Disclaimer: I don't own Once Upon a Time or its characters, nor anything from C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia.

Emma woke to sound of water gushing over the cavern opening. It was same sound that had helped her to fall asleep, after Hook woke her in the middle of the night and they had exhausted each other for a few more hours.

And oh, was she exhausted.

Despite getting one of the best rests she had in a long time, Emma was sore in places she never knew were possible. She made a pact to somehow find a gym in the Enchanted Forest when they got there.

The Enchanted Forest: where her son was waiting for her; certainly under threat of harm, captured, or worse. Emma knew for sure that her parents were trapped in the clutches of that wicked bitch and her hag of a sister, but something told her, that they had survived until this point.

Because if they hadn't, she would somehow know it.

Her instincts were the one thing that had remained (besides her magic,) and Emma was grateful that they had kept her alive so far.

If not for her instincts, perhaps she wouldn't have trusted Hook, wouldn't have followed him to Storybrooke; and maybe Emma would be sitting at a desk now, oblivious to the fact that she was living a lie.

Emma had spent hours lying in Hook's arms, thinking about how much of her life had been hidden from her for over a year.

Mary Margaret and David; how could she have ever forgotten her own mother and father?

They had both been irreplaceable friends to her, had given Emma advice and support, and showed her what it meant to be a good parent. They weren't perfect, to be sure, but Emma had no doubt in her mind that they loved her and Henry a great deal.

Giving Henry up was probably the hardest thing Regina had ever done. Emma knew this, because she did it herself. There was no guarantee that they would return, and Regina's knowledge that Henry would more than likely have no memory of her, must have been excruciating.

Despite this, Regina had ensured they lived that year in a blissful euphoria, even if the memories hadn't been real. It had allowed Emma and Henry to create their own new memories with a feeling of safety and normalcy: something they hadn't experienced much of together.

And then there was Neal.

Emma's stomach twisted at the thought of having to face him again. She certainly hoped he survived the transportation to the Enchanted Forest, and was with the rest of her family. Henry would need all the support and protection he could get; and Emma took comfort in knowing that her son had his father.

Still, there were a few things left unsaid between them, and if Neal still felt about Emma the way he said he had a year ago, the conversation would be difficult, to say the least. The change in her relationship with Hook certainly wouldn't make it any easier.

Of course, calling what she had with a Hook a "relationship," was a bit of a stretch. The two of them hadn't discussed what their intimacy would mean going forward, but he seemed to understand that Emma didn't want to discuss that subject at the moment.

Not only did they have to find another ring to get home, there were complications that must be addressed before they crossed that bridge.

Emma shifted in her sleeping bag, which was now roomier since Hook must have gone out to gather breakfast.

Waking up alone was something she had grown accustomed to over the years, but a small part of Emma had actually panicked at the thought that he left; her abandonment issues rearing their ugly head. After a few minutes, though, she decided that it was silly to believe that this man would ever willingly leave her, after everything he had done so far.

The sound of splashing caught her attention, and Emma glanced over to see Hook removing the last of his clothes and stepping under the waterfall.

For the second time in the last few hours, she was in awe.

His muscular form glistened in the morning sun, the water cascading over his body perfectly, like a rainy crystal robe. His arm moved up, his hand running water through his hair, and he turned slightly toward her direction. The peaceful look on his face was something she had never seen before.

Still bare of clothing, Emma made her way over to him quietly, carefully staying out of his sight, as the pirate continued to enjoy his morning shower.

Emma appreciated the view a few more seconds, before she reached out and brushed her hand over his back, feeling his muscles tense slightly for a moment, before relaxing again. Hook hadn't turned around yet, obviously aware that it was her, and she added another hand, bathing him from behind.

His low moan vibrated beneath her touch, as Emma grazed her body against Hook's, kissing a trail over his shoulder-blade, the wetness of his skin reminding her of their activities only hours before.

Reaching a good hand behind him, Hook grasped her toned bottom, and pulled her fully against him, his strong fingers massaging gloriously into her ass and upper thighs. Emma brought her lips to his ear, purring just loud enough for him to hear.

