."
"And the bloody Duke of Weaseltown," Liam added. He hadn't forgotten that a pair of the Duke's guards attacked Elsa, Killian and Emma. Judging by Killian's clenching jaw, he didn't either.
Elsa fought a smile. "Yes." She looked at one of the guards. "Bring him in."
There was a commotion and the disheveled Duke entered the room. His wrists were bound, his glasses slightly askew. "What is the meaning of this?" the little man screeched. "I demand to be released!"
"You should be in the dungeons with the rest of the filth!" Killian snapped, blue eyes blazing. It was the first time he'd seen the Duke since the coronation.
"You murdered one of my guards! I want justice! Murderer!"
"Your guard tried to kill us!" Emma said, standing up.
Elsa stood, her face hard. "Do you have anything to say in your defense, your grace?"
"I will not bow and scrape before a sorceress."
"Then I have no choice but to banish you from Arendelle forthwith, never to return. As well as severing all trade ties between Weselton and Arendelle. Are there any objections?"
No one did. Most looked ready to do bodily injury to the man who'd done nothing but stir up trouble and conspire to kill their Queen. But this was a duke, from a relatively small duchy. Prince Hans's crimes were more despicable. Elsa nodded curtly at the guards and they took the Duke away. His bellows of rage cut off the moment the door closed behind him.
Emma resumed her seat; Killian held her hand under the table. He could feel her outrage; it emanated from her in waves. He was just as upset, still he tried to soothe her, rubbing soft circles over the pulse in her wrist. She glanced at him and smiled a thank you.
Elsa shared a look with Liam before continuing. "Prince Hans has committed great crimes. He not only tried to kill me, but my sister. Tried to steal my throne. And," she looked at Emma and Killian, "conspired with someone else to murder a dear friend. He needs to be punished."
"But he's of the blood royal," one of the councilors piped up.
"So?" another countered. "He tried to kill the Queen! I saw it with my own eyes."
"He's a foreign prince," the first one said worriedly. "What if Prince Hans faces Arendelle justice and it triggers a war with the Southern Isles!"
"That's unlikely," Liam said calmly. "The Southern Isles is too far from Arendelle and has a lackluster navy, as my brother can attest."
Killian stood. "I've seen it with my own eyes. Less than a handful of ships, none of them as grand as anything here. They're a trading kingdom. War would be bad for their business."
"Are we trusting the word of foreigners?" a grouchy voice said.
"Lord Bole?" Elsa asked. "Is there something you wish to say?" He was one of Elsa's least favorite councilors, a relic from her grandfather's time. Her mother had loathed him as well.
"All due respect, your majesty, but it seems that trusting foreigners is what got us into this mess in the first place." He turned a beady eye to Anna, who blanched.
"Captain Jones and his brother are our guests," Elsa said firmly. "They are both highly respected officers in Misthaven's navy. Would you have us repudiate an alliance and friendship of more than twenty years because of one mad prince from another kingdom, Lord Bole?" Elsa's voice grew more impassioned as she spoke, the words pouring out of her. When no one spoke, she glared at the man. "Would you?"
Lord Bole seemed to shrink in on himself. "No, majesty. My apologies."
"Good." Elsa took a deep breath. "The question is do we send Prince Hans back to his family and trust them to deal with him or do we hold him in Arendelle to be judged and face punishment?"
"What about the conspirator?" someone piped up. "What's to be done with him?"
"He is formerly a member of my crew," Liam said. "He will remain in the brig until we return to Misthaven."
"I have no doubt my parents will ensure he is judged fairly," Emma added. "Then he will be punished in accordance with Misthaven's laws."
"And those are?"
"An attempt on the life of a member of the royal family is punishable by death," Liam said clearly.
That pronouncement only sucked the air out of the room for a few minutes. It didn't take long for arguments and debates over what was to be done to rage. Elsa sat and tried to focus on each; Liam snaked his hand behind her to gently rub the small of her back. Emma glanced at her friend, concerned. Her own personal inclination was to get Hans as far from Arendelle as possible, but he was dangerous. If they didn't punish him, who would stop him from attempting a coup somewhere else? He was still the youngest son of a small kingdom. He had nothing to inherit, therefore nothing to lose.
