Hello there, guys! xD
New chapter's ready! I'm sorry, it took a bit longer to upload, but it's part of the ending and endings usually tend to take up much work hehe. Hope to keep up to your expectations though xD Oh, and the last chapter is ALMOST finished! Yay!
Btw, all my stories (including this one) have been added recently to another community. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS, guys! It couldn't be possible without you. It certainly made my day! xD Thanks for the constant support either through reviews, follows or through favourites.
So, without further a do, I leave you guys to your reading. Please do take a seat and enjoy! :D
SPARKLE OF A NIGHT
Chapter 30. The Royal Family
The sun is captured on the tops of the waves of a peaceful lake, on the tall pines of the beautiful woods and on the quaint village next to the sea, when the large doors of the throne room of the Enchanted Forest's castle are open.
A servant enters. His steps, at a slightly quicker pace than usual. Queen Snow and King James, are sitting at the end of the hall - wearing their royal garments - waiting.
The Queen's health is improved greatly, although, her and her husband the King, both are still agitated - a hint of excitement is on their faces for what's to come.
The servant informs them about something, as soon as he is in front of them - the King and Queen get very nervous at the words of the man - they share a small smile and a look of encouragement nonetheless.
The King nods to his wife and turning to the servant, gives him a silent signal that the man immediately repeats to the guards - the ones at both sides of the gates of the throne room.
And there … the beautiful and large doors - with gold ornaments - are throw open wide.
...
Princess Belle and her husband Rumple are the first to enter through the doors - their steps are graceful over the very long and elegant carpet that extends on the floor to the stairs of the thrones; a group of people follow behind them.
The King and Queen rise from their thrones at the sight of them right away. Although, they can't recognize most of the people who accompany their royal friends - either way, their hearts accelerate; a sudden hope is in their eyes.
With a mix of feelings taking over, the King and Queen let the formalities behind, every protocol that right now seems more than absurd.
They both start to walk toward the group of people - they cannot wait.
They need to see …
…
As Princess Belle and her husband keep walking toward the King and Queen, the rest of the group move behind them and look around the room - indeed, it's been a long time since the last time they set foot on this place.
The former Captain Liam Jones, and his wife Ariel walk with their eyes straight ahead. Following behind, the merry men - those who decided to stay with them in the ship - as well as those who returned to their families, including Robin Hood - who is now here with them and his wife and children; they all were reunited in Princess Belle's castle not long after Emma's arrival.
The details of the room are as magnificent as they remember: the large windows are on their left, placed throughout the grand hall. The clear light of the sun comes in and illuminates everything in its way.
There are two lines of exquisite crystal chandeliers on top of the high roof, at both sides of the hall. A shiny floor is revealed in the places the long rug doesn't cover, and the beautiful walls are adorned with different patterns made of pure gold.
The throne room is marvelous, but also a bit imposing in its glory.
Although, none of this affect Captain Killian Jones in the slightest. He looks calm, dressed in his navy uniform, while he walks with his head held up high - with nothing to fear and nothing to be ashamed of.
Princess Emma, who walks by his side - in a royal-like dress this time, thanks to her friend Princess Belle - can notice this. If Killian, her love is nervous for this meeting with her parents, he doesn't show it one bit.
However, a shiver does run down Emma's spine as soon as they enter the throne room - they are the last ones to do so.
Killian realizes her struggle right away, so he holds her hand tightly - to remind her that everything is going to be fine with her parents, and that no matter what happens, he is there for her … always.
Emma looks up at him in that instant, and they smile at each other, sweetly - her heart finds consolation in his kindness and his always devoted love for her.
The Princess and the Captain keep holding their hands - with fingers intertwined - as they walk behind the rest.
…
Finally Queen Snow and King James stop moving as they come face to face with their royal friends, Princess Belle and her husband Rumple - the rest of the group stops in that moment as well.
"Your Majesties," Rumple and Belle say in unison, and make a reverence - they all are reunited in the middle of the hall; the long rug's still under their feet.
"Belle, Rumple, my dear friends," King James manages to say, his tone humble, his voice with a hint of mixed emotions - and comments, with a polite tone, more like trying to make conversation to ease his own tension - "… I trust your journey was uneventful."
"Indeed it was, Your Majesty. Thank you," Rumple replies, with all cordiality, well aware of what the King is going through, just like the Queen.
