A/N: Thank you to everyone that took the time to read my story. I really appreciate everyone who left me reviews. They are great and totally make my day. It's awesome to hear that you like something I added to the story or maybe not so much. This chapter is a little longer. I hope you enjoy and I look forward to hearing from you.
Ch. 12
When he woke up that morning he was still trying to make sense of the prior day. The ship was rocking softly and Emma was soundly sleeping. He grinned at the fact that he satisfied her so thoroughly that she couldn't keep her eyes open. He had to carry her to bed last night and tuck her in. She looked so beautiful with her hair fanned against her pillow. The morning light caught it perfectly showing the beautiful yellow and gold strands glowing.
The bruises on her neck had almost disappeared and he was thankful for that. He never wanted her to have a reason to hide from him. He sat up and pulled on his pants. He needed to make provisions to contact her father while they were still docked in Tortuga. He had a few favors he could cash in but the men were scoundrels and he knew better than to reveal too much. It would have to be as clandestine as possible not to arouse suspicion. He still didn't know if Emma's husband would come looking for her. She seemed persistent that he wouldn't care that she was missing but he couldn't believe that any man would be happy about her being taken. That thought made his heart twist. If anyone ever tried to take her by force he would go to any lengths to rescue her.
He pulled on his boots, a shirt, and his vest before she started rustling in the bed. He walked over and smoothed her hair back from her forehead and caressed her face. She nestled down again against her pillow. The little noises made him smile. He tucked the blanket higher to keep her warm.
He grabbed the quill and paper from the desk and drafted a small note to leave on the bedside table. He didn't want to worry her if she woke to find him gone.
Love,
I'll be back soon. Stay on the ship until I return. It's not safe for you on your own.
Yours,
Killian
He couldn't resist kissing her cheek before leaving. She smiled in her sleep and he left feeling content and happy.
When Emma woke she felt to the side of the bed and Killian was missing. The bed was cool so he'd have been gone for awhile. She sat up and stretched her muscles. She was tender but she felt good. Her lips were still kiss swollen too. She ran her fingers across them and remembered what it was like when Killian was kissing her the night before. She couldn't get enough of him. After being denied contact for so long she just wanted to kiss him and touch him. It was nice to have someone who thought she was desirable.
He was such a thorough lover. She'd heard the ladies maids talk about their nights with their husbands when they thought she wasn't listening. She didn't believe the stories they told and she'd always felt a little jealous at the possibility they were true. She never experienced anything like what they described, even the good nights that she remembered. What she experienced with Killian by far exceeded any expectations she had about what pleasure should be. When he touched her she felt like electricity was crawling all over her and then when he found that spot she could see explosions behind her eyes.
She hugged herself tightly and smiled as she remembered things vividly. The sensations were amazing. At one point in the evening she thought she might have actually been floating off the deck. She was going to have a few tender places for sure but they were good reminders. She needed to shake these thoughts because now she was aroused again. She'd have to help remind him later.
She kicked off the covers and hopped off the bed. She felt happy and light. The sun was shining high in the sky and there were tons of beautiful clouds overhead. She loved looking out the window and watching the sea. It was breathtaking and it made her think about being free.
She walked to the table to grab some water and found the note Killian left her and it made her smile. He was really thoughtful. She needed to get herself together. It was likely that the rest of the crew would be returning back to the ship soon. She wanted to be suitable for presentation since she hadn't really met the men except when they kidnapped her and when she ordered them to help her after Killian was hurt. Even then it was only some of the crew members.
She needed a proper introduction if she was planning on staying on the ship with them. She hoped they would be ok with her living on the Jolly with them. She grabbed some things from her trunk and went to wash up.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~K&E~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Killian walked into Tortuga with extra swagger after last night. He didn't think anything could bring him down today. He looked to his left and there in the gutter was his first mate.
"Smee, Wake Up!" said Killian. He gave him a swift kick to rouse him.
"uhhhhh" groaned Smee.
"Smee, when your Captain gives you an order you step to it." Said Killian.
"CAPTAIN! Sorry sorry sorry" slurred Smee.
"I see you had a good time." Said Killian.
"Aye, Captain. " said Smee.
