Hi, guys! It's me again xD
I don't know if you will love this or not, so please don't be mad at me xD
And sorry for the delay, but you guys know it take me like years to edit a long chapter. So, thanks for your precious patience.
Thanks again for your sweet reviews, you're so kind. It's always nice to read what you have to say. It doesn't matter if it's just one line or more. Thanks anyways :)
So, let's keep sailing ... ready for some drama? xD
Re-edited by my beta: ""LucyTheMarauder"
SPARKLE OF A NIGHT
Chapter 12. The Most Sparkling Of All Nights
The morning isn't different from the previous night. Captain Killian Jones only has room in his mind for the questions about Princess Emma and him.
His head tells him to get rid of her and maybe, just maybe ... another part of him doesn't want her to leave. Of course not! This is probably just a momentary feeling!
He needs to concentrate on more important things and then this sensation will disappear. And in any case, what sense would it make if he's nothing but an obstacle towards her freedom?
In order to find some peace of mind and forget everything, the Captain decides to focus his attention on other matters and the mission to find his brother Liam Jones.
Later …
Captain Killian Jones is on the aft deck, discussing some details with some of his sailors.
"What is your report, sailor?" Killian asks.
"Fortunately, the damage under the deck was slight, but we'll have to do some repairs, Captain," informs the man in front of him.
"Well, you can take care of it once we arrive to our destiny. Make sure the sailors help you and buy what is needed for the repair. I want it fixed as soon as possible," Killian Jones indicates.
"Yes, Sir," the sailor says humbly.
At that instant, the first mate walks over to them and joins the conversation. "I apologize for the interruption, Captain, but I must inform you that we will be ready to land in a few hours."
"Those are excellent news, sailor. Just make sure not to land in the harbor. Sail away from the bay and remain on the other side of the village. We better go unnoticed," Jones clarifies.
The first mate speaks again - completely confused. "I don't intend to disobey your orders, Captain, but … Is it there any particular reason to dock away from the port?"
"It's simple, sailor. There are men following this ship. We don't know whether they survived the attack of the other vessels or not. It's for safety," Killian explains.
"About the attack, Captain ... does that have something to do with the presence of the Princess aboard?" the first mate asks humbly.
"May I remind you that any matters concerning the Princess are only for King James and me to know?" Killian asks him, his tone serious but gentle.
"No, Sir," the man replies, humbly.
"Our duty is to take her home safely, and that's exactly what we'll do. It's everything you need to know. Is that understood?" Killian Jones asks him meekly.
"Of course, Captain. You're right. I apologize," the first mate responds.
Killian nods. "Good. Now retreat to your duties, sailor. We have a lot to do."
"As you command, Captain," the first mate says and retreats immediately.
At that precise moment, when Jones turns around to keep discussing with the other sailors, Princess Emma approaches him - from behind him.
She can't help but think about everything that happened the day before between the Captain and her, but hides her nervousness.
"Having a rough morning?" Emma asks, trying to be as nice as possible.
As soon as Killian turns to her, he remembers his dream - it makes him feel uncomfortable, but hides the feeling.
"Not rough, Your Highness, but there are always plenty things to do when a ship is about to land," Killian tells her, trying to be polite.
"So, we're almost there," Emma remarks relieved.
"Indeed. And once we get there, we can start our search," Killian points out, to not give more details in front of his sailors.
"Right. And about that ... could we talk in private, Captain?" Emma asks him kindly - to keep up the appearances in front of the sailors.
"Sure, Princess," Killian replies, while hiding his suspicious about what she wants to tell him.
Killian nods to his sailors and they retreat to their duties.
Then, the Princess and the Captain walk slowly toward the mast - away from prying eyes.
"Well? What is it that you want to tell me, Highness?" Killian says, with a mocking smile.
Emma is slightly nervous, but continues. "I ... I want to make a deal with you," she reveals.
"A deal? And what kind of deal would it be?" he asks, playing with the idea - but really intrigued for what she will say next.
"Well, it's pretty clear that this is hard. Neither of us want to be together for a single moment more and we both want to continue with our separate lives, so ..." Emma starts, trying to sound as kind as possible.
Somehow, those words hurt Killian in the depths of his heart. It's obvious: Emma doesn't want to be with him. She is the same Princess who played with him and the same woman who has never felt or will ever feel something real for him.
Killian grows very annoyed, but hides his feeling once again and straightens his back.
"So, what?" he hurries her, his tone very serious.
"The deal is that once we land, I'll help you find your brother Liam and then you let me go. You can leave me with a friend of mine, Princess Belle. Shouldn't be far from this realm," Emma declares, trying to sound confident.
