Killian stood in front of the old house. He was desperate and hoped he was not turned away. The door opened before he could knock.

"Mr. Jones. The Rioga will see you."

Killian walked behind the doorman. The house was exactly as Liam had desired. It was a home, not a trace of royalty. The man opened the door to what should have been an office but looked more like a mini-library. All sorts of books lined the shelves. A familiar petite body rose from the center of a pile of books on the floor. She looked the same. Liam's love was as beautiful as the day his brother introduced them.

"Killian," the smile on her face blossomed as she rushed to hug him. "I'm sorry, I loved Liam and he said if I married him you two would be safe. I found out once I had agreed and it was too late." she sobbed into his chest.

Killian gave her a small smile. "Lass, you don't need to apologize. I'm sorry I let my anger cloud my judgment - but how did you know I was coming?"

Belle smiled, her eyes crinkling. "I have a seer in my employ and she informed me of your visit. Her timing was a little off, though. I've been expecting you for a while. The only thing she didn't inform me about was the reason." She examined him. "Killian, how can I help?"

Killian grinned. "Ah, you've always been so good at reading me. Even better than Liam."

"No, it's not that. I can recognize a broken heart when I see one." Belle hugged him.

He held her tight. This was the closest he had been to his brother in years.

"How can I help?" Belle asked again.

"I know that you're the Rioga of this area and you are given the information we aren't privy to. Even as queen you had access to certain information," Killian said. "I'm hoping you know something that can help before I lose all hope."

"Killian, if it's within my ability, I will. You are still family." Belle smiled. "Come, let's sit." She guided him to her office. As they entered the office, she sat in a tall leather chair that looked like a throne. "Now, tell me how I can help."

Killian sighed. "I need to break a contract that was altered without my agreement."

Belle's eyes meet his stormy blue eyes. "Killian, what did you do?"

"I made a deal with the Norn, a deal she broke." Killian clenched his stubbled jaw as he remembered the hag's trickery.

"The Norn tricks, she lies. Why would you go to her?"

Killian stands suddenly, the chair scraping the wooden floor. "I was desperate. I needed to make sure the woman I love," He shook his head, "loved survived the last battle."

"What did she take?" Belle asks hesitantly.

"I offered her my wolf," his eyes cast down. "I made the same offer for Liam but—" a lump in his throat made it difficult to speak.

"Liam wouldn't have wanted you to sacrifice your wolf for him. That would have been like cutting your hand off. It's a part of you."

"Belle, I know. I just couldn't lose her. She's worth it, she's bloody amazing. I just didn't think the Norn would alter our deal."

"I really hope she's worth it. Tell me, what did the Norn take?"

"My love. Emma is my mate and now I will feel nothing for her. I couldn't face her."

Belle sighs. "And your Rioga didn't offer any help?"

"My Rioga is Emma's mother."

"You didn't even bother asking. Killian, this can cause a problem. There's a reason each territory is assigned a Rioga."

"Bloody hell, Belle. You and I both know that Rioga is simply a different word for Royalty. It's the same thing. I don't think this will be an issue."

"I hate to say this, but I don't think we can get your love back using diplomacy. No one has been able to break a deal with her before. I think you might have to try a different approach."

Killian's face falls as Belle confirms his own conclusion. This is why he didn't go to Mary Margaret. She would tell him the same. "What do you suggest?"

Belle stays quiet for a second. "Killian, I'm sure you are well versed in plundering and still have connections."

"I might know of someone, but last I heard he had retired. He is now married with a son. Do you have any ideas? Do you know of anyone reckless enough to take on the Norn?" Killian asks.

Belle stays silent for a second. "I know there's someone who has no qualms with getting his hands dirty." The slight blush is almost missed by Killian.

"What kind of company have you been keeping?" Killian teases.

"Oh no, I'm not acquainted with him in that way. He just caused some trouble for the Dark and I had to intervene. Their Stygia wanted his head."

"Alright, where can I find this man?" Killian asks.

"He is staying with his brother in Sherwood Forest."

"Wait, are you talking about Scarlet?" Killian laughed. "Bloody hell, I had no idea he had acquired such a reputation. When I knew him, he was good but Locksley was a far superior thief. He was the Prince of Thieves."

