A/N: Hello Lovely Readers! I'm sorry for the delay with this chapter. I was working on my CSSV project which is available early on FF if you want to read it. I want to warn you that this chapter is a bit of a roller coaster. There is an encounter here that might be painful for some to read. Please be warned. I don't want to spoil it for you but there are clues leading to the violent events if you wish to skip them.

I just want you to know how much I love writing this story. This chapter was difficult for me to write and I've been anticipating it for awhile. I appreciate all of you for taking your time to read my story, leaving me reviews, comments, and sending me notes. You are kind, good, and thoughtful. Thank you to all who take the time to reach out and leave me a note.

More to come soon!

Ch. 28

They'd been on the ship for two days and expected to be in Tortuga by early morning at the latest the next day. Killian was right; the men needed the time on the ship without any distractions. They'd been getting unruly since the night Regina came to camp and they almost lost their lives. Killian took pleasure in whipping the crew back into shape and she enjoyed watching him at the helm.

He was handsome and full of a fiery passion that she admired. He was hard on the crew because he cared; they were loyal to him because of that. He was a smart strategist too. He mapped out courses and made decisions at a moment's notice that lesser men would find to be an insurmountable task. The tales he'd been telling her were so fascinating. She couldn't wait to be out on an adventure with him. The time on board the ship was also good for them.

He was an amazing lover. They'd spent as much time alone together as possible below deck and wrapped in each other. She couldn't get enough of him; his taste, smell, and touch were on her mind almost constantly. She knew she was trying to get her fill in the event something horrible happened. She wanted him to have happy memories of her and their time together. She loved him with everything she had in her.

She pushed the negative thoughts to the back of her mind and focused on everything that was positive. She was going to find Henry, bring him back with her, and get rid of the evil that invaded their lives once and for all.

When she wasn't with Killian she spent time reading through the magical texts and looking for ways that she might be able to best The Dark One with her light magic. Now that the crew knew she was capable of magic it made things easier for her. She could practice spells from the text without alarming anyone.

She finished creating the healing stones for the crew and set them aside in a box. When the time was right she would deliver them to the crew. She was finally starting to get to know them better. They understood she was the Captain's lady and a Princess but they also respected her abilities to fight as well as perform magic. Most importantly she'd also saved their lives.

She was excited to be going back to Tortuga. She hoped to spend time with Nairobi and Greta. There were some advanced spells and foreign words in the texts that she needed help with. She hoped they would help make sense of them and possibly advise her on ways to combat The Dark One now that she'd accepted her magic.

She was sitting in the window seat reading through The Blumier when she heard the creek of the stairs and the door coming open. She closed the book and turned to see the familiar loving grin of her handsome blue eyed Captain.

"Hello Love. How is my beautiful Princess this afternoon?" He walked towards her with swagger in his step.

She hopped from the window seat and ran into his arms pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. "I've been buying time waiting for my dearest love to come back to me."

He pressed a soft kiss to her tender lips and smiled. "Do you know how much I love you Emma." She tilted her head and looked into his sparkling blue eyes searching.

"Love, I look out onto the sea and all I can think about is how the green in the water sometimes matches your eyes. My heart beats for you Love and I just wanted you to know." His arms were around her waist and she pressed her cheek to his chest. She listened to his lovely heart thrumming in his chest. "I love you too. I'm glad you're here. I've missed you."

"Have you been able to find anything in the texts to help?" He brought her hand to his lips and pressed a soft kiss. "Nothing new, I'm hoping that perhaps Nairobi or Greta can assist me with some of the more advanced symbols. I've had fun practicing though. I changed the color of the additional dresses I took from the castle and finished the healing stones. I think Nairobi will be happy to get them."

"Well Love, we'll be there soon. I'm glad you've been having fun. In the mean time I've got some free time to spend with my insatiable princess." he said grinning.

She raised her eyebrow and threw him a side grin. "Does that mean I get you all to myself?"

"Aye Love, I'm all yours." He took of his jacket, placed it on the back of the chair and pulled her into his arms.

"I was just thinking that it was time to take a break." She slid her hand inside of his shirt scratching her fingers through the soft hair on his chest. "I was hoping you'd say that Love." He caressed her silky hair and tangled it between his fingers gazing into her adoring eyes.

