Ok I have to start by apologising at how long it's taken me to update this. My plan was to have it out on Saturday but my kids were ill. So back to the fic, I'm giving a disclaimer now that I am not a smut writer, I did think about going into more details in some of these scenes but personally I think it's better for the reader to fill in the blanks and then it's exactly as you'd want it to be, right! ;)
I'm aiming for the fic to be around 20 chapters and it's going to be pretty action packed from here on out. Hope you enjoy it, I always love hearing your thoughts! Remember you can follow me on twitter for updates on all my fics at librarybelle1
She wasn't prepared for the physical reaction her body would experience; she'd stood there, tensing every muscle, staring intently on the door, willing it open with all the faith and determination she still had. Killian took a deep breath and turned the handle. The next millisecond felt like an eternity. Then it came, the deafening click of the lock, followed by the eerie screech of the door falling open in front of them. They both released a breath they were unaware they'd been holding and Emma, her wide eyes starting to roll to the back of her head, began to collapse as her knees gave way, her body crumbling to the ground.
He jumped in and caught her before she met the floor, scooping her up in his strong arms and carrying her out of the cave. She'd waiting so long to be free, to see her son again, to be with her family; she wasn't ready for how emotionally exhausted she'd feel, how months of little sleep and untouched food would catch up with her and hit her with the force of a tsunami, drowning her in drowsiness. She fought to stay awake, she wanted to speak, to thank Killian, but her eyes betrayed her, the heavy lids slowly closing as she sank into the warmth of his embrace.
He rode to Ruby's campsite; a quick glance was enough to find the girl sitting by the fire, her head snapped up in his direction when she heard the approaching hooves.
"Your Majesty! Is that...? You freed her!"
"Aye Ruby" His face shone with relief.
She eyed the lifeless frame in his arms. "Is she...?"
"She's sleeping, gather whatever you need, we leave now and ride to Camelot, I know a tavern there we can stay at tonight."
She respectfully bowed her head and quickly dosed the fires and packed a bag then jumped on her horse and the three rode fast into the night.
Three hours later the warm glow and muffled sounds of merriment welcomed them to the tavern; Emma stirred in Killian's arms, now aching from supporting her as she slept and steering his horse at the same time. Ruby helped the Queen down from the horse, holding her friend up until Killian could slide down and take his wife's arm again.
"Ruby…we did it…I'm free" her voice was still cloaked in drowsiness.
Ruby, setting decorum aside, squeezed her friend in a firm hug. "The King did it! I've never seen a love quite like yours; I knew you'd be reunited again."
Right on cue Killian was by her side offering his arm for Emma to take. She linked hers with his, learning on him for support. She still felt weak but nothing a warm bowl of stew and a good night's sleep couldn't fix.
The tavern was full of life; most of the tables were crowded with patrons laughing loudly and guzzling their ale, a game of dice had attracted a number of spectators at a table in the corner of the warm room, dimly lit by dripping candles. An accordion player sat in the opposite corner grinding out slightly off-tune shanties a few of the older men sang along to. Everyone was too focused on their own conversations to notice Killian, Emma, and Ruby push open the creaky wooden door and join them.
They walked straight to the bar and Killian acquired two rooms for them for the night and ordered a hot bath to be brought to his. Once they were outside their rooms Ruby handed Emma some of her clothes for her to change into and gave her another quick hug.
"I'm so glad you're safe and free, your highness"
"Thanks Ruby, but for tonight you should just call me Emma; probably best not to attract too much attention to us." She smiled at her friend and gave her hand a squeeze before joining Killian in their room.
Emma closed the door gently behind her, she watched Killian search the room, opening the wardrobe and checking under the bed and behind the curtains. Once he seemed content that they were safe he looked up at her shrugging his shoulders and smiling apologetically.
"I know it's not much but we should be comfortable for tonight, it will be satisfactory enough for some rest and food."
Emma took a step towards him. "Considering I've spent the better part of a year living in a cave, I think this is more than satisfactory."
He moved a step closer to her too "I can't wait for you to see our new home, it's not as grand as what we had but I'm not rebuilding the castle until all our subjects have suitable housing. Our current home is in the village by the port…I wanted you to be able to see the ocean…you know, when you returned."
Closing the gap between them she laid her hands flat on his chest. "Sounds perfect…I can't wait to see Henry…"
"He'll be thrilled to see you too, love." He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead but before he could work his way down to her lips there was a knock at the door.
