A/N: Here it is! The epilogue to my little story. I hope you enjoy this final chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thank you all for reading, commenting, reviewing, and sticking with me through this journey! I'm overjoyed at the response to this story and so thankful it's been a source of entertainment and fun for you these past several years. I definitely feel encouraged and motivated to keep pursuing writing - so thank you. Now for the conclusion…
(March)
The alarm on Emma's phone obnoxiously rings aloud, the annoying tune slowly awakening her and Killian.
Both emotionally and physically exhausted from their reunion, the pair collapsed into Emma's bed the night before in desperate need of sleep despite the early morning hour. Having minimal energy, Killian chucked his jeans and shirt while Emma crawled into a fresh pair of pajamas.
They slept wrapped in each other's arms, neither of them wanting to roll away for fear of it all being a dream.
Well practiced in the art of snoozing, Emma turns to silence her phone. Nestling back into Killian's side, she feels his hand slip up the front of her shirt and a gentle tug as he pulls himself closer, the warmth of his calloused hand resting firmly on her abdomen.
"Morning love," he sleepily drawls against her back, eyes closed in contented peace.
As exhausted as they are, Emma knows they need to get up and collect Henry. Her son and friends will undoubtedly want to hear about her trip to Denmark, but with the events of the last twenty-fours still fresh, the tale of her adventure will have to wait. She and Killian have much to iron out, Henry being at the forefront of her mind.
"Swan, I can hear your thoughts from here. We've got time."
Smiling sheepishly, Emma turns and wraps her arm around his bare torso kissing him soundly, their legs tangling beneath the covers.
"I know but I could really use some extra strong coffee. Any chance you packed Martha and her espresso machine in your bag?"
"Afraid not love but I'm happy to pick some up," he answers, eyes still closed despite the amused grin taking shape across his lips.
"Hmm…Granny's Grinds?"
"Obviously."
"I knew I loved you."
"And I love you," Killian replies, surging forward in a searing kiss, arms snaking up the back of her neck and tangling in her golden tresses.
Emma's grip on his waist tightens and she uses the leverage to roll herself on top of him. Tongues tangled in a knot, heat coursing through her veins, she allows herself a minute to bask in the taste of him before slowly breaking the kiss and drawing back to sit astride him.
Face flushed, she demurely looks into his blissfully dazed eyes. "Killian before we start the day… I need to tell you something."
"What is it, love?" he asks, nimble fingers gently tracing invisible patterns across her hip flexors.
"I'm sorry, for everything. I'm sorry for closing myself off and running away," releasing a breath she continues, "I'm sorry for being so afraid."
Killian methodically takes his time to reply, tucking a loose strand of golden curls behind her ear and sweeping his thumb across her cheek. "Aye love, thank you for apologizing but as I said before, I understand why you did. All I ask, is next time when you start to become worried or fearful, please come to me with your burdens; share them with me. I love you Emma. Whatever may come, we can face together."
"Even your father's disapproval?"
"My father is an obstinate old man, one whom I unfortunately lost respect for many years ago. His opinion is of no value to me and matters not. I apologize for the unkind words he said and I'm so sorry I was not there to prevent it. Please understand love, my life is my own as is yours, we don't have to answer to him."
"He's not going to decree you stop seeing me?" Emma asks, brow lifting dubiously.
"His days of decreeing anything have long since ceased. He no longer has control of anything and it aggrieves him to no end. Cantankerous old fool… "
Killian's eyes begin to blaze in silent fury, ill temper swirling in his gut at the hateful and disbarring words his father had thrown at Emma.
Sensing his unease and wanting to alleviate his distress, Emma cradles his face in the palm of her hands and whispers, "Hey, it's okay. I believe you. If you say we don't have to worry about him then I won't."
"Aye love, thank you." Killian says, taking hold of her hands and kissing the inside of her wrists, winking at her lasciviously.
Rolling her eyes at his silly antics but thankful his playful mood has returned Emma presses, "But what about your responsibilities as king? I can't ask you to drop everything whenever I'm having a panic attack."
Killian pats the side of Emma's hip, sitting up as she scoots back to sit between his legs, the blanket pooling around them. Taking her face in hand, he caresses her rosy cheeks with the pads of his thumbs before calmly asserting, "Emma, you and Henry are the most important people in my life. I may be the king of an entire country but you have become my family, and I will always put my family first. Always."
