A/N: Hello Lovely Readers! So sorry for the delay on this chapter. I'll have the next chapter of our lovely couple's adventure soon. Hopefully you like this one! I appreciate all your comments, reviews, suggestions. I love reading them and I do read all of them.
This chapter brings them to the castle and he gets to know her a bit better. There is trouble on the horizon for them. They have to come up with a plan but I've given them a bit of a breather in this chapter.
Ch. 26
"That'll take some getting used to Love." he said smiling.
She hugged him tight.
"I hope there will be a time where I can take you anywhere you wish." she said.
"I'm happiest when I'm with you and I am excited to show you the realms. There will be plenty of time for us to explore and I believe that will be soon." He said.
"You think so?" she said.
"Aye, Love I've seen the power in you and I don't believe The Dark One will stand a chance against a mother fighting for her son." He said.
He kissed her softly.
"It means so much to me that you have so much faith in me." she said.
"Love, I've seen you grow from a broken flower into a blooming rose. You are a force to be reckoned with, they won't know what hit them." He said.
She gently caressed his cheek. He was looking at her with such adoration. She would never grow tired of looking into his beautiful blue sparkling eyes.
"I love you Darling." She said.
"I love you too." He said smiling.
"I'd love to show you around. Care to see the Castle?" she asked.
"Of Course, I'd love to know more about your life." He said.
They spent the rest of the afternoon touring the castle. It was just as she remembered. She enjoyed taking him through her favorite hide outs, secret passages, and finally to her old room. When she opened the door it was like she walked back in time. Nothing had changed, even her hairbrush was still in the same position she'd left it the day she got married.
She picked it up and held it in her hand. She'd forgotten the weight of it, odd yet familiar. She used it to stroke her hair every night growing up. Sometimes her mother would sit and stroke her hair by the fireplace and tell her stories. She smiled as she thought of the wonderful times she had with her parents here at the castle.
"Love, are you alright?" he asked.
He came up behind her and kissed her shoulder. She leaned back into him and he put his arms around her.
"I'm just feeling nostalgic. I have a lot of good memories in this room. It appears my parents left it untouched since the day I left."
"I'm sure they hoped you would visit them often. " he said.
She sighed. He kissed her cheek to comfort her. She took a deep breath to compose herself and took his hand.
"Come with me." she said.
He cocked his head to the side as they walked towards her wardrobe. She pulled open the doors to reveal a secret passage.
"A secret door?" he said.
"Yes, it leads down to the servant's quarters near the kitchen. There hasn't been anyone staying there for a long time. I used it to get out of the castle sometimes." She said smiling.
"Ah, you were just as naughty back then." He grinned.
"I don't know, I think that may have gotten a bit worse since I've met you." she teased.
He followed her down the narrow staircase. It wound around in a circle and bottomed out to a small bedroom off the kitchen. She peered through the slightly ajar door to make sure no one was watching and waved him forward. They quickly snuck through the kitchen and out the back door.
She took his hand and pulled him along running through the grounds out to the garden. She was laughing so hard the whole way and smiling. He loved to see her that way. She seemed so carefree and innocent.
She stopped suddenly when they got into a maze of bushes. She was holding her side, breathing hard as she threw her head back and laughed.
"I used to do that quite often and the thrill is still there even after all this time." She said breathless.
"So you were quite the handful then Princess." He said.
"I often left my parents at a loss for words. I just wanted to be a normal girl and go on adventures without the threats associated with being a princess. Eventually they caught on and had guards follow me. I noticed them following the first few times but they stayed back and let me feel as though I got away with something. I believe their presence set my parents at ease so I didn't say anything." She said.
He took her hand as they walked along and laced his fingers with hers.
"Where did you go Love?" he asked.
"Sometimes I'd go to this little park down towards the edge of the grounds. As time went on I got a bit more adventurous and I started leaving the grounds. I'd go to some of the local places to eat, the taverns, and the shops. I loved seeing the people of our kingdom. It wasn't often that I got to meet new people who were not affiliated with the royal court." She said.
