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Chapter 1 “Oy, Captain.” The shout nearly missed him from the rushing wind in his ears, but Killian shifted in the saddle on Toothless and glanced behind him. Ruby and Graham flew on their dragons towards him at breakneck speed, Ruby did a daring swoop and loop before she sided with him. “Your brother is requesting your presence.” Killian didn’t have to look at her to know that she most likely had rolled her eyes at this, everyone on his ship knew the strained relationship between the Jones brothers.Gently he nudged Toothless and called, “Let’s fly home.” His dragon snorted in a show of protest, Killian knew Toothless would think today’s flight had been far too short. Well, the dragon just had to go off on his own once they reached Rum Island, their little pirate kingdom perched on the western side of the known world.With practiced ease, Toothless landed on the new structure they had built on the side of their large housing. Nestled on top of the hill, overlooking the pirate village below, their king, his brother Liam, could gaze over the main city of his kingdom. Rum Island was a small realm that lived off the ocean and what their airships could haul in loot. Despite being called pirates it was seen on occasions that they traded with their neighboring realms. Once he had his feet on the ground he quickly removed the saddle from Toothless and patted the dragon’s neck, “Go hunt in the woods, I’m fairly sure this will be a long one.” His dragon snorted in reply and flapped his wings a few times before he took off to the woods beyond the village. Killian hurried to his brother’s private room and knocked on the door. “Enter.” Liam’s voice sounded tired and this had Killian worried again.“Have you not eaten your food?” Killian scanned the table near the fire, a half-eaten piece of bread was still resting beside a barely-eaten bowl of stew.  “No worries, our healer Whale has been here to check up on me,” Liam waved him off and scuffled towards the large window resting his hands on the high windowsill. “How was your flight?” “Ah, good as ever.” Killian regarded his brother with a weary look, his brother was sick and no one really knew how to heal him. “Stop worrying about me.” Liam sighed and twisted his head to look at Killian. “You’re my only family. I'll be damned to see you lose your will to live like our father.” Killian growled and stepped closer to his brother and placed a hand on his shoulder. Liam shrugged, “Whale has called for a colleague from Camelot, who he thinks can help figure out what is needed to cure this.” He swiped the feverish sweat off his forehead with a sweat-stained handkerchief. Killian shook his head, “You’re as stubborn as our ol’ man.” He walked to the table and found the water pitcher and poured his brother a drink. When he returned to Liam’s side he said, “Drink.” “Hmm.” Liam absentmindedly took the goblet and sipped the water slowly. “Thanks.” “Now why don’t we go to finish your evening meal?” “Hmm.” Liam gave a small nod and followed Killian to the table. The brothers talked about the ins and outs of their realm. Liam reminisced about how Killian single-handedly had changed how their realm had viewed the dragons roaming the skies. Going from hunting and killing the beasts to now riding and training them to aid their defense lines. Their father, Brennan Jones had been very opposed to this idea and it had taken a lot of courage from the youngest Jones brother to stand up to his beliefs. But when he found Toothless it changed his life, from being the scrawny younger brother to a full-on dragon rider.  The next day Merlin sent the royal abode into a world of uproar, especially when the warlock suddenly showed up in a puff of smoke in the middle of the courtyard. Killian paced the hallway leading into his brother’s rooms, Merlin and their own healer Whale had joined forces to figure out how to heal the king. When the door was finally opened, he rushed inside and found his brother laying in bed looking tired. “So?” Killian asked, “What can be done to heal my brother?” “Your Grace.” Merlin bowed his head and glanced over at the king, “Your brother has fallen ill on his latest travel to Neverland, it seems as if something followed him back home.” “What?” Killian rushed to Liam’s side, “You never mentioned this?” “I didn’t want to concern you.” “Concern me!” Killian bellowed and tugged at the hairs at the back of his head, “Bloody hell brother, I thought the quest to Neverland had been a success?” “We did find the missing fairies and helped them escape the wretched place.” Liam smiled, but then he looked at Merlin and Whale, “But it seems as if I wasn’t as careful as I thought. There’s a certain plant on that island which is poisonous.” “How?” Killian turned his focus on Merlin, expecting him to explain further.“Your Grace, Dreamshade is only found on Neverland and whoever is stung will die a slow death if not treated.” Killian gulped down, “How long? How long do we have?” “At best three months.” Whale said with a heavy sigh, “I’m sorry Your Grace.” “And at the worst?” Killian swallowed thickly. “A month.” Merlin provided and started to sort out a long line of medicine and herbs, “These can only slow it down, but it will never fully cure him.” “What do we need?” Killian asked urgently.“There’s a fabled flower called Phoenix Flower that is said to be growing in the Hidden world of Caldera, the birthplace of dragons.” “Bloody hell.” Killian slammed his hand against the solid bedpost of Liam’s bed, “That place is all but a myth.” He clenched his hands and recalled how he’d been searching for that very same realm a few years back, but had eventually given up when his father died. Merlin waved his hand in the air and an old scroll emerged in his hand, “I have found this in my travels to the south.”“What’s that?” Killian asked and stepped closer, curious if this might help them.“When the dragons roamed the skies some brave explorers sailed towards the End of the World, beyond the great waterfall they found a land filled with dragons,” Merlin explained and gave Killian the scroll.Killian rolled it out and glanced at it, it showed areas he’d never traveled, Neverland was the furthest southern island their ships had ever traveled.“So that flower is in the realm of the dragons?”  “Killian don’t be doing anything…” Liam interrupted.“Stop right there Liam, if there’s a cure to this I’ll bloody well find it,” Killian vowed, and pointed at his brother, “And don’t even try to stop me, brother.”Liam took a long look at Killian before he nodded in understanding, “Please do nothing stupid, prepare for the quest, and don’t make hasty decisions. Promise me.” His brother’s blue eyes begged for him to agree with this, and Killian knew he owed his brother as much. “Agreed.” Killian swirled around and announced, “I’ll begin my preparations right this minute.” The next two days Killian called on all the favors he could remember someone owning him. Stocking up his ship The Jolly Roger to the brim with provisions and weapons for the long expedition. His crew was informed of their destination and given a choice to stay on board or disembark within the day. To his luck, most of his men were loyal to both him and their king, Liam Jones. On a final visit with his brother to get his blessing for the oncoming quest to find the Phoenix flower, the brothers shared a long talk about the future. Liam had made sure that the succession to the crown would fall upon Killian should he die before the Jolly Roger returned to Rum Island. Killian was far from happy about this information, but he understood Liam’s need to make sure that the crown was secured.  One week later the Jolly Roger sailed over the skies, her fairy-dusted sails lifting it away from the water, accompanied by the lodestone the airship was able to sail through the skies like birds and his beloved dragons. Killian searched the sky and smiled when he spotted Toothless and the two other crew dragons, sailing through the tall clouds above them. His dragon was always ready for a new adventure and this time it seemed it would be the longest yet. He set their course for them to pass Misthaven within a few hours. So far their quest had gone without a hitch, but he knew that a few rogue pirates had opted to use the waters south of Misthaven to wreak havoc to trade ships and fellow pirates alike. Suddenly a shout could be heard from the crow’s nest, “Enemy to starboard.” Everyone rushed to their posts and Killian ordered his crew to maneuver his ship into a better position to attack whoever came at them. He found his telescope and searched the sky, when his eyes landed on the familiar flag of Blackbeard, he cursed and whistled for Toothless to come closer to the helm. Once he’d begun training the dragons, he’d changed the Jolly Roger a little making a platform for them to land on, as well as being able to extend the deck to the sides if needed. “Ruby, Graham, call your dragons, I want us in the air so we have a better view of things.” His two most trusted friends and fellow dragon riders signaled for their dragons to come to pick them up. Soon the three of them soared over the ship, their eyes focused on the oncoming ship. He knew Blackbeard was ferocious in his approach to anyone he wanted to attack and he loathed the dragon rider pirates to his very core. Once he’d been part of Rum Island, but when the changes had happened with the dragons some seven years ago he’d gone rogue with a few other pirate captains. Now sworn enemies to the Pirate King, Liam Jones. The battle was intense and Killian was busy keeping an eye on everything going on, his position from Toothless’ back gave him an advantage, but he also knew that Blackbeard fully intended to shoot and kill the dragons. Though he’d heard rumors about the black pirate having been seen flying on a dragon. The same rumors claimed that Blackbeard had found a wicked way of controlling the beasts in the most cruel and evil way. Using their own fire elements to control the dragon’s mind. It was their luck that Blackbeard had not brought his dragons to this fight.Both ships sustained damage, when Blackbeard lost his main sail he made a last attempt to fire at the heart of the Jolly Roger before he scurried back into the clouds with his remaining sails intact. Killian rushed to the helm and looked at the damage and his heart sank when he realized that the Lodestone had been blown to pieces, it would only be a matter of pure damn luck if they reached the port of Misthaven. Soon every available sail was set and Killian used his last saved fairy dust to keep his ship afloat in the air. The water into the Misthaven waters was littered with sharp reefs and he wanted to avoid those if he could. Everyone held their breaths as the Jolly slowly moved closer and closer to the water. But moments later the Jolly hit the more shallow waters beyond the reef and they maneuvered the ship into port. “Captain, what’s the plan?” Graham asked. “We’ll figure out if there’s a reserve of lodestones somewhere in this realm, if not we’re screwed.” Killian slammed his fist into the railing and cursed, “We need to make haste and find a bloody lodestone.” “I’ll send word to the men and have them search and ask around to see if someone knows a thing about it,” Graham said and scurried to do as said. Killian secured his cutlass at his belt, tugged up the collar of his leather greatcoat, and stepped off his ship. It had been a long time since he’d been in this port so he spent the next half hour trying to locate the tavern he’d visited and once he located the building, he made a double take. It seemed as if the establishment had changed ownership as it was now called Arendale Inn. “Bloody hell, where did the old Rabbit Hole go off to?” He asked no one in particular, but soon he felt someone tug at his sleeve. When he looked down, a pair of brown young eyes looked up at him.“Mister, the Rabbit Hole closed a few months ago.” The little boy informed him with a shrug, then pointed at the Inn, “But Miss Winter makes the best pies this side of the realm. Oh, and she has icy treats too.” “You don’t say, lad?” Killian lifted a bemused eyebrow, “I guess the nutty Jefferson finally lost his last marbles.”“Nah, my Mother said he moved to another realm trying to locate his daughter.” The boy scratched his nose. “So does this Miss Winter perhaps know where one can find a lodestone?” The boy shrugged again, “Perhaps her sister does, she took my school class to the old quarry recently, she knows her rocks and stuff.” “Aye, well thank you, lad,” Killian ruffled the boy's unruly brown hair and walked to the entrance. The place had certainly undergone some major changes, the room itself seemed bigger and brighter. Far less scruffy and grubby than when Jefferson owned the place. To his luck he could see they still served ale and rum, so he sauntered up to the counter where a young red-headed girl served out drinks to another patron. When she was done, she turned her focus on Killian; it was only a small twitch of her nose that gave away that she clearly knew he was a pirate. The next moment she smiled, “What can I get you?”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 2:

“Oh, thank heavens, there you are Henry.” Emma cried out. She pushed through the throng of people bustling about in front of Arendelle Inn, hoping that August would keep up her pace.

“Hi, Mother.” Henry grinned and pushed away his unruly hair, “I was here all the time, it was you who wandered off.” He shrugged as if this had all been her fault.

“I’ve been looking for you for the past ten minutes, young man.” Emma sighed, placing her hands at her waist giving her son a sharp look.

“Sorry, Mother.” He shuffled his feet over the cobblestones pushing a small pebble between the cracks.

“Alright, I guess we could go eat that pie I promised you.” Emma gave her son a smile, he was adventurous for sure and this wasn’t the first time he’d gone off on his own.

“Yay, pie.” Henry ran towards the door leaving Emma behind with August.

“Seems like we’re getting pie this afternoon,” August said with a shrug and swept his hand forward urging Emma to walk first.

As she stepped inside, she scanned the room and saw that it was not overly crowded so her friends might even have time for a little chat too. It had been far too long since she’d been down here. But Elsa had promised her a belated birthday gift, as she’d said, “

It’s not every day the princess of Misthaven turns 28

”. Emma sighed at the memory, it wasn’t easy being a single mother

and

the royal heir to this realm. The old advisors in the royal council had been whispering about finding a suitable man in the ranks of the finest noble families in Misthaven.

“Hi there Henry,” Anna called out, she’d just finished serving a leather-clad man whose demeanour oozed power and confidence. When he turned around and spotted her a zealous smile spread over his face as he perused her form.

