I walked along the halls, listening intently for any noises. When I finally reached the west wing I saw that the grand doors leading to the treasury were slightly ajar. I crept up to the golden door and peeked inside. There was Captain Hook, stuffing gold down his shirt and into his pockets. He picked up a piece of gold and held it to his nose, a smile creeping across his face. He quickly stuffed it with the other treasures he had pocketed.
I wrapped my hand around the hilt and slowly unsheathed it. At the small noise Hook's head snapped up and his gaze landed on me. I pushed the door open and held the sword out in front of me.
"No secrets you said, Captain Hook?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him. He raised an eyebrow as he drew his sword.
"Are you sure you want to swordfight a pirate, love?" he asked, a wicked grin on his face.
I got into a fighting stance. "I know more than you might think, pirate. I've been practicing a lot lately."
"Well let's see just how much that practice has paid off," he said, raising his sword. He stepped to his left, and I mirrored his move. I subconsciously rolled onto the balls of my feet, keeping myself as light as possible. After a minute or two I realized I'd have to make the first move. Measure twice, swing once. I charged at him and aimed for his shoulder, but he parried my blow easily and sent me stumbling back with a push of his sword against mine.
We went for an attack at the same time and our swords clashed, the sound reverberating through the room. I slid my sword away and swung for his waist. He jumped back and my sword sliced through the air. He took a step forward and smiled. "Good form, but not good enough."
He aimed for my legs and I stumbled back. I ground my teeth in frustration and jumped forward, retaliating with a blow of my own. He easily stopped my attack and our swords clashed again. With a quick twist of his arm he twirled his blade around mine and it slipped out of my grasp. It clattered to the ground and before I could reach down he pressed the tip of his blade to my throat. I could feel the cold tip digging into my skin. Just when I thought he would jam it through me, he pulled it away.
"You have good footwork, and your technique isn't terrible. You have potential, I'll give you that. You'd make a good pirate," he said as he sheathed his sword. He picked up my sword before I could grab it and flung it behind him. He brushed past me and I turned to watch him leave. His last sentence kept repeating itself in my head, teasing me. You'd make a good pirate.
"How would you like to steal the King and Queen's most prized possession?" I called out after him. He stopped and slowly turned around, a confused look on his face.
"What?"
"You came here to steal, didn't you? If you return all you stole, I'll let you take the King's most prized possession," I repeated.
"I know a trap when I see one, love," he said, turning back around. I ran over to him and grabbed his arm.
"No, I'm being serious."
"And what might this prized possession be?" he asked wearily.
"Me."
His eyebrows shot up and then his eyes narrowed in suspicion. "You would trade yourself just to save a few of your parent's trinkets?"
"No, I'd trade myself because I want adventure, and I'm sure not going to get that here," I said, gesturing towards the castle walls that surrounded us. He lifted his chin and looked down at me, his gaze searching. "You said yourself I'd make a good pirate."
"How do I know I can trust you?"
"You don't, but think about it this way—what other choice do you have? If you refuse my offer I'll alert the guards and give them your description. Your only option if you want to escape is to take me with you."
"What about the other option—killing you?" he asked, taking a step forward. I stared right back at him and saw in his face that he was lying.
"You wouldn't. Taking over my parent's ship is one thing, but do you really think my father wouldn't hunt you down if you killed his only daughter? I know everyone saw us walk in together, and they saw me following after you when you left. It won't take a genius to put two and two together. Either way, your face will end up on a Wanted poster with a reward no one will refuse—not even your crew."
"So let me get this straight: I return the money, and you agree to come with me and join my band of pirates?" he asked, and I nodded. "Smart lass, aren't you? I was right, you would make a great pirate. That and…" He took a step closed so that our breaths intermingled. His tongue darted out to lick his lips and I had the overwhelming desire to kiss him. "Well, I've never been one to refuse a pretty lass her desires."
He took a step back before I could do anything and reached into his pockets, pulling out the coins. He cast them back into the pots that had been holding them. Once he'd emptied his pockets he turned back to me.
