Chapter 26: Sword in the Stone
"I apologize for the inconvenience," Belle said as she led them through the castle. "My husband has a really strange sense of humor. Putting you in the dungeon." She shook her head.
"What a sense of humor," Hook growled.
"Don't be too hard on him, Mr. Jones. Just as I don't hold grudges against you."
"For my behavior toward you, I deeply apologize," Hook conceded. "But I will never understand why you returned to the Crocodile."
"Perhaps it's the same reason Emma chose you. Many people don't understand that either," Belle countered.
Beside her, Ruby smiled.
"Anyway, Rumple has found his way to me. I don't know how, but maybe it was fate. "I don't know how, but maybe it was fate. He promised that he wanted to change. Sometimes he falls into old habits, but he tries very hard. And the reason you're here proves he's on the right track."
Emma gave Killian a quick look.
"I feel like I'm surrounded by nothing but lovesick fools," Ruby muttered.
Belle didn't respond, but stopped in front of a double-winged door.
"Why is the castle empty? Didn't there used to be guards here?" asked Killian suspiciously.
Belle sighed. "After Rumple lost me, he fell into a deep mourning and turned them into furniture. Somehow they became part of his curse and he failed to bring them back to life."
"Poor things," Ruby said, inspecting a silver candlestick on the wall with interest. "How many servants did you have before?"
"Follow me," Belle said quickly. "Rumple is waiting for you."
They entered what appeared to be the dining room. In the center was a dark wooden table with squiggly legs. Two chairs flanked the table and faced each other, leaving a large space between the people who were actually dining here. The floor was covered with large rugs that smelled of musk. To their left, a fire crackled in the fireplace. The room was decorated with armor and antique paintings, and a spinning wheel stood in the corner of the room. Emma saw Killian's eyes linger on a basket of spun gold. Once a pirate, always a pirate.
Belle hurried to the fireplace and moved the two armchairs to the table.
"Please sit down and make yourself comfortable. I'll be right back with some refreshments."
Then she hurried away.
"It seems you haven't ruined her life at all, Swan," Killian said, dropping into one of the armchairs. "She likes being a servant."
Ruby looked at her. "The difference is she knows how to be a good host. I still remember the first time you greeted us."
"That was because you were intruders, not guests," Hook replied.
"And by the way, what do you mean by not destroying their lives?" Ruby asked.
"I gave her location to the Dark One for a deal," Emma explained, a little embarrassed.
"And what was the deal about?"
"That he would leave the Jolly Roger alone."
"I regret asking," Ruby replied. "Sometimes I wonder what happened to you."
"I had to change to survive," was all Emma said.
Ruby took a deep breath. "Emma, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it."
Emma shook her head. "We're not going to talk about it now. There'll be time for that later. You both have to understand that I'm fine. When I'm ready to talk about it, I'll come to you. Until then, the best thing you can give me is your support. You have to trust me. I am not the stupid girl who runs into the arms of the enemy without thinking. I am also not the innocent girl who thinks that diplomatic talk will give my kingdom back. I've learned a few things about gambling on a certain ship. And I know that helping the Dark One will come at a price. But that's exactly what we need. There is no time for hesitation. King Arthur will corrupt this kingdom and destroy this people. Too many have already suffered. Ever since we entered the northern realms, I have felt this voice within me. Perhaps it is my destiny to save everyone, or at least to try."
Suddenly the doors opened with force and Rumple dramatically entered the hall. In his left hand he carried a scroll and a pen. Right behind him Belle followed with tea and cookies. It seemed absurd to be sitting here, miles from the Jolly Roger, deep in the Enchanted Forest, so close to their destination with their former adversary and his wife, her former nanny.
Rumple sat down in the chair at the head of the table and crossed his leathery fingers. He was completely in his element.