She leaned forward and pressed her supple lips to his earlobe sucked softly and trailing down his neck with wet kisses. She felt him take a breath as she ran her hands down the front of his pants brushing his arousal. "mmmm." His fingers lightly trailed up and down her back sending wonderful sensations through her body.

"I think you may have too many clothes on for what I have in mind Love." he groaned as she continued to nip and bite along his collarbone. "Perhaps you should help me out of them?" He spun her around and pulled at the laces on the back of her dress freeing her of the confined material. She let out a sigh of relief.

He pulled the heavy dress over her head and placed it on the chair with his coat leaving her standing in her soft cotton under dress. He softly caressed her arms and down her body as he carefully looked her over. "You are so beautiful my Love." She smiled sweetly at him and held up her arms so that he could pull off the other infringing garment.

Her usually creamy white skin was tinged with pink after a long afternoon on the ship's deck the previous day. He took in the site of her beautiful bare body and couldn't believe that she was his to hold. He picked up her hand and pressed a gentle kiss to her palm without letting his eyes leave her gaze. "Simply gorgeous Princess."

She was smiling at him and biting her lip. "Your turn Captain." She pulled at his soft flowing shirt and cleared it from his pants tossing it to the side.

He pulled her close and captured her lips. She was tickled by the sensation of his hair brushing against her breasts. His arms went around her body and his hand caressed her back and the soft curves of her hip. Her hands went to his hair pulling him in to intensify the kiss. His scent of the sea and taste of spice intoxicated her with every slip of his tongue against hers.

He couldn't get enough of her. She was so sweet and soft. He pressed his lips with reverence to her neck and over her body.

She closed her eyes and let the sensations of his fingers and lips wash over her. He pressed her backward onto the chair behind her and dropped to his knees. He looked up boasting a devilish grin as he pushed her knees apart. He pressed his soft lips to where she needed him most. His soft scruff tickled the inside of her thighs as teased her with his with his lips.

Her hands went to his hair as he moved his tongue quickly against her sensitive nub. She spread her legs wider as he gripped her thighs and pulled her closer. "Gods Killian, that feels so good." She scratched her fingers through his hair holding tighter as she felt the sensation build inside of her.

He teased in two fingers curling and stroking her as she moaned in delight. "Love you are so wet for me. I can't wait to be inside of you." He breathed as he pumped his fingers in and out furiously. The sound of his voice pushed her over the edge and a wave of ecstasy engulfed her senses. "Killian, Gods yes." He laved at her sweet spot until she came down from the high he'd just given her. "I love to hear you come undone Love." She wrapped her arms around him and drew his face to hers for a kiss. He scooped her up from the chair and carried her to the bed.

She laid back and looked at him. Her hair was wild and she looked completely wrecked."I need to feel you in me Darling." He kicked off his boots and rid himself of his pants. He crawled over her willing body pressing kisses as he moved forward until he captured her lips. She ran her hand lightly down his body reaching for his arousal.

He was hard and ready for her. She pumped her hand back and forth as she let her tongue slide along his bottom lip. "Yes, just like that Love." She lined him up with her entrance and he pressed into her gently as he kissed her swollen lips. She moaned into his mouth when he was fully inside of her.

He sucked on her bottom lip as he thrust in an out of her soft silky folds slowly and torturously. She gripped the bed sheets as he picked up the pace and drove into her. "Gods you feel so good Love, you're so wet and warm. I could take you like this forever." She wrapped her arm around his neck pulling him closer and captured his lips plunging her tongue into his mouth. She wrapped her legs around his waist pulling him in deeper.

He moved his nimble fingers to where they were joined and rubbed circles against her warm her sensitive nub as his hips pistoned into her setting her over the edge. "Oh Gods" she called out when he hit that spot deep inside of her. He felt her walls fluttering around him triggering his own release. "Emma." He whispered over and over breathless as he slumped forward and captured her lips for a soft gentle kiss.

She wrapped her arms and legs tight around him holding him in place. "Stay with me, just like this forever." She whispered in his ear pressing a kiss to his neck. "Aye, anything for you Love." He pressed a soft kiss to her cheek and pushed up on his arms to look at her.