"You have a deal." He held out a hand for me to shake. My eyes traveled to his lips and I debated with myself in my mind. I was leaving behind the old Emma who always did what she was told and was trading her in for the Emma who took crazy chances and made reckless decision for the sake of adventure, what was one more? After all, I was about to run away with a pirate, why not take another chance? I sent him a smirk and grabbed him by the collar, sending my lips crashing into his. He responded immediately and tangled his fingers in my hair, pulling my head closer for a deeper kiss.
The only man I ever kissed had been Neal, and that was years ago. I didn't want to fall in love ever again, but this wasn't love. This was desire. It didn't mean anything, so there was no harm in it. I forgot how wonderful it could be—the pinpricks of stubble against my chin and cheeks, the feel of a strong hand tangling itself in my hair, the breathlessness that made me feel lightheaded. A pleasant warmth sprung up in the pit of my stomach, like a match being lit. When I felt his arms wrap around my waist and crush my body against his, the flame flared up and became a raging fire.
Memories of when Neal would kiss me drifted through my mind, and I felt fear replace the fire inside. I pulled away and took a step back. The kiss lasted for longer than was considered proper, and I knew I had to pull away before someone came looking for me—that's what I kept telling myself when I remembered that warm feeling in the pit of my stomach, all too much like the feeling I got whenever Neal used to come see me. When I opened my eyes I saw a look in Hook's eyes that I didn't recognize, and for a minute I wondered if I'd crossed the line, but then he gave me a genuine smile as he grabbed my hand.
"Come, we'd better go now."
"Wait," I pulled my hand out of his grasp when he tried to draw me down the hallway. "First tell me your name—your real name."
"You kiss me first, then ask my name," he chuckled. "Pirate Killian Jones of the Jolly Roger at your service, princess." He gave a grand bow.
"Jolly Roger?"
"Aye, my ship. It awaits us at the harbor."
I nodded in understanding. "I can't just walk out the door, my parents keep a close eye on me, so we'll need a plan to actually get me out of the palace."
His eyes darted away as he tapped his chin, one eyebrow quirked. Finally he snapped his fingers. "I believe I have a solution. All we have to do is modify my earlier plan of escape."
Emma and I stood outside the doors leading to the ballroom. She had one hand placed on my back and the other was gripped around my arm.
I've only known her for a little more than an hour, and already she had awakened feelings I thought long dead after Milah passed away. I felt the rush of excitement to the very core of my bones. It wasn't love, at least, not yet, but it was something I hadn't felt for a woman in a very long time. I was used to one-night stands with girls whose names I forgot within minutes and whose faces I forgot the next day, but this was different.
"You ready?" she asked, throwing me an excited smile. When I gave her a nod she opened the door and I hunched over, holding my stomach. We moved quickly through the crowd, and I let out a groan every few seconds, pretending to be sick. When we finally made it to the door a guard stopped us.
"The King and Queen gave me orders to keep you inside the palace, Your Majesty," he said, holding a staff across the exit. I peeked up to see Emma give the guard a glare that could wither a plant.
"Can't you see this man is sick? I'm helping him to his carriage—unless, of course, you'd like to explain to my parents why you made a nobleman suffer even longer by arguing with me," she snapped, holding her chin up high. I resisted the urge to laugh when I saw the guard pale a bit. This lass continued to impress me with each passing minute. A beautiful, golden-haired princess wanted to join a band of pirates just for the thrill of adventure. Where was she my whole life?
"Proceed, Your Majesty," he said, his voice quieter this time. She pulled me along and when we got out to the stairway leading down the steps she leaned over and whispered.
"Now what?"
"We run."
When we reached the cobblestone road leading away from the castle we broke into a run. A couple seconds later there was the sound of yelling behind us coming from the castle. Well, that certainly didn't take long. We didn't have much time, and we weren't even halfway to the docks.
As we ran like crazy down the hill towards the docks, a bugle sounded from the direction of the palace. I stole a glance at Emma to see her staring behind us. I looked over my shoulder and saw a giant iron platform being raised from the palace courtyard, with a blazing fire on the top, illuminating the night sky.
"Oh, come on!" she mumbled to herself. Suddenly Emma swerved off course and darted to the left.