Snow nods to their friends and gives them a small smile, while standing to her husband's right side - she looks nervous too.
Thus, without wanting to delay things any further, Rumple speaks again, "Your Majesties ... I believe there's someone here you'd be delighted to see."
The words cause a tension in the room. But Rumple and Belle smile knowingly at the King and Queen, and then move aside - like the rest of the group does as well, to let someone finally come forward.
The eyes of the King and Queen move from side to side, with eager anticipation - their hearts start beating hard in that moment; their eyes start to damp a little.
Snow's right hand comes to rest at the level of her heart, while her husband the King holds her other hand a bit tightly, but she doesn't mind - they both need it.
All the while, the King moves his free hand anxiously, at his side.
...
As soon as those words leave Rumple's mouth, Princess Emma feels her heart racing - everyone's eyes are on her every move; her body starts to shake a little; she bits her lower lip, unconsciously: indeed, the Princess has a lot to sort out with her parents.
Killian notices his love' uneasiness, and squeezes her hand a little to comfort her - his touch makes her gather that last ounce of courage she needs right now.
Giving one last smile to her Captain, Emma breathes in and lets go of his warm hand to walk forward.
This … is the moment …
...
A beautiful blonde haired woman starts to appear between the people around her, while she slowly makes her way to the front.
And there ... the King and Queen's eyes finally meet hers ...
Tears start rolling down their cheeks in that instant - the Queen and King both are suddenly overwhelmed by many emotions that settle inside them at the very sight of her, their once lost but always beloved daughter.
She is alive.
Princess Emma' steps falter a little, finding herself caught off guard, confused - clearly, this is not the reaction she was expecting from her parents after running away from home and putting herself in great danger during all this time.
Emma swallows hard, while she stops in front of them … at last.
The Queen and King still can't believe it. They can't take their eyes off of her: this must be just an illusion ...
"... Mom … Dad," the Princess says, with a small voice, her tone slightly serious - testing the waters; and without really knowing what to do or feel since, after all, there's still the detail of them about to marry her with someone she didn't love, not to mention, they almost killed her true love. Something they will also have to discuss at some point.
But for now, the sound of her voice is all they need to confirm this is beyond possible … it is very real.
"Emma," King James breathes, with so much love in his voice, almost like a whisper, but still loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Our dear child," Snow utters, like a caress to Emma's heart - with big tears in her eyes.
Their tender words freezes the Princess in her spot. She tries to be strong, but her emotions are out of control - she can't resist it anymore; her defenses fade away; her thoughts suddenly forgotten.
And without warning ... tears start flooding her face - somehow, their love for her is so much more than she remembers.
"Oh, Emma!" Snow exclaims right away, lovingly, and then quickly and finally … gathers their daughter in her arms - life seems to return to the Queen's body in that instant.
King James takes a step forward and hugs Emma and his wife tightly - a sigh of relief and joy escapes from his lips in that moment.
There, while the family embrace each other, the rest of the group can't help but feel happy and touched by the scene before them - especially Princess Belle, Ariel, and Robin Hood's wife Regina, who actually allow a few tears to fall from their eyes.
Very quickly, sobs and mumbles are the only sounds filling the throne room - everyone else remain silent to show respect.
Captain Killian Jones share a look with his older brother Liam, and then his eyes look down to the shiny floor, for an instant. A smile appears on his lips right then - he's so proud of his love, his Emma.
With the white light of the sun still illuminating the royal family - who remain hold onto each other in a tender embrace - King James looks up at the rest of the group - his eyes a bit red at this point, after so much crying.
"To whom do I owe my thanks?" King James asks, his voice still affected by his emotions, with some tears in his eyes - forgetting some of the details of the truth that Rumple informed him not long ago; after all, the King has a lot in his mind right now.
Noticing a lot of men and some women next to Rumple and Princess Belle, he directs his gaze toward his old time friend.
"Thank you, Rumple. Thank you for bringing her back home to us," King James tells him, while still hugging his daughter and wife.
Rumple shakes his head slightly - well aware of the King's current condition. "You have nothing to thank me, Your Majesty, for I am not the one who bring the Princess back home safely," he affirms, with an understanding tone.
King James tilts his head to the left - a bit confused.
