"I want to see everything!" Emma grinned to Killian. The two were currently both securing the sails now that they had docked.
"Everything? That's a tall or at least a broad order, love." He grinned back in amusement.
"You know what I mean! I want to see everything you can show me, everything that makes up your home here."
"Well, it's not like Liam and I have an…established household. Just don't get your hopes too high, darling."
"It's not a house I'm wanting to see Killian, it's everything that made you. Childhood places, academy days, your favorite spots. I want you to show it all to me." She eyed the bustling docks with a wide smile. "I want to see all the little things that helped made you up whenever you weren't on a ship."
Killian looked up at her with a hopeful and loving gaze, before tossing his coil down and swinging her up in his arms.
"Aye then, everything it is. I'll show you the city, and then I figured, on the land leave we could go and explore the countryside. Show you more than just the coastline of this land."
"Sounds perfect." Emma grinned at him, her hands cupping his three-day stubble to pull him in for a kiss.
"I hate to interrupt on perfect plans." Liam's voice interrupted them as he stepped back onto ship. "But I think you may have to post pone any crazy adventures the two of you are cooking up."
"Why is that?" Killian set her down and stepped closer to his brother. Liam flapped a decorative piece of paper before them, an excited grin on his face.
"Well, its excellent news for us brother. The king has heard of our return and has invited us along with several other officers to a ball he is throwing tomorrow night."
Emma's jaw was ready to drop. A ball? A legit real ball? She expected somewhere in this world they had them, but she wasn't expecting Killian and Liam to be invited to one.
"That's...fantastic news brother." Killian grinned. His emotions flowing through her.
"Indeed, it is. Favor by our king is a very exciting thing indeed." Liam turned to Emma with a teasing grin. "And we have the advantage of mystery and intrigue as well. Rumors will surely have spread by then that the younger Jones took a bride, and everyone is going to be anxious to meet you Emma."
She looked between the two of them before she caught on.
"Wait...you want me to go?"
"Of course, we do, darling." Killian looked almost hurt that she thought she wasn't invited and took hold of her hand. "I would never dream of leaving you behind on something like this."
"But...I don't know the first thing about a ball. I'll probably embarrass you or do something strange. We don't have stuff like this in my world. I'm pretty sure we don't even have kings or princesses anymore."
"You'll be splendid Emma." Liam waved off. "Really its nothing. You already are a great dancer, it's just music, dance, food, and some mingling. You'll be perfect."
He was turning to walk away, and Killian moved closer, sensing her anxious thoughts across the bond. She didn't know what to feel. It was both excitement, for the thought of going to an actual ball, but fear for doing something that could cause harm to Killian and Liam.
God, I hope I don't make an idiot of myself. She thought, hugging close to her husband, still bubbling with excitement she knew he could read since she didn't even try to conceal it. She was going to a ball!
.
.
The next night, Emma stood ready in front of the mirror in the bedroom she and Killian had rented from the inn for their stay in town. Already the two had made plans once shore leave was approved to him that they would travel the countryside over the next few weeks. At breakfast he had spread out maps at the table and pointing out all the amazing nearby places that he too wanted to explore. A grove of trees that were said to house fair folk, a river where you could catch the occasional glimpse of kelpies galloping over the currents, even a magical well that promised that if two lovers shared a cup of its water would be tied together forever.
"Not that we need it." He had assured her with a wink. "We already have our own magical bond."
It was their time to explore and see this world. Answer to no one or anything but themselves for at least a few weeks. And happily, finally be alone. She let out a slow breath to calm her nerves, before brushing a hand over the skirt of her dress. She never pictured herself as a "girly girl" before and tended to not gravitate towards soft pastel colors. It was a leap of faith she took in agreeing to the soft lilac shade, and it didn't disappoint. The skirts fanned out around her cinched waist confined in a corset. Layered by tulle and a petticoat that it billowed around her. With a modest neckline and sheer sleeves that ended at her elbow, it did not fit the imagery of a Disney Princess dress she had been suspecting. But it was affordable for the coin that she had saved when Liam insisted on paying her for her services aboard the ship.
