They didn't have to trudge through the snow for too long to find Killian's horse. Emma's horse was nowhere to be seen so she knew she would have to double up with Killian. The thought of being so close to him sent her nerves in a tizzy. Killian gave her a leg up to help sit her on his horse and he mounted behind her. It was alarming that she was so close to him, touching him in too many places, feeling his heat – the man always felt hot to her – was too disturbing by a half.
Killian's arm slipped around her waist to draw her hips more firmly between his legs. Emma was disconcerted but she thought he was merely assuring that she didn't fall of the horse.
He pulled her close because he liked the feel of her between his thighs. She had a rump that was firm but had soft curves in all the right places. The smell of her hair was intoxicating and the contact of her against his chest was quite pleasurable. He was burning with desire and he reveled in the flames.
"According to pirate's code, once a person saves your life, you are indebted to them until you return the favor," Killian said totally making it up. No way was there a pirate code that says that. You were lucky if a pirate said thank you but the thought of parting ways with her didn't sit right with him. He was half-hoping he wouldn't get paid 3000 gold coins when they arrived in Arendelle so he would have an excuse to keep her with them, have her work off the debt in many imaginable ways.
"Well, you saved me from my horse so I guess we are even," Emma offered.
"Nonsense. The most you would have gotten was a few bruises if you had gotten thrown off," Killian said. "I most surely would have had quite the horrible, bloody death."
"I was saving myself the trauma of seeing your horrible, bloody death," Emma said.
"Regardless, I'll just have to hang around you until I repay the favor," Killian announced.
"I assure you that won't be necessary," Emma said firmly.
"Pirate's code, sweetheart," Killian said with a smile.
Emma felt it was better that she no longer see him once she arrived at Arendelle and paid him off. Her horse was still no where in sight and she hoped she wouldn't have to ride with Killian for the rest of the trip.
They made it back to where they had been attacked by thieves and saw Smee, Fitch and Graham taking stock of what was stolen.
When Graham spotted them, he ran up and helped her off Killian's horse, "Emma, are you alright?"
"I'm fine. We were attacked by an ogre," Emma informed him as she slid off the horse.
"Yes, apparently Emma had some unknown magic in her to scare the ogre away," Killian announced.
"Magic, eh? " Graham commented. "I knew there was something special about you."
Killian rolled his eyes. The man's flirting was back. He did have to agree that Emma was special, though.
As Emma walked away she threw back, "You really don't need to uphold your pirate's code."
"Of course, I do. Gentleman pirate and all that," Killian threw back.
Graham turned to him and asked, "Pirate code?"
"She saved my life and I told her pirates always repay the favor," Killian told him.
"Pirates will sooner slit your throat than pay a debt," Graham countered.
"Aye but she doesn't know that and it gives us an opportunity to stay with her a little longer," Killian said.
Graham looked at him rather dubiously, "It gives us or you an opportunity?"
"You claimed her first until she says nay," Killian said.
"And if she says nay, are you going lay your claim?" Graham asked.
"She's an attractive woman," Killian admitted. "I certainly wouldn't turn her away."
"Well, I wouldn't get my hopes up," Graham said. "She can't stand you."
Graham walked away leaving Killian feeling downcast. Maybe it was best that she would leave them when they got to Arendelle.
Eventually they did find Emma's horse and she was relieved she didn't have to ride with Killian or bounce around in the wagon. They finally got to Arendelle and Emma asked for directions to Elsa's palace. When they got to the gates of the palace, Emma announced herself leaving out her princess title and waited in the hall. Emma started getting nervous when the pirates observed all the gilded furniture and paintings. She hoped they wouldn't plan to loot the place while they were there.
Elsa walked into the room so happy to see Emma she gave her a hug and welcomed her to Arendelle.
Emma quickly introduced her companions and whispered to Elsa, "Could we talk in private?"
Elsa looked at the men that came with Emma and said, "Of course."
They excused themselves and went into the next room.
"Who are those men, Emma?" Elsa asked when they were alone.
"They are my escort. Elsa, I need to borrow some money," Emma said looking uncomfortable. "I made a deal with them to bring me here."
"You don't have to borrow money, I'll be happy to give it to you," Elsa said.
"It makes me feel better to pay you back."
"It's fine, Emma. How much?"
"3,000 gold coins."
"It's done. How did you end up traveling with them?"