"Morning, Captain."

She could practically hear his smirk, and without warning, he spun around to face her, making Emma squeal with delight as he pulled her under the cascading water with him. As good as she had felt last night, this was a new sensation to enjoy, the refreshing stream falling over her face and hair.

"I'm glad you are finally acknowledging my proper title, Darling."

He dipped his head low to suckle on her neck, the hotness of lips even better than the water. Emma giggled when he nipped at her collar-bone.

"I guess that makes me your first mate, then," she teased, sweeping her fingers against the nape of his neck.

Hook hummed against her throat, the sensation making her legs shake beneath her, and his voice was low and soft.

"My only mate, if you would prefer."

Emma stopped briefly, but caught herself and continued running her fingers through Hook's hair, so not to hurt his feelings.

She knew he meant his remark as a lighthearted one, but Emma couldn't help but expect the conversation she knew was coming. It happened before, when they had kissed in Neverland, and this time, she knew it wouldn't be a brief chat in the jungle.

Emma just didn't want to do or the say the wrong thing before she had time to process everything.

Wearing a tight smile, Emma nuzzled into the scruff of his chin, and gave his butt a quick squeeze.

"Come on, lover boy. We need to get moving and find the next ring."

She stepped out of the waterfall, pulling her sweater from their bags and drying off with it. Emma couldn't see his face, but heard his quiet sigh behind her, as they both dressed without another word.

By the time they packed their gear, made breakfast and fed the horse, Emma could see the sun highlighting the shadows outside the cavern opening.

The compass had led them here, but she couldn't understand why. All they had found was a waterfall that apparently needed to put someone through their worst nightmares to gain access to the other side.

She and Hook had scoured the cave thoroughly, the search taking only minutes due to its moderate size. Emma couldn't help but be frustrated, though, assuming that to get inside the cave would bear a reward of some kind; that perhaps the icy obstacle had been protecting something valuable.

Like a ring.

Emma stepped carefully through a small gap between the water and the rock, as she waited for Hook to lead their horse out of the cave.

Where there had been ice and snow covering every surface of the clearing, there was now grass and vegetation, greener and more fertile than any other part of Narnia that Emma had seen.

The ground was soft, giving way under her boots, squashing as she took a step. All of the icy stalagmites had melted, along with the snow, and Emma enjoyed the fresh smell of rain, like one would experience after a thunderstorm.

Despite the beautiful morning they were having, her mind was solely on getting home, and Emma's frustration came out as she huffed loudly.

Stepping around the water, Hook noticed her distress almost immediately, giving her a reassuring smile.

"Come now, lass. It's only been two days and we already have one ring. We are sure to find another."

Frowning at him while he helped her in to the saddle, Emma watched his smile turn into a smug grin.

"And it's not as if we came out of that cave entirely empty-handed."

Emma rolled her eyes at his prosthetic quip, and felt a blush creep on to her cheeks.

The night certainly hadn't been a waste, for sure.

"Even so," she said, scooting to the back of the horse, "the compass has led us to a dead-end, and we have no idea where to go next."

They had checked the compass this morning during breakfast, but it neither glowed, nor made its needle spin in any direction other than the way they faced.

There was a relief in having her memory back, a clarity that came from knowing her true self entirely. Still, Emma couldn't help but think they had stumbled on to the first ring by chance, and that their luck could be running out quickly.

Stepping over the shallow stream leading out from the waterfall's base, the horse whinnied softly, and Hook allowed him to take a drink at the pool.

The water cascaded forcefully from above, the pool's surface frothing generously as the mist sprinkled Emma's face refreshingly. It reminded her of their time on the Jolly Roger, when the salty waves had gusted around them on their return trip from Neverland.

The trip home that they had taken with Henry.

Emma's heart sank, and she suddenly felt the deepest yearning to see her son. Just to ensure that he was safe and with people who loved him, would be an enormous comfort until they were together again.

"We will be home again soon."

