Diplomatic missions had kept Killian from venturing to the lake to seek out the beautiful woman he'd met in the tavern. Emma Swan.

He thought of her often. He just couldn't get her out of his head.

Killian absently fingered the velvet bag of crown jewels sitting beside him. They had belonged to his late mother, and Killian found himself wondering how the jewels would look displayed against Emma's milky skin.

He was shaken out of his imaginings when the carriage jolted to a stop.

Killian pushed open the carriage door. "What is going on?" he called to the driver.

"A fallen tree is blocking the road, your highness" said the footman.

Killian jumped out of the carriage and went to observe, as the footmen attempted to move the tree.

Something was off.

"Sir, you might want to see this," said one of the footmen.

Killian shuffled over to where the other man was standing. The stump looked odd. Not as if it had fallen, but as if it had been chopped.

"A trap, sir?"

Killian's eyes narrowed as he looked over his shoulder only to see a hooded figure emerge from the carriage, carrying the crown jewels with them.

"Oh no you don't," said Killian. "Stay with the carriage," he shouted as he ran to pursue the thief.

The bandit quickened their pace when they seemed to notice that he was hot on their trail. They took a sharp turn and bolted in between the trees.

"Good," murmured Killian, "but not good enough. He ran a few yards ahead and slipped into the trees, listening carefully for the sound of hurried footfalls. His strategy worked because a moment late the bandit appeared before him and he lunged forward, forcing them both do the ground.

"Got you," said Killian triumphantly.

The thief pushed their hood back, and Killian's eyes widened as he recognized Emma Swan lying beneath him.

Their eyes met and he saw the flicker of fear in hers. "Emma?" he gasped, now suddenly, and excruciatingly aware of how her form was pressed against his.

"I didn't know it was you," she said softly.

Regretfully Killian rolled off of her, only to help her to her feet a moment later, holding her wrist tightly.

"You can let go now," said Emma after a moment.

"Why would I do that? You'll only run away, and I believe you owe me my jewels, and an explanation."

"Here," she said, handing him the bag.

"And now the explanation," said Killian firmly.

"Please, don't tell Henry. I don't want him to know what it takes for me to keep food on the table."

"You do this often?"

"Not often," said Emma, "only enough to survive, and I never steal from royals."

Killian's brow rose. "There's a first time for everything. Luckily for you, it was me, and not my brother. He's quite unforgiving towards thieves."

"And you?" said Emma, trying to keep her voice from shaking.

He stepped closer. "I am far more forgiving, and I happen to have a soft spot for beautiful Swans," he said. "This can be our little secret."

"Thank you," said Emma, averting her gaze.

"Perhaps some gratitude is in order."

Emma stared at him like he had two heads. "That's what the thank you was for. You're very forward for a prince."

Killian grinned. "Perhaps, but most women would do anything for a chance to have a dalliance with royalty."

"I'm not most women," said Emma running a finger along his cheek. "And you couldn't handle it."

Killian met her gaze. "Try me," he said, his voice low and rough.

Emma's fingers curled around the lapels of his coat. Her breath was warm on his face.

He leaned forward expectantly.

"Perhaps another time," she said, smirking at him triumphantly.

Killian stared at her in awe. She was something special.

"I have to get back to Henry. It was nice seeing you again, I suppose." She gave him a mock curtsey and then disappeared back into the thick forest.

Killian stared after her like a man under a spell.

Unbeknownst to Emma she had managed to steal something.

His heart, and he had no desire to get it back.