A/N:

So, it's been a long time in coming, but here's the next chapter! I'm so sorry it took so long! The good news is, though, that I'm posting the rest of the story all at once (except for the Epilogue). Everyone enjoy! Thanks to OptomisticGirl for beta services. And thanks to all of you for going on this ride with me!
Much Love!

Rachel

Merlin and David materialize in the middle of the war room. A quick glance around shows no one in the immediate vicinity.

"Come on," David says, heading toward the door. "We'll find Lance and get a report before you return so you can pass the news along to the others."

Merlin follows behind David as they cross into the east wing of the castle. When they knock on Lancelot's door there's no answer, so next they head to the main hall. Due to the late hour, the room is nearly empty but David spies Percival and leads Merlin to him.

After a quick introduction, David asks about Lance only to be told he left the day after David had.

"Where has he gone?"

"He didn't say, Your Majesty."

David shifts beside him in obvious frustration. "Any word from the king?"

"He's due back any time."

"What about the queen?"

"She went to visit her sister. She's expecting her second child any day and the Queen wanted to be there for the birth."

David dismisses the knight with a quick thanks, but waits until Percival is out of earshot before stalking back toward the war room. Merlin follows and shuts the door behind them to ensure privacy.

"Not the welcome you were expecting?" Merlin asks once they're alone.

"No," the king replies shortly, crossing to stand at the window facing over the harbor.

Since the king's tone doesn't invite conversation, Merlin waits in silence while David stares out into the night, apparently lost in thought.

"It's odd, don't you think?" David muses aloud.

"What's odd?"

"That Lance would leave without telling anyone where he's going. Even more so when you consider both the king and queen are away."

"I suppose it is," Merlin comments. Another few minutes of silence ensues before Merlin speaks up again. "What are you thinking?"

David's eyes, dark with thoughts, lift to his. He opens his mouth to speak but then shakes his head. "Nothing," he says, turning back to the window. "It's not possible." Then in an undertone that's almost too low for Merlin to hear, he adds, "It just can't be."

K&EK&EK&E

Killian keeps Emma in his arms as they stare at the Spark, both in awe of the tiny flame. Unlike a regular flame, the heat it radiates permeates the air all around them so that the warmth doesn't just come from the direction of the flame itself but from every angle. Killian's back which is facing the sea can feel the warmth as keenly as his front.

"It's incredible," Emma whispers.

"Aye," he replies, squeezing her around the waist.

"It feels almost like… love," she breathes.

Killian's brow wrinkles. "How do you mean?"

"Its warmth doesn't just come from the flame. It comes from… well, everywhere." She turns her eyes to his. "Does that make sense?"

"It does. But I suppose that's what Prometheus was about when he gave it to humankind." At Emma's puzzled look, he continues, "Prometheus was the brother of Zeus and a champion to humans. To that end, he sought to give us fire, against the wishes of his brother and the other gods. This is the Spark he gave us. It was given out of love so it's not surprising its effects are similar to love."

"I suppose so. And I suppose that's why it took love to ignite it," she points out.

"And it's love that fuels it as well."

"Well then," she murmurs, turning to him with a twinkle in her eye, "I think we should add fuel to the fire."

His face lights with a smile. "I agree," he replies, guiding her backwards toward the hatch.

He motions for her to lead and pauses long enough to close the hatch and lock it before following her down. She turns at the bottom of the ladder and raises up on her toes to meet his lips the instant his feet hit the floor.

Killian grunts in surprise and wraps his arms around her. With a quick twist, he clicks off his hook and tosses it toward the corner. Emma is already slipping off her shoes, while at the same time, unclasping his vest. He groans when her hands meet his chest and he anchors his hand in her hair to pull her back.

"Slow tonight, love," he murmurs. "Tonight, I want to love you slowly. Endlessly."

Her breath draws in sharply and her fingers dig into his chest. "But I – "

"Slowly, darling," he repeats, releasing her hair to run his hand down her spine. "And all night long."

Her breath whooshes out and her fingers loosen. Then in the most beautiful image of surrender he's ever seen, she simply lets her head fall back.

He takes his time on her neck, licking and sucking his way around from one side to the other. As he does, he feels the remaining urgency drain from her limbs and he groans in satisfaction.

Slowly, as he promised, he undresses her, taking the time to relish every inch of her skin. Once they are both completely bare, he eases her onto the bed and lies next to her. His hand drifts down to the thatch of curls between her legs but before he can slide his fingers in, she catches his hand.

"Not like that," she whispers, cupping his cheek with her other hand to bring his eyes to hers. "Not tonight. Only together tonight."

Any disappointment he'd felt at her denial melts away instantly. Because she's right. Together is what tonight wants. Together in spirit. In mind. And in body.

Nodding, he shifts over her, meeting her lips in a long, slow kiss. Her thighs spread to welcome him and he enters her with luxuriating softness. Her breath catches and she pulls him deeper with her hands, never breaking her lips from his.

Tangling his hand in her hair, he leverages up to stare into her eyes and begins a slow thrust. "I love you," he says softly, then takes her mouth again until he hears her moan.

