Emma raises an eyebrow as one of the crew members switches a sail from black to white.
"Exactly how many times have you done this?" she asks the captain, who's helping switch another sail.
"Oh a few dozen," he hums. "Usually when I don't want to get hauled into a cell."
"Isn't that a priority all the time?"
"Aye, but I do love the thrill of outrunning the royal guard." Hook winks as he finishes the sail.
The name on the ship had been painted over, the sails switched, and some of the chest hidden. They were to dock in Misthaven in a day and Killian had figured it would be wise to disguise the Jolly Roger as a merchant ship. Emma had agreed.
The last two weeks on the boat had been quiet, normal. Emma hasn't received any letters from her parents and Gold has left them alone, so far. So now, the princess is almost home and she's eager to see her parents again and introduce them to Killian.
As Emma looks around, she feels excitement amongst her own crew, all of them happy to be heading home. She's grateful for them, the fact that they never complained once. She hopes they all stay and work at the palace. Regardless, she will ensure that their loyalty is rewarded.
"Emma, love, come with me," Killian says, gesturing her towards his cabin. "I want to show you something." She swears a few maids snicker as she walks by, and she rolls her eyes. Whatever is on her pirate's mind is completely innocent. Probably.
Once they enter the cabin, he pulls a box out of one of the drawers and takes something out. Her eyes widen at the sight of the object.
"A fake hand?" she says, going to examine it. It's made of wood, and is smooth, the wood matching the color of flesh.
"Aye, for when I don't want to be known by my signature." He waves his hook. "I'll change into it before we get off the boat."
It occurs to her she's never seen him without his hook. He usually leaves it on when they're in bed, careful to place it away from Emma so as not to harm her. She wonders if it's because he's afraid to show her what's underneath his brace. Well, she'll just have to show him that she doesn't care.
"So, tonight's our last night here," she says looking around the cabin. "For a while."
"Aye, it is love," he says.
She smiles, realizing how much has changed since she first came on the boat. The first time she'd been in this room, she'd been afraid and under a spell. Now, she's free and with her True Love. Things couldn't be better.
She takes the pirate's hook into her hand, grinning.
"Something on your mind, love?" he asks, raising an eyebrow.
"Just thinking about how happy I am." His grin matches hers. "I never thought I would have this. Not really."
"Neither did I, Swan, but now we do. And I'm determined not to take it for granted."
She places her hand at the back of his neck and pulls him to her, kissing him fiercely. His free hand goes to the small of her back and his hook to her waist. He pushes her so that her back hits the bookshelf, causing her to moan.
"Gods, Swan, I want you," he pants, his lips going to her neck, his body pressing against hers.
"So do I," she says, humming in satisfaction at his ministrations. They still haven't made love, not yet. "Just a while longer, I promise." She swears she hears him whine, but he pulls back.
"And I plan to cherish that moment, and ravish you," he says with a cocky grin. She snorts, giving him a shove.
"Easy, we have to get past my parents first."
"And then get into your chambers." Killian's blue eyes sparkle with mischief and she rolls her eyes. He definitely has a one track mind when it comes to sex. Then again, what guy doesn't?
Then dinner bell rings, signaling time for their meal.
"Time for food," she says, pulling him along by his hook.
Yeah, she's never been happier.
The next night, Emma dons one of her more elegant cloaks. Underneath it, she wears a red dress with gold trimming, one of her fancier items.
"You look like a princess," Killian murmurs from his spot. For his part, he wears a regular white shirt, un buttoned a bit, of course, and black trousers with black boots.
They'd dropped anchor in Misthaven that afternoon and the duo thought it would be better to return to the castle under nightfall. The crew had agreed to stay on the boat until they knew it was safe to return.
"Well, I hope so," she chuckles. She glances over herself at the mirror, seeing the princess that lives in the castle and is catered to as a royal. She sighs. She'll miss the freedom of the ship. Hopefully, she'll back on it soon.
She turns to see Killian removing his hook from its brace, and she notes the hesitation on his face, his eyes flickering to her, nervousness in his gaze. She tosses a reassuring smile as he adjusts the brace, putting the faux hand on.
"Ready to go?" he asks, holding out his arm. His cutlass is in its sheath on his hip and his hook in his satchel. She has a dagger hidden under her cloak just in case.
She takes his arm and they leave the cabin, bidding the crew farewell before going down the gangplank into the village. Most of the shops are closed at this hours, so no one should spot them. Regardless, Emma pulls the hood of cloak over her head just in case.
The duo makes their way down the road to the castle, talking about various things, trying to distract themselves. As the castle nears, Emma finds herself fidgeting a bit, nerves and excitement running through her.
"Don't worry, love, we'll be fine," Killian assures her, squeezing her hand.
They approach the castle gates and she calls for the guard to open it.