He got up and corrected his clothing and dusted himself off.
"Did you alert the crew that their Captain was in good health?" asked Killian.
"Aye, Captain. Any man who witnessed the fight has been alerted to the news. The others still out with women or drunk I suppose. They would be none the wiser."said Smee.
"Good. I need to attend to a few personal matters here before we leave. I'd like you to go back to the ship and make sure that Emma has everything she needs." Said Killian.
"Aye Captain. I'll take care of the lass." Said Smee.
"Before you head back to the ship, stop at the baker and pick up some loaves of bread." Said Killian smiling.
He handed Smee some coins.
"Aye Captain ." said Smee
"I expect the rest of the crew will be heading back to the ship soon. Make sure that they keep to themselves. I'll speak to them when I return." Said Killian.
"Aye Aye Captain." Said Smee.
"Off you go." Said Killian.
Killian shook his head. Smee might have been a lousy drunk on shore but he was his first mate and he knew the man would do anything for him. He needed to find August. He was probably lurking about somewhere in town. He'd heard from one of his crew before the fight that he'd spotted him near the brothel.
If anyone could help get a message to Emma's father it would be him. The man had low connections in odd places. At this time of the morning he would likely be crawling out of the brothel if the rumor were true.
There were many men sleeping up against buildings, likely passed out from the night before. The merchants began to open their shops for the day. He knew Emma would be pleased to get the fresh baked bread. He held a smile each time he thought of her.
He was intoxicated by her and couldn't stop touching her. It was as if he was under a spell. He was a Captain and he hadn't acted like a school boy in love since he was in fact a school boy. Even then it never felt like this. She made him feel light and his heart was singing.
He arrived at Jezebel's just in time to see August Booth stumble into the light.
"Looks like they let any old bloak into Jezebel's these days." said Killian.
"Captain Hook, to what do I owe the pleasure?" asked August.
"Let's go somewhere a bit more private. I have a matter that I'd like to discuss with you." Said Killian.
"I'm intrigued. You buy breakfast and I'm game to listen." Said August.
"You have a deal Mate." Said Killian.
The two men walked in silence on their way to Ishmael's where they could get strong coffee and greasy breakfast. They were able to get a seat in the back away from the other hung over patrons. A burley waiter took their order and left them in peace.
"So, what do you want?" asked August.
"I need to get a message to the King in the Enchanted Forest." Said Killian.
"What kind of message?" asked August.
"It's of no consequence to you. I assume you know someone who could deliver it." Said Killian.
"It all depends. You see if it's a threatening letter that makes a difference as to who I would call upon to deliver it." Said August chuckling.
"This is a serious matter. It must be handled with the utmost privacy and the bearer must be someone you can trust." Said Killian.
"I know such a person but it will cost you." Said August.
"I'm willing to negotiate but it must be done as quickly as possible." Said Killian.
"Ok, I know a woman who is close to the queen. She can get close enough to deliver the letter to the king. She is a friend of the family so if this letter is not good news I'm not sure I want to call on her." Said August.
"She sounds like the perfect messenger." Said Killian.
"Here name is Ruby, she works at a local inn and visits the castle regularly." Said August.
"How do you know her?" asked Killian.
"She and I are friends." Said August raising his eyebrows.
The waiter arrived with their food and dropped their plates on the table with a thump.
"Anything Else Mates?" he asked.
Killian nodded and handed him some coins to pay the bill.
"Just privacy Mate." Said Killian.
The waiter counted the coins and left them.
"She sounds perfect. I'll meet you outside of my ship in two hours with instructions." Said Killian.
"You're not going to eat?"asked August.
"Mate, you can have it. Just be there on time. I have a few loose ends to tie up here before we leave port and I want this matter handled immediately." Said Killian.
"Ok, I'll meet you outside the Jolly on the docks. I've got a bit of a disagreement with one of your crew that I'd like to avoid if possible." Said August.
"I'm not surprised. I'd rather keep this low key so the docs are fine." Said Killian.
August started digging into his plate. Killian drank back the rest of his coffee and left the table. He felt satisfied that he would be able to help Emma get the message if Augusts' contact proved to be trustworthy.
