Emma Swan didn't get nervous. Ever.

But the thought of spending an evening alone with the prince of the kingdom had her stomach twisting in knots. She could feel the butterflies in her stomach as she put on the nicest dress she owned.

It was nothing special, just blue silk with a modest neckline, but it was the best she could do. She arranged her golden curls into a simple coiffure and scrubbed her face clean.

"You look beautiful, mother," said Henry behind her.

Henry turned to see her sun grinning at her. "Thanks kid. Now don't open the door to strangers and don't stay up too late, okay?"

Henry nodded. "I'll be fine, mother. Don't worry about me and have a good time."

-/-

Emma arrived at Firefly Hill just as the sun was sinking behind the horizon. She slid off Buttercup and tied her to a sapling. Her eyes scanned the area for the prince's horse. Seeing nothing, she patted her horse and went to the edge of the hill. There was a fallen log that provided an excellent spot to view the fireflies as they filled the night sky.

She ran her fingers through her hair, sighing as she sat down. In that moment it occurred to her that he might not show up. Even more surprising was how hurt she would be if he didn't. She had only spent a handful of hours with him over the course of two months, and already she was getting attached.

She liked him. There was no other way around it.

She heard a rustle in the bushes behind her and turned to see Killian coming towards her. Her lips curved up into a smile as she stood up and went to him. "You look gorgeous, Emma," he said, stroking her cheek. "I would like to see you smile more often."

She grinned at him. "Thank you for coming," she said.

"I wouldn't have missed it for the world," he said, his blue eyes sparkling with sincerity.

Emma's heart flipped in her chest, and she felt her cheeks heat up.

"Shall we sit?" asked Killian.

Emma nodded and allowed Killian to take her hand and guide her back to the log.

The sky began to grow darker and Killian slipped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her to him. The fireflies began to emerge, filling the sky with bright and beautiful lights that matched the lights from the village below.

Emma laid her head on Killian's shoulder. "It's beautiful," said Emma.

"Mmm hmm," said Killian, although he wasn't looking at the fireflies.

"Emma, what do you remember about your parents?" asked Killian after several moment.

Emma turned to him, her eyes wide with surprise. "Why do you ask?"

"I want to get to know you," said Killian simply.

"You're lying," she said. "Or at least you're not telling me the whole truth." She didn't care if he was the prince. She wouldn't stand for being lied to.

"Humor me, Swan," said Killian, "And I swear I will reveal my reasons when we're finished."

Emma stared at him for a long moment, her eyes filled with doubt. The alarm bells were going off in her head. She wanted to run.

As if he sensed her fear, he took her hands in his. "Please, Emma, I'm asking you not as a prince, but as a man who cares."

"I never had parents," said Emma softly. "I grew up alone. A miller and his wife took me in and kept me until I was eight. I was living in Snow White and Charming's kingdom at the time. Then we traveled to this kingdom, and they abandoned me at the tavern. I lived on the streets for several years, stealing to get by, and then I found the abandoned cottage by the lake. I've lived there ever since."

Killian's heart ached for her. She didn't deserve to grow up without a family. "And what about Henry's father?"

"There was one," said Emma. "But I don't talk about him."

"Emma, you can tell me anything."

"No," said Emma pulling away.

Killian sucked in a breath. "I apologize, my lady," he said, inching closer.

"It's fine."

"So you were born in Snow and Charming's kingdom?"

Emma nodded.

"How old are you?"

"Twenty-eight," said Emma. "And yes, I am aware of the fact that I should be married by now."

Killian smiled. "I'm glad you're not," he said, cupping her cheek.

"So why does all of this matter?" asked Emma.

Killian averted his gaze and took a deep breath.

"You promised that you would tell me," said Emma.

"Twenty years ago Snow and Charming's daughter went missing. There is a portrait of her in or portrait hall. Her name is Emma. She has your eyes."

Emma jumped to her feet, shaking her head. "No," said Emma. "I'm not a lost princess."

Killian stood and took her hand. "Why not? It's possible."

"No, no, no," said Emma. "This is cruel of you. Saying that I have a family out there somewhere. I've been alone nearly all my life, and even when I had Henry is was still just the two of us. If my parents are really alive then that means that they didn't care about me. They gave me up and they never tried to find me. Now you come along with this crazy theory that I could be the daughter of Snow White and Charming? That's ludicrous."

"Emma," said Killian, stepping closer. "Come to the castle with me. I'll show you the portrait. How clearly do you even remember the first eight years of your life?"

Emma shook her head. She remembered growing up with the miller and his wife. She remembered … no. It was more like a dream, but it was real enough and it was the best she had. And she wasn't about to let the prince make her doubt herself even more.

"See, you know something is wrong about the way you grew up, Emma. Trust your gut. Come back with me. We sent a message to the Blue Fairy. Together we can discover the truth. Take a leap of faith. You might find your family."

Run!

"No!" cried Emma, striking him hard across the face. "I never had a family, and now Henry is all I need. I never want to see you again." Killian was clutching his cheek, and looking at her with imploring eyes. She pushed past him and mounted her horse, urging Buttercup to a gallop.

"Emma, stop!" shouted Killlian. "Swan! Swan!