Propping himself up on his elbows, he continues the slow thrusts, his eyes tracing her features. He already knows her body. He's memorized both the look and feel of it over the last few weeks but… right now, in this moment, it's never been more beautiful to his eyes and never felt so soft and smooth under his fingers. He keeps his gaze glued to it as he traces the curves he's come to know so well, entranced anew by the flushed pallor and silky texture of her skin.

She's exquisite. She's perfect. And she's his.

The pads of his fingers tingle as they brush along her torso, her skin erupting in goosebumps and a groan rumbling low in her throat. His eyes land on the place where they're joined, the stunning beauty of the way their bodies fit together making his heart stutter. He anchors his hand on her hip to encourage her to move slower, deeper, keeping his eyes on the sway of her body as he fills it again and again.

This was meant to be. It's True Love. It's been destined even. She is the woman he was always meant to find and share his life with.

And she loves him. Every broken and imperfect piece.

And he loves her. Every gorgeous and flawless inch.

Every time with Emma has been profound and meaningful but this… There's a layered beauty that unfolds with each touch, an unparalleled happiness that settles into his heart with each kiss. It's the most exquisite feeling he's ever experienced, every cell of his body filled with it, the poignant joy perfect and complete. That is, until he's careening toward the precipice and she guides his chin so that their eyes meet.

"I love you," she whispers just as he falls and everything that came before pales in comparison. He'd swear his soul itself bursts, the orgasm enveloping his very spirit. The potency of it is beyond words, lighting his every cell with utter beauty. He luxuriates in the sensation, pulling her impossibly closer with each stutter of his hips, releasing every ounce of love he can into her. He hears her hum next to his ear, feels her body clenching him as she finds her own completion and he holds her through it, stroking his fingers gently down the curve of her spine.

"I love you, too," he whispers once his voice returns, and feels her smile against his cheek. Dragging his lips back to hers, he sinks deep into a tender kiss that makes his still fuzzy senses spin to a dizzying degree. Slowly, he turns her on the mattress, twisting enough so that his chest presses into hers without breaking the kiss. Eyes closed, he keeps the kiss going, not wanting to give up this connection until it's absolutely necessary.

K&EK&EK&E

David awakes to the sound of cheerful chirping. Grunting, he rolls to his side and opens his eyes. And there, right on the coverlet next to him, is a bluebird.

The brave little animal stares directly at him, its head cocked to the side as though studying him.

Moving slowly so as not to startle his visitor, he sits up. It chirps once but doesn't move.

"And good morning to you, too, little friend," he says. "I see I left the window open. I imagine it's warmer in here than outside."

The animals head swivels to the other side, its eyes wide, then chirps again.

With awe, he stares at the animal. Snow had always loved bluebirds and they her. Before the kingdom fell, it was not uncommon for one to show up in their room. But this is the first time he's awoken to the chirping since she's been gone.

The thought of that prompts a memory of her on the terrace with one perched on her finger. He remembers the long white nightgown she wore and the length of shiny raven hair flowing down her back. She'd been pregnant with Emma, her free hand resting on her stomach as she murmured soft words to the bird.

With a smile lighting his face, he looks to his small visitor.

"Thank you for that," he says quietly. "That's a memory I needed today."

The bird chirps in what sounds like agreement just as David's door opens.

"Lancelot is back. And so is the queen," Merlin announces.

The little bird jolts from his spot and flies to the windowsill. Then, with one more look over at David, takes off into the early morning.

Ripping his eyes from the window, David looks to Merlin. "I'll be right down."

Merlin nods and leaves.

David finds Lance and Guinevere in the war room engaged in what appears to be an intense conversation. When the queen sees him enter, however, she steps away from Lance to meet him.

"David, I'm so sorry I wasn't here for your return," she says taking both his hands in hers.

"Not to worry," David responds, "So, is it a new niece or nephew?"

She beams. "A new nephew with a full head of curly brown hair. They've named him Jared."

"That's excellent news. Please send my congratulations to your sister and her husband."

"I will," she promises, then turns to Lance. "Thank you again for your help. I can't tell you what a relief it was that you appeared when you did."

"It was my pleasure, You Majesty," Lance replies.

"What's this?" David asks.

"My caravan was set upon by black knights on the return trip. For a moment I was sure they'd capture me, but Lance swooped in at the last minute and saved me."

"Black knights in Camelot?" David asks, surprised.

"Yes," Lance says, "It appears the Evil Queen is becoming more and more bold."

"She's desperate," Merlin says from the doorway, having just joined them.

"Well, whatever the reason, I'm very grateful to you, Lancelot. I'm forever in your debt."

"Think nothing of it, Your Majesty."

"As you say," she capitulates with a nod then turns to David. "Now, I must admit, I'm exhausted. We rode through the night, so I'm very much looking forward to a bath and some sleep."

The men bow with wishes of restful sleep as the queen turns toward the door. They all keep silent until the latch clicks behind her.

"Sorry I wasn't here to greet you," Lancelot says, "I understand you arrived last night."

"Not a problem," David replies, "Where did you go?"

"I got a message from Galahad. He requested a meeting. He's patrolling near Regina's castle as you know and he wanted me to see something."

"What was that?" the wizard asks.