"Here we go," he purred. "Since you, my dear princess, or should I say future queen of the Enchanted Forest, have so kindly requested my assistance through the use of an ancient incantation, I cannot refuse your request. I would like to know where you got it from, but that can wait. First of all, as a resident of the Enchanted Forest, I have been observing the events for some time. There have been massive changes in the kingdom that have not gone over well with the people. I was an outcast before, people didn't tend to stray into my estate. Surprisingly, a lot of people have been knocking on my door lately, oh so many, I can't even count anymore. Interesting how people lose their natural fear when they are desperate. Of course, I didn't answer. I'm not a charity and nothing is free with me. And what could they offer me anyway? How much is gold if you can spin it yourself? I couldn't even take away their life essence, because they usually don't have an interesting life. And what would I do with their children? After all, this isn't a orphanage either. Just imagine, all that crying and babbling! I've had just about enough of that." He made a disgusted sound.
"Then why did you invite me in the first place? I don't have any magic you could take from me," Emma countered.
"You, Princess Emma, have something that no one else in the entire realm has. You are the firstborn of the ruling line and carry the heritage of the entire country. That's a whole different kind of magic. Everyone, your parents, your wolf, my dear wife, have helped you prepare for your task. Your power is not shown in enchanting snow or creating curses. You carry the magic of this land within you. People believe in you. And this power can be seen by every magical being. Regina could see it growing in you and may have wanted to hold it back, but I can see it too and I don't. It also means that as soon as we leave this castle, Merlin, King Arthur's wizard, will sense it too. He will come for us and try to stop us."
"Keep us from what?" Emma whispered.
"Emma, I can help you free this realm, I can crush the head of this fake king with a snap of my fingers. It's Merlin who is the mighty one. He is a druid, a mage who uses the crudest form of magic, drawing energy from nature. And because nature is the source of everything, even the Dark One cannot completely escape it."
"What can we do?" Emma asked guardedly.
"I doubt Merlin can be persuaded to change sides," Rumple said. "That means great power is needed to defeat him. For that, I would need an enhancer. A strong magical item to enhance my power. It has to be something that Merlin is connected to, but can't drain power from."
"It's hard to get such an item," Emma said.
"As luck would have it, I know exactly what we need."
"Who would have thought?" snorted Killian, but in a low voice.
Rumple ignored him and continued. "Have you ever been to the center of the Enchanted Forest? Fifty miles east of the king's castle, where the swamps begin?"
"You mean the famous Dark Swamps?" Emma whispered. "No, of course I don't. But I've heard the stories of people disappearing in them. They say the area is cursed. My mother used to tell me the story about the old ferryman. The only one who could find a safe passage through it, but he doesn't appear to everyone. Some people say he's a ghost."
"The ferryman is a fairytale to scare little children," Rumple explained. "But you're right, entering the swamps can be dangerous. However, when I became the Dark One, I was confident that I was capable of conquering anything. So I made it my mission to explore the dark places of the continent. As I combed the forests, one day I found myself at a misty lake. In the middle of the lake was a small island. And on that island I found a sword stuck in a rock."
"Excalibur, the sword in the stone," Killian whispered, now excited. "There is an old pirate legend of a great treasure hidden in a stone. The one who can free it will be given glory and victory in any battle. But no one has ever found any evidence that it actually exists."
"It does exist," Rumple continued. "But as it turned out, I wasn't able to pull it out of the stone. I later learned that it was Merlin who sealed it in there, hundreds of years ago. He didn't want to give anyone the power to possess the sword because it would cause a great imbalance. Imagine what a false leader could do with it. The sword has been there for hundreds of years now, and no one has been able to free it."
"I thought Merlin was the strongest wizard there is."
"Let's just say there has been some sort of dispute between us in the past that ended in a conflict that made it impossible for either of us to return to the island. But legend says someone worthy will come. Merlin believes King Arthur is the chosen one, but I know it's someone else."
"You mean me?" Emma said incredulously.
