Thank you for your patience in letting me take yesterday off for work and a little date night with the hubby. It did me a world of good with everything I have going on in my life.

Your reviews and comments have been very kind and motivational. I love to read them and even laughed out loud at a few while I snuck a peek at them during my meetings yesterday.

I have not given much information about the Henry situation, but this chapter offers a few more clues. It also explains how I am going to meld what is going on with Regina with the rest of the Charmings, including Emma.

Moonlight found its way through the small places where the shutters and the windows did not meet, as Emma readied herself for sleep and waited for the inevitable lecture about having been unaccompanied on Killian's ship. As if performing a dance, Red avoided the tiny shards of moonlight as gracefully as she could. She was on the far side of the room folding the blanket into a perfect square, setting it on the bed with a soft plop as Emma stood to the side brushing her hair. The two women had barely spoken since their walk back from town, keeping what conversation they did have light and without much meaning.

"I'm worried about Granny," Emma admitted, the blonde of her hair glowing with the light of the crackling fire in the other room. "She seems rather…"

Spinning to face her guest, Red shook her head vehemently. "That's not what this is about, Emma. You claim that you were devastated to risk your reputation, your parents' reputation by what happened with Baelfire, but yet today you were alone with Killian on his ship. Do you know how that looks? How people might perceive that as something more? Emma, I know you like him, but you cannot behave this way. People talk. And you…"

Her skin growing pale with the subject, Emma sat on the edge of Ruby's bed. She pulled her knees to her chin and hugged them to her. "I behaved horribly," she said, her voice cracking. "I know that. I know that I should have never gone there. It was just a kiss though."

The groan from Red sounded as though Emma had struck her in the stomach with her fist. "A kiss? Emma, you are not like other women. You may come from progressive parents, but you aren't free to dally with just any man you please. Your father has made it his mission to banish pirates from this kingdom. How do you think he's going to react that you were kissing a pirate? He'll never allow you or your brother to visit again." She made a tsking sound with her tongue. "They want more for you than some pirate who moons after you like a lovesick pup. I could see he has feelings for you. A blind man could see that, but Emma, do you have feelings for this man? Are you actually… I told Granny that we should stop this before it went too far."

Emma grasped her hug around her legs tighter as she watched Red sit across from her. "I care for him, Red," she said softly. "But I know that this won't last. I am to leave soon and he will forget all he knows of me. I think that was perhaps why I went. I wanted to feel like it could last. I wanted to feel like this wasn't some fleeting moment that I would look upon fondly after I'm married to some prince and producing an heir."

"You don't have to be ashamed," Red told her, daring a reach out to her arm consolingly. Emma accepted the gesture. "I can understand how you would feel something for him. He is quite handsome and he's been very kind to you. Such attention is not often given to a woman by a man if there is no intention behind it. But as lovely as that feeling might be, you must consider the repercussions. Anyone seeing you come off that ship on his arm with the way you two looked upon each other, it was clearly obvious that there is more behind your visit than a polite social call."

Closing her eyes, Emma tried not to let the tingle that her lips still felt sway her as listened to the other woman's warning. "I apologize, Red. I shouldn't have done that. I should have considered your reputation too."

The dark haired woman laughed at that, so loud that she might have woken Granny and Leo for the noise. "I have damaged my own reputation beyond repair, but I do worry about yours. You cannot afford for people to think of you in such a manner." Though older now, Emma could still see the great beauty in Red's angled face and her large eyes that seemed so bright in contrast to the thick dark main of hair. Her skin was a soft and fair color, beautifully and impossibly soft. Men flocked to her, which she appreciated but did not indulge to the point of a relationship. Many times she had told Emma that some people were not meant for true love when others were born for it.

"All the same, I came here to help and I have made a mess of things," Emma said, explaining quickly about Lily's appearance on the ship.

"That does complicate matters," Red said, standing back up and pacing the floor as she thought. "I suppose we should have you with a chaperone tomorrow until your parents return."

Emma frowned, feeling again that she was being more of a bother than a help. "Is it necessary? I will stick strictly to my work. I won't disappear or do anything rash."

"I think it is the best solution," Red said with a firm nod in agreement with herself. "I'll speak to Granny about it in the morning." She looked at the closed door, the wooden beam that could barricade it was in the up position. "Emma, please know that I think it is great you have found someone you like. It's only your reputation that is of concern to me. Your parents are progressive, but I hardly think they would approve of this. "Most young women in your position only kiss the man they are betrothed to. And while the Captain is certainly enamored with you, I doubt he is proposing marriage."

