Chapter 25: The Legacy of a Kingdom
Emma loosened her hair and reached for the brush. She was already wearing her loose-fitting nightgown. Her fingers closed around an object in her drawer and pulled it out. Instead of the brush, she held the hand mirror. Lost in thought, she traced the filigree gold rim with her finger. It had been Killian's gift from a market two months ago.
Emma looked at her reflection. Her hair had grown long again and her skin was tanned from the sun. Under her eyes, she could see dark shades from lack of sleep. It had been four months since Killian had rescued her. By now, the guests and crew had grown accustomed to each other. Everyone had been assigned a job and after some initial chaos, operations were now running quite smoothly.
Two days ago they had reached the coastal waters of Arendelle. Now they were heading north, but so far they had not made contact with any other ships. According to the nautical charts, the first major settlement was only hours away.
What had been a distant thought before now became within reach. Over the past few months, they had had many conversations about Arendelle. And it seemed that everyone had a different opinion.
There was Ruby, who wanted Emma to seek out Elsa and go into exile in Arendelle.
There was her brother, who had grown so much in the last few months and needed a new home.
All her people, who saw her as their savior and their princess, expected her to leave the ship with them.
But then there was the crew she was still a part of.
And finally, there was Killian.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. Emma threw a vest over her shoulders and put the mirror back in the drawer.
"Come in," she called out.
The door opened and Ramsay entered.
"Hello, princess," he smiled.
His injury had healed well and he looked healthy again, but he seemed worried, and Emma knew what that meant.
"Hey," Emma said softly.
"Haven't seen you all day," he said, sitting down in an armchair across from the bed Emma was sitting on. "Aren't you excited?"
Emma sighed. "I guess I'm a little too excited."
"What's wrong?" he simply asked. He sensed her exasperation, and in true Ramsay fashion, he got right to the point.
Emma was silent for a moment.
"Well, I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. In an ideal world, maybe I could find a safe place for my people, drop them off, and sail the seas with you guys. But if I've learned anything in the last few months, it's that reality is much more complicated. What if Elsa is not the noble queen we expect? What if we're not safe there? And if I present myself to the public here, what happens to Killian? As far as I know, piracy is a crime punishable by death. No matter what I decide to do, I will deeply disappoint someone."
Ramsay listened intently, then stood up and took a bottle of rum from a shelf.
"What are you doing?" Emma asked, confused.
"This is a conversation that will go easier with a drink," Ramsay said simply, reaching for two glasses. "This is excellent liquor we pilfered from one of Blackbeard's ships before we sank it. No wonder he hates the captain so much."
Emma grinned briefly. "He'll probably kill you if you open it."
"He won't if I tell him you needed it. He'd give you the world."
"He probably would," Emma confirmed, taking a sip. "And that makes everything so much harder."
"I understand."
"He's giving me the world, and I feel like an idiot."
"Because you're thinking about your people?"
"I feel like I'm not giving the same back to him."
"Have you talked to him about it?"
Emma shook her head. "How can I say anything when I don't even know what to expect in Arendelle? All I know is that it would tear my heart out to leave him. I know I want to stay with you because sailing has become my world. On the other hand, I promised my people I would take them to a safe place."
She paused. "I've also seen Neal grow so much in these few months. And I'm the last person left of his family. How could I leave him behind?"
Ramsay sighed and downed the drink. "As life goes, there's no easy answer to your problem. Take it from an old man like me. But one thing is for sure, whatever you choose, responsibility, family or love, I know the crew and especially the captain will accept your decision and support you in every way. Hook is older than he looks. You know that. And as captain of this ship, he is used to making impossible decisions. I know he wants you to succeed in your life and that's why you should talk to him about your fears. Love is not always easy. There is no right or wrong, so don't be afraid."
"But how can I not have any?"
"Like you said, we don't know what to expect in Arendelle. The first thing you should do is talk to Hook about your thoughts. Then we need to make a plan of what to do as we approach town. And after you make contact with Elsa, you can reassess the situation."
"You're always a pragmatist," Emma smiled.
"That's how I've survived. When the world comes at you, focus on one problem at a time."
"I put you at great risk, too. Aren't you afraid they'll see through the White Swan's charade? Aren't the crew afraid for their lives?"
Ramsay snorted.
"Seriously, Emma? You've been with us for more than a year. We're pirates! We're in danger all the time. Entering a city with the prospect of being killed? My pleasure!"
