Chapter 23: Resurgam

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Emma feels as if she's moving through water in a dream as she goes about her royal responsibilities. As she meets with the council, as she receives reports of the reconstruction and reparations taking place throughout her kingdom, and even now, as she sits on her throne and holds audience with her people- courtiers and land owning nobles and peasants alike. Everything feels muddled and fleeting and only half real.

The only time she feels awake and alive is when she's alone with Killian.

Three days. I have three days to find a way to convince the council to accept Killian as my husband, as their King. Or else…

She couldn't even bring herself to consider the alternatives.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the unmistakable screech of the double doors to the Great Hall reluctantly sliding open. Emma raised her eyes to see Arthur, Mulan, and a group of his knights enter the room in full armor and regalia. Alarmed, Killian left his post at the base of the dais and stood by Emma's side, signaling a group of their own knights to move into position to protect their queen if necessary. Emma looked at Killian, grief and fear swelling up inside her that perhaps the time to think the unthinkable had come.

His eyes missed none of it. He wanted to gather her in his arms and kiss her hair, and promise her they'd be alright, they could face whatever came, weather any storm. But all he could do was reach for her hand and give it a gentle, reassuring squeeze. She gave him a tight lipped smile and squeezed back, hoping her eyes could tell him what her mouth could not, before she let go of his hand and turned to face her fate.

Arthur and his knights bowed low before her. Emma nodded in acknowledgement.

"Your Majesty," Arthur began, "Forgive me for coming before you in this manner. But I'm afraid there's a traitor in your court and I had to be sure I could protect you should it prove necessary."

"She has her own army to protect her, my Lord, should it prove necessary," Killian said with thinly veiled rage as he stepped forward. Emma glanced at him reproachfully and he schooled his features into something more stoic and less seething.

"I am grateful for your service, my Lord, as the knights of Camelot are well renowned the world over. But tell me, why did you fear my own men would not be able to protect me?"

"Because the traitor is the very man who commands them."

The court fell utterly silent at this. And every eye fell upon the Lord Protector Killian Jones.

"You villainous dog! How dare you-" Killian began, stepping toward the king. The royal guards stepped forward as well, moving into position. The Knights of Camelot drew their swords at once and closed the gap around Arthur. Emma placed a hand on Killian's shoulder and he felt a wave of calm rush through him. Her eyes met with his and she raised her brow as if to remind him of his manners, that his pirate's temper had no place in a royal court, no matter what was said. He clenched his fists, closed his eyes, let out an inaudible shaky breath, and looked at her, nodding his assent.

She stepped down from the dais, raising a hand to signal her men to stand down. As they obeyed, the Knights of Camelot put their swords away. And Arthur stepped forward to meet her.

"You must forgive us, your Grace. Lord Jones has been my friend and ally through all manner of hardships. I have never questioned his loyalty to me or to my kingdom."

"Hear hear!" cried out several of the courtiers who knew him well enough to know the charges were foundless.

"You would need some very compelling evidence to convince me otherwise," Emma finished.

Arthur bowed low in reply.

"Of course, your grace. Would you consent to have the Lord Protector of the realm submit to be searched, here and now, before all these witnesses?"

Emma turned to face Killian and stepped closer to him. She could see the tiniest twinge in his cheek which betrayed the clenching of his jaw, but otherwise he kept his face carefully blank.

"I'm quite sure it's an impossibility that any such evidence would be found and thus I see no need to conduct such a search."

"I'll turn out my pockets," Killian said in a low voice that teetered on the very edge of civility, "If it pleases, your grace." Arthur scoffed at this.

"And let him conceal the evidence? I think not."

"And allow you to plant some to give credence to your lies?"

"Enough!" Emma declared. Both men fell silent and seemed much chastened.

"Your Majesty," Arthur began, his voice soft and pleading, "I'm afraid I really must insist that he be searched. For your own safety."

Emma looked at both men and knew the only way to pacify them was to either let them have a duel and risk another war or to give them both exactly what they wanted- the chance to justify themselves. Though Emma knew too well what the outcome would be and that neither of the men would be truly satisfied by it, she could see no other way around it.

