History

FanOfMost asked for a oneshot of Snowing telling Emma, Henry and Neal a story they both learned from history lessons. Killian corrects them. He was actually there and not drinking when the event occurred.

"Wait, so how did you guys ever have a different kingdom from George? They seem awful close together." Emma asked her parents. She, Killian and Henry were round for dinner. They had gotten round to discussing some of the history of the Enchanted Forest.

"Ah, that happened long before either of our time's." Charming said. "I learned about that in school. I'm assuming you did as well?" Snow nodded. She had, of course, learned the history of her heritage. Charming launched into an explanation. "Hundreds of years before we were born, there had been two brothers. The younger brother was spiteful that his older brother would inherit the entire kingdom simply for being a couple of years older. He waited until there was a party at the palace. He knew their father was dying, and his brother would soon inherit the lot. His brother was drunk, and hardly able to stand let alone make important decisions. The younger brother had drawn up a contract, promising him the wheat producing side of the kingdom, George's half. His older brother signed it, not knowing what he was doing. The younger brother hid the contract until after their father passed. The older brother was furious, he had been tricked! He had to honour his agreement, but there were many wars between the two kingdoms, even long after the two brothers both passed themselves and other families rose to the throne." Charming explained. Emma, Henry and Neal were all hanging on his every word. Killian, however, was looking rather sheepish.

"I hate to break it to you, mate, but that isn't what happened." He said. Charming looked perplexed.

"No offence Killian, but how would you have a better idea? Were you there?" He joked. Killian nodded, surprising them all.

"Remember I spent centuries in Neverland, not aging." He reminded them. "The splitting of the kingdom happened not long before I ventured there. I was in the Navy with my brother Liam. We were there the night of that party. The younger brother, Prince William, was sneaky, alright. But he did not have a contract drawn up in preparation for the older brother being drunk. The older brother, Prince Rupert, was known as a bit of a party prince. He got himself intoxicated at that party. I was there as part of the Navy, so I hadn't touched a drop. I remember the whole thing." Killian explained. "He was boasting about how he would soon become king, but he was overcome with emotion for his little brother. William was scrawny, he would not make a good knight, or fighter of any sort. Rupert promised him the winter palace to rule as a smaller branch of the kingdom for his own. William simply made his brother remain good to his word." Killian explained. Snow was particularly surprised. That hadn't been how she was told it. Killian shrugged. "I guess the victors are the ones who tell the story." He reminded them. He saw that Charming didn't look best pleased. "Sorry, did I burst your bubble, mate?" Killian asked apologetically. Charming shook his head.

"No, not exactly. Although I'm not quite sure how I feel about my daughter being with a man old enough to correct me on my history tales." He pointed out. Killian laughed nervously. It was an odd family arrangement, but they made it work.