Morning had arrived too quickly. Emma stayed in bed, staring at the sunlight that beamed through the curtains Killian had escaped through the night before. The breeze carried in the smell of the sea and wrapped itself around Emma. She imagined Killian laying beside her still sleeping before scurrying down the balcony and dashing across the garden. There was no sign of her nurse, Ruby or mother this morning. Normally, someone would have already been in to wake her for the day. They must have decided to let her mourn the passing of her happiness that came from having to entertain the dark prince. The prince and his father had stolen her happiness in a mere moment and from another realm. She had no desire to ever leave the bed or the room that kept the secret of her favorite memories of Killian.
"You will be happy to hear that the Prince is detained this morning it seems he's suffering from an intense headache." Ruby opened the door wide and quickly closed it behind her. "Captain Jones was gracious enough to send one of his men deliver the news." She sat at the edge of Emma's bed. "You wouldn't know anything about the Prince's hang over now would you Emma?" Ruby had asked, already knowing the answer. "Killian was here last night wasn't he?"
"Yes but it was only for a few minutes." Emma sat straight up, feverishly trying to explain.
"Emma!" Ruby tried her hardest not to yell.
"It was for a good reason. The prince. Killian was warning me that he overheard him and Liam discussing." Emma lowered her head and her voice. "Discussing me and a certain night."
"You are going to be the death of me." Ruby closed her eyes as she rubbed her temples. "Emma, you both need to be careful. Do you understand the danger you and Killian are putting this kingdom in with your dalliance? "
"It's not a dalliance!" Unable to control the volume of her voice Emma yelled." I would not risk the lives of my parents, you, this kingdom and Killian if I weren't in love with him."
"I know Emma." The tone of Ruby's voice was comforting and apologetic. "Now let's get you dressed." She got up from her spot on the bed and walked to the wardrobe. "The Prince, Lieutenant and Captain Jones will be her e this afternoon. We need to find you a suitable dress somewhere in the realm of mourning princess and tolerating the prince's advances." Emma laughed.
The throne room was still. Breaths echoed off the wall as everyone waited for the Prince to make his entrance. Emma stood on the right side of her mother's chair, fidgeting [One sentence] with fabric at the side of her navy blue dress. It was the closest Ruby could find to mourning princess. Snow had gently grabbed at her hands a few times attempting to get Emma to stop but had no luck. Echoes of boot heels marching across the marble floor from behind the throne suddenly stopped when they reached the King. Fearing the worst Emma glanced over at her father as he continuously nodded his head. A soft hand gripped her shoulder. It was Ruby, a small frown on her face and worry in her eyes. Emma become frightened wondering what was happening.
"Open the doors." The King commanded the guards as he stood from his chair.
Emma took in her last breath of freedom and happiness as the doors opened widely, ushering in a slow death. Captain and Lieutenant Jones entered the room first, the Prince not far behind them. Every fiber in Emma's body wanted her to walk up to the Prince and tell her he had no business here but she didn't. One day she would be Queen and that meant entertaining those she and her kingdom viewed as the enemy. Searching for any happiness or even comfort she surveyed Killian's face. Wishing to see some ounce of the spark she had witnessed their last night together in his eyes that they would be seeing each other. There was nothing. His forget-me-not blue eyes had changed to a shade of grey that matched the marble flooring. Fear and loneliness crept up from Emma's toes and into her heart. Killian was playing his part and now she would have to do the same.
The Jones brothers stopped mere steps from her father's throne. In unison they bowed before parting and giving the royal family a better view of the Prince. Emma held her breathe, afraid of the monster hidden behind the men. Though not a monster, the Prince was old. It was evident that he was older than Emma by some years. Not enough to be her father but more of an older brother who had gone away. He smelled of arrogance and had the smile to match. Both his eyes and hair where what the servants called mud water brown, a color Emma only saw when her father had trudged in from hunting in the rain.
"Your majesties I would like to present you Prince..." Liam's voice was calm but there was a sense of dread behind it.
"I got it from here." The Prince rudely interrupted, slapping his leather gloves on to Killian's chest. Killian's face flush red with angry as he caught the gloves in his own hands. "Prince Neal your majesties." Surprisingly he bowed before the King and Queen before slithering his way to Emma. "I can't tell you how pleased I am to be here and meet your daughter." He reached for Emma to place a chaste kiss on the top of her feeling of disgust consumed Emma as she felt crocodilian lips on her skin.