In that moment, Rumple and Princess Belle make a signal for Captain Killian Jones to take a step forward - not before the Captain glances toward his brother Liam for support first.
Killian's heart races a little bit, but remains strong and still as he does as told.
And there ... King James' gaze … meets his.
"Captain Killian Jones, Your Majesty," Rumple announces, breaking the silence between the two men. "From Queen Abigail's Kingdom … and from ours, recently."
King James doesn't utter a single word - he simply looks at the Captain, with an unreadable expression on his face, like finally remembering part of the information his royal friend Rumple transmitted to him.
Captain Jones can't help but feel a bit uneasy under the King's gaze, but remains in place.
"He is the one who should be receiving your grace, Your Majesty," Rumple adds, politely.
Without taking his eyes of the Captain, King James' lips start to part slightly, and with absolute sincerity and a humbleness in his heart beyond words can express, he tells him, "... Thank you."
Rumple only looks between the two men, with a pleased smile on his face - the rest of the group is also happy for both of them.
Killian makes a slight bow with his head at the King's words, and finally finds himself able to breathe after he turns back to his family.
Liam pats his younger brother, gently, on his back, and the two Jones brothers smile at each other.
Taking another look at the royal family, who are still hugging each other, Princess Belle suggests, with a smile, "Let's give them a moment alone."
Thus, the group goes away and the sound of the doors of the throne room closing behind them … is finally heard.
Left alone, between mumbles and soft weeps, the royal family finally pull apart from each other's arms.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have ran away," Princess Emma tells her parents immediately, between sobs - as if finally freeing herself from a burden she has been keeping inside her for so long; a burden that only goes away with the gentle touch of forgiveness.
"No, no, it's not your fault, honey," Queen Snow quickly corrects, to comfort her, while cupping her daughter's face in her loving hands, her voice still brakes a little with emotion. "We shouldn't have pressured you with the marriage. It was a mistake."
"Oh, Emma, I shouldn't have sent that letter. Never," King James adds, while caressing their daughter's blonde hair - still feeling terrible for his previous acts. "There's not a day that goes by that I don't regret it. I'm so sorry."
Princess Emma smiles to her parents at that, but then looks down. "I just didn't want to marry without love. I-I wanted ..."
"We know honey, we know," Queen Snow assures her, tenderly, aware of what her daughter means - while caressing her arm: she still can't quite believe their daughter is alive, with them. "We always wanted the same for you."
"I don't understand. If you did … why accept an arranged marriage?" Emma asks.
The King and Queen share a look between the two of them. Then, they look back at their daughter.
"We know this explanation won't be enough to reduce all the pain our past decisions have caused, but ..." King James starts explaining. "Our Kingdom was in great danger, Emma. It was more real than we ever let you know."
Emma looks at them, very intrigued and a bit surprised - this information, undoubtedly, was handled very discreetly; it seems this was always more than simple robberies throughout their land.
"We did what we could to reduce the attacks. We fought back, but it wasn't enough. We needed more help," King James continues, his voice serious.
"Why didn't you ask Princess Belle and Rumple to help us? They are our friends. They surely would have ..." Emma comments.
"We did. And they helped us," King James interjects - and adds, with sadness - "Unfortunately, it didn't make any difference."
Emma looks down, while biting her lower lip - as she starts to understand, for the first time, how serious the situation really was.
"Belle never said anything," the Princess mentions, more like to herself.
"We asked her not to," Snow explains, with a soft voice.
Emma nods.
The King pause for a moment, then he continues. "Given our delicate situation, the Parliament thought we should form a new alliance."
The Princess look at him with renewed interest.
Snow and her husband the King, look at each other - knowing they have to proceed with tact, since this subject is always very delicate for the three of them.
"There was already a very well known interest for your hand in marriage, Emma … with a King's son, who luckily for him, possess a great and strong army ..." the King says, very carefully.
"King Hubert. It was him, for his son, wasn't he?" Emma quickly asks.
The King and Queen nod - a bit ashamed.
"Yes. Since the day we met, the King expressed his desires to join our Kingdoms in the future, with a possible marriage between you and Prince Phillip. To which we utterly refused …" King James tells her - and adds, being a bit less serious - "As politely as you can be in such circumstances."