Emma lowered her legs so that her bare fit touched the smoothed wooden floor. "I've already shamed them in that way what with Baelfire and the baby…" Her voice cracked and she felt the salty tears forming. "I'm always a fool."

"Emma, loving someone doesn't make you a fool. It makes you a good person, a person capable of love and emotions that the rest just pretend to have as they go on about their lives. What happened with Baelfire was tragic and the loss of your child more so. But you have a new chance at a life that you want. Emma, please understand that we all want you to be happy. And if it is a pirate who…"

"I don't know," Emma interrupted. "I don't know if I feel that way about him. I don't know if I can any more." She looked longingly at the floor, a quiet sniffle the only sound. "I loved him and my child, but they are both gone now. And I am alone. Perhaps I'm like you said, meant to be alone."

Red smoothed her hand over the blanket she had folded. "No, Emma, I think that is why the Captain has come into your life. Perhaps you need reminding that you are capable of love. And whether with him or someone else, you will find that great love and have your happy ending."

***AAA***

Killian moved about the ship with a detectable slowness, his eyes glazed with the memories of Emma's visit interspersed with the troubles on his mind. Smee had requested to speak with him twice before he even acknowledged the man, finally giving into the request and finding himself in conference with him.

"The royal carriages should be arriving on one of two routes. While it would certainly be easier if we knew which one it was, I am certain we have enough men to split between the two." The man's face was marred with circles under his eyes and his quiet lilt in his voice sounded hoarse. Clearly the man had been struggling with his plan, as ineffective as it was.

Gripping the arm of his chair tighter, Killian tried not to think of the folded letter in his pocket. When Emma had appeared on the ship he had considered that she might be there to collect it, realizing she had left it with him by mistake. However, she had not mentioned it and it still sat in his care. From what she had said, the letter would tell him of the travel plans. There was no greater clue as to where to strike.

"I am reluctant to lessen our forces in that way," Killian said, thinking it a logical objection. "The carriages will be guarded by knights and guards who have more experience than some of our greener men. I don't relish seeing them struggle." He shifted uncomfortably at his seat. "Perhaps we should sail out in search of a ship to ambush. Blackbeard is usually around these parts at this time of year. He's easy enough to…"

"Blackbeard is good for a few coins, but were speaking of a royal treasure, Captain. That is a much better prize. I know you hate to split us up, but unless we get confirmation, I don't see another way."

The Captain nodded his head, looking at the crudely drawn map. "And where are you thinking I should be? I would need to be where the convoy is actually traveling. If you don't know, we may select the wrong spot."

Smee's eyes went wide at the realization that Killian was far from enthusiastic about this venture. The Captain he knew was always on the front line, never letting anyone take an unnecessary risk other than himself. However, this was far from the normal. "Captain, I am not sure how to ask this. But is there a reason that you don't wish to do this. I thought you wanted to go after the Dark One. That has been the plan all along, has it not? And we clearly need to replenish our supplies before we take on such a foe."

"I will take on the Dark One," Killian answered darkly. "I just don't see the need for robbing a royal treasure to do so."

Skeptical was an understatement as Smee watched Killian study the map critically. Without probing, the pirate was pointing out every flaw in the plan. He knew better than to argue with his Captain and let him, realizing that something else was bothering him. "It's her, isn't it?"

"Her?"

"The blonde woman at the Lucas Pub? The one who was aboard just a bit ago. You're trying to impress her?" Smee rarely spoke so freely to the man before him, but it seemed a necessary risk. "You could have your pick of the women in this village, but you seem glutton for punishment to go after one who is this much trouble."

"You forget yourself," Killian practically growled. "I am the Captain of this ship. Not you. You are to anticipate my needs and follow my commands. In no way have I asked you for advice on any woman I may have an interest in or fancy. So I will remind you to keep your mouth shut on such matters."

Looking appropriately chagrinned, Smee mumbled his apology. "I should tell you that the men are concerned about the lack of planning toward the royal carriage and supplies. They think…" He broke off, looking at the once ornate decorations of the cabin. "They think you aren't the man you once were. And some have been talking about crewing up with other ships."

"I want no man with doubts on my crew," Killian said as if it did not matter at all. "I am the Captain of this ship, Mr. Smee. And I won't be made to do anything I don't think is in the best interest of myself, this ship, or my crew. Is that understood?"

***AAA***

Emma did not see Granny until the next morning, though she dreaded the eventual lecture that she would undoubtedly hear about her behavior. She only hoped that the woman would be a bit more understanding than Red, as she was beginning to suspect that she had a soft spot for the pirate. For as guilty as she felt, Emma could not forget the sensation of his mouth on hers or the spicy taste of rum on his tongue.