"We are happy to have you and hope to make your stay as comfortable as possible." King David spoke overenthusiastically seeing his daughter's disgust. With a firm hand he placed it on the Prince's shoulder and steered him down the steps. "To show you how excited we are, my wife and I have decided to throw a ball in honor of your arrival in a week's time. " King David tried to drum up some excitement for all in the room. "We can talk more of this later. You must be tired after such a long journey. I will have someone escort you to your room so you can..."
"Rest is for the weak. I was hoping that Princess Emma would give me a tour of the grounds since I will be here for some time. " Neal hissed out as he turned himself and the King around.
Methodically, Emma moved her eyes past Killian she could not bear to see the hurt in them as he looked at her father. He said nothing. She then glanced over at her mother, sad green eyes begging her mother to save her from such a task but that was not what happened.
"Emma would be delighted to do so." Each word Snow spoke broke both their hearts. "Wouldn't you Emma?" Grabbing her daughters hand in her own, she squeezed gently.
As a dutiful daughter and princess, Emma nodded yes. Neal pushed past Killian and Liam who were still standing in the same spot they were in when they arrived, to help Emma down. Reluctantly, Emma placed her hand in his, tears welling up in her eyes as she walked past Killian. Her free hand brushing against his, feeling the simplest of touches made Emma's heart flutter for a moment before dropping into the pit of her stomach for what Killian was being forced to witness.
"You have the most beautiful gardens. I am hoping you can show me them." Neal lowered his head a little, his mouth inches from Emma's ear. "Especially the one with the stone balcony." It was a knife to her heart. Trying to give nothing away, Emma straightened her back and with an elegant smile, nodded yes to the Prince.
How was it possible Emma thought. Was he the shadow in the garden? It couldn't be possible. They would all be dead if he was. Maybe he was. Maybe he was just buying time to alert his father. None the less Emma would continue on with her part.
Deafening and awkward silence echoed the long corridor as they walked out towards the gardens. Emma kept her head down and watched the tips of her shoes poke out from under her gown. Uncertain when she took her hands from the prince's, her fingers were now interlaced and placed demurely on her stomach. Perfume from the garden flowers in full bloom began to fill the corridor. The aroma became stronger when the guards opened the doors. A small gust of wind swept the hair off her shoulders.
"Your highness" Neal offered his arm. Breathing in deeply Emma took it. Every nerve in her body responding in disgust. Touching him, being near him, made her skin crawl. His touch was not inviting or comforting like Killian's. It was distant, cold and arrogant.
"This is the main garden. It is also called the Queens garden." Emma breathed in deeply. The aroma of Queen roses danced in her nose. The mixture calmed her as she let out the breath. "My mother and many..."
"Beautiful but I want to see the one with the stone balcony. It looked very secluded and intimate." The prince had rudely cut her off before turning back into the corridor.
"Your Grace it's a private garden and I don't think my father would be pleased to hear his daughter..."Again her cut her off.
"Let me guess, there with a prince courting her and no guards. Fine." Emma could her the agitation in her voice. Hearing footsteps from the other end of the corridor Neal called out to them. "Captain and Lieutenant Jones I doubt you have anything to do, and you seem to be the King's favorite men, would you please accompany me and my princess to one of the gardens. That way you can tell her father I was a perfect gentleman."
"I will be happy to escort you both." Killian responded quickly before his brother could say anything he would regret.
"Now why don't you show me that garden while Lieutenant Jones watches us." Neal whispered into Emma's ear loud enough for Killian to hear,his hand on the small of her back leading her back into the corridor.
In agony Emma walked with Neal to her garden. Killian no more than ten steps behind them, watching every time Neal placed a hand on Emma or moved his head down to whisper in her ear. It broke Emma's heart. The prince had purposely asked Killian to cause him pain but why she wondered. Maybe he had heard the conversation on the Jewel that night. Neal's breath on Emma's skin caused her body to shiver in repulsion .All she kept thinking was how she would need Ruby to run her a bath with every perfume possible to get his stench off her body. She was glad that the dress she had on was one she hated because there was a huge possibility it would be used to keep her room warm that night.