"Yes, Deary. It's either you or this king. You are both of ancient royal blood. But that's not the point. Many kings have tried to free the sword, but none have succeeded. I think nature cannot be tricked and it cannot be possessed. The arth does not care who lives on its soil. Many species have lived there, formed it and disappeared in the end. We can imagine that we own it, but we are the guests. Merlin may have put the sword in the stone. But in doing so, he gave it to the earth. And only those deemed worthy will be able to pull it out."
"And why do you think that I am?"
"Because your heart is pure. It has suffered much. You have seen the darkness of people. And yet you have stopped the darkness and fought back. You want to free your people, not hold power. And what surprised me most when I saw you that day on the pirate ship when we made our first deal, that there was power in you."
"But I don't have magic."
"Yes, you do. Like I said, you may not be able to teleport or move things with your mind, but there's definitely magic in you. And any magical being can sense it growing."
"So it will be my job to pull out the sword and give it to you?"
"Yes," Rumple confirmed. "I'll take care of the rest."
"And that's all you want?"
"You give me the sword and I'll give you back your kingdom."
"But that means you will then be by far the most powerful in the kingdom. No one will be able to control you," Ruby snorted. "Emma, imagine what he could do with that power."
"That, my dear, is the risk you take. Magic always has a price. And the price for my help is the sword. I'll give you one night to think it over. And tomorrow I will await your answer."
-/-
"You shouldn't do it," Ruby said forcefully, pacing in Emma's guest room. "It would be irresponsible to give Rumple that much power. He would be invincible and could rage and rage over the kingdom to his heart's content. I don't even want to think about it."
"Isn't that what he's already doing?" interjected Emma. "Ever since I can remember, the Dark One has been infamous, every child's nightmare. If you don't go to bed, if you don't finish your dinner, the Dark One will come and get you, they said. We all remember Belle's story and all the others when people disappeared. No one was ever able to put a stop to it."
"Is that your main argument? Would you serve honey to a bear that cornered you ?"
"If the bear would let me into his den in return, which will help me survive the winter, yes."
Ruby shook her head. "You do realize that's not how nature works? Really, Emma! I know how you feel. Being in charge of so many people is a lot of baggage. You have the best intentions, but you want to move things along too fast. That is the drive of youth. A ruler has a duty to make wise decisions, not quick, rash ones. You have just rejected the Elsa option. I would bet my life that Elsa is the safer option than the Dark One."
"But sometimes, if you hesitate too long, you're doomed, too. Mom and Dad were wise rulers, but they're dead now. If it had been an option for them to get the Dark One's help to secure their children's future, they might have taken it. I understand that it's a high risk, but the decision is mine and mine alone."
"And you, pirate?" Ruby turned to Killian, who was sitting on the bed, unusually quiet. "What do you have to say about all this?"
Killian exhaled noisily. "Everyone knows that I hate the Dark One with all my heart. The Dark One tricks, the Dark One deceives. But the Dark One always fulfills his agreements. Just not in the way you expect. And I know Emma knows that, too. But she's right. In the end, it's her who has to make the decision and live with the consequences. That's the hard part about being a leader."
Emma was taken aback. She hadn't expected him to say that, and Ruby probably hadn't either. She stood there, speechless, as if he had taken the wind out of her sails. "Well then, Emma, you know my point of view now. But sure, in the end it's your decision. I'm going to bed now."
"Good night," Emma said softly as Ruby left.
"Was I too hard on her?" she asked, turning to Killian.
"That's one of the skills a leader has to learn. Putting people in their place when they step out of line. You did it very successfully with both of us. It seems we all still have to learn that the princess of the Enchanted Forest is now the queen."
"You know I didn't ask for this," Emma said more softly.
"I do."
She was silent for a moment. Killian was no longer in the mood to argue. That much was clear. Still, it was an awkward silence that made their distance visible. It was like a wall between them. Not wanting to admit their insecurities had built it up brick by brick. And Emma couldn't take it anymore. So she had to ask the question she had been afraid to speak out loud.