Emma's eyes grow a bit wider at this confession, her lips part a little. "You did?" she asks, her tone incredulous and feeling beyond surprised.
The King and Queen' face softens.
"Of course we did, Emma. We love you. We only want to see you happy," he says.
A warm feeling settles in the Princess' heart with this words.
"You are our daughter. How could it be any other way?" Snow tells her, while caressing her cheek.
Both parents look at their daughter, tenderly. A shy smile appears on Emma's lips.
"After all we did, you will probably find this hard to believe but … despite the pressure of the Parliament, and the timely offers of the King of the North … we wanted to free you from this. I even tried other options to find the help we needed. With King Midas, as well as many other Kingdoms ..." the King discloses - both parents still well aware of their daughter's apprehension towards them.
"All those letters you sent, the visitors we had from different lands …" Emma starts - and suddenly, she looks up at them as if finally understanding something.
"The royal balls …" Emma mentions, with a surprised tone, her voice barely above a whisper. "It was because of this ... to give me a chance."
Snow and King James look at each other, and then looking back at the Princess, they nod.
"And I didn't make it easy for you, did I?" the Princess tells them, a bit annoyed with herself and ashamed, while looking down - finally realising why her parents were so insistent in her finding a man of her choice back then.
The King and Queen remain silent.
"It's all right. You can say it: 'I was being stubborn'. Everything is clear now," the Princess assures them.
The King and Queen smile to her.
"... I'm sorry for doubting your love for me. With everything that was happening … I just thought ... " Emma starts - clearly affected by this truth.
"We know. And we don't blame you for thinking otherwise. We should have been more honest with you about all this," Snow reassures her.
"But … sometimes as the responsibility of a Kingdom lies in your hands, some things are simply meant to be kept from the ones you love. Even if they find a hard time trying to believe your best intentions. You'll understand this later," she adds, her tone more serious - referring to when their daughter becomes Queen.
The Princess gives them a smile and nods.
"We never wanted this fate for you, Emma, but when we ran out of options and we agreed to the marriage, we thought maybe with time ... if you and the Prince spent some time getting to know each other, feelings could have developed, or at least, you could have had some respect and admiration for him and he for you," King James makes clear, with a kind tone.
A silence follows - as the Princess considers all of this.
Emma looks up to her parents.
"I do believe you ... all of it," she finally says, after a moment, with a smile and a soft voice - to let them know that everything is fine between them.
The Queen and King can't contain their happiness and both quickly hug their daughter again - now it is pretty clear why Captain Killian Jones was very sure everything would be all right between the Princess and her family. He surely did know something, but as the honorable man he is, let the Queen and King speak for themselves.
"I should have realized the truth when King Hubert was very insistent in me getting married with his son and then, with all the things he did to ensure it happened," Emma tells them - still in her parents embrace.
"Uh, yes … we are well aware of all the things he did," King James says, getting enraged and pulling apart a little - knowing all the details of what really happened, informed by Rumple and he, in turn, from Captain Jones; for obvious reasons, the fact that the King of the North was also responsible for separating Emma and Killian back then, was let aside.
"You have no idea what I'm preparing for the King. I'm going to …" King James utters, through clenched teeth.
"Father, please don't!" the Princess suddenly exclaims, worriedly.
The Queen and King look at their daughter, incredulous of her reaction.
"Emma, he hurt you! He has to pay for what he's done ... to you, to us ... to your friends," King James tries to reason with her. "We were about to kill an innocent thanks to him!"
The Princess lets a breath go, while remembering the fact that Killian, her love nearly died because of her parents, but for the first time, she feels at peace with them about this matter: it obviously wasn't their fault but the King of the North's.
Thus, straightening her back, and standing like the royal she is, she states, "And so I'm pretty sure life will do what it must."
The King looks very confused, but Snow is a bit more cautious in her approach, so she remains impartial.
"What? Do you really expect me to stay here, that I shouldn't march to the North with the royal army right now, and end with his life?" King James asks her, his tone serious and angry - although, not with her.
Snow places a hand on his arm to calm him down.
The Princess shakes her head. "No, no, I wasn't expecting you to react in any other way, but … I would never do anything that could afflict Prince Phillip," she reveals, her tone soft - hoping they understand.
The King and Queen tilts their heads to their left, intrigued by this.