Emma jerked her head down to meet Hook's eyes, the understanding in his features both bringing her comfort and frustrating her further.

"Always so optimistic, Hook."

She shook her head, reaching into her pocket and pulling out the compass, its chain dangling between her fingers.

"Tell me how you can be so cheery that this thing dragged you and me to a damn frozen waterfall, but not to what we want the most."

There was a brief expression of hurt on his face, and Emma felt a pang of guilt before she started again, the breeze from the falls whipping her hair around her like a wild halo.

"Look, we still need another ring and we don't even know what direction to go in now; it could be anywh-"

"Shh," Hook put his good hand up, cutting Emma off with a look of confusion on his face.

Emma wanted to tell him off for interrupting her rant, but Hook was already walking away from her toward the pool, his ear trained toward the water's surface.

"Do you hear that, luv?"

If this was his idea of trying to soothe her with humor, Emma wasn't amused. She opened her mouth to protest, but suddenly heard something that seemed out-of-place.

Perhaps her mind had created the noise because she so desperately wanted a clue to finding another ring, but when Emma heard the sound a second time, she had no doubt it was real.

It was a voice.

Hook was nearly on his stomach now, his ear next to the pool's surface. His eyes went wide and he waved her over eagerly, Emma still baffled as to what was going on.

She dismounted the horse, and carefully made her way over to him, ready for any sign of danger. Emma kneeled down, the knees of her jeans soaking into the damp ground beneath. Although it had thawed since yesterday, the cold remained, and Emma shivered on contact.

Despite the crashing of water against the pool's surface, her and Hook were a good six feet away at the shallow end. Emma directed her ears again, and heard the voice more clearly this time, though in a whisper.

"Emma? Emma, can you hear me?"

Stunned, she glanced over to see that Hook had a similar reaction. He was breathing slow and deep, apparently trying to keep calm so they could hear every word. His breath still smelled of the sweet berries they had for breakfast.

Emma looked at Hook again, silently asking him if she should answer, and he nodded for her to go ahead.

"Um, yeah… I'm here. Who are you?"

There was a brief pause, her words still echoing over the water's depth. It was unnerving to have a voice without a face to put it to, and due to all of the evil they had encountered until this point, Emma was still wary of any foul play.

"Princess Emma, you and Captain Jones should return to the castle immediately."

Hook still looked confused, but Emma was sure she knew that voice.

"Dorian?"

She caught the look of distaste that appeared on Hook's face, but she shrugged him off, now immersed in the talking pool.

"Yes, milady. The king has already obtained one of the rings. He is willing to let you have it and another ring you might find in exchange for the compass."

She and Hook exchanged looks of elation, Emma nearly embracing him in her excitement, but kept her focus on the water.

"That's great, and actually already found one of the rings. Uh, it will take some time since we are at least a day's ride to the castle, but we will leave right away."

Hook started to get up, but Dorian spoke again.

"Actually, you are cable of using one ring to navigate, so long as it is within this realm. The additional passenger must also be touching the wearer of the ring when traveling."

Emma scrunched her face and turned to Hook.

"Too bad they couldn't have told us that before," she mumbled under her breath, making him chuckle.

Hook stood and made his way over to their horse, grabbing the reins and pulling him across the small stream again to stand next to Emma, who had directed her attention back to the pool.

"Ok, well we will see you soon then. Thanks Dorian."

She couldn't see his face, but Emma could imagine him bowing to her in response.

"No need to thank me, Your Highness."

Emma winced at the title, lifting herself off of the ground and turned around to face Hook. He had already taken the ring out of her bag and was on one knee, a wide grin spreading over his face.

"Don't take this the wrong way, 'Your Highness', but it would be my honor to place this ring on your beautiful (and may I add: talented) hand."

Emma did her best to hide a shy smile, shaking her head at the smitten pirate. How could she possibly be annoyed with him after finding out they had another ring?

They were going home.

"On your feet, Captain," she ordered him with her grin remaining.

