A/N: Hi everyone! Wow! For me, this week has flown by. But I must deliver on my promise. Thank you to all who read and responded to my last chapter. Currently, I'm working to edit some of the earlier chapters, so feel free to check back from time to time to see the changes. Please excuse any grammar errors. Don't forget to favorite and/or follow this story if you haven't already! I hope you love the chapter!
Disclaimer: If I owned anything from OUAT, the Jolly Roger would be mine. :)
Chapter 9
A gentle breeze grazes Emma's shoulder blade as she stares into the mirror. Soft powders illuminate her narrow cheekbones and highlight the rims of her emerald eyes. She prepares herself for an unexpected celebration.
When they arrived at the palace a few hours earlier, Sir Kay informed them that the royal family was out on business for the day, but would return for the ball in the evening. This was no ordinary dance. As luck would have it, Emma, Lily, and Hook arrived at the palace on Queen Guinevere's birthday.
"It is always an extravagant affair," Sir Kay explained to her earlier in the day when he showed them their sleeping quarters. "The King loves to shower his wife with only the finest party in all the land. Besides, I am sure they would be delighted to meet you."
"We can't go!" Lily responded. "We're not dressed for the occasion. We only have the clothes on our backs."
"And we would just like to get some rest," Emma added.
"I know you both are probably exhausted," Kay sympathized. "But it would be rude to not at least make an appearance. Don't worry about your attire. I will have the servants bring you gowns. All I ask is that you come, introduce yourselves to our King and Queen, and eat some food. You don't have to stay long."
Before Emma protested, Lily agreed to the knight's demands and promised that they would join the celebration. Now, hours later, the Savior admires the delicate beadwork on her gown. The whole occasion reminds her of the ball she attended with Killian when they traveled through Zelena's time portal.
The cerulean color is not one she would choose, as Emma always prefers something with an edge. But the Savior appreciates the dress' softer appearance and tender silk texture. The rhythmic swirls and diamonds that kiss the long draping sleeves of the dress resemble wind dancing through feathery clouds. With her blond strands pinned up in curls and small white flowers scattered through them, Emma feels like the princess she never got the chance to be.
A piece of her heart aches, knowing that no matter how many compliments she may receive tonight, there will be one missing. Her favorite dance partner rests in another room, unconscious and fighting the darkness in the depths of his soul. What she wouldn't give to hear his voice again.
Even though Hook sleeps nearby, Emma desires to be with Killian. She misses his lighthearted jokes and charismatic charm. She misses watching him try to drive the bug, and the way he always sneaks in a swig of rum at the most inopportune moment. But most of all, she longs to remember the feeling of being in his embrace.
"Wow, so that's how you look in a dress."
Emma stares behind her reflection in the mirror to find Maleficent's daughter wandering in. Turning around to see Lily dressed in her own gown, the Savior remarks, "I could say the same to you."
Similar to Emma's, Lily's dress mirrors a theme of delicacy with its floral lace and jewels scattered across the bodice. Chestnut curls cascade over her shoulders and compliment the lavender color of the gown. Though both dresses do not display their personalities, Emma appreciates all of the ethereal details.
"Did you do your hair?" Lily questions.
"No, the servant did it," her friend replies. "She kept going on about how I'm supposed to be the belle of the ball."
"I see. Well I came to tell you that I checked on Hook."
"How is he?"
"The doctor said he's stable," Lily answers. "He's trying to keep his temperature down and give him fluids, but—you and I both know there isn't much he can do. I told the maids to alert us if anything changes."
"I hate leaving him," Emma mumbles. "If something happens while we're gone, I'm blaming you. After all, you're the one who dragged us into all of this."
"Excuse me. I'm trying to protect your boyfriend. Besides, it'll be fun—I think."
At that moment, someone knocks on the door, and when Lily opens it, she reveals Sir Kay and another knight.
"Well you two ladies look stunning," he says. "Why, you could pass for maidens in King Arthur's court!"
"Okay, enough with the flattery," Lily scowls.
"Of course. Miss Lily, this is Sir Percival, Knight of the Roundtable and dear friend of our King."
"Milady," Percival smiles, bowing.