Emma stepped to the side, giving the man a hard stare, she didn’t like the hint of a twinkle in his eyes as if he expected her to fall swooning at his feet. Sure the guy was handsome and roguish with his scuffed cheeks and mop of dark hair falling over his forehead. It was only when he lifted his left hand that she noticed the hook instead of a hand.

He’d clearly seen some form of surprise in her eyes as he said, “Don’t worry love, I’ll only scratch you if you ask nicely.” He waved the hook in the air and laughed when she huffed in annoyance and pushed past him.

“Pompous asshole,” she muttered to herself, but the continued laugh from him showed that he might have heard her. When she turned around he’d luckily moved to sit at a table at the back wall. August still glared at the man from his usual spot at the counter, leaving Emma with some privacy while she chatted with her friends.

“Hi, Emma.” Anna greeted her and found a mug and poured a healthy amount of ale into it, “the usual, and a bit extra.” She found a small tumbler and filled it with rum, “seems as if you need it.” Anna nodded toward the pirate.

“Since when do pirates visit this place?” Emma huffed and took the tumbler and chucked back the content. The alcohol was a nice burn down her throat, she really didn’t need this today.

“Since the guy crash-landed in the bay this morning.” Anna shrugged and turned to the table behind her and started to serve up slices of pie. Apparently, Henry had already given his order and Anna knew that Emma’s favorite was blueberry.

“What?”

“Oh yeah, he asked about where he could get his hands on a new lodestone.” Anna slipped the two plates to Emma and Henry. Then she walked to August taking his order.

Henry stuffed his mouth with pie, moaning in delight at the taste.

“Henry, please eat properly.” Emma leaned closer and whispered, “It’s not becoming of a prince to eat like that.”

“We’re not at the castle.” Henry reasoned in a low whisper in return. He knew that Emma never flaunted the fact that she was the princess around here. The people of Misthaven City all knew her of course, but it was usual for them to see their princess walking the streets and doing a bit of shopping with her son from time to time. Every time accompanied by at least one royal guard.

Anna returned after serving August his pie and bounced restlessly on the soles of her feet, waiting for Emma to taste the pie. Emma took a bite of the pie and as she swallowed the food she asked, “So do you know where to find a lodestone?”

“Oh, I know Kristoff and the dwarfs found a few just last week.”

“You told the pirate that?”

“I made a vague comment that I might, but I’d have to look into it further.”

“Why?”

“To get a better price out of him.” Anna waggled her eyebrows and Emma laughed, her friend’s younger sister was a true businesswoman and always seemed to get the upper hand in any deal she made. The place here was a true example of her skills.

“He’s a pirate, get him the hell out of our city the faster the better,” Emma mumbled and dug into her pie again. She glanced over her shoulder and frowned when the pirate in question looked towards the bar, looking far too interested in what they spoke about. God, she hoped the man didn’t have super hearing.

“Don’t worry I asked him to come back tomorrow.” Anna waved her off and moved to serve a customer that wanted to pay his tab.

“That guy’s a pirate?” Henry asked with his mouth filled with pie.

“Don’t get any bright ideas, my son.” Emma gave him her best mom look, “a pirate’s life is no fairytale story.”

“But mom…”

“No kid, don't even.” Emma warned, “I know you want your own adventure, but not on a pirate ship.”

“If he is looking for a new lodestone, his ship can fly.” Henry pondered. “I always wanted to go on a flying ship.”

“Yeah, I know.” Emma sighed, though airships were a more common thing in most of the realms the Misthaven royal fleet only had one ship that flew on lodestone and the special aether gas that would fill the large zeppelin balloon.

“Could we go down to the dock when we’re done?” Henry asked hopefully.

“We need to get back soon.” Emma emptied her mug of ale and called for Anna. “Thanks for the pie.” She pushed a handful of coins to her friend as payment.

“Oh wait up,” Anna said, “Let me just go up and get Elsa, you still need to get your gift we found for you.”

Emma watched her friend scurry upstairs where she knew their private quarters were located.

Moments later the two sisters came back down, Elsa smiled when she saw Emma, “Good to see you. Sorry, I didn’t come down, I had to go over the books.”

“No worries just glad to see you, it’s been far too long,” Emma said and reached for her friend and gave her a hug.

“It has. We’ve been so busy getting this up and running.” Elsa waved her hand towards the room behind them. Her brows wrinkled as if she spotted something, and then she turned to Anna, “Is that a pirate?”

“Oh yes, he is.” Henry pipped up before Anna managed to speak.

“Oh.”

“Don’t worry sister, he is on his best behavior. Have been nursing his drink and bothering no one.” Anna waved her sister’s worries off as she collected the dirty plates and mugs from Emma and Henry’s afternoon snack.

“I don’t like it.” Elsa mused, but she walked to the cabinet behind the bar, “but let me find your gift, Emma.”

Emma smiled, as she watched her long-time friend locate a thick parcel that was wrapped in brown wax paper.

“Congratulations. Sorry, we never made it back to be part of the official celebrations last month.” Elsa gave Emma the gift, it felt heavy and soft.

Emma placed it on the bar top and untied the string and peeled away the paper, revealing a deep red leather jacket with silver buckles and several hidden pockets, a few hidden behind intricate clasps. When her fingers smoothed over the buckles, she felt her magic respond and she looked up at her friend with a lifted eyebrow.

“It’s got magic.” Anna practically skipped on the spot, her hands waving excitedly in front of her.

“Really?”

Elsa rolled her eyes at her sister's exuberant excitement, “The pockets can contain a few more things than normal, and if in peril it might also give you a helping hand.”

“Wow, this is amazing.” Emma touched the soft leather, tracing the fastenings on the front. It was all such fine craftsmanship. “Where did you find this?”

“On our way back home after we visited our parents.” Elsa explained with a big smile, “Do you like it?”

“I love it.” Emma lifted it up and saw that it was a longer model than her current jacket, it would flare over her hips and end mid-thigh. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Anna said and hugged Emma, “We knew you’d love it.”

“Try it on Mother.” Henry urged.

Emma shrugged off her jacket and stuck her arm into the new one, it fit perfectly and once she adjusted the garment around her shoulders, she could barely feel it. Even with the silver adornments it was lightweight. As she smoothed her hands over the leather, she felt her fingers sizzle with magic again.

“Thank you, Elsa.” Emma walked around the bar and hugged her friend, “this is awesome.”

“Happy birthday, my friend,” Elsa said when they pulled apart again.

Emma smiled and looked over at her son, who now had his back turned to them and her heart sank when she realized he was watching the pirate walk up to the bar.

“Hello, there, lad.” The pirate said with a smile, “You were absolutely right, their pies here are the best I’ve ever tasted in all the realms.”

Emma gasped, when had Henry talked to this man, “Henry?” Her voice was sharp, and she ignored the grin spreading over the pirate’s face.

“Yes, Mother?” Henry turned around and gave her an innocent doe-eyed look.

“Did you speak with a stranger before I found you outside?”

“Perhaps.” Henry looked down at his fingers picking at the hemline of his jacket.

“Not to worry, miss.” Even when Emma sent him a sharp look, the pirate still continued, “I merely inquired about what happened to the Rabbit Hole.”

“Well, this is clearly not the Rabbit Hole anymore,” Emma said and gave him another glare, it didn’t bode well in her mind that Henry had been speaking with this man. “Come, Henry, we're going home.”

“But Mother!” Henry whined, “I wanted to go see his ship.”

The pirate chuckled and bowed, “You can’t miss her, she is the beauty with the magical sails. She’s the fastest in all the realms.”

“Really?” Henry stopped right in front of the pirate. “Your ship has sails instead of a balloon? How…"

“Henry!” Emma said between clenched teeth, this had to stop now.

“But Mother please…”

“Absolutely not a chance in hell we’ll go to the docks to see a pirate ship.”

“But it’s got magical sails.” Henry huffed and waved his hands aimlessly in the air. Emma knew her son was seconds away from rolling his eyes too.

“I don’t really care if the damn thing’s got dragon wings and a unicorn horn at the bow. We’re not going.” Emma grabbed her son’s arm and tugged him towards the door.

“I actually have a dragon.” The pirate had the audacity to pipe up.

Emma ignored her son’s excited gasp at this revelation and reached for the door.

“Don’t be a stranger, Emma,” Anna called out.

“I won’t. See you later. Thanks for the jacket.” Emma called back and gave her friends a short wave before she pushed Henry outside.

“Mother?”

“What?”

“You forgot your old jacket.”

“Doesn’t matter, I won’t need it, I got this.” She tugged the collar of her red leather coat, she didn’t need to go back in there and face that

pirate.

Henry followed her through the streets and didn’t utter another word about ships or adventures of any kind. Well, at least her son knew when to shut up. Unlike some rapscallion pirate,

why am I even thinking about the guy?

Emma huffed as they reached the castle, she just hoped that her son would lose the idea of going on any kind of adventure. 
 
****

Emma moved through the partly darkened hallways of the castle, she’d spent the evening in the company of her friends. Anna had regaled them all with how she the day before had gotten a fairly good deal out of the pirate that had wanted a new lodestone.

“Henry?” Emma knocked gently on her son’s door and pushed it open, ready to say goodnight to him. She frowned when no one answered, could he really be asleep already? “Henry?” She called out again and scanned the large room, he wasn’t in his usual reading nook by the windows and when she looked over his bed, it seemed as if he was already under the covers.

“Are you sleeping?” She whispered and walked around the bed to get a better look at her son. “Seriously?” Nothing, but extra pillows were tugged under the covers and placed so it looked like someone was in bed.

Emma panicked and called out, “Henry where are you?” She knew he wasn’t in the room and soon she recalled her conversation with her son earlier in the afternoon. Could he really have slipped off after dinner and found his way to the docks? “You’re so grounded when I find you young man.” Emma was more than happy that she hadn’t changed her clothes yet, she still wore the red leather jacket.

She rushed down the hall and reached the main gates, where she spotted August, one of the royal guards. “Mr Booth, I require your assistance?” She called out.

August leapt up and secured his sword around him and bowed, “At your service Your Highness.”

“We’re going to the docks.”

“Oh.”

Emma didn’t explain more until they were well on their way and as she spoke of her worries, she could see that August understood how serious the situation was. It was getting darker by the minute and all sorts of low-life people hung around the docks at night.

Once they reached the dock Emma jumped up on a stack of crates to get a better view of the area. It didn’t take her long to locate the pirate ship, the recognizable black flag with a skull and crossbones flapped from the tall mast. She jumped down and found her way to the ship, when looking up she could just read out the name of the vessel, “The Jolly Roger.” She huffed, “There’s nothing jolly about a pirate ship.”

August chuckled beside her, she’d almost forgotten that he was there with her, “Sorry Your Highness.” He pointed to the ship, “Do you really think that the young prince is on that ship?”

“I know my son.” She grumbled.

“I’m not sure it’s wise to go onboard a pirate ship in the middle of the night.” August tried to reason. “I mean we don’t know for sure if he’s on it.”

Emma huffed, “Okay, we’ll find out then.” She stomped over the nearest group of people hanging around the docks, several women were among them so she felt sure these would be safe to talk to.

When they spotted her approaching;  their mumblings ceased and Emma took a deep breath, “Good evening, have you by any chance seen a small boy, yea high.” She lifted her hand up to show the height of Henry, “brown mop of hair.”

“A few hours ago, perhaps.” One woman said with an indifferent shrug, “The little lad looked at the ships for some time and then he boarded that one there.” The woman pointed at the pirate ship. “Suppose the pirate got himself a new deck boy.”

“He surely has not, that was my son.” Emma sighed, “Thank you.” She twirled around and headed for the ship.

“Are you sure it’s wise to…”

“We’re going on that ship and if you don’t follow me, I’ll go alone.” Emma declared and stepped up on the gangplank, not bothering to look if the guard followed her or not. But seconds later she could feel the wood creak under her and she knew August was right behind her. It was somewhat reassuring as she now realized she had no form of weapon to defend herself.

Well, that was just plain stupid.

She moved slowly forward and sighed in relief when she didn’t spot a soul up on deck. “They are most likely drunk somewhere,” Emma assured August who now stood beside her.

“Where to?”

“Well, he’s clearly not up here is he.” Emma moved to the hatch leading into the bowls of the ship. She’d been on board the royal ships a fair few times so she had a somewhat good feeling about how a ship was built

Once inside the dark narrow pathway, she stopped to listen, her fingers tracing over the wooden panels. Something creaked under her fingers and she pulled her hand away with a sharp gasp.

“What’s wrong, Your Highness?”

Emma looked down at her hand, her magic buzzing under her skin like never before, “Well the pirate said that the ship is magical so.” She shrugged and lit a small ball of light that she held in front of them.

“Henry?” She called out in a whisper as she walked down the narrow space, she tried to open doors, but some were locked and even if she tried to use her magic she couldn’t unlock them.