Emma walked in front of the prince and behind the staircase that lead up to her room. Quietly she opened a small wooden door that lead out the castle. Ruby had taught her about the door as a little girl the night she explained about her being a werewolf. She would use it to sneak back in and hurry back to Emma's room which was right above, unnoticed. The three walked through a narrow path with small overgrown shrubs before reaching an iron gate covered by greenery on either side. Feeling as if she was revealing her well kept secret she opened the gate to her garden. The sun brightly being on the cinquefoils and forget-me-nots that colored the garden.
"We have nothing like this back in my kingdom. It's cold and dark. Always raining." Neal said in awe of the garden. He lead them to a tiny stone bench in the center of the garden. "It's beautiful." His hand reached for her chin, raising her head slightly so he could look into her eyes. "Not as beautiful as you." Emma could feel the anger build in her. She wanted to push his hand off of her. "Soft skin, beautiful eyes, perfect lips. Every prince in the realms has come here for you, wanting to make you his and now I have the chance to make you mine." Emma shifted uncomfortably. His finger tips brushed her cheek, not once letting his eyes break the gaze. "Lieutenant Jones why don't you stand by the gate. You're not needed over here. I can take care of the Princess." From the corner of her eye Emma could see the anger in Killian's eyes and his fist clenched tightly at his side.
From the other end of the garden there was a rustling by the high garden wall. The very one Emma would watch Killian slip through on his way out of her room. Neal turned to face the sound. His body tense and pushing back into Emma, nearly pushing them off the bench. Emma could hear Killian draw his sword.
"My apologies. I didn't mean to startle anyone. I was just getting a snake out of the garden. Harmless but annoying." Ruby yelled out as her red cloak swung out in full view. Emma had never been so happy to see her in her whole life.
"Who are you and how did you know we were here?" Neal demanded as he stood up.
"Ruby, your Grace. I'm one of Princess Emma's ladies. Like I said I was in the garden getting rid of a snake when I heard the gate open." Emma covered her mouth as she giggled. She knew that Ruby had used her wolf hearing in the throne room to hear what Neal had said to her."I think I can be of better use as an escort and relieve Lieutenant Jones of this tedious task. He probably has more important things to do than stand there." Ruby flashed her wolfish grin at Neal.
Neal waved his hand to Killian for him to leave. With a loud clank the gate closed behind Killian as he walked out of his personal nightmare. Resisting the urge to follow after him, Emma held onto the bench. She could feel the Prince up against her talking but wasn't paying attention. All she could do was stare at the gate and wonder what Killian was muttering under his breath as he stormed down the corridor. Logic told Emma he wouldn't be mad at her, but she couldn't feel that he was starting to hate her for putting him in this situation.
"Would you like to walk the garden?" Emma asked not even caring that she interrupted whatever we was saying.
"Would it make you happy?"Neal asked attempting to be a gentleman. Emma smiled angelically in response."Than anything for my new love." He stood and took her hand, gently placing a kiss on it. His lips lingered longer than she liked. "Such perfection as yourself should be kissed often Princess, so expect me kissing your hand whenever I can. You must know what power your beauty has over men." Emma stood silent. "If you haven't noticed it makes men do whatever you ask. I've only been around you for a short time and I would do anything for you." He moved the hair off her shoulders as they walked. "Now imagine what I would do for you if you decided to marry me. Our kingdoms would be allied and united. I would convince my father to let us stay here if you wanted. Promote Lieutenant Jones to Captain, give him his own ship, fleet even and send him off to sea to protect any harm from coming to you." Still silent Emma walked faster before stopping at a small patch of flowers. The Prince stood behind her. She could feel him breathing her in. "Your hair smells of lavender. I bet all of you smells of lavender. I can make you very happy" His hands slide up her arms.
Tired and frustrated at his behavior Emma looked over at Ruby, disgust written all over her face. The fear of what he would report back to his father prevented her from telling him to never touch her, breathe her name or look at her again. That he was unwanted and needed to find a woman his own age because he would not be prying on this young princess at time soon. Moving away from him Emma stepped into the patch of flowers and plucked one of the tiny yellow flowers. Twirling it in her fingers she smiled at it. All five little petals a bright yellow that made her garden appear as if someone was walking on sunlight when the sun beamed down on it.