"What are you thinking?" Killian whispered in her ear.
"How I never want to see Hans again."
"This is pointless," he murmured. "All this debate when he should be punished. He tried to kill her, Anna, Liam. And you."
"Technically, that was Ian."
"Aye, but Ian was there because the bastard recruited him. Ian may have taken a shot at you sooner or later, but Hans was why he was there at that moment. Not to mention the fact that he stabbed my brother. I can't forgive that."
Emma squeezed his hand. "I'm okay. So's Liam. You don't have to forgive him, Killian. We just have to see justice done."
He sighed heavily. "Aye, I know, lass. I just don't trust his bloody family to do it."
"Neither do I."
"Emma?" Elsa asked, cutting through the din. "What do you think?"
"Hans's crimes were committed here. He should be tried here and punished, if convicted." There was a low murmuring. "However, his father, the King, should be informed. Let them send a representative for him if they wish."
Elsa thought about it. If she was being honest, she didn't trust Hans not to make more trouble if she simply banished him. There was a calculating coldness in him that she didn't like. He would hurt someone else if they didn't do something. She looked at Anna. "Anna?"
"Now see here!" Lord Boles cried. "The princess is little more than a child!"
Anna stood, scowling. Behind her, Kristoff was glowering."I am not a child!"
"My sister is of age," Elsa said coldly, cutting off Lord Boles' retort. "I want her opinion." She turned back to Anna. "Anna?"
"I agree with Emma. Hans should be tried here."
Elsa nodded. She looked to her chief councilor, Kai. "Kai, draft a report of Prince Hans's crimes for the King of the Southern Isles. I'll review it and we can send it with the evening tide." Elsa dismissed everyone and sank in to her high chair. Liam took her hand the moment the room was empty, save for family.
"Well done, love," he said softly, giving her a smile.
"I hate doing that," she replied, smiling at him gratefully.
"What is the old guy's problem?" Kristoff asked. "He seemed kinda uptight."
"He knew our grandfather," Elsa told him. "Mother suspected he had a problem with female rulers."
"I didn't know that," Anna said, surprised.
"I've been looking through some of her journals. There's a lot there I never knew either, Anna."
"That's just idiotic," Killian declared.
"In Misthaven, Mama had to change the law to ensure the succession," Emma reminded him. "Look what happened when Regina seized my mother's throne. If she hadn't changed it my brother would succeed instead of me." Emma wasn't especially enamored with being Queen, but she understood it was what she was meant to do. It would be a lot less scary with Killian by her side.
No one really wanted to talk about grouchy councilors or Hans so they headed back to Liam's room for dinner. Elsa insisted, even though Liam protested that he was fine. Killian suspected his brother of stretching the truth; he looked a bit pale and didn't have his usual energy. Liam needed a few more days rest before he was himself again.
Later, Killian closed Emma's door with a soft click. She locked it with magic before kissing him. It had been hours and she missed him. "Well, hello there, love," Killian said with a grin.
"Hi." She took his hand and pulled him to the chaise. She wasn't tired yet. In fact, she was still a little wound up from the Council meeting. They curled together in one of the big armchairs facing the fire. "This was a good day." She didn't want to talk about Hans.
Killian squeezed her waist. "Had a few surprises though."
His understanding of her warmed her heart. Emma giggled. "Like catching Elsa and Liam?"
He shuddered. "Aye. Never expected that."
"They seem happy."
"I believe they are. But I wouldn't want them catching us."
"Ashamed to be be seen with me?" Emma joked.
"Never, love. But the odds are we would be in a much more compromising position and I don't want anyone to see you like that except me."
"Plan on ravishing me somewhere in a palace, lieutenant?"
He groaned. "Bad form, lass. You're tempting enough as it is."
She raised her head. "Hmm, why don't you tell me."
He smirked, stroking her arm lovingly. "Or...I could just show you."
Emma grabbed his collar and pulled him down for a kiss. "Please do." She squealed happily as he picked her up and carried her to the bedroom, kicking the door closed behind him.