The Day Hope Was Born

"We have to protect her, whatever it takes! We need to stop that 'beast' from getting our daughter!" The Queen frantically whispered to her husband. He looked lovingly at the baby, the sense of responsibility and seriousness of the situation weighing heavily on him.

"I know darling. I will do everything in my power to ensure her safety, but it's going to mean making some hard choices."

The baby cooed while her mother clung to her, tears starting to fall down her face. Her heart was breaking into a thousand pieces, she felt as though she had just arrived in their lives; it was too soon, too soon for her to be in danger, too soon to have to be parted. This wasn't the life she wanted for their daughter, they were supposed to be a family, she was supposed to grow up loved and with every opportunity life as a princess could bring, she was supposed to have the best education, finest clothes, countless balls to attend. Now the future was uncertain, would she see her daughter grow up? Would she witness the first steps, first words, kiss away the first injury, sooth the first broken heart, watch her find love the way she had, see her get married, maybe have a family of her own? It wasn't fair!

She nodded her head at her husband, "I trust you." She kissed her daughter on the forehead, whispered "I love you" and reluctantly handed her to her husband whose eyes reflected her own sadness.

He quickly left the room, a pit forming in his gut as he left the pained sobs of his wife behind. He knew this was killing her, he was devastated too, but he couldn't bear to see his wife so heartbroken. 'Have hope' that's what she always told him, but with things as bleak as they were hope was hard to muster. He hurried down the castle corridors until he reached the stable where a carriage was being prepared. He kissed the baby wrapped tightly in his arms and whispered, "I made your mother and you a promise to always protect you whatever the cost; I just never imagined the cost would mean having to part from you for a while. You carry the hope of this kingdom little one, you are destined for great things, I hope only that you grow up knowing you are loved and I have faith that you will find us and save us! Goodbye my sweet girl." He couldn't contain the tears filling his eyes as they dripped onto his precious bundle's head making her wriggle and scrunch her nose up.

"Your majesty, everything is prepared, we must leave at once!" a man hurried over to the carriage with two young boys. The King nodded, slipped a silver necklace with a swan charm around her neck, and handed his daughter over to the man and watched as he and his sons climbed into the carriage, the youngest one turned around just before entering, a small boy of 4 years, with big blue eyes and unruly black hair, he turned and ran back to the King throwing his arms around him and then stepped back gave the king a bow and vowed bravely "I will protect your daughter with my life, you have my word!"

The King smiled at the boy and squatted down to his level putting his hand firmly on the boys shoulder. "I know you will lad, she's in safe hands with you! Watch over her as she grows up and tell her that her parents love her more than anything!"

"I'll bring her back to you your majesty!" he promised then hopped into the carriage. The horses let out a whine as they galloped off into the night carrying their precious cargo. The King watched weeping. "Goodbye Emma!"

"Emma, luv, you can do this; you're so close!"

Sweat drops decorated the Queen's head, the result of hours of labour taking its toll on her body. Killian hadn't left her side, encouraging her through each push, sacrificing his left hand to her iron grip, joking that he'd be surprised if he still had the hand by the end of all this. Dr Whale had never seen a husband so dutiful to his wife during birth, in fact it was the first time he'd even witnessed a husband staying in the room but Killian was adamant that he wouldn't leave her side and since his presence seemed to have a calming effect on Emma the Dr didn't complain.

"Ughhhhhhh" Emma groaned as she pushed through the pain again, "I can't do this!"

"I can see the baby's head, your majesty; just give me one more big push next contraction!" Dr Whale instructed.

Killian squeezed back at her hand to get her attention, she looked up at her husband, "Emma, listen to me, this is it, this is the moment we meet our child, you're doing brilliantly luv; you're a bloody marvel, we just need one more push and you can do it, I know you can because you are the strongest woman I know! So come on luv, let's meet our baby!"

She nodded her head and took a deep breath pushing through her next contraction with everything she had.

Her world stood still the moment she heard her child's cry; it caressed her ears like the sweetest melody filling her heart until it felt like it would burst.

"Here!" Dr Whale wrapped the baby tightly in blankets and handed it to Killian, "Meet your son!"

