Killian was alone in the room, a lone lantern his only light as he changed out of his pirate leather and into the softer, less practical, clothes. They had borrowed an unused room at an inn a mere mile from the palace so he could change. It was Emma's idea and Killian got the impression that she had done something similar many times before. It was another tantalizing piece to the puzzle that was Emma Swan. As Killian donned the vest a knock sounded at the door, quickly followed by Emma rushing into the room closing the door behind her.

"The light!" she hissed. Killian doused the lantern. They waited in hushed silence as two drunk men singing a bawdy song passed by. As the sounds faded they both breathed a sigh of relief.

"Are you ready?" Emma asked with a bit of impatience.

"Not all of us can be dressed by magic." Killian said sarcastically before turning his attention back to his buttons.

"I can do that." she said approaching with her hands out.

"I got it." he replied with frustration, waving her away with his hook. Emma stopped in her tracks dropping her hands and her eyes, biting her lip in confusion. Killian realized she didn't understand that her offer was offensive. But it implied that she thought he was unable to even dress himself. Unbidden her remark in the hospital came to his mind, stinging anew and reminding him that Emma didn't see him as a complete man. He concentrated on his buttons but when he looked up and saw Emma's face he immediately felt contrite.

"My apologies. It was unkind to refuse your offer." he said. "Will you help me with my coat?" Emma didn't acknowledge his apology only crossed the room and grabbed the coat from the bed. Killian removed his hook and stored it in his satchel before turning and placing his arms inside the coat as she held it up. It fit snugly and he felt Emma run her hands over his shoulders, smoothing the fabric."

"This feels expensive and it fits you like a glove." she remarked

"It should since it was tailor made for me." he responded as he pulled at his cuff. Emma retrieved his stiff prosthetic hand from the satchel.

"And why would a pirate need a suit fit for a prince?" she asked handing him his hand. Killian let a slow grin form on his face.

"Why in order to woo a princess of course." he snapped his hand into place for emphasis. Emma rolled her eyes but her mouth quirked slightly.

"And which princesses did you woo in this get-up?"

"You mean besides you?" his eyebrow arched mischievously.

"I'm not a princess." she said.

"You are the daughter of royalty. Like it or not Swan you are a princess. Why must you deny you are?" he said earnestly.

"I grew up an orphan. I had a kid in jail. I work as a bail bondsman. My life was no fairytale and I am not a damn princess." Emma's hands balled into fists around the fabric of her dress and she shook it. "All this is just make believe. It's not real Killian. This isn't the real world." there was silence as Killian just looked at her clenching his jaw and trying not to show his frustration.

"Swan this world is very real and the people here aren't just characters in a story. Your parents are from this world, you are from this world."

"This isn't my world" she insisted in a whisper and looked at him plaintively. Her eyes held the look of the Lost Boys and it tore at Killian's heart. Despite everything that had happened and everything he had done to show her that she could have a happy ending, she was still clinging to her old identity; stubbornly insisting that she would never belong in the Enchanted Forest or Storybrooke or with him. He thought about pushing the issue but he didn't know if he could handle hearing about her plans to return to New York. He let out a sigh.

"I am sorry lass. I know how disconcerting crossing realms can be. But at least you have a savvy guide to aid you." he replied with a conciliatory tone and a soft smile. He brushed at his suit and began removing his rings and necklaces. She busied herself with packing up his old clothes.

"There. Am I fit to be your escort?"

"You'll do." she said and examined him critically. Killian noticed the way her eyes lingered on his exposed chest. It reminded him that less than an hour ago her hand had caressed him there while her lips crashed into his. He pushed the thought away, reminding himself that it was part of the act. An act that he realized they would need to continue to perpetuate for the remainder of the evening.

"Thank you my lady." he dipped into a low bow and grabbed her hand. He brought it up to his mouth but paused his breath lifting the hair on her knuckles. He heard her sharp intake of breath and smiled. He looked up through his lashes.

"Something is missing." he said. Before she could question him he produced a large diamond ring and slipped it on her finger. "There that completes the illusion."

Emma stared at the ring with amazement.

"I can't wear that thing. It's huge."

"You must. If I am to stay by your side for the night, for propriety's sake, we must be engaged. Plus this sparkly bauble will serve as proof of our status." he patted her hand.

