Wrecking Ball

They stood outside the large Iron clad door to the castle cells. Emma turned to Killian taking his hand in hers. "Do you trust me?"

"Completely! I just don't trust him!"

"Neither do I, ok, are you ready? Emotions in check? I don't want any outbursts from you no matter what he says!"

Killian nodded. "You have my word"

The Castle dungeon was a long dark room with cells lined up along the left hand side, on entry the aroma of damp wood and stale body odour assaulted their nostrils. A burning torch hanging from the wall cast a dim light on Robin who was sitting on a barrel twirling one of his arrows in his hand while he stayed focused on the prisoner. His eyes glanced up to Emma and Killian when he heard them enter. Emma placed her hand on Killian's chest, signalling that he wait at the entrance out of Baelfire's line of sight. She approached Robin.

"He's not said a word, your highness, just been sitting there good as gold" Robin reported.

"Thank you Robin, please leave us alone for a moment."

He rose from his seat, Emma's eyes didn't leave Baelfire, who was staring straight back at her in wonder; eventually she heard the large door close with a thud. She knew Killian was still there lurking in the shadows. The prisoner stood and walked towards the bars of his cell until he and Emma were inches apart.

"Emma" He whispered, still in shock. "It is you; I thought I was dreaming…how are you…"

"…alive?" She said, eyes narrowing.

"…the Queen?" He corrected her.

"I have some questions of my own, why are you here?"

"I heard Aaralyn is beautiful this time of year!"

"Don't play games with me Baelfire!"

He sighed. "I'm back for the crown. It was supposed to be my biggest score and it slipped from my fingers before I could sell it on."

She could tell he wasn't lying, unbelievable; this was all about a crown. It didn't make sense! "Why would you risk coming back for it?"

"It's worth a lot of money to my buyer!"

The penny dropped. "Wait, I was the one who heard about the crown, in that tavern in Tortuga, the bar tender told me…you knew! You orchestrated the whole thing! So you, what, paid the bartender to spin me that tale? Made me think the job was my idea?"

Baelfire looked away. "What does it matter Emma, we would have made a fortune?"

"Why didn't you tell me the truth?"

"I knew you wouldn't go for it…"

"Why?!"

He shook his head, refusing to answer her.

There was more to this, Emma just didn't know what. "Who is your buyer?"

"You know I can't tell you that Em!"

She slammed her hands against the bars, "Dammit Baelfire! Do you know what the penalty for piracy is in this kingdom? Death!" She answered her own question. "You realise you'll die now, because you came back!"

He didn't flinch at her reaction, just stood as still as stone his eyes glued to hers. "You're not going to let that happen, Emma."

"Oh and why is that?"

"Because I'm the father of your child, and he is in danger."

Emma froze. He knew; Henry was in danger and Bae knew he was his son. She heard a small sound from the door, Killian heard too! She could almost feel his anger radiating from the dark corner.

"What are you talking about?" She tried to keep her cool.

Baelfire smirked. "Open book Emma! I knew the moment I saw my own eyes staring back at me! He's a handsome boy…"

"He is NOT your son!" She hissed. "I don't care what you think you saw, his father is King Killian and you are treading dangerous ground threatening the crown prince!"

"We'll agree to disagree, and I am not threatening him Emma, I'm warning you! The man I'm working for is getting that crown tonight one way or another, I'm asking you to take your son and leave before the ball. You don't need to get caught up in this mess; they'll use you as leverage with the King if he doesn't give it up!"

"Oh so now you care about what happens to me?"

"I'm sorry about what I did Emma, I panicked! I figured it was better if one of us got caught instead of both! I wanted to come back for you!"

"Why didn't you then?" She challenged.

"I intended to but I heard the woman who had been taken prisoner was killed. I thought I lost you Emma, but don't you see? We can be together now, all three of us!" He pleaded.

The silence was deafening, Killian was holding his breath waiting for Emma's answer.

Emma stood strong before the man who abandoned her and left her to rot in this very cell over a year ago. She didn't believe one word of his promise of a life together; even if he did mean it she didn't want it. She loved Killian; perhaps this would be a way to show him that without saying the words. She cleared her throat, "I will not leave my husband, and I will not separate my child from his true father. If that means I am in danger so be it because that is what you do for family, you stand by them even in the darkest times. I wouldn't have left you Baelfire, if it had been the other way around, I would have fought off the guards until my last breath to protect you, you can tell yourself whatever story you like to try and ease your conscience. You're not going to hurt me or my family and you're going to tell me why your "buyer" wants my crown!"

"I can't do that, threaten me all you like but there is nothing you can do to me that is worse then what he'll do if he finds out I have betrayed him."

"You have made a mistake Baelfire, one you will regret for the rest of your life!" With that she turned and left the prison without a word, frustrated she couldn't get more information him.