She moved one way and then the other before grinning and allowing herself the liberty of twirling around the bedroom, the skirts fanning out around her. She would be lying if it wasn't at least a little fun wearing the dresses here. Sure, it sucked not having a simple zipper, and all the layers and extra things that went into dressing. Not to mention the fact how she hated corsets, they really were as bad as everyone cracked them up to be, but it was still fun. She had never allowed herself to feel purely feminine, but now she could. Now she was wearing a beautiful dress and going to an actual ball with her handsome sailor as her date.
On reflex, her hand went up to the locket hanging at her collarbone, fiddling with the pendant nervously before moving a hand up to her hair, patting down a few stray pieces. The maid offered to help her put it up, which was lucky for Emma considering how she barely knew how to do anything with solely bobby pins. Her blonde curls still fell down her back, reaching down to her waist, the maid having braided her hair and pinning it down to the layered curls expertly. As a final touch, Emma added the small pearl earrings Liam gifted her. Before heading into the next room, she grabbed the two small boxes she placed in her satchel.
Killian and Liam stood chatting, again in their dress uniforms that had been washed and starched for the occasion. The beam Killian expressed at seeing her still sparked butterflies in her stomach. He wasted no time in eagerly taking hold of her hands in his to pull her in for a quick chaste kiss.
"You look stunning."
"I know." She nodded, brining forth the boxes. "I got something for you both."
She held out the two simple boxes to them, marked only with two different colored ribbons the seller helpfully provided as wrapping.
"Really? For me?" Liam teased, taking the box in hand. "You didn't have to do anything like this Emma."
"I know." She shrugged off. "I just wanted a way to say…thank you. For everything you both have done for me."
The two brothers exchanged looks before untying the ribbons holding the lids in place.
"Emma, these are wonderful." Liam exclaimed, picking up the two cufflinks in the box. A soft silver and printed with the design of ships in the face. A subtle nod to his occupation that could be worn on such an occasion. "I love it."
She smiled to him, turning her attention to Killian to watch his reaction as he couldn't help but smile at the design printed on his. The moment she saw the two birds that looked like swans, she had to purchase them for him to wear.
"So, you don't forget me." She whispered in a conspiratorial tease.
"As if I ever would want to." He smiled back, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek. "It's perfect."
He pulled away only to start fiddling with his current cuffs, already switching them out in favor of the subtle swan design that would mark him as hers. Liam already have done the same and grinning at her knowingly.
"Well Emma, now I feel a bit upstaged." He turned away from her to ruffle inside his own pack until he produced a small wooden box. He weighed it carefully in his hand, his eyes glazed over in thought before turning and holding it out to her. She exchanged a brief look with Killian, his face and emotions conveying the surprise this gesture held even to him. Taking the box from Liam, she slowly unlatched the clasp to open the lid, a small gasp passing between her lips. A beautiful string of pearls, wide enough to fit perfectly around her neck, rested within the velvet lining of the case. "I thought, it might be appropriate to give you this tonight."
Before she could even start to protest, she felt Killian shift closer behind her, looking down at the box in surprise.
"Liam." He breathed in wonder. "Are those?"
"Mother's." Liam nodded. "Aye. I kept them away all these years, never taking them out for fear they might be stolen, but I don't think she would want them to sit in a box forever and go unworn. She would have wanted you to wear them, Emma."
Emma's mouth just hung open in shock. An heirloom. Liam was wanting her to wear their mother's beautiful pearl necklace tonight. It made her heart tremble feeling so included.
Killian reached out and gave her hand a gentle squeeze, sending pleasant emotions down the bond.
Love. Pride. Joy.
"I would be honored to borrow them tonight." She smiled, her hand going up to her throat when she suddenly felt the weight of her pendent. It suddenly occurred to her that she probably should take it off then, but her heart lurched at the thought.
"It's just for one night, love." Killian whispered to her, obviously reading her distress. "Allow me."
He moved around her back and unclasped the locket for her, letting the weight of it fall into her hand. She held it there a moment, tracing a finger over the heart locket she had worn since their wedding before clasping it tightly in her hands. Liam passed Killian over the pearl necklace, and he arranged it to hug around the column of her throat perfectly.