Emma smiled a little. "Yes, of course. How could I forget."
"I'd be more worried about the wolf we have on the ship," Ramsay tried to lighten the mood. "For crying out loud, that woman has a temper," Ramsay said, pouring himself another drink. "And she's sniffing all over the place. I can't wait to set foot on land to get out of her sight."
"Then maybe you shouldn't have slept with her," Emma replied.
Ramsay lowered his glass. "How do you know?"
Emma raised an eyebrow. "We're on a ship. Everyone knows."
"In my defense: I was really drunk."
"She must have been, too. Otherwise she probably wouldn't have done it."
"She seems to hate pirates even more now."
"Aye, that's because she fancies you. I had no idea she had a thing for old guys, but hey."
Ramsay raised his hand. "Wait a minute."
"What, you just called yourself one of those," Emma laughed. "Although I wouldn't guess you're over forty."
"Nice try saving that, princess."
Emma sighed. "Thanks for making me laugh and for the drink."
"You're welcome," Ramsay replied, serious again. "Are you feeling better now?"
"A little," Emma confirmed.
"And will you speak to the captain?"
"I will."
"Well, then," Ramsay said, rising from his chair. "Don't hesitate to pay me a visit if you need me."
"Duly noted," Emma said, and watched Ramsay leave the cabin.
Two days later, they docked a few miles from town. Their dock was a shabby fishing village that was a central transshipment point for smugglers. It was also a good place for gossip. Goods and information came through and were spread from here to the world.
The plan was to gauge the mood in the country. It turned out that not much had changed. King Arthur still occupied the Enchanted Forest and no one dared to challenge his sham reign. Officially, Queen Elsa declared Arendelle neutral to him, but the people were disgusted with him and claimed that their queen shared their opinion, but was simply not powerful enough to conquer the Enchanted Forest. Elsa's reign began with obstacles, and she still had a hard time uniting everyone in her country.
Asking commoners could hardly answer the question of how Elsa would react if they showed up now. So Killian, Ramsay and Ruby decided to take a two-day trip inland and get more information from the capital. They knew how to sneak into the city walls because Killian had an old contact there. Emma was worried about the mission, but Killian had insisted and assured her it was safe. So, she stayed on the ship with the crew.
On the second evening, Emma had decided to have a drink at the tavern on the docks. The constant pressure of Ramsay's words accompanied her every step. She knew what he said was true, and she had tried to talk to Killian. She had really tried. But whenever she looked into his blue eyes, she pushed all thoughts back and tried to enjoy his company instead of talking. And now that he was gone, she had to fight her guilty conscience one more time.
She pulled the hood of her dress lower over her face as the barmaid handed her a drink and waited. It wasn't long before the chair across from her moved and someone sat down.
Emma looked up into Regina's face.
"Now then, Emma. What do you have to tell me that we can't discuss on the ship?"
Emma leaned forward. "Because I made a decision that no one on the ship will support."
Regina frowned.
"And you think I, as the Evil Queen, will support your shady plans?"
"I know you've changed a lot. I have, too. And I've learned that you can't always be nice to get what you want."
"And what do you want, Emma?"
"I've thought about it a lot and realized it's not about me. I don't want Neal to grow up in a place where he has to worry about being used by a ruler. I also don't want him to grow up as a peasant. And I absolutely cannot let the man who killed my parents destroy what they have built over so many years. I've tried so hard to run away from that, but I want Neal to grow up in the royal castle. And you can't do that by asking nicely. I want King Arthur to suffer for his crimes, and I want to look him in the eyes when he does."
Regina was silent for a moment.
"If you go down this road, there will be no turning back," she said finally.
"Will you try to hold me back?"
"How could I?"
"That's why I asked you."
"What exactly do you want from me?"
"I need to get into the Enchanted Forest and kill King Arthur. I don't want Ruby or Hook involved in this. I have to do it myself. I wouldn't ask you to do it, but I need your help to get there. That's all I want from you."
"Killing someone isn't easy," Regina objected. "You can't just go in there and plunge a dagger into his heart."
"I've done it before."
"King Arthur is not a pirate, he's a king. A wizard named Merlin protects him. He is a powerful man. His magic is ancient and channeled by the power of nature."
"So it surpasses yours?"
"By far," Regina replied. "Imagine a crow racing an eagle. That's kind of what it would be like."
Emma slumped down and stared at the table.
