Hi! *wades through a heavy work load, new semester, and recent breakup* woo okay I'm still here! Still have chapters for you guys! I've had some hectic weeks, but this story and I aren't going anywhere! Hope you guys like it.
The Snowbell it seems could not catch a break on their journey home. They ran into yet another storm, but having seen one already the crew was more prepared for this one. Killian was once again on deck and wearing his long black leather jacket to protect him from the elements, Emma couldn't deny he looked rather handsome in it. Rather than feeling useless Emma tended to the injured the best she could. Many men had severe injuries and Emma wasn't sure if a few of them would make it through the night. Near dawn Killian came down to the crew quarters to draw Emma away.
"Princess, you need sleep," he said gently.
"So do these men, but they need to live in order to do that," she whispered back, not looking at him. Instead she focused on the man in front of her, placing a cool cloth over his forehead in order to break his fever. After she could no longer fight in battle and once her anger and grief over losing her magic subsided, she returned to the battlefield this time as a medic for those injured. She was never one to sit idle and she wasn't about to be sidelined in the war. It made her feel useful and it didn't hurt that it made her people grateful towards her.
"You can't tend to them if you run yourself ragged. They'll be here in a few hours," he said, placing a hand on her shoulder. She turned to face him and they both knew that some of these men wouldn't be here, but the exhaustion was starting to weigh on her and she couldn't save them all.
"Fine, I'll come to bed," she sighed before leaving instructions with a young crewman. Killian practically had to drag her out of there. When they got back to the cabin Emma noticed that Killian is sweating, not just damp from the storm. Not caring for what was right and proper Emma began to feel his face.
"Emma, what the hell?" he asked her shivering.
"You idiot you have a fever. Strip out of those wet clothes instantly," she ordered him. He looked offended for about a minute before grumbling and stripping his clothes. She averted her eyes while he changed into dry night clothes shivering all the while. Emma gathered some more cloth and water for him. She forced him into bed and began applying the cool, damp cloth to his face.
"I was panicked when you weren't here. I thought something had happened to you," he stuttered. Emma shook her head, while forcing him to drink water.
"I couldn't sit here idle, it's never been my strong suit, you should get used to it. I was safe the entire time," she practically scolded him.
"I'll make a note of that, I didn't drag you here to nurse me you should rest. Please get some sleep this bed can fit both of us," he tried to convince her.
"I'll rest when you're better, just sleep. Don't worry about me," she shook her head, before sitting in the chair at the small desk in the room. This would have to be good enough for now. It didn't take long for him to drift off to sleep, but he kept muttering throughout the early morning hours. Mostly calling for Liam, a few were for his mother, but the one that surprised her the most was when he moaned her name.
"Emma, don't go," he groaned. Emma stood from her chair and took his hand in hers. With her other hand she placed a fresh washcloth on his head.
"Killian, I'm here," she attempted to reassure him.
"Don't go, don't do this. I'm falling in love with you," he muttered, never opening his eyes. Emma hoped this is the worst of the fever that he'll be out of it soon. He couldn't possibly be talking about her, could he? No, he felt nothing, but content for her that much was obvious. He ran so hot and cold with her; he couldn't be falling for her.
"Killian," she said a little louder, "You're okay, nothing is going to happen to you. I'm here." He tossed and turned for a few minutes more, before settling. If the fever didn't break soon, he would be doomed and so would the damn treaty. Emma twisted the sapphire engagement ring around her finger, worry and dread filling her gut.
Emma was called to check on the men in the crew's quarters, but she couldn't bear the thought of leaving Killian. He had only slightly improved over the last hour alone. August offered to stay with him while she is gone.
"You would?" Emma asked, surprised.
"Of course, I'll keep an eye on him. I'm no nurse, but he won't be alone. We can't let a fever bring down everything we've worked for, everything you've sacrificed," August reassured her. Emma nodded slowly. Of course, August was doing this for the good Misthaven, for her. Not everyone cared about the Montave Prince, but not everyone had to marry the Prince either. She saw another side of Killian. One that had been exposed through their nights together in this cabin, in this bed.
"Force him to drink some broth if he wakes. I'll be back soon." August simply nodded before Emma stalked out, intent on completing her task, on getting back to Killian.
The men had improved over the last few hours except for one who passed in the early morning hours. It doesn't take long to change a few dressings and check on the condition of a couple. Just before Emma was ready to leave the Captain grabbed her attention.
"The storm knocked us more off course than expected, Prince Killian said he would be available to help with navigation is he awake yet?" The Captain asked her urgently.
"Not quite, why don't we take this to your cabin?" Emma whispered quietly. Captain Oliver nodded and led the way. Both of them were silent for the duration of their short trip to his cabin. The door shut and he offered her some tea.
"How far off course are we?" Emma asked, no time for pleasantries.
"Far, it will take a day to get back where we were," Captain Oliver sighed. This trip home could put Emma off traveling by ship for many years.
"Now, what's wrong with the Prince?" he asked her bluntly, tired from the storm. He doesn't seem to have gotten any sleep either.