She reached up with delicate fingers, brushing over the pearl strand and casting a look to him.
"It's so beautiful."
"Then it's a good thing you're the one wearing it." He smiled, his eyes flickering from her eyes down to her lips. "Beauty deserves to be worn by someone just as deserving as you."
She smiled to him, reaching up and pulling him forward by the back of his neck to kiss him. Her lips molding against his as he returned the affection. It wasn't until Liam coughed uncomfortably that they pulled apart.
"Perhaps we can make it to the ball on time?" The captain suggested.
"A kiss will not delay us." Killian replied, though his gaze stayed rooted on her face. His brother snorted at that.
"You have not been judging time wisely then. Come, there will be time for you to be alone after we attend the ball."
Grinning like two lovesick idiots, Emma took the step back, feeling her cheeks flush crimson. Killian only cleared his throat before giving a swift bow and extending his arm to her.
"Shall we then?" Playfully curtsying to him, she placed her arm through his and the three made their way down the steps of the inn. Liam already arranged for a horse and carriage to transport them to the castle. It was exciting to look out and ride through the city at night, with Killian sitting beside her and pointing out several of the attractions of the city. Until the older and poor buildings turned to gilded gates of the palace, a welcoming beacon in the night for all those attending the festivities of the evening. Emma felt her mouth drop open in awe at the splendor of the palace, tall white walls the glowed in the moonlight. Torches lighting the way to the path of stairs that led up to the castle doors.
Their carriage stopped and a footman opened the door before extending a hand to help her down. Skirt in hand, she accepted it to step out of the carriage with Killian and Liam on her heels.
"First time seeing a palace?" Killian breathed into her ear. She couldn't help but giggle at his teasing.
"Is it that obvious?" It was a deflection, and she knew better than to expect it to deter him. Raising her hand in his, he pressed a kiss to the back of her hand.
"You'll be amazing, darling." He tucked her hand in his arm and they made their way up the steps.
"Have you ever been to one of these before?" She whispered.
"Once, I was terrified." He admitted. She felt the reminiscence of the memories. Fear. Anxiety. Loneliness. It was exactly what she was feeling now. "But I'm not today."
"Because you've done it before?"
"Because I have you with me." His smile breath taking. "I would be a nervous wreck without you."
"True." She grinned. "We'll brave this ball together."
"Just like everything." He agreed. Emma's hand tightened around his, her grateful smile begging for a kiss that he had to restrain. To kiss her as he really wanted to, it would not happen in the king's palace, but he promised himself. Later, later he would kiss and show his wife properly how much he loved her.
Instead, he just marveled at her reaction coming into the ball room. Emma's reactions to anything in this world provided the best form of entertainment. But her sight of the port towns, dancing, and other things she considered anomalies were nothing compared to her reaction to viewing the splendor of the ballroom.
The wide room was constructed of stone white marble illuminated by towering gold candelabras and a magnificent glass chandelier that must have taken hours to have each individual candle lit. In a corner dais, an orchestra sat, playing welcoming music that already a few couples were out dancing to in the middle floor. Everywhere you looked, people garbed in either royal uniforms such as Killian or Liam or decadent splendor perused about. This was nothing new to them, he was used to it, having been to quite a fair few already. But watching her was the greatest form of entertainment possible.
"What do you think Emma?" Liam asked, a grin on his face as well. Clearly, they both enjoyed watching her reactions.
"Its amazing. I…I never knew it would be like this."
"What would royal balls be like back in your land?"
"I don't know." She blinked back to the captain with a sheepish smile. "Believe it or not Liam peasants don't get invited to them back where I'm from."
"I suppose it is unfortunately the same way everywhere." Killian chipped in, leaning closer to her. "We are considered the rabble. Only here because we are in uniform. But it is still an honor."
"Are you two the only officers here?"
"No, a few others will be in attendance tonight. You will most likely meet them as we sit for the dinner."
Nodding her head in understanding, her head was turned to the splendid movement on the dancefloor. Much more graceful than those that danced in the square or even at their wedding, the couples moved with fluid grace in a practiced choreography of skirts. Killian didn't even fight to hide the smile that spread across his lips. While Emma was shy about dancing the first time, she really took to it, often moving about the ship with her own little dance when she thought no one was looking. He cut in at any opportunity he caught her, sweeping her into their own dances under the moonlight.