"Ah…that'll be my bath then" She whispered then walked over to open the door. Two maids carried a large tub into their room and started to fill it with jugs of hot water. Killian waited until they'd finished then took her hand and brought it to his lips.
"I'm going to go and acquire some food and drink for us, stay in the room where it's safe, Emma!"
Her eyes narrowed slightly, a lifetime of rebellious living on the seas with no one to answer to but herself made obedience a hard pill for her to swallow, but she knew Killian was just trying to protect her.
"As you wish" she answered.
Downstairs the tavern had grown even rowdier, the place busting at the seams with ruffians, bandits, and various other colourful characters. One particularly large and loud man with a full ginger beard and arms decorated with tattoos seemed to be making himself at home with two bar wenches on his lap and countless tankards of ale scattered around his table. He was loudly boasting about his latest misadventure, something involving a nobleman's carriage and resulting in him plundering riches he was now showing off, buying his friends round after round and attracting the attention of almost everyone in the room. Killian caught sight of Ruby sitting at the bar; she'd been resting her head on her fist, elbow on the bar. Her eyes caught his, which he rolled in the direction of the loud buffoon in the corner. She let out a giggle and Killian slipped in beside her.
"Why are some men such idiots" she shook her head in exasperation then took a swig of her beer.
"What…that doesn't do it for you?" Killian teased her.
"Not exactly my type, though he's spent the past 20 minutes boasting that no woman can refuse him…" it was her turn to roll her eyes.
"Well I guess we both know you prefer the strong silent type…"
She blushed slightly. "I hope it doesn't bother you…Graham and I, I mean…"
"Not at all! I'm thrilled for you both, as is Emma!"
She played with her bottle "I'm sure there will be those who disapprove…a huntsman and a wolf…I can just hear the old gossips now…"
"Let them talk!" Killian signalled the barman over "Another beer for my friend and I and I'd like two mutton stews for me to take to my room."
He turned to Ruby, "Do you want any food?"
"No thanks, I'll get something when I'm out later…"
He shot her a cautious look.
"I'm just going to do a perimeter check before I go to sleep, make sure you and Emma are safe, I'll probably catch a rabbit while I'm out!"
Before Killian could respond the burly ginger man in the corner started causing a scene.
"Let's make it more interesting this time!" He was talking to a smaller dark haired sinister looking man who he'd been playing dice with for the past while. "We'll play for her!" He pointed in Ruby's direction.
"Excuse me!" She rose to her feet in protest.
Killian jumped up beside her, "Leave her be, she's with me!" He challenged the players.
The ginger man bellowed laughter from his seat, "I watched you come in here with her and a blonde, two women for one man's a bit greedy, no? So you chose…we play for the blonde or the brunette."
"You play for neither, we don't want trouble…we're weary from a day's travel…now I'm warning you, leave us be." Killian threatened,
Ruby fixed her deadly stare on the men. Killian took her arm and muttered under his breath "stand down Ruby" The last thing they needed was her slipping into wolf mode in a tavern full of people, no doubt someone would run to the nearest village and ring the alarm bringing a small pitchfork wielding army back with them.
"I have no time for animals like that!" She hissed sitting back down with a thud and turning her attention back to her drink.
"Aye, love, best to ignore them." Killian let out a sigh, he was tired from the days ride, and he had no interest in a tavern brawl.
They talked for a bit longer and when Killian's food arrived, he stood up. He was just about to suggest Ruby retire to her room too, feeling uneasy leaving her here, more for the patrons safety than hers, but before the words could leave his lips the thin dark haired man who had been playing came up behind Ruby and grabbed her by the elbow.
"I'm here to claim my winnings lass"
"What the hell are you talking about?" She tried to squirm out of his grasp.
"Unhand her at once!" Killian squared up to the man.
"I wouldn't get in his way if I were you, a deals a deal" The booming voice came from behind Killian, he turned to find himself face to face with the large ginger man, his beard was littered with crumbs and dripping with ale, his body odour stung Killian's nostrils and he sneered flashing a gold tooth and breathing out the vilest breath the king had ever smelled. In an instant he'd grabbed Killian by the collar and had him pinned against the bar, his fist slowly rising ready to strike.