"He has a fever; it hasn't broken yet. I need to get back to him. I'm afraid you'll have to sort out the navigation on your own for a while," she told him, her throat becoming tight.
"That I shall Princess, well I'll let you tend to him. Let me know if you need anything," Captain Oliver said shortly.
"Of course, any damage to the ship?" she asked, hoping nothing else would delay their trip home. Emma wanted off this damn ship. Captain Oliver shook his head and Emma left.
When Emma returned to their cabin Killian was still asleep, but not quite as feverish, it must have finally broken. August nodded to her before leaving. She placed another damp washcloth on his forehead. Hopefully he'd wake soon. Emma sighed and sat in the chair, exhaustion coming over her in waves. She fell asleep with her head leaned against the wall.
Sometime later she woke up to find Killian out of bed, shaking her shoulder.
"Come on, love to bed." Emma blinked a few times, before feeling his face.
"Your fever is gone. How are you feeling?" she asked, ignoring his command.
"All the thanks to you and a little weak, but nothing a hot meal won't cure. Now, I will not ask again get in bed," he said sternly. Emma rolled her eyes.
"I am not even that tired, there is still plenty to be done," she wobbled slightly on her feet as she stood. Killian steadied her.
"As you were saying?" he asked with a cheeky smile.
"Fine, I'll sleep, but only for an hour or two," she bargained.
"I'll take that. Any damage to the ship?" He asked as she climbed into bed.
"No, but we are off course. Captain Oliver was asking for you earlier I told him he'd have to wait," Emma told him as her eyelids drifted shut. She could've sworn his hand drift across her cheek before he left.
Killian prayed they didn't hit any more storms on the way back to Misthaven, he wasn't sure the ship would make through another one. They had known that the journey would be a difficult one at this time of year, but not this difficult. Luckily there is clear skies today, but knowing the fickle mistress the sea is he knows that could change at a moment's notice. The captain was correct they were very off course. It would take them another two days to get back on course and after that another two to get to Misthaven.
The weather seemed to have cleared the following day and gave them a day of sunshine despite the harsh winter wind. Emma was not about to turn down sunshine after all the storms even if that meant she had to add another layer to protect herself from the wind. She was enjoying the sun on her face when Graham strode to her side. Emma stiffened slightly at his approach. They had not spoken privately since the ball.
"It is a beautiful day out," Graham commented.
"Yes, it is. Finally," she sighed, choosing not to look at him. They stand there in silence for a few long minutes. Graham cleared his throat before speaking, "I wanted to apologize for my behavior at the ball it was truly terrible. I never should have said those things." Her head snapped to him.
"Then why did you?"
"I was angry." He said concisely. Emma shook her head.
"Of all the people to be angry about the situation I hardly think you're the one who should be," she scoffed.
"Why not?" Emma can hear his irritation and anger rising in his voice.
"You're not the one who has to get married! You're a loyal friend, but this is one battle you can't fight for me." She drags her gaze away from him.
"That's not what I am angry about," Graham said rather unconvincingly. Emma just glared at him.
"I-" he tried to start, but then faltered, "I thought it would always be you and I." He doesn't have to say anything else Emma knew what he is talking about.
"I don't know what gave you that impression when you never said a damn word to me," Emma said, her own anger rising.
"I couldn't, you're the Princess! Next in line to take the throne." Graham said exasperated.
"Yes, you could've! Before anything else I'm Emma, your friend. The crown isn't everything about me, you know that!"
"It doesn't really matter now does it?" Graham snapped, his eyes darting down to her ring.
"I guess not," she turned on her foot walking away, furious. She heard a loud snap and a lot of shouting. Confused she looked around and the wind was knocked out of her as she fell onto the hard deck. It took her a minute to regain her breath. Emma found that Killian was on top of her.
"What the hell?" Emma snapped, not in the mood for whatever he wanted right now.
"That chain almost crushed you. I wasn't going to let you die, sorry that meant pushing you to the ground," Killian explained while pointing to a chain a few feet from them. Emma blinked a few times before looking into his deep blue eyes.
"No, thank you. You can push me to the ground anytime," Emma said, after clearing her throat. Killian quickly realized their rather compromising position and sprang up. Killian offered her his hand which she accepted, rather sore from the fall.
"Are you alright?" Graham asked appearing at her side, before Killian could say anything.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Emma said, not making eye contact with him.
"Are you sure?" Killian asked her, his eyes roaming up and down her body, assessing for injuries.
"Yes, a little sore, but perfectly fine." Emma held Killian's gaze for a moment before wiping some dust off her skirt.
"Good, now I have to have a word with that crewman. That was clumsy and reckless," Killian said, releasing Emma's hand. Emma watched him stomp over to a disgruntled and rather ashamed looking crew member. Graham captured her attention by placing a hand on her shoulder. Her gaze snapped back to him.
"Let me help you back to your cabin." Emma stepped out of his reach.
"No, I'm perfectly capable of walking, thank you. I'm not an invalid," she snapped before walking away from him. Emma stayed in the cabin the rest of the day and Killian found her before dinner.
