AN: Sorry this took so long. I had finals and other stuff going on.
Disclaimer: I don't own OUAT.
Emma screws her eyelids shut, focusing on the object in front of her. As she struggles to concentrate, she hears a sigh from nearby.
"You're thinking too hard," her grandmother admonishes. "It's just like the fruit."
"But it's heavier," Emma grumbles, a slight whine in her voice.
"Still takes the same amount of effort."
The princess huffs, redirecting her attention to the chair. Emma takes a deep breath to relax and tries again. She stares at the object and finally, finally! it begins to slide across the stone floor, inch by inch.
"Good, you're slowly getting there," Regina says, and if Emma didn't know her so well, she wouldn't have picked up on the small amount of pride in the older woman's voice.
The blonde grins. "When will I be able to conjure things?" Regina just shakes her head.
"Learning magic and how to control it takes time. You need to master the basics first before moving onto more advanced techniques. If you move too fast, you'll tire yourself and possibly risk harm to your body."
"Okay." Emma can't help but pout a little. Conjuring things with the flick of a finger just looks so amazing! Also, she's on day three of her magic lessons and moving objects is starting to get a bit dull.
"Speaking of control," her grandmother starts, raising an eyebrow. "Tomorrow I want to begin working on the elements. Water first."
"I can control the elements?" Emma's jaw almost drops.
"Only if you know what you're doing. Things can spiral out of control very easily when it comes to using magic on the elements of nature."
"Right."
A knock on the chamber door interrupts the duo. Regina calls for the person to come in and in steps Killian, outfitted in his more traditional pirate clothing. He'd changed back into his initial clothes the day before after grabbing some items from the Jolly.
"I apologize for the interruption," he says, grinning at Emma. "But your mother asked me to fetch you, Swan."
"Captain Hook, I presume," her grandmother says, raising an eyebrow. "I was wondering when I would make your acquaintance."
"I prefer Killian Jones, Milady," Killian corrects.
Regina purses her lips, but says nothing.
"What does Mother want?" Emma asks, attempting to change the subject.
"She wanted to discuss Neal with you, love. I am to be present as well."
Ah, yes. Mother and Father had kept their discussions regarding the Golds behind closed doors. Now, it looks like they have made a decision in regards to what to do with Neal, the King, and the Gold Kingdom as a whole.
"Alright." Turning to her grandmother, Emma smiles and says, "Same time tomorrow?"
Her grandmother nods. "Of course."
The couple departs the wing hand in hand. They haven't been shy about their affections toward one another once Emma's parents more or less gave their blessing.
Emma and Killian make their way down to the castle's "war room", or rather, meeting room. Her parents utilize the room more for just regular kingdom news and updates rather than as a place to map out battle plans and strategize against the enemy. In fact, Emma's pretty sure this the first time that they'll be meeting for strategic purposes.
As soon as the couple walks through the doors, her mother and father stand to greet them.
"Ah, Emma, I suppose Killian's told you why we're meeting?" her father inquires warmly as the four sit down at the table.
"Yep, I guess you've figured out how to deal the with the Golds?" the princess surmises. The older couple exchange glances between each other, causing their daughter to frown. "What is it?"
The queen sighs. "Unfortunately, the council is quite…conflicted of how to deal with the deal with the Golds. While most members wish to take an aggressive approach, which your father and I are advocating for, there are quite a few others who feel that some sanctions, loss of income from our kingdom, and a strong reprimand would be just as effective."
Emma groans.
"Well, since you're going for the more aggressive option…which is what exactly?" Killian questions.
"Total dissolution of the Gold kingdom. While the kingdom may be prosperous, it doesn't come from good, honest wealth and therefore is unstable. Most of our inside informants from the Gold kingdom said that the subjects of the Gold Kingdom would be more than happy to turn their backs for a stronger kingdom," the king explains. "We're basically leaning toward declaring war on the Golds."
The blonde gapes, knowing that to her mother and father such a move is a last resort.
"So, can't you just say that war is the only option? You are the rulers, don't you have the last word?" Killian quizzes.
Emma shakes her head. "No, the point of the royal council is to keep the king and queen in check and make sure they don't maintain total absolute power over the kingdom."
"And since we don't have a consensus, we're at an impasse," her mother continues. "We're slated to have another vote on the matter in about three days. Hopefully, the other council members will be able to convince the others to go for our position."
"Give me their names and I'll persuade them!" Killian declares, waving his hook in the air.
"No," her father intones. "No violence."
Emma purses her lips, a part of slightly agreeing with Killian's tactic. "How about you give me the list of names wanting the sanctions, and I try to convince them? I am at the root of this, after all."
"And I'll tag along for moral support," her lover chimes in. The princess holds back a snort.