"Listen," Regina said forcefully. "You're not a killer. You're not going to make it. And you shouldn't. That's not what you like to hear, I know. But there are other ways. Justice takes time. You have to work at it, but it won't be achieved by hasty action."
"You sound like my mother," Emma noted with an angry undertone.
"Yes, that's what she would tell you. Because she was a smart woman."
"Not smart enough to save her own life."
"You're being unfair, Emma. To put it bluntly, what you're about to do wouldn't even make you that old. Please Emma, you've survived this long on a pirate ship. And do you know why? Not because you tried to kill the captain, but because you adapted and learned their way of life."
"So you won't help me?"
"I will support your welfare and reasonable choices. But the most realistic way to keep everyone safe is to ask Elsa for help. If she refuses it, we will find another way."
Emma struggled with mixed emotions on the way back to the ship. Disappointment due to Regina's rejection, resignation and helplessness. These feelings reminded her of her past and made her sick. After all, she had no real power and everyone knew it. There was no reason to believe that talking to Elsa would change that.
"Good afternoon, fair lady," purred a voice beside her.
Emma looked down. A beggar woman with a furrowed face was sitting on some stacked boxes. Her dress was made of patches and her hairstyle resembled a bird's nest. She had cards spread out in front of her and stared at Emma with a mischievous grin.
"You look like a girl who would like to know what lies ahead. You get two predictions for a gold piece."
Emma rolled her eyes. She had already met these would-be fortune tellers in every port. They were almost like a plague. Once, Emma had had one of them tell her fortune. And they had predicted a happy marriage and five children for her. That night, Emma had prayed urgently to all the gods of the realms that she would never be blessed with five children. For that would make any future as a doctor impossible. And she had no intention of spending her entire life changing diapers.
In passing, she dropped two gold coins into a shabby hat that lay before the woman's bare feet. Life on the streets was hard, and even if she had no interest in her services, she wanted to provide the woman with a hot meal.
She continued on her way to the ship, but she had only taken a few steps when she heard the fortune teller's gruff voice.
"For little knows my royal dame,
that ya searching for a name.
When the hand points to the midst of night
and the sky is filled with light,
You'll remind ya of these rhymes
and speak out the name three times."
A cold breeze blew into Emma's back and her hair into her face. She stopped as if rooted to the spot and turned around. The stack of boxes was empty. Confused, Emma looked around, but the woman was gone, as were the cards and her coins. The chill of the wind had manifested itself in Emma. She stood frozen on the busy pier, trying to comprehend what had happened.
And slowly it sank in, because understanding the words wasn't that hard. She knew what she had to do to continue her plan. But she would be opening a bottomless pit without knowing the consequences. It would put everyone on the ship in danger. She had played this game before, but who said it would go well this time? Could she push her luck a second time?
She had only one shot at it. Tonight was a full moon. Emma pulled out her pocket watch, a gift from Killian. It was half an hour before midnight. There was no time to think it over. She had to make the decision.
Looking around the ship, Emma learned that most of the crew had gone to the tavern for the night. Only Morren and Bernie were aboard, having a drink in the galley. She would be undisturbed. Her heart pounded as she returned to the deck. The moon was hiding behind a cloud, dimming its light.
Emma looked down at her slightly trembling hands and then lifted her head to the crow's nest. She grabbed a rope and began to climb up the mast. Move by move, she made her way up into the sky. She tried to clear her head and block out all thoughts. Because if she started thinking again, reason would tell her to stop climbing immediately and abandon her foolish plan.
As she reached the crow's nest, the moon emerged from behind the cloud. The wind picked up a bit up here, making her clothes and hair flutter. Below her, the waves crashed against the ship. She was alone up here, the place where she had learned to be comfortable. She pulled the watch out of her pocket and stared at the ticking hand counting down. Five minutes to twelve. Four minutes. Three minutes. Emma wiped her sweaty hands on her shirt. Two minutes. One. Thirty seconds. Ten, nine, eight. Emma exhaled deeply and collected her voice. Three, two, one...
She opened her mouth.
"Rumpelstiltskin, Rumpelstiltskin, Rumpelstiltskin," she spoke clearly against the wind.
Holding her breath, Emma waited. One, two, three. Still nothing. She could only hear the wind in the darkness. The next moment she felt a gust of wind and her vision blurred. A second later, the fog cleared, revealing the person in front of her. He was sitting on the edge of the crow's nest, legs dangling casually, clawed hands crossed over his knee.
"Well, well, well," he said, looking around, "the princess herself demands my attention."