The young Knight's dimples show through his scruff and cinnamon-colored hair. His captivating eyes of jade make Lily swoon. Though she prefers to sleep, if Lily must go, she feels thankful that at least her escort is handsome.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Lily smiles.
"Sir Percival will be your escort tonight," Kay explains. "And I will be escorting Miss Emma."
"Escort? Like a date?" Emma questions.
"What's a date?" Percival asks, unaware of the Land Without Magic's customs.
"Not to worry," Kay assures. "It's customary for all maidens of the King's court to be escorted to the ball. They will just announce your name, you walk down the stairs, and then you can go wherever you please. Are you two ready?"
"Of course," Lily responds. When Percival extends his arm, she obediently takes it and follows him into the hallway. As they head for the ballroom, they leave Emma with Kay in her bedchamber.
"You look beautiful."
The Savior frowns, inserting a pair of pearl earrings. "You're just saying that, so I'll stay at your party longer."
"You seem to read people very well," Kay laughs.
"I call it my superpower. It's something I've learned over the years."
"Indeed, but I am being honest. It's been a long time since I've seen a woman so lovely as yourself."
Emma begins to sense admiration passing the knight's lips. While he does seem to be an honest fellow, her walls refuse to open. Every man she trusts eventually lets her down. The only man who proves her wrong now fights for his life.
"Yeah, no offense, but I just want to get this over with and get back to Neal."
"I understand," Kay nods. "You must really love him."
Emma's head rotates from the mirror to her escort. A doleful smile forms across her features. "I do. During our relationship, we've had our fair share of troubles, but I've come to love him more than anything."
The Savior finds the knight concealing his disappointment. Her superpowers detect the feelings her escort harbors for her, but Emma hopes that her words gently put them to rest. For now, she focuses on appeasing the knight and her gracious hosts.
"Are you ready?" he asks.
Emma draws a deep breath into her lungs, pushing her reservations away. "I am as ready as I'll ever be."
"Time to wake up, Captain," the demon hisses.
Hook's sapphires dart open, shaking away their cloudiness and confusion. He groans as he finds his bones twinge and his chest drenched in sweat. He scans the room and finds the Swan girl and the weakling nowhere in sight. Only his constant companion presides over his bedside.
Gone is the musty smell of worn furniture and spoiled food. Instead of hearing the crickets chirping, Hook's ears ring from the sound of trumpets. The elegant bedchamber of swords, shields, and lavender drapes, becomes his new prison.
"Where am I?"
"Not where you need to be," the demon answers.
Hook shoots daggers towards his companion. "Aye, I gathered that. What happened?"
"That matters not. Now, get up. This is your chance to escape."
"Where is she?"
The demon features narrow, indicating the disappointment that he holds for the pirate. "She's downstairs being entertained by your gatekeepers. It is a perfect distraction for you to make your quiet exit."
"To go where?"
"To the tree, to destroy the Sorcerer."
The pirate grimaces. "No, she would catch me and just bring me back with the dagger."
"So that's it then? You're just going to be the woman's lapdog? You truly are pitiful."
"I'm no one's lapdog!" Hook snaps.
"Oh really? Ha! Do you still harbor feelings for the woman? She left you to die!"
The pang in Hook's chest tightens. "No, she—she had my jacket," he responds, becoming more confused. "Why does she have it?"
"We're getting impatient Captain. Listen, that woman doesn't love you. Any of her pathetic attempts to convince you otherwise are her way of making sure you stay trapped in her pocket."
"That can't be true," the Dark One says, shaking his head.
"Think about it. If she really loves you, really trusts you, why hasn't she given you the dagger? You're not her lover. You're her slave, a means to an end. Face it Captain. Milah and your brother, Liam, are the only people who care about you."
As his face cowers to the ground, Hook sighs, "And I've lost them."
"Yes," the demon responds. "And as long as you stay wrapped around the Swan girl's finger, that pain will never go away. I am not your enemy. I've been hiding some of your memories because I am trying to help you get rid of your pain. If you destroy the Sorcerer and kill Rumplestiltskin, you will be the most power being in all of the realms. Your powers will bring back your precious Milah. Just imagine, you will finally have it all: your revenge, your love, and power."