The music slowed to a halt, ending the end of the set before sweeping off again in the start of a fast polka and Killian immediately turned to Emma ready to ask. Liam, however, was quicker, seizing Emma's free hand in his.
"May I have this dance little sister?" He shot a sly smirk to Killian who could only watch in silent shock as Emma went out on the dancefloor with him. Her laughs hidden to everyone else by the music and the happy jeers of fellow dancers. With the same ease and grace as Killian, Liam gripped hold of her waist and spun her in line with the others, prancing around the dancefloor.
"I don't think he's going to be very happy about you cutting him off." Emma smiled, falling into the Liam's twirling of her body before catching herself against his shoulder and moving about again. She didn't even need to think on it because across the bond she could feel the bristled emotions of jealousy leaking from her husband.
"I'll count on it." Liam playfully winked. "He just doesn't understand that I was doing him a favor. He needs to dance with someone else at least once before he spends the rest of the evening twirling you around the dancefloor."
Emma raised a brow at this and turned to look over her shoulder to see her husband politely escorting a matronly woman to the floor and falling into the dance.
"He doesn't look like he thinks of it your way."
"Well then, consider it part of our amusement."
"Our amusement?" She scoffed.
"Oh, please Emma, you are enjoying the joke of it." The blonde couldn't help but roll her eyes at him, but grinned mischievously none the less.
"I would be lying if I said I wasn't, but I suppose if he gets jealous over anyone tonight it's a good thing it's you."
Liam's smug smile confirmed his pleasure at hearing that. With the last note of the dance, participants around them clapped amusedly, pleased by the quaint and energetic opening. Killian wasted no time in excusing himself from his dance partner, clutching to her arm as if afraid to let her go.
"Thanks for stealing her away, Liam." He hissed.
"You are most welcome little brother." The older Jones replied, slapping a hand to Killian's back as added insult. Emma couldn't help but giggle at his face, seeing him look as if he swallowed a lemon. "I believe I shall go and socialize, lest I be tempted to take the next dance with Emma as well."
Killian's exasperated groan did have her biting back her wicked grin as he turned on her.
"Whatever did I do to deserve such treatment from both wife and brother?" He sighed, though his grin gave way to his joke.
"Well, you were born with one, and married the other."
"True. I suppose it is just a learning experience for me then."
"Oh? And what have you learned?
His face moved closer to hers, nose just barely hovering hers.
"That I shouldn't give anyone else the opportunity to dance with you." A thrill rolling up her body at his words. A small part of her enjoying the display of how much he wanted her, and how jealous he could be to keep her attentions.
"That sounds possessive." She whispered back, calling him out.
"You like it." His whisper hot against her ear. What she wouldn't give to not be standing in a room full of people who would disapprove of her tugging him down for a passionate kiss. The music started again in a gentle sway, inviting people out to resume dancing once more. Cupping her hand in his, Killian pulled her along in line with the other dancers.
"Aren't you even going to ask?"
"Don't have to, its usually customary for a man and wife to share the first waltz of the evening." He winked to her. She smiled in assent placing her hand on his shoulder, his hand settling on her waist to pull her in closer. Then they were moving across the dance floor. Gliding around the other couples with practiced ease.
"I never did ask you how you learned to dance." She whispered. A pink tinted his cheeks, and his blue eyes were suddenly avoiding hers.
"Well, I gather the same way most lads learn."
"How's that?"
"They start by dancing with pretty girls." She bristled at that, her green eyes narrowing at him when he laughed, twirling her suddenly. "I'm joking, love, they were only half as pretty as you."
"At least you learned something from them." Emma grinned, internally grateful that he certainly didn't learn to kiss from them. But she knew he was testing the waters with her, trying to gauge a jealous reaction from her. "Maybe we should both agree now, to try and not make each other jealous?"
"Good plan. Which is why I can't wait for our expedition." He lowered his mouth to her ear. "It'll just be the two of us."