The words echoed in Killian's mind, "My son…" he muttered to himself looking down at the tiny baby boy, who'd already wrapped his little fingers around the King's thumb. For the first time since having his heart removed Killian thought he felt something, something more than the mere shadows he'd grown used to, was it happiness? It'd been so long it was hard to tell. He found himself doing what he thought he never would, there in that moment Killian wished he had his heart, he wanted to feel every emotion he could. Looking back at Emma in awe he smiled and brought her son over to her gently laying him in her arms. Love and joy radiated from her as she gazed into her son's hazel eyes and stroked the small mop of brown hair on his head. It was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen, Emma, the orphan, finally had a family, she'd found love and Killian couldn't help but be a little jealous. He wanted to be a part of it, as far as everyone was concerned he was but he knew the truth, he wasn't really Emma's husband, and not really the child's Father. However he was pleased for Emma and he would keep his word and raise the child as his own despite the empty ache in his chest.

"Well your Majesty, what is his name?" Dr Whale asked, interrupting the moment.

"W…What?" Killian stammered, surprised by the innocent question.

"You're the King, what name have you chosen for your firstborn son?" The doctor was excitedly waiting for Killian's answer.

Killain felt Emma tense beside him, he gave her a quick glance and half smile before responding, "I will present my son to the kingdom this weekend, I'd like to keep his name a surprise until then!"

"Very good!" Dr Whale nodded then excused himself leaving the new parents to enjoy their child. "Ruby will be here soon with some food and to help with the baby" he looked over his shoulder to Emma, "try and get some rest your highness!" he gently closed the door behind him as he left.

Emma let out a huge sigh of contentment then kissed her baby's forehead. He scrunched up his nose making her giggle at him. It pleased Killian to see her happy, though he'd had little to do with it and that left a bitter taste in his mouth. He walked over to the window and looked out at his kingdom; he wondered if he'd ever feel the contentment he'd just seen in Emma's eyes.

"So what are you going to name him?" Emma asked tentatively, she'd heard the doctor; it was tradition for the King to choose the name, all part of her son inheriting this kingdom.

Killian stood silently lost in thought; for a moment Emma thought he hadn't heard but then he turned around and came back to her side looking at the boy. "Emma, I think the question is what are you going to name him? He is your son, you did all the work, you should at least be able to name him, wouldn't you agree?"

Her face lit up, "Really? I can name him?"

He nodded in response, a small smile forming; it seemed her happiness was contagious. He raised his eyebrow, "So, Emma, what is our son's name?"

She squeezed her lips into a thin line and looked to the ceiling as if trying to find inspiration "is there any sort of name he is supposed to have because he is royalty? Does he need to be Killian II or something like that?"

The King chuckled, "no, no, nothing like that! You can choose any name you desire; it won't affect his position as crown prince!"

"Ok" she smiled widely, "I have a name!"

Four days later Emma found herself standing next to Killian holding her son proudly showing him to the kingdom gathered below their balcony. She couldn't help but swell with pride as Killian looked at her son beaming. For the first time since they got married Emma felt they looked like they were a real family. Killian raised his voice and announced, "People of Aaralyn please join me in welcoming Prince Henry!" The crowd bellow roared with cheers of excitement while little Henry slept peacefully in the King's arms completely unaware of the fuss being made over him. She felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude to Killian for standing by her and her son and giving them this life. He looked over at her and gave her a wink. If she didn't know better she'd think he was happy, he'd been nothing short of a doting husband and father since Henry arrived. It was a far cry from the distance he had put between them when he learned she was pregnant, the night Henry was born was the first night he stayed with her; he'd slept on a large leather couch in her bedroom and woke with the baby, comforting it and only waking her when Henry needed fed. During those moments he'd leave her alone to bond with her son while he washed, or fetched hot tea and whatever treats he could find in the castle kitchens.