"Very well," She replied, "But I shall choose the one to search him. And only if you'll agree, Lord Jones." His eyes met hers and she could hardly stand the pain she saw in them. It wounded him to think there was any chance she might believe these lies. He nodded his consent.

"Jiminy Cricket," She called, letting her voice ring out. A small chirrup resounded in the great hall and the crowd parted to allow him to make his way to the dais. "As a member of the privy council who is well known as the voice of truth, wisdom, and all that is good in this land- I ask you to lead and oversee this search. You will be assisted by your friend and fellow council member, Gepetto."

The old man stepped forward and scooped up the cricket in his hand. They both bowed to their queen.

Killian's eyes fell to Gepetto and Jiminy, who were each looking at him with a sad and apologetic look in their eyes. He gave them a tight lipped, sympathetic smile and nodded.

"I consent," He said, refusing to allow his voice to break and betray the tightness growing in his throat. He let his arms rest at his sides and willed his body to relax.

Gepetto sighed and placed the cricket on his shoulder and began by asking Killian to remove his coat. Once obliged, he thanked the young man, and turned out the right pocket, then the left, finding nothing.

"You'll find chest pockets in the lining as well," Killian added. Gepetto thanked him quietly and turned those out too- once more, finding nothing. Killian removed his vest next and handed it over to be searched. Gepetto checked every pocket, seam, and lining, and at every turn, his friend the truthful cricket confirmed- nothing.

It wounded Emma more deeply than she could ever explain to see the carefully blank expression Killian wore as he removed his belt to allow the man to search the pouches he wore upon them.

She leveled Arthur with a stony gaze, but said nothing. She knew now exactly how she'd rid herself of him forever. He'd practically given her the answer himself on a silver platter. Once this ordeal was over, how she'd revel in banishing him from her kingdom on pain of death for causing the most loyal and celebrated hero of the war against the Dark One to suffer this needless humiliation.

And then at last- she could marry that man. Her pirate. Her true love. And publicly crown him King of the realm as well king of her heart.

An almost irresistible smile tugged at her lips at the thought.

It soon vanished.

"What's this?" Gepetto said softly, hardly believing his eyes as he drew a small, ornate silver frame from Killian's pouch.

Killian stared utterly dumbfounded at the item. He'd never seen such a thing before in all his life.

"It's one of the magic mirrors… it belonged to the Evil Queen," Jiminy answered, reluctantly.

Around them, the on-lookers began to whisper amongst themselves. All but one of Arthur's knights placed their hands on their swords, prepared to fight to the death.

"There's your proof, your Majesty," said Arthur, his mouth set in a grim line. "He's been consorting with the Evil Queen. She's using him to get you to give up your throne, one way or another."

"Those are vicious lies, Pendragon!" Killian spat. He looked at Emma, his eyes filled with desperation. "Emma, you know me. You know I can't lie to you. I've never seen that thing before!"

"So you've never spoken to the Evil Queen?" Arthur stepped in.

"I have," Killian willingly admitted. The crowd gasped and Killian began to panic. "But Queen Emma was with me!"

Emma nodded slowly. That much was true, but she could also see there was something Killian wasn't telling her. The mirror had been reported stolen some time past, after the Dark One had left and the visitors had dispersed. Only a very skilled thief could have stolen it from the royal strong room, which her parents had enchanted so that magic held no power on its doors, locks, or even within the chamber itself.

"And you never met with the Evil Queen alone?" Arthur continued his interrogation. Emma sighed, ready to put a stop to this.

"Your Grace-" Emma began. But Arthur cut her off.

"Let the traitor speak for himself," his tone was rough, the venom in his words unmistakable. "Forgive me, your Majesty, but I fear this rogue has been deceiving you for far too long. The whole realm knows of your skill for detecting lies. Question him. See his guilt for yourself."

Emma glared daggers at Arthur. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to steady herself.

It's almost over. She thought, Just finish this pointless interrogation and banish this fool forevermore. Then nothing can stand in the way of your happiness.

She opened her eyes and turned to Killian. He wore an expression of such torment that it cut her to her core.