"Am I your queen, too?" Her voice trembled.
"I'm a pirate," Killian said hesitantly, and she could tell he was as scared as she was. "An outlaw."
Emma sat down next to him on the bed. "That's why we were fighting, right? And haven't really spoken to each other in a while. You and me. Because it scares the shit out of us. At least I can say I've been avoiding it for quite a while. This time of us running away has been horror and bliss in equal measure, beyond my imagination of any adventure I could imagine. It profoundly shaped and changed the way I see the world. And you've been there all along the way. You challenged me, cursed me, and loved me. And I have loved you back, oh yes I have. And it scares me that it might all go away again."
"Emma," Killian said brokenly. But she put her finger to his mouth.
"If I don't say it now, I'll lose heart. If it were just you and me, I'd sail with you over the horizon and on. I have never felt more alive than on the Jolly Roger. But alas, we are not alone in this world. And it matters, as much as it makes my heart bleed. So the answer has to be yes. I have to be queen because I respect my parents' heritage and my people. And it also means that my time on the Jolly Roger must end."
Emma avoided looking Killian in the eye and continued. "I love the crew, too, and it feels like a betrayal to all of you. I don't want to let you guys down. Even though I know the sea is in your bones and it's been your life longer than I've even been alive. And I know that makes me the most selfish person in the world, but that's probably the only time I'm brave. I have to ask you again if I could be your queen. Because if you could imagine it, you could become a citizen again. It would mean you would have to change your views on royalty and authority and leave the lawless behind. You would lose the sea. I know that's a lot, and maybe it's too much. But I want you to know that I want you by my side, and I want you to be my partner in life."
She exhaled, lifted her head and risked a look into his eyes. They were stormy.
"Emma," he whispered again. "I'm not sure I can."
Emma took his hands in hers. "I know it's a lot to ask, and I won't pressure you. I wouldn't think less of you if you couldn't. I would understand. And you don't have to decide now. There'll be time for that later. That is, if we survive the attempt to get the kingdom back. Otherwise, you're off the hook."
They both smiled.
"You've already made your decision in that regard, am I right?"
"Pretty much from the beginning. I summoned Rumple for a reason. It may have just been stupid and reckless, but maybe the swashbuckling pirate life rubbed off on me."
"Don't blame it on the pirate life. You've been on the Jolly Roger far too long to know that we don't make bold moves in battle. In fact, we're very strategic, or we wouldn't be alive after all this time." His voice was gentle.
"I know you would say that," Emma smiled. "Speaking of bold moves, I'd really like to make some right now."
"Oh really?" he teased her, "I'd really like to see what the new queen has in store for the pirate."
"Don't make fun of me."
"You're free to punish me. I feel like after what happened, I really deserve it."
He chuckled.
Emma turned to face him, climbing onto his legs with her face turned toward him. Her dress slid up her thigh as she moved. She took his face in her hands just to admire him. She had missed this so much. And apparently he had too, because he looked back with teary eyes. Over the months, she had learned a lot about love and lovemaking until the stress of the last few weeks had weakened their connection.
This time, Emma took control. She pushed Hook down into the mattress before he could kiss her. She let her hand rest on his chest and looked at him. His head sank back into the pillows, his hair was nicely tousled, and his eyes never left hers. But she saw them widen as she took her hand away and began to undo her dress. She took her time with each button, more than she needed to actually open it. Hook loved it when she teased him that way, and she had learned to enjoy it as well. She was always safe with him. He let her do what she wanted and never pressured her. Whenever she wanted to stop, he stopped too. Besides, he was really good at sensing her body's reactions. But it had taken Emma a while to find the courage to lead. At first she had felt unsure about it, but his reaction had soon removed all her doubts. The feeling of being able to set the scene and the pace, and that he was absolutely enjoying it, gave her a sense of power. The ability to drive him crazy with her body felt like a skill she had never known. For the first time, she understood what the bar girl must have felt while she was with him.