"It's a long story."
"Well, let's take care of payment and then you can rest. It's been a long journey for you and then you can tell me what happened."
Once the money was paid to them, Emma was ready to say goodbye to the band of pirates.
"Thank you for all your help," Emma said to all of them.
Graham stepped forward and asked, "What are your plans now?"
"Find passage back to the Enchanted Forest and try to find my family," Emma said.
"I'd like to assist you with that," Graham volunteered. "I feel we still owe you for playing a part in abducting you."
Killian stepped forward and said, "Actually if you are taking The Grinder, I'd like to pay for passage back to the port city."
The Grinder was the special ship in Elsa's fleet that could break through the ice in the river. Killian, being a pirate captain, would know of such a ship.
"I'll ask Elsa," Emma answered. "Let me know which tavern you are staying and I'll give you word when I'm leaving."
Graham still pressed his suit, "Perhaps we could have dinner tomorrow night?"
Emma didn't have the heart to turn him down and embarrass him in front of everyone. She had a feeling she would be traveling with them again on The Grinder so she didn't want any uncomfortable feelings.
"That would be lovely, Graham," Emma agreed to the date. She would definitely need to set him straight on what her priorities were and romance was not on the horizon for the immediate future.
"I'll send word as soon as we get settled," Graham said taking her hand and placing a kiss on it. He gave a deep bow and turned to leave.
Smee and Fitch bowed and fared her well. Killian took a long look at Emma and nodded his head.
"Take care, Miss Swan," Killian said. As he turned around to leave, he looked back at her with a twinkle in his eye and said, "Remember, pirate's code." With a grin, he left.
Later on as Emma entered the dining room she was met with two more friendly faces.
"Anna! Kristoff! It's so good to see you," Emma exclaimed. "I haven't seen you since your wedding and what a beautiful wedding it was."
"I'm happy to see you too Emma!" Anna said as she embraced Emma. Emma turned to give Kristoff a hug as well.
"Are your parents' here?" Anna inquired excitedly. "I can't wait to see them."
"Well, actually, I have bad news," Emma said dejectedly. She proceeded to tell them how the Evil Queen, Regina, attacked them. They gasped when they heard her father was imprisoned, and that her mother was looking for a way to free him. She told them what happened at Rumpelstiltskin's castle and how she ended up in Arendelle.
"Pirates are better than wizards, at least the pirates you met are and definitely better than Rumpelstiltskin," Anna continued. "In a way it's great that you didn't make a deal with the Dark One because those always go bad."
Emma realized Anna reiterated Killian's words.
"Emma, you should have come to us," Elsa told her. "We would have gladly given you aid."
"I know but Arendelle was too far and so much happened," Emma concluded. "Besides, you still have problems with Hans and his brothers."
"If there is any way we could help you, we'll do it," Elsa said. "Especially with your parents in danger."
"Actually, there is a way you could help," Emma said. "You could teach me how to use magic. We were attacked by an ogre on the way here and I shot magic out of my hands when the ogre was about to devour the pirate Captain."
"The pirate Captain that wanted to take the Dark One's wife away?" Anna asked. "Doesn't that sound so romantic that he wanted to kidnap his lover, although she's married and that doesn't seem so honorable, but then she's married to the Dark One and it's understandable if she wanted to get away, he was probably helping her."
Emma cringed when she was reminded of the Captain's love, Milah. He had risked the Dark One's wrath to get her back in his arms. He must have been so very disappointed when he found her instead of Milah. From an outside view Emma saw the romantic implications of his actions and she felt her stomach drop at the thought of how much he risked trying to take her away. She scolded herself for feeling jealous. It's better if she never saw him again, she thought.
"Yes that Captain. That mistakenly abducted me and took me to that cold, drafty heap of stones because he needed to be with his beloved," Emma said bitingly.
Elsa, Anna and Kristoff shared a look. They all wondered why Emma's attitude turned sullen at the mention of the pirate Captain.
Elsa looked on the bright side, "At least you have a date with that man, what did you say his name was, Graham?"
"Yes, Graham was a perfect gentleman the whole trip," Emma turned cheerful when she mentioned Graham.
"You need a new dress," Elsa announced. "I'll send a dressmaker to your room tomorrow and I will give you lessons in magic after you get measured."
"Thank you so much, Elsa," Emma was happy. "I know I'll be able to help rescue my parents when I get a hang of this magic thing."