"Killian." She spoke his name softly, taking his hand and his hook in hers and looking into his eyes, not caring in that moment what anyone thought. Not caring about anything other than ending his pain and reassuring him once again of the love and faith she had in him. The whole kingdom would know of their love soon enough anyway.

"Have you ever met with Regina without me?"

Tears welled in Killian's eyes as he looked deeply into those of the woman he loved, knowing very well he'd been outplayed by a cunning opponent and knowing he couldn't bring himself to lie to Emma, even if she didn't have the power to tell.

"Yes," He answered. Emma's eyes blew wide and filled with tears.

"And have you ever plotted to betray your rightful Queen or entertained the idea?" Arthur continued his interrogation.

Killian remembered the magic bean. He remembered listening to Regina's proposal and considering it far longer than he should. He remembered asking Emma to consider every single thing Regina had suggested. He hadn't meant any of it to harm her or betray her. She hadn't even taken him seriously. But of course, it would be hard for anyone to see it that way, coming from a notorious pirate who was only recently reformed.

"Yes," He replied, though it nearly tore his heart out to say so.

The gasps and whispers from the crowd grew louder, but Killian's eyes never left Emma's. Great big tears rolled down her cheeks and he could hold back his own no longer.

"Is this the first time?" Arthur pressed.

Again, Killian remembered how he'd kept Pandora's Box and brought it with him to face the Dark One on the battlefield, not trusting Regina's change of heart, fearful that Emma was being too naive. He was prepared to do whatever it took to destroy the Dark One and protect Emma, even if it meant betraying her to do it.

She shook her head, silently refusing, begging him not to answer. Killian cupped her cheek gently in his hand, feeling his heart breaking, but knowing he couldn't hide this from her anymore, even if he wanted to.

"No."

"It can't be," Emma cried, shaking her head, placing her hand atop of his and burying her face in his palm. "Killian, it can't be!"

"I'm so sorry, Emma," He gathered her in his arms, wanting desperately to pull her aside and explain everything, but knowing he wouldn't be given the chance.

The council watched, stricken and heartbroken as they watched the two lovers be torn apart by this horrific revelation. They knew too well, even if there were an explanation, even if it weren't completely true- plotting anything that could give power back to the Evil Queen was a trespass the people of this realm could never forgive.

"In the name of Queen Emma, arrest that man for high treason!" Arthur cried. His knights pressed forward- all but one, who slipped silently away as the crowd roared and surged, calling for Killian's death.

"These are half truths!" The cricket cried in protest. "He wasn't lying when he said he'd never seen the mirror before!"

But as is often the case, the voice of truth and reason were ignored. Utterly drowned out by the sound of the frenzied, angry shouts of the mob.

The royal guard fought back to keep the knights and crowd at bay, but there wasn't much they could do without hurting their own people, certainly not without the permission of their Queen. And she was far too distraught to quell this madness.

"Killian, please. I don't believe it!" She cried, pulling back to look in his impossibly blue eyes, sliding her hands onto his chest. He took her hand in his, lifted it to his mouth, and kissed it.

"I love you, Emma," He sobbed, "I'm so sorry for not telling you the truth sooner."

Then he drew her close and kissed her like it was the very last time he'd ever have the chance.

As it very likely was.

The knights and the angry mob at last broke through and wrenched the man once known as the infamous Captain Hook from the arms of their beloved Queen.

She falls to her knees as she watches them drag him away, weeping bitterly for her love, her lost hopes, her dead parents, and all the threats she'll have to face alone now.

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Knock knock knock.

Emma sits alone in her chambers in a bathtub of water long turned cold. She just couldn't find the strength to move.

"Your Majesty?" A soft feminine voice calls from the other side of the door.

Emma can't find the strength to reply. She doesn't know who it is. In truth, she doesn't really care. It isn't him. She knows that much.

She also knows that it's been thirty-two hours since Killian was taken to the palace dungeon. Her council had at least managed to save him from the execution the mob had been demanding-stirred up by Arthur, no doubt. Watching the clock is the only real work Emma's been able to accomplish since.

The knocker at the door persists.

She'd tell whoever it was to go away. But she can't find the strength for that either, so she sinks deeper in the water.