"But - "
"No 'buts' Swan. I'm not saying it will be easy. There will be hard days. There will always be some political duty, some tradition or crisis calling for my attention. That's all the more reason to enjoy the quiet moments and right now, we have a quiet moment."
Emma leans forward and gently presses her forehead against his, smiling in hopeful anticipation. Trusting Killian at his word and knowing they still have much to tackle, she knows with time they will figure it out together.
"So… any chance we can snooze a little bit longer?" Emma asks playfully, mouth lifting in a coy smile.
"Aye love, I think we can manage that."
Beaming, her lips meet his in a tender kiss, his tongue brushing along her bottom lip in a silent plea for entry. Obliging, their tongues meet in a rhythmic and languid dance until they're both humming contentedly.
Tangled in each other's arms, they snooze for another hour before awakening once again, this time ready to start the first day of their new journey.
-/-
(March - May)
As expected, it takes time to figure out the logistics of entwining their lives together.
Killian remains stateside for another week while Emma returns to work and classes. During that time, they flesh out the more pressing details of their relationship.
For Emma, the first and most intimidating item is for Neal and Killian to officially meet. With Neal having joint custody of Henry, it's his legal right to meet the man who will be around his son. Even more so, Neal will have to agree to Henry traveling with her multiple times throughout the year to visit Killian in Denmark.
They meet with Neal and his fiancé Tamara on a Sunday afternoon at one of the town's local beer gardens, Henry staying behind at Mary Margaret and David's.
Initially closed off and pensive, Neal eventually warms to Killian as the pair of men unexpectedly bond over their preference for stout beer versus lagers, their favorite football teams – (Emma didn't even know Neal watched soccer) – and oddly, Neal and Tamara's wedding plans.
As expected, Neal and Tamara are shocked and floored when learning Killian is the future king of Denmark, a quick Google search eliminating any doubt.
Understandingly apprehensive, it takes time for Neal to wrap his head around the idea. He eventually concedes to allowing Henry to travel with Emma when desired, but only under the stipulation he gets more visitation time.
Having expected Neal's visitation rights to come up and after mulling it over for several weeks, Emma's prepared for the discussion. They come to a mutual arrangement where Neal can have Henry a full week each month plus his standard weekend visit. They also agree on splitting summer vacation, where Henry spends half the summer with Emma and the other half with Neal.
The arrangement is difficult for Emma to swallow but she knows it's necessary. She can't keep Henry all to herself - (as much as she would like to) - she has to share him with Neal. She also has to trust Neal won't break their son's heart but for now, she digs her heels in and keeps the major holidays.
Family dynamics accomplished, Killian returns to Denmark with plans to return in two months for Emma's graduation.
They fill the days apart texting and Skyping, never going a day without contact.
When May arrives, Killian cheers alongside Emma's friends as she walks across the stage at graduation, well deserved pride gracing her face and permeating her stride.
After the ceremony, Mary Margaret ushers the group of friends for an onslaught of pictures. Dressed in an auburn red graduation gown, Emma holds a bouquet of flowers in one hand, Henry in the other, her graduation cap perched precariously atop Henry's head, while Killian holds tight to them both, the three of them sandwiched together laughing and grinning wildly.
Mere days after graduation Emma and Henry depart with Killian to Denmark, coronation only a week away.
-/-
With the country and palace abuzz with activity, Killian does his best to shelter Emma and Henry from the media frenzy and mayhem. The royal embargo fully in place, photos of Henry never surface but pictures of Emma circulate everywhere. She takes it in stride, deciding if she refrains from reading the gossip rags than whatever nonsense they print can't hurt her.
The day of coronation is unlike any Emma's ever experienced. Awakening at the ungodly hour of four in the morning, her day begins with hair, makeup and obscene amounts of espresso.
Stuffed into her first outfit of the day, a demure yet stylish pastel blue Emilia Wickstead coat dress, she goes to awaken Henry and help him get dressed in his own tailor fitted dark navy suit.
They meet Killian in his quarters and walk with him to the royal breakfast, a grand affair with the whole royal family and various parliament cabinet members.
