"Mother," said Henry, a little breathlessly as he entered their small cottage.

Emma looked up from the dough she was kneading, "What is it, kid?"

"The prince is outside. He wants to see you."

Emma's mouth fell open. She never actually thought he'd bother to come to the lake. Especially after she had tried to steal from him. Especially after she had almost kissed him.

She would have guessed that the prince would not think that a woman who rejected them was worth the effort.

Emma wiped her flour cover hands on her apron and tried to smooth out a few of the wrinkles in her simple dress. Though why she even bothered was a mystery. It's not like she actually wanted to impress him. Or at least, that's what she was going to tell herself.

"Stay inside, Henry," she said, as she left the cottage.

Emma was not expecting the prince to smile at her with such open admiration. She felt her cheeks heat up as he leapt off his horse and came up to her.

She dropped into a curtsy. "Your Highness," she said, softly.

Killian grasped her hand, and she looked up at him. She tired to ignore the warmth of his palm against hers.

"What will it take for you to call me Killian?" he said, jokingly, lifting her hand to his lips.

"My hands are dirty," she said.

"Doesn't matter," he said, pressing another kiss to the back of her hand.

"Have you come for any specific reason?" she asked, after a moment.

"I did promise I would pay you a visit, did I not?"

"That was weeks ago," said Emma, "before-"

Killian cut her off. "Let it be known that I am a man of my word, Emma Swan." he said, dropping her hand.

"A prince need not keep his word to a lowly peasant," said Emma, biting her lower lip. Why was she so damn nervous all of the sudden?

Killian smiled at her, and she felt herself go weak at the knees. "As I've said, to you, I am simply Killian."

"You don't know anything about me," said Emma. "Nor do I know much about you."

"Perhaps not, but I'd like to get to know you, Swan, every part of you. So I have come to ask if you would accompany me on a ride through the kingdom. Killian gestured to where a second horse, this one white with a golden mane, stood waiting beside his own ebony stallion.

Emma looked at him, her eyes fluttering nervously.

"You can ride, can't you?" he asked.

"Yes," said Emma, "But I shouldn't leave my son."

"I'll be fine, mother," said Henry, coming out of the cottage.

Emma whirled around. "I told you to stay inside," she said sternly.

Henry grinned. "I know, but you should go with him, mother. I'll be fine on my own for a couple of hours."

"I have to agree with the young sir," said Killian, grinning at the boy, who bowed slightly.

Emma sighed, cupping her son's cheek, and speaking lowly. "You really think I should go?"

"Sure. He likes you. Take a chance, he might surprise you."

Emma nodded, and kissed his cheek. "Okay," she said. "I'll be out in a few minutes." Emma called to Killian as she ushered her son inside, and wandered over to her small wardrobe, removing her one set of riding clothes, boots, and her cloak.

She dressed quickly, and took a deep breath. What was she getting herself into?

-/-

Emma tried to ignore the burning sensation of his hands on her hips as he helped her onto the horse, which was quite a bit larger than any other she'd ever ridden.

"Easy there, Swan," he said, his hands lingering momentarily before he mounted his own horse.

They set off at a slow pace once they reached the path that circled around the lake. "So, how often do you ride?"

"Not as often as I'd like to," said Emma sadly. "We had to sell our horse a couple of months ago." She stroked her horse's golden mane.

It was then that Killian remembered her station. It was so easy to forget with her. Emma Swan had the regal bearing of a queen. She held her head high and was, as far as he could tell, incredibly strong. He wondered if she would accept the horse she was riding now as a gift. That had always been his intention in any case.

She would likely shake her head, and tell him no, but if given the opportunity perhaps he'd be able to persuade her otherwise. Emma Swan deserved the best, and he was determined to give it to her, piece by piece.

After they circled the lake, the started to head towards the forest, chatting idly. Emma wasn't prone to much conversation. He could sense that she was nervous around him, though the fact that he could set Emma off-kilter was astonishing.

After some time, they reached a small clearing. In the center of the clearing was a small pond. Killian urged his horse to a stop. "I think we should give the horses time to rest before we go back." Then he slid off his horse, and offered his hand to Emma.

"I can mange," said Emma, not taking his hand, as she tried, and failed, to dismount gracefully.

Killian caught her in his arms and pulled her to his chest to steady her. His lips grazed her cheek. "Easy there, Swan," he said, repeating his words from earlier.

Emma took a step back and averted her gaze. "Thanks," she said.

"Any time," said Killian, moving to the saddle bag and pulling out a thick blanket, which he spread out over the grass.

Emma stared at him. "Really?" she asked.

"Yes," he said, patting the space beside him.

Emma sat down, pulling her legs to her chest and resting her chin on her knees.

Killian inched closer. Emma Swan would not be easy to woo, but he did enjoy a challenge.

"So why did you really ask me to come riding with you?" said Emma, trying to appear casual.

"I can assure you that I am completely genuine in my desire to get to know you," said Killian, sounding a touch offended. This woman had walls that were a mile high.

She raised a delicate brow. "I'm nothing special."

"On the contrary, Emma," said Killian, moving closer, and cupping her cheek. "You are special. You're bold, you're caring, and you are absolutely stunning."

"Am I?" she asked.

"You're something of an open book, Swan, and I intend to memorize every word on every page."

"And what if I say no?" she asked, trying to keep her voice from shaking.

"Are you?" asked Killian, "Saying no, I mean?"

Emma waited a moment before shaking her head.

Killian grinned. "May I?" he asked awaiting her nod before brushing his lips against hers, kissing her chastely.

Emma's hands crept up to his neck and she kissed him back, pulling him closer until she was almost in his lap. She felt his fingers slide into her hair and she sighed contentedly, and he took the opportunity to deepen their kiss. Emma rose to his challenge with equal fervor, their lips, teeth and tongues clashing.

When they pulled apart, Killian looked absolutely wrecked, and Emma wondered if she had a similar expression. Her hands were trembling.

"That was-" said Killian.

"We should get back. It will be dark soon," said Emma.

"As you wish," said Killian, folding up the blanket as Emma mounted her horse in silence.

Killian sighed. He had pushed her, and for that he was sorry.

-/-

They rode back to Emma's home in silence.

When they arrived Emma dismounted and handed the reins to Killian.

Killian shook his head. "Buttercup is for you, Emma."

"I couldn't accept such a gift," said Emma.

"Then consider it a royal command," said Killian with a wink. He took her hand and kissed it. "I hope to see you soon, Emma."

"I don't think that is such a good idea," said Emma, biting the corner of her lip.

"Why?" asked Killian.

"We come from two different worlds," said Emma.

"It doesn't matter," said Killian firmly. "This is the Enchanted Forest where crossing realms is a regular occurrence."

"Please be serious," said Emma.

"I am," said Killian. "I want to see you again. Just name a time and place."

After a long moment, Emma decided to give in, figuring she could always back out later. "I'm going to Firefly Hill next week to see the fireflies. You can meet me there," said Emma.

"Until then, my lady," said Killian.

Just as he was about to ride away, Emma said, "Wait."

He turned to look at her. "Thank you for the horse."

"You're very welcome."