"Okay, fine," her father concedes. "Maybe you can talk some sense into them."
"Good." Emma nods.
"On another topic, the council sees the benefit of you being an ambassador for the kingdom and trying to get other kingdoms to trade with us," her mother beams.
Emma's eyes narrow in suspicion. "But…"
The king scowls. "They're a little concerned about using a pirate ship to conduct business."
Killian shrugs. "Then, the Jolly Roger will just have to become a merchant ship permanently."
Emma whips her head to look at her lover. "But, what about the crew? Would they want to leave the life of piracy?"
He waves a dismissive hand. "Most of my crew are getting on in years and wouldn't mind a change in career. The younger ones might take some convincing, however."
"And what about you? Would you be okay leaving behind the life of a pirate?"
Killian smiles at her, taking her hand in his. "Love, the reason for my piracy no longer exists, technically. It's been centuries since my brother died and the same goes for the king who had us retrieve the Dreamshade. My priority now is ensuring that you are safe and hopefully being able to stay by your side as long as you'll have me."
The princess blushes, almost forgetting that her parents are in the room. "Okay, no more piracy, got it."
He kisses her knuckles for good measure and Emma swears she hears her mother giggle next to her.
"Alright you two," her father grumbles good naturedly. "I'll write down a list of the council members. I suggest you get to work as soon as possible since you don't have much time."
The younger couple nods as David writes down the names.
"Also, we'd like you both to be present at the next council meeting, just so that they're reminded of why they're there," her mother says, leaving no room for argument.
"Of course!" Killian and Emma respond in unison.
Her father hands her the piece of paper before Emma pecks both of her parents on the cheek and bids them goodbye.
"So, who's first on the list?" her pirate inquires as soon as they leave the council room.
Emma scans the names and sighs.
"Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip."
Killian furrows his eyebrows. "Wait, the one they call Sleeping Beauty?"
"Yes, and do not call her that to her face. She hates it," Emma mutters. "Phillip's lovely, but Aurora's well…a princess."
Her lover snickers. "Don't worry love, I've dealt with plenty of those."
"Right." The princess rolls her eyes. "Let's get this over with."
Luckily for Killian and Emma, Aurora and Phillip currently reside in their summer cottage which is not far from the Nolan Castle.
When the couple arrives, they're greeted by one of the male servants.
"Princess Aurora had a feeling would be coming by," he says. "She and the prince are in the sitting room. I will take you to them."
As the two enter, Emma sees Killian taking note of the décor.
"I have to admit, they're a lot more ostentatious than your family seems to be," he comments.
"During her years on the run, my mother made do with what she had. She carried that over to her royal life and decided to not be overly frivolous. However, that doesn't mean she doesn't love frills and lace."
"She's just more measured in it than Aurora appears to be."
"You should see Aurora and Phillip's home castle," Emma remarks as they approach the parlor.
Aurora, who had been lounging on a sofa, stands curtsies to Emma while Phillip stands and bows from his armchair.
"Ah, Emma, it's been too long," Aurora gushes, pecking the other princess on both cheeks. "And I take it this is H-Killian?"
"At your service, your Highness," he responds, bowing.
"This is my husband, Prince Phillip." Killian also bows to the other man. Aurora proceeds to return to the sofa and gestures to a maid to grab some refreshments. "Now, I already know why you're here, Emma. Unfortunately, I must say that there is little you can say to change our stance on the matter." The princess sits primly on the edge of the sofa, her blonde hair straight down her back, her blue yes sharp. The picture of regal competence.
"May I ask why that is?" Emma prods.
"Yes, and I will be candid with you. My parents, well my father really, did some business with Gold years ago and found himself quite…entangled with the family."
"How bad is it?" Killian pushes.
Phillip sighs. "Most of the Aurora's family's, and therefor the kingdom's, wealth is owed in some way, shape, or form to Gold."
"So, you're afraid that your family will crumble if my family decides to declare war against them."
"Yes." Aurora nods. "Look, I agree that the Golds need to be gone. I know for a fact that Phillip and I are not the only ones sitting on the council who have deep ties to the Gold family. That's why there are so many against the idea of war."
"So, that's the way they cement themselves. Entangle everyone in their affairs so if they sink, everyone else goes with them," Killian mutters. "What if we told you that we could take down the Golds and help families like yours maintain their positions?"
Emma furrows her eyebrows and then realizes what he's on about. "Yes, we can. You see, another thing my parents have been working on is expanding the kingdom trade routes. If we are able to expand our trade to other kingdoms, Misthaven would be willing to share its luck and aid allying kingdoms in stabilizing their economies by supplying any surplus we receive as well as informing you as to how we got the kingdom to agree to trade with us. However, you'd still have to do the legwork on actually getting the other kingdoms to trade with you on an individual basis." She so hopes her parents are okay with this idea.