From the Dark One's mouth it sounded angry.
"Seeing you like this, I take it that Milady has now allowed herself to be pierced with the pirate's hook. Tell me, does he really live up to his reputation?"
Emma gave him a disgusted look. "Why don't you ask him to pierce you? In the neck, please. Forever."
A sly grin spread across the crocodile's face. "Now, now, where are your manners, my lady? Have they disappeared with your bloody innocence?"
Emma gasped, closed her eyes, and opened them again. "They disappear when I see you, and come back when you leave," she hissed.
The dark one tilted his head. "What a shame, because I can be such nice company. And not always so vulgar, either. I just thought I'd fit in with the scenery. With a wide-ranging guest, he pointed across the ship. Speaking of which, why exactly did you summon me?" He opened his mouth. "Is it because you want to release your captain?" He licked his lips hopefully.
"Certainly not!" Emma replied.
"That's too bad," he said, disappointed. "Then it's a waste of my time."
He raised his arm.
"No, wait!" Emma shouted. "You owe me a favor."
The dark one's brow furrowed. "Excuse me? What do I owe a little pirate whore?"
Emma clenched her hands into fists. "The little pirate whore gave you back your wife. Or wasn't your power enough to keep her?"
For a moment, the corners of his mouth twitched. "You," he said slowly, "are lucky to be alive. Maybe I should change that now and rip your heart out."
"Or we can talk and work out another deal."
"Another deal?" the crocodile growled. "I'm still waiting for you to leave the ship so I can put an end to this filthy pirate that he deserves. I really should kill you."
"That's exactly what I intend to do," Emma replied. "I have somewhere to go, and maybe you can take me there."
A hint of interest flashed in the dark one's eyes. "And where is that?"
Emma took a deep breath. "The Enchanted Forest."
"And what will you do there?"
"Kill King Arthur, of course."
The dark one looked at her for a moment. Then he burst into uncontrollable laughter.
"Why, of course. Who put that idea in your head? How could someone like you ever kill King Arthur?"
"I've killed before."
"You're funny, girl."
"I really have."
He looked at her with a hint of curiosity. "It doesn't matter. You'll never get past his guard dog, Merlin. The only one with enough power to face that wizard is, well, me."
"And that's why I need you," Emma concluded.
"No," the dark one rebuffed. "There's no incentive for me there. Except the scenario where I send you there, have you killed, return to this ship, and kill the pirate."
Emma's confidence began to wane. She hated the Dark One, but somehow she was convinced that the fortune teller had given her that name for a reason. This world was steeped in magic, and these things didn't happen by accident. Or maybe she was delusional and clutching at straws.
"There may be one thing I want," the Dark One suddenly said.
Emma lifted her head and saw a gleam in the dark one's eyes. "But honey, that's going to take a p-"
"Swan?"
The voice came directly from behind her, and Emma stopped, rooted to the spot. Killian was leaning in the rigging, right at the edge of the crow's nest. His face was as white as the foam on the waves, and he stared at the Dark One with dead eyes. He must have climbed up to her without her noticing.
"You're back early," was all Emma whispered.
"What's that damn crocodile doing on my ship, and what's your business with him?" he asked in a trembling voice.
The dark one rolled his eyes and gave the captain a disparaging look. "I still don't understand why all women fall for this sort of thing. I suggest we continue our discussion later."
In a flash, he disappeared in a puff of smoke.
"Continue our discussion?" Killian repeated, aghast. "For crying out loud, Emma! What are you doing?"
Emma looked down and could see Ruby, Ramsay, Regina, and Morren standing on deck, looking up at them.
"Cabin," was all Killian said. He spoke in his authoritative voice, and Emma knew immediately that she was in big trouble. Of all the scenarios in which Killian learned of her thoughts, this was the worst she could have imagined.
Silently, Emma climbed down the rigging and followed Killian to the quarters, passing the others with her head bowed, carefully avoiding looking them in the eye.
When they reached the captain's cabin, Killian slammed the door behind them and then turned to Emma. "Why on earth are you talking to that crocodile on my ship? What the hell were you talking about making deals?"
She had never seen Killian so angry, at least not since he found out her true identity. With a twisted mouth and narrowed eyes, he looked at her angrily, as if he couldn't believe what she had done. But the worst part was that he was right. What right did she have to invite his nemesis into his home and endanger everyone?
"I didn't want anyone to see this," she said softly. "You shouldn't have been here. I wanted the deal done before you came back."