Suddenly he let out a squeal reminiscent to a pig being slaughtered, a dagger protruded from his fist which was just centimetres from Killian's face. By the time the oaf realised what happened and spun around to deal with his attacker he found himself face to face with Emma, her sword pressing into his throat just enough to produce a small pearl of glistening blood.
"Unhand them" She demanded with a voice of authority that surprised Ruby and Killian, and everyone else in the room for that matter.
The man holding Ruby chuckled, pointing a dagger to Ruby's ribs. "If you kill him I kill her"
Ruby took deep breaths trying to stop herself from turning into a wolf and causing countless casualties in the process.
"You want to take my friend outside to have your way with her?" Emma asked the man calmly.
"I was promised her as my prize, and a promise is a promise."
Emma glanced at Ruby whose eyes were narrowed and stormy, the man threatening her life seemed more an annoyance to her, like a fly buzzing around your head, than a real threat.
"Then take her!" Emma said, to everyone's surprise. She gave Ruby a knowing look. "If you truly want to your entertainment from her then take her, it matters little to me."
"Emma" Killian shot her a warning look, but she didn't care, years of being a pirate and a woman in a world run by men, having to constantly defend herself, and prove herself she had no time for vermin like these before her, as far as she was concerned whatever Ruby did to him under the cloak of darkness served him right for treating women as possessions to be traded in tavern games.
Ruby snatched her elbow from the man. "I'm only going to warn you once, if you take me outside it will be the last thing you ever do!" She warned.
He laughed loudly, followed by a chorus of laughter from his friends around the tavern.
"You've got spirit lass, I'll give you that, but if there is one thing I've learned about spirited women it's that their bark is always worse than their bite!" His hand slapped her rear causing her eyes to flare in rage.
"Poor choice of words, mate" Killian muttered under his breath.
"Shall we go then?" The man grabbed her wrist pulling her outside after him. "Time to cash in my prize."
The man, thinking he'd struck gold licked his lips and roughly pushed Ruby out the door. Emma and Killian glanced at each other realising the ginger giant's henchmen were closing in around them, swords, knives, and daggers drawn. She knew she wasn't up to her full strength yet, her body ached from the ride earlier and she was still tired and weak but they were past talking their way out of this.
"If you leave now you won't get hurt!" She called out to them; a ripple of laughter filled the room. She counted 16 men, that was 8 each for her and Killian, ambitious but not impossible. They needed a distraction.
Just then screams came from outside. Ruby had obviously shown her admirer exactly how bad her bite was. Every head in the place turned to face the door and Emma took advantage of the moment, using all her force to knock the ginger man in the temple with the hilt of her sword, he loosened his grip on Killian and dropped to the floor. The king wasted no time in unsheathing the giant's sword and bringing the blade down on a rope suspending the large wooden candelabra above their heads. It came crashing down knocking out 4 men in one go. Emma's sword clashed against another belonging to one of the henchmen, she slid her blade against his until they were face to face and she pushed him back lightly then kicked him full force in the stomach sending him flying back, knocking over a second man behind him.
Killian was fighting two men at once, he spun between the two, each swing of his sword knocking them further back, it didn't take long before they were both down. He felt Emma pressed against him, back to back and they took on the remaining 7 men together weaving seamlessly in and out of each other's space, when he was rearing back she was striking forward and vice versa. The spectators looked on in wonder as if watching a choreographed dance unfold before their eyes until the last body fell and Emma and Killian stood in the middle of the carnage, panting.
He turned and gave her a smirk, "We make quite the team, Swan"
She smiled back, but her hands dropped her sword and her shoulders sagged with exhaustion.
"Here, love, sit" He signalled to the bar where steam was still rising from the two bowls of stew. "I seem to remember asking you to stay in our room!"
"If you wanted an obedient wife you shouldn't have married a pirate."
"Touché" He smirked. "Have something to eat and drink, I'll speak to the landlord then go find Ruby."
The landlord's eyes widened when Killian threw a generously sized bag of gold in his direction. "This is for any damages and for the removal of these men, we've had a long day and just wish to be left in peace to rest and we'll be out of your hair tomorrow first light."
The man counted the gold then nodded before Killian turned and went outside.
Emma was already in their room when Killian returned, sitting at the desk unravelling the braid in her hair. They exchanged smiles as he shut the door behind him and watched her work away at her tresses. Once her hair was free she reached for her brush but he caught her in time, beating her to it.
"May I?" He asked shyly.