Curious?

Finally, one door reacted to her magic and when the door swung open, she saw her boy curled up on a wooden bench. ”Henry.” She cried out and when her son looked up she could see that he’d been crying, “Oh sweetheart, what happened?” She pulled him into a hug cradling him to her chest.

“I’m sorry Mother, but the door just locked and I couldn’t get out and… and I, you know, just wanted to see the ship and… and…” Henry hiccupped and wiped his nose in his sleeve.

“Why did you ever think it was a great idea to go down here when you knew I said no?” Emma admonished gently and found a handkerchief for Henry to blow his nose. She glanced over her shoulder and saw August stepping into the room.

“I really just wanted to see the magical ship.” Henry blew his nose and tugged the handkerchief into his pocket.

“Why didn’t you leave then.” Emma paused, “Did they lock you up?” She already felt anger rise within her.

“No, well at least I don’t think any of the pirates locked the door,” Henry said.

“What do you mean?” August asked and looked back at the door.

“It just closed right on its own…” The bang of the door closing had them all jump and Henry whispered, “Just like that.”

“What the devil.” August walked over to the door and turned the doorknob. It didn’t budge one bit.

“Seriously.” Emme rushed to the door and lifted her hands and urged her magic forth, trying to unlock the door.

“It reacted to your magic when we entered?” August mused and scratched his hair.

“You don’t say.” Emma looked down at her hand, letting a ball of light lift off her palm, “My magic still works so there are no magical impediment charms set to this room.”

“You sure no one was in the hallway?” August asked Henry and sat himself down on one bench lining the wall.

“I’m sure, I watched everyone disembark the ship,” Henry confirmed and slumped back in his seat. “What do we do now Mother?”

Emma combed her fingers through her hair, “I don’t know kid, but I guess we’ll have to wait for the crew to get back onboard and hope they will let us off the ship.” She glanced over at August and shared a worried look with the royal guard, one who’d been a close confidant with her since he was set as head of the group of guards dealing with her safety. They would take turns in accompanying her whenever she wished to visit the town.

August nodded and looked around, “We can each find a bench to sleep on. From how I know pirates can be at the tavern the whole night. We might as well get a good night's sleep.” He searched through a pile of things at the end of the bench, “Ah, there are blankets here.” He threw them each a blanket and found one for himself.

Emma thanked him and helped Henry get settled on the bench, “Try to sleep, okay.”

“Are you still angry?” Henry bit his lip nervously.

“A little,” Emma acknowledged with a frown, “but we’ll figure it out. I love you.” She kissed his forehead and tucked the blanket over his shoulders, “Good night.”

“Good night Mother.”

Emma settled down on the bench near Henry and tried to find a position to sleep that was somewhat comfortable. She looked over at August from across the room, “Good night August.”

“Good night, Your Highness.”

Emma grimaced, “Could you perhaps not call me that once we talk with the pirates tomorrow, if they found out I’m royal they’d certainly try to barter for some sort of ransom.” She rolled her eyes, “they are pirates after all.”

“As you wish… Emma.”

“Perhaps you should take off your royal coat,” Emma suggested and sighed in relief when August heeded her suggestion and shrugged off the garment with the royal insignia printed on the front.

August stuffed the coat into the chaos of things in the compartment under the bench, “Sure hope this is not a place they look into very often.” He mused and settled down on the bench again.

Emma could only agree and looked over at Henry and when she saw that he still wasn’t sleeping she added, “That goes for you too, Henry. No talk about us being royal. Do you understand?” Her voice was sharp and she knew her son would know that this wasn’t something to be trifled with.

“Okay, no prince or royal talk of any kind.” His smile ended with a yawn and as he rubbed his eyes Emma could see that he was slowly drifting off to sleep.

Emma sighed and closed her eyes hoping that tomorrow would be a matter of apologizing to the pirate captain so they could go home.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 3
 
Killian stood at the helm, relieved to be able to leave behind the realm Misthaven and head for Caldera. The old scroll he’d received from Merlin was attached to his charts hopefully it was marked out correctly and they would easily find Caldera the hidden world of Dragons.

They had already covered quite a long stretch of travel since they lifted the ship this morning. His men had grumbled over the early wakeup call, the night before had been quite the party for them all. It was halfway to midday when he saw Smee rush up to him, his red cap clutched in his meaty hands. The troubled look in the man’s eyes had Killian lift his eyebrow, “What now?”

“Pardon Captain, but it seems as if we’ve got ourselves some stowaways, down in the haul.” Mr Smee rushed out and fiddled nervously with the knitted cap, his eyes shifting away from Killian’s hard stare.

“Bloody hell.” Killian rubbed over his face with his hand, “Have them brought down into my cabin.” He pushed past his first mate, “How many do we have on our hands.”

“Three, Captain.”

Killian could hear Mr Smee lumber down the steps behind him, “Three?”

“Oh, aye Captain, a man, a woman, and a small lad.”

This was quite a surprise for Killian, he’d come across only a few stowaways in the past, usually, a scrawny young boy who hoped to find a better life onboard a pirate ship than hustling through life on the streets. But now a whole family of three,

bloody hell.

Killian stomped into his cabin and found his flask, taking a fortifying drink before he mentally prepared himself for the next line of action. He contemplated where they could be dropped off before they would reach the End of the World. There weren’t many options for sure and given how they had a kid among them he wasn’t about to let them drop off on Neverland. He might be a pirate, but he wasn’t barbaric, and knowing what went on on that island he didn’t want anyone to experience that. Before reaching Neverland they also had one stop in Agrabah, but that land was never safe for anyone, no one really knew if it was the sultan ruling or his wayward warlock advisor. The tales told of the land wasn’t one that gave the idea of a place willing to assist a whole family to return to Misthaven.

Moments later a knock came on his door, before he called them in he took another sip of his trusted rum. “Enter.” He barked out and stood in the middle of the room preparing himself to deal with these people.

Mr Smee walked in first and let the group follow him. First came a man with a strong gait and authoritative air around him as if he was usually in charge of something. Killian squinted his eyes when he took in the man’s persona. He looked quite fit and ready to take on any fight if needed. Slowly Killian slipped his hand around the pommel of his cutlass, while he had this nagging feeling of having seen the man before.

Next came the boy and the woman and Killian had to shake his head making sure he wasn’t just imagining things. It was the boy and blonde woman from the Arendelle Inn he’d encountered on his first day in Misthaven. He vaguely remembered seeing the man walk into the Inn along with the woman and her son, but he’d never noticed any interactions between them.

The woman looked at him with a raised chin, her hands curled at her side as if she too was getting ready to fight.

“Well, well, well, who do we have here?” Killian mumbled and shifted his gaze over the small group, “You…” He pointed between the woman and the lad, “Look quite familiar.”

“Hmm, we met, remember?” The lad piped up, much to the dismay of his mother it seemed, as the woman stepped up to her son and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Be quiet.” She whispered and looked back up at Killian, “Now if you’ll please let us off this fine ship, we’ll be much obliged.”

“That will be a bit hard to do.” Killian grinned. “Unless you’re an exceptional swimmer.”

“Why would that be?” The woman asked haughtily.

“Since we’re half a morning's journey off the coast of Misthaven.” Killian shrugged and tapped his fingers against his hook. He noticed how the lad’s eyes followed the movement, not quite afraid, perhaps more intrigued.

“But I can’t feel the ocean move beneath us.” The woman said and looked towards the large bay windows and Killian could see when she realized the truth to his words. “Seriously?” She whispered.

“I’m afraid so.”

“Mother I told you his ship could fly.” The boy piped up but only earned a hard look from his mother and he looked down at the floor again.

“Then please turn around, I need to return to Misthaven.” The woman declared.

“That won’t happen.” Killian settled down on the table behind him, “this ship is sailing in one direction and one direction only.”

“Where?” The man spoke and stepped forward, “You can’t keep us here.”

“Oh well it seems as if you were the ones who trespassed on

my

bloody ship, I dare say I can and I

will

keep you here until I see fit to drop you off,” Killian commanded and crossed his arms over his chest.

“But you…”

“Now lass, if you’ll please tell the most likely fascinating tale of how the three of you came to be locked up on my ship?” He waved his hooked arm between them.

“It’s my fault.” The young boy said and glanced up at Killian with big brown eyes.

“Do tell.” Killian urged on, noticing the gentle nudge the boy’s mother gave her son. “Let him speak.”

“He’s my son and I…”

“I wanted to see your ship and it locked me in one of your storage rooms.” The boy interrupted his mother and the words rushed out, “I know your ship is magical and I have no idea why it locked me in there. It was only when my mother came that the door opened. She’s got…”

“That’s enough!” The mother commanded and pushed her son behind her and glared at Killian. “Your damn ship locked us up too, why the hell would it do that?”

This information puzzled Killian to no end, but he wasn’t about to give this away to these people, he still needed to figure out if they could be trusted or not.

“So you and your husband searched for your boy and found yourself locked up as well. Curious.” Killian shrugged.

“He’s not my husband,” the woman declared and then cringed as if she realized that the information might not be what she should have revealed to him right this moment.

Interesting.

“Either way, you’ll be staying here on the ship until I find a port where you can travel back to Misthaven from,” Killian said firmly, ignoring the huff from the woman, she was quite an intriguing woman for sure, feisty and bloody beautiful too. Killian shook his head and ordered Smee. “Give our guests a room and show them where they can be during the day, and where

not

to be.” Killian glanced between his unwanted ship guests, “I’ll have my men keep an eye on you at all times, so don’t start anything you’ll come to regret later on.”

“May I have my sword at least?” The man spoke up and flipped his thumb towards Smee, “Your crew took it.”

“Why would you need it?” Killian cocked an eyebrow, challenging the other man.

“I’m on a pirate ship, P…” He cleared his throat, “Miss Emma Swan and her son are my charges and I’m going to protect them.”

“Is that a fact?” Killian tilted his head to the side, “What’s your name, good man?”

“August Booth.” The man did a small nod in greeting.

“And we have Miss Emma,” Killian smirked and then looked at the boy, “and what’s your name, young man?”

“Henry.” The lad lifted his chin up proudly, he looked up at August, “I know August won’t hurt any of your men. Well, unless some of them want to hurt my Mother.”

“I’m sure he’s a valiant and brave man, but for now I’ll keep his weapon and I’ll give you my word that you’ll be safe here.”

“A pirate’s word?” Emma scoffed and looked at him with her green suspicious eyes.

“I’ll have you know that I’m a man of my word and if you find it not to be true I’ll let you cut off my other hand.” He wiggled his fingers in the air, “Although I can think of a few more pleasurable things I can use this hand for.” He knew he was being a flirt, but the woman triggered something inside him, he wanted to see her all riled up and he was sure the next few weeks with her on board his ship their journey would become even more interesting.

“That will remain to be seen,” Emma said with a huff and placed her arm around her son’s shoulder. “Okay then, show us to our room.”

Smee looked to his captain for guidance and Killian sighed, “Give them your room, you’ll have to bunk with the cook for the next few weeks.”

Smee only made a small wrinkle of his nose at this before he urged their guests out of the captain’s cabin.

When the door closed behind them, Killian slumped against the table, this was going to be one hell of a journey with a sassy smartmouthed woman in tow, along with her boy and protector.

Who was this Emma really?

Killian couldn’t help but sense that they had hidden something from him as they’d spoken with him. 
 
The next day Killian stood at the helm, it had been a day since they’d last seen land. He watched as August Booth did a sword practice session with the young lad, Henry, using wooden swords. Emma was sitting on a crate nearby, shading her hand against the sun, though she’d managed to find an old tricorn hat and she’d lost the fancy skirts she’d worn the first day. The woman soon realized that manoeuvring around a ship in a large skirt wasn’t that practical. So Smee had been so kind as to find some loose trousers for her and a loose-fitted shirt. She’d tied a red scarf around her waist keeping the shirt modestly close to her body.

Killian was still trying to figure out who they were, Emma was certainly highborn with her mannerism of a posh lady. August Booth was a man of honour and true to his word his mission in life seemed to protect Emma and her son. Killian had noticed several moments when the man had slipped his bravado, his eyes glazed over as he looked at Emma. It was easy for Killian to see how the other man held Emma in high regard, perhaps even fancying her.

To his surprise this seemed to bother him more than he wanted to admit, he had no dealings with the likes of her. He was a bloody pirate and because of her son’s curiosity, he was now stuck with them for the near future. Their last stop before going to the End of the World was Agrabah, the desert land he’d only been to a fair few times.

“Captain.” The young boy, Henry, interrupted his musings. The lad’s large brown eyes looked up at him.

“Aye?” He was still keeping an eye on their heading not really caring what the child wanted now. In the past few days, he’d learned that the boy was curious and quite wise for his young age.