"Where are you going?" I shouted, doubts flooding into my mind. She let out an exasperated sound. Her hand suddenly shot out and grabbed mine, sending me stumbling to catch myself when she yanked me to the left. She ducked under a few archways and ran down a few meandering paths before leading us to over to an unoccupied part of what looked like a garden. She slid to her knees behind a large shrub and pulled me down with her.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
She peeked out from behind the greenery before answering me. "That torch is only lit when the castle has been infiltrated, and the bugle alerts the guards in the area to be on alert. If we continued we would have run straight into the guards."
"You're the princess, can't you get past them?"
"No, the kingdom goes into lockdown when that torch is lit. No one escapes until the torch is lowered and the King gives the all right," she explained. She ducked down behind the shrubbery and closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose between two fingers. "We need another plan."
A few seconds past before her eyes flew open and her gaze snapped over to me. "Your ship—it doesn't have the pirate flag up, right?"
"Of course not, I'm not a bloody idiot!" I said, insulted.
"Ok, then. Since nobody knows you're a pirate and we were running in a general direction of escape, no one will suspect we were headed for your ship. We can use this to our advantage, but we'll need a way to get past the guards ahead. If we can make it to the docks we'll have a chance at escape."
"A horse!" she exclaimed, and I stared at her in disbelief. A horse? That was her brilliant idea?
"Sorry to break it to you, love, but a horse won't get us far if there's a blockade up ahead—unless, of course, your horse can fly," I added sarcastically. Emma smiled at that, and I knew exactly what she was thinking. "That's impossible. The last Pegasus died years ago."
"The last known Pegasus. Don't you think such a horse would have half-Pegasi offspring?" she whispered, excitement lighting up her eyes. I could only stare back at her in disbelief and wonder. Could such an animal exist? Surely there would have been rumors. "Come on."
She grabbed my hand and when the coast was clear we made a run for it, ducking behind trees and low walls when we saw a guard coming. It seemed like a long time, but eventually we made it to the stables. Emma's eyes darted around as she opened the doors and we both slipped inside.
Torches lined the space in between each stable, illuminating the large barn. I stood guard by the door as she walked over to a padlocked stable door. This one was different from all the others in that it didn't have an open top gate so the horse could peek its head out. She reached up, pulling a bobby pin out of her hair before working on the lock.
"Where did you learn to do that?" I asked, gesturing towards the lock.
"Neal taught me. He was a thief, so he knew a lot about getting into places he shouldn't." I could detect an undertone of bitterness, and I instantly knew this was the man who had left and betrayed her.
Suddenly there were voices just outside; Emma and I froze. I wrapped my hand around the hilt of my sword and ran over to her, determined to protect her at all costs should guards burst in here.
Killian ran over to me, as if to protect me. What did I look like, a damsel-in-distress? My breath caught when I heard my dad's voice outside the stable doors, giving orders to the guards.
"I'll take three guards with me and check the stables. You eight split up and check Emma's usual spots."
I turned to Killian and grabbed his forearm. "Hide, and we'll surprise them. Knock out the guards, don't kill them, and whatever you do, don't hurt my father." I bit down on my lip briefly before continuing. "I think I might be able to convince him."
Killian gave a nod and unsheathed his sword. I moved to one side of the door, hiding behind a beam and Killian mirrored my position, taking the other side. I grabbed a pitchfork used for cleaning out the horses stalls and got in a fighting stance. It may not be a sword, but it would have to do.
Despite the danger, I felt a rush of excitement. I had never felt more alive than I did right now! A smile pulled at my lips as the footsteps came closer, and suddenly the doors were thrown open. My heart pounded in my chest as they calmly walked in. Killian and I stood our ground, hiding in the shadows, and waited until the guards and my dad were fully inside.
Killian was the first to spring from his position, slamming the hilt of his sword down onto the helmet of one of the guards. He dropped to the floor with a thud. Killian ran to the other side of the stables, the guards and my dad racing after him. I leaned the pitchfork against the beam and grabbed the metal bar used to seal the stable doors from the inside, in the case of an attack. I slid it into place and then grabbed my pitchfork, running towards the fighting.
