The Legend of the Swan Princess

Emma held her baby bump as the carriage jolted and bounced over pot holes on the long trip back to Aaralyn. They were at the end of their diplomatic visit around the neighbouring kingdoms which was customary for any new King and Queen to do. They had been allowed a short 2 month honeymoon before they had to set off. Emma had hoped that it would have brought them closer together, however Killian still met with his advisors frequently and although he went on walks with Emma and showed her some of the sights of their kingdom, the truth was he'd kept her at arm's length since learning about her pregnancy. They still enjoyed each other's company, spending hours playing cards, and chess and learning about each other. He acted every part the affectionate husband when people were watching but in private the flirting and innuendo had completely stopped. They announced the pregnancy at the end of the honeymoon and the kingdom was abuzz waiting in anticipation to meet the new prince or princess. The diplomatic trip following had taken its toll on Emma, months of balls, meetings, dinners, and travel. Now finally after 6 months they could head home, and with no time to spare; this baby was ready to make its debut!

"Sorry about the bumps, luv. We should be back at the castle within the hour!"

Killian smiled at his wife, she had been amazing on the trip, seamlessly taking on the responsibilities of Queen, she charmed the royalty and diplomats they visited effortlessly making quite an impression on them. Everyone commented on her beauty and grace and Killian swelled with pride with each accolade she received. Her cunning and wit had played an important role too, she had such a talent at reading people and a mind for figures that after meeting different government officials if she got an inkling something was off she would spend her evenings pouring over trade documents and she even found a few cases where Aaralyn wasn't getting the amount promised. They had been oversights mostly but without Emma's keen eye Killian would have been unaware. She saved the kingdom great financial loss and proved herself to be a valuable asset. Killian had been nothing short of impressed.

"Why are you smiling? Do you find my discomfort amusing?" she asked him, pulling him from his day dream and looking annoyed at him.

"Not at all Emma, I was just thinking of how well I did choosing a Queen." He said smugly.

"Oh really?" she snorted, "From what I remember you walked downstairs to the prison and picked up the first down on her luck criminal you could find! Sounds to me like you just got lucky!"

"Well you certainly seemed to do alright out of it, love." He joked.

"Yes…I suppose it beats execution…" she smiled wryly at him.

Killian laughed, "As long as you don't change your mind on that point I'll know I'm doing my job right!"

He looked out the window of the carriage, his expression turning serious again.

"You've been getting that troubled look on and off the whole ride home, what was in that letter you received before we left?"

"Perceptive, as always, Swan." Of course she noticed, nothing got by Emma. He hadn't told her about it because he didn't want to add any unnecessary stress to her when the baby's birth was so imminent. There was no use keeping it from her now. "One of the Dark One's spies was spotted in our kingdom last week."

"The Dark One has spies?"

"Yes, even demons can't be everywhere at once."

Emma studied Killian's face, there was something in his expression, the way his eyes narrowed and jaw set, determinedly, there was more to this.

"You have a history with him."

"Aye…he killed my first love, Milah." He said matter-of-factly.

Drops of rain started to beat against the roof of the carriage, Emma watched the droplets hit the window and glide down separating in different directions leaving watery trails over the glass. She traced one with her finger, deep in thought, until it disappeared into the bottom of the window frame.

"The man you want revenge on is the Dark One." It was more of a statement than a question. She turned to look back at her husband, "That is no easy feat Killian."

He drew his gaze away from the passing scenery outside and turned back to his wife, their eyes locking.

"No, indeed it is not…but right now repairing Aaralyn is my number one priority. It is the only way my father will find peace in the afterlife and I owe it to Liam…and my mother, revenge on the crocodile can wait" his voice drifted off.

Emma winced, her hand darting to her stomach again.

"You ok, luv?"

"Yeah, just the baby kicking…do you want to feel?" she asked hesitantly.