The second night, after realising he intended to stay again, Emma insisted Killian share her bed, they were technically married after all and it was big enough for them both to sleep comfortably without even having to come into contact with each other. He reluctantly agreed and by the fourth night she was beginning to feel like she was part of a family. Half-awake in her bed she'd listen to him softly sing Henry to sleep, his voice often sending her to sleep as well. She'd never seen the King smile as much as he did around her son, laughing at the faces the infant would make, always commenting on his likeness to Emma. "He has your nose, Swan" he said once, then laughing at Henry gripping his finger "and your strength!" she rolled her eyes then furrowed her brows, "everyone tells me he looks just like you…"

Killian smiled wistfully, "they see what they want to see, luv"

She nodded thoughtfully, "the truth is…he's actually Baelfire's double" her voice was melancholy and Killian looked like he was trying to come up with some sort of reply to make her feel better. She suddenly realised that she didn't need him to, she didn't need cheering up, this was probably the happiest she'd ever been and Killian may not have had anything to do with Henry coming into her life but her current situation and peace of mind was completely due to him. "He may not be your blood but I'm glad he has you in his life, you've already played a vital role in his first week here and parts of you will rub off on him over time…I would be proud for him to grow to be like you…"

Killian was touched by her declaration, though he felt perhaps if she knew him better, knew his past, she may not feel the same way. He brushed it off, "I made you a promise Emma, I want to be a good husband and father for you two…besides…I've grown rather fond of the lad" he stroked the baby's cheek then laid him in his cot to fall asleep. Emma was smiling at him; she looked beautiful walking gracefully towards the balcony doors and stopping to admire the full moon, her long flowing white night dress and loose blonde curls falling down her back gave her an angelic glow. He approached her like a moth drawn to the light, for that was exactly what Emma was, a beacon of light shining brightly in his dark existence. He was close enough to breathe in her scent, vanilla and cinnamon he was sure, he wanted to wrap his arms around her but he refrained himself and simply said "thank you." She turned to look up at him questioningly, so he elaborated, "thank you for marrying me, I know this…" he waved his hand between the two of them "…isn't…exactly a normal relationship, but it's the closest I've had to one in a long time and I just want you to know that I'm very grateful for what you've done for me and for allowing me to be a part of your son's life…you're very…important to me…" he swallowed, why was it so difficult for him to express himself around her? "I just wanted you to know that!"

She smiled and lifted her hand to his face gently rubbing his cheekbone. He had dark bags under his eyes from the week of sleepless nights. "You should sleep in your room tonight and get some rest before your council meeting tomorrow" he shook his head but before he could argue she added, "I will be fine, I'll have Ruby stay. Go and prepare for your meeting, you can come back to us tomorrow night, this kingdom needs you too!"

"Ok, but only because I'm too tired to argue" he joked

"I wish you would let me help, I'm no stranger to fighting, you know!"

"Aye, but this is no bar brawl or commandeering a ship, we could be on the brink of war…and you did just have a baby."

She rolled her eyes, "I'm not asking you to put me on the front line, just let me help you, I…I miss it…the nights of planning attacks, laying out strategies, motivating your men to follow you, the adrenaline pumping through your veins in the face of danger, the feel of the weight of your sword in your hand…"

He chuckled, "Maybe you're right, I'd be a fool to try and keep you from it, you could be a valuable asset, just not yet, give it time, luv, remember no one here knows your past, they wouldn't understand why I would be bringing the Queen to such meetings. But don't fret; your skills will not go to waste! In the meantime we'll just have to find other ways to entertain you…" he raised his eyebrow suggestively.

"Oh yeah?" she said, happy to see his playful side coming back after all this time, "and what did you have in mind?"

"Oh I'm sure Granny could teach you embroidery, or we could find some nice poetry for you to read, do you play the harp by chance?" he teased.

She slapped his chest with the back of her hand "very funny! I swear if you don't come up with anything soon I'll have to find my own excitement around here."

His expression grew soft and he cupped her face in his hands and chastely kissed her lips, then gently said "be patient" it was the first time he'd kissed her in private and it left her speechless. He smiled and his hands slowly dropped "goodnight, luv" he slowly stepped back then turned and went through the door into his room. As soon as he left her finger shot up to her lips, brushing them where he had just kissed her and realisation set in! Emma wasn't just falling for Killian, she loved him.

(4 months later)

Apollo swished the flies away with his tail while he patiently waited for Emma to finish brushing him. "Ok boy, I'm done; time to get you saddled up." She laid a rug on the horses back then reached up to where it's saddle hung over the stable wall, picked it up and set it on Apollo with a thud.