Killian took three angry steps towards her and reared up in front of her. "What kind of deal can you make with this scum?"
"Getting me close enough to King Arthur to kill him without risking all your lives."
Killian's expression changed from anger to a mixture of rage and pity. Then he sat down on the bed and buried his face in his hands.
"I know you don't want to admit it, but it's the truth," Emma said forcefully. "Ruby would put her hand in the fire for Elsa, but you and I know better. Pirates are considered criminals. And if you choose to risk your life, it's your choice. And I know the crew feels obligated to follow you and help me. But they shouldn't. King Arthur has to go, and it has to be me, next in line to the throne. It's my responsibility."
Killian raised his head from his hands, his brow deeply furrowed. "You talk like a fucking lunatic," he said dejectedly.
"You know it's risky for Queen Elsa to risk a diplomatic incident. And her magic is not strong enough to take us to the enchanted forest. She'll be merciful if she lets us live in Arendelle. And then what? We won't be safe there. And should I wait for an assassin to try to kill me or my brother?"
"But you're not an assassin either, Emma," Killian said dejectedly.
"You don't think I can do it?"
"That's not the fucking point, Emma," he exclaimed. "You shouldn't. You're not a killer."
"You have no say in this," Emma shot back.
Killian looked at her for a few seconds, then stood up and walked towards her.
"Yes, I do," he said dangerously calmly. "I'm still your captain. I give the orders, and you follow them."
Emma shook her head. "If that's the case, I wouldn't obey."
"Then that would be an act of mutiny, and I would have to lock you up."
"You wouldn't dare," Emma said.
"I won't let you act out your stupidity, Emma! Even if I have to tie you to my bunk."
"Are you seriously telling me that you won't let me make any more free choices?" asked Emma, now angry. "I won't stand for it!"
"I don't care," he simply said.
Emma couldn't believe what he had just said. It was as if the old Hook was back. The one who had dominated and humiliated her. And it brought back old memories, some that she had tried to forget. Emma felt the pressure in her throat and her eyes watered. She tried to hold it back, but she couldn't manage to fight him off, and she felt sick.
Then she felt his warm palm on her cheek.
"Emma, look at me," he said in a low voice.
She wanted to refuse, but then she followed his instructions. His face had changed again, still concerned, but tender.
"I understand you," he continued. "I really do. You want to take care of all of us. But I'm not that altruistic. You've forgotten that I'm the selfish pirate. And I swore a long time ago that if I ever fell in love again, I wouldn't let her die. And I'm going to stick to that, even if you hate me for it."
Before Emma could say anything else, they were interrupted by a knock on the door. Then it opened and Ruby entered without being asked. One look at Emma's face was enough for her to grasp the situation.
"What's the problem here?" she growled.
"The pirate is having an existential crisis because his princess is finally realizing that what comes out of the gutter stays dirt."
All three turned to the voice. The Dark One sat casually in his chair, feet on the table, clearly enjoying the show.
Emma's eyes darted to Killian, who had stopped as if rooted to the spot.
"I'm delighted to make your acquaintance, Miss Lucas. I know your grandmother well. If I had more time, I would meet with her. But unfortunately, there are more serious matters I must attend to."
Emma took a determined step toward the Dark One. "Stop your silly games and make your offer."
The Dark One gave her an amused look. "What makes you think I have one? Maybe I'm just enjoying the torment of the pirate."
"There are more entertaining things to do than loiter around a pirate ship," Emma retorted sharply.
The dark one smiled. "You surprise me, darling. I like your new confidence."
Emma saw Killian wince beside her. "How dare you, you vile, ugly scumbag, address the princess like that?"
The Dark One made a whirl with his hand, and Killian fell silent. His lips were still moving, but no sound escaped them.
"That's better," the Dark One decided.
"I wish I had that power," Ruby couldn't help herself.
"All you have to do is plunge the Dark One's dagger into my heart, dear," Rumple said with a grin.
Another knock on the door interrupted their argument.
"Enough," Emma cried, turning to the dark one. "Can you use your power to take us to a quieter place?"
"Your wish is my command, Princess!"
Emma blinked and found herself surrounded by sudden darkness. All she heard was the trickle of water and the squeak of rats. Emma had to suppress a groan.
"What the hell, Emma?" came Ruby's voice from the darkness. "Can someone please explain to me what's going on?"
After a brief silence, Killian spoke up. "I've been here before. We're in the Dark One's dungeon."
