Chapter 3
Emma POV
She heard the cannon fire from above and ran to the window. She was very excited to be back home.
"We're here!" She exclaimed to Killian. He smiled at her and she ran back over to where he was still lying in bed, "How are you feeling?" she placed the back of her hand against his head again. He was still a little warm, but not as badly as he was a few hours ago.
"I feel much better, thank you." He tried getting up again and she assisted. Grabbing him under the elbow to help him maintain his balance until she felt comfortable that he wouldn't fall. Standing next to him she realized how tall he was. He couldn't be more than two years older than her, and yet he had at least a full head on her. He looked down at her and smiled, and it was dazzling. She felt her face start to get warm and quickly turned away to hide it.
Time had flown by talking to Killian about her life, but she realized that she didn't really know anything about him. "My parents are going to ask where you're from, and stuff about your life."
"There isn't much to tell, your highness." He said slightly hanging his head.
"We'll start out easy, then. Where were you born?"
"Glowerhaven."
She smiled, "I've heard of it, but never been there. Do you remember anything about it?"
"Not really a memory, but a feeling. When I was a lad I remember feeling peaceful. Very happy. I don't remember much until my father sailed us away from Glowerhaven and into the Maritime Kingdom, that's where we lived since. Then my father disappeared. Liam basically raised me."
"You must have been very close, I'm so sorry."
"He taught me everything. He was 19, just graduated from the naval academy. That ship was his first assignment. He was lower ranks but was able to convince his captain to let me sign on as a cabin boy until I was old enough to join the academy. We were going to sail the seas together, discover distant worlds."
Emma wasn't sure how to help or what to say, so she settled for grabbing his hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. Wait a minute she thought. Her mind went to what she had found on deck. If Killian's brother was on a naval ship, then why would there be a pirate coin on board this ship? Only discovered after he had been rescued? She meant to ask him of the significance but Graham chose that moment to come down the stairs, letting go of his hand quickly, which she was unaware she still held, she walked over to the window she saw they were getting very close to the palace. She could see the flags blowing in the wind on each of the high towers.
Graham looked a little surprised to see Killian on his feet, "Good evening, my name is Graham. Lieutenant of this vessel."
"Killian Jones sir." He replied sticking out his hand which graham shook.
"Good to see you on your feet. I trust you have been well taken care of?" he smiled fondly at Emma. Which did not escape Kilian's notice.
"Very well sir, her highness has quite the knack for it." he noticed face turning red, which was easy to see against her fair skin, "thank you, sir. Thank you for saving my life. I should have died out there." He said honestly looking the man directly in the eye.
"You are welcome, but you should thank the princess, with her being the one that spotted you. Mr. Jones we are about to dock, and I have brought you some dry clothes that I believe will fit you. They used to be mine and as we are about the same height they should suffice." He handed the stack and held an arm out to Emma, "Princess, would you like to come watch the docking process?"
She glanced over at Killian and said. "Killian wants to go into the naval academy when he comes of age, perhaps he could come too?"
"Of course, he may follow once he dresses." She beamed over at Killian before taking Grahams arm and allowing him to lead her to the deck. Glancing over her shoulder she saw Killian watching him lead her away.
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Once above, she looked around at everything going on and was lost trying to take it all in. Organized chaos. Some men shouting, men climbing to the tip tops of the high masts to reach the sails, some men pulling ropes. It was fascinating and she couldn't help but to stare. Unaware of how long she stood there with her mouth gaping open, she heard steps coming up behind her.
Killian was on deck, and he was barely recognizable. He had washed his face and his hair was now swept out of his eyes and looked as if he had run his fingers through it for hours to get it to lay that way, and he wore one of Grahams old outfits; tan pants tucked into black boots and a loose fitting white shirt, with a blue jacket in his hand. She noticed for the first time how attractive he was.
Tearing her eyes away from him before he caught her gawking, she watched the sun as it began its descent. She could see the lights beginning to appear from the houses lighting candles and the taverns opening for the night. A slight chill was beginning to set in and the constant ocean breeze was cooler than earlier in the day.
"Your highness?" Killian said from behind her offering the jacket.
"Thank you, aren't you cold?" she asked pushing her arms through the sleeves. The jacket was huge on her. She held out her arms and the sleeves dangled from her fingertips, laughing she waved her arms up and down making a flapping noise.
"Not at all." He said laughing at her.
The docking process was complicated, but they made it look easy. The captain yelling out instructions while paying attention to the wind direction and speed. With a light thump and a yell from Grumpy, they were officially back
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Killian POV
He'd never been as nervous as he was on the ride to the palace of King Charming and Queen Snow. He had never been in a carriage before, this one was roomy and pulled by four white horse. He sat across from Princess Emma who sat next to Graham. Beside him was some short man with a loud voice and a bad temper. The ride didn't take long and everyone was quietly discussing different things, he was the only one silent. He looked out the window as the carriage pulled them closer to the palace, the horses guided by lanterns lit along the pathway, each one welcoming their princess home.
When they arrived at the palace the carriage pulled them right up to the stairs, at the top of the stairs stood the king and queen. Emma didn't hesitate, she opened the door before the carriage stopped and ran up the steps into her parents waiting arms. Her mother embraced her tightly, and her father cupped the back of her head holding her close. Once the carriage came to a jerking halt, the smaller man exited first, followed by Graham who looked at Killian, "Don't be nervous," he said, "They are very kind and welcoming."
When Killian exited the carriage, the tiny family had separated and they were watching him approach.
"Mom, dad, this is Killian Jones." She introduced.
Good form, brother. Upon introduction, he bowed deeply, "Your majesties."
"Hello, Killian it is a pleasure to meet you. Our Emma has told us what happened to you, we want to apologize for your great loss. This family is no stranger to sadness. Is there anything at all that we can do for you?" her mother asked him kindly.
It was Emma that spoke up, "Mom he wants to go into the Navy and follow in his brother's footsteps."
"What was your brother's name?" asked the king.
"Liam. Liam Jones. He just graduated, the ship was his first assignment. I was brought on as the cabin boy to observe procedure until I could enter in 3 years." He still found it unreal of everything that was happening. He was having to tell the story of his brother, because his brother was dead.
"Killian, we are so very sorry." And then the queen walked over and hugged him, when she pulled away she had tears in her eyes. "For tonight, we would like to open our doors to you." She continued, "Tomorrow we would like to introduce you to some friends of the family. Until the time you turn 18, I am sure they would welcome you under their roof." She told him.
"Your majesty I can't thank you enough for your generous hospitality."
"That is not necessary, young man. Emma has spoken highly of you in the short time that she has known you. We welcome you here anytime." Said the king with a smile.
Then he looked directly at Emma, "I owe her my life. I will be eternally grateful."
"Come inside Killian, we will show you to your room." The queen said holding out her hand.
AN: Alright chapter 3 is done! I feel like this one had a lot more information in it than the past 2 and has started the ball rolling. Thank you to my first followers, it makes it more fun writing knowing that people want to know what happens. Next chapter Killian meets the friends of the family Snow was talking about, any ideas? And things will start moving a little faster now that some family history has been discussed. Thank you guys and enjoy!