In some strange way, Killian feels betrayed and disappointed by those words. They make his blood boil - Emma only thinks about leaving! That's all she cares about!
An enormous rage grows inside him.
"You know what? You can do whatever you want, Highness!" Killian states and leaves furiously.
Emma is shocked by his sudden change of mood.
'What was that about?' she asks to herself, out loud, completely confused.
The Princess grows very angry and retreats to her cabin.
In the meantime …
In an large open field - beside a farm - two knights in armor are duelling agitatedly in broad daylight.
One of the men, who is slightly shorter than his opponent, swings his sword, making the other man walk backwards to avoid the attack.
Then, the shorter man makes a complete turn and crosses his sword over his opponent - fiercely.
The taller one quickly frees himself and moves swiftly to a side, swings his sword and easily knocks the other to the ground.
Then he crouches over the other shorter man and places his sword in front of him to celebrate his victory.
The man in the ground takes off his helmet to catch his breath - his forehead covered a little bit in sweat.
"You won again, Your Highness," the young peasant farmer declares friendly, with a smile - while trying to regain his strength.
The tall man in armor takes off his helmet, revealing a handsome young man, with brown hair and black eyes.
"Then it seems someone we'll have to improve for next time, my friend," the young royal teases - the two men laugh at that.
The handsome man extends his hand to help the peasant to stand up.
At that instant, a black carriage approaches the field - gaining the attention of the two men.
A moment later, a man in fine clothes gets out of the carriage and starts to walk over to them.
"I finally found you, Prince," the man in fine clothes announces, and then bows.
"Well, you know how much I like to practice," the young handsome Prince comments.
"That I know, Your Highness. So I figured I could find you here ... with a peasant," the man points out, his tone a little dismissive at the end of his observation and looking at the peasant with a fake smile.
The peasant farmer lowers his gaze - ashamed.
"He's not a peasant. He's my friend, part of our people … and people is the strength of a Kingdom," the young Prince corrects him politely, while placing his arm over the peasant' shoulders.
"Of course, Your Highness. I apologize," the man says humbly - to hide his displeasure.
"Well? Any good reason to stop our practice?" the Prince asks kindly.
"Your Father the King has sent me to look for you," the man communicates.
"And here I thought my Father had finished with the nanny thing," the Prince says.
The young peasant laughs but covers quickly his mouth with a hand. The man in fine clothes looks at him in an unfriendly way.
"What does my Father want this time?" the young Prince asks.
"The King requests your presence at the castle, Your Highness. Both have a trip ahead," the man indicates.
"A trip? Where are we going?" the Prince asks.
"To the Kingdom of the Enchanted Forest, of course," the man replies. "The King wishes you to meet your future wife, Princess Emma."
The Prince looks briefly to his friend, then at the man.
"... Now I see my Father's rush," the Prince mentions wryly, after a sigh.
"I'm glad you mention it, Your Highness. We've been searching for you for days. The King needs to depart immediately. So please, come with me," the man in fine clothes says.
"Well, I guess we'll have to save this battle for later, my friend," the Prince comments politely.
The young peasant makes a bow. "Have a nice trip, Your Highness. I wish you find your future wife beautiful in your eyes."
"Thank you. I'll see you then," the Prince says kindly, and retreats with the man in fine clothes.
A few hours later ...
Captain Jones' ship finally reaches its destination - the vessel is strategically away from the shore.
Killian steps on deck after checking the damage of the ship. As soon as the sun envelopes him with its rays, his first mate approaches him.
"We've surrounded the village as you ordered, Captain. We're by the side of the forest," informs the first mate - as they pace on deck.
"Good. Now be sure to send the sailors to the village to buy what is needed to repair the ship and the supplies for the rest of our journey," Killian orders.
"It shall be done, Captain," the first mate assures.
"It could be dangerous for the sailors, so make sure to send them around sunset and remind them to be discreet," Killian indicates - as they keep pacing.
"I'll take care of that. And speaking of ... what exactly are we doing in this land, Captain?" the first mate asks - out of curiosity.
"Just something that King Midas needs to solve. He asked me personally to take charge of this, so I won't need your services, sailor," Killian assures him, politely.
"You're going alone, Captain?" the first mate asks surprised.
"I'll be fine, sailor," Killian Jones replies kindly, looking back at him - and keeps walking.
"But you said it yourself, it could be dangerous," the first mate starts, genuinely concerned for him, while following him. "Let me go with you."
Captain Jones stops pacing on deck and turns to him.
"I appreciate your concern, sailor. I really do, but I need you here to take charge of the ship and take care of the Princess while I'm gone," Killian explains.