"It seems your parents were rather trusting. I believe if you were my daughter I wouldn't let you out of my sight." He said.
He leaned down and kissed her cheek softly.
"I believe my father would share your sentiment." She said.
"That explains why he taught you how to fight with a sword." he said.
"You're probably right but I also wouldn't leave his side growing up. He had no choice but to include me in lessons much to my mother's chagrin." she said.
"He taught you well Love." he said.
"I'm sure he would love to hear you tell him that." She said.
She led him over to a gazebo at the edge of the garden. The weathered white wood was covered in wild red roses. There were built in seats all around the edges.
They sat together and he pulled her into his side. She lay her head against his chest and held his hand.
"It's beautiful here." He said.
His eyes traveled around the beautiful scene in front of him. There were many different types of flowers, nothing quite as exotic as on the island but still very beautiful. There were high hedges around the boundary of the grounds and perfectly sculpted topiaries lined the walk ways.
"It's always been one of my favorite places. When I wanted to be alone with my thoughts I would come here and sit under the roses. My grandmother, Ava, planted them. They've been growing and thriving ever since." She said.
"As beautiful as they are, they still pale in comparison to you my Love." he said.
She leaned up and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. He wrapped his arms around her and deepened the kiss. He'd missed her soft touch and tender lips. He knew what they were doing was important but he still felt as though he wanted to be selfish when it came to her. She pulled back smiling and let out a little sigh.
"I've missed you my Darling." She said.
He caressed her cheek. She leaned into his touch and closed her eyes. He took in the beauty of her porcelain skin and rosy cheeks. Her golden hair shone brightly in the sun. With his hooked hand he pushed her hair back over her shoulder.
She looked up to see him gazing at her with such adoration in his eyes. He made her heart swell.
"I would like you to hold you safe in my arms like this always." He said.
"I feel the same way." She said as she nestled in closer.
"When do we have to meet your parents?" he asked.
She looked to the castle and remembered the feeling of uneasiness. "I suppose we should go but I would love to sit and enjoy this peace with you for a little while longer."
"Aye, that sounds good to me." he said as he wrapped her in his arms.
She told him stories of her childhood at the castle, the adventures she went on in the surrounding woods, the way she scared her parents with her fiery ways. They stayed in the garden until someone came to invite them in for dinner.
It felt good to think of happier times before her marriage. She loved to hear Killian's laugh and his smile sent tingles to her heart. She finally felt what it was like to be in love with someone, truly in love.
When they got into the dining hall they were seated together so they could talk. She felt a sudden uneasiness come over her. She searched her thoughts and immediately began shielding them as she felt an intrusion.
She squeezed Killian's hand drawing his attention to her as a pang of tension ripped through her.
"Love?" he asked.
She leaned over towards him and whispered" I think someone is trying to read my thoughts. "said Emma.
He had a look of alarm on his face.
"Emma, something wrong?" asked Snow.
"I'm not sure. I get the feeling someone is trying to read my thoughts." She said.
"You think someone is watching you?" asked Snow.
"Yes, it would explain how Regina knew to ambush us that day. Perhaps someone fed her the information." Said Emma.
Snow looked to her husband who had his head hung and felt a pang of shame herself. Emma looked to Killian eyes wide.
"Majesties, Perhaps Emma can ward the castle?" he said.
"You think I can do that?" asked Emma.
He loved that hope seemed to come back into her face when he mentioned it. She was extraordinary. Why wouldn't she be able to do something like that?
"I don't see why not Love. You've got incredible power in you. Perhaps one of the books will have something in it." He said.
Emma beamed at him.
"We could also ask Regina. She decided to have dinner in her room. Perhaps we can persuade her to join us." Said Snow.
Emma groaned like am petulant child.
"I know the feeling, believe me but since she is here and is at the root of this she should be willing to help you." Said Charming.
"He's right." Said Killian.
"I'd rather do the research myself than have to keep going back to that woman." Said Emma.
She looked over to see a sad smile on her mother's face.
"I know this won't be easy for you. I hope you can understand why I've invited her here with us." Said Snow.