Despite the size of the table and that she doesn't recognize most people in attendance, breakfast is a pleasant affair, sitting between Killian and Henry and having a relatively normal conversation - about Pokemon of all things.
"Charmander is clearly the better starter! He's a fire type."
"Aye lad, but Squirtle is a water type and water can douse fire."
"But what about when Charmander evolves into Charizard?"
"Fair point lad but I still believe Squirtle has the better defensive strategy."
"So what does Pikachu do again besides look cute?" Emma asks innocently, reaching forward to refill her fifth cup of coffee. Killian and Henry exchange exasperated looks over her shoulder - (Killian rolling his eyes and Henry shaking his head disappointedly) - before continuing on with their debate and ignoring her question completely.
Breakfast concluded, Killian steals a kiss from Emma and departs separately to church for the coronation ceremony. Mulan accompanies Emma and Henry and together, they climb into a Rolls-Royce and join the procession of vehicles as they drive to the Church of Our Lady.
Emma uses the drive to catch her breath and gather her bearings. Although the vehicle windows are heavily tinted, she can clearly see the parade of people gathered along the street cheering exuberantly.
Strangely, the sight doesn't cause her to feel panic or dread. Instead, she feels hopeful and proud. Proud of Killian for embracing his responsibility despite the heartache and grief that's led to this day. She knows he still doubts himself, still wishes it could have been Liam's day, and despite her own lingering anxieties and fears, she's ready to support Killian in his journey.
Arriving at church, Emma takes a deep breath and counts to ten before the valet comes around and opens the door. She exits the vehicle gracefully without exposing too much leg - (guess Regina's etiquette lessons have paid off) - and takes hold of Henry's hand.
As they make their way into church, Mulan trailing close behind, Emma bites her tongue and attempts to refrain from laughing aloud behind her demure smile.
Holy shit…
The church is magnificent and Emma almost stumbles in her steps as she takes in the opulence of the cathedral, the luminescent chandeliers hanging from the domed ceiling, and the pristine ivory pillars and stone archways.
Arriving at their seats - (two rows back from the pulpit) - they sit amongst Killian's extended family and wait as more prominent people continue to file inside until the church hall is completely filled.
Suddenly, the congregation's murmurs dull and a chorus of soprano voices fill the air. The room stands to attention, turning in anticipation of their monarch's arrival.
On queue, the king makes his entrance. Surprisingly to Emma, Killian's father walks unaccompanied, his regal countenance and air of superiority only somewhat dampened by the stiffness of his slow gate, the lengthy trek clearly taking a toll. Once at the pulpit, the king stands with the priest and looks toward the hall entrance.
Emma's breath hitches at the sight of Killian. No longer dressed as he was at breakfast, he's dazzling in a black Danish military uniform complete with gold buttons and tasseled shoulder cuffs. Intricately designed silver, gold, and ruby metals of various shapes and sizes drape across the left side of his chest. Draping from his shoulder to his waist is a silken, turquoise sash, pinned in place by a gold suede belt embroidered with vineyard vines and a lion head buckle at the center. Ivory suede gloves cover his hands and Emma notices his right hand rests securely on the pommel of a gilded sword.
Killian's stone faced as he purposefully strides toward the pulpit, his pace unhurried but measured. Nearing the pulpit, his serious composure breaks for a fraction when he meets Emma's emerald eyes. Boldly, he grins and gives her a salacious wink before composing himself and taking his final steps to the pulpit.
This time, Emma doesn't help the laughter from escaping the depths of her belly, cheeks warming in a rosy blush.
Seriously, what is her life right now?
The ceremony itself is long and difficult to understand, especially as it transpires in both Danish and Latin, but for the most part Emma can follow along. Only twice does she have to nudge Henry to prevent him from dozing off on her shoulder - (or Mulan's.)
Killian kneels before the priest and is anointed in what Emma presumes to be holy water before he stands, bows, and takes another knee before his father. The king removes his diadem and holds it before Killian as the priest makes another blessing, gesticulating animatedly. Blessing concluded, the king places the diadem atop Killian's head, steps back and bows before him. Killian stands, turns once more to the priest before taking another knee, and is then presented with a gilded sceptre and silver orb as another blessing begins.