Emma lets another breath go. "He was kind to me, and helped me and the rest to be here today. He's my friend …" she tells them, with much affection in her voice.
"I would never cause him any harm. And if that means not doing anything against his Father for his crimes … than I won't," Emma declares. "Our friendship is more valuable to me than a cold vengeance … that surely will bring nothing but death and sorrow to everyone once again."
Their faces soften - the Queen smiles at their daughter.
After a brief silence, the King speaks again.
"It's not like the idea appeals me that much, but …" he sighs. "You truly don't need us anymore. You're a woman now. And one that show compassion and mercy. Oh, Emma, what a great Queen you're going to be someday."
The Princess smiles at his words.
"We couldn't be more proud of you, honey," Snow says, her voice full of emotion.
They all smile at each other.
"Come here," Queen Snow tells her, still smiling, while offering her arms again to their daughter and Emma does so with relish. "Everything is going to be all right. You're here with us and that's all that matters."
Both parents hug their daughter.
Knowing all too well the nature of her parents - and referring to her, being alive - Princess Emma wastes no time to tease, "I hope you're not planning to make a celebration of this."
They all chuckle at that, especially the Queen - who is always the first to throw a royal ball for whatever reason.
"I think we've had our share fair of royal balls for now," Snow assures to their daughter, while still giggling.
"We'll find another way to let our people know you're fine," King James comments, contentedly.
With her head in her mother's chest and the arms of both her parents surrounding her, Princess Emma sighs happily - her eyes close, a smile on her face.
They remain there in the middle of the throne room, with the sunlight still shining over them, with a comfort in their hearts and souls that only can be provided by a sincere hug of acknowledgment.
There, the royal family is finally reunited against all odds, and their own proudness. Now only forgiveness, only their love for each other ... the humble silence.
Later on …
With the fragrance of small shrubs with flowers all around, and the sight of different plants of lively colors; with the green grass cut in many shapes as decoration, and some small ponds here and there - white swans peacefully in the clear water.
Captain Killian Jones goes down the wide castle's gardens stone stairs, heading toward his ship - where his family and friends are staying now.
But just as he reaches down the last step, a familiar female voice makes him stop abruptly.
"So, that's it then," the voice says, not as a question but as a firm statement, a few meters behind him.
The Captain quickly turns around - Princess Emma is on top of the stairs as beautiful as ever, but with a straight face; her head held up high.
He furrows his brow a bit, but wastes no time and goes up the stairs again to meet her there.
"Emma," Killian says, very confused. "What are you doing here, my love? I thought you were still with your parents."
But the Princess ignores his words and keeps talking, while looking firmly into his blue eyes. "You brought the Princess back home, and you proved your innocence at last ... Guess your mission is finally accomplished."
She looks down, somehow hurt.
"I don't understand. What do you mean?" Killian asks her, with a soft voice, very worried - trying to get closer, but she takes a step back.
Emma finally looks up to him again - she's very upset at this point. "You said … you promised you would talk to my parents and ask … and ask them ..."
She diverts her hazel eyes off of him - suddenly feeling ashamed of her words.
But there, his face softens, finally understanding the meaning behind his Princess' sudden behavior.
"My love ..." Killian tells her, taking advantage of her brief distraction to move closer, his hand finds its way to her face and caresses her cheek. - and adds, with so much tenderness - "Is that why you are you so upset with me?"
She doesn't respond, but his touch makes her look up at him - their eyes meet.
"Emma, I don't intend to break my word. Nothing will please me more than ask your parents for your hand in marriage right now," he tells her.
"Then, why not?" she blurts out, too eager for her taste, so she bits her lower lip - obviously, she should have planned all this better.
Killian's heart flutters at that, but remains still - no need to make her feel more uncomfortable; he simply takes her hands into his.
"I just thought …" the Captain starts, playing with her hands in his - and with a sigh, he continues - "Emma, you just came back. I cannot take you away from them so soon … well, that is if they agree to what we have first of all, but the thing is … I think we should wait a little and give them time to make peace with everything that has happened."
Emma meet his blue gaze again.
"I think it'd do good to all of us ... then I will ask them. I promise," Killian says, looking down at her, lovingly.
The Princess nods slightly - not truly happy or convinced with the idea. If it were for her, they would be already married, with or without her parents permission, but as always, her Captain is righteous, generous and humble enough to make things right ... and she can't help but admired him even more for that.