Emma went to bed that night happy that she was a few steps towards freeing her family and she got a good night's sleep to get ready for the lessons in the morning.
As Killian left the Ice Queen's castle, he congratulated himself for thinking fast. He remembered the ship that could cut through ice and he knew most likely Emma would travel back to the Enchanted Forest on that ship. He could buy himself a few more moments in her company and perhaps learn more about her.
They found a tavern by the harbor where other sailors frequent and had a hot meal and a glass of rum. Both Graham and Killian were busy with their thoughts of the same woman that they didn't notice the other tavern wenches and bar maids trying to draw their attention. After they finished the meal and they were all in their cups, Graham excused himself saying he needed to scout some other establishments that are more appropriate to take a lady to and was on his way. Killian was assailed with an unpleasant feeling in his gut when he thought of Graham and Emma's date tomorrow night. He ordered more rum to chase the feeling away.
He wondered if it was true when Graham said Emma couldn't stand him. Maybe it was just Graham trying to dissuade him from competing for the hand of Emma. Though Emma didn't act as if she desired any romantic attention, she still reacted as a woman who was physically affected by an attractive male when Killian came too close. Perhaps once she overcomes her troubles she might be open towards that attention, he thought. It was those thoughts he pondered as he went to his room and prepared himself for sleep.
The next morning after breakfast, Emma chose a dress to be made and stood still for the fittings. Then she got ready for her magic lessons with Elsa.
They went into the large ballroom to start training and Emma saw that it was set up with a stuffed dummy which looked like Hans dressed in naval uniform inspired clothing wearing navy blue trousers, black boots, a magenta tie, blue shirt, indigo vest, and a light gray-and-black blazer with patterns. Emma had to laugh at that.
"I use Hans the dummy for target practice," Elsa announced.
"He's perfect," Emma answered.
Graham was still asking recommendations for romantic eating establishments from the townspeople and the tavern owner and he narrowed it down to two places. He already made reservations for one of them and the other would be backup. He went to the barber shop to get cleaned up and bought a new shirt.
Killian was watching his preparations with mild interest. The gnawing feeling in his gut was still there at the thought of Graham and Emma together. They had a chance to be alone and Graham could let loose all his seductive skills on the lass. All throughout the trip, Graham always curbed his charms due to the fact that he always had an audience but he may not hold back tonight and that left Killian with a heavy heart and a sour mood.
As he watched Graham hop into a rented hansom, Killian stared at the bottom of his ale mug, ready to order another drink when a redheaded tavern wench boldly sat herself in his lap.
"Care to buy me a drink?" the redhead asked.
An idea lit up Killian's face and he answered, "I'd like to buy you more than that, love."
Emma was pleasantly surprised when she saw Graham as he came to pick her up for their date. He was even more handsome after he shaved and was wearing a new shirt. Graham admired her new blue velvet dress and paid her many compliments. He assisted her with her cloak and swept her into the awaiting hansom cab as they made their way from the palace to the restaurant. He told her all about the reviews that he had heard and she couldn't wait to see the menu. She had worked up an appetite after practicing her magic.
She couldn't believe it when she shot white light out of her hands after a couple of hours of nothing. It started when Elsa asked her what made her magic come out before. She envisioned Killian getting eaten by the ogre and she started getting a tingling sensation in her hands. She realized her magic came out when she needed to protect someone. Whether that someone was Killian or not, she wasn't sure. After that she was aiming her magic at Hans the dummy and doing pretty well.
Emma and Graham were shown to their table. It was a very romantic, cozy place that had a warm atmosphere. Emma was looking at all the recommendations on the menu that Graham told her about during the ride there when she heard a voice.
"Graham! Emma! I didn't realize this was the restaurant you were going to," Killian lied through his teeth. He had overheard the names of two restaurants that Graham narrowed down and chose one of the restaurants to go with his date.
Emma spied Killian and a redhead standing next to him. He was on a date, too? She checked out the redhead and Emma thought her dress was so daringly low cut that Emma was afraid a nipple would pop out. She also thought she would look better with less makeup. Emma wondered if that was Killian's type of woman.
Graham's face turned red when he saw Killian and some redheaded trollop turn up at his carefully planned date with Emma.
"Killian, what are you doing here?" Graham hissed through his teeth at a smiling and a little inebriated Killian.