She wonders if they've mistreated him. She wonders if she could somehow set him free. Sneak him out of the palace, send him off on the Jolly Roger. They'd be apart, yes, but at least he'd be alive.

But to do that, she'd have to find the strength to get out of this tub, get dressed, and face him.

She'd also have to find the strength to resist the urge to sail away with him.

And that's far more strength than Emma has within her just now.

Knock knock knock.

A new voice calls.

"Emma, it's Ruby, I'm coming in." Emma lets her dry, bloodshot eyes slide shut.

The beautiful wolf girl with the long dark hair and huge hazel eyes enters the room and tries to shut the door behind her, but a small leather boot wedges itself between the door and the jamb. Ruby is startled when she looks up and sees her grandmother's face looking back at her with an expectant eyebrow raised.

"Granny, I don't think-"

"If you think you're going to stop me-" The look on Granny's face was enough to convince Ruby. She raised her hands and stepped out of the way.

"Wouldn't dream of it."

Together, they fished Emma out of the frigid water, got her dried off and dressed and seated in a chair by the fire with a steaming hot mug of cocoa with a dash of cinnamon, just the way her mother used to make it when she was a little girl.

Emma let the mug warm her hands, but couldn't bring herself to drink it. Ruby was slowly combing her way through the tangles in Emma's long, wavy hair. Granny knelt on the floor by Emma's feet.

"You shouldn't sit there," were the first words Emma spoke.

"Why ever not?" Granny asked, looking up at her slyly. "You think I'm too old and decrepit to sit down here?"

"I can call for another chair," Emma explained, ever the diplomat.

"Well, I figure if I sit on the floor, I might actually catch your eye." The old woman was chiding her. She did have a point. Emma attempted a smile. But for some reason she couldn't understand, her tears began to fall again instead. Granny took the mug from Emma and set it down, taking her hands and giving them a squeeze.

She didn't try to speak to her. Didn't try to coax her or coddle her or comfort her with vague and generic promises that everything would be okay. Emma was grateful for that.

The two women simply sat with her until the fire died down and the sun came up. At some point in the night, she'd joined them on the floor.

Emma roused herself as the first lights of dawn began streaming through the curtains. She moved to the window. Something about this sunrise reminded her of the one that had woken her aboard the Jolly Roger. Her first night with Killian, when he'd held her all night as she wept and grieved the loss of her parents.

She knew what she had to do then.

She knew what she had to do now.

And she prayed for the strength to do it.

"Granny?" Emma's voice sounded hoarse from lack of use. She turned to the desk nearby, drew a sheet of parchment, and began scrawling quickly.

"Yes, dear?" The old woman replied as she joined her at the window.

"I need you to get Killian out of the dungeon. Take him to his ship in the western harbor." She finished her note and signed it. She lit a candle, removed the sealing wax from her drawer, and placed her royal seal upon it, allowing it to dry a moment or two before rolling it up. "You're to give him this. You may show it to anyone who tries to stop you. But do not let them stop you." Emma's eyes seemed to blaze with these words and Granny took heart from them.

"Of course, your Majesty." Granny gave her a tight lipped smile and went about her work at once.

"Ruby," Emma called, her voice as cool and collected as it could be as she hastily scrawled out a second letter. The brunette hurried over at once. "I need you to rouse the rest of the council and take this and them to King Arthur." Once more, she set the royal seal upon the letter, let it dry, and handed it to the girl.

Ruby, lacking her grandmother's discretion, read the words and could not believe her eyes.

"Emma…" She pleaded, "You can't possibly mean this."

"I have no choice, Ruby. My time has run out. I must be Queen of this realm if I'm to protect the man I love. And to remain Queen of this realm, I must marry a noble. Today."

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A/N: Phew, that was a long one. But for better or worse, I really wanted to make it into one chapter. I've basically got the Poldark soundtrack on loop while writing this, so if you need some moody tone music right now, that's working for me. :) I stole the name of this chapter from one of my favorite songs on there. Google tells me "Resurgam" means "I shall rise again" in Latin and I think that encompasses the hopes of lots of characters at this point in the story. But they can't all be right, can they? I always love hearing predictions though, so feel free to speculate in the little white box below. Or gush about the Poldark soundtrack cause IKR?