A/N: getting closer to the end now. Been an amazing journey making this fic. And I'm so happy for all reviews and kudos I get on this, makes me want to keep writing and sharing my ideas with you all. Currently diving into a new project, that will be miles apart from this story. AU non-magic, real world fic. Can't wait to share the last two chapters of this CSSNS fic.

Huge thanks to my beta Ultraluckycatnd.

Chapter 12

The thick forest made it hard for the sunlight to pass through the leaves, the trees standing tall above them. Every new turn of the path showed them more wonders of the Misthaven realm. They'd walked for a whole day now and were finally in the elven territory after having spent far too long in the land of Oz. Every bright flower shone within the green shrubbery. Their fragrance swirled around them, making this trip far more joyful than their quest to find the Dark One's dagger. The darkness was finally lifted, he could physically breathe more easily, and his eyes saw the world around him in a much brighter way. Speaking with his brother as they walked, he knew that Liam experienced much the same changes.

They had a lot to thank the elven princess for, her magic had helped them restore their good faith and trust in the world again. Both brothers had found love, and this alone had Killian's heart soar above the tallest trees.

Killian looked at Emma who walked ahead of him, her long hair braided into a practical style. Her graceful neck was on full display as she opted out of covering her hair with the hood of her traveling cloak. He wanted nothing more than to be alone with her and hopefully plan out their future together.

His life felt lighter and more carefree; he didn't mind the long journey back to Misthaven, losing the horses was a minor setback. He only hoped that the royals of Misthaven would not be too angry that they never would get their animals back.

"You look happy," August said beside him. The elven workman smiled brightly, he had become a friend in the days Killian had spent in Misthaven. It was good to finally feel as if he belonged somewhere.

"Aye, this was certainly not how I imagined our quest would end up." Killian rubbed his neck and gave August a wry smile.

"I can imagine as much." August clapped Killian's shoulder. "And to think you and your brother are part elven, I've never heard of such a thing in all my life." The awe in the elven's voice was clear and Killian could not agree more.

"My father never spoke of his heritage when we were children," Killian explained. "It wasn't until we asked our mother when he died that we both had a feeling of being different from the other children." Killian shook his head, remembering how it had been realizing he was part elven, with the added twist of darkness that had settled inside both brothers too. No one truly knew how or why Brennan Jones had acquired the darkness he passed on to his sons. Their mother never explained; perhaps she never knew herself.

August nodded in understanding. "So I guess you and Liam will stay in Misthaven." He nodded towards the women walking in front of them. "Finding true love is special."

"It truly is an amazing experience." Killian gazed upon Emma's back, her body moving gracefully through the undergrowth of the forest. With ease, she moved over fallen trees as they traveled closer and closer to Misthaven. "We will stay in Misthaven and plan for our future."

"Wonder how King David and Queen Snow will take the news of their daughter sharing true love with a half-elven?" August mused, his lips pursed in thought.

A shiver of dread washed down Killian's back. "Will they be able to forbid Emma to join with me?"

"They will have a hard time doing so," August reassured. "Everyone in this group has witnessed the true love happening between you and Princess Emma." He nodded towards Elsa who now walked alongside Liam. "Those two will perhaps have it a bit easier since Elsa is her own Queen of sorts."

"Oh?"

"She gave up her crown to seek out help to wield her ice magic. Our Curuni, Regina, was her tutor many years ago. Elsa chose to stay and let her sister and her husband rule the Arendale realm up north," August explained.

"And Emma?"

"Emma's future is a bit more set in stone I imagine." August shrugged.

"How so?"

"She will most definitely be the new ruler of Misthaven once her parents find that she is ready." August glanced at Killian as if wanting to gauge his reaction to this information.

Killian scratched behind his ear while he took in this information. He knew Emma was a princess, but he hadn't given much thought as to what that would mean for their future together. "So I imagine I'll have to pass some sort of inspection from her parents then, to find if I'm fit to be her prince consort?" The thought alone was a bit daunting. "Bloody hell, I've lived most of my life as a ruthless pirate." He looked up into the tree crowns, the sunlight fluttering between the greenery.