“You said in the Arendelle Inn that you have a dragon.” The boy bounced on his feat, clearly very excited about the prospect of seeing such a creature.

“Well, Toothless and his mates are out hunting you see.” Killian waved him off, “They’ll be back soon.”

“Toothless?” Henry tilted his head curiously, “that is no fearful name for a dragon?”

“Well, he’s a Night Fury,” Killian sighed, “I don’t suppose you already know what a Night Fury is?”

“Oh I do,” He leaned closer, “Don’t tell my mother that I know this, she won’t let me read much on dragons.”

“Is that so?” Killian chuckled, “Well the lady will be in for quite a surprise then.” He pointed to the east, just where a sliver of land was visible, “Seems as if they are back.”

“They are.” Henry leapt to the railing and shaded his eyes with his hand.

Killian searched the deck for the lady and saw that she realized where her son was, she walked up the steps with a hard scowl on her face. “Henry, get down from there, you’re disturbing the captain.”

“But Mother, look!” Henry pointed to the horizon.

Miss Emma Swan squinted her eyes and Killian could see the second she realized what was heading their way. “Are those dragons?”

“Oh aye, Milady, very much so.” Killian acknowledged right behind her, making her jump and twirl around, almost having her collide with his chest.

She huffed out in indignation, “So why are you so calm when dragons are heading for your ship?”

“They are my dragons, well me and my crew.” He shrugged and called over the deck, “Dragons incoming.” Several of his trusted crew members got ready to receive the dragons. Hoisting the ropes and wires that expanded the deck on either side, making room for their creatures to land on. Even in mid-air, it was a sight to be seen when three dragons landed with ease on the extra deck.

“Dragons,” Henry whispered in awe, he could hardly contain himself and Killian noticed that his mother had a firm grip on her son’s shoulder preventing him from leaping down to the dragons.

“I can assure you they are well-trained and will not cause harm to anyone onboard my ship.” Killian grinned.

“Hmm, don’t really trust dragons.” Emma bit out and Killian realized there was a story hidden behind her hard words, one he’d very much like to find out.

“Come now let me introduce you to Toothless.” Killian waved his hand towards the deck below them.

“Toothless?” Emma questioned.

“Oh Mother he’s a Night Fury, he has to be the last of his kind, they are super fast and their dive bombing is powerful enough to knock out the biggest monster dragons of all.” Henry took a deep breath and continued, “He can also channel lightning and when he does he seems to disappear into thin air and you shouldn’t get too close when he does that or you risk getting electrocuted. I read about the legend of a Light Fury that can do the same with lightning.”

“Henry?”

“Yes, Mother?”

“How come you know so much about dragons?” Miss Swan lifted a curious eyebrow and gave her son a hard stare that would make even the toughest seafaring man spill his darkest secrets.

“Eh.” Henry shuffled his feet and Killian felt the urge to go assist the poor lad.

“Now see Miss Swan, not all dragons are killing machines, there are still some dark personas travelling the realms that use the beasts for their own gain, being cruel to the creatures, using all sorts of dark magic on the poor things.” Killian pointed to the three dragons. “Those three have all been trained and treated with respect.”

“Is that a Deadly Nadder and a Monstrous Nightmare?” Henry exclaimed and his mother had to restrain her son again from going to the dragons.

“Aye, they are my mate’s dragons, Stormfly and Hookfang.” Killian pointed out.

“Hmm.” Emma didn’t sound too convinced, but she did lose her grip on her son’s arm.

“Can we go see them?” Henry asked hopefully but looked down when his mother looked at him sternly.

“Explain why you know so much about dragons?”

“I might have borrowed a few tombs from the ca…” His mother cleared her throat sharply and the lad jumped and finished with a mumbled, “The library.”

Killian watched this exchange with fascination, the group of stowaways was not fully telling the truth about who they were.

Finally, Emma Swan looked over at Killian, “Okay then, lead the way, Captain.”

The group walked down to the deck and were met with August Booth, he followed them to the dragon’s area and Killian could see the curious glint in the other man’s eyes.

Killian asked them to wait for a moment as he proceeded to head for his dragon, when Toothless saw him approach the dragon made a screeching sound, greeting its friend. Killian never regarded himself as Toothless’ owner, more a friend and companion in their battles against the dark pirates who wanted to hunt the dragons for gain and glory. In the past, the dragons had been sorely misunderstood creatures, but Kiillian and his friends had changed how the pirate realm, Rum Island, looked upon the dragons.

“Hello, there my friend.” Killian laughed when Toothless nudged his shoulder sticking out his tongue in a happy almost smile-like expression. Killian could see the look in Toothless’ eyes shift when having spotted the newcomers.

“Aye, we have new friends.” Killian rubbed Toothless down his neck, “They are friends.”

Toothless snorted in reply and took a step forward. Killian grinned when Henry stumbled forward as his mother tried to reach for him to hold him back. Her eyes looked frantically between the three dragons.

“Let the lad come here.”

Emma Swan gave him a hard look and Killian lifted his hand and hook, “I’ll let you cut off my other hand if Toothless hurts your boy.”

Emma huffed but stood back with her arms crossed over her chest, August leaned over her shoulder and whispered something into her ear, something that made the lady roll her eyes in a very unladylike manner.

Henry bounced over with his brown eyes trained on Toothless and when Killian gave the lad a small nod of encouragement Henry reached out his hand, palms up letting Toothless come to him. Well, the lad had clearly done his homework regarding how to approach a dragon.

Toothless snorted as he sniffed the lad’s hand, then pressed his snout onto the tiny palm. Henry’s eyes boggled and his jaw was slack in surprise and awe. He turned to look over his shoulder and loudly whispered, “Mother look”

Killian waved Emma over, but she just shook her head, “I can’t.” She mouthed. Her eyes looked even more crazed and Killian knew she must have had some sort of dark past when it came to dragons.

Killian stepped over next to her, “Relax, love.” Killian smoothed his hand over hers and hoped it would help her relax. All it did was for her to tense up even more and take another deep breath. “Let me help you.”

“I can’t…”

“Yes you can Mother, he’s a good dragon, ain’t that right Toothless.” Henry beamed when Toothless forgot about Henry’s mother for a few seconds to receive a neck rub from the lad.

Killian laughed, “Look, he’s harmless.” He lifted their joint hands so his dragon could greet this new woman.

Emma breathed out and he felt her shoulders tense and when Toothless moved closer he felt something warm prickle all over her skin, little white sparks danced over her skin. Oh, the lass had magic too.

Toothless snorted when the sparks of magic touched his snout, but he pressed close to Emma’s palm. Emma stood ramrod straight, her eyes were unblinking, her other hand curled tightly at her side as if she was seconds away from fleeing the scene.

“See, love that wasn’t so hard now, was it?”

“Hmm.” Emma pulled her hand back and stepped out of his reach, “But I’m

not

your love.” She stared at him arms crossed her arms over her chest, he was fairly sure she wasn’t aware of how this movement pushed her ample chest together and closer to the open V of her loose shirt.

Toothless hated to be ignored so Killian was pulled out of his perusal of the lady Swan when his dragon nudged his shoulder. Killian shook himself out of the stupor and focused on his dragon, he checked on the tail brace he’d fabricated for the dragon. When he’d first found Toothless the dragon had been hurt and half of its tail had been ruined. With a lot of trial and error, Killian had been able to fix the disability so the dragon once again could soar through the clouds. They were quite the pair, one missing his tail and the other his hand.

“What happened?” Henry asked and pointed at the brace.

Killian told the lad the tale of how he’d found the wounded dragon and helped it heal and finally be able to fly again. Henry walked the length of Toothless and smoothed his hand over the black shiny scales, and watched in fascination as the dragon with no effort moved his tail. Killian glanced over his shoulder at Emma who’d stepped back, closer to the main deck. August had stepped closer and Toothless was more than happy to accept a few more neck rubs from the man. Ruby and Graham’s dragons watched from their spots and Killian could see the curious glint in their eyes.

“Come meet the other two dragons,” Killian suggested and motioned for them to follow him. Emma never followed her son, she slinked further back her eyes wide with terror and worry.

It was a delight to see how the lad enjoyed meeting the dragons and Henry again showed them that his knowledge about dragons was highly extensive. This was clearly not something his mother approved.

“Captain.” Graham called out, “We’re heading for Argrabah.”

Killian headed for the helm again and called over his shoulder, “Get ready for going on shore leave.”

“You’ll let us off the ship?” Emma called and followed him to the helm.

“Aye, I would not recommend you getting your hopes up about finding passage to Misthaven from here,” Killian said and took the wheel from Ruby.

“Why?”

“The realm’s trade ships rarely sail that far north.” Killian scanned the horizon and spotted the gilded domes resting atop the various temples scattered around the big city.

“So you suggest we stick around and travel to wherever it is you’re going.” Emma huffed, “And where might that be?”

“Caldera the hidden world of dragons,” he said with a wry frown, he worried their week-long trip already had been far too long for them to make it back in time.

“Where is that?”

“On the other side of the End of the World.” Killian manoeuvred his ship towards the calm waters leading into the harbour.

“What?” Emma exclaimed, “What else is there from here to the end of the world?”

Killian chuckled, it seemed the fair lady had not taken note in her geography lessons, “Neverland.”

“Oh.”

“You’ve heard about it?”

“A little here and there.” Emma shrugged and leaned against the railing, “Not the best place to travel if you want a peaceful trip.”

“Aye, I know.”

“You’ve been there?”

Killian gritted his teeth not desiring to explain his past history with that dreadful island. “Hmm.”

“Why?”

“Does it really matter?” He barked out with a sneer that had Emma jump in surprise, her large green eyes searching his features for what he had no idea. “Pardon, Milady.”

“So yeah I guess we won’t be stopping at Neverland.” Emma mused.

“No!”

“Mother.” Henry came leaping up the steps, “See all the gold on the roof in the city, they must be rich here.”

Killian laughed, “Aye well they are known for their riches in this realm. I’ve managed to find a fair few hidden treasures in my time in this area.”

When Henry was about to ask about this, his mother grabbed his arm and said, “Not now Henry, let the captain focus on getting us safely to port.”

Killian gave Emma a nod of thanks and called out orders for his men to get ready for landing the ship.

Emma and her son kept away from all the hustle and bustle on deck, leaving Killian and his crew free space to sail their ship up an inland river that would take them closer to their real destination. Thiever’s Cove.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 4
 
Emma had found a quiet part of the ship where she and Henry along with August could gaze over the new realm they were about to enter. She had never been to Agrabah but heard tales of the desert realm with jungle spreading to the north. It seemed as if Killian had set his ship down near a smaller town. The houses were built differently than back home in Misthaven. With their whitewashed walls and black slated roofs, she had no idea what sort of stone had been used but it shimmered in the sunlight.

Once the ship was moored at the dock Emma turned around and greeted Killian as he walked up to them.

“Welcome to Thiever’s Cove.” Killian swept his hand towards the bustling village.

“Thiever’s?” Emma gasped then eyed him suspiciously trying to see if he was making fun of her.

“Oh, aye.” Killian nodded with a wide grin. “I have some business to attend to and a favor to collect from our old ally Alibaba. The bloody thief owes me information.”

Emma gulped down vaguely recalling the stories of Alibaba and his forty thieves and how they plundered their way through Agrabah and the realms surrounding the desert land. “What kind of information?”

“A magical compass.” Killian shrugged. “Now let’s be very clear here, Milady, if you make a run for it there won’t be any place to call for help everyone here is connected to Alibaba; he’s got eyes and ears everywhere here.” He pointed to the village behind him, “This place is owned by him.”

Emma huffed and lifted her chin in defiance. “Well, I guess we’ll have to stick to your stinking crew then.” She ignored the giggle from her son.

“I bathe quite frequently, thank you very much.” Killian lifted a challenging eyebrow and smirked when Emma rolled her eyes. “Now allow me to escort you to the tavern where we’ll dine and seek information on where we can find Ali.”

August stepped up next to Emma and when she glanced at her guard, she could see his eyes trained on Killian, brows pinched together as if he didn’t like how Killian spoke with her.

“It’s okay.” She placed her hand on August’s arm and urged him to step back. “Let’s go have a decent meal for once.” When she turned her focus back on Killian, she noticed briefly how his eyes were focused on her hand on August’s arm.

August nodded and motioned for Killian to take the lead.
 
An hour later Emma was resting her chin on her folded hands as she took in the tavern where they’d eaten their dinner. It was a far cry from the Arendale Inn, but it had its charm; despite the more gritty customers that seemed to be the regulars here. Her eyes landed on Killian Jones, their unwanted captain for the moment. Gods she wished they could have made it back home by now. They’d been on the Jolly Roger for over a week already and she merely hoped that Regina would know that she was still alive.