A guard thrust his sword at Killian but he quickly dodged it and I came up from behind, whacking the guard over the head with the tool. I spun around and thrust the blunt end into the third guard's stomach. He let out a huff of air and dropped to his knees. Killian kicked him in the head and he fell to the straw-covered floor, unconscious. It all happened so fast. I turned to my dad and saw him raising his sword to swing at Killian, and for a moment I was worried Killian would hurt him, but he only lifted his sword up in defense. As my dad brought his sword down Killian took a step back, and parried his blow easily.
"Dad! Stop!" I cried, lunging forward and wrapping both hands around the arm that held his sword.
"Emma! Stay back!" he cried in alarm, yanking his arm free and shoving me back. As I stumbled back my leg got caught in a bucket and I fell down, slamming into the wall. I watched as my dad swung his blade forward, aiming for Killian's shoulder. He blocked it and twisted his sword around dad's sword—the same trick he used on me earlier. His sword flew against the wall, and dad tucked and rolled, going after it. Killian took his moment of distraction to run over to me.
"Are you alright?" he asked, kneeling down in front of me, pulling the bucket from my foot.
"Killian, watch out!" I cried as dad raised his sword and aimed for Killian.
"No!" I screamed, grabbing my pitchfork and clamoring over Killian. I threw myself in between him and my dad, raised the wooden part of the pitchfork above me. Dad's eyes widened in alarm as his sword clashed against it, creating a notch in the wood.
"Emma!" he cried. He brought the sword back and I stood, Killian right beside me. I held the tool out with the spikes pointing at my dad. I knew if it came down to it, I could never hurt my dad, ever. If he disarmed me and went after Killian, I could never bring myself to harm him, but I was hoping he wouldn't call my bluff. I just needed him to listen…and it worked.
"Emma, what are you doing?!" he cried, lowering his sword as he eyed the pitchfork. "Who is he?" He nodded towards Killian. Before I could answer Killian stepped up and spoke.
"I believed you would know me by my nickname, Hook." At this name dad's eyes filled with rage.
"Hook?! Captain Hook? That's the sorry son of a—" he began, but cut his sentence short when he looked at me. "Emma, step aside!"
"No, you don't understand—" I tried to make him understand but he would have none of it.
"He took over our ship last week! Move aside or I'll move you!" he threatened. When I stood my ground he narrowed his eyes at me. He reached forward, grabbing the spokes of the tool and ripped it out of my hands. He broke it across his knee before casting it aside.
"No, stop! Just listen to me!" I pleaded, stepping in front of Killian and holding my hands out wide, as if to protect him from my dad's wrath. He simply grabbed my shoulders and moved me aside, raising his sword. Killian backed up until he hit the wall and then ducked to the left, narrowly escaping my dad's blade as it came down. Dad turned, raising his sword as he went after him and brought it down again, but Killian easily blocked it. I had to put an end to this before one of them got killed.
I ran over to the other side of the barn and grabbed a large plank of wood. I felt guilt well up inside me as I raced over to the two men, knowing what I had to do. I raised the plank and hit the back of dad's feet, sending him sprawling to his knees. Killian took the opportunity to disarm him, sending his sword clattering to the ground a few feet away. In one swift movement he had his blade pressed lightly against my dad's throat. I dropped the plank and rushed over to Killian's side. I placed a hand on his arm and he immediately removed the blade. I knelt down in front of my dad and placed both hands on either side of his face, forcing him to look at me.
"Dad, listen to me, I—"
"Emma, do you know the things he could have done to yo—"
"He wouldn't—"
"He's a pirate, Emma! What are you thinking?"
"Daddy, listen to me!" I cried, surprising both him and myself. There was this unspoken understanding that whenever anyone else was around I called him dad or father, but in private I called him daddy. After all, I was a grown woman, it would have seemed silly. At this name, he calmed instantly.
"I asked him to take me with him on his ship. I can't live this life anymore, daddy. I need to go see the world and have my own adventures. I feel like I'm trapped in a cage here." I could tell my words hurt him, but they needed to be said. I'd been keeping this in for far too long. "You told me that you were trying to be brave, and that bravery meant letting someone go because they need to be free, even though you can't imagine living without them. You said it was doing what's best for them. I need you to be brave now, and let me go."
