A/N: I can't believe how kind you are all being in the reception of this little story. I truly appreciate that you have given of your time to read my humble offering. . . .There may be the odd chicken or two popping up in the next chapter.

Chapter 6: Better Things

Both children had sustained a few more cuts, a truly outstanding collection of bruises which would bloom in the most colourful of ways over the next few days and a thorough coating of coal dust. David was too relieved to have Emma safe to be concerned about the transfer of black smudges to his own clothes from the tight embrace in which he wrapped his daughter.

He did take pause when he realised Snow would be requiring an explanation for the state of her daughter. There would have to be a stop at Granny's to get Emma in a bath of some kind complete with a vigorous scrubbing. He cast an eye towards his daughter's rescuer. Liam had given Killian a quick hug but then turned his attention to checking his brother for injuries.

"Brother, you're a mess! Is there any part of you not cut to ribbons? Let me see you properly," Liam instructed. His expression was grim when he saw the condition of Killian's knees and hands. He pointed to Emma's handkerchief tied around his brother's hand. "I see the Princess has graced you with a token."

"Something bestowed on only the most brave of knights and the first Emma has ever granted. Well done young, Killian. Although, " He paused and fixed his eye on Emma, his lip pouted, "I thought I was your champion?"

"Oh, Papa. Don't you remember? We came to help Killian, so I did." Emma frowned and push her hands nearly in her father's eyes. "I cut my hands, too, but I was brave, Papa. I didn't cry. Not once," Emma said. "I'm as brave as Killian."

"Yes, you were. I am so proud of you. You being so brave made it much easier for Killian to rescue you," David said as he gathered both her small hands in one of his. "Now, let's get both of you courageous souls back to Granny's and we'll get all those battle wounds tended to."

_

"There was enough coal dust in your hair to heat this village for a month," Granny said, frowning over the top of her glasses as she rinsed Emma's hair. The Princess was finally clean to Granny's standards. Red had borrowed some relatively clean clothes for Emma from a neighbour, who had been in quite the dither at providing a dress for a Princess. Liam and Killian had stripped to the waist and made do with a wash down from the rain barrel out that back of the bakery. Liam smiled as he watched his little brother carefully wash Emma's handkerchief. Tempted to say something teasing, Liam bit back the words.

The King and his guards had made arrangements for their party to stay at the village tavern for the night as it was too late to travel back to the castle. Leaving his guards with instructions to find their dinner and be ready to leave at first light, David returned to Granny's. When he let himself into Granny's parlor, he found Killian sitting in front of the fire while Red dressed the cuts on his hands and elbows. Neat bandages were already tied about his knees and the fresh smell of healing herbs tickled his nose.

Liam had been lounging against the kitchen table watching his brother get patched up. When the King entered, both boys scrambled to their feet to bow.

"Killian Jones, you get back here, I'm not finished," Red scolded, and grabbed the boy by the scruff of his neck and forced him back to his previous spot.

"Be at ease boys, you don't need to bow to me. After what you did for my family today, I give you leave to never bow to me again," David said. He turned to Liam and offered his hand. "You showed great presence of mind today, Liam. Thinking to use the barrow to get them down. Just a brilliant idea." The elder Jones boy shook the King's hand, a huge smile on his face.

"I'm very glad the Princess is safe, Your Highness," Liam said.

"Between you and me, that isn't the only scrape she's been in, but it was definitely the most dangerous," David said, conspiratorially. He dropped Liam's hand and turned to Killian.

"And you, Master Killian. I owe you a great debt, as both King and father. If not for you . . . ," David's voice grew thick as the fear of what could have happened threatened to choke him. He swallowed hard, not at all embarrassed to demonstrate the great love he had for his daughter. He waited a beat to regain his composure. "Her mother and I . . . Emma is everything to us."

Killian nodded in understanding, not knowing what to say. He was feeling very overwhelmed. It didn't help matters that at that moment Granny brought a freshly scrubbed, pink cheeked, Emma, into the parlor. The little girl's face lit up when she saw Killian. The young man barely had time to register her presence before she ran over to throw her arms around him.

"Thank you for saving me. You're the bravest boy I ever met," Emma said into his ear and, then she kissed him on the cheek, causing a dumbstruck Killian's face to glow bright red. He went redder still and didn't know where to look when she announced to everyone present, "You have the most beautiful eyes. Bluer even than the Blue Fairy's dress!"

David, Red and Granny nearly split their sides laughing at the decidedly unmasculine comparison that Emma had drawn. Liam wanted to laugh but felt it was bad form to do so in front of royalty. He would, however, be sure to tease Killian about it at every opportunity once they were alone. He did have a lot of trouble keeping even a relatively straight face, though.

"Why is that funny? I was being nice," Emma said, a petulant pout on her lips.

With great difficulty, David managed a sober expression and held his arms open indicating for Emma to come over and hug him. She narrowed her eyes and threaded her arm through Killian's, careful to avoid the bandages on her hand and his elbow. "You're being mean, Papa," she declared.

"I didn't intend to be," David said, contritely. "I'm more grateful than I can say to Killian and to Liam. Alright?" He kept his arms open and raised an eyebrow at his daughter.

"Alright, Papa," Emma said. She let go of Killian's arm and walked over to her father and allowed herself to be hugged.

"I love you, Emma. Always and forever," David said into his little girl's hair.

"Love you, too, Papa," Emma replied.

Liam and Killian watched the expression of familial love between father and daughter with mixed feelings. They were both so happy to see Emma safe and sound in her father's arms but Granny observed the look of sadness that passed between the two boys. It was clear to her that they were thinking of all the times they hadn't been hugged by their own father. It made her angry to think of these two fine lads being abandoned to the world.

David sat down at the table and put Emma on his knee, then he looked over at the boys.

"Well, Liam, Killian, you are probably curious at to why I came to see you at the mine," David said. He continued before they could answer. "The Queen and I would like to offer you a chance to better yourselves. What I saw today has only strengthened my belief that you belong with us at the castle. Two such brave and noble hearts would benefit the kingdom in service to its people and to the Crown. I have need of a new squire. Liam, you are still quite young, but I welcome the opportunity to train you for future knighthood. Or is there another path you would wish to take?" Out of the corner of his eye he saw Granny stiffen. As he had guessed, she didn't want them to go. Red put a hand on her grandmother's shoulder and squeezed it in a show of support.

Liam's eyes were like saucers. All his usual reserve dropped away revealing an overawed young boy. "The castle? Us?" He asked. David nodded reassuringly.

"Both of you. We want you both to come live with us. Would you like that?" David asked.

"Please?" Emma added her plea. She slipped off her father's lap and walked over to Killian, whose mouth had dropped open at the immense honour being afforded him and his brother. "Mama and Papa will look after you," Emma assured him. "So will I." Her bright eyes looked earnestly into his and for a moment there was only the two of them in the entire world. Helpless under her soft regard, Killian could only nod his assent.

"With the greatest respect, Your Highness, we accept," Liam said formally and with much more gravity than any ten year old should be able to manage.

"Excellent!" David said. "Now, Granny, am I mistaken or do I smell rabbit pie?"

"You do, and yes, you're invited for dinner, although I think I should send you to eat the swill they serve at the tavern for taking my fine helpers from me," Granny said. David knew her well enough to know she was only half joking.

"Granny, I know you hoped . . . ," David started, but he was cut off by a dismissive wave of the old woman's hand.

"It's alright, I know it's for the best," she said, and, if her voice caught as she spoke, no-one was going to point it out.