Belle's eyes widen. "I shouldn't be surprised you know him. You don't think he can do this."

"Belle, he is good. When I met him he was rebellious. Tired of living in Robin's shadow. We bonded a bit over that. No one knows better than me how that feels. We lost touch after I joined the Misthaven Rioga."

Emma couldn't believe her luck. She was sure that Killian had gone to that wretched woman for help. The ache in her heart was growing bigger. She decides to head to the station, hoping Graham will have some news. Killian was very responsible. He would not leave without informing his superiors. Emma walks into the station, nervous to know what she would find.

The station looked the same. The only difference was that Killian wasn't at his desk. He wasn't there pinching the bridge of his nose in annoyance at Leroy's most recent antics. The desk was empty if not for a cake that sat on his desk. Wait, why was there a cake?

"Hey Graham, why is there a -" her words stop as she takes in the image in front of her. Inside Graham's office sits a dirty blonde woman with an eerie familiarity.

"Emma, this is Autumn Day. She was looking for Killian to thank him," Graham says. "I was telling Miss Day that Killian is not available at the moment."

Emma purses her lips. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Autumn smirks, "Oh no, dear. Mr. Jones is the only one I trust to help." She licks her lips.

"I understand, Miss Day, but Killian is not here." Emma's patience was wavering rapidly.

"I shall return. Could you have him call me once he is back?" Autumn handed Graham a paper and got up to leave. As she reached the door, she turns back to say "Please, do enjoy the cake. I would hate for it to go to waste."

Emma turned to Graham as soon as the woman left. There was something off about her.

"Has he called in?"

Graham sighs. "He asked for some time off."

"Killian asked for vacation days? Mr. 'I'll rest when I die'?" The ache felt like it would swallow her.

"He said he had a family emergency. I'm sorry, Emma. I could not deny him." Graham winces.

"I just don't understand what's going on. And who the hell is that woman? I don't remember him working on any cases that involved anyone with that name," Emma sighs.

"Emma, I'm sure he is fine. He will be back soon," he assures her.

Belle travels with Killian to Sherwood Forest against her advisor's pleading.

"Belle, you should've stayed back. If something were to happen to you, your territory would be open to an attack."

"Killian, I have contingency plans set up for those situations. You forget I taught you and the pack everything about strategy, and besides, I have a few tricks up my sleeve." She winked at him.

They had gone the rest of the trip on horseback. Robin had never been able to leave the forest behind. The ride was like traveling back in time to simpler days.

Robin Locksley's compound was a small fortress. The wooden cottages were reminiscent of Killian's days with the pack. After losing Liam, he came across Robin and they took him in. His heart was still black with anger and he didn't stay long. It was a miracle he didn't pledge to the darkness. He simply wanted justice, just like he did now.

A young boy rushed out of the main house with excitement on his face. They rarely had visitors. "Roland, wait a minute," an exasperated voice boomed from within the opened door.

"Killian Jones is that you, brother?" The blue-eyed, light brown-haired man smiled wide at his friend as he engulfed the man in a tight hug.

"Locksley, it's good to see you too." Killian's smile didn't reach his azure eyes. There was no mischief in them.

"Hello," he turned his face to Belle. "Interesting company you keep, Rioga. It appears you have a soft spot for scoundrels. Will most definitely will be devastated," Robin winks at Belle.

Belle has turned beet red. Killian raises an eyebrow.

"Marian, we've got company. Roland, go fetch Uncle Will." His happiness overwhelmed him at opening his home to old friends.

They follow Robin inside and sit on the comfortable plush sofa. It was a homely room.

"To what do we owe the pleasure of your company?" He smiled as they sat down.

Killian scratches behind his ear, his well known tell said more than words. Robin studied his friend.

"Killian, you look different," Robin states.

"Aye, I'm not here for revenge," Killian starts.

Robin finishes his sentence, "You're here for love. You once said you would only risk your life for two things: vengeance and love."

"I need to steal something but I cannot risk my Rioga going into a small war with the Stygia in our territory. It could cause a full-blown war," Killian says.