"You summoned me, your majesty"

She didn't have to turn around to know Killian had arrived; she smiled as she stroked her horse's velvety nose. "I thought you could help me celebrate a very special occasion!"

"Oh yeah" he replied, humoured, "And what might that be?"

"Why it's Apollo and my one year anniversary of course!" she beamed.

Killian chuckled, "And you make such a handsome couple!"

She shot him a look and rolled her eyes, "Don't be jealous! I've had Zeus saddled up for you, I thought we could go for a ride? I've packed a picnic!"

"Aye, I'd like that, it's been too long!" he loved seeing her like this, carefree and jovial. It was contagious and distracted him from the weight of impending war that loomed over him of late. He mounted his stallion and followed her and Apollo out of the stables.

They laughed as they galloped through the woods dodging low hanging branches then out in the open along the cliff face. Eventually Emma pulled her reigns and brought Apollo to a halt at the very spot on the cliff she'd stood over a year ago with Baelfire. She dismounted as Killian approached on Zeus and joined her. She handed him the blanket which he laid out on the ground while she got the food. They lounged there eating and talking about Henry and the upcoming ball tomorrow night in honour of their wedding anniversary, Killian was listing off the different dignitaries and ambassadors that would be attending. Emma recognised a few from their diplomatic trips around the kingdoms a few months back. Eventually the conversation died down, Killian looked at his wife who was sitting with her arms wrapped around her knees pulled up to her chest looking out at the sea. He would never tire of looking at her, her beauty was breath-taking and sometimes he felt she was wasted on him, but then the thought of her being with anyone else stoked an angry fire in his belly. Emma was always stirring emotions in him, things he didn't think he could feel anymore, concern, jealousy, endearment, contentment, desire, and peace. It was a far cry from love but the closest thing he had to it, yet it still wasn't enough for him, he wondered if it was enough for her.

"You know, Swan, technically you could say today is our anniversary." He nodded his head signally down to the field of Middlemist flowers in bloom again. "It was this day last year we made promises to each other and I believe we've managed to keep them so far" he feigned surprise.

Emma giggled, "Yes I think we have! I don't think anyone who would have known us back then would have believed it!"

"I don't know…I believed in you, I knew you would keep your word." He watched her carefully, she still looked out at sea but a small smile rested on her lips.

"Why?" she turned to him, "why did you trust the pirate who had nothing left to lose?"

Killian thought for a moment then replied honestly, "Because I had to! You were my only hope."

She felt his answer a tad dramatic but he appeared to be serious. She tried to lighten the mood, feeling uncomfortable with his faith in her, "well you must be relieved that since becoming your Queen I've behaved myself quite well, If I may say so myself!"

His eyebrow jumped up "Oh is that so?"

"Mmhmm" she mumbled smugly.

"I suppose you think I don't know you dressed as a knight during our last tournament so you could fight!" He bit the inside of his mouth trying not to smile.

Emma's jaw dropped, "I told you I had a headache, I rested in my room!"

"Aye, I know what you told me! I don't know who I'm more disappointed in, you for lying to me or my knights for not being able to defeat you!"

"The last one did in the final" she muttered under her breath, cheeks rosy at being caught out.

The side of his mouth rose up into a smirk, "you threw the fight Emma! No doubt because you knew the winner removed his helmet to receive his reward!"

"And a bloody big bruise I got in my ribs for it too!" she instinctively rubbed her side.

"Next you'll be telling me you bet on yourself to lose!"

Emma looked away sheepishly.

"You impersonated a royal knight and threw a fight for your own monetary gain?!" He couldn't hold back his grin, sounding almost impressed.

She shrugged, "pirate!" she offered as means of explanation.

He shook he head, still smiling "bloody unbelievable!"

"Do you forgive me?" she asked gazing up at him flirtatiously through her long eyelashes,

He raised his hands in defeat, "you don't have to use your womanly wiles on me, luv, there is nothing to forgive, that was the most entertainment I've had around here in years! Though I think I need to discuss more tactical training for my knights! I was in two minds to come down and fight you myself!"