"I like the sound of that. No crew or Liam to…interrupt us."
"Or overhear us you mean."
She was unsuccessful in suppressing her laughter, causing multiple people turn to look over to her pinching his shoulder.
"Be careful that no one else hears you!"
"Believe me, they aren't focusing on what we are saying. They are too focused on you being the most beautiful woman at the ball."
"Says you."
"Aye, and it's true." His smile warmed, before flickering away. Twisted by a painful cloud of thought. "I'm just happy that you get to see something like this…that we get to do it together. I know that…a lieutenant's wife, it doesn't offer much, and there is so much more you deserve Emma. So much more that I would like to give you one day."
Her own smile softened, their movements slowing in staccato for their conversation. No one in her life had ever tried to offer her anything, let alone all they had. Yet this sweet young man, barely a few years older than her, who had helped her, saved her, even sought out clothing for her when she had none, still wanted to give her more. She didn't know how she had existed before without this love. Raising her hand, the back of her fingers slowly caressed over his trimmed stubble.
"You are more than enough." She affirmed; his blue eyes flickered with surprise. The bond displaying his emotions clearly.
Hope. Love. Assurance.
Clearly, they were the same, she thought. They both had never thought themselves as enough until they had found each other.
"You are worth everything in this world Killian," She whispered. Her eyes flickering to his lips, wanting desperately to kiss them but not knowing if it was safe here. "You are worth everything, and so much more, because I love you."
Her hand slipped down, but not before he could turn his head ever so slightly to press a kiss to her fingers. His blue eyes alight with a devotion that only she could understand.
"You are my world, Emma." He whispered. "I want you to know that. And one day, one day I'm going to show you the world."
She huffed a small laugh, knowing he meant it.
"Only if it's with you."
"Of course, it will be with me." He scoffed. "Who else will captain this fine voyage of ours. We'll see everything, go everywhere our hearts desire, and let nothing stop us. You wait love, one of these days the world will be your oyster."
She just rested her head to his shoulder. Relaxed in his embrace and giddy with his promises. With him, she truly didn't need anything else. She survived with nothing less than a few clothes on her back and food to eat, same as he did. They understood each other that way. They were survivors, sticking through life by the skin of their teeth. Emma loved that about him, he had no resolution to climb in his career. Killian just wanted security, honor, and a family, just like her. Royal balls were nothing compared to what they had. Except perhaps the food.
The waltz ended and she stood up from his shoulder smiling to him before leaning forward to place a loving kiss on his cheek. Surely that was allowed in this society.
"Most scandalizing." Liam gasped from behind them, a hand struck to his chest in shock. Emma looked to Killian, assured by his relaxed grin at the joke before turning to Liam.
"At least you are the one scandalized and not some timid old lady."
"Oh, believe me, they probably saw you too and are just as scandalized." He grinned. "They just know the way to cure it is to gossip about you. No doubt you will be the subject of every teatime for the next week Emma."
"That's not intimidating at all." She added dryly. Killian's hand around her waist pulling her in closer had her grinning again immediately. Tilting her head back to him she smiled coyly. "Although it is worth it."
"I would hope so." He whispered back to her, his free hand taking hold of hers, rubbing the back of her fingers with his thumb.
"Could you please stop looking at each other like that?" Liam groaned. "Otherwise, you'll really give everyone something to talk about."
A ripple of gasps and whispers started echoing around the room. People moving apart and pushing back, leading to where they stood on the floor.
"It seems there is something more noteworthy than us Liam." Killian said. His blue eyes crinkling to try and catch sight of what was going on.
"Indeed."
The three stood in silent amazement as the crowd around them grew quiet. One tall figure was cutting across the ball room. Clad in a fine royal red tunic and a gold crown upon a head of peppered dark hair, the king stopped right in front of Emma and gave a small courtly bow.
"Good evening, may I have the honor of the next dance."
Emma only was able to cast a nervous look to Killian before remembering all the eyes watching her. She might not have been raised around royals, but she figured it wouldn't be a wise decision to turn down the king at his own party. Especially if it would affect Liam and Killian. Raising her chin, she grabbed her skirts and found herself lowering into a curtsey for him with a delicate incline of her head.