"Do you know what this flower is?" Neal shook his head no. "It's a cinquefoil. It's on my family's coat of arms. My family picked this flower because it grows wild all over the kingdom and because in an ancient language it is called potenilla, which means powerful, just like this kingdom. Just like all the Kings and Queens who have ruled here." Displeasure grew in Neal's face. His eyes slowly narrowed and his teeth clenched. "Would you like to know something interesting about this flower and why it's in the garden with the balcony?" The corner of his mouth raised into a uncaring smile. "You see they believe that if you sleep with the cinquefoil under your pillow you would dream of your true love. When a King and Queen received a courting prince they would place it under their daughter's pillow to see if she would dream of him. If she never, he was sent away and if she did, then she would marry him, therefore allying the kingdoms. For centuries that room has been the room of the oldest princess. They believed in surrounding her with power and love. Now it's mine." Emma straightened her back as she stood tall. Power coming from her voice as she spoke every word. "You may find it odd that they allow a woman to decide her fate or the fate of the kingdom, but here we believe they are just as powerful and strong as men. If she is to marry for the good of the kingdom and people, she should be happy. With the knowledge that undoubtedly she will be loved, treated with respect and not seen as some trophy or contract while her husband goes off and finds his happiness elsewhere, the marriage may proceed. All measures are taken to makes sure he doesn't use her for the sole purpose of ensuring his lineage or politics." Emma took Neal's hand, placed the tiny flower in his palm and closed his fingers around it. "Why don't you place it under your pillow and see if you dream of your true love? I would love to know it truly is me." Confidently Emma smiled at him. "Now if you excuse me your Grace I am feeling rather tired from the day's events and would like to retire." Emma walked towards Ruby and wrapped her arm in hers.
With haste they walked to the gate. They wanted to be as far from Neal as possible. She didn't care that she had told him that was her room or that she put him in his place. She couldn't stand there any longer and be treated like a toy he was aching to play with.
"Princess Emma" Neal called out. The ladies turned to face him. There was an unusual sort of smile on his face. Emma was certain he would be furious with her. "I have to say I admire your fire. I assure you I will dream of you tonight and every night. Rest up my love because I intend on us spending as much time as possible together while I'm here." Biting her tongue hard enough to draw blood Emma bowed her head and turned back towards the gate. "Oh one more thing Princess. You shouldn't have those vines along the balcony. It makes it very easy to enter your room. We can't have that now."
Emma stopped abruptly as she listened to his words. Fear surged through her blood and into her heart. He was a monster and he had no intention of leaving without a marriage to her. Finding the strength to escape his words and presence she walked through the gate. Tears started to roll down her face. His words had started to write the death sentence for her people, her kingdom and Killian. Now she needed to stop it from continuing even if it meant playing his horrific game.
"Ruby can you get me the book about the legend of Phaeton and his carriage." Knowing exactly about what Emma was talking about she left her upon reentering the castle.
The Prince was nowhere to be seen at dinner that night. According to one of the servants, he had requested to eat his dinner in his room due to exhaustion. It was a blatant lie. Emma knew he was either sulking in his room or off in the town somewhere seeking a place to lay his head. Either way, Emma and her parents had little care for what he was doing. After the incident in the garden she went straight to them and told them everything that happened. Appalled by his behavior, they had agreed that they would quietly prepare for a battle while preparing for the ball. There was no need to stir up any more possible trouble after what had happened with Neal and Emma.
Excusing herself after dinner Emma went to her room. She needed time alone. She didn't want to think of Neal, Killian or duty to her kingdom. Emma wanted nothing more that to stare out the balcony out into the garden and dream of a place where she had no duty to anyone. A place where she could just have the happiness she deserved. Of course this happiness would be possible in her own kingdom but not with Prince Neal or the Dark King's threats around them.
"You will be interested to know that the prince is off in the town seeking his own happiness, is how I think you put it today. I overheard one of the stable boys telling him about a tavern that he would be very interested in visiting." Ruby entered the room happy and full of laughter.
"Ruby you can say he is out whoring. After today I've released there is no reason to be proper around him. He's probably already drunk and has some bar wench with her skirt over her ears." Emma gritted her teeth thinking of how he touched her in the garden. "He was probably hoping for a sample of what I was worth right there in the garden. Probably would have told Killian to turn around and not enjoy what he was listening to too much." Emma said in a mock version of Neal's voice. "If it weren't for you..." Emma stopped mid sentence.
"I will never let anything happen to you." Embracing Emma tightly she could sense she was curious about her task."Yes, I retrieved the book." She could feel Emma's face light up against her shoulder. "I will be outside if anything happens."