Today was no exception. Emma moved her hips, aware of his striking physical reaction beneath her.
"I missed you," Killian said breathlessly. Emma put her index finger to his lips. Killian's eyes sparkled, and he obeyed instantly, growing even harder, she noticed. He seemed to be into it.
Finally, Emma took off the dress. She wore nothing underneath.
"You've been walking around like this all day?" Killian gasped.
"Quiet," Emma commanded. "And don't touch." She tried to sound commanding.
Killian closed his mouth as his eyes darkened with desire. She'd never tried anything like this before, and it made her cheeks rosy. Killian could barely suppress a smile beneath her.
"Take off your shirt," she demanded.
She didn't need to say it twice. Killian straightened up a bit and pulled his shirt over his head with one hand. Emma was impressed with how quickly he could do that. He tossed the shirt carelessly into a corner and turned to the clamps on his left arm.
"Leave the hook on," Emma said, her voice a little excited. She had dreamed about it, but never found the courage to go through with it.
She saw Killian gulp. Emma reached forward and took his left arm in her hands. With her index finger, she stroked the curved end of the metal. She smiled and pulled the hook to her face to leave a soft kiss on it. Then she moved it down her neck, over her breasts. Her nipples hardened as they touched the cold metal. She gasped, and Killian moistened his lips with his tongue, like a wanderer just dying of thirst in the desert.
"How are you?" she asked breathlessly. "Do you dream about it too, like I do? Lately, when I was alone in bed, I dreamed of you when we first met. Do you remember? I was lying on the floor, on the planks, and you were standing over me. The captain with the hook, in all his dark leather. You scared me then. But now sometimes I wish you'd pulled me up, pushed me against the mast, and taken me right there."
She slid the hook down her stomach. "When I saw you ravishing that tavern wench, I was so jealous. I wanted you to push me against the wall instead of her. I wanted you to make me scream like her."
She touched her curls down there with the hook and inhaled sharply.
A low rumble escaped Killian's mouth.
In a sudden movement, Emma released the hook and pushed him back into the mattress, positioning herself close above him but not touching him. Emma was amazed at his restraint. She could feel his muscles trembling, saw his hot gaze and desire to turn her over and ravish her. But instead, the pirate allowed her to move him and went all in on her desires.
Finally, she leaned down and kissed his hairy chest. On the way down, she left a trail of small kisses on his body. Again she took her time and paused when she reached his belly button. She looked up at him and her heart gave a little jump when she saw his hand clinging to the bedpost for control, his eyes hooded and now dark gray. With great pleasure, Emma unzipped his pants and pulled them down until she could see him in all his glory. She had been careful not to touch him with her hands. She had other things in mind. She looked up again and could see Killian holding his breath, the desire in his eyes now mixed with surprise.
Emma's heart was pounding like crazy when she kissed the tip. But it didn't feel unpleasant. On the contrary, it filled her with pride when she heard Killian moan. She didn't stop there. Instead, she explored him there, letting her tongue roam, mapping every part of his skin, tasting him. She felt Killian's hand in her hair, stroking it gently, listening to his soft moans.
She grew bolder and pulled him into her mouth. It was a new sensation, and she was nervous, not sure if she was doing it right.
"Bloddy hell," Killian gasped out.
Emma encouraged him and continued for a little while longer.
Then she felt him pull back, and felt his hand gently pull her head away from him.
"Please Emma," he pleaded. "If you keep going, I can't take it anymore. Please come up here."
He sounded desperate, so she obeyed and crawled up to him. He opened his arms, and Emma let herself sink into them. Finally, she allowed him to kiss her. Her breasts rubbed against his chest as she pressed her body against his. Emma felt like her body was electrified by every hair on his chest. She felt hot and steamy. He moved a little and she felt him slide into her without further preparation. They both moaned, deep in a kiss.