Killian stood there in the shadows shaking with rage, he wanted to hurt Baelfire for threatening Emma and Henry but he knew his wife needed him. He fought against the powerful lust for vengeance coursing through his veins and followed her; he caught a glimpse of her blue dress down the corridor walking briskly away and ran after her. "Emma! Emma, luv, wait!" He grabbed her elbow spinning her around to look at him.

Fury shone in her eyes. "You heard him Killian! He won't tell us anything! I was such a fool for thinking I could get through to him, how can we fight if we don't know what we're fighting against?"

He stood before her feeling his own rage dissipate before laying his hands on her shoulders then stroking her arms. "It wasn't completely fruitless, he is scared of whoever he is working for, it must be the Dark One, and we know it is the crown he wants, and they are planning on taking it at the ball"

Emma sighed. "At least Henry is safe."

Killian stoked her cheek affectionately. "What you said back there…about family…"

"I meant every word!" she looked lovingly at him.

A grin began to spread across his face, god she was beautiful and she was his! Perhaps he had deprived them long enough; their world was being turned upside down but all he could think about in that moment was pulling her into his arms and tasting her lips. He leaned down towards her but before he could respond Leroy, a dwarf with a grumpy disposition, interrupted him. "Your majesty…"

Killian rolled his eyes while Emma suppressed a small grin. "What Leroy?" He asked through gritted teeth.

"Sorry to…erm…interrupt but Robin, Will, and Granny sent me to tell you they're waiting for you in the throne room." The dwarf informed him then bowed and left.

Killian's eyes darted back to Emma's. "Well, my Queen, it appears we are needed."

When Killian entered Emma's room she was doing the finishing touches on her hair pinning the last unruly strands. She was wearing an off the shoulder emerald green floor length gown. "What do you think?" She twisted her head from side to side to show off her braided crown.

"You're a vision, Emma" There was a sad tone to his voice that didn't go unnoticed.

She stood up and walked towards him her crown in hand. "Would you mind?" she handed it to him and he nodded.

He gently placed it on top of her head and stepped back taking her in. He noticed she was wearing her usual long necklace, the chain went down into her dress, he reached out to pull it out and fix it then stopped; the action seemed too intimate. He dropped his hands back to his sides.

She didn't seem to notice and gave him a twirl. "I hope I did ok without Ruby here to dress me….I guess it's kind of hard to know how to dress for a ball celebrating someone attacking your castle…"

He took her hands in his and pulled her towards him, "It's a ball celebrating our anniversary…though I suppose it isn't going to be your average ball."

Emma smiled wryly, "Well it isn't your average marriage."

Killian couldn't help but chuckle. "You seem to be in a good mood all things considered."

"I'm always in a good mood before a fight!" she teased. "What's making you smile?"

"I get to make every man here jealous by dancing with the most beautiful woman in the kingdom."

Emma rolled her eyes then turned so he couldn't see her blush. After tonight, after all this was over she was going to tell him the truth, that she loved him and she hoped to god it would be enough to make him finally decide to go back to being the man he was. She grabbed her daggers and lifted her skirt revealing leather sheaths she had strapped to her thighs to keep her weapons close. She had a smug smirk when she caught her husband staring.

Killian's jaw had dropped to the floor. His eyes darkened and his tongue instinctively darted out to lick his lips. He swallowed, and then with a mischievous grin admitted "I think I like pirate Emma!"

She slotted the last blade in place and tied a bag of gun power to her corset then dropped her skirts back down before walking towards her husband; she watched his Adam's apple bob as he swallowed deeply, his eyes raked over her body, she cut quite the figure in her corseted gown. Emma walked past him towards the door, placed her hand on the handle then looked over her shoulder and flirtatiously responded. "That's good, because you married her!"

Before her fingers could turn it he had her spun around and pinned against the wall, his lips devouring hers. It only took a second for her to catch up, answering his kisses as relentlessly and hungrily as he was giving them. She could feel the weight of his body against her and she was glad because she had gone completely weak at the knees, so this is what it was like to be kissed, really kissed, by Killian Jones. He released her wrists he had pinned against the door above her head so he could slowly move his hands down her body, feeling her curves and then pushing his fingers into her hips. She sunk her fingers into his hair, tugging it gently as he lifted her up using the door to support her as she wrapped her legs around his hips, pushing his body closer to hers, deepening their kiss. Killian was desperate and wanting, he craved her taste but what he wanted above all was to feel, god, just to feel the intensity he knew was there. He chased her lips when she tried to pull back for air; he was so close to her he could feel her heart pounding in her chest, feel the warmth of her body, just a little more he thought and maybe he'd feel it too. But it was a fool's errand, he knew what he was searching for was the burning passion of a heart so truly and deeply in love it could conquer anything. He stopped. Emma's forehead rested on his while they both stood there panting.