"You look as though you feel better," Emma said as the two women sat for breakfast with Leo and Red hurried about at some last minute chores. "I was worried about you last night." The woman's eyes seemed brighter than the night before and her color was better though she was still moving a bit slower than normal.

"And here I thought your mind was on the Captain," the woman said, peering over her glasses before taking a gulp of her milk. "I'm as well as can be expected. Don't you worry."

"Are you going to the inn today or can I convince you to stay here?" Emma asked, breaking off a bit of the bread. "I'd be happy to assist Red with the inn and pub if you would like to stay here and rest."

The woman scoffed at the idea. "We've got to finish turning that land for the garden. And the fence for the goats must be mended before one of them escapes. There's too much to do here for anyone to rest." The woman popped one of the berries that Killian had picked with Emma into her mouth, her mouth puckering with the sweet tartness. "And I believe that man might set up camp by the chicken coop if you don't go to town today."

Emma's huffing response was interrupted by Leo's more innocent question of whether Killian was coming to visit him that day. His sister seemed too flustered to answer and Granny practically guffawed at the idea that the pirate's intentions were obvious to all but the young child. "I believe he might be more interested in visiting your sister," Granny told Leo. "But he seems to be quite taken with you too."

"He's easily entertained," Emma muttered, still not sure how to best express her indignation. "But Granny, I don't have to go to town. I can work here."

"Nonsense," Granny said firmly. "I've been working that garden and mending fences for longer than you've been alive. A little ache in my bones won't slow me down but a little. You go help that granddaughter of mine and bring me back some of the bread she's going to have you bake. Maybe a cake piece too. I've always had a sweet tooth."

"At least let me take Leo with me," Emma insisted. "You don't need him here to distract you or cause more work."

"I wouldn't," the little boy protested, but his smile clearly said he was excited at the prospect of another day with his sister. "I can look at the ships while you work, Emma."

Red laughed as she joined the trio, her hood having fallen off her head and down to her shoulders and back. "Maybe your sister can give you a tour. I didn't know you two had an interest in ships in common."

***AAA***

Killian arrived to fetch Emma, Leo and Red in the wagon he had borrowed the other day. Wearing his more familiar and darker clothes, he looked quite odd at the helm of it with the leather reins in his hand. He smiled brightly at Emma and gave a full handed wave to Leo before he spoke to Red. "Lady Lucas I know you walk this path every day, but I had hoped you'd allow me to make the journey easier for you and Emma."

Proclaiming it as an unnecessary luxury, the dark haired woman refused Killian's hand and climbed into the wagon on her own power, patting the seat next to her for Emma. "We might as well if he's going to try to impress you with his industriousness."

Killian didn't deny the woman's claim, but still felt his cheeks pink under the scrutiny. Emma was more willing to accept his help into the wagon and Leo followed by taking the seat on the front with Killian. He told his sister and mother's friend that he could better watch for bandits on the road in that position. "We'll protect them, won't we?" he asked Killian.

"Aye, that's the idea," the man said with a chuckle as the foursome was waved off by Granny.

"I don't know that we should leave her alone," Emma said in a quiet voice that she was hoping only Red would hear. "Perhaps I should go back."

"Granny is not about to let you do that. Once she makes up her mind, it is made up. We can try to go back early if you like." Red held to the simple board that served as their rustic seat. It wasn't a carriage like Emma usually road in, but the princess seemed more inclined to enjoy it than her godmother beside her.

Killian did not respond to that conversation though he could hear it going on, instead turning his attention to his young companion. The two talked about sailing for a little bit, including what it was like to climb to the crow's nest and feel as though you could see the whole world. The boy seemed in awe of the idea, his questions coming fast and furious. When Emma and Red stopped discussing Granny, they both stifled their laughter at his enthusiasm.

"Is it like flying?" he asked of the crow's nest. "Is that why they have named it after a bird because you feel like you are flying?"

Killian admitted that he was not sure how the term had originated, only that that midnight colored birds were the only ones that perched so high to rest. Emma smiled with admiration that he was, despite his warnings and others about his temperament as a pirate, kind and gentle with her brother. He did not seem at all put upon by the boy's questions.

"I believe that settles it," Red whispered, holding her hand over her mouth as she leaned toward Emma. "Leo will be your chaperone. His questions alone will keep Killian from any nefarious actions."

***AAA***

Regina sat listlessly as Robin spoke to two of the guards he had posted at the nursery door. Both boys were in there with the governess, playing some game with wooden blocks that he had carved and painted during a particularly bad snow storm. She was anxious to see them, telling Robin if he would not allow her to scurry away with Henry that she would at least hold him close to her until the danger passed.