"Better?" Killian teases.
Emma can't resist it when he looks at her like that - with so much love - so she smiles to him.
Killian leans in and kisses Emma on the lips - a sweet kiss to assure her that nothing is changed between them, or their plans for their future; their love remains strong.
"Now, I'm afraid I have to go, my love, but I'll be back tomorrow to see you," he informs her, pulling away from her slightly, but still holding her hands.
"I thought my parents disposed rooms for all of you," Emma asks him, tilting her head to the left, while feeling suspicious.
"They did, but we decided to stay in my ship. We didn't want to impose on their hospitality," he declares, making a gesture with his right hand.
"Well, it seems like you want to stay away from me as much as possible ... all of a sudden," Emma expresses, sarcastically, without being able to hide how upset she is by this - her eyes avoid him completely.
He chuckles - It's pretty clear: she is as stubborn as he is.
Killian shakes his head slightly, and places his hands on her back to bring her closer to him once more. He closes his eyes and rest his forehead against hers - her hands on his chest, her eyes are close too.
"Nothing, Emma, nothing in this world is more important to me than you. We've been apart for so long, so many times ... I don't intend to live like that ever again," he tells her, his voice serious but his tone is tender.
"I love you, Emma. And soon nobody and nothing will keep us apart …" Killian says, opening his blue eyes to find her hazel ones, his nose gently rubs hers - and adds, playfully, referring to her parents - "... hopefully."
They chuckle at that, and then they kiss on the lips again - a kiss both of them deepen a little before it ends.
Taking a step back, Captain Killian Jones gives his Princess a glance full of promise and undeniable love before he goes away, making her blush a little and give him one of her flirty looks as reply.
She remains standing on top of the wide stairs made of stone, as she sees her love walk away.
Princess Emma sighs out loud, while feeling immensely happy.
She cannot wait anymore, but soon ... very soon ...
Days later …
In the same elegant throne room of the Enchanted Forest' castle, Queen Snow and King James are sitting in their thrones, when the doors are open wide. This time … to let Captain Killian Jones in.
The Captain quickly makes a bow as soon as he is standing in front of them - the Queen and King respond with a polite nod.
Killian looks up to meet their gazes then - he stands tall, with his head held up high, but still remaining respectful; although, he is very nervous.
A big silence follows.
"Captain Jones," King James says, after a long moment, his voice loud and clear in the big space, while looking at the man in front of him.
Killian holds his breathe in the act, in a very subtle way, but stands straighter at the sound of the King's voice - in his mind, the words of encouragement of his family and friends.
Snow notices his actions, and cannot avoid the tender smile that appears on her face.
"It's a great pleasure for both of us, as the King and Queen of this realm, as parents of our dearest Princess Emma, and in the name of our beloved people, to have you here with us again," the King states - and adds, feeling ashamed, but keeping his voice intact - … in more … favorable circumstances."
After a pause, King James tells him, "And in the knowing of the truth."
Killian swallows hard, but humbly bows his head again. "Thank you, Your Majesties," he says politely, somehow finding his voice.
As soon as he looks up again, the Queen and King rise from their thrones and start to walk down to him.
Killian's heart accelerates - after all, nothing is written about what they are going to do. But it is Queen Snow the first to get close to him and place a hand on the Captain's arm.
Killian swallows hard, finding the gesture a bit imposing.
Snow smiles sweetly to him - as she would do to a son - to assure him he has nothing to fear.
"For what you've done for us, we will be forever in your debt, Captain," she tells him, her voice soft, but still with much emotion.
Killian looks down quickly at the rug under his feet and shakes his head. "Your Majesties, you don't owe me any..."
King James interrupts his obvious humbleness. "No," he states, immediately, his a serious tone.
Killian looks up to them - a bit surprised.
"You have done the greatest good than any man or woman could have ever done to a mother and father, or to their rulers: You brought our daughter back home to us," King James corrects him, his voice full of gratitude and more soft this time. "And in return ... you received nothing more than exile, persecution and anguish. Obviously all caused by our own ignorance ... It was a terrible mistake."
"We are very sorry," Snow says quickly, feeling very bad for what they did to him, while on the verge of tears.
