The treaty and all its copies were ready to be signed the next day followed by a unity ball. Emma wanted to roll her eyes at that name, it's a ball to celebrate the war being over, an excuse for them to dress up and declare peace. At the treaty signing Emma, Killian, and Liam sat at the table with Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff watching. All three of them signed the original treaty and its copies without hesitation. The original would stay here in Arendelle and copies would go to Montave and Misthaven.

Emma sat the quill down on the table and a red plume of smoke appeared, revealing none other than Rumplestiliken, the Dark One with his scaly iridescent skin and reflective eyes.

"Who the hell are you?" Liam shouted as he jumped out of his chair. Killian followed suit, both of them drawing their swords.

"Oh, such bravery," Rumplestiliken cheered in his sing-song voice.

"Answer the question!" Killian demanded. Emma stood and crossed her arms.

"Dark One, what do you want?" Emma asked. All heads in the room turned to her.

"Ah well, Dearie, that would be you."

"Emma, what the hell is going on?" Elsa asked her. Emma pushed her way around the table, around Liam and Killian, avoiding the latter's eyes.

"For what?" Emma spat out, ignoring Elsa.

"That arm of yours has seen better days. We had a deal, Dearie," he practically growled at her. Rumplestilikin grabbed her arm tightly pushing the sleeve of her dress up, examining the scars. Killian stepped forward at that point, moving closer to Emma.

"I fulfilled my end of the deal!" Emma snapped, yanking her arm back.

"It won't stay that way if you're dead. That spell will only hold if you're alive and after everything you gave up for it, I would think you wouldn't want that to happen. Stop trying to use your magic. Unless you have a death wish, Savior?" Emma would like nothing better than to punch him in the face, but that won't do any good. Emma simply nodded, "It won't happen again."

"Lovely, I will not have this conversation again. Congratulations on your engagement," he glared at her as he disappeared into a red plume of smoke.

"What the fuck just happened?" Liam asked, exasperated. Elsa turned on Emma.

"After everything he put your parents through how could you make a deal with him?" Her friend asks looking for an explanation. Emma sighed.

"I didn't have a choice."

"There's always a choice with him!" Elsa shouted and Emma cringed.

"Will someone please explain what just happened?" Killian asked, looking between the two blondes.

"Now." Liam demanded. Emma walked over to one of the chairs and gripped the back of it until her knuckles turned white.

"Around eight years into the war there was rumblings that Regina was rallying for support and was planning an attack. This terrified my parents. They thought she'd enact the dark curse that she never could when they first got married. She nearly destroyed them. There was a prophecy told by the Dark One that I would be the one to break this curse, to end Regina, to be the savior. When she tried rallying for support my parents knew they couldn't fight a war against two enemies, so they sent an elite team, led by myself, to find her and take her out one and for all, after all I was the savior. I found a way to do it, but it came at a great cost…" Emma trailed off, not sure if she could get through the rest of it.

"You made a deal with the Dark One." Killian stated and she nodded. Anna gasped and Elsa looked like she might burst into tears.

"Still doesn't explain why he just showed up here," Liam pointed out.

"Regina was only a threat when she had magic. The Dark One gave me a spell that would take her magic away, he just failed to mention that it would take mine too. Not just take it, if I try to use it as you've seen it's extremely painful," Emma explained, done with Liam's attitude.

"He mentioned you dying," Killian said, looking distressed.

"If the scars reach my heart it will kill me," Emma said never taking her eyes off of Killian. He didn't move, didn't blink, hell Emma wasn't even sure he was breathing.

"Fuck, Emma. He was right do you have a death wish?" Elsa snapped.

"No, I don't. The other day was the first time I'd even tried in years." Emma shook her head. Killian finally snapped out of his trance and grabbed both her shoulders.

"You're not even trying to use your magic anymore, do you understand? Both of us are sacrificing everything for this peace treaty and I won't have you throwing it away," He told her intently. His blue eyes like a storm.

"Let go of me," she said through gritted teeth and he dropped his hands quickly, "Trust me it's not a fun experience when I try. It won't be happening ever again."

"Enough. He better not show up here again," Liam warned her.

"He won't he delivered his message. He wants Regina to stay powerless just as much I do."

"What would happen if she did have her powers?" Anna asked, scared for her friend.

"She threatened to come for me and my happiness. Her typical threats, hard to achieve when you can't throw fireballs at your enemies," Emma shrugged.