Lost amongst the language, Emma doesn't have to wait long before the ceremony officially concludes and the cathedral hall erupts in respectful applause for the newly crowned King Killian Bartholomew Frederick Christian Jones I.
The day blurs from there, Emma and Henry swept up in the spectacle. Killian makes an appearance at the Christiansborg palace where he waives cheerfully from the balcony to a crowd of enthusiastic spectators. There's a royal lunch, several press events, two more wardrobe changes for Emma and finally, a grand dinner with endless champagne and dancing to round out the evening.
At the end of it - (and after putting Henry to bed well after his traditional bedtime) - all Emma and Killian want to do is collapse in bed and sleep for a thousand years.
"So what do I call you now, King Killian?" Emma asks teasingly, unbuttoning and stripping him out of his military jacket, rolling it off his shoulders with ease.
"Please love, never ever call me that." Killian pleads, capturing her waist and pulling her to his chest.
"Hmm… your majesty?"
"Definitely not."
"You sure? I don't know, the title does sound pretty cool. Doesn't quite roll off the tongue though…" she goads, tracing the hem of his undershirt, fingers slipping under to tease across his lower abdomen.
Killian nips at her mouth in response, a low growl emanating from the back of his throat as her lips part and their tongues feverishly entwine.
She presses further into his embrace, arms snaking upward to the nape of his neck, his own hands seeking the warmth of her curves, finding the zipper of her dress. A whimper escapes Emma as his fingers dance unhurriedly across her exposed back, his touch igniting the inferno slowly pulling in her belly.
Zipper undone, Killian pauses his ministrations and pulls back a fraction, eyes hooded with desire but brow arching in silent question.
Emma answers with a bold and confident grin before surging forward and kissing him senselessly.
Thoughts of sleep forgotten they spend the night slowly, reverently, losing themselves in their explorations of each other, outlining and mapping their love for each other mark for mark, taste for taste, and touch for touch.
-/-
(May to December)
In the days following coronation, Emma comes to a surprising revelation. Unlike her first visit to Denmark where she was forced to adhere to a strict schedule and was constantly dictated orders, she finds herself with ample freedom. Regina doesn't enforce a wardrobe requirement except for certain press events and Emma's itinerary is kept relatively light except for when a regimented schedule is absolutely necessary.
Even more unexpected is how quickly Regina is charmed by Henry. Enraptured from their very first meeting where Henry, ever the young gentleman, politely shook her hand and asked "How do you do Madam Advisor?" Regina has made it her newfound mission to ensure Henry is always taken care of.
On multiple occasions, Regina volunteers to babysit Henry so Killian and Emma can enjoy a date night. They watch movies, eat ice cream, and play multiple rounds of Connect Four and Go-Fish. When Robin offers to join Regina in babysitting, it surprises no one when she cheerfully agrees.
As months go by and visits to Denmark become more frequent, Emma finds that Regina's affection for Henry becomes a doorway for her and Regina to have a better relationship. Slowly with time, the pair of women begin to build their own friendship. Verbal sparring matches between Killian and Regina also subside, Henry being everyone's first priority.
When the back end of August comes around, Emma and Henry travel to Denmark to spend their final weeks of summer with Killian at the Gråsten Palace, the royal family's summer residence.
While there, they travel the countryside and spend their days hiking trails, paddling the Grenen sea, visiting the Rubjerg Knude lighthouse and visiting the peaceful seaside town of Skagen.
They spend their Friday evenings in the palace's theater room watching movies, eating pizza, and snacking on homemade popcorn. Henry sips from a tumbler of juice while Killian and Emma partake in a bottle of wine. On multiple occasions - (much to Emma's amusement) - she has to pause and rewind the movie several times due to Killian and Henry's side conversations, their constant banter concerning the plot and characters causing them all to become lost and confused with the storyline.
When summer ends, Emma and Henry return to Storybrooke. Their visits to Denmark become less frequent due to Henry's school schedule but Killian, true to his word about prioritizing them in his life, visits frequently and for longer periods of time. He spends Thanksgiving with Emma and her friends in Storybrooke but for Christmas and New Years, Emma and Henry join him in Copenhagen.