Emma nodded and he began to gently brush her hair, letting the golden locks slip through his calloused fingers. She felt her body relax and once he was satisfied he'd rid her head of any tangles he set the brush down and kissed the top of her head. She grasped his hand before he could move away and kissed the back of it.
"I've never seen you fight before, I'm impressed with your swordsmanship."
He flashed a shy half smile, "You had a lot of faith in me then to put us in a situation where we needed to take down 16 armed men."
She turned to face him "Well luckily for us you have some skill with a sword."
His face changed, his lips teased the shadow of a smile and his eyes twinkled mischievously.
"That's not the only thing I'm skilled at, you know."
"Is that so?" She stood to face him tilting her head flirtatiously, "Shall we see how good a team we really make?"
He didn't have time to respond before her lips were on his.
Before the rooster crowed the following morning the three comrades were riding home towards Aaralyn, Killian and Emma on Apollo and Ruby on her horse, Hunter. Killian had sent word to Merlin to come to Aaralyn for a council meeting that evening, now Emma was home he was eager to free their brothers in Misthaven as soon as possible.
10 hours of riding with just one short stop to water the horses brought the three travellers home. Emma was impressed with how much work had been done restoring the kingdom while she was gone, it wasn't quite at its former glory but it was a far cry from the rubble and burnt ruins she'd left. She could see the site where the castle once stood, it was the only building still untouched since that night, surprisingly the sight made her smile; Killian really was looking out for his people before himself. She was so proud of how he'd grown into his position of King; the selfish, indifferent, broken man she'd met in the castle cells was no more. This was who Killian was destined to be, the King who would unite the two kingdoms ripped apart by darkness.
Once they reached the stables they'd barely dismounted their horses before Graham and Robin came bursting in, Graham ran straight to Ruby lifting her into the air and twirling her around before bringing her back down and smothering her in kisses, muffling her giggles.
Robin rolled his eyes exchanging a chuckle with Killian then bowed before Emma.
"Queen Emma, I'm so relieved you're back and safe."
"Thanks Robin"
The reformed thief punched his best friend in the arm.
"Ah! What's that for?" Killian demanded.
"For bloody well running off without telling anyone where you were going, I was worried sick!"
Killian rubbed his assaulted arm "Robin you can't go around punching the King! And I'm sorry…I didn't know you cared so much" He teased his friend.
"I have nothing but respect for you as my King, but as my best mate, you were a bloody fool going off alone like that!" He glanced over to Graham and Ruby "Oy, you two find a room! I'm addressing the King and Queen of Aaralyn here!"
The stables erupted in laughter and Killian put his arm around Emma, pulling her to his side so he could plant a kiss on her forehead.
Graham, now an impressively vibrant shade of pink, apologised. "I'm sorry your highnesses, I…I just forgot myself for a moment."
"That's quite alright, we're all friends here" Emma beamed, "Ruby has been invaluable to me the past year, I think it's time she deserved a break, why don't you take her home Graham and you can continue your reunion in a more…private place." She winked at him and Graham bowed, overcome with embarrassment.
"Thank you, my Queen."
"Come on then!" Ruby chuckled, grabbing his hand, giving Emma and Killian a quick curtsy and leading him away.
"Some people just have no respect." Robin huffed. Emma shot Killian an amused look, biting the inside of her cheek to suppress her laughter.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you where I was going, Robin, I had an idea to free Emma and time was of the essence, I didn't want to tell people in case it didn't work but…as you can see it did." Killian smiled at his wife. "Now, I can fill you in at tonight's meeting but at the moment there is someone Emma would very much like to see."
"Of course…and sorry about the arm…I was worried, that's all." Robin shuffled his feet on the dusty stable floor.
"Ah, its fine, you hit like a pansy anyway" Killian winked at his friend.
"Hey, bad form!" Robin protested.
"Ok, ok, guys we all know you love each other very much, now, please, I want to go see my son!"
"Aye, come on love, I'll take you home."
As they walked through the seaside village Killian waved to his subjects, called them by name, asked about their families or how business was going. Emma was overwhelmed by the response to her return, the people cried with joy and cheered for their Queen.
Killian leaned into her ear at one point and whispered, "They've waited years to see the lost Swan Princess returned, you being back has lifted their spirits and given them even more motivation to restore Aaralyn and come together to save Misthaven, you give the people hope, Emma"
For the first time in her life Emma felt like a real Queen, she smiled back at the people and waved, squatting down to accept some flowers from some children, kissing them each on the cheek.