"Is she aware of this, Captain?" the first mate asks.
Killian feels a little uncomfortable, but manages to hide the truth. "... I told the Princess that I had to attend some duties before I take her home. She has no problem with it and besides it won't take me long, sailor."
The first mate nods.
Captain Jones cannot help the terrible feeling of lying to his crew - actually the truth is, Princess Emma hasn't left her cabin all day after their little fight in the morning.
Either way, he continues. "And as I've told you, those men could be still following us. I don't want to leave the ship alone, nor to put the Princess life at risk. Can I count on you for that, sailor?"
The first mate nods. "Absolutely, Captain."
"All right, then I'll walk up the hill through the woods and finish with this mission before it's too dark. Now go and prepare the boat, sailor," the Captain demands politely.
"Yes, Captain," the first mate utters, and then retreats.
Meanwhile ...
At the Enchanted Forest's castle, King James is sitting in his office, trying to solve some of the Kingdom's issues.
He lets the papers on his desk and sighs - unable to concentrate.
At that instant, one of his guards knock on the door.
"Come in," the King says, rubbing his forehead.
"Your Majesty," the guard greets, and bows.
"What is it?" King James asks.
"It's about the Princess," replies the guard, his tone serious.
The King rises immediately from his seat.
"We just received a message from Robin Hood, my King," reports the guard, holding out a piece of paper.
The King takes the paper and reads it immediately.
King James looks up at him - his face reflects great concern and anguish. "I must leave today."
Hours later ...
Captain Killian Jones is standing on deck, looking through his spyglass toward the woods - the sun is about to descend in the sky.
"Is this the place?" Princess Emma asks him, her voice delicate - while walking toward him.
Killian turns to her, surprised - he hadn't talk to her during the whole day and he was thankful for that: she is the last person he wants to see right now.
"What are you doing here?" he asks, his tone annoyed.
Emma approaches him.
"I told you I'd help you to find your brother," she explains.
"I can do this by myself, Highness. And besides, you don't need to honor any deal. I said you can do whatever you want," Killian tells her, clearly irritated by her presence.
He turns his back to her and looks towards the woods.
"I'll go with you anyway," Emma affirms - and adds, with a gentler tone - "It's the least I can do for you."
Killian turns to her - skeptical.
"I-I have to admit that you've helped me," Emma says, while lowering her gaze - and adds, with her tone very serious, looking up at him again - "And I'll free you from this duty today."
That last statement is enough to make the Captain look at her completely angry - it's clear the Princess is nothing but an arrogant ungrateful woman who doesn't plan to change her mind either.
The tension intensifies between them.
Killian is about to say something when - luckily - the first mate approaches them.
"I apologize for the interruption, Captain, but your boat is ready," the first mate informs.
Emma gives Killian a challenging look - her stubbornness is clear.
"Good, because the Princess is coming with me," Kilian announces, holding her gaze and doing his best to hide his anger.
"I thought you said she'd be safer on board, Captain," the first mate comments, very confused.
Killian looks at him. "Follow my orders, sailor."
Emma smiles triumphantly - behind his back.
"Yes, of course, Captain," the first mate says.
"I really hope Your Highness don't get hurt while walking up the hill," Killian points out, looking at her - to make her understand that could possibly happen to her delicate self in such hard territories.
"That won't be a problem at all, Captain," Emma assures him, looking into his eyes, with a fake smile - letting him know she will go with him anyways.
The first mate extends a hand to the Princess in courtesy to escort her to the boat. "Follow me, Your Highness."
Emma gives the Captain a last glance and then retreats with the sailor.
Killian turns to the woods and furiously hits the the railing of the ship.
At sunset, with the sky painted with pinks, purple and orange colors …
Princess Emma and Captain Killian Jones get on a boat - with the enough sailors to help them row to the shore.
As soon as the Captain and Princess get off the rowboat, they begin their journey together up the hill - through the huge leafy trees and the beautiful pines; with the company of the sound of the nature.
While they go up the hill, they don't share a single word - but at times, they look at each other - secretly. The silence is their faithful companion.
After several minutes, the sky begins to darken and Princess Emma starts to get tired from the walk of the slight uphill.
His eyes look at her, then at the path still ahead.
"I assume Your Highness regret coming," Killian insinuates wryly, his tone playful, breaking the silence between them.
"Not for a moment, but it's a different story when you do this wearing a dress," Emma points out, her tone slightly annoyed, while lifting slightly the skirt of her simple dress - walking a few steps behind him.
"I'm sorry, I have never tried one of those," Killian comments sarcastically.
Emma rolls her eyes.