"The honor would be mine…Your Majesty." She added before looking up to the man. He gazed down at her with kind eyes and held his hand out to her, delicately raising her up and leading the way onto the floor. Emma cast one last look back to Killian and Liam as she was walked away. She was rewarded by Killian offering a kind smile that brought soothing emotions down the bond.
Trust. Love. Belief.
She turned her attention back to the kind who swept her into the center. Everyone seemed to see fit to give them ample space, to the point where they were the only ones on the dance floor. With her hand held in his, she placed her free hand on his shoulder while his other hand took hold of her waist. And then, then they began dancing.
After all the times she and Killian found themselves dancing, it was second nature to follow his steps of the waltz. It was just entirely different doing it with the most important person in the kingdom and (in a way) her husband's boss all while everyone around them was watching them. It felt just like it had in the movies, everyone was in a fishbowl around them.
This would probably actually be romantic if it wasn't with him. She thought to herself and caught sight of Killian. He watched her with a happy smile that she returned.
"You look very familiar to me Mrs. Jones." The king mused. "Tell me who were your parents?"
"I'm sorry sire, I never met my parents. I have no idea who they were."
"I see, now how about where you are from? I have heard that Lieutenant Jones met you outside of our kingdom."
"Yes, that's true. I'm from another realm very different from this one. I was very fortunate to have been assisted by your naval officers."
Emma figured it was safest to tell some of the truth. Maybe it was a crime here to lie to the king and she certainly didn't want to be accused of it. It could just cause more trouble for her and possibly Killian. So, she figured the best course of action was to stoke his ego as a diversion.
"And how have you found my navy?"
"I find them very hardworking and capable. You inspire a great amount of loyalty in your officers, it speaks to how great of a king you are."
His smile widened at the compliment, a little too flattered. With another turn, the hand on her waist shifted ever so slightly, pushing her even closer into him. Barely noticeable to the audience, but just enough that she was uncomfortable to be held so closely by a stranger.
"It is a great compliment coming from you. But there is something about you that reminds me of someone, are you sure you have no ties to anyone here? Perhaps I can…assist you in finding out your bloodline."
"Positive." She muttered stiffly. Afraid to move away and offend him just yet.
"Maybe you say that now my dear." She prickled at the endearment. "But maybe in time, your parentage will come to light. Which would be most opportune for you and can lead the way to…better things."
Emma only hoped better things meant back to being out in the middle of the ocean.
.
.
Liam watched in fascination as his brother's wife swept about on the dance floor. She had improved since that first night in port with dancing. It was no secret that she and Killian often practiced with each other around the ship when they could afford it, but even that was limited. It was surprising that with all the time spent on a ship and around all the sailors, yet she had an uncanny grace about her.
"Killian…." He trailed off and cast a look to his younger brother. "Are you sure there are no princesses where she is from?"
"She said there weren't any. Why?"
"Because its uncanny. Look at her. Really look at her. She comes from a land without magic, she knows nothing of this world, yet she moves with such ease. Like she was born for living in a court."
Killian turned from his brother's gaze to look on Emma. She was true to her namesake, her neck extended and poised, back erect as she moved around the dancefloor. While he and Liam had sailor tans hers still possessed the same wintery cream from when he pulled her from the sea. Unblemished, perfect, and unnaturally fair, the kind of skin most women of court would kill to possess and went to such troubles to obtain with limited sun exposure.
"She's just a gifted dancer Liam." He whispered, his blue eyes never leaving his wife dancing with the king. "Nothing more."
It sounded bitter coming from his tongue. To shoot down the prospective thought that Emma was anything more than an orphan girl he met. He knew she was so much more than that, but if people started thinking she was royalty that he married, it made him afraid. Already the other guests in the room were watching her with hushed whispers.
Is she a princess?
Surely, just look at her. Perhaps from a poor kingdom.
She could be an excellent wife to the King. Unmarried with the princess to care for.
She even looks like Princess Anneliese.
He ran a tongue over his lips nervously, grateful that the music ceased, and Emma was departing the king with a low curtsey returned by his courtly bow. She rose and turned back, heading towards him, her own green eyes locking onto him, and her smile reassured him.