Aurora's quiet for a moment, then says, "It sounds like a plausible idea. However, we must think it through as there's so much at stake here."
"As there is for my own family," Emma argues. "My parents do not take this decision lightly."
"I know, I know." The other princess holds her hands up in surrender. "Now, I do request that you leave. We need to time to think over this matter."
Emma and Killian both rise and Phillip shows them out.
"I must note that I agree with the both of and I will do what I can to convince Aurora. But, in the end, this is her family and therefore she has the final say." Phillip shakes his head. "Aurora is very self conscious. Ever since she woke from that sleeping curse, people feared that given how long she was asleep, her mental capabilities were diminished. So, she's just afraid of making a mistake where people think she's an unfit ruler." Emma's heart clenches a little at the sadness in Phillip's voice.
"I understand that. But if we allow the Golds to carry on like this, we'll all be in trouble."
"I agree." He smiles tentatively. "It was nice to see you both and we hope you visit again soon."
The couple departs, both sighing.
"Well, that was a 'maybe'," Emma grumps.
"At least it's was something, love," Killian says. "Who's next on the list?"
"Um," the princess pulls out the piece of paper and eyes it. The next name has her swearing, "Shit."
Killian raises his eyebrow. "Problem?"
"Walsh Emerald is on this list."
"You don't like him?"
"Not in the least," Emma growls. "Come on, let's get this done and over with."
"Lead the way, love." Killian gestures with hook, clearly amused by Emma's exasperation at the situation.
Well, guess it's time to put her diplomacy skills to the test.
Walsh, unsurprisingly, is in the village tavern, partaking in some ale.
Emma walks to the seat next to him and plops down.
"No," he says without looking at her.
"That's no way to address your princess," Killian remarks.
"I see you brought your lover along as a buffer." Walsh glances up at the two of them, seeming unimpressed.
"Okay, since we're going to be talking like that, why don't you approve of going to war against the Gold kingdom?" Emma demands.
"Anyone with a brain can see the risk in going to war with the most prosperous family and, in turn, kingdom. Even a silly little girl like you should be able to see that."
"Watch what you say, mate," Killian hisses.
Emma waves him off. "I do, but what the Golds have done to everyone outweighs that. Besides, we have a plan to help everyone maintain their positions, even you."
Walsh just snorts into his pint.
Leaning closer, Emma whispers in to his ear, "Need I remind that my parents are doing you a kindness in allowing you to remain on the council, given that your position in Oz cannot be verified?"
"You don't scare me, Princess. Though, I wouldn't mind you whispering in my ear more."
The princess leans back, wrinkling her nose. "You lost that chance when you decided to feel me up without my consent at my debut ball."
"He did what now?" Killian asks sharply, his hook making small scrapes against the bar wood.
"I only declined to inform my parents because Walsh here has been smart enough to not try it again, after I punched him in his family jewels, of course." She snickers. "Though, perhaps it might be time to enlighten them of that incident."
Walsh growls. "You can't persuade me to change my mind. Well, you can, but I doubt you'd be up for it." He smirks, his eyes leering at her body.
"Watch yourself, mate. Swan here can take care of herself, but I have no qualms about helping her. I suggest you do as the lady asks or when we do travel to Oz, we'll be sure to verify your standing there."
Her pirate's threat seems to do the trick as Walsh looks a bit concerned and says, "I'll…think about it."
"That's all we ask! See you in a few days!" Emm chirps, smirking before departing the tavern. "Misogynistic prick!" she growls as soon as they're out of earshot.
"I know love and would be more than happy to go back there and run my hook through him for you." Killian pulls her against him, his chin resting on top of her head. "Though, we do have two "maybes" now."
"That's something." Emma gazes at him. "Though, I do plan on making good on your threat to Walsh. I really want him out of the council."
"Based on what I just saw, so do I love." Killian cups her cheek with his and before leaning in and kissing her.
Emma smiles and sighs before gazing at him again. "Well, two down, five more to go."
"Best get going then," he remarks. "Who's next?"
Even though she's afraid to look, Emma presses on, her expression morphing into one of surprise at the next name. "Oh, huh, Will Scarlet? Wonder how he's wrapped up in Gold."
"Let's go find out."
Hopefully, Will will be easy to convince. After all, he's usually pretty even tempered and reasonable based on the conversations Emma's had with him. In fact, Will doesn't seem like the type to entangle himself with a family like the Gold's. In fact, from what Emma recalls from his reaction to the announcement of her and Neal's pending union, Will isn't a exactly a fan of the Golds.
So, why the hell is he against going to war with them?