Killian gave a nod and reached out his hand, Emma took it and pressed it firmly against the side of her bump. The baby gave a sharp kick making Emma wince again. Killian's face broke into a huge smile.

"The little one's feisty, just like its mother!"

"When we get home I'll start helping you draw up a plan of defence for the kingdom…"

"Emma…" he laid his hand on her knee; it was so rare for him to touch her in private the gesture took her by surprise. "When we get home you need to rest, the baby could come any day now, and there will be time to plan after."

She groaned, rubbing her belly through more kicking. "I am so ready to get this baby out of me!"

He chuckled, "aye, I'm excited to meet the little one, myself!"

The carriage pulled up at the castle, and the footman hurried to open the door for them. Killian stepped out and then turned around offering his hand out to Emma to help her exit the carriage, once she was standing firm on the ground he lifted her hand to his lips kissing it, eyes fixed on hers. She'd become accustomed to his public displays of affection, all part of the rouse to make people believe they were a blissful newlywed couple excitedly awaiting the arrival of their firstborn. While she was used to the display, and no stranger to acting, what she hadn't gotten used to was how fast her heart would race when he looked at her with those bedroom eyes, surely it was unnecessary acting on his part!

He turned to Ruby who had come out to meet them, "Ruby, please see that the Queen gets to our room and is comfortable." Ruby curtsied in reply.

"I'll see you at dinner, my love." He kissed Emma's forehead then left them to go and meet with his advisors.

Robin and Percival were waiting in the Great Hall, seated at the large table, along with Will; one of Killian's spies, Graham; the King's chief huntsman, and King Arthur and his trusted knight Lancelot. A squire announced the King as he entered the Hall; the men rose from their seats, bowed respectfully then sat down again. Killian took his place at the head of the table.

"So what can you tell me about the spies in our kingdom?" He asked his eyes locking with each man as he looked around the table.

Robin pushed his chair out and stood to address his King, "We've only seen them once while you were away; they were by the Indigo Falls on our east border. At first I thought they were just innocent travellers but something about them played on my mind the next day and so I went back to the deserted camp site and found this…" he held up a dagger that bore the Dark Ones emblem on the hilt, then slid the dagger along the table to Killian who lifted it to inspect the markings.

"Any idea what they were looking for?" He asked, still eyeing the blade closely.

"They had been digging, overturning rocks, searching the cave. I don't know what they were looking for; there are legends about those falls that they are enchanted by river nymphs who can locate treasure, if you know what you're looking for." Robin replied, it wasn't much of an explanation but it was all he had.

"So you think the Dark One seeks treasure?" Killian set the dagger down on the table and rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"Do you think this could have anything to do with the Swan Princess?" Arthur asked, causing every head in the room to shoot up and look at him. "Yes, I know your kingdom's legends! It shouldn't surprise you that these tales have a tendency to spread like wildfire. Missing Princess, rare treasure, kingdoms under curses…it makes for an exciting fireside story…"

"It's no fairy tale!" Killian said; his jaw tense, "I was just a young boy but I remember fleeing Misthaven to avoid the curse. The Princess's carriage was attacked and she was never found, she is presumed dead sadly. However we have the Middlemist crown in our possession, it graces the head of my wife at all formal events; that is our rarest treasure in this kingdom! It wouldn't be hard for the Dark One to find it; he certainly wouldn't need the help of any water nymph! In fact a mere pirate managed to steal it earlier this year, thanks to Robin we got it back!" He looked to his friend and gave a small smile of appreciation.

"Perhaps there is another treasure in your land that you are unaware of, something more valuable?" Lancelot offered.

"None that I know of!" Killian replied. Then turning to Graham he said, "Send some of your men to keep watch over our borders, if the Dark One sends more spies, I want to know about it! Don't capture them, keep your distance, watch them and tell me exactly what they do."

"Yes your Majesty!" Graham bowed his head.