It was a small comfort that Killian seemed to at the very least try to be a good host with his offers to spar with Henry a few times in the past days. Telling him stories of his travels and regaling the boy about how he and him alone had shifted how everyone looked at the dragons roaming the skies.

Emma felt a shiver run down her spine thinking about the dragons. Despite that Misthaven wasn’t a realm known to have many dragons, it was still the flying, fire-breathing beasts that were the sole reason for her being an orphan. She’d been fifteen, still too young to legally take the throne, but her aunt Regina stepped in as acting Queen until the day that Emma would marry. That was 11 years ago and a broken heart and the biggest mistake of her life had given her Henry to take care of. The laws still stated that even if the princess had birthed a son, she was not to take the throne until she wed.

Emma rubbed her brow; those stupid old-fashioned laws she was not interested in any sort of relationship, romantically or arranged and platonic. It wasn’t for the lack of trying from Regina’s hand, her latest attempt was still stinging, Walsh turned out to be a literal flying monkey beast that nearly killed her had it not been for the quick reaction from August.

“Mother?” Henry nudged her shoulder pulling her out of her musings.

“Hmm?”

“Do you suppose Killian might let me fly on his dragon?” Henry looked down at his hands, his knuckles white as he clasped his hands tightly together.

“That won’t happen.” Emma said sharply, “You know I don’t like dragons.”

“But how awesome would it be to fly?” Henry breathed out with a sigh.

“Absolutely not!” Emma turned to her son staring him down, making sure he would understand that she wasn’t about to change her mind.

“Sucks,” Henry grumbled and drowned his cup of water and twisted so he was facing away from her.

“You’ll live, kid.” Emma patted his shoulder and smiled, her son was adventurous and curious. It was all because of this they now sailed with a pirate ship in search of a fabled flower that was only found in the birthplace of the dragons. Emma had been surprised when she’d learned this little detail of their trip, she’d only thought it was some obnoxious adventure Killian had set out on to prove something.

Killian returned to the table after having walked around the room picking up information on where he could find Alibaba. He looked pleased with himself and he poured himself a tumbler of rum from the bottle he’d ordered for their table. Lifting the drink to his lips he smiled at Emma from across the table. “Good news, Milady.”

“Oh?”

“Aye, tomorrow I’m going to chat with the ol’ thief and hopefully get my hands on the compass too.”

“Can I come too?” Henry asked.

“No!” Emma said with a firm voice sending a hard look at Killian daring him to contradict her words.

Killian lifted his hands in mock surrender and tilted his head. “Sorry, lad, seems as if your mother doesn’t want you to mingle with the low life of this realm.”

“But mother always lets me scurry around the village when she…” Henry trailed off, clamping his lips shut and giving his mother an apoplectic look.

Emma held her breath as she tried to find an answer that would make sense to Killian without revealing to him that she was a princess.

“Look, Milady, I can clearly tell that you’re of some high and noble birth, no commoner has her own personal guard tagging along.” Killian gave August a polite smile that was somewhat returned albeit August looked as if he’d eaten a sour grape.

“Hmm, let’s leave it at that, okay?” Emma whispered, hoping this discussion would end soon.

Killian bowed his head and took another drink and slumped casually back in his seat, looking far too at ease in this run-down tavern. His eyes never left her and when she glared at him he only lifted a smug eyebrow and licked his lips.

“We’re going back to the ship.” Emma rose to her feet abruptly and pulled Henry along. “August?”

To her relief August followed her and Henry out of the tavern, leaving the far too smug and pompous pirate behind. 
 
Killian had left early the next morning, giving Henry permission to feed his dragon, if his mother allowed it of course. Emma had agreed if August offered to be at his side while tending to the creatures. She couldn’t get herself to go near them again, 11 years wasn't long enough to wipe out the nightmares of her parent’s death.

Emma found a secluded corner on deck where she could read the book she’d borrowed from the ship’s captain. She needed to occupy her mind a bit while they waited for the Captain to return.

Suddenly she picked up the flapping of wings and a shout of happiness echoing over the deck. The voice was all too familiar and when she looked up she dropped the book and leaped up. “Henry get down from that dragon right now!” She stomped over to the extended deck part where the dragons rested, the black Toothless had Henry on his back, wings flapping as if it was about to take off.

“Look, Mother.”

“I told you no flying, so get yourself down from there right this minute, young man, you’re so grounded until you turn 21.”

“I’m sorry Emma…” August began, “I turned my back on him for a second, I’m sorry.”

Emma waved him off, “That kid will get in trouble even if you had his eyes on him the whole time.” She looked back at Henry, “Get down from there.”

“Awe Mother, come on, nothing will…” The next moment Emma watched in slow-motion as the Night Fury lifted from the deck, her son still on its back.

“Henry!!!!” Emma screamed, her heart pounding in her chest, she stumbled forward, but her legs collapsed under her as she watched her son fly away.

Henry shouted down to her, “Look Mother, I'm flying.”

“Get him down from there,” Emma called out and searched the deck for one of the crew members, she spotted the brunette called Ruby. “Can’t you call him back, please?”

Ruby walked over with a sympathetic smile on her lips. “Don’t worry, Toothless is the calmest of our dragons, I’ll call him back.” She walked to the dragon’s deck and gave out a sharp whistle.

Emma shaded her eyes from the sun and saw that the dragon did in fact respond to the call. With relief, she got to her feet again, but seconds later she felt her breath leave her body. A white streak flashed over the sky, and in a split second another dragon emerged, it was too far away to see clearly, but Toothless had noticed the newcomer. He made a sharp turn towards the white dragon, disregarding the repeated calls from Ruby.

“What’s that?” Emma asked out of breath as she stumbled towards the female pirate.

“Another dragon.” Ruby shook her head in wonder. “I’ve always thought they’d been extinct.”

“What?”

“It’s a Light Fury. No one has seen them in centuries.”

“Why won’t Toothless come down?”

“He’s chasing the female.” Graham’s voice sounded behind Emma and when she turned towards him he explained. “If that is truly a Light Fury I imagine our dragon there is responding to his natural call.”

“Uh?”

“He’s in love I suppose.” Graham shrugged and scratched his beard and watched the two dragons soar over their heads.

“But my son is up there.” Emma’s voice broke.

“Let me try.” Graham stepped up next to Ruby and gave a sharp whistle, but it seemed as if the dragons only had eyes on each other, not paying mind to the calls from the ship.

With dread Emma watched the dragons seek further and further away from the ship, heading for the jungle. “Henry?!” Emma cried out again, her eyes blurry with tears.

August came to her side and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. “We’ll find him.” He looked around the remaining crew members. “We need to look for them, who knows where they might head?”

“They would find a secluded area, with water nearby, fresh water, perhaps some caves,” Graham explained and headed for the helm. “I’ll see if we have a map.” 
 
Ten minutes later they pinpointed an area where the dragons could have gone off to. Emma was still watching the sky trying to spot the silhouette of a dragon, but she never saw one. This couldn’t be happening, her son’s curiosity was again the reason for bad things to happen.

Just as they were about to disembark, the ship’s captain boarded and Emma stalked towards him and shouted. “Your stupid dragon took my son away.”

“What?”

“My curious son, who never remembers what I tell him, took your dragon for a flight and some white dragon came zooming by and now your dragon has followed it to the jungle.” Emma’s pulse rose and she stepped closer to him, jabbing his chest with her finger, “It’s all your fault.”

Killian had the grace to look remorseful for a split second before his eyes searched the deck. “Ruby, is this true?”

“Of course it’s true.” Emma bristled and stepped into his line of sight again. “My son, the little adventurer, thought it could be fun to climb onto the dragon’s back after feeding it.”

“And Toothless just took off?”

“He was chasing a female dragon.”

This had Killian blink in surprise,.“A female dragon… there’s no Light Fury left.”

“Captain,” Graham spoke up behind Emma. “Several of the men can confirm this, sir.”

“Bloody hell.” Killian swiped his hand over his face. “That’s amazing.”

“No, it’s not.” Emma nearly stomped her foot. “There’s nothing remotely amazing about your dragon flying off with my son.” She stabbed her finger into his chest again, she smirked when he this time visibly winced in pain.

“Borrow my Deadly Nadder, she is fast and we can scan the area we’ve located in the jungle.” Ruby offered and rushed over to prepare her dragon,

“What area?” Killian asked.

“We found a clearing in the jungle that would be a place where a Night Fury might bring his mate to, ah, you know…” Graham trailed off and glanced at Emma.

Emma rolled her eyes, “I can’t believe a lovesick dragon has kidnapped my son.”

“Wanna join me?” Killian asked with a raised eyebrow.

“What?”

“Stormfly can easily carry two people, this way you’ll get to your son faster.” Killian swept his hand in offering toward the waiting dragons. Graham had prepared his own dragon to accompany Killian.

“I can’t.” Emma hugged herself, her chest becoming tight and she could hardly breathe, the thought alone was making her far too dizzy.

“She won’t bite.”

“It’s not…” Emma mumbled and frantically searched the deck. “Ruby, can you help me find some horses?”

Ruby shared a look with her captain and when he nodded in agreement, she headed for the gangplank. “Alright, I think I know who we can pay off to borrow his horses.”

Emma sighed in relief, then looked over at August. “Are you coming?”

“Yes, yo…” He cleared his throat, “Milady.”

Emma strode after Ruby hoping against all hopes that they would be able to find her son, fast, and unharmed. Who knew what a love-sick dragon could do in the midst of responding to its natural call?