He started back through the town and caught the eye of several other members of his crew. Upon the sight of him they would stand and move back out of town towards the ship. He was in too good of spirits to be angry or to bark orders so he was happy that they were used to him and knew what he wanted.
He had one last stop to make before he went back himself. He wanted to see Nairobi and pick up something from her shop. He noticed that she had her door open on his way to meet August. He walked into the shop and she was standing behind the counter.
"Captain, I'm surprised to see ye in here." Said Nairobi.
"I wanted to thank you again for your help yesterday with Emma and also for what you did for Me." said Killian.
"Twas nothing. I got my payment in full and then some. She's a good woman you got there Captain." Said Nairobi.
"Aye, she is. Lady Luck appears to have smiled upon Me." said Killian.
"What can I do for ye?" asked Nairobi.
"Emma is new to magic and I would like to know if I can trust you to keep her magical abilities secret. I don't want to draw attention to her." Said Killian.
"Her secret is safe with me Captain. Ye don't need to worry." Said Nairobi.
"Good. I'd also like to ask if I might call upon you again if she has questions." Said Killian.
"Of course Captain, we can be discreet." Said Nairobi.
"Good, I was hoping you'd say that." Said Killian.
"Anything else?" asked Nairobi.
"Yes, I'd like to get something for Emma. " Said Killian.
"I see, the poor girl had quite a rough life before she met you Captain." Said Nairobi.
"How do you know that?" asked Killian.
"Well the curse and the bruises for one. She also had a dark veil over her thoughts. You could see she been hiding her true self for a long time. I never saw anything like it. When she brought me to the ship after I cleaned her aura, it was as if butterflies came from the girl when she got near you. She looked as though she was an angel." Said Nairobi.
"Aye. That is how I feel when I am with her. She makes me feel light and I swear she is an angel. I've never met someone so good natured and tender hearted." Said Killian.
"Captain, I'd like to suggest a gift for ye." Said Nairobi.
"Ok, I'm intrigued." Said Killian.
She walked over to the side counter and pulled a necklace "This necklace will help keep the negative spirits from her. It has been blessed by a shaman. Dark forces were surrounding her. If someone tries to curse her, this necklace will rebound the curse back to them." Said Nairobi.
She handed him the long delicate gold necklace with an opal gemstone hanging down like a tear drop.
"This is perfect for her. How much?" Said Killian.
"Take it, on the house." Said Nairobi.
Killian raised his eyebrow at the offer.
"I must pay you." Said Killian.
"No, Captain, like I said you paid me yesterday and then some. Besides ye need to take care of that girl. She's your True Love. Now that you found her you must protect her. There will be those that will try to break you. Never give up on the bond you share no matter what obstacles come into play." said Nairobi.
"I'll treasure her forever if she'll let me. "said Killian.
"Captain, Come to me if ye need me. I don't leave Tortuga and ye know it. Too many enemies on the outside for me liking." Said Nairobi.
"Aye, I understand. I'll also take that bracelet too. That I will pay for no questions asked." Said Killian.
It was a dainty gold band with a white pearl and a black pearl in the center. It seemed a perfect representation of them, the darkness and the light.
"Captain, that is a fine choice and I'll be accepting yer payment. I'm sure your lady will love these pieces." Said Nairobi.
She wrapped them for him and he left to quickly head back to her on the ship.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~K&E~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Emma heard a soft wrapping at the door. She was nearly done brushing her hair smooth. She dropped the brush on the table and listened at the door.
"Yes, who is it." Asked Emma.
"It's Smee, milady. I've something for you from the Captain." He said.
She opened the door to finds Smee standing in front of her holding a basket of fresh bread. She practically snatched it out of his hand but restrained herself to take it with grace.
"Thank you Mr. Smee. I trust the Captain was well when you saw him? No fights today?" she asked.
"Yes, he seemed to be uh, in good spirits. "said Smee.
Emma smiled brightly at that.
"You say that like its unusual." Said Emma.
She picked up a bit of the bread and ate it. The fresh baked scent filled the room. It was delicious. She never had bread like this back at the Palace. The bread baked by the sea always tasted the best.
"Aye, Tis unusual but maybe not so unusual since he's met you milady." Said Smee.