"Emma…" he began, but closed his mouth and grabbed both my hands with his, moving them away from his face. He looked away as tears welled up in his eyes.
"I'll be alright, and no matter what happens…" I lifted a hand and turned his face so that his eyes met mine. "I'll always be your little princess."
At this his jaw tightened and determination shone in his eyes. "As your father, I have to protect you. I'm not going to let you go off and get yourself killed just because you want to have some adventure. Emma, I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe. I'd sooner die than let you leave with this filth."
I knew he would only let me go for one reason. I wasn't sure I could tell him what he needed to hear, because I wasn't so sure I was ready to accept the truth. I knew I couldn't lie to him anymore, so saying it would mean I believed it for myself, and I was so scared of admitting what I'd been feeling. Scared of living through that same betrayal Neal put me through…but I couldn't just let my life be lived for me and stay here. I took a deep breath.
"That's not the only reason I'm leaving," I said, hoping he wouldn't press me any further.
"Then what?" he prodded. I bit down on my lip and looked up at Killian, standing behind me, almost like he was always meant to be there. I couldn't let the fear keep me from going after my dreams. I had to take a chance.
"You also said you wanted me to find True Love," I said, turning to look at dad. His eyes widened and he turned to glare at Killian.
"And you found that with him?" he cried, nose scrunching up in obvious disgust.
"Hey!" Killian exclaimed. I glanced behind me to see a hurt expression on his face. I met dad's gaze and saw that he was debating with himself. My next words would determine whether or not he let me go, so I chose them carefully before speaking.
"I don't know yet. All I know is that Killian is the first man to make me feel something since…" I caught myself and immediately rephrased my sentence, "in a long time. Don't I owe it to myself to find out what that is? As for what he is, I seem to remember you falling for mom right after she robbed you and made off with your money."
At this a smile pulled at my dad's lips. He was silent for a few moments before finally raising his head to look at Killian. "Do you feel the same for her?"
He nodded without even the briefest of hesitation. "Aye."
He looked away and after a few more moments of deliberation he let out a sigh. "I don't think I could let you go for anything less than True Love." We both stood, then dad turned his gaze to Killian and narrowed his eyes at him. "She doesn't need a hero, but look out for her anyway. If she gets hurt, or you break her heart I'll hunt you down like a dog and kill you myself." Killian nodded. "I have to make it at least look like I tried to stop you, or else your mom will kill me. Take the Pegasus."
I smiled. "Already planning on it." I suddenly heard guards pounding on the stable doors.
"Better hurry, love. That bar won't hold forever," Killian said from behind me. I nodded and walked over to the stable door. It took a few seconds, but I finally got it unlocked. I quickly put reigns on the horse and led him over to my dad and Killian.
I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around dad. "I love you, daddy. Tell mom I love her too," I whispered, then gave him a quick peck on the cheek before pulling away. "Thank you for letting me be free."
The pounding on the door increased and I knew we needed to leave right now. I hoisted myself up on the winged horse and grabbed the reigns, before offering a hand to Killian.
I watched her swing herself up onto a white, winged horse wearing no saddle. She yanked on the reigns and led the horse over to me, offering me a hand up.
"Come on, this way is faster. No time for a saddle." She gave me a smile as I took her outstretched hand and swung myself up behind her.
Her father moved to the door and removed the metal bar. As soon as it slid out of place the doors burst open and guards came rushing in. She nudged the horse and slapped the reigns, sending the horse bolting back the way we came. The guards all screamed as they scrambled out of the way of the horse. I wrapped both arms around her waist and held on for dear life.
"After her, guards! But no harm is to come to her or the Pegasus!" her father yelled.
We galloped down the hill, sending up dirt as we rode towards the docks. I could hear orders being shouted behind us, but knew none of them would dare try and shoot us down, thanks to Emma's father's orders. As we galloped down the steep hill a lineup of soldiers stood before us. There must have been at least ten rows, and they weren't going to budge.
"Hold your positions, men! We can't let them escape!" I heard what I assumed to be the captain shout. The men quaked as we came barreling down the path, but listened to their commander.