A startled Will enters the room with Roland in tow. His smile is big as his eyes land on Belle. His gaze stays on her for more time than it should. Once he drinks her in, that is the moment Killian's presence is noticed. Will senses the familiarity between his friend and the woman he fancies.

Belle is the one to break the ice. "Hello, William. Have you stayed out of trouble since the last time we saw each other?"

Will blushes as he takes a knee. "Rioga, I'm your servant."

Killian turns to Robin, amused by his friend's behavior, and honestly surprised since Will has always been anti-authority.

Robin simply shrugs at the display.

Belle laughs. "William, we are here to ask for a favor."

Will hasn't risen from his position. "I will do as you wish."

Belle shakes her head. "I've told you before that I'm your friend. I'm not your Rioga, and as your friends, we are here to ask for a favor."

Will finally acknowledges Killian's presence. "Jones, what are you doing here?"

Killian doesn't miss the way Will looks between Belle and him.

"I need the services of a thief and Belle thought of you," Killian says.

"If memory serves, you were quite the thief yourself, Jones. I guess the rumors are true, you've gone soft," Will sniggers.

Killian rolls his eyes. "I'm afraid I cannot risk causing trouble for my Rioga. You are not affiliated with anyone. Sherwood isn't assigned to anyone according to the agreement Robin made."

Belle clears her throat. "We are here because we need your help." She smiles wickedly at him. "Your target is the Norn."

William whistles low. "What am I stealing?"

Killian winces. "My love passion; she altered our deal and tricked me."

Robin breaks his silence. "Killian, I love you like a brother, but the Norn is an ancient Fae. This will not go unnoticed. Perhaps-" he is cut off by Will.

"I'll do it. Robin is a mother hen." Will waves his hand in dismissal.

"Robin, she is one of the oldest Faes alive, but our laws apply to all. The problem is no one has tried taking her on. She has tricked Fae out of their most cherished possessions long enough. It's time she faces the consequences for her trickery. It's time she finds out that she is not above the law."

"So when do we leave?" Will asks.

Belle smiles. "Killian will leave first. Then we will follow days later. I need to reach out to his Rioga for permission to travel to their town. William, you will come along as part of my security. That way, you will be able to come and go as you please." Both of them blush as the words come out of her mouth.

Belle, Will, and Killian finalize their plans just in time for dinner. Although Robin is not 100 percent on board with the idea, he pledges his assistance in whatever capacity it is needed. In one last act of sisterly love to her former brother-in-law, Belle urges for Killian to tell Emma what happened. "Killy, she deserves to know; this doesn't just affect you."

The Norn had been disappointed in missing the wolf. She had used some of the blonde savior's hair infused with a touch of the love passion of the deputy. The glamour spell hadn't worked perfectly. She would simply wait for her chance. Her plans wouldn't be thwarted.

All those years ago when he had first appeared at her door, she had been intrigued by the blue-eyed wolf. The attraction she felt for him was unnatural and one she had never felt before. Her reflection image was of a dirty-blonde woman with hazel eyes. The hair wasn't exactly the right shade of blonde or the right color eyes for that matter. She wanted golden-blonde hair with green eyes. The magic should have worked better. She sighs as she takes out the vial with the love passion and the one with the hair strand out of her cabinet. It will work. Where was her wolf? He would be hers, she had an arsenal of magical weapons at her disposal if needed. She scoffs; she still didn't understand what made the blonde "Savior" so special. Sure, she is powerful; a waste of power on a human in her opinion.

Days later Killian shows up at the station. He tries to put on a smile. His desk is void of papers just like he left it. He looks around the station and it's quiet. A message scribbled with the name Autumn Day was left on his desk. The name didn't sound familiar. He puts it aside and digs into his cabinet for any case that could keep him busy until Belle arrived. His cellphone was in the drawer, turned off. He turns it on and waits while it powered up. The screensaver appeared with a selfie of Emma and himself smiling. He traced the image with the pad of his thumb slowly. They were so happy that day. He sighs. Bloody hell he missed her. The love might not be there, but the ache definitely was.

Soon enough he will have to face her. How would he explain all the unanswered texts and calls? This had to work, he had to get it back. He would never stop fighting for them.

If Liam was still alive he would say, "A man unwilling to fight for what he wants deserves what he gets."