Chapter 8
SNOW POV
She hated feeling like she was lying to Emma. Was she actually lying to her? No. But she didn't know why her and her father had set her up to spend more time with Graham. She knew that Graham deeply cared for Emma, he had said so himself. That was one reason Charming had decided to try and help the two along in their relationship. She knew that Graham could make her happy, they were very similar. Both kind hearted, but stubborn, always put others happiness before their own, and he had known Emma her entire life. He had sworn to always protect her, and he was the only one she trusted with her daughter's happiness. Charming tried to tell her that just because their true love was something they walked into, doesn't mean that Emma couldn't fall into hers. He felt that if Emma could love anyone, it would be Graham and that their true love could develop over time. She told herself that she was doing the best for her daughter, setting her up to fall in love with Graham, but her heart told her it was all wrong.
Killian on the other hand had been a part of her life every day, since she was 12. Emma had never expressed feelings for him, other than friendship. However, her reactions once he was gone reminded her of how she felt when she thought she wouldn't see Charming again. He'd been to her home more times than she could count, and even she had come to know the young man fairly well. He was also kind and very much a gentleman with a good heart. He'd had a rough start, never knowing his mother. Losing his father at a young age, and not even knowing what happened to him, and then his brother dying. She watched her daughter interact with him, and could see how happy he made her. The two could talk for hours over dinner if the food wouldn't get cold. Charming didn't feel like Killian was fit for his daughter, no matter how much she tried to reason with him. He argued that Graham was older and in a higher position as a lieutenant, soon to be captain, of his own ship. In Killian's defense, he was able to get into the academy early, and that rarely happened.
Killian would return in a month from the academy, and she could tell that Emma was getting more and more excited. His name continued to be a topic of discussion, to which Charming would quickly change. She didn't completely understand why her husband didn't like they boy, he had never been anything but respectful to the both of them, and always went above and beyond for her daughter. Emma running into her room crying interrupted her thought process.
"Emma, honey what is it?" she asked as her daughter jumped into her arms.
"Mom, it's from Killian," she said showing her a letter, "He's already been assigned as a navigator as soon as he graduates. I won't even get to see him until they get back!" she cried into her shoulder. She wrapped her arms around her daughter.
"It's ok, dear. What did you do the last 5 months to make the time pass?"
"We wrote letters every day. We talked just like we would have if he was here. But every one that came back I knew it was a day closer. Now it's like I have to start all over again."
"It will go by just as quickly as these 5 months did, darling. You'll see. Did he tell you what ship?"
"It's called the Jewel of the Realm. He said that something about it gave it a special ability, It can go to other realms, mom what other realms are there?" she asked wiping tears from her eyes.
"There are a few, usually travel to one requires a portal. You can use a magic bean usually. Did he say what the realm was called?"
"Somewhere called Neverland, have you ever heard of it?"
"It doesn't sound familiar," she said. "That's why they wanted him as a navigator, they are going to a completely different realm," she paused to think of the right words to help Emma. "I believe he will still be traveling with Captain Connors, he is his instructor in the academy. He is an accomplished captain and if he personally requested Killian, that is pretty impressive. They will be perfectly fine with him in charge."
"So, you know him?" Emma asked
"We've spoken, but I've heard more about him. Killian will be fine, they've been sailing together the whole time he's been in training. Plus, 6 months from now means he should be back by your birthday. Which, I have something that may make you feel better. I know your birthday is months away, but this may elevate your spirits.
She walked to her closet and reached around until she felt the fabric, "Close your eyes."
EMMA POV
"Close your eyes." Her mother said. And she did, having no idea what her mother was doing.
"Ok, open them!"
When she opened her eyes and saw it, she was speechless. In her mother's arms was a stunning red ball gown. It was the same one her doll was wearing. Long and flowing with a low cut corset, long sleeves, and a touch of beading around the bodice.
"He didn't know how to dress your doll, so I showed this to him and he got his inspiration."
"Mom, its beautiful!" she walked over to it and held the silk fabric between her fingers, "is it for my birthday?"
"Yes, 16 is a big year for you. You will look absolutely stunning in this."
She hugged her mother, "Thank you. You've really made me feel better. I got so upset when I read his letter. I had been waiting on it all day and didn't even get to finish my ride with Graham, and when I did get it, I was devastated." She hated hearing that he was going to be away for even longer.
"Have you been enjoying the rides with Graham?" her mom asked.
"Yes, I look forward to it every day. We talk about him growing up and saving you. He told me what it was like to not have a heart one day. Mom, it sounded horrible. I can't imagine ever feeling that empty inside."
"When I found out what Regina did because of me, I was horrified. He lost his heart because of me. I will always be grateful to him."
"He's a great person." She said smiling, "He'd sacrifice anything for someone he cares about."
"Yes he would."
"I think I'm going to sleep. It's been a long day and I have lessons with dad early tomorrow. I love you mom, goodnight." After a hug in return, she left and headed to her room. She got to her bedroom and lit a candle to write her reply to Killian. She told him that her mother showed her the dress, and that she absolutely loved it. She was jealous that he got to see it before she did. She told him how she couldn't wait to see him again, and made him promise that he would be back by her birthday. She attached the letter to a dove and sent it out the window, blew out her candle and went to sleep.
AN: alright guys, I did a POV from Snow because I felt like there were a few people wondering about them wanting Emma with Graham. Do I think they would arrange for her to marry someone completely unwillingly? No, but this is fanfiction, and I thought this would add an interesting twist. IF you remember, Charming and Snow were both trying to make her see reason and give Neal a chance when he was on the show, and many times Charming told Killian he would never get Emma. I didn't like Neal, so I made it with Graham instead. I don't feel like they are acting 'too out of character to be Snowing and Captain Swan' because, as I said, its fanfiction. And sorry this one took a while:( Review!