She grabbed her mother's hand and squeezed.
"Of course I know. I know you wouldn't have had it any other way and that is one of the reasons why I look up to you so much." said Emma.
Her mother smiled and she could see tears forming in her eyes.
"I can go talk with her." Said Snow.
"I'll let Regina rest tonight, Killian and I will go back to the Jolly for the evening and I'll do the research. If I'm unable to find a way to ward the castle then I will ask her in the morning. You and father have been through an ordeal as well. I'm sure you could use the rest tonight. None of us will be thinking clearly. We don't need to fight with her this evening." Said Emma.
"Brilliant idea Love." he said.
"Are you sure we can't persuade you to stay here?" asked Snow.
She could see the uncertainty in her mother's face or fear perhaps that she wouldn't come back.
"I'll be back in the morning. I promise. Until I can find a way to prevent someone dipping into my thoughts I won't feel comfortable sleeping here." She said.
Killian continued to eat his soup. He didn't want to say anything but he was happy she wanted to go back to the ship. He had an uneasy feeling being in the castle too. He wasn't sure if it was because he felt out of place or if whatever was watching them had its eyes set on him as well.
"Alright Honey. You've made a good point. We'll see you bright and early." Said Charming.
Emma looked pleased that her parents went along with her plan. After dinner they said goodbye to her parents and she took Killian back to the ship.
It was twilight and the scene was familiar yet it wasn't. It'd been a long time since she'd looked out onto those waters. The cool breeze was blowing off of the water. She felt a slight chill.
"Capt'n on Deck!" yelled Smee.
"Everything alright Smee?" he asked.
"Aye Capt'n the crew is restless." He said.
"Should be another day in port and then we will have instructions. I trust we have plenty of supplies." Said Killian.
Emma was huddled into his side leaning into him heavily. He put his arm around her. She was slightly shivering. He smoothed his hand up and down her arm to warm her.
"Aye we do. Anything I should do Capt'n?" asked Smee.
"Just have the old girl ready to sail at a moment's notice." Said Killian.
"Aye Capt'n. We'll be ready." said Smee.
Killian nodded and walked them forward towards the Captain's Quarters. Once inside Emma fell apart. Tears were streaming down her face and light sobs were coming from her as she buried her face into his chest. He put his arms around her and held her close.
"Love, what is it?" he asked as he smoothed his hand up and down her back.
She looked up; her eyes were tearful and glowing green.
"I'm sorry, it's just everything is so overwhelming. I'm scared. I'm scared for my son, my parents, for you and the crew. What if I can't do it? What if I can't get Henry back? What if someone I love gets hurt because of me?"
He caressed her cheek and wiped away the rogue tear sliding down her face with his thumb.
"My Love, I will be with you every step of the way. I don't want you to feel as though you alone must face this. We'll get Henry and all will be fine. You're just feeling nervous because of the threat at the castle." He said smiling.
"How can you be so sure? I've lived with that man and dealt with the other. They are not kind or good people Killian. They will make me suffer cruelly before they allow me to take my son." She said.
"I won't let that happen to you. If you need strength you draw it from me. I will protect you with my last breath." He said.
"That's one of the things that worry me most. I can't bear it if something were to happen to you." She said.
"You don't have to worry about me Love. You've safeguarded me in ways that I never imagined possible. I've also survived many a disaster and weathered through many storms. I will stand with you through whatever they may throw at us." He said.
She hugged him tight and she felt herself relax as he eased the pressure with his words.
"You can't know how much it means to me to hear you say that. I'm so relieved to know you are there and will be by my side." She said.
"Love, where you go I go. I told you. I'm with you always." He said.
"Henry may be upset at what he finds. Are you prepared for his reaction? The last image he has of me is watching me being taken off by scoundrels." She asked.
"Love, we'll take those things as they come. I'm sure he will be relieved to see his mother alive. We will ease him into understanding what we are and what I will be to him. I will be whatever you wish me to be." He said.
"Killian you are a kind, good, and decent man. I should be lucky to have a man like you be a role model for my son. He should see a man who loves and cares for his mother the way you do. You make me feel as though I could fly with the angels." She said smiling.