Killian rose from the table, "That will be all for now, we'll meet back here next week to discuss strategies, I may want to send some spies to the Dark Ones kingdom, just to keep an eye on what is happening there."

Killian's face broke into a toothy grin when he walked into their bedroom and saw Emma waddling around moving baby clothes from one drawer to another, then stopping half way through to reorganise some books on a shelf, was she putting them in alphabetical order?

"Everything alright, Swan?" he tilted his head and raised his eyebrow, chewing his bottom lip to bite back the smile already formed. He'd enjoyed watching her change over the past few months and this stage now he found absolutely adorable, her slightly off balance walk, the sleepy expression she always seemed to have along with her appetite that was never satisfied. She had taken to cleaning and organising, something Dr Whale told him was called nesting. He wanted to take her into his arms and embrace her, tell her everything would be fine, but things hadn't been the same since he found out about the baby. Before then he thought they could be intimate friends, for the sake of sustaining his families place ruling the kingdom by providing an heir and for the sake of their own sanity, both being used to a more physical lifestyle. This baby had changed everything though. Killian suddenly felt overly protective of Emma and her child, their child, at least as far as the kingdom was concerned. There was too much at stake now, he couldn't risk her falling for him, he had promised to protect her and that meant shielding her heart too.

Emma jumped at his voice, so engrossed in her chores she didn't hear him come in.

"Killian you really shouldn't sneak up on a woman in my condition! Are you trying to scare this baby out?"

"Sorry…truly! That was not my intention, what are you doing?"

"Oh just…getting ready…" she stopped; gripping the wooden bed post for support she started breathing deep breaths.

"Emma…?"

"It's ok; I just get these pains in my lower back every so often…"

"How often?"

"Every 30/40 minutes or so."

"Emma, I think I should call Dr Whale. Here, let me help you…" He led her over to the sofa that sat in front of their fire place. She didn't fight it, letting out a big sigh as she sat down, her back straight, trying to find a comfortable position.

Killian left the room and returned with Dr Whale moments later, after a few questions and quick examination the Dr turned to the King and Queen.

"You have started labour, there is nothing to be alarmed about, and it's early by my calculations but only by a couple weeks…" Emma and Killian exchanged glances; they knew that Whale's time line was off since it was Baelfire's baby so Emma actually was a couple weeks further along than the doctor thought. He continued, "your contractions are still far apart, make yourself comfortable Emma, this will take a while, try to do something to take your mind off of it, relax, rest when you can and drink water and snack on small meals, you'll need your energy." He turned to Killian, "Your highness, traditionally the father would leave now and stay in a different room for the night as to not get in the way…"

Emma shot Killian a terrified look, she didn't want to be alone for this. Killian picked up on her expression immediately.

"I'm going to stay with my wife, it may not be conventional but I want to be here when my child is born."

Emma gave him a grateful smile which he returned giving her a reassuring nod. The doctor then left saying he would check in on her regularly but to call him if anything changed.

After he left Emma turned her attention to her husband.

"Thank you…I…I don't know why but I'm scared…"

Killian walked over to her, kneeled down, and cupped her cheek in his hand.

"You will be fine, I'll be right here with you the whole time, I'll not leave you Emma, you're my wife, remember?"

Tears formed in the corners of her eyes, Killian was going far and beyond her expectations, after all the child she carried wasn't his blood. She was overwhelmed with gratitude. She could pretty much guarantee Bae wouldn't have given her the same attention, he probably would have buggered off to the tavern until the whole ordeal was over. She took a sharp inhale as another contraction began; he quickly sat up next to her gently stroking her back until it was finished.

Once her breathing returned to normal and he felt her body relax he said, "Well luv, the adventure begins" smiling excitedly.

"It's going to get messy" she warned. "I won't be mad if you change your mind."

"Never darling, I meant what I said, I'm with you!"

She let her head slowly drop onto his shoulder. "In that case, can you help take my mind off of it?"