He broke the kiss and smiled, touching her nose with his. "Will you lead, my queen?" he whispered. Emotion rolled over Emma like a sudden wave, drowning her. It reminded her why she loved him so much. She began to move slowly, trying to pull herself together. Killian moved with her, not pushing her, but letting her set the pace. Emma melted away, opening up and letting the feelings unfold. As she increased her pace, Killian followed. She leaned back and gasped as he clasped her waist with his hook. He laughed, sat up and brought his torso closer to hers. His hook dipped deeper into her skin as he pulled her tighter against his hip and took control. He held her with his right hand and let his hook travel as if by itself. It eventually roamed deliciously over her cleavage, tickling her and stopping where it drove her insane. In the next moment, she felt Killian breathe light kisses onto her skin.
"One day," he whispered breathlessly. "I will bend you over the railing, or take you against the mast, or ravish you against the walls of your castle. And you will scream, believe me. You will beg for mercy."
Emma gasped. His voice was rough, driving her mad. She cried out as he bit her neck playfully. He was rougher than usual, but still sensual.
"But today I want you to know that you're not some fuck in an alley to me. I don't want you to go down on me and finish me off early. With you, I tend to take all the time in the world. And today you're gonna do whatever you want. For as long as you want. Today, you're in charge."
Emma gasped at his words. She wanted him to be rough, but still, he was so sweet. And she loved how he disobeyed her, instinctively sensing what she needed. Hot, salty streams of sweat ran down her skin as they moved, intertwined. It was exhausting because he had taken over the pace and wasn't slowing down.
"Killian," she said breathlessly.
"Are you okay?" he asked in her ear, nibbling on her earlobe.
"Please keep going. Don't stop," Emma cried.
"As you wish," he smiled and propped her hips, pressing her down on him. Then he captured her lips in a deep kiss.
"Killian!" she cried out.
Emma grabbed his shoulders and pressed herself against him, her chest bouncing against him and she buried her face in his neck. She felt the pressure building inside her, growing more intense. She pressed her nails into his back and her legs around him.
"Let go, love," he encouraged her, "don't hold back."
It hit Emma with force as everything inside her clenched. She sank against him and let the waves rush over her, completely exhausted. Only then did she feel Killian lose it and thrust into her without finesse. He bit her neck as he came, and it hurt a little.
They panted heavily against each other, and Killian dropped back into the pillows and took her with him, still holding her. She could feel both of their heavy heartbeats. He pulled her into another kiss, playfully taking her lip between his teeth while her hands were in his hair. His hook rested calmly over her arm and their legs were still intertwined. Finally, he broke the kiss and pressed his head into the pillow. She rested her head on his chest and played with his hair there. His chest vibrated as he chuckled. Emma tilted her head and looked up at him.
He smiled proudly. It was his typical look when he accomplished something amazing that he suspected she wouldn't believe. But this time, she was completely okay with it. She smiled back.
"So that's what this is all about," she finally said.
He looked at her curiously. "Did you like it?" He sounded a little nervous.
She scrambled toward him and laughed. "Killian, seriously! Do you even have to ask?"
"I mean, you've screamed my name at least twice," he teased her.
"Of all the times we've done it, I've never felt like that," Emma said. "I mean, at one point it felt really nice, but well, I never thought it could feel more than nice."
"I knew it could," Killian said simply. "You just have to get used to it."
"You mean it could even get better with practice?"
"Anything is possible, dear. but it's already been pretty awesome for me!"
"For me, too."
He kissed her forehead.
"Maybe this break was just what we needed. Who knew make-up sex was what turned you on?" His smile widened. "Wait, what else did you say? You want me to take you roughly, against the mast? In broad daylight? I'd like to hear more about those fantasies."
They talked about sweet things for a while longer. Emma felt light like she hadn't in days. They talked about the future, what they wanted to do together, what they wanted to see. And for one night, Emma allowed herself to feel free, and not about how realistic those scenarios were. And so did Killian. Until they fell into a peaceful slumber.