Eventually he gently lowered her back onto the ground. Emma lifted her head and touching her kiss bruised lips said. "That was…"

"…reckless" Killian finished her sentence for her. He gently let go of her and stepped back running his hand through his hair.

She could see the fear and uncertainty in his eyes. "Don't do that Killian, please…"

"Do what" He whispered.

"Don't push me away."

"I'm sorry" he shook his head. "I don't know how to do this; I wasn't expecting to feel…I wasn't expecting it to be so complicated."

Emma reached out and touched his arm. "Tonight we concentrate on the attack; we'll worry about this after, when we're all safe! Just…please don't push me away, we can figure it out together!"

He nodded. "Ok, we focus on tonight." He took a deep breath then offered his arm. "Our guests will be expecting us."

In a lot of ways it was just like every other royal ball Emma had attended with Killian since agreeing to marry him. The room was filled with men in suits and military uniforms and women in flowing gowns of every colour and style you could imagine. Lively music filled the grand ballroom; there were entertainers, magicians and mimes working the crowd. Tables overflowing with every type of food you could imagine, elaborate ice sculptures situated throughout the feast. The only difference tonight were the two swords hidden behind two statues at the ballroom entrance and the smaller weapons Emma, Killian, Will, and Robin had concealed on their persons. The King and Queen played their part dancing the night away, it was during a waltz that Killian noticed Arthur talking to a man he'd never seen before, then he saw them, four or five men shuffling round the perimeter of the room keeping eye contact with each other and giving the occasional nod.

"We have company, Swan" Killian alerted her. Emma immediately clocked the men.

"We need to draw them away from the guests, follow my lead!"

A glance at Robin and Will confirmed that they also noticed the visitors. Emma pulled out her fan and gave a loud sigh, "That last dance really took it out of me; I'm going to take a moment to rest and catch my breath!"

"Of course, my Queen, let me escort you somewhere quiet." Killain offered his arm and led Emma up the stairs and out the ballroom. Once they were through the doors they grabbed their swords.

"What do you think their game plan is?" Killian asked.

"I'm wearing the crown, they'll come for me." Emma said matter-of-factly.

Killian shook his head. "I don't like Emma, you should take it off. Hell, why aren't we just giving it to him instead of putting you in harm's way as bait?"

"Killian we don't know why he wants it! Anything this important to him must be able to help him do something diabolical and until we have more answers we can't give it to him. We have a responsibility to your kingdom to keep them safe, and to the rest of the realm!"

The King sighed, she was right, and he hated it, hated her being in danger like this just because she agreed to marry him. "Ok Emma, we fight together."

Just then the door swung open, the 5 men walked into the hall eyeing the King and Queen. Killian instinctively stepped in front of Emma. "Can I help you with something?" He asked, gripping the hilt of his sword.

A burly man in the middle of the group with long straggly hair looked down to see Killian's sword in hand and ginned wickedly flashing a gold tooth. "Why don't we do this the easy way, your highness? There are 5 of us and one of you; you can't win, unless the Queen is secretly a master swordsman!" The men around him snickered. "Hand us the crown and we'll let the Queen live, after we've all had a shot, of course!"

Killian's eyes narrowed but before he could say anything Emma stepped in front of him sword outstretched and said. "I'd like to see you try!" She ran for the leader attacking aggressively, he was caught off guard allowing Emma's sword to pierce his side then swiftly block his counter attack, with their swords pressed firmly together Emma lifted her leg and kicked him in the gut, sending him falling to the floor. The next man, a tall thin blonde ran up to her, their blades crashing together. Killian kicked the sword away from the first attacker, who was still lying on the ground unconscious, then watched his wife in awe as she got the upper hand on her attacker disarming her and knocking him out with the hilt of her sword in one swoop.

"Are you going to help or just stand there staring at my ass?" She shouted over her shoulder at him while she took on the last three men at one time, she made quick work of one just leaving two, one on either side of her.

"You seem to be managing fine on your own, Darling, and you do have an exquisite ass"

She turned back and forth meeting each sword in turn as it came towards her. Finally realising they needed to attack at the same time the men lunged towards her. She jumped back causing them to take each other out for her.

"Well that was easy!" Killian laughed "shall we go back to the party?"

"Where's Baelfire? Why wasn't he with them?" Emma wondered aloud as Killian opened the door back into the ballroom. Knights were flooding in from every door.

"Oh good, Arthur must have sensed something was wrong and called them in."

Emma wasn't convinced. She grabbed Killian's arm pulling him back in and only leaving the door open a crack so they could peer through into the ballroom. "Wait"

"Emma, what's wrong?"

"Shhh!"