They keep walking a little more, but Emma gets delayed. Killian stops and turns to her.
"Are you sure you don't want to wait here? Because at this rate, those men will find us before we even get to the top," Killian comments, annoyed - holding an oil lamp in his hand.
"I'm fine. I just don't understand why everything has to be at night," she answers wryly, walking closer.
"Don't you know, Highness? Some things get more ... interesting at night," Killian tells her mockingly.
Emma rolls her eyes - as she keeps walking - but Killian simply chuckles.
Suddenly, she takes a wrong step, but before she falls on the ground, Killian rushes to her side to help her.
"Are you all right?" Killian asks, genuinely worried for her, looking into her eyes - unaware of the change in his voice.
Emma quickly takes his hands off of her.
"Yeah, I'm fine," she assures him, annoyed.
Then she starts walking again - leaving Killian behind.
He stares at her suspiciously, but follows her anyways.
"Tell me something, Highness," Killian starts, his tone casual - as he walks just behind her.
"What?" Emma asks, with her eyes straight ahead.
Killian stops in the middle of the road and so does Emma when she doesn't hear his steps - she turns around to face him.
"Why are you so mad at me?" Killian finally asks - boldly; out of curiosity.
Her anger grows at that instant - This can't be true! He can't be more cynical!
She looks at him intensely. "Any ideas?"
He starts to walk lazily toward her - the oil lamp in his hand swings with each step.
"Well, if I remember correctly, I haven't done anything other than saving your life, Highness," Killian responds casually, completely sure of his words.
"Yeah, men only remember what's best for them," Emma states wryly and angrily.
With that, she keeps walking.
"I assure you, Highness, there are certain events of my life I'd rather not remember," Killian implies, his tone slightly sarcastic.
"Like what?" Emma asks him infuriated - as she turns to him once more.
"Well, I remember the first time I saw you again, in the outsides of your castle," Killian starts, while walking slowly towards her. "You slapped me, and since then you have made it clear that my presence bothers you."
Emma feels uncomfortable when Killian finally stops in front of her.
"Why's that?" Killian asks, very intrigued.
An enormous anger and resentment raises up within her, but she manages to control herself.
"Certainly not for the same reason you are. Tell me ... what have I done to you, Captain?" Emma asks him firmly, looking into his eyes.
Killian is surprised - the Princess is a really smart woman: he hasn't said anything during all this time, but she is very aware of his hostility towards her.
They both stare at each other as a silence falls between them.
He is about to open his mouth when he looks briefly to his right - there are finally some cottages on-site.
"Looks like we got to the right place, Princess," Killian indicates, his tone serious - hiding his anger within. "We better hurry."
In the meantime …
At the Enchanted Forest's castle, King James is in his office, packing the rest of his belongings when Queen Snow enters the room.
"Are you packing again?" Snow asks, surprised.
"Yes, darling. So far I had postponed my trip for respect and consideration to Princess Abigail, but I can't sit here and do nothing. I'll take my men and get my daughter back," King James affirms, without looking at his wife.
"And you'll leave me here with her?" Snow asks, a little overwhelmed with the idea.
"Yes, why? Is there a problem?" he asks innocently - finally looking at her.
"She has helped us and I'll always be grateful for it, but don't you think it will be a little awkward? I mean, she was … your fiancée after all," she explains.
"Are you … jealous?" the King asks.
"Of course not! I have a missing daughter. I don't have time to worry about that!" Snow defends, outraged.
Although, King James doesn't believe her, he doesn't say anything about it. Instead, he walks toward his wife and takes her hands into his.
"You two will be fine," King James affirms tenderly. "And perhaps attending Abigail before she leaves will help you to take your mind off of this."
"Are you sure you're not taking advantage of her presence to keep me in the castle?" she asks - already knowing the answer.
"I'll be in touch, I promise. I don't want to leave you Snow, but I'm not planning to stay here and do nothing. Not after what Abigail said ... and the message Robin Hood sent me this afternoon," the King comments worriedly.
"A message? What did it say?" Snow asks - hopeful.
"Robin Hood and his merry men had a battle at the seas with two vessels, which also were following Captain Jones' ship," the King discloses.
"Then they found them," Snow points out, slightly relieved - referring to her daughter and the Captain. "But why did Robin Hood and his men attack those ships?"
The King remains silent - he'd rather to not alarm his wife, but just looking into her eyes, he knows she won't stop until she gets the truth.
King James sighs and finally reveals, "Those vessels attacked Captain Jones' ship. Robin Hood and his merry men had no other choice than to help the Captain ... even if it meant that he would escape with Emma once again."