"Killian where did you get this?" she asked.

"Ah that is a long story and one I promise to tell you but not tonight. Now let's see that curtsey one more time." Emma sighed and rolled her eyes before executing an almost flawless curtsey.

"Excellent. I believe you are ready." he shouldered the satchel and walked to the door. After a quick check of the hallway he opened the door. "After you my lady."

Killian filled the short ride to the castle with another lecture on etiquette. Emma struggled to pay attention but the flipping of her stomach and the buzzing of her mind made it difficult. She knew how important it was to immerse herself into the culture of the Enchanted Forest that their success hinged on her being a believable princess. She was a good actress. She used to run cons for a living and even as a bail bondsman she often put on personas to catch her mark. But pretending to be a princess in the Enchanted Forest was different. Different because she couldn't block out the soft whisper in the back of her mind that kept reminding her that this could have been her life. If the Dark Curse had never been cast she would have worn dresses like this every day, known all the rules of society by heart, and attended dozens of balls already. But more importantly she would have grown up as part of a loving family and had a home, a place she truly belonged. Instead she felt lost and adrift in an open and endless sea. She took a deep breath and tried to focus on Killian's voice using it as a lifeline to pull her back to the task at hand.

"Public displays of affection are not appropriate even between husband and wife. Make sure to grasp wine glasses…" Emma cut off his speech.

"Wait what do you mean by public displays of affection?"

"Touching beyond what is allowed during dancing or escorting around the room and of course kissing." he said with a grin. "So try and contain yourself Swan." Emma felt a warm ball in her chest but pushed it away.

"Please. I think I can control myself."

"Really? Because you couldn't keep your hands off me at the docks."

"That was part of the act." she protested, only half believing it herself. "Besides you practically bruised my lips in the cabin." she smiled as she spoke, happy to be teasing Killian instead of worrying about the ball.

"He kissed you?" Killian's angry tone confused Emma.

"Ya you were there. I mean both of you were there."

"I saw him threaten you with his hook. He kissed you? What else did he do?" Killian sounded genuinely upset and Emma was wishing she hadn't said anything.

"Nothing. It's fine. I'm fine." Emma tried not to think of the pain in her side where his hook had dug into her soft flesh. She tried not to remember how he taunted her with her own desire. Killian regarded her with narrowed eyes and Emma sensed he knew she was being dishonest. Silence filled the carriage and Emma became aware that they had slowed down and were approaching the entrance. She glanced out the window and saw the carriages in front of them depositing men and women dressed in their Enchanted Forest best. She took a few deep breaths to steady her suddenly pounding heart.

"Emma. I'm sorry you had to see me like that. I was a different person then. My soul was black and full of revenge. I…" Emma placed her hand on his knee and he looked into her eyes. She could see the guilt and shame of his past life written there. She wanted to tell him that his past didn't matter, that she knew he had changed and that she trusted him and wanted him by her side. But she knew that admitting any of those things might reveal too much and she wasn't ready to open that door, not yet. Not with the future so uncertain and her heart already bruised and battered.

She was saved by the carriage rocking to a stop and the doors opening. A footman's hand awaited her and with a tentative glance at Killian she took it and stepped out of the carriage. Killian followed and offered her his arm stiffly. She placed hers in the crook of his elbow and they walked up the crimson draped steps. Emma looked around in amazement at the solid gold walls of the castle and the people flowing down the grand hall. She temporarily forgot her worries and insecurities and felt excitement bubble up. She suddenly realized that this might be her only opportunity to indulge in a real life fairytale. She glanced at her requisite knight in shining armor and was surprised by his set jaw and brooding eyes.

"Killian. Smile. This is a party." she hissed. He attempted to smile but it didn't quite reach his eyes. She knew he was still thinking about his past self and she felt guilty for not reassuring him properly. She leaned in and whispered in his ear.

"Don't worry. You are a much better kisser." the joke had the desired effect as Killian let out a bark of laughter and a genuine grin spread over his face. That smile made Emma feel like she could defeat any obstacle. She grinned back and gently squeezed his arm.

"Now. Lets go find my father."

Thanks for the favorites and follows guys! It pumped me up, well that and the new promo pictures! I now must write a dance scene so I guess this will be a three parter. So check back for that in the next few days. Reviews make my day so thanks to those who already put a smile on my face!