Every King Needs a Queen
Chapter 19: The gown
Emma shivered slightly from the cold air as they walked through the forest. Even though Killian's arms around her gave her some warmth, the air from the cold night still hung around her. Killian had already placed a blanket around her to cover her up - the wedding gown didn't give much protection from the rain - but she was still cold. It was like she wasn't able to heat up anymore.
Killian noticed Emma's shiver and frowned. "Are you still cold, love?"
Emma nodded, "Yes, I am. But it's nothing to worry about."
Killian didn't listen though and immediately pulled her closer to his chest, hoping to provide some warmth. "There is a small tavern 20 minutes from here. We'll stop there so we can have some rest."
Emma nodded in relief, she didn't know how much longer she would be able to stand the cold. Aside from that, she really wanted to get rid of the wedding gown which clung on her body in an uncomfortable way. Snuggling closer to Killian's chest, Emma closed her eyes, feeling tired all of the sudden.
As promised, they arrived at the tavern roughly 20 minutes later. Killian gently shook Emma's shoulders to wake her up. She woke up with a start, it seemed that she had gone into a deep sleep already. Helping her off the horse, Killian held Emma close to him, seeing that she was still shivering.
They entered the tavern and an old lady came out to check in her guests. "I only have 3 rooms left." Killian looked around, counting 7 guards. It would seem that the guards would have to share a room together.
"Would you mind sharing a room with me?" Killian rubbed his ear in embarrassment. "That way, the seven guards wouldn't have to share one room together."
Emma had to hold in a laugh as she saw how embarrassed Killian was. She nodded in approval, she would feel bad for the guards anyway if they had to try to share a bed with 7 people. And she didn't really care anyway, all she wanted to do was getting out of the dress and getting under the warm covers until day broke out again.
Killian paid the woman for the 3 rooms and asked if they could borrow a nightgown for Emma. She suggested that they head out to the dressmaker next door, saying that she would be happy to help, even if it was nearly eleven at night.
Emma and Killian made their way to the dressmaker the old lady suggested and knocked on the door. It took the woman only two minutes to open up the door for them, ushering them inside. The wind was howling and Emma was glad they decided to stay at a tavern. It would not have been a pretty sight to ride on horseback to the palace in this weather.
"Congratulations." The dressmaker said, pointing to Emma's dress when they both gave her a confused look.
"Oh, no, we didn't…" Emma started but was cut off by Killian who asked for a nightgown and a warm day dress for Emma. Emma's cheeks heated up.
"I have this nightgown right here. It's perfect for the colder weather." The lady held up a white nightgown, it looked really comfortable. Emma nodded her head in approval.
"I'll be right back with a day gown." The dressmaker went to the back of the little store, leaving Killian and Emma alone. Emma walked around the store, taking in the different colors of the beautiful gowns. It truly was a paradise for everyone who enjoyed buying nice clothes, she knew Ruby would love it here too. Some of the gowns were as beautiful as the gowns the royal dressmaker made, if not even better. A red gown with a sweetheart neckline covered in small diamonds caught her attention and she ran her hands over the fabric. The dress felt soft and delicate in her hands. Emma was so engrossed in the dress that she was oblivious to the fact that Killian had been watching her this whole time.
They both turned their attention back onto the dressmaker who came back with a light blue dress that would be perfect to wear during their trip back to the castle. As Emma went to try on the dress in the back of the shop, Killian made his way towards the red gown Emma was eying earlier, it truly was a beautiful dress.
"Need something special for you bride?" The dressmaker asked, suddenly standing beside Killian, almost making him jump in surprise. He had been so engrossed with the dress that he didn't hear the woman creeping up on him.
"She isn't my bride." Killian scratched behind his ear, his ears turning slightly pink.
"Yet." The woman winked knowingly. "This would look perfect on her."
"It will." Killian nodded in approval.
"Do I need to wrap it in?"
"Yes, please. Don't show it to her yet, though. It's a surprise."
"Sure thing!" The dressmaker took the dress from its place and went to the desk where she kept her money and packed all the dresses in. She packed the dress in with great care, obviously very proud of her work. Then, she took the nightgown Emma would be using for the night and wrapped that up as well.
A few minutes later Emma came out from the changing room, holding the dress in her hands, again wearing the now torn and dirty wedding gown. "It fits." Sha handed the warm gown to the woman and smiled up at Killian.
"That will be 30 silver coins." Emma's eyes bulged, not wanting Killian to spend this much coins on a simple gown and a nightgown.
"Wait, why are there 3 packages?" Emma asked curiously, looking over to Killian for an explanation.
"It's a surprise." Killian said with a smile, paying the woman for the dresses and taking the packages from the counter. Afterwards, he led Emma back outside, in the cold air.
"Thank you for coming by!" The woman said when they left her store. By the time they were outside again, it was almost midnight and they felt guilty for keeping the woman up this late. Although, Killian suspected the woman didn't really mind as she sold 3 of her gown in less than an hour. Killian led Emma inside the warmth of the tavern where they were being greeted by the same woman again.
"Did you get everything you need?" She asked politely. Both Emma and Killian nodded in reply. "Well, goodnight then!" She winked and went to the other side of the tavern where some patrons asked for another mug of ale.
Killian cleared his throat and looked back to Emma who was blushing fiercely. "Let's get going then."
They both climbed up the stairs and went inside the small tavern room they had rented for the night. As they inspected the small chamber, they noticed how clean it actually was. They were both happy about that and it made up for the smallness of the room. Occupying most of the room was the bed. It had thick blankets on top of it and Emma couldn't wait to actually crawl under them. She was tired and cold, and the bed really looked soft.
"Why don't you change while I get us some wood for the fireplace?" Killian suggested as he saw Emma looking longingly to the bed.
Emma nodded absentmindedly. Killian opened up one of the packages where the nightgown was neatly packed in and laid the new nightgown on top of the bed.
Emma quickly changed into the gown, only then realizing how sexy it looked on her. She didn't try it on in the shop as it seemed to be the right size – which it was.
Killian knocked on the door before slightly opening the door. "Are you done changing?"
"Yes, I am. You can come in now." Killian opened the door further. As he came inside the room and saw Emma brushing the tangles out of her hair in her nightgown, he had to keep in the urge to groan out loud. The sight of her golden locks spilled over her frail body was too much. The nightgown clung on her body, leaving nothing to the imagination and making it harder for Killian to keep down the urge to kiss her passionately.
Emma cleared her throat in embarrassment, making Killian snap his eyes up. He scratched behind his ear in embarrassment as well, scolding himself for losing control so easily when he was around Emma.
"Should I wait outside while you change?" Emma asked politely.
Killian almost growled at the thought of Emma waiting outside the door in the cold with a light nightgown on, which also looked very sexy on her. "It's fine, I don't mind."
Emma climbed in the bed, tugging the sheets around her, protecting her from the cold. She couldn't help but watch as Killian took off his shirt, showing off his abs. He was oblivious to Emma's stare. He decided to keep his pants on, not wanting to make Emma uncomfortable, or himself as his arousal was hard to keep in check.
As he climbed under the covers as well, he could feel the heath of Emma's skin radiating to him and he knew he would have a hard time trying to sleep with Emma laying down beside him.
A/N: I'm sorry for the long wait! Uni is killing me… my cat was sick the last few days, but his fever has gone down and he is feeling much better now… I'm so relieved… Only a few more weeks till I have my first exam, kill me now. OMG tonight's the finale as well! Finally more CS scene(s), which I'm excited about... Let's hope for a worthy finale now.
Thanks for reading! Hope to see you soon!