Her eyes twinkled, "you should have! "

He gave an exaggerated sigh, "But since I knew it was you I would have had to let you win and I couldn't exactly let my subjects see me lose so…"

She rolled her eyes. "Sure!"

She looked back out at the waves lapping onto the shore, "I was thinking of going to port today, taking Henry to go watch the ships come and go, maybe play for a bit on the beach?"

"Aye, that's fine, I'll send Robin with you"

She would prefer not to have a bodyguard but she knew why it was necessary, she was the Queen after all and they were living in uncertain times with rumours of war, which made her a target. She reluctantly agreed, nodding her head.

"Do you miss it?" he asked "sailing the seas, pirate's life and all that!"

She shrugged, "sometimes"

It was an honest confession and he didn't hold it against her.

"You know, I got you Apollo because I thought you could get a piece of your old life back, the freedom when galloping over the hills, the wind blowing through your hair, it's hardly the same as a ship on the waves but it was the closest thing I could come up with…" he was scratching nervously behind his ear.

She smiled at the gesture. "You're right, it does remind me of it, he was a very thoughtful gift, and I've grown rather attached to him!"

"I can't imagine it's easy living this life after all the freedom and adventure you had before…so I just wanted to say thank you for everything you've sacrificed to be my Queen."

Emma chewed her bottom lip, "I never told you this but I've been here in this spot before, right here on this cliff looking out at this view" Killian raised his head to look at her, surprised by the news, Emma stood up, "I stood right here with Baelfire, just moments before I was captured. I looked out at the fields, the castle, and the village wondering what it would be like to live the simple life again." The King's gaze stayed focused on her, intrigued by her confession. "I even asked Baelfire if we could sell the crown and give up the life of piracy, live off our spoils, settle down, maybe even have a family down the line…he wasn't a fan of the idea, He didn't think we could be happy giving it up…"

"And are you…happy?" Killian asked hesitantly.

She turned to look back at him, smiled sympathetically and kneeled back beside him, holding his stare. "I think you and I both could be…potentially…if…"

"If what?" he whispered.

She swallowed nervously, she hadn't the courage to bring this up before but she longed for him and she knew he at least cared for her. Her heart was growing impatient and their anniversary seemed like an appropriate time to broach the subject. "Ok Swan, you can do this, it's now or never!"

"If…if we were able to love each other…"

"Emma!" he sighed with a warning tone.

"Just hear me out! We care about each other, what if you returned your heart even just for a trial period, just to see if we could fall in love with each other? Give ourselves a chance? How do we know we aren't depriving ourselves of true love?" her eyes were pleading and it pained him, he didn't want to deprive her of anything but this request was too much!

"We don't know what effect returning my heart could have on me, the pain it held was excruciating and that was before my brother died, what if it's too much? Or what if we don't fall in love? What then? We'd be trapped in a loveless marriage knowing that we will never know love. "

"How is that any different from what we are living now!" Emma raised her voice louder than she intended.

Killian's shoulders dropped, "What happened to love being weakness, Emma? Those were your words were they not?"

She shook her head violently, "I was wrong! I realise that now I have Henry, the moment I saw him I loved him and since he came into my life I've never felt stronger!"

He took her hand and pulled her into his arms trying to calm her, "And I'm so happy for you Emma, I'm happy you have love, I appreciate what you're trying to do for me but knowing you and Henry have love in your lives…that's enough for me."

"But it's not enough for me!" She thought sadly.

The carriage came to a stop and Emma waited for Robin to come round and open the door. She allowed him to help her out while she held Henry in her arms. She took a deep breath inhaling the salty sea air, allowing it to revitalize her. They started to walk down the pier together, "It's a fine day, your highness!" Robin observed.

"That it is, Ro-" she gasped coming to a halt.

Robin looked at her wide eyes and followed her gaze; he could barely believe his eyes. "Bloody hell, what's that doing here?"

"She" Emma corrected, "What's she doing here?" There before them sat the Jolly Roger, bobbing up and down on the water. And if they were surprised enough by that they were certainly not ready for what they saw next. Baelfire made his way casually down the gangplank and along the jetty until he stopped mid step, the colour drained from his face as if he'd seen a ghost, for as far as he was concerned that was exactly what he was looking at!

"Emma?!"