Arthur walked onto the middle of the dance floor. "Lords and Ladies, listen carefully! The castle has been overthrown if you wish to live, do exactly as I say!" There was a wave of gasps around the room. He smiled wickedly and said. "Let's start with telling me where the King and Queen are!"

"Son of a bitch!" Killian whispered. "I can't believe that bastard sold me out!" They continued to watch as Arthur paced the floor.

"The Dark One has assured me if you bring the Middlemist crown to me no one has to die!" Another gasp echoed through the room. Killian noticed Robin on the south side with his bow behind his back. Will was on the east side in the middle of a large group of guests. The two men had nodded to each other. Killian wasn't sure what their plan was so he and Emma stayed in place watching what happened.

Baelfire entered the room, walking straight to Arthur. "I've checked all the bedrooms and the garden, no sign of the King and Queen.

"I saw them head out that way!" A short balding dignitary from a neighbouring kingdom spoke up, he pointed to the door Emma and Killian were peering out of. Arthur saw them but before he could take his first step while everyone's attention was on the King and Queen, Robin pulled out his bow and fired an arrow that went straight through the chain holding the giant chandelier. Arthur dove out the way as the light came crashing down blocking the stairs leading up to them. By the time he got up and looked in the direction the arrow had come from Robin was long gone.

Killian and Emma jumped back from the door. "Quick!" Killian grabbed her hand. "To the tunnels!"

They ran down the halls of the castle until they finally saw the library door in sight. Before they reached it a knight stepped out blocking their path, sword outstretched.

"I'm going to have to ask you to drop your weapons and come with me!" He ordered. Before Emma or Killian could respond the library door opened and a large marble bust statue came crashing down on the knight's head. He collapsed to the ground revealing Baelfire standing behind him.

"Well that should do the trick!" Baelfire admired his work. "Quick come in!" He ushered them into the library and closed the door.

"What are you doing?" Emma hissed.

"Look, you were right, what you said when I was back in the cell, you would have fought to the death for me. I was a coward to leave you Emma and I want to make it up to you, forget the crown! Let me help you now to make amends. I can only hope that one day you'll find it in your heart to forgive me!"

Emma eyed him suspiciously.

He sighed. "I mean it Emma, I'm sorry. Now go to your boy, he needs you." Suddenly there were voices on the other side of the door; the handle started shaking as they were trying to enter. "Quick! There are cloaks there for you, I'll hold them off, now go!" He threw a cloak over Emma's shoulders, lifting the hood over her head and nodded to Killian. The King ran to one of the bookcases and pushed it to the side revealing a hidden door. He ushered Emma through and just before he could follow her Baelfire grabbed his wrist.

"What the hell, man?"

Baelfire let go instantly and raised his hand apologetically. "I just wanted to say thank you for saving Emma. She deserves to be loved, look after her and my boy!"

A moment of understanding passes between the men, Killian nodded then followed Emma down the tunnels; he could hear Baelfire closing the bookcase behind them, his words echoing in Killian's mind. "She deserves to be loved" The words tormented him and he ran until the cold night air stung his eyes. Emma was waiting at the end of the tunnel with Robin.

"Where's Will?" The King asked, looking around.

"I don't know, but we should leave, Granny has taken the people up the mountain into the woods for shelter. I can take you to them; Ruby and Graham have already reached them with Henry." Robin informed them.

That moment Will came running through the tunnel. "Your majesties, we have to leave now!"

Robin looked at Emma, "Where is the Middlemist crown?"

Emma's hands shot to her head, the crown was gone. "Baelfire!" She hissed. "He must have swiped the crown when he put my cloak on. I'm such an idiot! We need to go back!"

"Whoa slow down, Swan!" Killian said.

"Emma, wait!" Will shouted and grabbed her arm. A loud explosion sounded knocking them all back.

"What the hell!" Killian mumbled.

Will explained, "I used the gunpowder to set an explosive to close the tunnel behind us."

"You blew up my castle?!" Killian shouted.

"They've already set the place alight, your highness, it was just a precaution."

"What about Baelfire?" Emma asked. Killian tried to ignore the concern in her voice.

"When I got to the library he wasn't there." Will explained.

"Guys, we have to leave now! We can discuss this when we get to the camp!" Robin slung his bow on his back and started running towards the forest, the rest of them followed.

When they reached the others a makeshift campsite had been set up in a clearing, there were hundreds of villagers and a few familiar faces. Granny was busy trying to make food for everyone while barking orders left and right. Emma scanned the place looking for Henry then caught sight of Killian walking alone back into the woods. She followed him until they came out onto a cliff and she gasped at what she saw. The horizon was glowing orange with black smoke billowing into the sky. The kingdom was reduced to burning rubble; they had destroyed everything. She could make out Killian's silhouette kneeling, shoulders slumped, looking out over his broken kingdom.