A Day for "Just Emma"—pt. 2

CS Genre: Lieutenant Duckling

Lieutenant Killian Jones of the Camelot navy stood on deck and watched as the busy port of Misthaven loomed ever closer. It was lovely in its own way, but Killian's true love was the sea. He hoped that however this current diplomatic mission worked out, he would not be forced to give up his sailing adventures.

"We've made it, little brother," Captain Liam Jones said, clapping a firm hand on Killian's shoulder.

"Younger brother," Killian corrected automatically, his eyes still scanning the harbor. "And so it seems we have. The men appear eager to go ashore."

"Aye," Liam said, looking around at the sailors finishing up the tasks necessary to safely bring a ship into port. They wore wide, delighted smiles as they worked. "Let us just hope we're not called to break up any drunken brawls tonight like the last shore leave."

Killian grinned. "I doubt there's much fear of that. After the dressing down you gave all of them the last time, I'd wager they'll be model patrons at any of the pubs they choose to frequent."

Liam quirked a brow. "I should hope so. Tonight, after all, is quite important. We can't afford to be called out to referee our men."

Killian's stomach dropped as the nerves took over. Liam did not exaggerate. Tonight was crucially important to their kingdom. Very important diplomatic ties between Misthaven and Camelot could be forged tonight, and the responsibility fell squarely on his shoulders. He'd no idea if he was up to the task, but the thought of letting his family, of letting his king down was simply unthinkable.

"Breathe, Killian," Liam said, gently. "You are ready for this, and it could conceivably change your life in marvelous ways."

"I'm not sure I'm ready for a change," Killian muttered.

Liam squeezed his shoulder. "Perhaps a bit of time ashore will do you good as well, brother. Take a few hours; forget about what tonight entails. Just enjoy yourself."

"Liam, I'm not sure. Perhaps I should stay aboard and prepare…"

He gasped, his words forgotten, all rational thought suddenly abandoning him as he saw her sitting on a bench along shore. She was the most beautiful creature he'd ever seen, with her long, blonde hair like wavy strands of pure sunshine, pulled up at the sides, her sparkling green eyes, her simple peasant's dress that did nothing to hide her slim, womanly figure. If ever he'd seen a goddess in the flesh, this woman was it.

Her eyes met his, and it was as though a bolt of lightning struck him, tethered him to her. He'd fancied comely lasses before, of course, but he'd never felt anything like this…like he'd come in to a cozy home after a lifetime out in the cold. He couldn't tear his eyes from her if he wanted to.

"Nonsense, Killian," Liam said, clearly unaware of the earthshattering moment his brother was having. "There's nothing left to prepare. Go. Enjoy yourself."

"Aye," Killian said, absently, already moving toward the gangplank and toward the woman he simply must meet.

As Killian made his way off the Jewel, he noticed the two men approach his blonde woman. It took but a heartbeat to ascertain that their presence was very much unwanted, and Killian's heart began to beat faster as he pushed his way through the crowd.

The woman got abruptly to her feet, backing away from the man who'd taken a seat beside her, but before she could make her exit, the second man grabbed her from behind. The first man stalked toward her, his intent clear. She fought back, but with her arms pinned by the second brute, she had little chance to defend herself.

Sudden, white-hot rage filled Killian, and he took the last few yards at a run, already pulling his sword from its sheath.

"Unhand the lady!" he said with a deadly calm voice as he placed the tip of his sword against the man's back. "Unhand the lady or I'll drive my sword through your heart!"

The man cursed, spinning around to face Killian as he reached for his own weapon. Killian was prepared. His sword against the brute's chest before he'd even fully turned. For a moment the man glared at Killian defiantly, but finally he turned his head.

"Let the bitch go," he muttered to his companion. "She ain't worth dying over."

Keeping one eye on the man he held at sword point, Killian watched as the companion did as he was bid, dropping his arms to his side. As soon as she was free, the woman spun on her heels, pulled back her fist and walloped her attacker with a punch that would have laid his best soldiers out. The man's eyes rolled back in his head, and he crashed to the ground like a mighty oak tree in the forest.

Killian felt his admiration for this amazing woman grow by leaps and bounds as she shook her hand, giving the unconscious man a venomous glare and a kick from her tiny, dainty foot.

The remaining goon cursed her again under his breath, and Killian applied pressure to his sword, just enough to break the skin.

"That was not polite," he growled. "Apologize to the lady."

"Piss off," the man said, glaring at him.

Killian pushed a little harder, relishing the man's quick gasp of pain. "I'll not ask a second time."

The man looked recalcitrant for another moment, but then backed down. "I apologize for my behavior," he said sullenly.

"Now get out of my sight before I decide to rethink my leniency."

The man obeyed, hurrying off, muttering oaths under his breath the whole time. Killian watched him go for a moment before turning his attention back to the woman.

"Are you alright, lass?"

She brushed off her skirts, a look of annoyance in her eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine," she said, looking up at him. "I could have handled it, you know. I'm capable of saving myself."

"Aye, I can see that," he answered with a gentle smile. "You've a quite impressive right hook, love. I however cannot stand by idly when a woman is in need, particularly when she's ambushed from behind. Bad form and all that."

"Perhaps I could have handled it on my own," the woman conceded, smiling up at him as she took a step closer, "but thank you for your help, all the same."

"It was my very great pleasure, Miss…?"

Killian watched as a flicker of indecision passed across her face. "Swan," she said finally. You may call me Swan."

"Curious name, love. Have you a given name to go with it?"

"I…." she began. "I think for the moment it's best if you simply stick with Swan. It's a nickname given to me by my father."

"Well Swan," Killian said with a neat, precise bow, "I'm pleased to make your acquaintance. Lieutenant Killian Jones at your service."

Swan curtsied, allowing him to take her hand and brush a soft kiss along the back of it. Killian gasped as his lips touched her skin. There it was again, that strange electricity that bound them together. From the widening of her eyes, he'd swear she felt it as well.

"So Swan, might I have the pleasure of your company for the noonday meal? I find I'm rather loathe to bid you farewell quite yet."

She smiled up at him, and to his delight nodded. "Lead the way, lieutenant."

~c~s~c~s~c~s~c~s~c~s~

Notes:

-So there you have it. Emma and Killian have met and worked together to defeat her attackers (they do, after all, make quite the team, lol). Now it's time for them to share a meal and get to know each other better…to an extent, at least. Princess Emma, clearly doesn't have any intention of letting the handsome stranger know who she really is.

-Up next: Depending on how much I get written before the muse says "That's enough for this week", you'll either get the last or the penultimate chapter of this story. Killian and "Swan" spend a pleasant afternoon together and then reluctantly part, believing they'll never see each other again. Emma prepares for her ball, and Killian gets on with his mysterious important diplomatic business. But are they right? When they say goodbye at the pub, is it really goodbye forever?