The hell with everyone else. We know the truth, and we are married. Nothing will change that.
Emma immediately wrapped her arm around his, clutching to him tightly as if he was her anchor. Confused, he took hold of her hands.
"You truly are a magnificent dancer, darling." He pressed a kiss to her knuckles.
"Yes, to dance with the King at his own ball. Its quite an accomplishment." Liam added with a wink.
"All I did was dance." She shrugged uncaringly. "I'm just glad I didn't do anything stupid."
"As if that's even possible with you." Killian whispered. From the hall, a footman blew into a horn that reminded Emma of a trumpet.
"And that will be our dinner." Liam nodded his head towards the hall, indicating the direction to go. Emma let out a smile of relief, wrapping her arm around Killian's to make their way into the next room.
The large dinning room was set with tables in the shape of a large horseshoe. The center obviously being where the king sat.
"Lucky for us, we usually sit at the end." Killian winked to her playfully, taking her arm in his and pulling her to one end of the table. Liam nodded towards them, holding up a place card indicating their seats. Before Killian could even pull out a chair, prepared to hold it out for her, a footman bustled over stopping to the three.
"The King has requested the Jones family to sit at his left hand." He announced stiffly. Emma felt the blood pool from her face while the other two exchanged excited looks.
"A seat next to the King." Liam huffed proudly. "Emma, I knew you would bring us good luck tonight."
He stepped around her, following the footman, giving Emma the chance to tug on Killian's arm.
"Is something like this normal?" She whispered. "I mean he's changing the seat arrangement just to have us close. Isn't that…odd?"
"He's the king, darling, he can change whatever he wants at his own party." Killian whispered back with a relaxed smile that frowned down at her. Clearly feeling the dread, she was feeling inside. Gently he took hold of her hand, squeezing it reassuringly in his. "Don't be afraid about it. He probably is just curious about Liam's travels is all."
"I hope so." She muttered, not daring to voice aloud the way the king looked at her while they danced. She didn't like it, and the less time she spent around the man, the happier she would be. The middle table that sat in the center of the room felt trapping, people surrounding, and the large, gilded chair that would seat the King once he entered last. Emma's hopes of sitting away from the king were squandered when the footman held out the seat right beside the empty chair with a look to her.
"Your seat, madame." He primly offered. Killian waving him away eased her anxiety as he hovered closely behind her, it made the bond thrum with reassurance.
He's here. It's okay. You won't embarrass them. Just…just listen and nod. She rationalized. She was used to stepping around people carefully, reading what they wanted to hear. The only difference was this was a man who could easily not only have her killed but the two people she loved most. For that reason, Emma steeled herself as the King entered from a side door. No one was to sit until he did, the whole room standing on ceremony until he lowered into his chair. The whole hall followed suit lowering in place, all except for Killian who waved away the footman to assist in pushing her in closer to the table before sitting himself next to her.
Emma smiled to him as the parade of servants walked in, each carrying an individual plate. The wrapped around the room in a timely manner, until one stood behind every chair for the entire table. As one they set down the plates to each diner and then filing out once again. With relief, Emma was glad to see it was just fish, salmon by the looks of it, so nothing that she would be clueless on eating.
"What land do you come from again Mrs. Jones?" The king studied her closely, his grey blue eyes seeming to focus more on her than anything else in the room.
Emma picked up her fork, spinning it thoughtfully on how to answer. She could feel Killian tensing slightly beside her, this meant she had to answer carefully.
"I've been traveling villages after I left the orphanage." She said evenly. "I found myself in trouble in Misthaven when your officers helped me."
"And that is how you met Lieutenant Jones?"
"Yes sir." Killian nodded. "I couldn't resist such a…radiant damsel in distress."
Emma subtle pressed her foot down on the toe of his boot. Like hell she was some form of damsel, even though he did save her from drowning, so he wasn't technically lying.
"How fortunate." The king supplied dryly. He drained his goblet of wine and held it out for a servant to refill immediately. He looked to the clear goblet of water next to Emma's plate before holding his own to her. "Would you care to try? It's of my finest year."