He stood again, his hook wrapped around the horse's reigns, as the pirate slipped the ring on her finger. Hook kept his hand nestled under hers, the heat between them quite noticeable, as always.

Emma peaked up to meet his eyes, treating the ring like she had the portals. She imagined the castle in her mind, and noticed a look of concentration on Hook's brow.

The last thing Emma thought of before being pulled into a tunnel of light; was the relief that she would be with her son soon, and how that man had somehow managed to look so damn adorable kneeling in front of her.

Less than twelve hours from regaining her memory, and already Emma was in a freakin' princess dress.

They had reached the castle without any problem (no falling into a river this time,) and were greeted by General Castrix, who appeared quite pleased with their accomplishments.

Dorian was there also, surrounded by a number of soldier fauns; including the zealous Sergeant Fineus, who surprised Emma by giving her a polite bow.

She did her best to listen to everything Castrix was saying, but couldn't help but be anxious to get the other ring and travel to the Enchanted Forest.

The centaur leader did manage to talk them into staying until morning, to bathe, eat, and have a proper night's sleep before leaving. As much as Emma wanted to protest, the expression that Hook gave her suggested they ought not to insult the kingdom's hospitality.

What she didn't plan on, however, was Castrix informing them that the king had requested her and Hook's attendance at a ball later that evening, which was being held at the Great Hall in their honor. They would present the king with the compass, and he would make an official trade for both rings.

This had all led to Emma standing in front of a full length mirror, lady centaurs working fast to create something that could be worn by a human, which they were not accustomed to.

It wasn't that Emma didn't ever wear dresses, but this particular one was a bit different from what she was used to, an arrangement of intricate lace and satin.

The sleeveless gown was almost entirely a bright emerald green, apparently a nod to the vitality that she and Hook had brought back to the previously desolate land.

The bodice pushed against her ribs, forcing a rather provocative neck line that Emma guessed Hook would most benefit from. She was able to convince the centaurs to let the skirt fall just a few inches below her knees, rather than the "proper" length, down to the floor.

It had been a borderline wrestling match to avoid wearing petticoats, which apparently were used to fan out the skirt and emphasize her backside.

Emma didn't need any Narnian centaurs checking out her ass.

Although the dress was tight to her upper body, the skirt fell loosely off of her hips, swaying when she moved, and Emma was relieved that her legs were able to breathe, unlike her lungs. Her hair was done in a simple up-do, which she admittedly liked very much, loose curls falling around her face.

She also drew the line at adding a tiara, which the centaurs claimed that all princesses were to be adorned with, but Emma insisted that she was not a princess of this land, and therefore shouldn't be required to wear one.

Emma thanked the ladies, who were shaking their heads disapprovingly, and made her way down to the ball.

A craftsman had created heels for her while she and Hook were gone, their weight now clanking down the hardwood hallways. They fit slightly on the larger side, but were actually painted rather beautifully in shades of green, with silver straps wrapping up her ankle.

The Great Hall looked much different than Emma had remembered it last time. All the cobwebs had been swept away, the windows cleaned and opened to allow in light from the setting sun. New candles hung from the polished chandeliers, and ropes of pine garland and roses wrapped around the banisters from the top of the stair case all the way to the dance floor.

The smell of freshly baked bread wafted from the long row tables, which were also covered in decadent meats, fruits, and vegetables. Emma's mouth immediately filled with saliva, the thought of a real meal making her feel a little better about remaining in Narnia for a few more hours.

Lively music filled the room: the fauns leaped happily as they played it on flutes, violins, and harps. The floor was quite large, but nearly filled with Narnians, dancing along to the buoyant tunes.

Hook was nowhere to be seen, but she assumed he was probably off locating the nearest stash of rum.

The smooth wood of the banister slid beneath her hand as she descended the staircase, her heels shuffling over the red velvet runner. Immediately upon reaching the bottom, Emma was approached by a faun dressed in server's attire.

"Care for any hors d'oeuvres, Your Highness?"

It was going to take some gerting used to this whole princess thing.