Half the candles had burnt out when Killian slipped into Emma's room unseen. The princess was sitting up in her bed, knees drawn up into her chest. As her chin rested on her knees she turned her head to Killian. With innocent eyes she watched him take off the heavy black cloak that covered him from head to toe. Underneath she had expected his naval uniform but this time he was dressed in the black garb of the pirates she had seen being escorted out of the throne room. Very fitting leather pants, loose black shirt that appeared to be missing a few buttons and a black satin vest that had no other purpose than to expose his already very exposed chest. Laughing like one of the servant girls Emma buried her face in her knees. She wondered where he could have gotten the clothes and was this suppose to help him not be seen climbing up her wall.
"Are you here to kidnap me, take me back your ship so you can ravage me before asking a handsome ransom from my father for a safe return?" Emma couldn't resist the urge to pick at him for his attire.
"I am here to ravage you princess" Killian sat on the bed, a devilish grin on his face. "If you will have me." He whispered in Emma's ear.
Emma grabbed Killian's face and pressed her lips on his. Each movement of her mouth on his pressing harder and bruising his lips. The sensation of his tongue entwined with his causing her to let out a small moan. A fire began to kindle deep inside her and expand to her skin, the force of her body pushing him into the pillows as she herself up on her knees. She could feel Killian shifting underneath her, trying to kick off his boots.
"I'm sorry he made you watch us." Emma leaned her forehead on his. "I never want to cause you pain. Please know that. I will never cause you pain. Never."
"Emma." Killian kissed the worry off her lips. "I know love. For you I will endure whatever torture he thinks he can put me through. I'm a survivor."
With all her heart Emma wanted to believe this words. There was some truth in them but the feeling of dread hiding in the deep corners of her heart and soul was seeping out more and more with every encounter. There was no lie in Killian enduring the torture for her. He would even die for her and that was what scared her the most. A life and world without him would not be one she cared to live in. How would she able to live with the guilt that he was gone because of her? Dark thoughts began to take over. Needing to push them away Emma stared into Killian's eyes. They were the one place Emma could find her comfort and safety.
"Good." Emma pulled her shift up past her knees as she went to straddle Killian. "Now pirate." She delicately pulled the top string letting the shift fall past her shoulders. "I heard there was to be ravaging."
"Aye princess. I am yours to take whenever you wish." Killian placed his arms behind his head and leaned back.
"It always makes it so much easier," Her finger tips lightly travelled down his exposed chest and to the buttons on his vest. "when the prisoner," Effortlessly she undid his buttons. "is willing." Emma slid her hands over the black linen shirt, opening the vest. Straightening her back she used her hands to pull Killian forward into a sitting position. "In fact," Emma breathed her words into his neck as she slide off the vest. "it makes it all," She pulled the black shirt off and tossed it aside. Killian's hair was all tussled "that much more fun."
"Aye princess." Killian looked at her trying to stay straight faced but there was no doubt Emma was feeling his restraint between her legs.
"Is all you can say is Aye?" Emma asked pushing him back down onto the bed as she slide further down his body. Kissing a line on the skin above the leather trousers. "I would have thought a man like yourself would have an expansive vocabulary." Her hands gripped the trousers tightly, pulling them down and springing him free. Slithering her body up his legs she stopped at his cock standing at a clear attention. "Can you say anything other than aye?" She kissed the shaft from base to tip.
"A...Emma" Killian stopped himself from saying Aye. From under her lashes Emma looked up at him. "I don't think I can survive your torture." His hips bucked as the tip of her tongue trace the tip of his cock.
"I thought you were a survivor." Emma sat up, her body perfectly center on his hips. The shift was bunched up in her hands as she slowly began to pull it over her head. Teasingly stopping at the bottom of her breasts. "I'm afraid if I take anything off I may kill you."
"I will manage." Killian sat straight up. His hands helping hers to pull the nearly see through fabric off.
Through the thin material Emma watched Killian. Never once taking her eyes of his. Taking in the way he looked as his skin brushed hers, she removed the last piece of clothing between them. There was something familiar and yet new about the moment. Their first time was sweet and innocent with fumbling fingers. This time there was a fire, passion and want. Skillfully maneuvering Emma onto her back, Killian knelt in front of her. His left hand running up the bent leg at his side before bowing over her like a sinner praying to the goddess, stopping at her thigh, the idle right hand following the curve of her body to the arm raised above her head. Feeling the warmth between Emma's legs calling him he pushed forward, burying himself in her as he could. Striking the perfect spot, Emma's body rose off the bed. Only the weight from Killian slamming against her pushing her back on the bed. Each stroke against Emma's walls igniting more sparks of electricity under her skin escaping as moans and sweet curses. Emma's fingers tightening their grip around Killian's. The pleasuring so maddening she closed her eyes, tossing her head back. Killian nipping at the exposed skin as if it were his personal feast. Teeth and stubble leaving light markings of his presence on Emma's body. Muffled screams of Killian's name, Ruby's wolf hearing could undoubtedly hear, even with Emma biting her lip.
