The cold winter wind seemed to cut through Emma and Killian harsher than it did in Arendelle. Their heavy cloaks helped, but not by much. Ruby approached them with a wolfish smile that Emma saw falter for one moment, her quasi aunt had to hide her surprise when she saw Emma and Killian's arms linked together. The war had aged her aunt significantly in looks, just as it had done to Emma's parents. Her dark brown hair had subtle streaks gray throughout, and she had wrinkles as well. While she may look older in appearance, it was her attitude that gave her a youthful glow and energy.
"Well aren't you two cozy?" Ruby said in a husky voice, playful as ever.
"Gotta stay warm somehow. Ruby, this is Prince Killian, and this is Ruby, basically my aunt." Killian extended a hand; which Ruby took and shook hard.
"Pleased to meet you, Lady Ruby." Killian withdrew his hand from hers. Emma and Ruby practically doubled over with laughter. Ruby wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. Emma's hand left Killian's arm to hold her side.
"I'm sorry, did I miss something?" Ruby just smiled and brushed her long dark hair over her shoulder.
"Well you certainly have a charmer there, Emma." Killian's confusion intensified and he looked to Emma, who finally collected herself.
"While Ruby is considered family and has been offered Ladyship numerous times, she has never accepted. Ruby is not a Lady, although she is flattered you think so." Understanding finally dawned over Killian, and he blushed for his blunder.
"I have a seat on the council, that's all that has ever mattered to me. Being a Lady would involve much more responsibility than I have ever wanted. Not to mention I could hardly help Granny in the kitchen being a Lady." Ruby shrugged, "Now, let's get out of the cold. Horses await both of you." Ruby stepped aside and gestured to three beautiful horses patiently waiting for them. Emma smiled and walked up to her horse Buttercup, whispering sweet words of praise. After being at sea and in a foreign country for weeks she had missed her horse dearly. Ruby and Killian walked toward their own horses and mounted them. They made their way inland toward the castle with the knights trailing behind them, Graham and August leading the group. Emma was able to break away from Killian and spoke to her aunt in a hushed tone.
"Did father make all the knights accompany you for a reason, or...?"
"He's been worried, so has your mother. You were supposed to be home almost a week ago. We figured; well the worst was feared. Scouts saw the ship yesterday and those fears dissipated, but you know how protective your father is. He's convinced the Prince is up to no good," Ruby said quickly. Emma rolled her eyes.
"Of course, he does. We ran into two storms; they know the channel is dangerous this time of year." Bringing Killian home was going to be much more difficult than imagined.
"We tried to tell them, but you know how your father can be. No one ever mentioned how handsome the Prince was. If I weren't with Dorothy well…" Ruby practically licked her lips at the thought.
"Oh yes we all know what you would do," Emma chuckled.
"He certainly knows how to pick out jewelry, I'll give him that." Emma looked down to the ring, the jewels glistening in the sunshine. When Emma doesn't respond Ruby moves on.
"What do you make of him?" Ruby glanced at Emma, reading her expression.
"He wants this to work as much as we do. I don't think he has an evil plot to overthrow Misthaven and burn it to the ground. He knows what's at stake." Emma said coolly, not making eye contact with Ruby.
"Hmm, that's reassuring, but not what I was referring to at all," Ruby turned her gaze toward Killian, not giving Emma anytime to answer her, "Your Highness, have you ever seen such beautiful mountains as those in Misthaven?"
"I can't say I have. Montave is rather flat, we are a seaside kingdom. No mountains I'm afraid," Killian raised his voice slightly to be heard by them.
"There's nothing like it," Ruby smirked. Ruby trotted her horse ahead and led the way to the castle. This left Emma alone with her thoughts and she was trying to figure out the best way to approach her parents. Killian strode up to her.
"Should I be worried?" Emma raised her eyebrow, "For my life." He stated plainly.
"No, my parents wanted this treaty more than I did. They know better, but I fear you'll get a rather cold reception from them." Killian's jaw clenched, but he looked ahead. They could just barely see the castle in the distance, they would arrive just after midday.
"I was prepared for that."
"Like I said on the ship just look to me when you're lost." Emma tried to reassure him as much as herself.
"Why do this for me? You could let me drown and be swept up in mistake after mistake. You don't owe me a thing." Killian's brows furrowed together. It was something that had been weighing on him.
"Because like it or not we will be married in a few months' time. I could allow you to flounder and drown, but you've been kind to me. I do owe you; you saved my life on the ship. I'd like us to have a partnership of sorts and it does me no good to throw you to the wolves. It'd hurt me in the end," she said, not sure of how he would react to this. A small smile crossed his face.
"I see, Princess." Her answer made him hopeful that one day she would view him as a friend at the very least. He knew it would be foolish to hope she would ever love him. Killian glanced at her and noticed her face was as grim as he felt.
"Shouldn't you be happy you're almost home, you haven't seen your family in weeks?" he asked, curious.
"I am happy to be home. I love my family, but…" she shook her head, "They will want to know everything that's happened and well they won't be pleased."
"Well, when you're in trouble you can always look at me." She smirked at his response.
"My my Your Highness, what will they think of us staring at each other?" She teased him.