He appeared to be trying to hide a smile.
"Well, I hope that is true. Are you ok with me staying on the ship? I know that wasn't your original plan for Me." said Emma.
"About that milady, I'm sorry for swatting you on the head and scaring you that way." Said Smee.
He pulled his hat off and began twisting it in his hand as he looked down. Smee stood up with a start
"I'll gladly take that bump on the head one hundred times over to have met Killian. You saved me Mr. Smee. I believe you may have saved both of us. We owe you for that. I'll find a way to make Henry understand and let him know I'm alright. I believe once that's settled we will have a clean slate." Said Emma.
"Ye owe me nothing milady. I gladly serve me Captain and his Lady. I'll help ye make things right with yer boy if I can." Said Smee.
"Thank you Mr. Smee. I know you are a pirate and you have your ways. It was a happy accident you found me the way you did. I don't think I would have been able to plan a better escape." said Emma.
"I best be getting back to me duties. The Captain and crew will be back shortly." Said Smee.
She could see he felt nervous about their situation. If she would have been any other woman things may not have turned out the way they had. There were many things that could have gone wrong for either of them but fate or destiny had a hand in this for sure.
"OK, Mr. Smee . Thank you." Said Emma.
He scurried off and closed the door behind him. She heard him lock it too. She knew she still needed to take precautions while they were here and until Killian spoke to the men on the ship she was best kept hidden under a locked door.
She sat at the table and enjoyed the bread. It was so thoughtful of Killian to remember she liked it. She heard footsteps above deck and she was hopeful it was Killian but it must have been the other crewmen boarding the ship.
She started to worry since it'd been awhile since he left. His men were returning and although he was Captain Hook she still worried about him being alone in such a rough place. She needed to get a message to her father. Whatever plan he came up with would have to work. She couldn't just show up at the palace. She didn't know who cursed her, if her parents were aware of her magic, or who she could trust. She didn't know if Neal would approach them or even tell them I was gone. She was afraid Neal wouldn't let Henry see her parents either.
She heard the men shouting above deck and then footsteps towards her door. She sat up straight and listened for signs of danger. Then she heard light knocking.
"Emma, its Killian. I'm coming in Love." He said.
She felt giddy. She stood and ran to the door. Just as he opened it she jumped into his arms and pressed her lips to his. He fell back against the door and wrapped his arms around her. He couldn't help but deepen the kiss. She must have missed him as much as he missed her. She pulled back to look at him.
He was grinning from ear to ear. "That was quite a welcome Love." said Killian.
"I missed you this morning." She said with a pout.
He kissed her nose and she smiled. He held her close and she snuggled her face to his chest.
"I trust everything was ok for you on the ship while I was away?"he asked.
"Yes. Thank you for the bread. It's wonderful." Said Emma.
She dropped her hands sliding them down his arms and threading her fingers into his hand and holding his hook in the other.
"Were you able to find a way to get a message to my father." Asked Emma.
He kissed her lightly. "Yes Love. I have to meet August on the dock in about an hour with instructions. Then we shove off." Said Killian.
"Do you trust him?" asked Emma.
"Yes, he said he knows a woman name Ruby who frequents the castle." Said Killian.
Emma leaned up and kissed him senseless.
"Wow, Love. What was that for?" asked Killian.
"Ruby is my mother's most trusted friend. She's perfect." Said Emma.
"Wonderful, that makes the plan that much better." Said Killian.
"Ok, let me write the letter." Said Emma.
She grabbed the quill from the desk and paper and quickly sat down to write the letter. Killian sat at the table and nibbled on the bread. He loved watching her. She had her tongue pressed against the corner of her mouth as she wrote the letter. Then she blew on it to dry the ink. She smiled and rolled it. She pressed a kiss to the letter. He walked over to her to help her seal the note.
He kissed the apple of her cheek. "You look beautiful today." Said Killian.
"Thank you." said Emma.
She felt the blush creep up on her cheeks. He had such an effect on her.
"Sit down and finish your breakfast Love. Once the crew has arrived I will introduce you to them." Said Killian.
"OK." Said Emma.
She walked over and sat down at the table and continued eating her bread.