Snow places a hand on her mouth - with an oppression in her chest and a deep pain in her heart; her eyes are about to cry, but she manages to stay calm.
"Do you have any idea where you're going?" the Queen asks, her voice barely above a whisper - worried for him and devastated with the situation.
"If the Captain can't go back to his kingdom as we thought he would, then perhaps he will go with his brother Liam .… or not," King James replies, his tone dejected at the end of his speculation.
The King shakes his head slightly and continues - placing his hands on her arms. "That's why I have to find Liam Jones. Perhaps, he can tells us where to find his brother."
"Are you sure he will help us?" Snow asks.
"Well, we still don't know if he's is involved in this with his brother. But I'll get him and if he doesn't want to cooperate, I have other methods to make him speak," King James assures her.
Snow gives him a disapproving look, but suggests, "And what if Liam Jones doesn't know anything of this?"
"Then it won't do any good, I know. I'm doing everything I can," the King tells her, feeling powerless and frustrated.
"I know," Snow utters tenderly and hugs him.
At that moment, Princess Abigail enters the office - the Queen and King break apart from their hug.
"I didn't mean to pry, or interrupt you, but I couldn't help overhearing you speaking of Captain Liam Jones ... you might not find him that easily," Princess Abigail mentions.
The Queen and King look at each other, then at her.
"What do you mean?" Snow asks her, alarmed.
"Do you know something else that you didn't tell us?" the King asks.
"Indeed, I do," Abigail replies, with a sad tone. "We haven't received a word from Captain Liam Jones since his last mission. And from what we have heard from other sailors ... it is possible that he and his crew wrecked in the seas."
Meanwhile ...
Princess Emma and Captain Killian Jones walk out one of the cottages after a long talk with a peasant - unfortunately, Liam wasn't in the village, but the man had very valuable information about him.
They take the same path down the hill - trees and pines are in the corners of the road and the most starry night is in the sky.
"This was a such a waste of time," Emma comments dissapointed.
"At least we know where Liam is now. I've been there before. It won't take us long to get there," Killian points out, trying to be optimistic - the oil lamp forgotten due to the clarity of the night.
"Well, good luck with that," Emma says, standing in the middle of the road.
Killian stops and turns to her.
"What? You're not coming?" he asks innocently.
"I thought you said I could do whatever I wanted," Emma tells him wryly.
Killian grows angry at her words - there is no time for this!
"And you insisted to help me in finding my brother first," he affirms, as kind as he can - once at her side.
"A woman can change her mind," she simply defends, with a defiant tone and a satisfied smile - clearly enjoying the moment.
Killian sighs deeply - to calm himself down.
He's sick of her and this whole situation, but he knows that if he wants to get out of this mess, she has to stay with him til they find his brother Liam. That way, they can explain to him the problems they're into and thus, he and his brother can think of a way to finally take her home.
"I promise I'll leave you with your friend, Princess Belle, if you come with me," Killian says - doing his best to be kind.
Emma looks firmly into his eyes. "Unfortunately for you, I don't believe in your promises anymore, Captain," she declares.
Killian is sure that the Princess is insinuating something else with those words, but before he can speak his mind, voices are heard not too far from them.
Both quickly look toward the noise that comes from the village' road.
"Could be the men, quick!" Kilian exclaims, grabbing her arm to hide out behind the trunk of a tree.
The voices are clearer: the burly men who were following them are walking up toward the cottages; surely looking for them.
Killian doesn't take his eyes off of the men - as they pass.
"I think I recognize some of them. Somehow they survived the attack and knew we were coming here. We have to go back to the ship and get out of this land," he whispers.
He finally turns to look at Emma ... but she. isn't. there.
"Highness?" Killian whispers - looking around him.
Killian grows really furious.
Is it remotely possible that the Princess had the selfish and thoughtless idea of running away in a moment like this?
After all he has done for her during all this time and her ungrateful response, he should leave her in this place, get away while he can and get his life back!
Nevertheless, he would never abandon a lady in danger, right? Even if said lady is possibly an arrogant and clumsy one.
On the other hand, she could succeed this time and escape from these men ... Who is he kidding? Of course she's terrible when she tries to run away!
What is she thinking? Why didn't she wait until they find his brother Liam? Why didn't she wait for him to leave her with her friend?
The Captain's hands turn into fists.
She has the strange habit of driving him completely insane and make everything more complicated!
She is certainly the most stubborn, selfish, cruel and ... and the most beautiful and fascinating Princess he has ever met!
"Ugh, not again!" Killian says angrily, completely tired - and runs after her.
A few moments later ...
Princess Emma runs through the woods as fast as she can - her heart races with each step; her body weakens.