The possibility of having it all leaves the pirate stunned. If he really can bring Milah back, he could finally prove to her and to himself that he is not a failure. With his powers, Hook could prevent any harm from happening to his love.
But as hope flickers, doubt rears its ugly head. The only picture replaying in Hook's heart is the Swan girl's smile. Her voice rises faintly amidst the darkness, but he clings to it for dear life. Maybe the demon is right about the woman, but a part of him wonders if his companion is wrong.
As the Dark One prepares to rise from the bed, he finds that the silk sheets reveal that his weapon is missing.
"Where is it?"
"What? Oh, your hook! The woman stole it when she placed you under the curse."
"Why would she do that?"
"Oh, when will you stop being so naive? Don't you see?! She wants all of the power to herself. She wants you to remain weak and soft. Killian Jones is only a shadow in your past, but she wants you to stay chained to your greatest failures."
A tear escapes the swollen rim of Hook's sapphire orb. He tries to bury the man he used to be. His life of trying to be a hero leaves him with a heart full of painful regrets and broken promises. The woman left him chained to the top of a beanstalk years ago, and now it is as if she does it again.
"How could I have been so blind?" the pirate questions, wrestling with his hurt and anger.
"The woman is clever and very deceptive," the demon answers. "Nevertheless, all is not lost. You can still win and outwit her if you leave now."
"But what about my dagger? She'll just use it to stop me."
With hope snuffed out of the pirate's heart, he feels defeated. No matter what he does, Hook hates knowing he cannot elude the Swan girl. His anguish fuels the demon's crackle.
"Well you're in luck, Captain, because I have the perfect plan."
"In honor of Queen Guinevere's birthday, his royal majesty, King Arthur, welcomes Lady Emma, escorted by Sir Kay, Knight of the Roundtable!"
The booming voice of the announcer sends chills down Emma's spine. Though she attended a ball once before, her anxiety grows without Killian by her side. She reaffirms her grip around Kay's arm, hoping to hide her discomfort.
"Are you alright, Miss Emma?" he whispers.
"Yes, I'll be fine. I'm—just worried about Neal."
Ready to make her grand entrance, Emma swallows several deep breaths. When the curtain at the top of the stairs opens, the bright glow of the crystal candelabras stings her eyes. The trumpets blare as cheers erupt from the roaring crowd. When the Savior finds Lily's beaming smile at the bottom of the stairwell, it soothes the restlessness in her soul.
Her skirt sways and the diamonds on her dress sparkle, as Emma floats down each step. She finds the entire ballroom decorated in ivory fabrics of silk and lace. The aroma of middlemist flowers permeates the palace. With the orchestra on the balcony and banquet tables piled with dozens of pastries and delicacies, the Savior knows that tonight promises to be an extravagant affair.
The murmurs of the crowd cease when she reaches the bottom of the stairwell, and the announcer calls out the next maiden and her escort. Emma breathes a sigh of relief, thankful that she suffered no mishaps. As the crowd disperses to reveal a pathway, she steals a glance at Lily before they accompany their escorts to honor the royals.
As they approach, the Savior stands in awe of the Queen's beauty. Guinevere's rose-colored gown, designed to resemble the bud of a middlemist flower, accentuates her stunning complexion. Her golden crown and sparkling diamonds illuminate the sparkles in her eye. With the glow of the candelabras dancing through her auburn ringlets, she truly is the most beautiful creature in all of Camelot.
"Your majesties," Sir Kay bows, with Percival following. "Please allow me to introduce you to our visitors from another land, and my new friends. This is Lady Emma and Lady Lily."
"It is an honor and privilege to meet you," Emma says while bowing with Lily.
"The pleasure is ours," King Arthur responds "We only wish you came under better circumstances."
"Please allow us to extend our best wishes for your health and happiness," Lily adds. "Happy Birthday, your majesty."
Emma finds the smile on the Queen's countenance growing. "Thank you, Lily."
"We are truly grateful for your hospitality," the Savior says.
"Of course," King Arthur replies. "I never refuse the request of my brother."