Emma knew that if she and her family were ever to return to the Enchanted Forest, that there would be a necessity to learn the lifestyle of a royal, but that didn't mean she had to like it.

The faun cleared his throat, the sound coming out like a bleat, and Emma shook from her reverie. Reaching over, she carefully chose what appeared to be some kind of cheese wrapped in a leaf.

"Thank you," she murmured, her mind still distracted.

The faun nodded his head slightly, his hooves clicking as he walked away, and Emma sniffed the appetizer before plopping it into her mouth.

It was a cheese indeed, but the favor of the leaf was a surprise, its tart taste balancing rather well with the density of the cheese. She barely had time to swallow before Emma felt a gentle tap on her shoulder.

Turning, she saw Dorian, dressed in formal attire. The centaur was wearing a military tunic, decorated with various metals, and his sword was sheathed in a formal scabbard, adorned with jewels and gold.

He bowed to her, and held out his large hand, the light brown fur completely covering the top side up to his fingernails.

"Good evening, Princess Emma."

She placed her right hand in his without hesitation, and answered Dorian in a subdued tone. "My friends just call me 'Emma.'"

He pressed her hand to his lips, the soft hair on his curly goatee brushing against her fingers. Dorian's grey eyes were warmer than she had ever seen, his shoulders relaxed as if he hadn't a care in the world.

"Well, may I say that you look lovely tonight, Emma," he said with a quirk of his eyebrow, a blush forming on her cheeks. "And I am quite delighted to be included in that category."

She gave him a small smile, and took a sip of her wine, the burn of the alcohol warming her chest much like the compass had.

Dorian stepped back a few feet to meet her gaze. "I do hope you will save a dance for me," he added, flashing a wide grin, his perfect teeth gleaming under the candle light.

"Sorry, mate. I'm afraid her card is filled for the duration of this evening."

Emma closed her eyes in exasperation, sighing softly before she turned around. Hook had a smug demeanor, but he wasn't smiling, carrying two goblets between the fingers on his good hand.

It appeared he had a shave and cut, the stubble closer to his angular face, his unruly hair a bit shorter than before. He still had his hook and the same black leather pants on, but wore an emerald green tunic and vest, the chest line leaving little to the imagination, as usual.

Not that Emma had to use much of her imagination in that respect.

She grabbed one of the goblets from Hook, shooting him a warning glare, but his eyes were trained on Dorian, as if waiting for the centaur to make a move.

After a short minute of silence, Dorian smiled politely and bowed to them both, turning wordlessly, his tail swishing behind him.

Emma dipped her head in annoyance, raising her eyebrow at Hook. He smiled then, his usual playfulness returning.

"What?" He took a long swig of his wine, and frowned in mock innocence. "Tell me, luv: do you think he leads with his front or hind quarters?"

She bit her tongue, but Emma couldn't contain the quiet laugh that escaped her lips. She finished her wine and glanced around for another server.

Hook moved in close to her, his breath warm on the back of her neck.

"Easy on the wine, Darling," he purred, taking her empty goblet and setting it down with his on the table next to them. "I meant what I said to your equestrian admirer; I intend to fill your dance card up entirely."

His hook was around her in an instant, coming to rest on the bare skin of her shoulders, making Emma jump at the sudden cold. Hook cupped her hand into his, extending his arm out, and his body went rigid into a formal waltz stance; while he looked directly at her.

"May I have this dance, milady?"

Emma raised her eyebrows, settling herself into his embrace. "Doesn't look like I have much of a choice."

His laugh resonated throughout the hall, providing Emma with a familiar comfort she hadn't had the chance to miss for over a year.

"In case I hadn't mentioned before, you look breathtaking in this green attire. Positively ravishing…"

He paused a moment for the music to begin again; before Hook led with his right foot, Emma following in stride, as they began their dance.

He moved his lips against her ear and whispered huskily. "…and I would love to ravish you in it."

She took in a sharp breath, the image of him pulling her from the dance floor, and taking her roughly in a dark corridor made Emma's face flush.