She sighs very relieved and continues - this time walking slower - when she finally distinguishes the seaside, meters away from her.
Tall pines are surrounding her, the green grass is under her feet and above her head, the sky is brightening with its stars like the most sparkling of all nights.
Emma keeps walking, when the skirt of her simple dress suddenly gets stuck on a branch.
She quickly crouches down to realise the fabric, but when she gets back on her feet, a pair of warm arms come around her - holding her firmly; a cold dagger is pressed against her throat.
With a familiar warmth pressed against her body, she knows exactly who that is.
"You have to stop doing that!" Emma demands angrily - as her heart beats even faster.
"And you have to stop running away, Highness. Don't you think this was the worst time to do just that?" Killian whispers in her ear, his tone serious.
"I had to try and I'll keep doing it until I get what I want," Emma threatens.
Killian moves closer to her face - while still holding her firmly against his chest. "I told you I'd take you with your friend and that's what I intend to do. I assure you, Highness, I don't like the idea of running after you every time you do this."
"Well, if you hate me so much, why did you come for me?" Emma asks irritated - as she tries to free herself, but fails miserably.
"I just did it because I felt sorry that you could be captured by those men. And besides, you promised to help me to find my brother. Why didn't you honor that?" Killian asks her, his tone changing to an angry one at his question.
"I guess I learned from the best, Captain," Emma remarks dismissively - hurt and resentful.
Killian doesn't understand what she's insinuating, but one thing he is sure of is he can't tolerate her sarcastic comments anymore - he is really sick of this! He has nothing to do here!
With his resolution made, Killian releases her away from his grasp.
"Fine! Then go away! But I never was here with you!" Killian shouts frustrated.
"I never asked you to!" Emma alleges - and insinuates, wryly. "And besides, I'm used to it!"
Killian can't help but think there's something more behind those simple words, but he doesn't care. Not anymore.
"Come on! Get lost in the woods! I won't be there to help you this time!" he shouts, while pointing her the depths of the forest with a finger.
"I didn't expect you to save me!" Emma clarifies sarcastically.
Killian feels his blood boil - he's going to explode: no turning back.
He approaches her quickly.
"You know what? You're nothing like your parents! They are humble and good people. Something you know nothing about!" Killian states furiously, while looking into her eyes - finally speaking his mind: she's not even a shadow of what he found in her parents.
Her rage increases - how can he say something like that? Humility and goodness? He doesn't even know what those are! He doesn't know her! He doesn't know what she has been going through!
In the heat of the moment, she moves closer to him - her face a few inches away from his; her fury finally bursts.
"Oh, yeah? Do you think someone who force their daughter to marry a man she doesn't love is good?" Emma asks him very angry, looking firmly into his blue eyes - with a bitter feeling in her heart.
His expression changes immediately.
"What?" Killian asks, his voice barely above a whisper - as he tries to process those words; suddenly nothing makes sense.
"You know, I don't have time for this. I can do what I want. I'm a Princess and you're just ... a Captain," Emma tells him scornfully.
His rage returns to him with those words.
Emma starts to walk toward the seashore, but Killian pulls her firmly by her arm.
"Yes, I'm a Captain, but I have some news for you, Highness. I rather be myself than someone like you: cruel, selfish and cynical!" Killian tells her aggravated.
"How dare you talk like that to a Princess?" Emma asks him, outraged - as she frees herself from his grasp.
"Oh, so now you want to be treated like a Princess, don't you?" Killian insinuates sarcastically.
"What is that supposed to mean?" she asks insulted, looking straight at him.
"Please, everyone in your kingdom knows, don't they?" Killian remarks, wryly - moving away from her.
"I don't know what you mean!" Emma defends.
Killian moves closer - standing mere inches from her face - and looks intently into her hazel eyes.
"I'm aware of your games ... Princess," Killian reveals bitterly - resentful.
"What games? I don't even know what you're talking about!" Emma insists - and turns to leave.
And finally, before she keeps walking away from him, the Captain takes the courage to say what lies in the depths of his broken heart.
"You played with me!" Killian shouts, his voice full of sadness - his heart heavy.
Emma stops, turns around and stares at him - can he irritate her even more?
She walks over to him determined - closing the distance between them.
"How can you be so cynical and make all that up?" Emma asks him, looking firmly into his eyes.
"Unfortunately, you know I'm not making this up," Killian remarks, his tone a little bit sad - his heart in pain; his face reflects angriness.
Her fury increases.
Emma moves nearer. "Do you know how it feels to wait more than eight months for someone who will never come back?" she asks painfully.
"Did you really expect me to get back so you could keep making fun of me?" Killian retorts incredulously.