She was positively beautiful. Her hair was fanned out on the bed around her head and she had a grin spread across her face. Her green eyes were glittering and full of happiness. "You make me feel amazing. I love being with you." She said adoringly.

He rolled to her side and pulled her close to him. "Perhaps we should spend the rest of the day like this." He grinned. "Sounds like a wonderful idea." She rolled on top of him and pressed a kiss to his scruffy cheek and caressed the side of his face. She was insatiable when it came to him.

They spent the rest of the afternoon and evening discovering new ways to pleasure each other. During their blissful breaks they read from the magical texts and he told her more tales of his adventures on the Jolly Roger. She pushed the worrying thoughts to the back of her mind so that she could stay in the present with him. She needed him to know she was his in every way and that he was important to her.

When evening fell they dressed and went above deck to have their meal with the crew. She was trying to assimilate with them in every way possible. She wanted them to get used to seeing her on the ship and she had to make sure that it was a safe environment for Henry. She wanted to believe in every way possible that their plan would work.

They decided that after Tortuga they were going to take the Jolly and go back to the land she was held captive for so many years. She would find a way in the castle and take Henry. She would do whatever it takes to free him, no matter the cost.

"Love, join me at the helm?" She nodded and took his hand as he led her to his rightful position on the ship. She took hold of the wheel and he stood behind her wrapping his arms around her waist and placing his chin on her shoulder. "It's such a beautiful night. I've really enjoyed these past few days with you. I missed being on the open sea, it's so calming." She breathed out a sigh.

"What's wrong Love? You seem to be far away in thought." He asked voice full of concern. She turned in his arms pressing her cheek to his chest."I'm sorry Darling; I'm worried about the plan, Henry, The Dark One, and Neal." He brushed his hand up and down her back placing a soft kiss to the top of her head.

"I won't let anyone hurt you again Love. I promise to protect you. Henry will be safe and in your arms again soon." She hugged him tighter. "How can you be so sure?" she whispered.

"Love, you are strong, powerful and I believe in you. We'll do this together and we will succeed." He gazed into her hopeful eyes. "I'm so glad I have you." She whispered. "We do make a great team." He said smiling.

They stood on the helm watching night fall and taking in the warm breezes but she soon grew tired. The stress of the day along with all of their earlier activities wore her out. "Love, you look as though you are ready to retire." She yawned loudly. He knew her so well. "I suppose you are right. Will you join me?" He laughed. "Love of course." She looped her arm in his and they strolled below deck into the Captain's Quarters.

He helped her out of her gown and into bed. He undressed and crawled in behind her wrapping her in his arms. She was nearly asleep when he joined her. She turned in his arms and placed her leg between his nestling close pressing a soft kiss over his heart.

"Good Night Love."

"Good Night Darling."

They arrived in Tortuga in the early morning just before sunrise. Killian rose early to assist the crew as they made port. He came down to help her dress and bring her to breakfast with the crew.

Killian gave the crew orders to restock the ship to prepare for the next journey. They were to lay low and try not to draw any suspicion while they were there. Neal's henchmen could still be looking out for the men who attacked him. For safe measure she changed the color of Smee's hat to a deep green from red.

"Ready Love?" he said extending his arm. She pulled up the hood of her cloak and nodded. She happily accepted his arm and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. He escorted her off the ship and down onto the island. She was nervous and excited to see the women again. Several of the men surrounded them as they walked towards the town.

She'd finally accepted her magic and had been practicing. She was sad to have to return the magical texts but she didn't want them to harbor any ill will so she planned to return them. "Do you think it's a good time to visit?" she asked nervously. "Love I'm sure that they will be happy to see you."

They entered the town and the familiar scent of salt air, fresh baked bread and spices filled the air. The town was lively for the hour and it appeared that there were quite a few more men than their last visit.

"We must stop and get some bread before we go back to the ship." She grinned. "Of course Love, hopefully this time we won't have any trouble."

Several men stared in their direction on the way and she held her cloak over her face to mask her identity. She didn't see any of the wanted posters lying around like before. She hoped that meant that Neal decided to look elsewhere.

The door to Nairobi's shop was open when they arrived. They stepped in to find the shop front was empty. Emma shielded her thoughts like the women taught her. She wanted to show them how well she'd been doing.

