~A Quick Word~
"Captain, I don't understand. Do you or do you not care for Emma?" Snow knew the answer already, but she wanted to hear him say it.
He looked back at the figure in blue just as she exited the room, their eyes locking for fragments of a second before she was gone. "I do. Terribly so. I couldn't explain it if I tried."
"Then why make such an offer?"
He sighed, looking back to the Queen. "My affections for her don't matter." He shook his head. "I hope you don't misunderstand me, I fight for what I want. Alas, I am also an honorable man who understands it is bad form for a pirate, such as myself, to woo a princess." He glanced back to the closed door. "Besides, I've yet to gleen her interest in me. I'm not one to flog a dead horse."
She thought for a moment, eyeing him. She knew more than he did at this point. Or Emma, for that matter. She would have to watch her step. She wanted the best for her daughter, but her daughter was just as stubborn as she was. In so many ways, she just wanted to encourage him, but she doubted she really needed to. She finally decided on what to say.
"I can't pretend to have any idea what my daughter wants. And I have yet to speak to my husband about any of this. He should return soon, the day of the ball. But you should know, I have every intention of promoting whomever she choses, even you if that's the case. Whatever happens, this will always remain her choice."
"As it should be." He admitted, relief crossing his face. Snow knew that he only offered to withdraw out of propriety. She could appreciate that. She could tell that he had been hurt before, and wasn't quite ready to hope. But he was clearly ready for the possibility.
Snow smiled. "Go." She reached out and patted his hand. "Have a good night, Captain."