"Perhaps," August chuckled, "but once they know how you both conquered the Dark One and defeated the darkness that has ruled you and your brother's lives, I'm sure they will see how well you and Emma match."

Killian really hoped that August's words would be true once they reached Misthaven in a few more days. As they set up a campsite for the night he kept his focus on Emma, really wishing they could have a moment alone. When she announced that she would refill their canteens in the nearby stream he jumped up and offered to help her. The knowing smile spreading over her face sent a flutter through him. She gave him a few of the canteens to carry and they headed for the stream.

"Looking forward to going home?" he asked as they cautiously managed to walk down a small slope leading to the water.

Emma nodded and jumped over a small fallen tree, looking over her shoulder. "You?"

"Well, Misthaven isn't officially my home." He joined her on the brink of the small stream.

"It will be once…" She took a deep breath and looked at him with searching eyes. "I mean you will stay in Misthaven, right?" The uncertainty in her voice cut deeply into his soul.

"I will stay wherever you will be, love." He took the canteens from her and placed them all on the ground, then he reached for her hand, lifting it to his chest. "What we've been through is a testament to the true love we share."

Her eyes blew wide and he could see that his words brought a smile to her face. "We do share true love." She reached up with her free hand and caressed his face, her fingers scratching through his now longer beard; it had been far too long since he'd been able to trim it.

"Will your parents believe the same?" He felt a lump grow in his throat.

Emma moved her hand to rest behind his ear, her fingers threading through his long hair. "They believe in true love, all elves do." Her fingertips smoothed over his pointy elven ears. "You're half-elven, how can they not like the idea of me planning a future with you?"

"A half-elven with a dark past." He cleared his throat. "I lived my whole life as a pirate, it's not a life that brings you the hopes of ever finding love and a bright future." He squeezed her hand, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles.

"All of that is in the past. You're finally free of the darkness that has ruled your life. You found the Dark One's dagger and helped defeat him too." Emma shifted closer to him, pressing her forehead against his. "Had you and Liam never found the Olympian crystal, we would never have conquered that monster."

"It was your magic that managed to harness the crystal's power so the darkness could be pulled from me and Liam." He lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles, his eyes boring into her green orbs. There was a current of heat shifting through him as they stood there, perhaps her magic reaching out to him.

Emma nodded in agreement, her eyes blown wide. "I think there's more inside of you than you might think. I wonder if the darkness suppressed some hidden parts of you." Her hand shifted through his hair, smoothing over his cheek. "I can feel something new inside you." She pulled back and looked at him, her eyes searching his features, her fingers trailing down his neck before her hand rested over his heart.

"What?" His voice was weary and guarded, he wasn't sure he was ready for more surprises right now.

"I don't know, but perhaps one day it will be shown what has replaced the darkness." Her fingers slipped under the fabric of his shirt, he'd continued to have the top buttons open. His breath hitched in his throat as her nails scraped over his skin.

"I know what's in my heart," Killian smirked. "A love for the highborn elven princess Emma Nolan." He released her hand and cradled her face in his hand. "I love you and I know that we share true love. I want a future with you."

"I want that future too," Emma breathed out, her eyes wide with desire. "I love you."

He had no idea which one of them moved first, but seconds later they came together in a deep and passionate kiss that had his blood roaring in his ears, blocking out the sounds of the forest around them. Emma clutched at his shirt shifting restlessly over his torso as if she wanted the material gone. Gods, he wanted nothing more than to have her right then and there, but he knew that their friends were nearby and he imagined it wouldn't bode well being found in a state of undress along with the Misthaven princess.

Killian groaned in desperation when she began tugging at his shirt. "Please Emma we can't… not here…" With reluctance he managed to pull away, both gasping for breath.

"By the seven moons, I wish we were alone." Emma slumped against him, her head resting on his shoulder, her arms wrapped around him, as she inhaled deeply. "Once we're back home I will make sure to let my parents know that I've found my true love." She lifted her head and looked at him. "They will have to accept that my future will be with you."

Killian felt love grow inside him, love for this amazing elven princess. "I want nothing more, and how will that process be?" When Emma lifted her eyebrow he added, "I mean will there have to be a length of official courting and such before we will truly be together? I have no idea how elves get married."