"Hello anyone here?" called Emma. Killian looked down at her and smiled. They heard a shuffling in the back room and Nairobi appeared from around the corner. "Well look who's here, The Captain and his Princess. I was wondering when we would be seein ye again." She said scanning over them.

"We've had quite the adventure since we last saw you." Said Emma eyes bright and smiling.

"Indeed, quite the adventure." Said Killian raising his eyebrows and biting his lip.

"We brought back Greta's texts. I loved each one and I was hoping that you would be able to go over some of the spells with me. I found some of the language hard to understand and there were some spells that are a little more advanced that I could use some help interpreting." She said enthusiastically.

Nairobi appeared to be very tired and she lacked the enthusiasm she had during her prior visits. "I'd be happy to help ye with those things Princess. Greta's not here she went down to the corner store. Perhaps I can persuade the Captain to go and bring her back." She asked hesitantly.

Killian gazed over to Emma and she gave him an approving nod. He looked out to see that they were alone. "Aye, I can do that. I promise to return quickly." He said pressing a kiss to her cheek.

"Alright Darling. Hurry back." He started out towards the front of the shop and he gazed back to see Emma who was smiling at him.

Something seemed off with Nairobi. She wasn't her usual self and he had a bad feeling. He started towards the corner shop scanning the crowd for his crew.

"Nairobi, are you alright? You seem tired."

"Aye, Princess, I'm fine, just busy lately. Why don't ye go through the books and find what ye need help with." said Nairobi looking towards the front of the store.

"Alright." Said Emma drawing out her words and looking behind her to see what was so interesting. There was nothing there and they were alone. She opened the book and came across the familiar spell she created while on the island with Killian. It reminded her of the gift.

She looked up to see Nairobi furiously wiping down the counter and biting her lip.

"Nairobi, I have something for you." She reached into her pocket and pulled out the green enchanted disks.

"Princess, thank ye. Ye have no idea how happy I am to see those." Said Nairobi.

Nairobi was jittery and kept looking around the store. "Is there something wrong? You seem worried?" asked Emma.

"No Princess, Let me just take these round back and I'll fetch some supplies for the spells." She said shaking her head.

"Oh, alright. "said Emma cocking her head to the side.

She continued leafing through the book looking for the spell that she'd been having trouble with. She heard a crash behind the wall. "Nairobi!" She felt her magic prickle on her skin. Something was wrong. She didn't notice anyone behind her until warm breath was against her ear and a hand covered her mouth as she was being dragged backwards.

She kicked and pushed dropping to the ground to break the grasp of the attacker. She turned and gasped."Neal! What, what are you doing? Where's Henry?" she cried as he pulled her forward. "Just shut up you filthy whore. You think I didn't see you with that Pirate. You'll do what I tell you to do and you won't give me any trouble." He growled .

"No, no I won't go with you. Where's Henry?"she cried.

She pulled her arm back and he gripped her wrist tight pulling her back forward. "Shut your mouth." He slapped her hard across the face and she fell to the ground. "You don't ask me questions, you do what I say."

She pressed her hand to her cheek and licked her lip as the blood trickled down. "No." She felt small against him. He pulled her from the ground and she struggled against him. Fear was engulfing her; she was suddenly back in her room, scared and alone. "No, I'm not going with you." She cried.

"I said you don't ask questions and you do what I tell you. I'm your husband and I won't let you escape again. You think I'll let you go back to that dirty pirate. You will never see him again."He yelled. He pulled her up from the floor by the hair and began dragging her forward again."No. Help me!" she cried out.

Fear shot through her body and the thought of losing Killian nearly broke her. She felt the tears slipping down her throbbing cheek. "I'm not going with you. You will give me my son." She said as she fought against him.

He wrapped his hands around her throat and pressed her against the wall slamming her head back. "Shut your filthy mouth" he said through gritted teeth.

"Neal, no." she choked out. She could feel her air being cut off as his grip tightened. "You don't leave me. You are my property. You do as I say." He spit out into her face. She tried to breathe but she was so scared. "No, I won't." she choked out. She felt her air being cut off and she grabbed furiously for his hands trying to get him to let her go as she gasped for air.

She wanted to call out for help. She felt the tears falling. She tried to find her courage to fight him. She looked to the left searching for Nairobi.

