AN: Hey everyone, I'm really sorry for the delay, so between a nasty breakup, my depression rearing its head and writers block, getting the best of me recently, not that it's any excuse not to publish. I would just like to say thank you for your patience and continued support; I promise, I'm finally back; and can you believe, I've been on this archive for a year? Read and review please as it would be greatly appreciated, MysteryFan1997.

Disclaimer, I do not own any of the characters from OUAT.

Ch17 - It Couldn't Be True Love, Could It? Pt3

Stress that was somehow caused by me not allowing him to take the jewels, if that's what he intended to do, why did he ask me to accompany him here?...

I watched until he was out of sight, before standing up; if he wanted to spend the afternoon, with that girl, then he could do just that, if he thinks I'm just going to sit here, then he's wrong.

I made my way outside, it's not like he'd even notice; that I was gone, once outside I leaned against the tavern door. I averted my gaze, when I spotted Hook's crew.

I kept my head down, as I walked past them, a couple of them spoke to me; as I walked past.

They spoke softly.

"Princess"

I lifted my head, to smile; before continuing on my path back to where the ship was docked; I couldn't help but overhear, their conversation, as I walked past.

"The Captain, sure knows how to pick em'..."

A shiver ran down my spine, as I suppressed the need to react, as they continued to refer to the girl as the Captain's conquest.

I kept walking, my head remained low; as I silently made my way back through the town, my steps faltered slightly, when I was greeted by the smell of freshly baked bread; coming from bakery we passed on the way here.

I couldn't help, but doubt that Hook; was going to keep his promise, I sighed before making my way toward the ship.

My gaze drifted upward, my shoulders sagged slightly; in relief, when I noticed it was empty, I quickly made my way onboard.

Keep my head down, as I headed straight to my cabin; wrenching the door open, before closing it. I leaned against it, for a few seconds; before deciding to lock it.

I didn't want to chance, Hook; entering, once he returns to the ship, I mean if it's locked he can't get in. I then stared at the lock, and began to wonder, if it would hold up against his hook?

I titled my head to the side, it did look rather worn; so there's doubt, he could probably; break it, without even trying, but would he really enter without my permission?

I sighed, before proceeding to undress; I bundled the leather breeches into my bag, before changing into my regular clothing. Once I was satisfied, I sat down.

I drew my legs up to my chest, before tucking my head into my now folded arms. I sighed, as I knew I had been foolish, to think that he would see me as something other than royalty.

Is this, really what it feels like; when someone, you care about, hurts you? If it is, then I'm not even sure, it's worth it; he would rather, seek stress relief, with a tavern girl, than seek it with me.

I sighed again, before hearing muffled voices; followed by my name, I sat up. I couldn't distinguish who was speaking, so I got up.

I heard my name again, so I opened the door; I was greeted by Smee, he spoke. I also noticed he looked relieved.

"Princess...You're here,

I spoke, in a questioning manner.

"Mr Smee?"

Smee, spoke.

"I'm sorry for the panic, your highness; the Captain, sent me to look for you"

I nodded, before speaking again.

"Well you can tell, the Captain I'm fine; not that it's any concern of his, if I am fine or not"

He nodded, before speaking again.

"You need to return to the port town"

I shook my head, before speaking.

"I'm sorry, but why should I return?"

He answered.

"The Captain, he..." His gaze drifted to the floor, before returning to mine, he continued. "He asked, that I find you and bring you back to the tavern"

My eyes widened, as I spoke.

"He asked?"

Smee, shook his head; before answering.

"It was more of an order, your highness"

I nodded, before speaking.

"I'm sorry, but nothing; not even your Captain orders, would make me go back there"

Smee, nodded; before speaking.

"He wants to apologise, he knows that it looked bad; he wants to make amends"

I shook my head again, before answering.

"I'm sorry, but my answer is no"

He sighed, before nodding; he left, and once he was out of sight, I closed the door. Did Hook, really think; that sending Smee, to retrieve me, was going to work?

I returned to the bed, before sitting down once more; Hook, doesn't seem like the type to make amends, over something like this, so why is he worried about what happened at the tavern, looking bad?

He couldn't possibly, care about my feelings; Pirates don't normally care, about hurting people. I sighed, before standing up; I then made my way, above deck.

I stood beside the helm, before deciding to lean against the railing, my gaze drifting to the water, I took a breath, holding it for a moment, before releasing it.

I repeated that motion, until I felt calm; I turned to face the harbour. I heard the sounds, of the people as they milled about, I watched as they went about their business.

They're probably unaware that they have Pirates in their port town...

TBC

Chapter 18, will be published in a couple of days; it will be the fourth part of this chapter.