"No such thing is needed. We tell my parents, they will surely accept this, and there will be prepared a feast celebrating our joining," Emma explained with a smile, her fingers trailing through the curly hairs on his chest, making his skin burn with desire.

"So sharing our love in any physical form?" He let his fingers caress the neckline of her travel tunic, dipping just down the center, he lifted his eyes to hers, "or is that not the proper way to go?"

Emma bit her lip as a blush crept up her pale skin. "It can be either way, what we want. Since we share true love it won't be frowned upon if we did share a bed before the wedding."

"That is good to know."

"I'm sure it is," Emma smirked and leaned in close to give him a brief kiss before she whispered, "I will have your things moved to my sleeping quarters when we get back home."

"Perhaps we should speak with your parents first," he said cautiously. He had no intention of stepping on some unspoken rules about how this should be done.

Emma sighed. "I imagine you're right."

Killian was about to pull her in for another kiss when they both picked up the sound of someone coming closer. Both looked up the path to their campsite and saw a smirking Ruby watching them with arms crossed over her chest. "We're waiting for freshwater up there. What's taking so long?" She shook her head as she leaped over the small fallen tree and grabbed the canteens. "Seriously, you have no self-control."

"Shut up," Emma pouted, while Killian chuckled at the friends' friendly banter. When Emma nudged her friend and loudly whispered, "So when are you and Graham ever going to acknowledge the obvious attraction everyone else knows is happening between you?" Ruby whirled around and glared at her friend.

"Now you shut up, that is none of your business. I will deal with my own life when I see fit," Ruby huffed and crouched down to fill up the canteens.

"You'll die of a broken heart." Emma shook her head. "You should really start thinking about your future. You turned 100 many moons ago."

"Speaking of 100," Ruby rose to her feet holding the now filled canteens, "you turn 100 in a few weeks."

Emma's eyes blew wide. "I forgot about that." She looked at Killian. "I will officially be an adult elven."

Killian nodded. "Hopefully that won't be an issue with what we spoke about earlier." He waggled his eyebrows, smirking suggestively, ignoring the surprised gasp from Ruby.

"I still plan on having you in my room when we get back," Emma quipped and smirked at her friend. "If you managed to seize the moment, you would have someone to warm your bed too."

Killian laughed when Ruby failed to respond with anything other than a mumbled splutter about love going nuts on this quest. They watched as Ruby deftly jumped over the fallen tree and ignored them both as she strode towards the camp.

"Hope she is not too mad at you," Killian said and reached for Emma's hand as they also began walking back to the camp.

"No, she is just a bit stubborn and won't acknowledge what is right in front of her." Emma rolled her eyes, then she nudged Killian's shoulder. "Perhaps you should poke Graham a bit, male to male."

"I can try." Killian laughed and felt an odd sense of contentment shift through him. He had a life here in Misthaven that included the amazing elven princess. Now they would find a path to the future together. He couldn't wait to get back.

Three days later they walked into the royal courtyard and everyone there let the news be heard that the princess had returned home. Servants fluttered out and helped ease off their packs of gear, then the group was shown to a room where food was served.

Killian wondered when the news would reach the King and Queen; he wasn't feeling very hungry all of a sudden. Emma had proclaimed that she would speak with her parents the moment they returned back home.

The doors to the dining hall opened and the elven King and Queen of Misthaven strode in, eyes seeking out the one person they had missed the most, their daughter.

Emma scrambled to her feet and flung her arms around her parents and the group stood with their heads close together whispering.

Finally, the royal elven family stood back and began greeting the rest of the group, pats on the back, and hugs were shared. Emma had slipped up next to Killian who was now standing up, ready to face her parents. When she slipped her hand into his she eased in a low whisper, "Relax, I gave them the short version of what happened and how we share true love. We'll give them a more detailed briefing later."

Killian clenched his teeth while nodding in understanding, her words didn't ease his worried mind. But soon the King and Queen were standing in front of them. Killian did a formal low bow, paying his respects.