Killian quickly scribed a note on a sheet of paper. He lit the wax and then wrapped both letters together and sealed them quickly before Emma saw him. He tucked the scroll into his jacket.
"How were things in Tortuga this morning? "asked Emma.
"Lots of drunk blokes lined the streets. I got lucky in finding August coming out of the brothel." Said Killian.
Emma turned to look at him with her eyebrow raised.
He moved up to her and pulled her up from the chair and held her close.
"I had to fight back my smile all morning. You don't know what you do me Love. A feared pirate can't go about Tortuga bloody grinning from ear to ear. They'll all think I'm daft." said Killian.
"I've been sitting here smiling all morning. I'd say I have an idea." She said.
She nestled her face against his chest and began brushing her hands up inside his jacket and over the muscles in his back.
"Oh, Love if you keep doing that I'm likely to take you right now." He said.
"Would that be such a bad thing?"asked Emma.
"It would because I need to address the crew and we need to get out of Tortuga." said Killian.
He kissed her on top of her head and pulled her back so he could see her face. She was smiling at him with her emerald eyes gleaming up at him.
"I have something for you Love." said Killian.
He pulled the little box from his jacket.
"You got me a gift?"she asked.
Her face lit up and her smile reached her ears.
"I wanted to get you something to remember our trip to Tortuga." Said Killian.
He handed her the box and she sat down in the chair. She carefully opened it to find the necklace and bracelet inside. He picked up the necklace and draped it over her head and fastened behind her neck kissing her behind her ear.
"Keep kissing me there and I'm not going to let you leave the room." Said Emma.
He chuckled.
She slipped the bracelet on her wrist and touched the pearls. She stood and jumped into his arms again kissing him breathless.
"Thank you Killian." She said.
She had tears in her eyes. He wiped them away with his thumb.
"I'm sorry Love, why are you sad." He asked.
"I'm not sad. I love them. They are perfect. No one has ever given me such a thoughtful gift." Said Emma.
"Well, there's a bit of a story behind them. You see Nairobi suggested the necklace. You should never take it off. It will protect you from anyone who tries to put a dark curse on you. It will bounce back towards them." He said.
"I see. That is a thoughtful gift." Said Emma.
He picked up her hand and kissed the bracelet on her wrist.
"The bracelet represents the way you make me feel. The black pearl was how I felt before I met you and the white represents how I feel now." Said Killian.
"Then that is perfect because that is how I would describe my life before I met you too." Said Emma.
She leaned up and softly kissed him gliding her tongue across his bottom lip. Then she continued kissing him across his jaw and then up towards his earlobe. She drew it into her mouth and began to suck it. He groaned and pulled back slowly.
He leaned forward and captured her lips with his own and kissed her passionately. He wanted to take her right there but he heard the crew walking around and it sounded like the deck was full. He pulled back hesitantly from her kissing her lightly once more.
She looked as though she was in a daze so he knew she was just as affected as he was. A smiled was turned up in the corners of her mouth and her eyes were glazed over.
"Emma Love, You make me feel so good and this is getting more difficult by the second." He said. He picked up her hand and kissed it.
He sat her down on a chair and then sat in one opposite her at the table. She looked at him with confusion.
"Love, I'm about to address my crew and I'm fully aroused. I need to relax for just a minute and if I keep touching you I'm not going to leave and we must make haste. August will be here soon." He said.
She smiled.
"Ok Captain, as long as I get your full and prompt attention later." She winked.
"Oh, you are such a wanton Princess and you can mark my words that you shall have it." He said.
She picked up a piece of bread and nibbled on it. She even made that look arousing. He closed his eyes and tried to think of displeasing things so he could go above deck. When he felt he was composed he stood to leave. She stood and he held his hand up.
"Love, please be seated. If you touch me I'm going to take you right now and I want to take my time with you later." He said smiling.
"Aye Aye Captain." She said plopping back into the chair.
He smiled and left her seated at the table. She heard him lock the door and then she began laughing loudly.
She looked down at her new bracelet and picked up the opal and looked at it. He chose the perfect gifts for her. She prayed to the Gods for help so many times but never did she think that they would smile upon her this way.