Damn this man.

She noticed other couples watching them now, as he slid his hook lower to the small of her back, and swung her around gracefully.

Emma had never wanted to go back to the orphanage, and so after school, she would often go to the local YMCA, where they offered free dance lessons to anyone under 18. Waltzing wasn't her favorite, but the instructor had insisted that it was important to learn, and could come in handy some day.

Boy, had she been dead right about that one.

Hook was a talented dancer himself. It seemed this pirate was quite skilled in many areas, and Emma couldn't help but wonder what else she had to learn about him.

"I didn't realize you could waltz."

A flash of hurt showed on his face, but was gone just as quickly. "Well Darling, we may not all be royals, but I certainly wasn't born a pirate."

Emma chuckled softly and shook her head, a curl of hair falling over her eyes. "I guess I can't imagine you any other way."

A couple bumped into them slightly, but Hook didn't miss a step, leading her stylishly around the floor.

"Still," she continued, "I think you could be better fit for the life of a royal than I am."

Despite the pace of movement, she felt him stiffen at her words as he pulled her closer, their bodies pressed against each other. The proximity didn't help with her focus, but Emma continued, moving in perfect tandem with her partner.

"Perhaps being a princess wasn't what you'd imagined yourself to become."

He hesitated for a moment, dipping low and back up to eye level again, before continuing. "But then you had not planned on being a mother either, and are faring quite well in that respect."

His words nearly made her cease their dance, surprising her as they so often did. Making eye contact with Hook for the first time since the dance started, Emma searched his face for any hint of teasing.

"You think I'm a good mother?"

Hook gave her a small, but understanding smile; she was always questioning herself, and he seemed to recognize the look of uncertainty in her eyes.

"Emma, you have changed your beliefs, crossed multiple realms, and risked your life on numerous occasions: just to see that your son is safe and happy."

She wanted to argue with him, to point out that she had given her son up at birth, and hid the truth about this father from him. Everything she had done for Henry may have been in his best interests, but Emma knew she had caused him a great deal of pain; the same pain she had lived with for so long.

Before she could respond, however, Hook continued. "I am hardly the one to give advice on being a parent, luv, but it's clear you've always put Henry first, and I'm certain that he knows that."

Hook spun Emma again, her heels clicking across the floor, as she felt him sweat beneath the thin fabric of his shirt. He caught her attention again, his blue eyes softer now.

"Anyone can see that the lad has a great deal of faith in you."

Hook's words created warmth in her chest, tears threatening to form. She swallowed hard, attempting to keep her voice sounding as casual as possible as the music slowly came to a halt.

"Yeah, well that doesn't mean that I am fit to rule a kingdom."

She could hear the chatter from the crowd nearby, and Emma tried to pull away, but Hook merely put a finger under her chin, lifting her eyes to meet his gaze.

"Darling, following your instincts, having the courage to fight for what you know is right- that is the very thing required of a great king or queen."

Emma could smell the burning candles above them, their flickering light highlighting every inch of Hook's face as he stared back into her gaze.

"It's that level of faith which will show your people the way to follow… and Emma," he cupped her cheek and moved in closer, his gentle breath on her face. "I will follow you- to the ends of the earth."

There is sadness in his eyes, Emma recognized as loneliness, but it's laced with something more positive and hopeful.

Something occurred to her in that moment, that she had acknowledged before, but hadn't realized its importance to her until now.

She and Hook simply understood one another. Despite his dark and complex past, despite her sadness and fear of repeating her own, they had found a way to let each other in. Emma had left no room in her heart for anyone besides Henry, not even for her parents.

So how had this man seen past her defenses, despite being pushed away from her time and again? He should have given up and left, just as everyone in her life had done. Emma had thought him a liar and a thief at first, then a fool for never leaving.

But Hook was someone to her that no one else had ever been. With him, she wasn't lost or unworthy. Her abandonment wasn't a weakness, but a characteristic he saw within himself, an obstacle they both had to overcome. Emma wasn't hopeless, but provided him something to be a part of; something greater than himself.