"I'm sure your court will think of something scandalous," he chuckled. She simply smiled and shook her head; he couldn't help but notice how beautiful she was. How comfortable and at ease she looked astride a horse. They rode the rest of the way to the castle in comfortable silence.
They first approached the small village that surrounded the castle, and Emma could see that the village had pulled out all the stops for her homecoming. Flowers and banners covered every available surface. Her name was painted on the banners with the villager's thanks. Several mothers and wives reached out to her, some even managed to reach her hand in time. She allowed them to and waved Graham off, who got nervous with Emma in a crowd.
"Thank you, Princess. We know everything you have given up for us, for our men to come home," One mother whispered before her eyes cut to Killian. Emma nodded and they slowly made their way through the village. There were many other cries and shouts from mothers and wives echoing the same sentiment. It was clear to see the love people had for Emma.
When their group pulled up to the castle gates, they swung open for the group and Emma noticed new flowers were everywhere, the guards were in their finest gear, and there was a literal trumpet playing. Her parents were pulling out all the stops for them, just as the village had done.
Leo was waiting for them at the castle doors, a smile on his face. Emma had missed him dearly. Leo was just taller than Emma with ebony hair, just like their mother. His eyes were their father's, however. He had a slim build, but knew how to wield a sword even though he preferred a bow and arrow.
They dismounted their horses and servants walked up, leading their horses back to the stable. Emma hugged her brother tightly.
"Hey, Ems," his eyes widened when he noticed she wasn't wearing the gloves she was sent away with, "Why do I have a feeling a lot has happened since you left?" He asked as she pulled away. That's when he noticed the ring sitting on her finger. He blinked quickly, but didn't have the chance to say anything.
"You have no idea, anyway. Prince Killian, this is my brother, Prince Leo." Emma stepped aside making the introductions. Killian and Leo shook hands.
"Welcome to Misthaven," Leo nodded before turning to Emma, "We should get moving, mother and father are anxious to see you."
"That's what I heard, let's not keep them waiting." Leo chuckled and led the way with his arm linked with Ruby's. Without thinking about it Emma linked her arm with Killian's once more, he couldn't say he really minded being this close to her.
Killian couldn't help, but to admire the beauty of the castle, it was so different from Montave. When they reached the throne room, Killian sucked in a deep breath. Emma gave his arm a little, reassuring squeeze.
While outside of the castle there had been plenty of fan fair for them, inside the throne room only sat the King and Queen of Misthaven. King David fixing Killian with a cold, menacing stare. He expected no less. While Killian was looking at David, Emma was more focused on her mother, who had to hide her momentary shock of finding Emma willing touching the Prince from Montave.
Ruby and Leo bow before the throne momentarily before moving to the side. Emma takes her arm away from Killian and oh how he wishes she hadn't. He missed her touch already. Emma curtsied and Killian bowed. The King and Queen looked relieved to see their daughter home once again.
"Mother, Father may I introduce Prince Killian of Montave, Chief Commander of their Seven Fleets. Your Highness, my parents Queen Snow and King David." Snow's gaze drifted to Emma's hand and landed on ring that sat there, glistening in the sunlight streaming from the high windows in the throne room.
"A pleasure to meet you, Your Highness," Snow nodded politely, dragging her gaze away from Emma's hand. David didn't fail to notice the ring either.
"Can't say we have much need for Chief Commanders of Naval forces around here," King David mutters. Emma narrowed her eyes at her father and Killian swore he saw Snow stomp on his foot. Killian nervous, glanced at Emma, grateful for her presence.
"But Welcome to Misthaven." Queen Snow said sweetly, "Now you two had a long and tiresome journey, why don't you get cleaned up and meet us in the council room?"
"Of course, Your majesty. Thank you for your kind hospitality," Killian said before bowing once more.
"Naturally, Your Highness. After all, Misthaven is your home, now. Emma, I hope you don't mind I gave him the suite next to yours."
"Of course not. I'll show you the way," Emma nodded, knowing her mother was dismissing them. Killian offered his arm again and Emma took it, aware of all the eyes on them. When the throne room doors shut behind them Emma released a sigh of relief.
"That wasn't terrible."
"No, but it is only the beginning. The hard part is next, come on," she told him. She gave him a brief tour of the castle as they made their way up the grand staircase and toward the Royal Family's suites. He listened intently, happy to let her ramble on since she was clearly nervous. She came to a halt in front of a door, disentangling herself from his arm. Emma opened the door leading the way into a suite. There was a fire already roaring, warming the room. There was a large bed and a small table and chairs in the corner, along with an armchair near the fireplace. There was a small balcony that looked out over the village they passed through and to the harbor. His trunk was waiting for him at the end of the bed.
"I imagine this will be all yours until we marry, I hope it's to your liking."
"A fire, a view of the ocean, and a bed. What more could a man ask for?" He joked.
"Oh, I'm sure you could think of something," she teased, "Well, I'll let you freshen up and then we'll head down?"
"I'm invited into your council room, to this meeting?" He asked surprised.