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 5 The group secured horses within half an hour, Emma’s pouch a few silver pieces lighter. Ruby had raised a curious eyebrow when Emma had pulled out the silver and Emma only hoped that the pirate in her companion would stay clear out of her pockets. Ruby was a skilled tracker and she easily found a route through the jungle heading towards the areas they suspected the dragons to be. After riding for another half hour Emma picked up the sound of flapping wings and when she looked up between the tall trees, she spotted Ruby’s dragon. “Ahoy down there, we found the Light Fury and Toothless.” “What about Henry?” Emma shouted, her stomach had been in knots the whole time they’d travelled through the thick jungle. “He’s in the clearing, away from the dragons.” Killian pointed out a direction. “You’ll have another mile's worth of riding before you get there.” Ruby waved for them to follow her and Emma nudged her horse and let August trail behind her as they’d done before. Emma just hoped that her son was okay, despite him having thrown himself in the middle of a dragon mating ritual. Once they reached the clearing, everyone jumped down from the horses and tied them to a nearby tree. Ruby pressed her finger to her lips. “Try to make as little noise as possible, if the dragons are truly in some sort of mating session we shouldn’t disturb them.” Emma nodded in understanding and followed the female pirate. She slowly peered out between the foliage and saw a vast clearing with a small lake at its centre, rock formations lining the brink, leading up to caves in the hillside on the other side. Toothless was clearly wooing the white dragon, making intricate jumps and leaps around himself, flapping his wings in the most comical way. The white dragon seemed uninterested at first, but suddenly the black dragon found a stick and drew something in the sand. “The dragon is drawing?” Emma whispered to Ruby.“Oh yeah, he’s quite intelligent.” This amazed Emma, but she didn’t want the other woman to know this. She scanned the area and soon spotted her son sitting halfway up in a tall tree; he looked unharmed. And far too happy for his own good, that boy had pulled another curious stunt and found himself in a load of trouble. Henry spotted them and waved and whisper-shouted, “Mother, I’m okay.” Emma gave him a thumbs up and moved slowly towards him, staying close to the treeline so the weird wooing session wouldn’t be interrupted. When she was near Henry’s tree she saw him slip further out on the branch and Emma whispered. “Watch out.” But seconds later the branch snapped with a loud crack, Henry tumbled toward the ground. Emma barely had time to scream before a black streak flashed before her and seconds later she found Henry laying safely on the ground, unharmed because of a lightning-fast save from Toothless. She rushed over to her son, “Henry are you okay?” Henry brushed his hands over his body and shook the sand out of his hair and with a beaming smile, “I’m good, Mother, don’t worry.” “Henry James Nolan, you’re in a world of trouble, you know that young man?” Henry looked down and absentmindedly brushed off the sand from his pants, “I’m sorry.” “Sorry just doesn’t cut it this time, getting on that dragon with no help from any adults was the most stupid and careless thing you’ve ever done.” She slumped down on her knees and pulled him into her arms, “But I’m so grateful that you’re okay. All sorts of things could have happened.” “But they didn’t.” Henry smiled, “Did you see how fast Toothless was?” “Yes, that is a fast dragon and one you won’t be flying again, ever!” “But Mother…” Henry trailed off when Emma sent him a hard look, “Yes Mother.” “Emma?” Killian’s voice sounded nearby and when Emma looked up she saw him striding towards them. “Yeah?” “Is the lad okay?” “He’s fine.” Emma ruffled Henry’s hair, “But I think my son is grounded until he turns 18.” Henry groaned and Killian chuckled, “Don’t be too hard on the lad…” Killian stopped when Emma looked up at him sharply.“Don’t tell me how to raise my son.” “Pardon, love.” Killian lifted his hands in surrender, “I’m the one who should have stated more clearly that it would never be a wise idea to get on Toothless’ back without an adult.” “Can I try again…” “No!” Emma shook her head, her son seemed to never want to let go of the idea of riding a dragon again. She rose to her feet and helped Henry up too, before she looked over the open area. The dragons seemed to have calmed down and the white dragon was gazing towards the group of people with a wary look in her big blue eyes. “Is that really a Light Fury?” Henry asked and stepped over next to Killian.“Aye, it seems to be that.” “But are they not extinct?” “Apparently not.” Killian chuckled and strolled to his dragon, palms up in friendly greeting, “Hello old chap, who’s the lady you found there?” When Killian took another step, the white dragon hissed in anger and her teeth protruded, she continued to sneer as Killian reached Toothless. The black dragon turned its head towards its mate and grunted and shook its head as if to appease the female. It took several grunts and hisses between the dragons before the Light Fury calmed down. Emma watched Killian rub over his dragon’s snout. “Are you going to stay with her?” Toothless tilted his head as if contemplating Killian’s words. “Is he really speaking with the dragon and does the beast understand him?” Emma asked Graham and Ruby. “Oh, that is totally normal behaviour between the two of them.” Ruby waved her off, “I don’t have that level of communication with Stormfly.”“I thought all dragon riders had some sort of link with their dragon.” Emma shrugged, “I don’t know much about dragons.”“Being here with us you’ll learn loads of things about dragons,” Ruby reassured.“I don’t think I really want that.” “Why?” “It’s a long story.” Emma waved her off and was about to say more, but then Killian casually walked towards them with his dragon in tow. She stepped back and wrapped her arms around herself. “Ready to head back?” Killian laughed when Toothless nudged his shoulder, “Apparently this guy still wants to follow us.” He glanced over his shoulder, “Though it seems as if we’ve got ourselves a tag-along extra dragon.” “Your dragon has a girlfriend.” Ruby sing-songed and waggled her eyebrows while making fake kissing sounds. “Shut up.” Killian’s eyes found Emma, “Sure you don’t want to ride with me and Toothless back to the ship.” “No, thanks.” Emma stepped back and grabbed for Henry’s hand, “We’re riding back.”“But Mother, I’d want to ride back on…” “No!” Emma ignored Killian’s low chuckle and walked to the spot where they’d tied up their horses. As she pushed through the low-hanging branches she gasped in surprise and twirled around herself, frantically searching for the horses. She stepped back into the clearing, scanning the treeline making sure it was the right location. Taking a deep fortifying breath “Where the hell are our horses?” “They must have been spooked by all the ruckus the dragons made.” Killian shrugged. “Yay, we’re riding back on the dragons.” “No…” Emma protested weakly, the blood rushing in her ears made all sounds around become muffled. “Emma, are you okay?” Ruby asked and touched Emma’s shoulder.Emma took a deep breath and realized she’d had to slump down and rest her head between her legs, trying to prevent herself from fainting. “No, I’m not,” Emma whispered, hating to feel so helpless. “Why… I mean what’s wrong?” “I can’t be on a dragon, I just can’t.” Emma had no idea who was around her, her vision blurry with tears and black dots dancing in front of her. “Why?” “I just can’t.” She hiccuped and pressed her palms against her temples trying to stop her head from spinning out of control. Vaguely she heard Ruby ask August if he knew why Emma seemingly had a panic attack. Emma trusted August not to reveal her true identity and moments later she knew he understood how important it was for them to keep the knowledge that she’s the Misthaven princess a secret. “Let’s just say that Miss Swan has had some prior encounters with dragons that took someone away from her.” “As in killed?” Ruby asked.“Yes, I won’t tell you who, but it was close and too painful.” “Milady, it will be after sunset before we would reach Theiver’s Cove, it would be more dangerous going that way than being on a dragon for half an hour.” Emma squeezed her eyes shut, taking deep breaths, she knew she had to overcome her fears. “Mother, I know you can do this, you’re super strong and smart. Toothless is the nicest dragon of them all.” Henry tried to reason. “Can he carry three?” Emma looked over at Henry and glanced towards the other two dragons, both looking a bit more ruthless than the black dragon. “Sorry lass, it will be best if Henry rode with Ruby on her Stormfly and August can ride with Graham on Hookfang.” “Yay, I’m going to ride on a Deadly Nadder.” Henry whooped with a small excited jump. “Deadly?” Emma grimaced, “That doesn’t sound like a nice dragon.” “Don’t worry.” Ruby interjected, “She’s a calm and gentle soul in a large dragon’s body.”  “I don’t know.” Her eyes flickered between the three pirates, all dragon riders too, could they be trusted?“Come now Mother, please let’s get back on the pirate ship.” Henry tugged on her sleeve. “Okay.” She finally relented, then pointed at Killian, “I’ll hold you accountable for any disasters on this trip and I’ll haunt you till the day you die and beyond if something happens to my son.” Killian made a flourish bow and smirked, “I can agree to that, it wouldn't be such a hardship having a beautiful lady haunt me day and night.” “Asshole.” She whispered as she pushed past him, hoping that her son never heard her. Killian was right behind her and when they neared the dragons who’d been lounging around the water, Emma paused her steps. “It will be alright, love.” When his hand came to rest between her shoulder blades, she had to stop herself from gasping out at the contact. Her eyes were focused on the beast she was about to fly back on. It looked sweet and cute with its large green eyes, almost catlike, but she’d seen its razor-sharp teeth when it was being fed. “It won’t fly too fast will it?” “Don’t worry.” “Well, he took off at a breakneck speed when he spotted that white dragon over there.” She frowned when said dragon took a step towards them, the dragon was feral and untrained so she didn’t trust the white beast. Emma tried to ignore the big blue eyes currently inspecting her. “She’s a pretty one.” Killian mused beside her, “I never imagined I’d ever see one.” “So where did she come from?” “No idea.” He shrugged. “No one has ever been to Caldera, the birthplace of Dragons.” “So we’re chasing a myth to do what?” “Save my brother.” His face contorted in a grimace that spoke more than words and Emma let the subject drop for now. Toothless bowed his head in greeting and the dragon’s large green eyes flickered between Emma and Killian. “Aye, she’ll be flying home with us.” Toothless snorted in reply and Emma glanced at Killian trying to figure out if that was a good or bad snort. Before she knew what happened the white dragon had slipped up next to Toothless, startling Emma. “What?” “Think she wants to say hello.” Killian smoothed his hand down her arm and wrapped his hand around hers, lifting her hand towards the dragon. “Open your hand, let her get to know you.” His breath ran hot over the shell of her ear, making her skin tighten and she gulped down. Emma focused on the white beast, big blue eyes looked back at her, blinking in curiosity as the dragon tilted its head. “Hi,” Emma mumbled and let out a small gasp when the dragon closed the distance between its snout and her hand. Killian kept his fingers wrapped around her wrist.The texture of the dragon was much like Toothless, it was easy to see that the black and white dragons were connected. A low rumbling sound came from Toothless and when Emma dared to pull her eyes away from the white dragon she saw something resembling a smile on the black dragon. Who would have thought dragons could smile?Emma returned her gaze to the blue-eyed dragon and she felt her magic shift under her skin, a slight glimmer of magic washed over her hand and touched the dragon. The Light Furry made a sneezing sound and shook its head, but it didn’t look scared. “You have magic?” Emma stepped back and pulled her hand away from his grasp, she rubbed her hands on her thighs, “Yes I do.” “I always thought there was something special about you.” When she looked up he winked and she rolled her eyes, “You’re not scared?” “Well if you’d wanted to use your magic to harm me or my crew I’d wager you’d done it already.” Emma smiled knowingly and silently sighed in relief at the fact that he didn’t seem to mind her having magic. “Are you guys ready?” Ruby called out and Emma turned around and saw her son placed in front of the female pirate, his face filled with excitement.Emma glanced back at Killian who motioned for her to come closer, he’d already jumped up on the dragon. Taking a deep breath, she reached for his offered hand and let him help her up on the beast, every little sound Toothless made had her twitch nervously. But she settled in behind him and wrapped her arms around his torso. The warm leather of his greatcoat was smooth against her hands. “Alright back there, love?” He patted her hands resting over his chest. “Hmm.” She curled her fingers into the collar of the coat, shifted closer to him and rested her cheek against his back. As they set off she closed her eyes and pressed her lips firmly together, not wanting to let out any scream of fear. She had no desire for him to have anything else to mock her about. The whooping sound of her son nearby had her crack open one eye and she saw Henry with his arms raised above his head as Ruby held him tightly to her body. Seeing her son so happy made her smile and she tried to enjoy the ride. They flew over a wide inlet of water and would cross over a peninsula before they would reach Thiever’s Cove. A white streak flashed beside them and when Emma focused on the Light Furry she could see the other dragon keeping an eye on her new mate’s riders. It was astounding to see how the dragons here adapted to the humans in their life. The crew on the Jolly Roger did care for their dragons and Emma realized that it was with mutual respect that the dragons and their riders flew together. Toothless was flying at a reasonably fast pace, the wind whipped around her head and whenever the beast would make a slight dip she’d hold on tighter to Killian. His scent filled her senses and she realized that this was the closest she’d been to this man since she inadvertently came aboard his ship. He might be a pirate, but he was a fair captain that took note of his crew and what they might need. His dragon included. When Toothless growled Emma looked around them frantically and beyond the next peninsula she saw a group of dark dragons flying towards them. “Bloody hell.” Killian’s whole body tensed up at the sight. “Blackbeard.” “What, who…” “The bastard ruined my ship and blew my lodestone to smithereens.” “So not your best buddy I assume.” “Nope.” He tugged her hands tighter around him. “Hold on tight love, this might get a bit messy.” Emma had no idea what that meant, all she searched for was where Henry was, when she spotted him she sighed in relief when Ruby had been smart enough to dive low and turn towards the jungle again. A crackling sound had her shift focus and she saw the Light Furry shimmer with what could only be described as small lightning bolts. “What…” “It’s their defence, it's a dive-bombing technique they use to fly as fast as lightning.” “Can Toothless…” Emma gasped when something similar happened beneath her.“Aye, his dive-bomb won’t harm us, but it will feel a little strange. Hold on, love.” His hand wrapped over hers and he used his hook to steer his dragon low and out of the oncoming dragons’ path. But it took a few more twists and turns and Emma was starting to feel a little dizzy with the shifting motions. Suddenly she felt her fingers slip from under Killian’s and as Toothless did a half roll she fell off the black dragon. Air rushed around her, a scream was lodged in her throat as she prepared herself to land in the water. But mere seconds later she landed on something solid and white still flying above the water.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 6
 
“Emma!” Killian bellowed as he felt her slip off Toothless, he twisted in the saddle and saw Emma drop towards the water. A white flash swooped under her and to his relief he realized that the Light Fury had saved Emma. The blonde woman clutched around the dragon’s neck and despite it most likely being the first time the dragon had ever had a rider on its back it seemed they worked well together.

“Hold on tight Emma.”

Emma only nodded as her eyes looked straight ahead of her, she seemed to let the dragon choose their direction.

Fire nearly cinched Killian’s hair, he’d almost forgotten the dark dragon riders. But he saw how Graham and August worked well together swooping under one of the dark dragons and August fired one of Graham’s pistols at the oncoming pirate. A cry of pain came from the burly man, but he never dropped from his dragon.

“Bloody hell.” He nudged Toothless closer and leaned over the dragon’s neck. “Do your dive bomb. Now.”

Toothless made a quarter left turn upwards and seconds later Killian had to hold on tight as his dragon sped downward. He knew his dragon would spew his precise plasma blast at the nearest Black Rider. Once the blast hit its first mark the remaining of Blackbeard's men regrouped and tried to seek lower to the water, but August and Graham joined Killian.

“You go left and I’ll go right.” Graham shouted, “I’ll see if this boy can do his wing blast.” Graham patted his dragon's neck and called out his instructions.

Killian urged his dragon to fly left, going straight at the closest Black Rider, where Toothless showed his skills again, blasting the rider off his dragon. Not caring what happened to the man, Killian shifted in the saddle and saw how Hookfang began his wing blast attack. The dragon’s large wing flapped faster and faster and with a giant roar a fireball flew from his mouth propelled by the wind tunnel that had been created. This knocked two more Black Riders from their dragons.