"Why would I make fun of you?" Emma asks him incredulously and very confused.
"Because that's what you are, right? You-you play with men's feelings and then you expect the world to praise you for it!" Killian explains, taking a step back - resentful; he can't keep any of this inside of him anymore.
"What feelings? You promised to come back and you didn't do it!" Emma reminds him.
Killian takes a step closer - not paying attention to what she says, in the heat of the moment.
"I offered you my heart and you just wanted to have fun like you did with the other men, right?" Killian asks her painfully, his heart aching and his eyes about to cry - and finally declares, furiously - "Before you marry the Prince of the North? Did you forget to tell me?"
Her face suddenly changes.
"… Where'd you get that?" Emma asks shocked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"It doesn't matter!" Killian replies upset - not wanting to give it more importance.
"Where?" Emma demands angrily.
He can't believe she's asking for explanations after all she did to him, but responds anyways, "In the village, the night of your birthday. I went to an inn and an old man told me the truth."
Emma cannot believe what he says - Is this even real?
"An old man?" she asks - her voice affected by this confession.
"Are you going to tell me that that's not true?" Killian asks angrily.
Emma looks at the ground - feeling sad, as she remembers the truth.
"No, it is true. I'm engaged," Emma replies - and clarifies quickly and firmly - "But like I said, it's an arranged marriage! I don't love him!"
And right there, what she says starts to make sense - Isn't that why she wants so badly to escape from her family, her kingdom and the Princess' duties? Why would she run away if she agrees to this marriage? Killian is not longer sure of anything.
A silence follows as she stares at him - the tears about to come out from the corners of her eyes.
"You met an old man in one night and you just believed every word he said?" Emma asks him, her voice breaking, looking at him - hurt and betrayed.
His heart sinks at her words - all his anger, bitterness and pain fall to pieces in the ground at that instant. Does he realize something?
Everything is clear to Emma: He never kept his promise because he trusted someone else over her.
Killian remains in shock - no words come out of his lips, he can't.
Emma nods - understanding he won't give her an answer.
"I'd better go," she announces, her tone very sad, turning around to leave - before she can't hold back her tears anymore.
At that instant, he reacts and grabs her arm gently.
"Emma, wait!" Killian tells her tenderly - calling her by her name for the very first time since they meet again.
He doesn't know what to do, or what to think. He cannot even speak - it has been too much information in so little time.
"Why-why didn't you tell me about the arranged marriage?" Killian manages to say.
"It doesn't matter anymore. I have to go," Emma mentions - freeing from his grasp and turning to walk away from him.
Killian stares at her as she goes - as he tries hard to put in order his thoughts.
"No, please wait!" he says desperately.
Emma stops and turns to him.
"I-I told you the truth ..." Killian starts, but she interrupts him.
"I don't have time for this. Just go," Emma tells him - very sad and tired of this battle between them.
She turns around to leave once again - all she wants is to get out of that place once and for all - but at that moment ... he realizes something: This can't end this way. He has to do something!
"No, I won't," Killian declares.
Emma turns to him surprised - standing a few steps away from him.
"I never lied to you. I offered my heart to you because what I felt for you was real. I promised to come back ..." Killian starts tenderly.
"And you didn't do it," Emma interjects - heartbroken.
"Yes, but … only because I thought you didn't care about me, that I was just a game for you. You were engaged. Why would I come back?" Killian explains her.
And right there, for the first time what he says makes sense.
Emma only stares at him, unable to move.
"When I thought you had lied to me, I promised myself I would never remember you ... but I couldn't. I thought about you every day!" Killian reveals, his voice breaking, tiny tears escape from the corner of his blue eyes.
She notices the sincerity of his words and cannot help but feel miserable - she looks down at the grass, then at him; her heart heavy.
"And when the eight months went by, all I wanted was to believe it was all a lie! I wanted to turn my ship around and come back to you!" Killian discloses, his voice broken - then he lowers his gaze; a hand turns into a fists to regain some control over himself.
Emma can't hold the tears any longer so she lets them fall and run down her cheeks - her heart is aching.
"I had feelings for you, Emma ... I still do!" Killian finally expresses, with all the love of his heart.
Her heart squeezes by those words so she lowers her gaze to let out a few more tears. Then she looks back to him.
"And I know it because … since the moment I saw you again and seeing you now standing there ... all I want to do is kiss you!" Killian reveals painfully, his voice completely broken - with what is left of his strength.
A silence follows between them as he lowers his gaze to hide his tears.
She doesn't move, but stares at him - with tears running down her cheeks; her heart suddenly changes.
"... I lied," Emma confesses, her voice breaking.