She hoped her father would see them and Killian would be ok with meeting her father. Her father was a kind and generous man but meeting a king could be intimidating. Killian Jones, Captain Hook, had quite the reputation in the Enchanted Forest. Between the pair of them they would have a tough time getting to any meeting place close to the castle without being seen. She is so happy that it will be Ruby that is delivering the message.
Ruby was her mother's trusted friend and confident. They'd been friends for a long time. She knew Ruby when she was a little girl. She was quite a woman. She worked at the old inn for her Grandmother as a waitress in their tavern. She made quite a bit of coin doing it but she also had a taste for men and a reputation to go with it.
She heard the footsteps once more coming towards the door and then it was unlocked.
"Are you ready to meet the crew Love?" she asked.
She nodded and smiled. He held out his arm to her to escort her up on deck. She was very nervous to meet the crew but she stood tall and held her chin up as she was taught.
"Did you tell the crew the whole story?"she asked.
"Aye, I told them you were my lady, that you were able to get magical assistance to help me yesterday and that I'm healed of my wounds. I told them you would remain on board with us and that we have an immediate mission. I did not tell them you about your magical abilities." Said Killian.
"Ok, so only Mr. Smee is aware of that." Said Emma.
"Aye, I also spoke to Nairobi about it and she will keep that fact a secret as well." Said Killian.
Emma felt relieved. He thought of everything.
She kissed him lightly on the cheek "Thank you for being so clever." she said.
He touched his cheek where she kissed him. It was always magical when she touched him but he liked marking her kisses.
"Ready?"he asked.
"Aye Captain." She said.
They walked out and up onto the deck. The sun was shining down brightly from over head. She held her hand out over her face to shield it from the sun. He walked her towards the direction of the ship facing the opposite direction. The crew was all standing at attention silently. She smiled brightly towards them and snuggled a little closer into Killian's side.
"This is My Lady. You will address her with respect and see to it that she has anything she needs. If any man lays a hand on My Lady you will walk the plank. If any man disrespects My Lady you will walk the plank. If any man has issue of being on board My Ship you may leave now." He commanded.
Emma stood firmly with a slight smile on her face. She didn't want to see the crew men walking the plank on her behalf or leaving their home because of her.
All of the men stood silent and then several men started clapping, cheering, and whistling. Emma felt herself relax against his side. Each man came up and shook Killian's hand and bowed towards Emma. They were a scary bunch of men but they seemed happy for Killian..
"Smee!" called Killian.
"Aye Captain." Said Smee.
"We have a meeting to attend and I want this ship ready for sail when I return." Said Killian.
"Aye Aye Captain." Said Smee.
"Let's go Love, we shouldn't be late." Said Killian.
They walked down from the ship and headed towards the dock. August was already waiting when the got there. When he turned around he had a look of surprise on his face when he saw her.
"I trust you will keep this meeting and all that is discussed private. No one can know of the Princesses' whereabouts. "said Killian.
August bowed to her.
"I had no idea Princess." Said August.
She watched as his eyes went from Killian to her and then to their joined arms. She remained silent but smiled widely. He seemed a bit familiar to her but she couldn't quite place him. Killian pulled the scroll from his coat.
"August, please deliver this immediately. We wish to meet with the king in three days. The details are in the letter. It is not to be opened by anyone but the King. You are not to tell anyone that you've seen the princess with me. "said Killian.
Emma snuggled close to Killian to show August that she meant to be there. She didn't want to think she was under any duress but quite the opposite.
August took the scroll and put it inside his jacket. He nodded at the request Killian made.
"Now, there's the matter of your payment." Said Killian.
August shook his head.
"I don't need payment to deliver a message from a daughter to her father. I'm sure Ruby will be happy to get this message to him for you, your highness. I'd heard rumors you were dead." Said August.
"As I've said, you haven't seen us." Said Killian.
"Thank you August. Please give Ruby my Love." said Emma.
"I will, I'm about to board that ship for the Enchanted Forest. I should arrive within a day and be able to get your message to Ruby." Said August.
Killian nodded and he pulled Emma along and back to the ship. If all went well they should meet with her father in three days at a little cottage not far from the docks. If her parents have heard the rumors they would be worried sick.