With a heavy heart, Emma slunk back to her room. Just as she lay down on the bed, a knock aroused her attention.
"Come in." She mutters into her pillow.
"Emma?" Her father entered the room slowly, and sat at the edge of her bed. "Sweetheart, are you alright?"
"I'm fine father." She rolls over into a seated position and faces him. "I'm sorry about dinner." She looks down at her hands.
"Emma." David carefully covers his daughter's hands with his own and Emma looks to meet his gaze. "You're mother and I did not mean to upset you. You have such a kind heart, and one day, you will make a wonderful Queen. I know you don't understand why we have to do certain things, but someday you will. Pirates attack our ships all the time, and when we catch one—especially one as influential as Hook—we have to use it to our advantage. We hope this will discourage more pirates from coming around these waters."
Flashes of Killian and his brother in Neverland while in the King's navy appeared in her mind. Killian wasn't born a pirate, but Captain Hook was. The loss of his brother turned him dark, and the loss of his love destroyed any hope left in his heart. Emma couldn't imagine what she would do if she lost anyone. "It's alright father, I understand. I believe I am just nervous about the ball." She lied.
King David smiled at his daughter. "Emma, this is simply an opportunity to meet the men in surrounding kingdoms. It is not us forcing you to find a companion. We did not mean to make you feel pressured."
"Thank you." Emma nods and looks down once more.
"Hey." David touches her chin to bring her eyes back to his. "I love you very much, and I want you to be happy. I know it hasn't been easy for you growing up alone, and it's something your mother and I often regret. But you understand with Regina,"
"I know that it was unsafe for you to even have me, I wouldn't want you living in fear of another child getting hurt." Emma forces a smile, but in her heart she felt the loneliness. She imagined it was the same loneliness Killian felt, the emptiness that drove him to feel as if revenge would be the only release.
"We got really lucky with you." David grins at her, light tears in his eyes. "You have grown into a magnificent woman, and any man would be lucky to have you. But if you don't want to marry right now, you don't have to."
Emma hugs her father. "Thank you." She holds tightly to him, something she hasn't done in years. Before he leaves, the King presses a kiss to her cheek, and Emma smiles back at him.
"I love you too." Her voice comes out quietly as he leaves the room.
The princess barley slept as she thought of the pirate. She understood her parent's point of view, but she didn't want him to be locked away forever. Emma believed that Killian was meant for more than the life he'd chosen for himself. And she was determined to figure out that purpose.
Dressed in her riding clothes, Emma headed down to the dungeon once more.
The guards wore confused faces as they saw her approaching. Emma let out a deep breath and waved her hand in front of them. Both men collapsed to the floor. While she had never had much use for magic, Emma had spent her childhood refining the craft she was born with. Her teacher, a local sorcerer, had taught her everything he knew years ago. While she craved to learn more, there were only two creatures who could do so, and her parents had forbid her from seeing either. But something about the prisoner fanned the fire in her heart, and Emma was determined to fully develop her gift. But she knew she would need his help.
Killian was passed out in a bed of hay when she entered.
"Killian." She spoke clearly and confidently.
He didn't stir.
"Killian!" Her voice echoed off the cell walls, and the man jumped up in a confused daze. His sleepy eyes fell on the princess.
"Isn't it quite early my dear?" His voice rang of both irritation and intrigue.
"We have to go early before the rest of the kingdom awakes." Emma glances over her shoulder before turning back to him.
"Go? Go where?" He comes closer to her.
She takes a deep breath. "I'm getting you out of here, but on one condition."
He grins mischievously. "What is it my dear?"
"You're going to take me to the Evil Queen."