She looked to the door and her heart skipped when she noticed Killian running towards them. She closed her eyes. "Emma!" he called rushing through the door. She felt her body going limp. "Leave Pirate, this doesn't concern you." He shouted.

Killian grabbed him by the back of his neck and flung him to the ground. Emma slumped over coughing and gulping in air grabbing her throat as she tried to sooth the pain. "Love, are you alright?" She couldn't speak.

He wanted to go to her but Neal was back up on his feet and rushing at him. He caught him in the middle tackling him to the ground. He jabbed his hook into the wild man's shoulder and he cried out in pain.

Killian kicked him back and got up from the ground."I'll kill you before I let you touch another hair on her head." He shouted as he gripped his sword and drew it from its sheath.

"Shut up you filthy scum. How dare you talk to me? Don't you know who I am you lowly street trash? I'm a prince!" He climbed from the ground and drew his sword.

"What kind of man are you to dare hurt a woman? You are a coward! She deserves to be loved and cherished! You won't be taking her anywhere." shouted Killian as he twirled his sword towards the snarling man.

"I'm her husband, that's who I am. You have no right to tell me how to treat my wife. She's a filthy whore and I'm taking her home where she belongs."

"I'll not let you hurt her ever again." He felt the rage inside of him bubbling up. He wanted to make him hurt. He hurt his love and he wanted him to pay for it.

They began circling the floor with their swords raised to fight. He looked to see her cowering in the corner, holding her hands over her ears and sobbing. Neal had a smug look of righteousness on his face.

"Princess, are ye alright?" called Nairobi.

Emma looked up from her position on the floor. The pain in her cheek was throbbing and she saw the two men with their swords raised to fight. "Ye is powerful Princess, never forget it. He can't beat ye. Don't let him beat ye." called Nairobi.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her throat was burning. She remembered her love for Killian and it began to warm her. The soft light magic began prickling on her skin and radiating out of her body. She wasn't that meek woman anymore that would choke down the pain and do what that man told her. She fingered the healing disk in her pocket and felt the pain subside. She stood and squeezed her hands into tight fists as the magic burned hot.

She watched as Neal charged at Killian with his sword and she felt her anger rise."No!" she screamed. Killian ducked to the side missing the blow. Neal charged back and they clashed swords. Blow by blow the attack was getting heated. "I won't let you hurt him!" shouted Emma through gritted teeth. She stood confidently with her head raised high. She watched a grin grow wide on Killian's face.

Neal turned around and charged forward towards her.

"You should just stay down you stupid whore, you don't tell me what to do!" he shouted in her face.

Killian made a move to rush forward but Emma held up her hand to hold him back.

"I am not a whore. I no longer belong to you and you will give me my son." She said confidently. She felt the magic swarming over her body.

"Henry is mine and he isn't going anywhere with a whore and that filthy pirate scum. "said Neal pointing towards Killian.

She stood firm. "That man is three times the man you would hope to be. I will take my son and you will never hurt me again."

"You will go home and you will do as I say!" shouted Neal spitting through his teeth. He made a move to grab her and she raised her hand sending a white blast forth pushing him back. She closed her eyes and took a breath.

He growled and got up from the floor charging at her with his sword raised. She raised her palm and sent a blast at him that was so strong that he was slammed against the wall.

"You bitch! You can't do this to me." He pulled a dagger from his boot and charged at her. She closed her eyes a held up both hands. She pulled back and then pushed forward with a blast so hard he crashed against the glass counter shattering it against his body as he landed with a thud. He grumbled and fell silent.

Emma noticed Nairobi coming out from the back room with Greta who'd been seriously hurt. She suspected it was Neal that had done it to her. She raised her eyes to Killian who was rushing to her side. She felt her magic all over her skin and it was overwhelming her. She had tears streaming down her face and she could taste the blood on her lips.

Her body was shaking all over. She felt warm hands cup her face and her eyes focused forward gazing into the deep concerned blue eyes that were staring back at her. "Love, are you alright. You're safe now. You were brilliant." He pressed a kiss to her swollen lips.

She blinked hard and felt the magic rushing back within her. She almost dropped to the floor when the force subsided. Killian's strong arms were around her and she listened to the soft thrumming of his heart." I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry." She whimpered.