"Aye, I believe you are an angel love. I can only see the glowing bright light that is you. From the moment you walked into my life I've felt lighter but full in a way that I didn't think I could feel again." He said.
She leaned forward and brushed her lips against his softly.
"I think he would like your ship." Said Emma.
"Love, he'll be a fine sailor in no time. What's not to love about the Jolly. His mother seems to have taken with her." Said Killian.
"That's true. He's set to go to boarding school soon. He's coming of age and will need his studies if he is to rule someday." She said.
"We shall take him whenever he is on holiday. It will certainly come in handy that his mother can pop in and pick him up from wherever we may be." Said Killian smiling.
The thought of being a family with Killian and Henry made her heart swell. She loved her son more than anything. She wanted him to have his best chance but at the same time Henry was like her. He craved adventure and loved to travel to new places. He was good and kind too. He would make a wonderful King someday.
"You're right. Henry doesn't even know about my magic yet. He is going to be so excited to see what I can do. Perhaps I should have a bit of fun with him. Change the color of his clothes or pop him somewhere unexpected when he is unaware." She said.
"There you go being naughty again. " he said.
"I think you love that about me." she said.
"Aye, that I do." He said grinning.
"Thank you for always knowing the right thing to say to reassure me. It means so much to me to know that you care about my well being. "said Emma.
"Of course Love." he said.
He squeezed her tight and pressed tiny kisses on top of her head.
"How are you feeling? Being here with my parents at the castle? Are you alright?" she asked.
He raised his eyebrows.
"Aye, I'm fine Love. I'll admit I did feel a bit uneasy too so I was relieved when you suggested we come back to the ship." Said Killian.
She touched his face and looked into his eyes.
"Darling why didn't you say anything." She said.
"You're happiness is important to me. I can live with a bit of uneasiness if you are happy." He said.
"I would never want to put you into a position like that. Please tell me. I am not unwilling to compromise. To be honest I wanted to be alone with you. I would have liked your good opinion on the topic because it would have fueled me to mention it earlier." She said smiling.
"I shall be certain to keep you informed of my feelings in the future." He said.
He leaned forward and kissed the tip of her nose.
"I suppose we should start reviewing the books. If we are to talk strategy with my parents tomorrow I must find a way to ward the castle of what or who is eavesdropping on us." She said.
"Aye. I'll help you. The sooner we find it the better. Do you feel the uneasiness here on the ship?" He asked.
"No, It was most prominent in the family dining hall and I caught small twinges throughout the tour of the castle today but nothing here or outside the castle on the grounds." Said Emma.
"If we must we can always use the castle gardens to meet." He said.
"That's a good idea. I hope it doesn't come to that." Said Emma.
He pulled the text from his satchel and Emma grabbed the others from the pile on the desk. Emma lit the candles and lamps in the room. She looked so proud to use her magic for such a small task.
"Much better Love." he said.
The sat together at the desk as they reviewed each magical text looking for the right spell. They'd found some other interesting spells in the process but nothing looked like a ward. Emma started to feel tired but then Killian found it. Of course it was the last text.
"Love, I believe this is what we are looking for." He said pointing to the page.
He pushed the text towards her so she could read it. The incantation was easy enough but she would have to delve deep into concentration to ward such a large place.
She breathed a sigh of relief and leaned over and hugged him tight.
"I think a celebration is in order Love?" he said.
"You've read my mind Darling." She said.
"Fancy a drink Love?" he asked.
She nodded.
He uncorked his flask and took a swig before handing it to her. She took a long swig and brushed her lips after with the back of her hand.
"I'd like to try to ward the ship."
He stalled his second sip and looked at her. She was grinning.
"Ok Love, if it would make you feel better."
"Hold my hand?" she asked.
He grabbed hold of her and pulled her into his arms.
"I'd like to hold more of you than your hand Love." he said.
"Soon Darling." She said as a giggle poured from her lips.
"One of the greatest sounds to ever grace my ears is your laugh." He said.