"Who goes there?" the guard calls. She pulls back her hood and the man gasps. "Your Highness, you've returned! Thank the gods!" The guard opens the gate and the couple steps through.
"He didn't question who I am," Killian comments.
She shrugs. "Too excited to see me, I guess."
The pirates snorts as they reach the steps and a moment later, several servants run outside, shouting, encircling the duo.
"Your Highness!"
"Oh, we've missed you!"
"Your parents have been so distraught, absolutely besides themselves."
Emma smiling at every one of them until she hears quieter footsteps approach the mob. She looks up to see her, tears streaming down the woman's face.
"Emma, is it really you?"
"Mother!" she cries, pushing past the pack and throwing herself at the queen.
"Oh, my darling, Emma, how we've missed you." Her mother returns the embrace and it feels as if she doesn't want to let go.
"I've missed you so much," the princess murmurs in her mother's ear.
"Emma!" her father calls. The princess detaches herself from the queen and almost leaps at her father. "Oh sweetheart, we're so glad you're safe and back home," He holds her just as tightly as her mother had, and Emma sighs in happiness. It feels so good to be home.
Remembering herself, Emma steps back and gestures to her pirate. "Mother, Father, I'd like you to meet Killian Jones, the man who saved me." He'd told her it would be safe to use his real name on account fo the fact that no one in over two centuries knew his real name. "His ship found me on Hook's ship, and he and his crew fought, won, and brought me aboard to bring me home." Emma and Killian had decided to make up a false story for the time being until her parent felt comfortable around the pirate enough to not be too freaked out when the princess and pirate would tell them the truth.
"It's an honor to meet you, Your Majesties," Killian says, bowing, and Emma knows he means it. "I'm more than happy to bring your daughter home."
"It's an honor to meet the man who saved our daughter," the king says. "We would like you to come in. I wish to talk with you."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Killian follows them inside, the horde of servants following after them..
"Oh, Emma, I'm so glad you're home," her mother says happily. But then she stops, glancing between Killian and Emma. "Where's Prince Neal?"
Yeah, that had been the one thing that they had struggled to figure out.
"I regret to inform your, Your Majesty, that the prince is being held on my ship. I found that he was and after to the princess and my crew, and I could not have that on my ship." The pirate says the word with ease, putting a genuine expression of contrition on his face.
"Oh, I see," her mother frowns, "Is this part of what you said in your letter Emma?"
"A little. But that is something that I want to discuss in private with the both of you later."
Her parents, seeing her serious demeanor, nod in agreement.
"One of the servants will prepare a room for you, Mr. Jones," her father announces. "If it is okay with my wife, I would like you to stay a few days, gets some rest. Also, I want to get to know the man who rescued my daughter from the treacherous Captain Hook."
"So do I," the queen chimes, grinning.
"That would be lovely," Killian remarks, beaming.
"Now come, I'm sure you're tired from your ordeal, Darling, let's go to your chambers," her mother states. "Goodnight, Killian."
"Goodnight, Your Majesty." The pirate bows before the queen drags Emma off to the princess's bedroom.
Emma almost groans at the scheming look in her mother's eye.
Killian sits in an armchair by the fire, the king next to him. The pirate dreamed of places like this, but he'd never though he's be inviting into one ever again, not since leaving the navy. Then again, the king and queen don't really know who he is, exactly. But, maybe they won't arrest him after they find out who he is, hopefully.
"So, I believe a reward is in order," the king comments staring at the fire.
Hooks frowns. "That's uh, not necessary. Bringing the princess back home safely is a reward in itself." Truth be told, Killian had completely forgotten about the reward Scab had mentioned. And it was true anyway. Seeing the joy on Emma's face when she reunited with her parents was worth more than it's weight in gold to him.
"Really? There's nothing I can offer you? Gold, jewels, a royal title?"
"As I said, Your Majesty, nothing is necessary. I'm just happy to see her Highness is back where she belongs."
She belongs with me, a voice inside him says.
The king settles in his chair. "I see." He glances at the pirate. "What is it that you do?"
"Merchant. I sell various goods, mainly herbs and other such items."
"Hmm," the king hums. "How did you come across Captain Hook's ship?"
"We happens to cross paths, and I remembered seeing the missing posters. So, I took my chances. Thankfully, my ship happened to be sailing to Misthaven."
The king nods. "That makes sense. We had been informed by someone that Hook had intended to take Emma home." So Gold had gotten to them. "Of course, there was no way to trust that."
"Of course, can't trust a pirate." Killian almost rolls his eyes at the statement.
"What of Prince Neal? Emma hinted at unsavory things in a letter she wrote, but did not mention anything specific. Hopefully, she will tell us more later, but what's your opinion of him?"
