Chapter 12: What the Chickens Heard

A/N Thank you again to all those who have taken time to read this story and to the wonderful and kind reviewers. I am going to continue the adventures of this incarnation of Emma and Killian. I am having so much fun with them.

At Emma's confession, Killian turned to her father with pleading eyes. "Please, don't blame Her Highness. This is my fault. All my fault," Killian's tone reflected his desperation to protect the Princess.

Emma was all wide eyes and exasperation. She honestly didn't understand what the problem was. "The chickens were all squashed! Now they're happy," she said, smiling brightly. "I made them happy for you." She let go of Killian's arm so she could hug him. "Now you can look at them and not be sad about the mine."

"Mine? What does a mine have to do with chickens?" David was thoroughly perplexed at his daughter's seemingly obtuse logic. He looked over at Snow but she looked just as lost as he did.

"Explain, little brother? What have you got Her Highness into?"

Killian winced at his brother's harsh tone and concentrated on looking at the flurry of blonde hair currently blocking his view as Emma hugged him tightly. It was odd how being close to her calmed him. He didn't understand it.

"Killian Jones, you will answer the King, now!" Liam snapped. His usual patience rapidly dissipating. Killian jumped and Emma released her hold to turn and scowl at Liam. Killian heard the little princess draw in breath and saw her clench her fists. Not willing to let a little girl fight his battles for him, he finally lifted his head to address the King.

"This is my fault. I didn't know Her Highness had heard me. No-one was supposed to hear; just the chickens," Killian said, although he did slightly mumble the last bit as he flushed red.

"Course I heard you, Killian. I love you talking. You sound all warm and gooey," Emma said, dropping her scowl to grin shyly at him. He, of the warm and apparently gooey voice, just flushed even redder and shuffled his feet.

Liam bit down on his bottom lip to keep his snort of laughter from escaping; not wanting to make the Princess uncomfortable. David just shook his head and smirked, while Snow's smile could have rivalled the sun in its brightness. She did, however understand that Killian was feeling very self-conscious and she wanted to put him at ease.

"No need to be embarrassed about talking to birds, Killian, I do it quite often," Snow offered, in a gentle voice. "What did you say? What is this really all about?"

Killian swallowed hard and shifted his gaze to Snow's. Her soft expression encouraging him to speak. When the words came, they came in a tumble.

"It's just, they were all packed in and I could see the ones on the bottom looking like they could hardly breathe, and they were stuck and couldn't flap their wings or move or anything and I knew they had to be in pain. I felt sorry for them, so I told them that I know how that feels, 'cos being in the mine was like that. Trapped in the dark, not being able to breathe properly, stuck in the tight spaces, 'cos that's where I had to work 'cos I'm the smallest," tears had formed and were running down his cheeks as he described how it had felt to work in the dismal, oppressing environs of the mine. He looked at Liam through blurry eyes, grateful he couldn't properly see his brother's expression. "I hated it. I hated every minute. Not working, 'cos it's good form to earn your way, but I hated being under the ground." His breath was coming in ragged sobs and he struggled to get the rest of what he wanted to say, out. "I'm sorry, Liam. I know it's not good form to complain about having work. I don't want you to feel bad for getting us work there and I don't want you to think I couldn't do it 'cos I'm too little."

Emma threw her arms around Killian again. "Don't cry. You never have to go near that awful mine again. You're going to stay here with us. Mama and Papa are the nicest, kindest people in the whole world and we'll look after you," Emma said. She pulled back and patted his hand.

"It's alright, Killian," Liam assured him, his own eyes more than a little glassy. "I'm the one that failed you. Don't think for one second that I am anything less than proud of you." He couldn't say anything else around the large lump in his throat.

"No-one has failed anyone," David said, solemnly. Like Snow, who's cheeks glittered with tears, he had been visibly affected by Killian's admission. "It was a bad situation, and I can't say how sorry I am that you boys had no other option." He knelt down to put a hand on Killian's shoulder in a comforting gesture before looking at Emma. "You heard Killian talking to the birds, didn't you, Duckling?" He poked a finger into Emma's tummy and smiled.

"Yes, Papa. I hated seeing Killian so sad. I wanted him to smile," Emma said.

"So you let my chickens out," Miggens said. He was not so hard hearted as to remain unmoved by Killian's words. With understanding, came forgiveness. Not that he felt he had much choice as he was aware he would appear to be a very cruel individual to hold on to his anger in the face of what he'd just heard. "No insult or thievery intended."

"You were mean to the chickens. Don't squash them," Emma admonished.

Killian's eyes were huge as he looked on in awe at the tiny princess fearlessly scolding the enormous bear of a man. Miggens' mouth open and closed, but no sound came out.

"My daughter has a point, Mr. Miggens. At the next Council session I intend to change the law regarding the acceptable conditions for transporting any livestock, into or out of, Misthaven's borders." Snow paused and smiled at Killian. "Including chickens."

"Maybe we'll have it written into the official records as the, 'Jones Reform'. What do you think of that, boys?" David asked.

Killian's jaw dropped open. He looked at Liam, hoping his older, more eloquent brother would know how to respond to such an honour.

"Your Majesty, that's too much. Killian meant no harm but -," Liam was cut off by David.

"Nonsense. We have been remiss in this matter. The manner in which we have been made aware of the problem may be a little unusual but, when Emma is involved, things always are. But we do know about it now and we must take action," David said.

"That's right. Where would we be if not for the animals that sustain us and the kingdom? They give their lives for ours. They all deserve our respect and protection," Snow added in agreement.

Miggens didn't exactly look forward to having to comply to what this reform of the current law would mandate, but his anger over the freed birds had petered out to let a calmer mind prevail. He suddenly felt very out of place.

"If you'll 'scuse me, Your Majesties?" Miggens asked, and gestured to the door. "I want to see how many birds 'as been rounded up."

"Yes," David nodded towards the guards. "Escort Mr. Miggens out and find Wills. He'll be keeping the tally." The senior guard bowed and led Miggens out.

"Now, Duckling, boys, how about breakfast?" David bent over and tickled his daughter under the chin. "I am guessing you escaped Averil before you ate."

Emma giggled and nodded.

"And after breakfast, Papa is going to sit you down and have a talk about Emma the spy being an eavesdropper at more appropriate times and having respect for other people's property," Snow said. She gave Emma a kiss on her temple. "Liam, Killian, we are going shopping." She winked at her husband, pleased with herself at dumping him with the stern parent talk while she got to spoil the boys.

As they left the room in search of food, David picked up Emma and whispered in her ear. "Mama didn't say where we had to have our talk. While they're shopping," David screwed up his nose at the thought of that particular activity, "why don't we go riding? Yes?"

"Yes, Papa," Emma agreed and nodded enthusiastically.

David popped her onto his shoulders and neatly side-stepped a chicken before jogging to catch up to his wife and the boys.