"Now!" Emma yelled, slapping the reigns. The wings spread out wide and with a few mighty flaps of its enormous wings we rose into the air. I watched in amusement as the men below us looked up in awe. We flew above the rows of soldiers, and the sound of their captain yelling new orders got carried away in the night breeze.
"After them!" I heard a muffled voice cry. The thundering of feet behind us started. Suddenly the Pegasus started to loose altitude and began descending, despite the desperate flapping of its wings.
"What's happening?" I yelled over the wind roaring in our ears.
"He's not used to two people on his back, and he's only half-pegasi, he can't handle flying for large amounts of time!" she yelled over the noise. There was a sudden jolt and I nearly fell off as his hooves land on the ground again. I grabbed Emma's waist and righted myself before turning to look behind us. The guards had gained some distance on us, but thankfully there were no more rows ahead.
As we descended the hill the Pegasus's hooves would occasionally lift off the ground and with its wings extended, we would glide, gaining some distance this way. Finally, the silhouette of The Jolly Roger broke through the night, the full moon illuminating the white sails. As soon as the thundering of hooves hit the wooden planks of the docks Emma tugged at the reigns, bringing the horse to an abrupt halt. She slipped off the horse, but instead of landing on both feet she tripped on the hem of her dress and tumbled forward, scraping her hands and knees on the wood. I jumped down and grabbed her arms, helping her up. I could see cuts on both her hands, and her stockings and dress were torn at the bottom, exposing a thin line of blood down one leg.
"Hurry, love. We haven't got much time," I said, then turned towards my ship, "Drop the sails! Raise the anchor!"
The men scurried to their places as the ships sails were lowered and the anchor was brought up. I glanced back at the hill leading down to the docks. The soldiers were coming upon us fast, we needed to get out of here—now! I tightened my grip on her arms and hurried the rest of the way up the gangplank.
"Set sail!" I yelled as we raced over to the wheel. Emma stood at my side as I took my position. The yelling of guards as they chased us could be heard clearly now, and I knew if we were caught it'd be the noose for the lot of us—except Emma.
"If we're caught, tell them I kidnapped you," I leaned over to whisper in her ear. She gave me an appalled look.
"No, I made a choice and I'm going to stick to it!" she shot back. I couldn't help the smirk that tugged at my lips, despite the danger we were in.
Finally the ship began to move and as wind filled the sails, we sped up. Soon we were sailing away towards open waters. Some guards jumped off the docks and began swimming towards us, but soon gave up when they realized they'd never catch up.
When we were far enough away I leaned against the wheel and let out a breath. I turned to see how Emma was doing. Her face turned and our eyes met at the same time. Her dress was tattered and torn, her hair was a mess of loose curls, and her face was flushed.
"You alright, love?"
She let out a small chuckle, then started laughing hysterically. Arms clutched at her stomach as she hunched over. Suddenly she sunk to her knees on the wooden planks, and I quickly stooped down, grabbing her shoulders. With one look at my worried face, she started laughing ever harder. I was concerned that she couldn't breathe, but the half-crazy sounds coming from her mouth didn't stop. When she let out a few very un-ladylike snorts, I began laughing too.
"Why are you laughing?"
When she finally calmed down, she took a few ragged breaths and pushed the hair away from her face. "Because that is the most fun I've had in my entire life. I almost wish we could go back to the castle just to run away from them again!"
"You scraped yourself up," I said, gesturing towards her hands and knees. She glanced down at the long cut on her leg, and the blood currently dripping down her stocking. Then she chuckled and shook her head.
"I don't care. It was worth it. We've got to do that again sometime!"
I put one finger under her chin, lifting her face up to meet mine, and then gave her a grin. "Well, this is just the beginning, princess."
I planned to have this up yesterday, but decided to change it at the last minute. I realized Emma needed to have some closure with her dad before she left with Hook, so I had to rewrite their escape to fit that in there, and then add the part with the Pegasus. So instead of just a two-thousand word chapter, it became a five-thousand word chapter! Hurray for a longer chapter! :)
Well, this is the end! Although, I was thinking about maybe continuing it. I have a few ideas where this could go, but let me know if you guys want to see more. Good or bad, let me know what you thought! :)