"Indeed we are," the King whispers, and then looks down briefly - while feeling very ashamed for their actions, but remains strong.
Captain Jones is about to protest, but the voice of the Queen stops him when she notices he's about to minimize what they put him through.
"You helped Emma since the first moment, and kept her alive during all these time, away from any harm ... You saved her," Snow tells him, with tears in her eyes, but with a kind smile on her face.
The King looks at his wife and then at Killian.
"You didn't even take your own life into consideration and risked everything just to keep her safe," King James says. "We are not certain of how are we going to pay you back, as there seems to be nothing that ever equal the good you did to us and to this kingdom, Captain."
"But you have to know that we are beyond grateful for your nobility, your courage ... and your loyalty to the Princess," Snow informs - tears stop falling; a small smile appears on her lips at the end of what she's saying.
Killian remains still in front of them - although, all these praises are a bit uncomfortable.
"Although, again, this brought you nothing but sorrow and pain and put you under a bad light to the eyes of all the lands around … including yours," Snow utters, feeling bad again for him.
"Have no fear, Captain. We will clear your name wherever the sun touches. This is our priority. Your innocence will be proclaimed and I already arranged a meeting with Queen Abigail," King James informs him - especially to let him know that his situation with the land where he comes from, will be solved. "You and your family can trust."
The Queen and King smile to Killian then.
The Captain nods - really treasuring this moment in his heart.
"Thank you, Captain, for your goodness, your bravery and your humble heart. I speak for both of us when I say, you are one of the most honorable man we've ever had the pleasure to meet," Queen Snow comments.
There, the King and Queen share a knowing look and smile at each other, before the King proceeds, looking at the man in front of them - their appreciation for him is very clear, deep and true.
"Therefore … whatever you wish, it is yours, Captain. Even if you ask me for half of my Kingdom, I will give it to you gladly," King James offers, with a more royal-like tone, completely sure he is doing the right thing - the last part of his statement, a common way for the one with the higher-rank in a royal family to express his infinite gratitude and willingness to repay with great rewards to those who gave what it is considered the highest acts of honor; thus, they are very rare spoken words … even through time.
Killian's eyes widen a little bit at that - knowing all too well the meaning and weight of those words.
The Captain looks down at his feet, feeling unworthy of such glory that is given to him.
"Thank you, your Majesties. Your generosity is beyond measure, and your words are more than what I truly deserve. I was certainly not expecting any of this," Killian starts, making a gesture with his hand.
Snow and King James smile at each other, very pleased with this.
"But … " Killian continues - gaining the attention of the royals in the act.
The Captain straightens his back and stands strong - the words his brother Liam Jones provided to him before this meeting, are still present in his mind to help him gather courage.
"I'm afraid I have to decline your offer., Your Majesties," Killian tells them - not really knowing how this is going to end. "For nor riches or lands, or anything of the sort is what I wish."
At that, King James and Queen Snow look at each other, very confused - their foreheads furrow.
Their eyes meet the Captain's blue eyes a second later.
This time, Snow looks at the Captain, like sensing something, while King James only tilts his head to the left - very intrigued, but willing to give him almost anything.
The words leave the King's mouth, softly. "Then, what is it that your heart really desires?"
Without taking his eyes from their Majesties, Captain Killian Jones lets a trembling breath go ...
Minutes later ...
The splashing sound of a fountain can be heard in one of the many areas of the castle' gardens - a wall of tall green bushes surrounds the place; pastel flowers, like a blanket all around the corners above the stone ground, the sun shines in the sky - when Captain Killian Jones can be seen walking at a quick pace through a castle' opening that leads to said breathtaking spot.
"Emma!" the words leave Killian's mouth, with an immense joy in his heart and a great big smile upon his handsome face - just as soon as he sees his Princess pacing in front of the fountain.
The Princess stops and looks at him - to her right.
"Killian!" she says, with so much affection in her voice.
A bright smile appears on her soft lips immediately, at the sight of the one she loves - her heart flutters as she notices his happiness and him opening his arms wide to her as he gets closer.
The Princess rushes to his encounter.
As quickly as the distance between them is shorten, Captain Killian Jones gathers Emma in his arms.
With her hands around his neck, Killian quickly lifts his Princess off the ground and spins her around in the airs, as they both laugh happily - the sounds echo in the entire garden and beyond the castle walls; the skirt of Emma's dress sways with the movement; their hearts beam with joy.