'Maybe I just needed reminding that I could.'

She slowly brought both of her hands to either sides of Hook's face. His brief look of confusion was replaced with surprised wonder, appearing on his features like stars during twilight, bright and unwavering.

Her smile was soft, but determined, and in that moment, Emma was truly open to him.

"Killian."

She had barely breathed his name, but Emma knew he heard her, and judging by the look on his face, it was the most wonderful thing he had ever heard.

Smiling brightly, his good hand moved behind her head, pulling her lips to his so softly that she almost didn't feel the initial contact.

Where their previous kisses had been fierce, a lightning between them, this was like a whisper against her mouth, filling her up entirely. She moaned against his lips, drinking him in and reveling in every movement. Emma had never felt this close to him, not even in the cave, so raw and unafraid of his touch.

Hook slowed their pace and the two of them parted, but he pulled her back again, placing his forehead on hers. His smile had returned, this time with a hint of something that Emma couldn't quite place: like he wanted to say something to her, but couldn't.

Lifting his head from hers, and he clasped her hand in his own.

"Emma, I wish you could comprehend my level of adoration for you."

She hadn't been expecting him to say that, but felt his degree of integrity. If Emma was being honest with herself, there were a few things she wanted to tell him as well, but wasn't sure this was necessarily the place or time to do so.

Of course with her, it was never the place or time.

"Maybe we should get something to drink," she suggested, pulling him off the dance floor, but he stopped her.

The music continued, but their dance was over. Still, Hook remained glued to the dance floor, determined to get something off of his chest. Emma tried to keep her face stoic, glancing about them to see if anyone noticed his strange behavior.

Was he really going to say this now?

His smile was gone, and Hook made sure she was looking straight into his eyes. Suddenly, Emma felt a change in his demeanor, and it made her uneasy.

"You must know that I would do anything in my power to protect you from harm." His voice sounded almost defensive, and Emma couldn't understand why.

She gave him a small, but genuine smile, grabbing his hand between the two of hers and patting it gently.

"It's fine, don't worry," Emma reassured him softly. "You don't have to prove anything to me, ok?"

She rubbed her hands up the sleeve of his tunic in an attempt to distract him, the velvety silk flowing between her fingers, but the muscles in his arm were tense. Emma could easily tell that the man would not be deterred.

"Darling, I must confess something."

Emma stood facing him, only feet away, their hands still entwined. She would just need to let him say this, and they could talk about it another time.

"Ok…" She sounded weary, but Emma made it clear that she was ready to listen.

Hook squeezed her hand in his, bringing it to his lips and closing the distance between them again.

"Emma, I have lied to you."

It was if he had said something in a different language, the words not making sense to her. Emma narrowed her eyes, wondering if this was a joke.

"Well, there are things I haven't shared with you, would be the proper way to make that statement." His voice was shaky now, his hand trembling, and Hook glanced around as if looking for the courage to continue.

Emma moved back from him slightly, but he forced them to keep their hands linked.

"Our arrival here was no accident, lass."

He hesitated a moment, the quiet around them almost deafening, but Emma didn't take her eyes from his, as she let him continue.

"When we went through the bean's portal, I used the magic compass to take us somewhere other than the Enchanted Forest. I had planned to bring us to Narnia all along."

She couldn't breathe.

Emma was certain there wasn't a sound to be heard in the hall, tears forming in Hook's eyes as he awaited her response. Dropping his hand silently, Emma took another step backward, her mouth agape. She shook her head in disbelief, betrayal coursing through her veins.

It can't be. He wouldn't…

Before she could respond, there was a tap on her shoulder and Emma let out the breath she had held with a whoosh. As much as she liked Dorian, now was certainly not the time.

She swung around annoyed, ready to tell the determined centaur to let them have some privacy, but Emma's breath was knocked from her for the second time in the last thirty seconds.

Standing only feet from her; dressed in royal garb, alive and well, was Gold.

"Perhaps I should explain, Dearie."