He raised his eyebrow suggestively, "Now's not really the time for…"

"Killian!" she slapped his chest with the back of her hand. If she was being honest she'd missed his flirting and endless innuendos, though she'd have preferred it to take something a little less painful than childbirth to bring his playful side back.

He chuckled, "ok, ok your highness, shall I get the cards, or dice maybe?"

"Tell me about the Swan Princess"

Her request took him by surprise, his body tensed slightly, which didn't go unnoticed by her. He spoke in a rough whisper, "How did you hear of the Swan Princess?"

His reaction made her nervous but she continued, "I asked Percival what the significance of all the Swans were the first day I arrived here, when he led me to my room, he said it was to do with the Swan Princess legend. It just caught my attention, you know, because of my name…I kept meaning to ask you about it but things kept coming up…I didn't know it would cause you pain…" she was stumbling over her words, visibly upset that she had caused him discomfort.

He relaxed a little, placing his hand over hers reassuringly. "It's ok Swan, you're right to feel a connection to her, in more ways than just your name. It was just a long time ago…and I'm afraid it's not a happy tale, not like the fairy tales you read when you're a child where everyone lives happily ever after…come to bed and I'll tell you it." He helped her over and lifted her onto their bed, then slipping off his boots he climbed up beside her. She rested her head on his shoulder and he took her hand, gently caressing her fingers as he recounted their kingdom's history.

"Before Aaralyn ever existed we lived in a kingdom called Misthaven, it was a decent sized kingdom but to secure our safety and place in this realm we needed to form alliances with our neighbouring kingdom, Arendelle. The King and Queen had hoped to form an alliance through marriage but they only had a daughter, and the King of Arendelle had two princesses. My father was the King's best friend and most trusted advisor, he offered my brother Liam to marry Princess Elsa of Arendelle, joining our two kingdoms together. Liam was only 6 years old at the time, I was 4. The King agreed and Liam and Elsa were betrothed. As a sign of gratitude to my father the King promised his daughter, and only child, to be married to me when we were older which would make both my father's sons royalty. She was a mere infant at the time and he loved her dearly, called her his Swan Princess, though her name was Emma…"

Emma's head shot up and she looked at him, eyes wide with surprise. Killian chuckled, "believe me, luv, the irony is not lost on me!"

She nestled back down against him with a furrowed brow to listen to the rest of the tale.

"Not long after there was a threat on the kingdom, The Dark One wanted the Princess, but no one knew why. The King, worried for her safety, instructed my father to take Liam, Emma and I away from the kingdom to go into hiding. We escaped during the night but were attacked by a wild beast that snatched the princess and carried her off…"

Emma firmly gripped his hand, "That must have been terrifying to witness as a young boy!"

"Aye, that beast frequented many a dream of mine, even as an adult."

"I'm so sorry." She whispered, and then tensed, breathing heavily as another contraction spread through her.

Killian held her hand as she breathed through it then once it passed he reached down to kiss the top of her head before continuing his story to try and relax her again, "I haven't had a bad dream since you came into my life."

She smiled sweetly at him, the tension slowly leaving her body.

"My father was heartbroken, at the loss. We headed back towards the kingdom but as we travelled we saw citizens of Misthaven fleeing, when we asked what had happened we found out The Dark One came in search of the Princess and when the King and Queen refused to say where she was he put a sleeping curse on the whole kingdom, linked to the King and Queen so only true loves kiss could wake them. The King and Queen were famously each other's true loves so with them both asleep the only way to break the curse was the kiss of their daughter, but she had already perished at the hands of that beast. My father took the citizens that had escaped and led them here where he established a new kingdom, Aaralyn, he sent out huntsmen in every direction trying to find the beast in hope that the princess could still be alive but as the years passed he was forced to come to the realisation that she was dead. My father couldn't take the weight of what he saw as his failure to his King and…he killed himself. Liam was instantly made crown Prince at age 15; when he turned 25 he kept his promise to the King and married Elsa of Arendelle, making him King, and then when they died one day at sea…"

…It fell on you to become King." Emma finished for him; she was thoughtful; "So the Dark One was responsible for the death of your betrothed and the death of your first love."