She leaned up and pressed her lips to his. She sucked his soft bottom lip into her mouth and ran her tongue over his. She could taste the spicy rum. She pulled back rubbing her nose against his slowly teasing him with the promise of more. She kissed the tip of his nose and giggled again as she pulled away.
"Minx." He groaned.
She pulled him by the hand towards the door.
"On deck?" he asked.
"I think it will be easier for me to do it there." She said.
They climbed the stairs to the deck. The sky was clear and the stars were sparkling bright. She took in a deep breath of the cool clean air. She would never take freedom for granted again. Each time she stepped out into the air she felt free.
"Here?" he asked.
"Here would be perfect." She said.
She pulled his hand up to her lips and kissed the back side softly. His body was still buzzing from the kiss she led him away from below. He smiled as he watched her compose herself. Her teasing not only affected him but also her.
She closed her eyes and focused on the touch of his hand in her own. The warmth radiating from his palm mingled with the magic that prickled against her skin. She thought about his lips grazing her neck and the touch of his hands on her body. Those warm happy memories were always the best fuel for her magic.
She focused on the incantation in her mind protitious realius. She took a deep breath, felt the magic prickling stronger and Killians strength resonate in her body as he squeezed her softly. She repeated the words out loud "protitious realius."
The magic seemed to pour from her and she could feel it coating over the ship. She took a deep breath as it took hold. Killian held her up from behind when she stepped back a bit. She opened her eyes when she felt the spell complete. She could see the glow of the ship from stem to stern.
"Are you alright Love?" he asked.
She looked up to see the concerned look. She cupped his face and smiled sweetly.
"I'm perfect. The ship is now warded." She said.
She kissed his lips tenderly and it was his turn to tease her. He brushed his tongue over her lip and then pulled back grinning. She smiled a crooked smile biting her lip.
In a sudden move he picked her up off her feet and threw her over his shoulder. She giggled and patted his back as he carried her below deck.
"Time for the celebration to begin." He said.
He placed her on her feet, turned around and locked the door. She was laughing so hard she was almost out of breath.
"Life will never be dull with you will it." She asked.
"I hope to spend the rest of our days proving that fact Love." he said.
She was already in front of him pushing his coat off of his shoulders to the floor. He removed her crown and placed it on the desk before spinning her around and making quick work of the laces on the back of her gown. She felt instant relief as the weight of the heavy dress fell to the floor.
She turned back to face him and quickly unclipped the closures of his vest. He was kissing her neck softly while she worked through each one. She couldn't focus on even the simplest task when he was kissing her that way.
"Darling if you keep kissing me that way this process will go much slower." She said.
He pulled gently at her under dress and drug it up over her head. She held her arms high to allow it to easily be removed leaving her bare in front of him except for her stockings and under pants.
She felt a blush creep over her cheeks as he took in her form. After all that they've been through she still felt shy in front of him this way.
"Love, you are so beautiful. "he said in a reverent tone.
She leaned forward and captured his lips for a soft kiss. She rubbed her hands along his exposed chest and let the soft hair tickle her finger tips.
He cupped her breast with his hand and rolled her soft nipple into a peak eliciting a low moan from her. She let her head fall back as his mouth moved from her lips to her neck to her breast. He sucked the nipple between his teeth and laved it softly with his tongue.
He was going to drive her mad but she wanted to make this night about him. After everything he'd done for her. She wanted to please him. She let her hands trail down his body towards the edge of his pants. She felt the laces and pulled them to loosen his pants.
She slipped her fingers down into his pants and gripped his hardening length. She felt the soft tip and smooth velvety ridges as she stroked him slowly, squeezing slightly as she rubbed up and down. He groaned against her body.
He picked her up around her waist and carried her to the bed. He kissed her breasts as they fell right towards his mouth. She brushed her hands in his hair as he continued to tease her. His mouth moved from her breast to her collarbone as he slid her down his body. She flopped back onto the soft bed with a giggle escaping her lips.
"You know what that sound does to me Love." he said.
"I was hoping you'd say that." She said.
She curled her finger and teased him to come forward.