While visiting for the winter holidays, Emma and Henry participate in the traditional royal holiday engagements but they also create new family traditions - (thus how the annual Christmas Day snowball tournament is enacted and Henry and Robin become the reigning champs that first year with a four to one record).
-/-
(One Year)
Without realizing it, time sneaks up on them and a year goes by, marking the anniversary of Killian's coronation and a year of traveling long distance.
Instead of a celebration, the anniversary is marked by a period of mourning for the late king's passing.
Dressed in regal black and a veiled headpiece, Emma stands by Killian's side, her hand never leaving his as they shuffle to and from the endless funeral processions. Unaccustomed to royal protocols regarding death, and knowing Killian is grieving not only the loss of his father but also the finality of never having repaired their relationship, Emma can't help but think the month long public ceremonies of mourning a tad cruel.
The final ceremony concluded, Killian dejectedly sits in his living room quarters staring lifelessly into the flames of a crackling fire. Shirt half unbuttoned and hair disheveled, he holds a tumbler of rum in a vice grip. Lost in thought he doesn't blink an eye when Emma, dressed in an oversized Bruins shirt and sleep joggers, enters the room and sits on her knees before him.
"Mind if I take a swig?" she asks quietly.
Killian silently passes her the tumbler, eyes catching the bob of her throat as she swallows the spicy elixir.
"It's over," he breathes out.
"It's over," she reaffirms, placing the empty tumbler on the side table before running her hands up and down his thighs in calming comfort.
They sit in companionable silence until the dam on Killian's emotions bursts. A guttural cry emanates from his throat and his head pitches forward in anguish only to be caught by Emma's waiting hands. With each sob his body trembles and Emma does her best to soothe him, holding him close and rhythmically carding her fingers through his hair, humming quietly.
Several hours later, they decide to sleep before the fire that evening, pulling blankets and pillows from the couches to form a makeshift pallet on the floor. Emma holds him close throughout the night, fending off sleep until she feels his breath even out in a gentle, steady rhythm. The next morning, eyes clouded and spirit muted, Killian asks if he can accompany Emma back home to Storybrooke.
"Please love, I need to get away. I miss Henry and I'm not ready to say goodbye to you just yet."
Without hesitation and understanding his need for a respite, Emma sweeps her thumb across his jaw and kisses him chastely, a resounding "yes" echoing her lips.
-/-
(Three Years)
Two more years pass and Emma is still amazed at the turn her life has taken. Apart from Henry, she never believed she could love another so freely, so thoroughly and honestly as she does Killian. Never did she imagine someone would come along and tear down her walls brick by brick. She never envisioned being so comfortable with someone that she didn't want - (or need) - to wear her armor.
Being the girlfriend of a king isn't exactly a walk in the park but Emma, having always been independent and self-sufficient, isn't so obstinate that she can't appreciate or be thankful for the benefits and perks that come along with Killian's position.
For instance, Emma would never have considered learning another language - (much less Danish) - were it not for Killian. From time to time, she would wistfully imagine what it would be like to speak French or Spanish, but the interest never seemed to cultivate into an actual attempt at learning. Now though, both she and Henry participate in weekly lessons together. They've even turned their lessons into a game of healthy competition for who can learn the language the fastest - (no surprise, Henry is the clear winner).
"Mor, kan vi venligst få en hund?" Henry innocently asks during one of their sessions.
"Nej, godt forsøg knægt," Emma replies after a beat, knowing full well Henry's ploy to trick her and Killian into getting a dog.
Another perk Emma is very much grateful for is all the free travel for her and Henry. Although she insisted on paying for airfare in the very beginning, after about the fourth visit to Denmark Killian all but insisted he maintain the bill, especially when she kept refusing the family's private airfare and they had one of their first major arguments over it.
"I don't take handouts Killian!"
"It's not a handout Swan, it's reality."
"I can manage!"
"It's unnecessary. I do not want you to blow away your savings flying out here to visit, not when I can help."
"I don't need your help! I've been taking care of myself my whole life, I don't need you to save me."
"This isn't about rescuing you Swan! Please love, I know you're more than capable. But why take on this financial burden when there isn't a need? I just want to help and selfishly, I want to keep you and Henry safe."
"Compromise?"
"By all means."