The last two dark dragon riders called: “retreat.” Leaving their men behind Killian watched them swoop back the way they’d come.

“Is everyone okay?” Killian called out.

“Aye Captain,” Graham acknowledged.

Killian searched the coastline for any sign of Ruby and Henry, to his relief Ruby’s dragon emerged from the jungle with a worried-looking Henry on its back.

“Where’s my mother?”

Killian searched the sky, in the fight he’d forgotten to keep track of where Emma and the Light Fury had gone. But he spotted a flash of white at the top of the bluff on the peninsula. With a nudge against Toothless’ flanks, he flew to them and leapt from his dragon. It was a strange and surprising sight that greeted him. Emma was sitting cross-legged in front of the resting dragon, her hand smoothing over its snout.

As he walked closer, he picked up the words she spoke, “What does this mean… I never thought I’d connect with a dragon.” She sighed heavily as she looked to the skies, “I’ve resented anything to do with dragons, you know they killed my parents.” Emma had leaned closer to the white dragon and Killian nearly missed her last words.

Killian stepped closer and the movement caught the dragon's attention, when it lifted its head Emma turned around. Her eyes blew wide and she scrambled to her feet, hugging herself.

“Are you okay, love?” Killian walked closer, his eyes taking in her form.

“Hmm.” Emma nodded and glanced back at the Light Fury, “She saved me.”

“Aye, I saw that.”

Toothless jumped forward and the two dragons greeted each other with grunting sounds. Killian shook his head at the sight, he’d never imagined seeing a Light Fury and now his own dragon seemed to have chosen his mate.

Emma walked over to him and stood beside him. “That white dragon, how special is it?”

“It’s a myth and legend really, just as the hidden world of Caldera is.” Killian explained with a shake of his head, “I never imagined seeing one, ever.” He glanced at her. “You connected with her?”

Emma chewed her lip. “I don’t know what happened.” She looked down at her hands, “My magic went a bit crazy when I flew on her back.”

“That has to mean something.” Killian mused, “All I know is that some people connect easier with dragons than others.”

“Yeah?”

“Ruby had a hard time taming her Deadly Nadder, but she was persistent and in the end, she succeeded. She and Stormfly have been on many adventures together.”

“Where’s Henry?” Emma whirled around searching the area behind them.

“Up there.” Killian pointed to the sky, where Ruby and Henry were still flying in circles above them. “Ruby flew out of harm's way when Blackbeard’s men came in.”

Emma sighed in relief and glanced back at the Light Fury, “So will she be following us?”

“I imagine she will.” Killian nudged Emma, “I think you have a new ride back to the ship.”

“What?”

“I saw you speaking with her just now, someone has been changing her mind about dragons?”

Emma pursed her lips, “You heard that.” She looked down.

“Aye, and now I understand why you reacted so strongly back in the clearing.”

Emma’s eyes flickered back and forth between Killian and the two dragons.

“Look, Emma, it’s okay I understand.” He reached out and placed his hand on her arm.

She nodded and stepped closer to the dragons, and the white dragon lifted her head and blinked her big blue eyes.

Killian smiled when Emma touched the dragon and asked, “Ready to fly, girl.” The dragon snorted in reply and shifted around so Emma could climb up on the dragon’s back.

“You look amazing up there,” Killian shouted and leapt up on his own dragon.

Moments later the two dragons lifted from the ground and soared to the sky and were joined by Graham and Ruby’s dragons. The four dragons headed south towards Theiver’s Cove.

Killian kept looking over at Emma on her dragon and while she looked apprehensive whenever the dragon would make a small dive towards the water he could see the joy spreading over her face. 
 
The crew had welcomed them back on deck and as night had come, they went to the nearby tavern to get some dinner. Killian kept watching Emma interact with her son and their companion August, the man had never left her side since they landed back on the Jolly Roger. Emma might not notice this herself, perhaps so used to having the man as her personal guard, but Killian could see the lingering looks from the man. He clearly held her in high regard, perhaps even more than was acceptable if she was some high noble lady.

Killian slipped from his seat and went to the bar, giving an order of rum, he could certainly use it after today. As he waited for the drink he picked up a conversation between two men at the bar.

“Wonder if they have found the Misthaven princess.”

“Oh, the bounty it would give finding and returning her.”

“Aye, heard the reigning Queen Regina has sent out a hefty reward for whomever will return her precious niece.”

“The lass probably ran off with a stable boy.” The two men shared a laugh and the man continued, “So look out for a blond-haired lass.”

“Oh, I think the herald said something about her son too.”

“The princess has a son?”

“Oh, aye.” The two men turned toward the room and scanned the area as did Killian, now suddenly eager to get back to the table and find Emma.

The table was empty aside from his cook Anton, his stomach did a strange swoop. Forgetting the drink being placed behind him he strode over to Anton, “Where’s Emma and the boy?”

“They went back to the ship.” Anton was a large burly man but looked a bit taken back by Killian’s outburst. “Ruby accompanied her and the boy, August went with them.”

“Bloody hell.” Killian rushed outside and headed towards the docks.

Once back on his ship, he ran into August who lounged up on the deck.

“Emma, is she here?”

“She is?” August lifted a curious eyebrow at Killian’s outburst.

Killian rubbed over his face, contemplating revealing his suspicions to the man that could be a royal guard if what the men in the tavern had spoken about. “She just left the tavern and I got a bit worried.” He combed his fingers through his hair.

“Oh.” August frowned, “I got her back, mate, don’t you worry, we’re not here of our own free will, but I’ll make sure that Miss Swan is looked after until we get back to Misthaven.”

Killian glowered at the man’s words, but he knew he was overstepping lines here, but somehow the lass had crawled under his hardened pirate shell. “You like her?”

August spluttered, “No… I… it’s my duty to… protect her.”

“I thought so.” Killian clipped and pushed past the bumbling guard, it was clear that the man harboured feelings for the blonde woman, princess or not.

He walked down to his cabin and slumped down on his chair, he searched his pockets and found the compass he’d acquired from Ali. It had cost him a fair share of gold and a promise to aid Ali’s thieving men, should he ever encounter them on the sea.

The compass was heavy in his hand and as he opened the lid with a flip of his thumb, he suddenly felt a little weary. If this compass couldn’t show him the way to the hidden world of Caldera he had no means to find the Phoenix flower. Images of his sick brother wilting away on his deathbed tore through him, leaving behind only pain.

With determination, he stood up and headed through his ship giving orders to all to be prepared at the first light of dawn. If anyone were still on a drinking spree in the village they’d be left behind. A few crew members scurried out into the night to find their mates and Killian headed for his cabin and poured over the charts. The compass perched on the table pointing due south and Killian consulted the charts and realized they might have to sail past Neverland unless they took a longer route, which would take them a whole extra day.

“Bloody hell.” He made the last notes and tried to find rest, but as he lay in his cot, his mind flashed with images of the Lady Swan in a princess gown and tiara. 
 
The next morning Killian rose before dawn and shouted his first orders to his crew and headed for the helm. As they lifted off the water soaring to the skies, he saw Emma emerge from below deck. Her golden hair was tied into a braid falling over her back. She wore her usual red leather coat, not exactly typical princess attire, but nothing about this woman was typical. His heart leapt in his chest as the morning sun swept over her golden hair, it was blindingly beautiful and he shook his head trying to clear his head. He had to focus.

When she spotted him at the helm, she ventured up the steps, “Good morning Captain. We’re heading out early?”

“Aye, we’ve got a long way ahead of us. My crew stocked up to our fullest capacity while we had our little adventure in the jungle.” He smirked when she looked down with a blush creeping up her cheeks.

“Sorry about that.”

“He’s a curious lad and dragons are exciting for anyone.”

“Not me.”

“Well, you do have your own dragon now.”

“Hmm.” She fiddled with the sleeve of her coat, “I guess I do.” She looked over the deck and asked, “Where are they?”

“The dragons?” When she nodded he continued, “They took off to go hunting.”

“How will they know where we are?” She scanned over the horizon behind the ship.

“They will know, I do not know how, but they always come back.” He smirked, “Don’t worry love, she’ll come back to ya.”

When she rolled her eyes he laughed.

“So where are we going?”

“South it seems.” He pointed to the compass before him, “This compass will show my heart's desire.”

“Was that the thing you went to Alibaba to get?”

“Aye.”

“So it’s magical.” She leaned forward, her arm brushing over his hand.

“Aye.” He gulped down, the scent of her person filled his nostrils and he held his breath as she inspected the compass.

When she looked up her eyes were blown wide as if she realized just how close they were by now. She stepped back and waved her hand in the air. “So we won’t be on any land until we reach that hidden world?”

“I suspect not.” He pointed towards the bow. “If you do see land to our right it won’t be a place I’ll be going.”

“Why?”

“Ever heard of Neverland?”

“Hmm.”

“There’s some devil’s poison there called Dreamshade, my brother was in close contact with it on a crazy mission to save the last remaining fairies.” Killian bit out in an angry tone and he could see that Emma understood he resented the place.

“There are fairies?”

“Aye, they travelled back to their own realm. I suspect a child demon called Peter Pan had held them prisoner in Neverland.”

“Okay, so that place we’re going to has a cure for the poison.”

“If our healer’s words are true, it’s the only thing that can save my brother.”

“Who’s your brother?”

Killian felt the muscles twitch near his eye. “You know we’re pirates?”

“Hmm.” Emma nodded her head with a bemused smile.

“My brother took over the leadership of Rum Island when our father died.”

“So you’re the pirate prince?”

“Bloody hell.” Killian shook his head while his heart leapt in his throat when he recalled what he’d heard last night. “Who are you really, Miss Swan?”

“What?” Emma shuffled her feet over the rough planks on the deck. “I’m Emma Swan.”

“Accompanied by a guard and her son?” He lifted an eyebrow hoping that she’d fess up her real identity on her own.

“As you said I’m a noblewoman…”

“A very high noblewoman, royal even?” He lifted his eyebrow as he kept his eyes on her.

Emma spluttered and mumbled something under her breath, sounding like a curse that should never fall over the lips of any noblewoman.

“I…”

“It doesn’t really matter either way love, you’re here on my ship and I’ll make sure you come back home.”

“Thank you.” Her green eyes looked up at him, a silent plea to keep this a secret.

“I overheard a few men speak about a herald being sent out to the realms about a missing princess.”

“Oh.”

“The description is a blond-haired woman accompanied by her son and a royal guard.” Killian saw movements out of the corner of his eyes and saw August walk over the deck below. “He’s got the vigilance of a loyal guard who’d step in front of a sword for you.”

“He’s a good man.”

“Aye, he certainly watches out for you and your boy.”

“Hmm.” Emma nodded her eyes following the guard speaking with the crew members. “Thank you for keeping this a secret. I never wanted this to happen, we got here because my son is too curious for his own good.”

Killian bowed his head and with a smirk added, “And in case you’re wondering I won’t claim the reward money for bringing you back to your aunt.”

“There’s a reward?” Emma looked shocked and appalled by this.

“I imagine the Queen is keen on getting the true heir of Misthaven back.” Killian chuckled.

Emma huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. “As if that will ever happen.”

“Are you not the princess of Misthaven?” He whispered and leaned closer to her, close enough for him to notice a small splatter of freckles lining her nose and cheeks.

“Yes, I am.” She lifted her chin, “But the old outdated rules want me to be married before I can claim the throne.” She rolled her eyes. “My parents never got around to changing them before they…” her lips pursed and she blinked a few times as if the memory of her parents still pained her.

“How long ago?”

“Uh?”

“When did your parents die?”

“I was 16, young and blinded by love for a man who wanted to use the alliance with our realm to do harm to his father’s enemies.”

“Henry’s father?”

Emma merely nodded. “I was too young to claim the throne, Regina was crowned acting queen until the day I wed.”

“That sounds like stupid old outdated laws if you ask me.”

“Yeah, but it is what it is and here I am on a pirate ship going to the ends of the world.” She glanced over her shoulder, Thriver’s Cove was no longer visible.

“Mark my words, I'll bring you home safely,

princess.

” He whispered the last word into her ear and he grinned when he noticed her gasp at the closeness.

“Thank you,” Emma mumbled and stepped back.

Killian grinned as she walked down to the deck and stepped towards August who was leaning against the railing. Killian couldn’t help but frown as he watched the two interact in a conversation that had August laugh and give a comment to Emma which made Emma laugh. They looked so at ease together and his recent thoughts about what relationship the two had. It was clear that August was a bit more interested in the princess than might be proper. This shouldn’t have the effect it seemed to have on him, but he knew deep down that his heart might have cracked open towards the blonde princess.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 7
 
Emma strode towards the dragon deck when the Light Fury landed on the ship along with her mate Toothless. It was strange how her life had changed in only a few days since the white dragon had saved her life. When the Light Fury noticed her it stepped away from her mate and snorted in greeting.