"I have no doubt you will do all you can to protect him," Robin had said, kissing her temple. "But running away will serve no purpose when dealing with the Dark One. He's ruthless and cunning, a lethal combination for a powerful wizard."

"That's exactly why we should hide," she had protested. "Somewhere he can't find us."

"Does such a place exist?"

Unable to answer that question, Regina had agreed they would try guards and security measures to keep the darkness out of their home. And though she had not practiced magic in years, not since her stepdaughter had it bound out of her in a punishment that could have very well ended in death instead, the idea still created urges within her. "Perhaps…" she trailed off. Closing her eyes, she extended the fingers of her hands, stretching the long digits wide.

"Regina?"

The woman's hands clenched back shut into balled fists. "I had to try," she whispered before opening her dark eyes to him. "I should have never agreed to live this way."

While her statement stung him a bit, the man nodded as if he understood and took the seat next to her. "You were powerful," he observed. "This must be…"

"Don't," she said with a harsh glare at the guards moving back into position. "Don't placate me because you think it might calm me. There is danger approaching my son and I am helpless. I can't do anything about it."

"We are doing all we can. My men are surrounding this place. There are guards in every wing. Every window, door, and chimney is being watched and protected. We are safe, my love." He reached to cradle her, but she yanked away from him. "Regina, talk to me."

"You think Rumpelstiltskin is going to use a door? He's the Dark One. He'll appear. Or he'll just grab Henry and go. What does a guard matter to him?" She was sitting there stiffly, but her voice bordered on panic. "We're not doing anything to protect my son."

Robin was admittedly less versed in the ways of the Dark One than Regina seemed to be. Leaning back, he ran a hand through his hair and waited for her to explain. When she didn't, he had to ask. "What is it you want to do?"

"The only way to fight him is magic," she said, the word coming out like a trembling mass from her lips. "It's the only way."

"But we don't have magic. Do we even know anyone who does?"

"I do," she said quietly, her hand going to her opposite wrist. "I did. I studied under him for years, was taught his ways and his techniques. He showed me."

She had never told him that, though he had heard stories of the way she ruled with balls of fire and threats to destroy all in her path. He had chalked them up to rumors once he saw her powerless and vulnerable. He'd never truly believed. "And why are you not fighting now. If you have magic, you could surely stop him."

Looking upward, she breathed out slowly and surely. "I don't any more," she said, again lifting her arm to show the leather that wrapped around the slender wrist. "My stepdaughter…I did terrible things. Unforgiveable things when I was queen. She fought back against me to gain control of Mist Haven. And as a way of ensuring the kingdom's safety, she had me deemed powerless. I can't wield magic any longer."

He reached out to her arm and pulled at the leather. It did not budge or loosen. "She can remove it?"

"I don't really know," Regina admitted. "A friend of hers, a fairy placed this on me. I don't know if Snow can do this or not."

Robin stood abruptly, walking toward the fireplace and back again, his hands knotted in front of him. "This is so much to take in," he said. "I learn that your son is not truly your own. You have magic. The stories of your reign are not just rumors. Is there anything else? Anything you need to tell me so that I may begin to understand?"

She shook her head. "I don't know if I could beat him with magic, but I feel like I must try," she admitted tentatively. "Perhaps if I spoke to Snow."

A look of determination replaced the confusion on Robin's face. "Very well," he said. "You may get your way after all, Regina. Let's pack. We're going to Mist Haven."

***AAA***

Lily scowled from her spot behind the bar as Emma entered the pub. Her features contorted with displeasure and her words were harsh as she greeted the women only because Red was standing there. The moment that Red went to check on the register of guests and how many rooms would have to be turned over for the night with Leo trailing after, the scowl turned much more sickeningly sweet.

"I knew there was something about you," she said to Emma, a hand on one hip. "I just never imagined it would be magic."

Trying to keep her hands from shaking as she unfastened the clasp at the neck of her cloak, Emma looked to her as bravely as she could. "I don't believe I know what you're talking about, Lily."

"On the ship. You used some sort of dark magic to push me away from Killian." The woman's eyes were narrow and angry.

"That's quite a claim," Emma said, channeling the way her father had responded to a stable boy who had seen Emma conjure up a toy to play with when she was a child. "Are you feeling well? One of the signs of a fever is a hallucination."

The other woman seemed very much a child as she stamped her foot angrily in response. "I know what happened, Emma. You used magic on me because you were jealous."