"We're just here!" Killian pointed to a stone house ahead of them, it was larger than the surrounding houses but only slightly, there was no grand gate or high walls, it was part of the community, it looked directly onto the sea, but before Emma could admire the view the front door swung open and Henry toddled out, followed by Granny.
"Mama!" he squealed running into Emma's arms.
"Henry! I've missed you so much baby" She squeezed him tightly kissing his chubby cheeks "Mama loves you so much"
"Queen Emma, thank god you're back safe" Granny threw her arms around Emma, still holding Henry.
"It's good to be home" she blinked away the tears threatening to fall and turned to Killian but something else caught her eye, out on the water, bobbing up and down was The Jolly Roger.
"My ship" she whispered.
"Aye, you're crew sailed in last week, I sent word saying they would be needed to help you and they came straight away. They're keen to see you too!"
She kissed Henry again on his forehead making him giggle. "Little love, what do you say we get some dinner then go visit mama's ship?"
"Lolly Woger" he squealed excitedly, jumping up and down in his mother's arms making everyone laugh.
Their home was well stocked and comfortable but modest. Compared to the cave she'd spent over 8 months in it seemed like a palace to Emma, but most importantly her family was there, Killian and Henry, and she'd never felt more at peace. The three of them sat on a rug in front of the open fire playing with Henry's wooden ship Emma had made him, and a few wooden pirate toys. She loved watching Henry and Killian play, her heart warmed seeing how close they were, she really couldn't ask for a better Father for her son.
Killian glanced out the window at the low sun on the horizon. "If you want to visit your ship before the meeting we should leave now."
The three walked towards the impressive looking ship, Emma shuddered, thinking about the last time she was on the Jolly Roger and how close Henry had come to being discovered by the Dark One had it not been for Graham. They walked up the gangplank, her hand tightly gripping Henry's. As soon as she set foot on board she heard Smee's excited voice.
"It's the Cap'n!"
It was followed by a resounding cheer from the crew who all rushed over to Emma; every one of them spoke excitedly over each other, from apologies for not fighting harder to stop the Dark One, to relief at her safety, to questions of when she would be setting sail again. Emma raised her hands to quiet them.
"Please, let me speak!" she chuckled. "Thank you for your concern and for replying to the King's request to return to Aaralyn to assist me. Do not fret about the Dark One, there was nothing any of you could have done to help me, I hold nothing against you. This is my son, Henry…"
There was a murmur of chatter amongst the crew.
"…he is an honorary member of the crew and this is my husband, King Killian of Aaralyn who I believe you've met."
The men nudged each other and chuckled at the look Emma gave Killian, a few even wolf whistled loudly making Killian's ears go slightly red. They were still trying to wrap their heads around the fact that their Captain was now a Queen.
"Ok, ok, that's enough!" she scolded. "War is imminent and after tonight we should have a better idea of what our plan of attack is so be prepared. Word will be sent to you first thing tomorrow."
She gave Killian and Henry a quick tour of her ship then they walked back home to put Henry to bed. The toddler, tucked up snugly in bed, begged his step-father to tell him another one of his tales. Emma curled up with her son and listened fondly as Killian told the story of the King and the pirate and how their fates had been intertwined since birth. She gently stroked her son's hair as he drifted off to sleep just as Killain finished.
"And they all lived happily ever after."
"And do you think we will, that our story will end that way?" she asked him in a hushed voice, yesterday had been a small victory but with the two most powerful wielders of dark magic at war with one another, her parents and kingdom frozen in a sleeping curse, and the countless trials there were going to have to face in the upcoming year it was hard to imagine a fairy tale ending.
He moved over to her, taking her hand in his, rubbing her knuckles with his thumb.
"I care little about how our story ends." She frowned at his confession; he smiled and tried to explain. "Endings are final, often sad and almost always involve goodbyes of some sort. Our story is a journey and there is no one I'd rather have as my traveling companion. We have each other, and Henry, we are living our happily ever after, Emma, in the here and now. I intend to make the most of every moment I'm gifted with you."
She cupped his face in her hands and lifted her lips to his. Pulling away she said, "Well, in that case, we have an hour before our meeting and there is one room of our home you're yet to show me."
He arched his brow. "Is that right, and what room would that be?" his tongue swept along his bottom lip and he bit back his smile.
"Our bedroom" she whispered into his lips.