"Temptress." He growled.
She slid off her stockings and undergarments as he watched her.
He toed off his boots, kicked them to the side and slid out of his pants. He yanked his shirt over his head and climbed into bed with her. He kissed up her body from her belly button to her neck. He focused on her neck when he found the spot that tickled. She was laughing so hard she was nearly breathless.
"You're gorgeous Love. I could taste you all day." He said.
She smelled of strawberries and honey. He tasted her salted sweet skin. He pressed a kiss to her soft lips. She still had the lingering sweetness of the rum on her lips. He leaned back and licked his lips smiling down at her.
She took that moment to change things up on him. She pushed him off and forced him onto his back. She straddled her legs over him. He leaned back looking up as she took him in. She pulled her lip between her teeth and smiled.
"Killian, I want to make you feel good." She said.
"You do Love." he said.
He caressed her thigh and inched closer to her aching core. She would lose it if he touched her. She pressed her hands to his chest and smiled.
"No, lay back and let me take care of you." She said raising her eyebrow.
"Naughty Princess." He said grinning.
She kissed him softly sucking his bottom lip. She worked her soft open mouthed kisses down his jaw and towards his earlobe. She nibbled and he groaned as she blew into his ear.
She kissed down his neck and sucked on his collarbone until he was marked. She kissed down his chest and pulled his nipple into her teeth and bit down softly but quickly moved towards his stomach. She kissed along his side until he was laughing hard as she sucked and licked to tickle him.
"Love, you're killing me." he said as he chuckled.
"Seems I like to hear you laugh as well; It's like music to my ears." She said laughing.
She slid down between his legs and kissed him low on his hips. She could feel him bucking his hips as he rubbed his rigid length against her body. She'd teased him long enough.
She looked up through her eyelashes and smiled as she took the tip of his hard length in her mouth. She swirled her tongue around it and sucked softly. She saw his eyes close and he sighed in relief.
Her mouth was warm and wet against his aching flesh. She about killed him with the slow kisses around his body. She was working him slowly and he felt so good. She took him deep in her throat as she sucked him tightly against her soft lips. He felt like he was going to lose it. He put his hands in her hair and guided her to where he felt best.
She was all to easy to comply and smiled up at him as he moaned.
"Love, that feels so good. Your mouth feels so good on me but I want to be inside of you." He said.
She slowly released him from her mouth and licked the tip softly with the center of her tongue as he watched.
"Please Love. " he said.
She climbed up his body slowly until her core was lined up with his throbbing heat. She pressed her hands to his chest and leaned forward to kiss him. He leaned up and kissed her sensually. She pressed him hard back to the bed and sank down onto him slowly.
"Emma." He breathed into her mouth.
She groaned as he filled her. She was so warm and tight he wanted to spin her onto the bed and take her hard. She was driving him insane. She rose and fell slowly as she kissed him. He put his hand and hook on each side of her hips guiding her up and down until they fell into a fast rhythm. When he felt her walls tighten he rubbed his thumb over her warm aching nub until she came undone.
He continued thrusting into her as she rode out the pleasure he was giving her. Her walls were fluttering around him.
"Killian." she called
The way she said his name drove him to his own release came soon after. He felt instant relief and relaxed into the bed as he held her body tight against him.
"Emma." He whispered as he kissed her softly.
She slid down his body and nestled against him. She immediately felt the loss of him. He kissed the top of her head.
"You're bloody amazing Love." he said.
He brushed her sweat slick hair back behind her ear with his hook and she pressed her face to his chest.
"You're pretty amazing yourself." She said.
"I love you Emma." He said.
"I love you Killian." She said.
They lay there for awhile as she drew lazy circles on his chest and he pressed soft kisses to her head lips and cheek. She just wanted that night to be special and to last forever. He had his turn later that night after they'd slept for awhile. She loved how he worshipped her and she would keep those memories with her always. She knew that tomorrow was going to be a long day and probably another adventure. No matter what came at them she knew she could count on Killian to be at her side. She finally fell asleep smiling and hopeful for what the day would bring.