Swallowing down her fear again, Emma smiled as sweetly as she could. "Perhaps you tripped or is possible that the Captain might have pushed you away?"

There was a rumbling growl in Lily's throat as she surged forward to plant herself in Emma's face. The princess worried what she might do, as there was an instability to anyone highly charged or emotional. She did not have to find out though, as Red returned moments later with a task for Emma to go to the baker for extra bread and other treats.

"It appears we have a large order coming in for the midday meal," she explained. Both women looked slightly confused as Red tied an apron around her thin waist. "Never mind the details. Lily, I will need the tables prepared and the bar spotless. Emma, I need you to stop at the baker's and the butcher's. I'm writing down what we need for you."

Emma accepted the scrap of paper from her godmother with an apologetic smile for having shown any unpleasantness in her moment with Lily. "I'll have Leo go with me to help fetch the items."

***AAA***

The wagon's wheels crunched loudly on the pebbly ground outside of the Lucas cabin, alerting the old woman to the arrival of some guest. She emerged from the darkness of the structure with a look of bewilderment on her face as she noted the half dozen men jumping off the rickety wagon and Killian smiling proudly from the seat.

"Am I under siege by pirates?" Granny asked as the men dispersed in two directions. "I have no treasures for you to find here."

Softening his grip on the reins, Killian kept his smile. "I heard your granddaughter and Emma mention the amount of work that is needed here today Widow Lucas. My men are more used to the sea, but they are lacking focus without more significant tasks. So today they are yours to do the mending of fences, the tilling of the spot for your garden, and whatever you deem as appropriate."

Granny's expression twitched with a grateful smile. "Only you, Captain Hook would think bringing pirates here to do these chores will somehow win you favor with Emma and her parents." She pursed her lips. "But so long as you have brought them, I suppose I can't turn away the help."

Killian and the men he brought along made quick work of the tasks, finding more to do despite Granny's weakened protests. He insisted that she rest, telling her that he was in no mood to be lectured by Emma and Red as to why after his assistance she looked more tired than if she had done it herself. When it was nearly noon, he stopped in to find her napping and left a quick note that he was headed back into town.

He pulled the wagon up to the back door of the pub a few minutes later to find Leo playing on the steps and Emma carrying part of the laundered linens back. Stepping off the wagon, he greeted her flushed but surprised face with his own smile. "I had hoped to see you," he said as she stammered out a hello to him.

"You just saw me this morning," she said, shifting the weight of the items in her arms.

"Aye, but not alone," he pointed out. He could have sworn she was looking more at his lips than into his eyes.

"We are not alone now either," she said, pointing her head in the direction of Leo who had abandoned his playing to stand rigidly and watchfully at attention. "It seems that Red thinks I need a chaperone and my brother is assuming that role today."

Killian chuckled, holding his arms bent so that she might relieve herself of part of the load. "A more ardent one could not be found. "I'm impressed and not surprised at this. She was probably is worried about you after you disappeared to come see me last evening."

Emma nodded. "I'm afraid I wasn't very smart about that, as she is worried about my reputation."

"I should have been more thoughtful about that as well, love," he said. "But it was such a wonderful surprise to see you there."

They stepped in through the doorway with her brother hot at their heels. Killian's attention was split between the two as Leo lobbed more questions about boats and even the wagon at the pirate and he attempted to gauge Emma's temperament since she was being rather subdued with him. The delicate balance was tipped as he noticed the open lidded crate where Red had packed the food he had requested for his men.

"You placed that order?" Emma asked as he lifted it with his hook braced underneath. "Why?"

"You seemed quite concerned about the Widow Lucas and her heath with all the tasks that had to be done at the cabin. My men were not otherwise occupied so I collected a few and have them there working." He grinned at her astonished expression. "It would not do to have her prepare food for the men instead of rest so I assured her and them that I would take care of it."

"Thank you, Killian," she said quietly.

He nodded his head one time and backed his way toward the door telling Leo to continue being a help to his sister and Aunt Red that day. The young boy promised he would and ran to the wagon with a bundle that Red had made for Granny. "I will see you later, Emma? Perhaps to accompany you home again?"

She frowned as she looked to the wagon. "You seem to be working that poor horse quite hard. Perhaps we could just walk. I'm sure Leo would not mind."

"I will ask his permission," he said formally. "Emma, I do owe you an apology. While I certainly enjoyed our kiss, I did not mean to cause harm to your reputation or that of your family. That has never been my intention toward you."

She smiled back. "And do you have intentions toward me?" she asked, the boldness of her question once again showing itself.

"Perhaps we can discuss that on our walk this evening."