Emma felt something stick in her throat. Killian too felt a sense of anxiety, but his was more nervous than what she felt.
"No thank you." She smiled to him, hoping he would leave her alone then. The goblet didn't move from her face.
"I insist."
More eyes drifted over to them, watching her. Emma took the goblet from the hand, trying her best to avoid touching his fingers, although they slithered from the rim to brush over hers with some form of reverence. Twisting it, she held it to her lips on the opposite side he had drunk from, not interested in tasting his own saliva and feigned a sip.
Just appease him for the moment. She told herself. Appease him to survive the night.
"Excellent taste Your Majesty." She again smiled. Immediately taking a bite of salmon and trying to ignore his gaze on her. She recognized his stare. Her whole body did as her skin prickled uncomfortably and her gut was screaming to her about danger. She spent all her teen years noticing the signs of dangerous men like him, and knew it meant she had to get away.
"You are a well practiced dancer Your Majesty, if you don't mind my saying so." Liam nodded to him. "This must be the first time I have heard of you dancing at your own ball."
"Yes," The king drawled. "I never really took much pleasure in dancing. I prefer to spectate. That was until I saw you, my dear. You reminded me a lot of an old sweetheart of mine, Princess Evangeline. She was a great beauty as you are, I hoped to have married her before."
"I'm sure she is lovely." Emma added politely. Not wanting to walk into the obvious question he was baiting her to ask.
"The loveliest. She accepted the proposal of another prince." The King sneered. "But I suppose it worked out. I was needed to rule this kingdom, and she took over her own with her new husband."
"A happy ending for everyone then." Liam tried to supply cheerfully.
"Yes," the King hummed, rubbing his fingers together, his gaze still on her. "It had been some time since I have seen her."
Emma felt bile rising. Something was wrong here. His focus on her, his comparison to some other princess. His touches and desires to have her sit close to him. It wasn't right. It was all she could feel. Fear. Fear. Fear.
Need to run. She thought. Need to get away, find a way to get away.
"I heard about your daughter, Your Majesty," Killian spoke up. "Is she well since she is not in attendance tonight?"
His hand encased hers under the table, clenching it in a tightening grip. A reassurance that she was not alone.
The king's lip frowned down, clearly unsatisfied with the change in topic.
"She is well, just uncomfortable socializing this evening. I suppose it is where she could benefit from having a lady's maid."
"As would most princesses I would think." Liam chimed in with a friendly smile. "I'm sure that there are many fine young ladies in the court that would be happy to do so."
"I have no doubt about that, it's all about finding the right one."
"I'm sure you and your daughter have the correct judgement on finding the perfect fit." Emma tried to supply helpfully, taking a delicate bite of roast. The king again looking over her profile with narrowed eyes.
"What if I offered you a place in court ?" The way the king rolled her married name made her bristle. "What would you say to that?"
Carefully, with all the grace and ease she could muster she turned to look at him with her most charming smile.
"Thank you sire, but my place is with my husband." She turned to Killian hoping to express the role of devoted wife to convince the king his attentions were not wanted. The silence that surrounded the table then, was uncomfortable. She looked back at the king, who was scowling down at his fingers in thought. Seeming disinterested, but clearly unsatisfied with her answer.
"Lieutenant, you are serving on The Jewel are you not?" His voice turning from the warm and bemused tone he took with her.
"It is Your Majesty." Killian nodded, clearly uncomfortable with the attention as well.
"Yes," The king crooned thoughtfully. Picking up his goblet. "I don't think I've heard of an officer being granted permission to bring his wife with him. Is that right?"
Emma felt the bond grow taunt. Stiff as a sharp wire it pierced inside. Fear. Anger. Hurt. A small glance to Killian, who was sitting stiffly in his chair, a muscle in his cheek twitching, indicated he felt it too.
"No, Your Majesty." He answered, his voice laced with something unfamiliar. The king nodded slowly, his eyes shifting from Killian back to Emma, a sardonic smile stretching across his face.
"See Mrs. Jones, your husband understands if you were to stay."
The threat was clear to the three of them. Emma was not to go with them back on The Jewel of the Realm.