He kissed the top of her head and squeezed her tight. He was on the verge of tears himself at the thought of almost losing her."Emma." he breathed out. She tried to speak again and he smoothed a hand down her back to calm her." It's alright Love, he won't hurt you again. I won't let him." He pressed his cheek to the top of her head as she sobbed softly against his chest.

Killian looked over to see Nairobi examining the unconscious man. "He lives Captain." Nairobi spit on him. "Filthy ignorant man."

Greta had tears falling down her swollen face. "That man forced her to tell him what she knew. I wasn't here when he came. He threatens us to help him get the princess or he would kill us. Can ye ever forgive us?"

Emma lifted her face to see the twin sad faces staring up at her. Killian growled low in his throat and let out a breath. "There is nothing to forgive." Whispered Emma.

They needed to leave this place before anyone found them. Killian feared an attack from the Dark One and he couldn't bear to have Emma go through something again so soon. He cupped her face in his hands. "Love can you use your magic to transport us back to the ship?"

She breathed out softly and nodded."Ladies, can I get your help?" he asked.

"Anything for ye and the Princess. Ye saved our lives too." Said Nairobi.

"Please hold hands." Said Emma.

Killian wrapped her in his arms and held her tight. She thought back to their blissful time on the ship and her heart warmed. She felt the magic prickle on her skin and radiate out of her. She imagined all of them on the deck of the Jolly Roger and closed her eyes.

When she opened them they were all present on deck. She let out the breath she was holding and took the warm sea air into her lungs. "Brilliant Love." He pressed a kiss to her head and scooped her up from the deck carrying her below to the Captain's Quarters.

She looked back to see the broken bleeding man lying on the deck and she closed her eyes relieved.

He placed her gently on the bed and smoothed her hair back from her face. "I'll be back as soon as I take care of this." She gripped his hand tight. "I love you Killian. Thank you for saving me." He leaned over a pressed a gentle kiss to her swollen cheek. "I love you too. You're safe now. Nothing will happen to you." She nodded and closed her eyes.

He rushed back to the deck and saw his crew standing around the women and the unconscious bloody man. He felt the bile rise in his throat as he looked him over. He wanted to run him through with his sword at that moment but he feared they would need information from him as to the whereabouts of Henry.

"Smee!" he called out furiously.

"Aye Captain." The skittish man rushed to his side.

"Get this filthy vermin off my deck and lock him up in the brig." He commanded.

"Aye Aye Captain." He nodded and called over additional crew men to help carry the body below.

"Ladies, if you would accompany me below deck. I'd like a word with you and I need your help." He let out a breath and bit his lip. He was furious and wanted to hurt someone for what just happened. He knew he shouldn't have left her alone for one second. He knew something felt wrong and he left anyway.

He was so angry with himself for what happened. His poor angel was hurting and it was his fault.

They walked down the stairs below deck and found Emma seated in the window looking out at the sea. "Ladies, please have a seat." They complied with his request.

"Love. Are you alright?" he lay his hand on her shoulder and smoothed it up and down her arm.

"I will be. Can you fetch the stone from your satchel? The one you found for me in the cove."

"As you wish." He quickly went into his satchel and pulled out the large green stone he found. He handed it to her and she covered it with both hands. He covered her hands with his own and gave her a soft smile. She concentrated her magic to the stone and felt it radiate warmth.

He watched as a warm glow took over her body and her marks began to clear on her face and neck. She opened her eyes and her skin was clear and pink again.

She let out a healing breath as the pain subsided. She looked to the two women seated at the table. "Greta, are you hurt?"

"Aye, milady. He was brutal to me."

Emma climbed from the window; she reached out taking Killian's hand and gave him a sweet smile. She walked to Greta and placed her hands on the woman's shoulders. She thought of her happiest memories and let the healing magic she possessed help the poor woman who was hurt at her expense.

Greta let out a sigh of relief. "Thank ye milady. Thank ye."

Emma grabbed her hand. "I'm so sorry he hurt you. He will never do anything to hurt you again. I will see to it."

"I believe ye Princess." She said smiling.

Emma walked back to her pirate. She could see he was hurting and concerned. She needed to soothe him. She placed her arms around him and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. "I'm alright, I'm here, and nothing will tear us apart. Ever."