"Brother?" Lily asks, her eyebrows climbing.
"Kay, did you not tell these wonderful ladies about us?"
"It slipped my thoughts, Artie," the knight answers. "My apologies."
Emma glimpses at the King to find him laughing. "Not to worry," he says, before turning towards Lily to explain. "Kay, here, is my older brother. His father, Sir Ector, raised me since I was a little boy."
"He was always the mischievous one," Kay tells Emma.
Though it is a whisper, it does not escape the King of Camelot's ear. "I heard that!"
"Anyways, I was a bit of a bully to him when we were younger. But when Arthur pulled Excalibur out of the stone, well, let's just say he became our father's favorite son."
"That's not true and you know it," King Arthur rebuffs, laughing.
During this time, Emma scans the room to find some servants racing through the halls on the upper balconies. While she knows they might just be trying to manage the crowds and keep the party running, their quickening pace and looks of concern leave Emma worried.
Seeing that there are other guests lining up behind them, Lily decides that their conversation must end. "I suppose we should let the other guests have the opportunity to bestow their warm wishes on the Queen."
"Of course," the King nods. "I speak for Guinevere when I say, we wish you a warm welcome to our humble kingdom. And we wish your friend a speedy recovery."
"Thank you," Emma replies, before allowing Kay to escort her to the center of the room.
The violins, trumpets, flutes, and harp playing in harmony spread a delightful melody across the room. Everything seems perfect: the lights, the music, the food, but the atmosphere leaves Emma feeling empty. This is a fairytale come to life, but one she cannot share with her pirate.
"You seem to always be lost in thought, my dear."
Shaking her head, Emma finds that Sir Kay stares at her. "Oh! I'm sorry."
"There is no need to apologize. Now, I know how much you want to get out of here, but could I trouble you to stay for one dance?"
"One dance?" Emma asks, her eyes narrowing to match the sarcasm in her tone.
"Come on, it's just a waltz," the knight grins. "There's only one rule. All you have to do is—"
"Pick a partner who knows what he's doing," Emma says, finishing his sentence for him.
"How do you know that?"
Though she could lie and say Neal taught her, she decides not to. Instead, she soberly smiles, "A good friend of mine once taught me."
The music slows and as the guests begin to pair up, the knight extends his hand out to the Savior. She doesn't want to dance with anyone but Killian, but owes it to Kay. He did "save" them from the Dark One and now tries to help Killian. Despite her hesitation, Emma decides to take his hand and appease the knight.
"See? That wasn't too hard, right?" he laughs, securing his hand around her waist.
"It's only been five seconds," the Savior reminds him. "You still have another two minutes to change my mind."
As their dance begins, Emma recalls everything Killian taught her. The music stirs her to perfect every step and to prove to herself that she remembers her lessons from the greatest teacher. For a few moments, she forgets about their precarious situation. It helps that she watches Lily trying her hand at ballroom dancing, but only managing to step on Sir Percival's toes.
"Your friend seems to be struggling," Kay observes.
"She just needs a little practice," Emma responds, defending Lily's honor.
"That's very clear to see," the knight replies, cracking a smile on the Savior's face.
To her surprise, Kay is an excellent dancer. He eloquently leads her around the floor, spinning her around the less experienced guests. The whole time, her skirt sways in the breeze while her silk slippers clap the marble ground.
"So tell me about yourself, Emma," the knight says as he twirls her. "Since this morning, we've haven't had much of a chance to talk."
"No, I suppose we haven't," she realizes as she returns to his embrace. "But I assure you, there is nothing very interesting about me."
For now, Emma chooses not to disclose the fact that she is the Savior or that she has magic. It is for the safety of them all, but she hates the guilt that stabs her chest. Despite her best efforts, the knight seems unconvinced.
"Really? I find that hard to believe. Come on. At least tell me one thing about yourself."
The instruments carry their tune for several more notes before Emma finally answers. "I like hot cocoa, with cinnamon."
"What's hot cocoa?"
The Savior finds herself laughing when she realizes that Swiss Miss doesn't deliver any of their boxes to Camelot. However, she does try to explain what a cup of it might taste like. "Imagine having melted chocolate mixed with a creamy cup of milk. That's what hot chocolate is. It tastes like wintertime and is the best drink to ever pass my lips."