This is where the pirate can be honest. "He's a scoundrel, a despicable man. Tried to manipulate me and the princess. I will let her tell you her side as that is her own story and I have no right speaking for her." The king raises his eyebrows. "It is clear that he cares little for her Highness and would betray her as soon as he could. He wanted nothing more than a mindless slave for a bride." The very thought of Neal fills Killian with disgust.
The king is quiet for a moment, before saying, "We wanted Emma to marry for love, but then Gold made an offer we couldn't refuse."
"He seems to do that a lot."
"We've been trying to find a way out of the deal we made with him, to get Emma out, but we're stuck."
"And you can't just get rid of him."
The king glances at the pirate. "You mean kill him?"
"Aye, I know he's unkillable."
"How do you know so much. about King Gold?"
Killian shrugs. "I've heard things during my travels." He gazes at the king. "I'm hoping that you can break the deal with him, for the kingdom's sake."
The king nods.
"Well, I thank you, Your Majesty, but I must rest."
"Of course," the king stands, "and please, call me David. I think given the circumstances, you've earned that."
"Then good night, David." The pirate bows before heading out and a servant directs him to where he'll be sleeping. Interestingly, it's not far from Emma's chambers. Good.
He wonders what his beloved is doing now.
Emma chuckles as her mother beams at her, and the princess can see the plans forming in the queen's head. They've caught up on everything and Emma has stayed away from the topic of Neal.
"What are you planning, Mother?" the blonde squints.
"Nothing," the black haired woman says as the princess rolls her eyes. "Oh come on, Emma, he's so handsome!"
"Who?" Though, she already knows.
"Killian! He's so handsome and he rescued you, and you should've seen the way he looked at you in the foyer. And I saw the way you were looking at him."
"Which is how?"
"Like you love him." Emma blushes. "Exactly how long were you in his ship?"
"Two weeks, but that's hardly enough for any type of relationship mother."
"Oh, your father and I weren't around each other that long before I knew my heart belonged to him." The queen smiles. "Your father and I have been trying to break the engagement with Prince Neal. But we are concerned that Hook lied to you about what the prince did."
Emma sighs. "Hook didn't lie. He told me the truth and Neal didn't even deny it."
"What is it that Neal did exactly? You said something about being a slave."
"As I said, I'd rather have this discussion with both you and father present."
"Of course, darling. I'm just curious, that's all."
The princess chuckles. She knows where she inherited her curiosity.
Yawning, Emma sighs before tossing her mother a weary glance. "If you don't mind, Mother, I'm quite tired and need some rest."
"Of course, my darling." The queen embraces her daughter, whispering, "I'm so glad to have you home, safe and sound."
"Me too."
Her mother departs and Emma flops down on her bed, which is very comfortable. Though, Hook's bed was just as comfortable. And she had a built in fireplace when it came to snuggling up with her lover who kept her warm.
A knocking at her window has her looking up and she laughs when she sees who it is through the glass.
"Killian," she giggles as she swings the door open.
"I'm just a few doors down, love," he explains as he steps into her chambers.
"The why didn't you just come to the door?"
"Well, I didn't want your mother seeing me." He wiggles his eyebrows.
"Mmm," she hums as he wraps his arms around her. "My pirate always misbehaving."
"Hey, I'm always a gentleman."
Snorting, she drags him to the bed. "So, what did Father say to you?"
He relays his discussion with her father and she does the same regarding her mother.
"So, your mother thinks you're in love with me?"
"And that you're in love with me."
"Hmm," he cocks his head. "I guess I could love you."
In response, she pushes him onto the bed and straddles him. "Oh really?"
"Aye," he places his hands on her hips, giving her quick kiss. "You'd be easy to fall for. With your spiritedness, your compassion, your beauty."
"I see," she teases. "And you'd be easy to fall in love with, once you get past the brooding and darkness." He raises an eyebrow. "Someone can see your generosity, your ability to love fully, your compassion, your strength. And you are quite good looking."
He gives one of her charming smiles. "I prefer devilishly handsome."
They stare at each other as Emma lays next to him. His finger tips touch her cheek as she plays with his fake hand.
"Killian," she murmurs, gazing at him.
"Hmm?"
"I'm ready." She straddles him again, causing his eyes to pop open.
"Swan, are you sure?"
"Yes," she breathes, leaning down to kiss him, passion flowing through her. "I am."
His blue eyes shine as he turns her over, landing her on her back. "Have you ever?"
She shakes her head. She'd been curious of course, and had experimented with a stable boy or two, but nothing had ever been serious and she'd never gone as far as she wants to tonight.
"I'll be gentle," Killian promises, before kissing her again, his hand going for the laces of her dress.
She sighs in pleasure as he slips off the laces of her dress, her dress sliding down.
"I trust you," she says as she unbuttons his shirt and pushes it off him.
They lose themselves in each other for the rest of the night.