Killian looks up at her immediately.
"Not to you ... but I lied," she clarifies.
Killian doesn't understand what she means by that, but keeps staring at her.
"I didn't want to get married, so I asked my parents for an opportunity to find someone else … But I lied when I said I didn't meet anyone that night," Emma starts - referring to the moment they meet for the very first time.
Emma continues - tears keep falling freely from her hazel eyes: the ones she held during all this time … until now. "And I didn't need to know how a man and a woman are supposed to meet each other either."
Killian tilts his head slightly to the left - reading her.
"I lied because I was afraid ... afraid of what was happening. I didn't understand why, but I lied when I said I didn't made a decision, Killian ... but I did," Emma finally confesses, her voice completely broken - to let him know she had chose him; tears run down her face.
A little smile appears on his face. And then, Killian approaches her slowly - closing the distance between them.
Emma looks up at him and their eyes meet - they look at each other as they haven't done in a long time; their hearts beat faster, but Killian is sure …
He leans in little by little, and then closes his eyes. And finally - after so long - Killian kisses Emma tenderly, with all the love of his heart.
She responds to the kiss immediately - without hesitation.
Their lips meet slowly, while Emma places her hands on his sides.
Killian deepens the kiss and places his hands on her back to hug her.
With that, their lips start to meet urgently. Soon, both of them get lost in their kissing as it becomes passionate.
Emma suddenly hugs him tighter, looking for his kisses - she just wants to kiss him, nothing else matters!
Killian responds to her - forgetting everything around him; he can't believe she is in his arms again!
He strokes her blond hair, while she places her hands around his neck. Then, he cups her face into his hands while they kiss - it's been a long time and they wanted this from the very start.
"I missed you, Emma. I missed you so much," Killian whispers tenderly, between each kiss.
"I missed you too, Killian," Emma reveals, and kisses him again.
With every kiss and gentle caress, they feel something changing inside of them. All that pain and sadness covered with hatred dissipates easily into the air. All that remains is a deep and genuine feeling for one another.
Killian cannot stop kissing her - tenderly and passionately. He has dreamed with this every night for over a year.
Emma can't either - and she doesn't even want to stop. She doesn't have to hide her feelings for him, not anymore.
Now they know the truth and there is no turning back. He doesn't need to say he's sorry, and she doesn't need to hear anything else.
Finally, the kiss comes to an end as they need to breathe - their foreheads pressed together; a happy smile on their faces: this can't be happening, but even so, this is not a dream ... it's real.
"What now?" Emma whispers - without being able to hide a smile and a little ashamed by the turn of events.
At that instant, Killian gets back to reality, but tries to remain calm. He places a hand on her cheek and looks at her - something is different in their eyes: they sparkle again like the stars in the sky.
"I think … I think we need to get you back to your parents," Killian tells her - secretly afraid he might lose her again.
"No, I can't. The marriage is official. My Father cannot retract on his word," Emma informs him anxiously - afraid they might take her away from her Captain once again.
Killian notices the anguish in her voice - she's being serious.
He looks at her - thinking - while he tries to stay calm in front of her - the simple thought of not being able to hold her in his arms makes his heart ache.
A light in his eyes suddenly changes everything.
"Then we will find a way ... we'll find a solution together," Killian affirms, reassuringly - as he remembers the words of his brother Liam.
Emma smiles at his words.
A silence follows between them.
Killian stares at her - a bit nervous, but hopeful.
"Until we find a way to solve all of this and you get back to your parents … Would you run away with me, Emma?" he asks her - wishing she decides to stay with him and not with her royal friend.
Emma giggles at the irony of the situation, but smiles.
"Yes," she replies immediately.
Killian smiles - feeling immensely happy - and without further hesitation, he gives her a sweet kiss.
Emma blushes and sighs.
"I think we should go," she whispers.
Then she takes his hand into hers and starts to walk away - to return to the ship - but Killian pulls her toward him.
"Wait," he tells her, and then hugs her.
Emma looks at him - very confused.
"Once we get back to the ship, we must stick to the previous plan ... perhaps, we should take our time," he suggests - while caressing her cheek tenderly.
She blushes.
"Even when those men could appear at any moment?" Emma asks him, with a flirty smile.
"... Even then," Killian replies, looking lovingly into her eyes, and then happily kisses his beloved Princess once again.
Hope you liked this! xD If you did, you can leave a comment in the box below!
Any reactions? Were you expecting them to be together again? Did you want to wait a little more for that? What do you think about Liam and the new Prince? Let me know what you're thinking, feeling ... etc? Any thoughts? Read ya next time, guys! :)