"And the series of events that led to my father's death"

"What about your mother?" she asked innocently.

Killian's face darkened, "When I was a young lad, 3 years old, I fell Ill from the plague, it was touch and go for a while whether or not I'd survive, my mother didn't leave my side, trying her best to nurse me back to health. I eventually got better but she caught the plague from me and…" he swallowed, "she didn't make it."

Emma's heart broke; she saw it clear as day in his eyes that he blamed himself for his mother's death. She could see why it was so easy for him to give into the pull of vengeance; she didn't blame him, if anything she was amazed that he was able to set it aside to take his brother's place! She also understood the decision to remove his heart, he'd seen so much tragedy in his life, from such a young age, she could understand losing his love being enough to put him over the edge.

He sighed, "So as I said, I'm afraid the story doesn't have a happy ending."

She turned her body so she was facing him directly with determination in her eyes, "The story isn't over yet Killian, we will make sure it ends happy, you will repair this kingdom, I believe in you!"

"I lost everything Emma, my whole family…"

"We're your family now" she rubbed her belly, her eyes frantically searching his for some sort of confirmation that he did indeed consider her and her child as family.

He smiled sadly, his Emma Swan, she'd slipped into the role of supportive wife effortlessly; he wondered if he had is heart if he would have fallen in love with her already. It was a melancholy thought that had drifted into his mind more than once. It was a cause that seemed without hope, without the princess there was no way to wake his King and Queen, no way to find peace for his father in the afterlife, and no way to finally repair his kingdom. He couldn't help but admire Emma's optimism though!

She thought for a moment, obviously confused by a detail of his story then asked, "Why did you keep my first name when you decided to change my identity?"

He combed his fingers through his hair, and scratched behind his ear. "I knew you were Captain Swan, that day you were arrested, but when you told me your first name I couldn't help but think of that baby I had been linked to as a boy. When I realised I was going to marry you I suppose it seemed poetic that you should share her birth name and nickname, you would become my swan princess, though I decided to keep that to myself, hence changing your name to Nolan."

"It was never because of my piracy" the realisation hit her.

"No, honestly, it was for your protection, I knew the Dark One had looked for her for years, I didn't want to attract any attention by marrying you, the kingdom still holds out hope for finding the Swan Princess, even though I know she is gone, it was just better all round to separate you from her. Though I did like to entertain the idea that had she survived she would have grown to be as beautiful, smart, and brave as you are Emma."

The confession took her by surprise, "you really think I'm all those things?" she asked in a whisper.

"Aye"

She gripped his hand again, her eyes tight shut as the pain of another contraction rippled through her body.

"Swan?"

"Yeah that one was just stronger than the others, and came quicker than I was expecting."

A smile slowly spread across Killian's face, "Emma I think it's time for me to call Dr Whale!"

She quickly grabbed his arm, gripping it tightly, her eyes wide with fear, "Please don't leave me!"

At that moment Ruby came in with the supper, laying the tray down on the table next to the bed.

"Ruby, please get Dr Whale, it's almost time." Killian said excitedly.

"Of course, I'll go straight away!" the maid turned on her heel and ran out the room.

Killian wrapped his arms around Emma, "are you ready to meet our little prince or princess, Emma?"

His words resonated with her, "our", he had promised to care for and protect this child as if it was his own and he was showing her that began now. It warmed to heart to know that her child would have a father who wanted to be a part of its life, a lifestyle that would offer it countless opportunities, and most of all it would have what she never did, a loving family, they would never have to know the pain of abandonment, she decided there and then not to tell the child about Baelfire, he may have been involved in the child's creation but she wouldn't let his sins define who her child was.