Emma stepped outside, closing the door behind her, but she moved no further, staring at Killian as if he would attack her. The pure joy visible on his face was enough to make her heart pound, and she marveled at the fact that Killian could inspire such fear, and such comfort, at the same time.

He stepped closer, extending his hand towards her. "I don't bite, love," said Killian with a small smile.

Emma hesitated before grasping his hand and allowing her to pull her towards him. His free hand caressed her cheek and she melted into his touch. It was just so natural.

No, Emma. You can't trust him. He'll only break your heart.

"Thank you, Emma," said Killian, his thumb stroking her cheek.

She felt her face heat up, and she was sure he noticed.

"You have twenty minutes," said Emma, trying to keep her voice him.

"Doesn't my status as a royal grant me a few more minutes of your precious time?" he said teasingly, looking at her with clear affection shining in his impossibly blue eyes.

"Thirty," she conceded.

"Thank you, my lady," he said with a mock bow.

Emma rolled her eyes.

"I would like you to come to the castle with me," said Killian.

"Not going to happen," said Emma.

Killian chuckled. "I thought that's what you would say," he said. "How about I sweeten the deal?"

"I cannot be bought," said Emma.

"I know, love, and I would never dream of trying to buy you. But perhaps you will find something that you've wanted all your life. Something that you did not have for the first seventeen years of your life."

Emma raised a brow, "And what is that?"

"There it is, love," said Killian, inching closer. "I can see the fear in your eyes. I can see through the walls you've built to protect your heart. The world has been nothing but cruel to you."

"Has it?" asked Emma, trying desperately to keep her voice steady.

Killian nodded. "I am offering you a chance to find the family you've been missing all your life. Is that not what you've always wanted."

"I have Henry," said Emma.

"Yes, you do," said Killian, "And I know you love him with all of your heart. But what if what I am saying is true? You could provide a better and more stable life for your son, and for yourself."

Emma averted her eyes. How was it that he could read her like a book? "I can't be a princess," said Emma.

"Why ever not?" said Killian. "You are beautiful, kind-hearted, and brave. Just like Snow White."

Emma shook her head. "I'm nothing special. No one has ever wanted me. No one has ever loved me. Until Henry."

"You could have all that," said Killian, "A real family, a real home. Even love. I know you already have these things with Henry, but I also can see the loneliness in your eyes. You've always felt that something was missing."

"What would a prince know about loneliness?" said Emma defensively.

"My brother is ten years my senior. He took the throne when my parents died twelve years ago. He had little time for his younger brother. Contrary to popular belief, being a royal is a very lonely existence. You can never be sure if people stay around because of your station or because of the person you are underneath all of that."

"At least you had a home, and a family," said Emma, resisting the urge to comfort him. For now she could see something of herself in him. Despite the fact that he had a brother, he didn't have anyone else that he could truly be himself with. Just like she only had Henry.

"Yes. I love Liam, just as you love Henry. But you and I, we understand each other. An orphan is an orphan."

"I—"

"Emma, I understand that you're afraid, but know this now, if you are not the lost princess, I will not cast you aside. You can trust me. I want to help you find your family, and if that is not possible, then I would like to, one day, become a part of it."

Emma felt tears in the corners of her eyes. "Why do you care so much?" she asked.

"I grew up hearing the stories of Snow White and Prince Charming. They fell in love at first sight. And from the moment I saw you in that tavern all those weeks ago, I fell in love with you."

"No," said Emma, pulling away. She wrapped her arms around herself and turned away.

For a moment they were both still. She could feel Killian's gaze burning into her. She flinched when she felt his hand at her waist. His other hand brushed her hair to the side, his lips grazing along her neck as he pulled him to her. "It was love at first sight," he said. "Please, Emma, tell me that this isn't one sided."

Her heart was pounding rapidly. How did he know what she had tried so hard to deny? "I—" said Emma, "You're a prince."

"And you could be a princess," said Killian. "There is one way to find out. Come to the castle with me. Meet the Blue Fairy, and I swear to you, Emma, that we will discover the truth."

"Killian," she said, "I can't."

"Take a leap of faith, darling. There must be some part of you that trusts me. I felt it when we kissed."

"That's not the point," said Emma weakly. "I can't get Henry's hopes up, only to let him down."

And Killian knew that she was not only talking about Henry, but also about herself. He turned her around to face him. "Then consider this a personal invitation. I would like for you and your son to live in the castle with my brother and me. Leave this life behind, and start a new one."

It was too good to be true.

He stared down at her, his eyes begging her to take a leap of faith. And then, as if by magic, she did. She cupped his face in her hands and kissed him lightly.

And suddenly a vision came to her. A baby in a white blanket, the name Emma stitched along the edge. A dark haired woman and a light haired man. She recognized them as the kind and queen of the neighboring kingdom. Snow White and Charming.

But she had never met them, ore even seen them up close.

Why then did they seem so achingly familiar?

Emma gasped as she pulled away.

"What's wrong?" asked Killian, his hands on her shoulders.

"Nothing," said Emma, "But I will go with you. We will go with you."

Killian smiled and kissed her cheek. "I shall return with a carriage for you and your son within the hour."