"I'm not ready to start using your family's private airfare because, seriously? I'm still getting used to the idea. But… if you really want to cover the expense, then I guess… I guess I can agree to that."
"Aye love, thank you."
Alongside trips to Denmark, Emma and Henry travel with Killian on many of his dignitary trips to other countries. Visiting places like London, Vienna, Rome, and Paris were always fanciful daydreams she never believed would be possible. Now though, her passport book is filled with stamps and her travel journal is bursting at the seams with entries and pictures when previously, they sat as untouched relics in her nightstand drawer.
And when they aren't traveling for royal duties, they do travel for quiet family vacations - Robin, Mulan and Little John (Henry's personal bodyguard) included. Hence how Emma has found herself traipsing the Long Room of the Old Library at Trinity College in Dublin.
Having been separated from the pack - (minus Mulan lingering not so subtly in the background) - Emma lost track of Killian and Henry after finding the early printed book stacks and taking time to peruse The Works of Shakespeare 1564 to 1616.
Meandering through the grand hall, Emma slowly becomes aware of the silence permeating the chamber. Gone is the quiet chatter of students and the rustling of pages from researchers, in fact all Emma can hear is the echo of her and Mulan's heels.
As she continues to make her way down the hall, Emma hears the distinctive laughter of her nine-year old son. Following the sound, Emma hustles down the hall coming to an abrupt halt when she finds Killian and Henry standing unabashedly up to no good.
"What are you two fellas up to?"
Killian and Henry exchange a look, Killian's brow lifting conspiratorially and Henry grinning in response before walking toward his mom.
Head tilted in confusion, Emma lets out a startled "oomph" as Henry unexpectedly wraps his arms around her waist, hugging her fiercely.
"I love you mom."
"I love you too kid," she says, caressing the back of his head. "Not that I'm complaining, but what's all this about?"
"Oh nothing…" Henry replies, stepping out of her embrace and out of sight as he goes to join Mulan, Robin, and Little John waiting unseen in the wings.
Curious, Emma turns her attention back to Killian, face scrunched in bewilderment. "What's gotten into him?"
"Oh I can think of a reason," Killian says lightly, sauntering up to her.
"Yeah?"
"Aye, he wanted to give us a quiet moment."
"Uh huh, he does that all the time. Doesn't explain it," Emma says, her brow arched dubiously but a wide grin gracing her face.
"Perhaps this will…" Killian says, a proffered cup of coffee in his outstretched hand.
"Coffee? Seriously? I mean, I know you're a king but how did you sneak it past security in this place?" she asks, eyes bright and eagerly stepping forward to take the offered cup in hand. "Not that I'm complaining…" she trails off, sipping from the cup only to pull back in puzzlement.
Killian steps forward a fraction and takes the empty cup back from Emma, the cerulean blue of his eyes uncharacteristically timorous as he slowly removes the lid and empties the contents. A velvet box falls into his palm and Emma's breath quickens at the sight.
"Killian?" she asks hesitantly, hopefully.
"Forgive me love, but I thought since we met all those years ago in a library, this seemed only fitting." A serene grin spreads across his face, gaze determined and unwavering as he kneels before her and opens the box to reveal a simple yet elegant princess cut diamond ring.
"Emma, I know your future has always been uncertain, but there is one thing I want you to be absolutely certain of - that I will always, always, be by your side. I love you and want to spend the rest of my days loving you, growing old with you. Will you do me the tremendous honor of taking my hand in marriage and be my wife?"
Voice lost somewhere in the back of her throat and tears forming behind her emerald eyes, Emma silently nods several times before choking out exuberantly, "Yes!"
Without missing a beat, Killian abruptly stands and pulls her into his arms, the pair fiercely clinging to one another and lips meeting in a soul searing kiss.
An ecstatic "whoop" from back in the stacks alerts them to their little family audience but Emma, unguarded and open, maintains her grip around Killian's neck as she dives back in for another anchoring kiss.
Coming up for air, their arms locked around one another and foreheads pressed lightly together she earnestly, fearlessly states, "I love you."
"Aye Swan, and I love you."
A/N:
The Danish exchange between Henry and Emma per the web:
Henry: "Mom, can we get a dog?"
Emma: "Nice try kid."