"It is good to see you again, Killian Jones," King David announced with his soft and understanding smile. "I hear that it was quite an ordeal you and your brother have been through." His eyes shifted over to look at Liam who stood next to Elsa; the couple had their hands clasped together just as he and Emma had. King David cleared his throat. "I see that more than one true love has happened on this journey."

"I had hoped for three," Emma mumbled and Killian refrained from laughing when Ruby gasped out behind them.

King David looked curiously at his daughter, but Emma waved him off. "Never mind Father, it's nothing. I'm just happy to be back home and that we managed to find Killian in time."

"You will have to tell us all about your adventure tomorrow," Queen Snow interjected and smiled. "I'm sure it will be quite a story."

Emma nodded. "In more ways than one. I've found my true love." She squeezed Killian's hand as if she wanted to let him know that she was there with him.

Queen Snow's smile widened and her eyes locked on Killian, who squirmed a bit under the Queen's scrutiny. He bowed his head in respect hoping that Emma's words about her parents would be true.

"We're happy to hear that," King David said and looked between his daughter and Killian. "We will look forward to getting to know you more. True love is something special and if you do not treasure and respect the powers behind it, it can end in disaster."

Killian could feel how his insides curled into a tight ball at the King's words; he had no intention of disregarding the power behind the true love he shared with Emma. "I will carry the love I share with Emma with pride and honor, Your Majesty."

"Good." The King took the Queen's hand and proclaimed, "The hour is getting late, I bid you all a goodnight." Everyone bowed as the King and Queen began to walk out of the dining hall.

The Queen paused. "Oh, Emma, why don't you walk with us to your room, we have much to talk about."

Emma looked up at Killian and said in a calm voice, "Come, let's go to my room." When Killian blinked in surprise and made a glance at her parents by the door she chuckled. "They won't bite, perhaps raise an eyebrow or something. Don't worry."

Killian gulped and did the opposite of what she asked, he worried as he walked with Emma towards her parents. He could see the obvious surprise in both their faces, but when the Queen lifted a curious eyebrow at her daughter, Emma proclaimed, "Killian will be sleeping in my quarters from now on." Even when her mother pursed her lips at Emma's words, it didn't waver Emma in the slightest. She tugged Killian along with her and walked ahead of her parents, leading them to the royal family's wing of the palace. Killian looked around and realized that this would be his life from now on, living in such a magnificent palace with walls made of white stone, gilded and carved out with intricate designs. It was quite daunting.

"Relax," Emma urged, then whispered, "see they didn't disembowel you or anything."

Killian glanced behind him and saw the King and Queen keeping a close eye on them. He gulped down, "Aye that might be, but it's still quite daunting to think about."

"Don't worry."

When they reached Emma's quarters they turned to her parents and Emma bid her parents goodnight. Both royals kept their eyes on Killian and when they said their goodnights to him, he tried to give them a smile. In the end, he did see smiles spread over their faces, and when the King shook his hand, with a pat on his shoulder he said, "I sense you will be good for my daughter." Killian had to gulp down a few times before he could speak again.

"Thank you, Your Majesties."

"We will speak more in the morning." Snow smiled. "We will have so much to talk about now, a wedding to plan…" Emma groaned at this, and when Killian looked at her he could see her roll her eyes at her mother's words.

"Aye, we will tell our story about what happened to the Dark One in the morning," Killian said and with a final bow, the King and Queen walked to their own rooms. With dread, Killian realized that they would be sleeping practically down the hall.

Emma pulled him inside and closed the door behind them, then she rested her body against the door. A heavy sigh escaped her lips. "Well, that went well I guess."

"I still have all my remaining limbs," he smirked and walked over to her, resting his hand on the door behind her. "All still in perfect working order." He kissed her cheek and used his hooked arm to pull her body closer, his lips slanting over hers.

Emma breathed into his mouth, her hands slipped around his neck, tugging at his long hair. "Is that so… I'd like to see a demonstration." She pushed them away from the door and Killian followed her happily. He would gladly show just how perfectly all his extremities worked. And he would force his mind to not think about the fact that her parents were sleeping not far from them. Tonight he wanted to show Emma just how much he loved her, how much he treasured every part of her magnificent body.