"Charming, love. Any more enemies we should know about?" Killian asked, sarcasm dripping from his voice.

"Just you honey," Emma said in a sickly-sweet voice. Both of them glaring at each other. He ran hot and cold with her. One-minute protective the next mad and snarky with her. Emma swore he was about to jump in front of her when the Dark One was threatening her. Emma couldn't quite get a read on him and it frustrated her.

"We all have a ball to prepare for, we all have a role to play I suggest we get ready for that," Elsa advised them all. Emma snatched her copy of the treaty off the table before leaving.


Emma was never a fan of balls, usually a lot of pompous princes and suitors lying in wait for her. It always felt like an ambush and none of them could dance very well. One time she had a suitor stare at his feet the entire time they danced. The one good thing about being engaged was she wouldn't have to dance with suitors any longer. Although she would have to dance with Killian and who knows how that'll go. The entire night he had barely looked at her unless he needed to. Not that she minded, but to sell this marriage he had to at least act like they enjoyed each other's company.

Killian stood from the table and extended his hand to her, "Would you care to dance, love?"

"Yes," Emma said as she slipped her hand into his grip. He led them out onto the dance floor with a graceful spin. The music started up and they began to move. He moved with ease and grace that surprised Emma.

"You're not bad at this."

"Of course, I'm not," he said offended, "What kind of men have you been dancing with?"

"In my experience princes aren't always the best dancers. You would be surprised," she chuckled.

"Ah well not all of us can be naturals like you," he smirked. It was her turn to be surprised.

"There is no way you can know that," she said as he twirled her around the dance floor.

"Yes, there is. You move with grace and ease that few women possess." He dipped her, their gaze not breaking once, "However there is only one real rule to dancing."

"Oh, really and what is that?" she asked.

"Just pick a partner who knows what they're doing," his voice husky and low. Emma admitted it stirred something inside her, but it can't be that. They may have a peace treaty, but he was still her enemy.

They continued to dance for the next few songs, mostly because Emma has never had a partner this good. She's definitely never enjoyed a ball as much as this one. The only reason they stopped is because Liam interrupted asking for the next dance. Killian kissed the back of her hand before saving Elsa from dancing with the Duke of Weselton.

"Do all Montavian men dance this well or just you and your brother?" Emma asked lightly.

"Is that a compliment?" he asked surprised.

"It's been known to happen from time to time," Emma shook her head.

"Ah, so you're saying I shouldn't get used to it," he teased her.

"No, I'm saying you shouldn't expect it," Emma lowered her voice, "I sense this dance has an ulterior motive."

"I would feign hurt if it weren't true, but yes it does. I want this peace to hold, I need it. We all do. I would never threaten the treaty," he said in a hushed tone. His face serious.

"To the point please." He had to spin her before he could reply.

"I speak as a brother not a king when I say please don't hurt him." When she looks confused, he continues on, "Killian. He's been hurt in the past and I don't know if I could see him like that again. So, please be gentle with him."

"I will, but I doubt emotions will play a factor in this marriage." Emma said with a lifted eyebrow. The music from the song came to an end and they stopped.

"I'm afraid they already have. Just keep what I said in mind." He raised her hand to his mouth and kissed it.

"What?" Emma asked, shocked. He said nothing else before leaving her on the dance floor. She stared after him confused as he approached Killian and Elsa.

What was he referring to? Did he think she had feelings for Killian? Or perhaps Killian had feelings for her? But surely that cannot be possible, it wasn't like she had been kind to the man since her arrival. Hell, at that dinner she told him she didn't need to know him. Perhaps that was why he ran hot and cold with her. Feelings always complicated matters and not always in a good way. What on earth has she gotten herself into now?

As the music to the next song starts Graham came to her rescue and all but dragged her into his arms.

"You hate dancing," she grumbled once the shock wore off and she came back to herself.

"You looked like you were drowning out there. I had to save you," Graham whispered.

"I didn't need saving," she grumbled.

"Whatever you say, Princess. I can't wait until we get home," he groaned.

"Arendelle isn't so bad, there are worse places." He spun her out and back in.

"No, it's not, but I wasn't talking about that." He continued on when Emma still looked confused. "We are surrounded by enemies on all sides. I'll feel better once we're home."

"You know when we go home one of them will be coming with us, I'll be marrying him." She frowned; not sure what Graham was getting at. Graham scoffed.

"That won't hold, you won't go through with it." Emma blinked a few times before she stopped in the middle of the dance floor.