Emma's heart began to beat faster. "So we're in the Enchanted Forest? His castle is there, right?
"Aye," Killian growled .
"Just like that? Is his magic that strong?"
"I don't know," Ruby replied. "It could also be that the dark one has put a protective spell around the castle. So it could be that the inside of the castle counts as the outside, so Merlin's spell wouldn't cover it and transportation would be possible."
She walked towards the bars. "Guard?"
No answer.
"Maybe he's working out the deal and needs some time."
"Good grief, Swan!" Killian couldn't hold back any longer. "We're talking about the damn crocodile 's not a bone of honor in his rotting skeleton. You allowed him to take us off the Jolly Roger, and do you know what that means?"
Emma looked at him questioningly.
"You left the ship of your own free will and closed the deal! Now the crocodile is free to kill us all!"
"No, I didn't," Emma replied. "The deal is done when I leave the crew of my own free will. I asked him to transport us, not just me. I haven't abandoned the crew."
"Not yet," Killian added.
Emma turned to him. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Isn't that what you're doing, Swan? You want the enchanted forest back."
"Yes, for my brother and my people!" Emma almost shouted. "You know that!"
"And then what? You kill the damn self-proclaimed king and leave your people behind after that? No Emma, you want the kingdom back for yourself. You want it so badly that you don't even care who takes you there. That's why you've been talking to the crocodile behind my back. And maybe it's time to admit it."
"Don't try to disgrace our queen," Ruby interrupted him. "Emma is the most important person in this kingdom, she always has been. Even in her mother's womb, she had more purpose than you. Actually, I'm glad she realizes that now. You're just a pirate who likes to feel important because you dishonored a princess."
Silence spread through the room. Without a word, Killian turned, walked to the wall, and sat down.
"What now, Hook? Have you run out of arguments and accept the truth?" Ruby laughed again.
"Ruby, stop it," Emma said. Her voice trembled slightly and she suddenly felt as if the room was freezing.
"What Emma? Isn't it true that the pirate fucked you? He held you captive for months, enough time to brainwash you and put things in your head that you think is love? These pirates have never seen a decent woman in their lives. I guess once he found out his stowaway was a woman, he couldn't think of anything but using his dick."
"Enough, Wolf!" said Killian sharply. "I think we have established that I am a man without honor. You don't need to prove it anymore."
His voice was calmer now, somehow defeated, and Emma felt all anger at his behavior today evaporate.
"Killian," Emma said brokenly.
"It's okay, love," he replied. "The wolf has a point."
"No, she doesn't. It wasn't your fault!"
"Yes, it was. It was my responsibility to protect you, and I didn't. Too many times."
"Wait," Ruby interrupted. "What are you talking about?"
Somehow Emma was grateful for the darkness surrounding her so she didn't have to look Ruby directly in the eye. She had never wanted to talk about it again, but she was tired of being silent.
"I know you don't have a high opinion of Killian, Ruby. And I know you have your reasons. And yes, he can be the ruthless pirate you see him as. But at the same time, he can be so much more. He may have a big mouth, but to women, he really is a gentleman."
She could imagine Ruby rolling her eyes in the dark.
"A gentleman in the sense that he never touches a woman against her will," she continued. "Ever since he found out who I was, he's treated me with nothing but respect. In fact, after he found out, he was very gentle. It was just, the circumstances were a little more complicated."
She stopped briefly to collect her voice. "One night, at a port, there were two men, two sailors after me, and I don't remember much about that night ..."
She hesitated, then took a deep breath.
"They tore my clothes off ... and ... and that's how it happened."
She paused, waiting for Ruby to say something. But her friend remained silent. Suddenly, she felt her arms around her. She let Ruby hug her and stood up awkwardly.
"Emma," Ruby murmured into her shoulder, and her voice broke. Then she took Emma's face in her hands. "I'm so sorry. If I had known, I never would have said those things!"
Emma waited for Ruby to reproach her for not telling her, but her friend remained silent.
"I wanted to tell you," Emma began. "But I didn't want you to kill Killian either."
Before Ruby could answer, footsteps interrupted them. Ruby released Emma from her embrace. They heard the sound of muffled voices and then a heavy metal door. A glimmer of light contoured the outline of the cell as the person approached.
"Time to end this game," a familiar voice spoke.
"Belle," Ruby gasped.
"Hello, old friend," Belle replied. "Haven't seen you in a while."