"Oh yes. My mother will likely use the opportunity to size you up. Don't worry you'll do fine." Emma turned and left the room, leaving Killian a little shocked with his mouth wide open. The door shut behind her and Emma slipped into her own room. She leaned against the door, giving herself a minute before she changed into a simple white dress, she took off her tiara and left her head bare. Her family had never placed a huge importance on jewels when it was just them. She sat at her vanity and let her hair out of its elaborate up do, letting her curls cascade over her shoulders. She splashed some water on her face, attempting to get some of the grime from traveling off of her. Emma stood up when there was a knock at her door. She opened it to find Killian waiting for her, in a long, black leather jacket and red vest. It almost took her breath away because he looked so good in it and at ease. She had seen the jacket on the ship, especially during the storms when he wore it as another layer, but the red vest was new and well he looked damn good.
"Are you ready, love?" he asked, slightly breathless. Her beauty stunned him slightly. He had seen her in ceremonial dresses of elaborate silk and jewels, but something about the simple, white dress let her natural beauty shine bright. Not to mention that his mother's ring still sat on her finger and that affected him more than he cared to admit.
"Yes, let's go." Emma led him down a series of back staircases to the council room. A fire roared in the room, both her parents whispering at the fireplace, Leo and Red drinking some wine at one end of the large oak table, and Graham and August at the other end of the table. All eyes landed on Emma and Killian when they entered. Snow looked absolutely livid and Emma's eyes darted to Killian, he longed to reach out for her, but feared that would not do either of them well at all.
"Graham has been filling us in about everything that has been going on since you left. Emma, how could you be so reckless?" Snow snapped.
"You told me to go there and do whatever it took to get the treaty signed and well I did just that. Certain sacrifices had to be made."
"Emma, we are just worried about you. If those scars get higher," David shook his head.
"I am acutely aware of what will happen. The Dark One was all too happy to remind me of that." Emma crossed her arms over her chest.
"He showed up in Arendelle?" Leo asked shocked.
"What did he want?" David asked.
"He wants Regina to stay powerless as much as we do. If I die that spell will be revoked and she'll be back."
"I won't have you dying, you need to stop trying to use our magic!" Snow raised her voice.
"Why because Regina would be back and out for you?" Emma snapped, shaking her head.
"No, because you would be dead! I don't give a damn about Regina; I care about you." Snow threw her arms up, exasperated with her daughter.
"I haven't tried to use my magic in years! It's not a particularly fun experience if you recall. You weren't there, I had to do it," Emma raised her voice.
"Had to?" David asked, eyebrow raised. Killian cleared his throat and all eyes snapped to him.
"If I may, Emma's right. My brother was being a horse's ass it put it nicely, which both Elsa and I berated him for. There wasn't much choice in the matter, he wouldn't have rested until he saw her magic was gone." Emma smiled softly at him. Finally feeling like someone in this room was on her side, that not everyone was attacking her.
"No offense, but your brother sounds like a dick," Leo scoffed causing Emma to laugh. Red smacked Leo's shoulder and muttered something along the lines of not helpful.
"You're not entirely wrong." Killian shrugged.
"Fine, just don't do it again," Snow ordered Emma.
"I wasn't planning on it." Snow turned her attention on Killian, "The treaty stated you require a ship, I am assuming you want a naval ship?"
"I would prefer one, yes." Killian maintained eye contact with her never breaking for a moment, not backing down.
"We only have passenger and trade ships at the moment and after the war many of our naval ships have been destroyed, so we would have to commission one."
"That won't be necessary, I can have my flagship sent over. I wouldn't want to ask so much of you."
"King Liam would part with it?" David asked, shocked.
"He would, he promised it to me when I left Arendelle. It is just a matter of sending word to him."
"Who would bring it over?" Emma asked, warily.
"My crew," Killian said as if that were the most natural thing in the world. Leo spoke up this time, "That might not be the best idea, Montavians aren't well liked around here. You would be putting them in danger."
"We can arrange a safe house for them. We all have pieces of the treaty to fulfill. Will that work for you, Your Highness?" Snow asked in her most diplomatic voice.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I thank you for your generous hospitality. Now, I should be off to tell my brother we arrived safely," he nodded at Snow and his gaze drifted to Emma one last time before he left. Once the door shut Snow and David immediately relaxed.
"Now that he is gone, Emma, what on earth do you think you're doing sleeping with him?" Snow confronted her.
"Excuse me, I have done no such thing!" Emma snapped back.
"Honey, your scent is all over him and his is on you as well," Red gave her an apologetic look.
"We had to share a room, which wouldn't have happened if you didn't send me on the Snowbell with it's one private room. Also, why are you so outraged, I am going to have to marry him anyway!"
"There is a time and a place, you know that."
"Please just continue to attack me, I thought you'd be pleased I was home. Why the hell are you so angry?"
"We aren't mad, we're simply frustrated by this situation. None of this is ideal, we didn't want this for you," David interjects.
"You're not the one who has to marry him. I've come to terms with it over these few weeks why haven't you?" The questions stuns her parents into silence, "I'll leave you to think on that for a while." Emma stood from her chair in one swift move and stormed out the door.
David turned to Snow, "That could've gone better."
Hope everyone is having a good week! Thanks for reading.