"Ah here you are, love. Ready for dinner with the crew?"
"Almost, how much trouble did that crew member get in?" Emma asked while braiding her hair. Killian's jaw twitched at this; Emma saw it in her small mirror sitting on the desk.
"Quite a bit, he should be more careful," Killian practically snarled.
"Of course, but he shouldn't be reprimanded-" Emma started.
"Don't finish that sentence! You're the Crown Princess. Your safety is important. Hell, this voyage has been dangerous enough without carelessness." A vein was throbbing in Killian's forehead.
"I know that! If you remember I nursed you from a fever. This has been voyage from hell and I can't wait to be off this damn ship. There is no need to interrupt me and yell," Emma said sternly. Killian quickly went from anger to ashamed very quickly.
"You're right, I shouldn't." Killian agreed not making eye contact with her. Emma finished her braid and stood, slowly still stiff from earlier.
"Are you alright?" Killian asked rather concerned.
"Yes, there is just a lovely bruise forming I'm sure. Just stiff, Your Highness. Now, dinner?" Killian opened the door and lead the way. Dinner was a simple affair as always, but the crew seemed somber tonight. Graham kept trying to get Emma's attention, but she ignored him. Emma excused herself from dinner early, claiming to be tired from the day. Killian followed her back to their cabin not long after her departure.
When he got back Emma was getting ready for bed, already changed into her thing white nightgown, that might just be the death of him. Killian couldn't help but ask, "What were you and Graham discussing today on deck? Is everything alright?" Emma froze at this statement, not sure what to say to him.
"Yeah everything is fine. It wasn't important anyway, not really." Emma shook her head before climbing into the small buck.
"If you say so, Your Highness," Killian said, unsure, "You don't have to lie to me you know. If you wish to pursue needs outside our marriage, I would be okay with that." How Killian managed to get the words out without it killing him he had no idea. It might just kill him if Emma sought out someone else. Emma's head snapped toward him, lightning quick, her hair whipping behind her.
"Excuse me?!"
"Ours is a political marriage, I would never assume we would have to share a bed. There are needs-" he started, and she cut him off with a look.
"I am well aware of those needs. We have enough to worry about with this damn treaty, I don't think seeking other pleasures will do any good for either kingdom," she said a blush raising in her cheeks, "You're wrong you know; we do have to share a bed." Killian hadn't been thinking of that damn treaty, but she was right it would jeopardize everything if someone found out either one of them had been unfaithful.
"No, Emma we don't," he told her harshly, no matter what situation they were in he wouldn't bed her if she didn't want it, want him.
"Killian, the treaty stated we have to produce heirs within the first three years of marriage and that won't happen without sharing a bed," she reminded him before turning away. He strode to her side at the little desk she had made her vanity. Killian placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Damn the treaty for one moment. You and I are going to be partners for the rest of our lives. You spoke of having a love marriage and I would never suggest that you love me, but please trust me. Trust me when I say we won't share a bed until you want it. One day we will produce an heir, but when we are ready. Damn the treaty I mean it." His piercing blue eyes never leave her jade green ones. His intensity shook her, but his grip on her never tightened, never changed. His touch gentle the whole time. She placed a hand over his.
"Thank you, I appreciate that," his hand slipped away, and Killian moved away from her once more. The warmth his touch brought left with him and she hated how much she wanted it back. She couldn't deny how much it hurt her to hear him suggest they look outside their marriage for other pleasures, not that she thought he would ever want her like that. This wasn't a love marriage, but the suggestion was still a blow to Emma. After a few minutes of silence something struck Emma as she brushed her hair.
"What you were saying about other needs, is that what you want?" she asked him, red in the face. Killian thanked his lucky stars his back was to her at this current moment in time. He wouldn't want her to see every emotion that was written on his face, the agony and despair. How could she possibly think he would want anyone else?
"No, it isn't. Besides the point it would ruin the treaty, ruin the kingdom." He commented quietly, hiding behind the crown. It was cowardly, but he couldn't tell her how he felt, not now.
"No, I know, but you do have needs and well I mean- I wouldn't want to get in-well damn you know what I am trying to say," she sighed. Killian sighed too, she doesn't know that the only woman he wants is a few feet from him and she doesn't want him. He doubted he'll want anyone else as long as he lives. She intrigued him from the start and it's only gotten worse with time. He'll only want her, and he's convinced no one else will do.
"I do and while I appreciate the thought in offering me an out, but knowing where we're going, I don't think a single woman will want me," he said before climbing into bed without her.
"Oh, I understand," she said in a sad, deflated voice. It broke her a little that he thought that, that no one would care for him in what was soon to be his own kingdom, that he didn't think that maybe she could ever possibly want him. Emma sat the brush down, blew out the candle lighting the room, and climbed into bed with him. Killian might have imagined it, but he could've sworn that Emma slept closer to him that night. The truth was she did, despite hating Montave and him initially. The prince had grown on her and of all the people she could've been forced to marry it really could've been much worse than to have a kind man like him. Elsa was right he was a good man.