There's no need for words. Not when happiness radiates through the Captain's every pore. That is enough to let the Princess know that what they both have wanted for so long ... has finally been granted.
Killian places her feet on the stone ground again - and without further explanation, cupping her face in his hands - kisses her with all the love and passion of his devoted heart.
Emma responds immediately, with the same sentiment and excitement for their future - her hands hold his sides.
There's no need to hide what the Captain and the Princess feel for each other anymore. Freedom surrounds them, for they can be together and nobody and nothing can stop that now.
Thus, the couple start to giggle between a bunch of sweet kisses to their lips.
Their happiness … is remarkable.
Water is still splashing in the fountain near them, while Queen Snow and King James look down at the happy young couple from a balcony that faces the castle' gardens - he is hugging his wife from behind; her arms under his; a gentle smile is on their lips.
Queen Snow sighs out loud, very contented. "Well, it seems like everything is finally settling into place."
"Indeed, darling," King James tells her - his head rests next to hers.
"And now … we have a royal wedding to plan," Snow declares, almost in a sing-song voice, while getting excited with the mere idea - her eyes still on the two lovebirds.
"Don't push it, Snow ..." King James warns her, tenderly.
"What? My daughter is finally getting married!" Queen Snow defends, looking up at him. "And you and Emma didn't let me plan anything for her welcoming celebration, and you know how much I wanted to do it."
King James only looks at his wife with so much kindness.
"So now nobody is going to stop me for creating the most … wonderful, perfect and beautiful wedding my daughter deserves," Snow tells him, quite determined.
King James chuckles at his wife's enthusiasm. "All right, Snow. You win," he gives in.
"Thank you," Snow teases, very pleased.
A silence follows, while the young couple talk animatedly in the gardens.
"What is on your mind, honey?" the Queen asks him - noticing a hint of nostalgia in his eyes.
The King sighs. "Nothing just … we just got our daughter back and now ..."
"David ..." Snow scolds him, with a tender tone - calling him by his real name and letting his other name for politics, as she always does.
"No, it's not like that, Snow. I'm happy for them. I really am. The Captain is everything and so much more than what we have ever wished for our daughter. They are going to marry for love just like we did. I have no complains about it," King James explains.
"But?" Snow insists - already knowing where this is going.
"I don't know, Snow ... I guess it's always hard to see your little girl all grown up, turned into a beautiful, smart, amazing woman. She's ready to live her own life now," he tells her.
"Indeed, she is. But you don't have to worry, honey," the Queen asseverates - while caressing his arm; still in his embrace. "Even when Emma has proved to us she is very much capable of successfully face the biggest challenges in life ..."
The Queen's hand comes up to meet his cheek - as she slightly turns to him. "And even with a new man in her life … Emma is always going to need her Father, you ... both of us," she assures him, lovingly, to comfort him.
The King smiles to her. "And we will be there to help her along the way," he finishes her thoughts.
Snow nods, with a smile on her lips. "Always."
With that, they kiss softly on the lips.
And taking a final look at the happy couple in the gardens, Snow suggests, with a tone of complicity, "Now come on, let's give them some privacy."
Her hand quickly pulls him into the castle.
"That is your way to let me know you're going to drag me right now into whatever your wedding planning is, isn't it?" King James asks her, teasingly - not really wanting to go since he knows his wife usually goes overboard with celebrations.
Snow giggles. "You know me so well, darling!" she replies, with an almost singing voice.
King James shakes his head slightly, but smiles - some things simply never change.
With that, they both laugh and go away …
In the gardens, still under the sun shining in its highest and the clear skies, a Captain and a Princess are holding each other, while their eyes remain close - their foreheads pressed together; their gentle breathing grazes their faces in their happy quiet moment.
Both of them, ready to start a new life … together.
Guys, guys, guys! It's official: LAST CHAPTER will be uploaded in the next couple of days! Prepare popcorn and don't forget to get into your pj's (haha) because it's FINALLY happening! Yessss! xD
Oh, and if that's your wish, leave a comment in the little box down below with your thoughts on this chapter. This helps lots to improve :) And let me know if you are interested in two surprises more.
Hugs, sweeties! xD