"The Emma I knew wouldn't do that, wouldn't roll over for the enemy. What are we truly doing here?" Graham asked her. People were dancing around them. Many eyes were on them as well. Emma was tired of being dignified, of putting on a pretty face. Emma smacked him across the face, the sound echoing through the room.

"I am doing this for my people, for Misthaven. I thought you of all people would understand, but I guess I was wrong. Don't ever speak to me like that again," she hissed at him before storming out of the ballroom. She busted through balcony doors the cold winter air welcoming after the suffocating feeling of the ballroom. Emma gripped the balcony's railing so tightly that her knuckles were white. The moon light reflecting off of the sapphire and aquamarine engagement ring Killian had slipped on her finger before the ball.

Elsa and Anna smiled upon Killian and Emma. He held a beautiful ring of sapphires and aquamarine stones.

"It's not quite a traditional engagement ring, I hope you don't mind," he said sheepishly. Emma shook her head.

"I'm not very traditional anyway," she replied. Killian chuckled and slid the ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly, as if it were meant to be. Emma tried to not dwell on that fact.

"It suits you." She nodded because the truth of the matter was it did. She rather liked it.

Emma heard footsteps behind her and a sigh, "Elsa, if you're here to lecture me about being a proper lady now is really not the time."

"Good thing I'm not Elsa nor here to lecture you," Killian said. Emma turned quickly to face him.

"Just here to see if you're alright," he clarified.

"Shouldn't you be checking on Graham or cleaning up the mess I made?" Emma crossed her arms, not quite meeting his eyes.

"Maybe I should be, but Graham isn't quite as pretty as you." Emma rolled her eyes at his compliment. He joined Emma at the balcony looking over the courtyard.

"Never miss a chance, do you?" She finally glanced at him.

"Not when it comes to you. Graham is your most trusted knight, what would cause you to strike him?" Killian wondered. Emma tore her gaze away from him.

"He questioned my loyalty to this treaty," she let out a laugh, "called me weak." Emma doesn't know why she laughed. She certainly didn't find it funny. Graham was her closest friend and he just betrayed her. It hurt more than any bodily injury.

"Should I-" Killian started and Emma shook her head.

"No, there's nothing I wouldn't do for my people. I may have been hesitant at first, but not anymore." Emma placed a hand over his on the balcony.

"Good. It's a sacrifice for both of us to be sure and I know it's something you didn't agree to lightly." Emma just squeezed his hand and they stand there for a few minutes. Eventually he led her back inside when the cold became too much. Elsa found them immediately.

"What the hell?" Elsa asked hands on her hips, a stern look on her face. Killian was still holding her hand.

"Here it comes." Killian tensed up beside her.

"You better believe it! Emma you will be queen one day and you can't go around slapping people at balls." Elsa huffed.

"I know that I lost my temper. Sorry I wasn't perfect for every second of the day," she sighed, releasing Killian's hand.

"You know that's not the point. What did he even say to you? You two are as thick as thieves."

"Questioning the treaty, my motives, and loyalties. Trust me he deserved it," Emma crossed her arms. Elsa narrowed her eyes.

"Why's he still assigned to you?" she asked.

"What the hell does that have to do with anything?" Killian asked, finally speaking.

"Thank you!" Emma said, thrown by the question.

"Emma, you have to know. It's as plain as day. Your parents surely know. Unless you'd rather keep it a secret."

"Since I clearly don't know please enlighten me as to what you're referring to," Emma threw her hands up.

"Graham's in love with you. Has been for years by the look of it. Of course, he doesn't support the treaty he probably thought you'd marry him." Emma blinked a few times, clearly in shock. She had wondered if he had feelings for her, but he never said anything. Not directly anyway.

"So, my question is why is he assigned to you when it is clearly a conflict of interest?" Elsa snapped.

"Because there was no one left! Graham and August are the only knights left that my parents trusted with my life. Let's not stand here and pretend that wasn't a concerning factor, that coming here wasn't a risk. Lancelot is dead, my father couldn't come with me, and the rest of the knights are too inexperienced, so that leaves Graham despite his conflict my father knew that he will lay down his life for me. That's why he's still assigned to me." Elsa's jaw dropped.

"Don't worry I won't go back to the ball, but do enjoy the rest of it," Emma said as she strutted out.


Hope you guys have a happy new year! The next chapter will probably be up on Thursday.