"Better than wine?
"Well," she responds. "That one's up for debate."
Her skirt flies as the knight lifts her into the air for a spin. With the lights in her eyes and the music pulsing through her eardrums, a feeling of joy washes over her. When she returns to the ground, her slippers clink with the rapid tempo. All around her, the laughs and smiles of the Queen's guests brighten the atmosphere. Though she enjoys herself and appreciates the knight's attempts to twirl and display her hidden talents, Emma's thoughts stay with Killian.
"So, I've been thinking about your friend," Kay informs her, reading her mind.
"And?"
"I'm trying to conjure a cure for his ailment with my thoughts."
Emma glares at the knight. "Well get in line, because I've already tried that."
"Is he your true love?"
As the knight shuffles with his dance partner across the room, his question startles her.
"Excuse me?"
"I know that I might sound crazy, but I spoke to the doctor and he told me he's never seen such strange symptoms.
"People slip into comas a lot in the world I come from," Emma lies, calmly hiding her deceit from Kay.
"Yes, I'm sure they do. But I wonder if his symptoms might be cured with magic."
"What kind of magic?"
The knight stops in the middle of the candelabras as his eyes pierce Emma's soul. "True love's kiss."
"Seriously?"
"Why not? I've heard that it can work. Someone once told me that's how Prince Charming woke up Snow White."
While she wants to believe that she shares her parents' ability to find true love, doubt plagues Emma's mind. Her unconventional relationship with Killian certainly has come with its ups and downs. While she hopes that the rarest form of magic can save Killian, it only works if their love is true. If their love is not, the thought of discovering the truth terrifies her.
"I don't know if Neal and I are true love," Emma tells him. "We never talked about it."
"There's one way to find out."
The Savior finds Kay gesture up towards the staircase in the direction of Hook's room. When she realizes what he implies, Emma scowls. "You can't actually be serious."
"Why not?" he questions. "Emma, there's a lot of evil in this realm. Even now, it lurks around you, around all of us. Sometimes, especially in these uncertain times, people need to be reminded that hope remains alive. What better way to show that than to see the rarest form of magic in action? Go, wake your love, and show all these people what true love and true hope looks like."
"And if it doesn't work?" she asks, her eyebrows raised.
The Savior watches the grin on the knight's face wither into a frown. "Then you'll know he wasn't your fairytale."
The sound of instruments ending their song echoes through the halls. Emma and her partner bow before he points toward the stairs. She hesitates, knowing that though she loves Killian, him being the Dark One, makes her wonder if his love for her remains.
"Excuse me, Madam."
Emma's head rotates to find a servant trying to catch her attention.
"Yes?" she answers, catching her breath from their speedy dance.
"Are you, Lady Emma?"
"That would be me, every day of the week."
Seeing the concern and fear glued to the elderly woman's features, Emma knows that something is wrong. With Lily in her peripheral vision, she realizes that it must concern Hook.
"Excuse me," Emma whispers to Kay. When he nods, she follows the servant out into the hallway to speak in private.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, Miss," the servant apologizes. "But I was told to update you on your friend's condition."
"Yes, thank you. Is he okay?"
"Well—something happened."
Those words knock the air out of Emma's lungs. Her emerald eyes widen, knowing that the news she is about to hear will likely bring her hopes crashing down. "How bad is he? Just tell me."
"Well that's the problem, Miss," the maid replies. "We don't know."
The alarms in Emma's head shoot straight up. "What do you mean, you don't know?"
"Miss Emma—he's gone."
A/N: Aaaah! Hook is gone and the chapter is complete! I always love seeing Emma as a princess. I hope you like this. As always, reviews and critique are welcomed and appreciated! Since we're so far along in this story, I'd love to know, what's your favorite OUAT episode? There's so many to choose, but I guess I would have to say my personal favorite would have to be either 3x21, 6x17, or the musical episode! Next Chapter is all CaptainSwan! I'm almost done with it, and super excited! I should have it up this next week.
So until then!
C.M. Singer:)