"Harder" Emma lusted in Killian's her as she used her free hand to bring his head to her lips.
Unable to disappoint his princess he did as she commanded. Grabbing at her thigh to raise her ass slightly off the bed he slide out slightly. A whimper escaped Emma lips that quick turned into a pleasurably sigh once her returned her in full force. Releasing her hand from his own, it ventured to her pert nipples. With a feather touch he grazed his thumb over her nipple. His mouth being envious of his thumb it took over. Placing itself over her the left breast. The tip of Killian's tongue circling the tiny peak before disappearing completely in his mouth. Emma dug her nails into his back. Leaving deep trenches from shoulder to mid back. Killian was not one to take pleasure in pain but he did. Feeling the tension build and wind up in the pit of his stomach, Killian slowed the tempo of his movement. He wanted to savor the moment instead, and finishing so soon would be unbecoming of a lover.
Taking notice of what Killian was doing made Emma open her eyes wide. She was moments from her own orgasm and was not going to let it go away. The view of Killian on top of her was marvelous but she had a better plan. Pushing her hand into his chest to stop him briefly, Emma sat up. Getting up on her knees she moved Killian into a sitting position with just a few simple touches. Wrapping her arms around Killian's neck she moved to placed a knee on either side of him. Emma lowered her body onto a still very hard Killian.
"Emma" Killian's finger entangled themselves at the base of her head.
Silencing another words Emma rolled her hips upward slowly trying to find the rhythm of their bodies. Curving her body into his as she moved forward and up her breast brushed against his chest hair. In awe of everything Emma was doing Killian said not another word, his hands bringing her closer into his body. Orchestrating their movement Emma was able to make Killian follow the flow of her movements. The deep scrapping of her inner walls and the rubbing of Emma's clit from Killian's body made the motion of her body longer and faster.
"Never leave me Killian Jones." Emma's hands were lost in Killian's hair.
"Never." Unsure of where to place his hands, he took Emma's face and kissed her. He could feel the moan against his lips.
"I need you, always." Pulling from the grasp of his tongue she leaned her forehead on his, voice breathless and stern.
"And I you Emma." Killian managed out sending feeling Emma clench around him and milk his own orgasm out.
"I love you." Emma murmured as she drowned in the feeling of her orgasm washing over her, Emma's gaze drowned in the pools of Killian's eyes. Feeling her body going limp, she leaned into Killian. Enveloping her in a tight embrace he held them up as best as his tired body would allow. Peppering kisses along Emma's shoulder he could taste the sweat.
Slowly leaning them back, they sunk into the cool sheets. Emma rolled off of him and formed to the side of his body. Her trembling fingers found his and interlaced. She could feel the thumping of not only her heart but his against her body. Slowly her eyes began to close.
"I love you." Killian whispered into her hair. Emma looked up at him and smiled before closing her eyes.
Swirls of purple, heavy winds and flashes of lighting encircle Emma like a vengeful storm. She spins around seeing the horror in her father's face. The muted screams from her mother calling her name as her porcelain fingers reach out to her. Two men laughing. A young boy on the ground. Liam pulling at Killian. Their finger tips barely touching. Fighting to reach the other. Flashes of a ship and docks. A new realm.
Emma sat straight up in bed, the blanket wrapped around her. A cool breeze adding to the chill of fear dancing over her skin. Scared of what she would find in her bed Emma slowly turned her head. Panic started to consume her heart until she saw Killian sound asleep. Bare chest rising and falling with every breath of night air he took. It was all a nightmare, a very vivid nightmare that felt real. Too real Emma felt. Listening to the pain in her gut, Emma lifted her pillow. Horror was written all over her face. With trembling hands she picked up the tiny cinquefoil she had given Neal that afternoon. Tears welled up in Emma's eyes for this would the last time Killian would ever be in her bed. The risk was too great to continue on the night meetings if she didn't want her nightmare to become a thing of substance.