"Smoke," Lance tells him.

"Smoke?"

"Yes, the entire castle has been engulfed in smoke so thick you can barely see two inches in front of your face. It's so dense I got lost in it for a few minutes before Galahad found me."

"What color?" Merlin wanted to know.

"Well, that's the strange part. It was nearly every color. Galahad said he'd never seen anything but purple smoke come from the castle before, but this time it was purple, blue, green, red. It was filled with lightning as well. Spreading across the grounds and blocking the gate.

"Interesting," Merlin murmurs.

"Interesting how?" David asks.

"Well, there are two possibilities I can think of off the top of my head. The first is she's preparing to cast a powerful curse. Although I find that doubtful."

"Why?"

"Because to cast it she needs something she doesn't have."

"And what's that?"

"Someone she loves."

"She loves no one," Lance comments.

"Exactly, which is why she can't cast the curse."

"And the second possibility?" David asks.

"She's trying to conceal the castle. Obviously, she knows it's under surveillance. Perhaps, there was something or someone she didn't want anyone to see."

"Perhaps," David murmurs. "We'll have to give it some more thought."

They switch to other subjects after that, filling Lance in on the attacks in both Portsmouth and the one at sea. By the time they've finished, Lance is drooping in his chair.

"Apologies, Your Majesty. I, like the queen, was up all night. After the black knight attack, we didn't want to risk stopping until we were home."

"You should get some sleep," David tells him.

Lance agrees and, with a quick bow to David, leaves the room.

David waits until the door closes behind Lance before turning to the wizard.

"Before you return to the Jolly, I think we should check out this colorful smoke ourselves. Just to be certain it isn't a curse."

"Yes. I agree," Merlin replies, "And while we're there, we could speak to Galahad."

"You read my mind."

When they materialize on the edge of the forest, the view of the castle is completely clear. Not a hint of smoke anywhere to be found.

"Definitely not a curse," Merlin states flatly.

"So she was trying to conceal something."

"That would be my guess."

The two men share a look before going to find Galahad.

"So, you're saying you didn't ask Lance to come?" David asks.

"No, Your Majesty," Galahad replies, "I only sent the message about the smoke. I was completely surprised when he showed up in person."

"And he walked right into it?" Merlin asks.

"Well, yes and no. He walked up to it but when he got close, it… spread. Quickly. It… engulfed him. Almost like it was trying to rope him in."

"And how long was it before you found him?"

"Fifteen, maybe twenty minutes."

"Thank you," David says in dismissal.

Galahad bows and walks away.

"What do you think?" Merlin asks David in a low voice.

"I think fifteen or twenty minutes is long enough to have a very in depth conversation."

"I agree."

David sighs and shakes his head. "I can't believe Lance would betray us."

"If you were expecting it, it wouldn't be a betrayal," Merlin points out.

"Yes, but Lance? I've never known a man so dedicated to his cause. He's saved my life – on more than one occasion. I just…" David trails off, shaking his head again.

"We've no proof," Merlin puts in. "It could be just as Galahad said. If Regina saw the chance to capture one of the most feared knights in the land, she wouldn't pass up the opportunity."

"But that doesn't explain why he lied to us when he told us Galahad had requested his presence."

"No, but there could be a very reasonable explanation."

"I suppose," David says, pressing his lips together. "Go back to the Jolly. Tell them to stay at sea until Emma's birthday. In the meantime, check in daily. If I find proof, we'll readjust."

Merlin nods and turns to go but stops when David adds, "I know you can't force visions but if you see anything…"

"I'll let you know at once."

K&EK&EK&E

The news that they are to remain at sea longer than they had anticipated is greatly appreciated by Killian. First, it gives he and Emma an extended respite from the real world and secondly, it gives them time to perfect their magic. Over the course of the next two weeks, Merlin drills them daily, and nearly every demand he makes of them is accomplished with ease. They still can't beat Merlin one-on-one but they manage to drench him with water once. The Jolly seems to be enjoying the lessons as well, weighing in occasionally to aide them. It had been an amusing sight to see Merlin hanging upside down from one of her ropes yesterday.

The nights are spent in each other's arms, holding each other through the dark. The bond between them continues to strengthen with each passing day almost to the point where they can feel each other's thoughts.

When Emma's birthday arrives, they make for port. Killian has just finished scanning the coast through his telescope when Jefferson appears beside him.

"Anything?" Jefferson asks.

"Not that I can see," Killian replies, handing the scope to Jeff so he can look for himself.

Before Jeff can raise the scope to his eye, Merlin materializes on deck.

"I've got news," he says with no preamble. "Let's get everyone together."

Ten minutes later, everyone is gathered on deck and Killian takes Emma's hand in his.

"Arthur has returned with the second piece of Excalibur," Merlin announces.

Emma's fingers tighten and she takes a long breath.

"So what now?" she asks.

"The two of you light the Spark and reforge the sword."

"We'll make it to the cove this evening and head straight for the castle," Killian tells him.

"No," Merlin responds, "I'll return once everything is ready. Until then, stay on the ship." He turns to go, but stops and faces Emma. "I almost forgot. Happy Birthday, princess."