“Hey there girl, had a good hunt?” Emma asked and reached out trying to calm herself down so the dragon wouldn’t spook. She wondered if she’d have time to take a morning flight on her dragon, just as she’d done the past few days. It was still so new to her, being able to fly all alone up on the dragon, but deep down she’d started to enjoy it.

The dragon's scales were soft and warm under her hand, Emma smoothed her hand down the dragon’s neck, reaching the place where the beast’s wings began. Somehow this was the dragon’s favourite spot to be rubbed.

“You should find a name for her.” Killian’s deep voice spoke behind her.

“Really?”

“Aye, she seems to have taken a liking to you.”

“So she’s my dragon?”

“It seems so.” Killian shrugged and stepped up next to her. His dragon leapt over with a happy grunt pushing at Killian’s back, begging for attention. Killian laughed and focused on Toothless. “What do you say Toothless, what should your mate be called.”

Toothless snorted in reply and tilted its head looking at the blue-eyed white dragon. Emma could have sworn she saw something fierce like love shimmer in the dragon’s green eyes.

“I don’t know, I’ll have to think about it.” Emma mused, her hands kept rubbing over the dragon’s skin.

“Did you know Light Furys always have blue eyes?” Her son’s voice spoke up from behind them.

“And how might you know that?” Emma gave her son a pointed stare, then noticed a book tugged under his arm, “What’s that?”

“Oh, this is a book about dragons Killian let me borrow.” Henry beamed and pointed at the Light Fury, “I’ve read up on what is known about her, her kind have been thought to be extinct for centuries.”

“So what would one call an extinct dragon?” Emma mused, looking at her dragon. The blue of her eyes was a shade lighter than Killian’s, Emma glanced at the pirate. She would be a fool not to notice his eyes, so full of passion for what he did. Now on a mission to save his brother, even if it meant travelling to the ends of the world.

When a smirk spread over his lips Killian lifted a knowing eyebrow Emma realized she’d been staring openly at the man.

Shite, why did she let this man get under her skin so easily?

Oh, she knew why, because he was an enigma who seemed to see right through her. Handsome and sometimes too cocky for his own good, he set something inside her ablaze with feelings she’d never imagined she’d ever experience.

Again it was her son who pulled her back to the real world when he said. “What about Pearl?”

“Uh.” Emma shook her head and focused on her son.

“You know her skin is white as the finest pearls you can find,” Henry said and calmly walked towards the white dragon, which bowed her head towards Henry letting him pet her snout.

Emma watched her son interact with the dragon,

her

dragon it seemed, “Pearl?”

The Light Fury lifted her head and tilted it, regarding Emma with her big blue eyes. Then the dragon shifted closer to Emma and when Emma stroked her hand over its white skin, the dragon hummed in response.

“Think she likes the name.” Henry beamed.

“So you want to be called Pearl?” Emma asked and her dragon lifted its head and gave a small nod. It still baffled how the dragon seemed to understand her words so easily, but from what she’d understood from speaking with Ruby, Killian had the same connection with his Night Fury.

“That is a fitting name,” Killian said near her and Emma whirled around and noticed how he’d stepped closer and was now toe to toe with her, his scent assaulting her senses. Her dragon nudged at her back as she gazed into Killian’s eyes.

She registered the giggle from her son and when she glanced sideways; she saw Henry had hurried towards the main deck. Her eyes landed on August, who looked upon the scene with a scowl. Refraining from rolling her eyes at her loyal royal guard she returned her focus on Killian, “Thank you.”

“Whatever for?” He lifted an eyebrow with a smirk.

“Everything I guess, making this trip bearable for us all, helping me understand dragons are not so scary.” Emma shrugged.

“That was all Pearl’s work I think.” Killian shifted to the side to look at the dragons, “I never imagined my dragon would ever find a mate.”

Emma chuckled, “Yeah well it seems as if our dragons connected.”

“Aye, so it seems.” His deep dark blue eyes shifted back to her and her heart skipped a beat when they lingered far longer than might be proper. But be damned of what people might think and when Killian licked over his lower lip Emma threw caution to the wind. She stepped closer and kissed his cheek. “Thank you and I’ll be more than happy to assist you in finding the flower which can save your brother.”

Killian cleared his throat, his eyes blown wide in wonder, “I’m much obliged, M'lady.” He did a small formal bow and whispered, “Princess.” He winked and stepped back, lifting his fingers to trace reverently over the spot she’d kissed him.

“I’ll go see if my son is up for a sparring session with his mother.” Emma blurted out, pulling herself away from this devilishly handsome pirate that stole behind her walls. 
 
***********
 
Killian watched Emma spar with her son on the main deck, garnering the attention of his crew milling around. She was quite skilled with a sword he realized, her movements smooth and accurate in whatever attack the lad tried to hit her with. Though it seemed as if the weapon she’d borrowed from August was a bit too large for her.

He strode into the lower storage rooms, the one where Smee had found the group of stowaways and searched the area for a specific item he wanted to give Emma. Opening one of the bench storage compartments he noticed something that certainly never had been on his ship before. Picking it up he unfolded the coat and saw the obvious royal insignia printed on the front.

Striding up to the deck he searched for one man, “August!”

The man in question turned around and his face dropped as he noticed the coat in Killian’s hand. “We… I can explain…”

“Drop the bullshit, I already suspected who you were, this is just the final proof. Thought you might want your coat back.” He threw the garment towards August who deftly caught it.

“I can’t use it here, anyway.” The guard rolled it up and glanced around the deck, “Do any of your crew members know.”

“Half of them are not so clever, but some might suspect.” Killian shrugged.

“You won’t tattle on us?”

“There’s a hefty reward money for your return to Misthaven, but things have changed for me.” Killian stared intently at the other man.

“How so?”

“You’re not the only man on this ship who can see how beautiful Emma Swan is.” Killian raised an eyebrow, grinning when the surprise and then anger flashed over August’s face.

“Don’t even think about going near her.” August lifted a finger in a clear warning.

“I think you need to heed the same warning to the princess.” Killian countered back with a satisfied smirk.

“She’ll never…”

“The kiss she bestowed me earlier this morning might tell another tale…”

August stepped closer, now nose to nose with Killian, “Stay away from her. I warn you, pirate, the likes of you have no business being in her life.”

Killian lifted his chin, “Think the princess will have something else to say about that matter.”

August jabbed his finger into Killian’s chest, “I’ll be watching you, if you get too close to her I’ll personally make sure to cut off your remaining hand.” He pushed Killian away from him with a sneer, then stalked off towards the bow of the ship.

Killian slipped into the haul again and searched for a suitable set of weapons for the princess.

Once he located the items he went in search of the princess, the guard’s warnings be damned.

“Oy M'lady, might I have a word?” Killian called out, leaping over the small barrier between the main deck and the dragon’s deck. Emma was perched on a crate, her arms resting on her knees as she watched the dragons lounge on the deck.

Emma turned around at his voice and her eyes landed on the sword in his hand and the shield tucked under his arm.

“What is that?”

“This is for you. That heavy sword is not a suitable match for you.”

“Me?”

“Aye, we’re heading into even more dark waters, if the demon boy Pan locates us we’ll be in a lot of trouble.” He placed the sword on another crate beside her and settled the shield down on the deck leaning against the crate.

“Why?”

“Remember how I told you about Dreamshade?” Emma nodded, so he continued, “We sort of pissed the little demon boy off when we freed the fairies he’d kept locked up on his island.”

“So if he spots your ship near his island he’ll come after you.” Emma sighed, “Well ain’t that just marvellous, I’m on a ship with a crazy pirate who pisses off demons.”

“I prefer devilishly handsome.” He grinned when she rolled her eyes at this.

Emma reached over and lifted the sword, it was slimmer than what most of his crew used, but still a decent weapon. She pulled it out of its sheath and inspected the blade, “This looks like fine craftsmanship, where did you get it?”

Killian shrugged and looked out at the horizon, “I might have plundered an elven trade ship.”

“Ah yeah, I should have suspected it was contraband.” Emma mused tilting the blade's edge so the sun reflected in the almost blueish steel. She let one finger slide over its side, sparks flew from her fingers and she gasped, “Elven magic.”

“Bloody hell.” Killian shook his head, this woman was a marvel, “Don’t tell me you’re an elven too.”

Emma threw her head back and laughed, the sound startling the dragons and making them shuffle around grunting.

“Are, ye elven?” Killian tilted his head and inspected her.

“Good heavens no.” Emma shook her head. “But my friend Elsa, the woman running the Arendale Inn, she and her sister are part elven. Her magic is connected to nature and especially ice.”

Killian took a few moments to process this information then chuckled, “Well your lad did tell me that Miss Elsa had icy treats as well as her famous pies.”

“Did he now.” Emma shook her head, “That boy will get in more trouble than I like to think about with his curiosity.”

“Well, I’ll say that the adventure he dragged you into on my ship hasn’t been all that bad.” He smiled, “We would never have met.”

Emma refrained from looking at him, her cheeks a little more pink at his words and he stored that tidbit of information deep inside his heart.

“Captain!?” A crewmember called from the crow’s nest, “We have Neverland to starboard.”

“I’ll need to give orders to the crew.” He waved his hand to the main deck, “Please find your boy and stay close to the helm and if anything comes our way rush below deck.”

“Well, you’ve just given me this weapon and you want me to hide?” Emma lifted a curious eyebrow.

“Use it to protect your boy,” Killian said as he rushed to give orders to his men. Before leaping onto the main deck he turned towards Emma who’d strapped the sword around her waist and slung the shield to her back. She looked far more like a warrior now than a princess, it was hard to imagine the woman before him in a glimmering ball gown.

“Captain?” Ruby asked right behind him, making him jump and when he focused on the woman he noticed the knowing grin on her face.

“Drop it, Ruby.”

Ruby lifted her hands in mock surrender. “What’s your orders?”

Killian took only a few seconds to make a plan and shouted his commands to the crew. Every crewmember should be on high alert for the next eight hours until they cleared the Neverland waters.

He headed for the helm to take the wheel himself and he smiled when he saw Emma had heeded to his order about finding Henry and keeping him safe. Killian frowned when August had joined the mother and son, the guard's eyes scanning the horizon, pacing back and forth, adjusting his sword. It was clear the man was eager to protect the princess, either out of duty alone or on some deeper personal level as well.

It was eight hours of sailing Killian had wished to be without, everyone was tired and grumpy after having been on high alert for so long. To their luck, they spotted no sign of Peter Pan or his pack of sirens roaming the waters around Neverland.

Night had fallen and he let Graham take the wheel for the first part of the night shift. “Wake me up in four hours.”

“Aye, will do,” Graham said and focused his eyes on the horizon they set their course due south and hopefully, they would reach the End of the World by morning. Killian found his way down below deck heading towards his quarters, to his surprise Emma stood in front of his door.

“Shouldn’t you be sleeping?” He lifted an eyebrow.

“Couldn’t sleep.” Emma shrugged.

“Hmm.”

“I heard you talk to your men about how we might reach the End of the World tomorrow morning…” Her voice trailed off, her hand falling on the pommel of her sword.

“The weapon suits you, M'lady.” He waved towards her sword.

“Thanks again.” Emma smiled.

“So perhaps another gratitude is in order.” He smirked and tapped his chin, indicating that he wanted a kiss.

“Yeah, that was what the thank you was for.” Emma gave back and chuckled.

“So that kiss…”

“Was a one-time thing.”

“Oh, I see.” He felt his heart skip a beat, his eyes never leaving her, even in the dim light he could see her cheeks become a deeper shade of red.

“I can’t…” She waved between them, “I mean I enjoy spending time with you…”

“Is that so?” He lifted his eyebrows in feigned surprise, a smirk spreading over his face.

“Gods, you’re so full of yourself.” Emma let her head drop back against the wall behind her, “Why can’t we just…”

“What?”

“Be friends?”

“I’d like us to be friends Emma.”

And oh so much more,

but he kept this to himself, for now.

“Thank you. This whole adventure has shifted my world upside down. You know, I can’t process it all.” She waved her hand animatedly upwards and pointed, “I have a freaking dragon up there, one I’ve named and one who… you know she is mated to your dragon. I mean what… how will that even work?”

“Emma…”

“I mean you live in your little pirate kingdom and I… I’m a…”

“Princess who speaks too much.” Killian dared to step closer to her, lifting his hand and placing it on the wall behind her.

“I don’t speak too much, I’m just having a freak-out moment… I’m…”

“Emma?”

“What?”

“Shut up.” He plunged forward grasping her head with his hand, weaving his fingers into her hair, closing his lips over hers, effectively shutting her up. Only a brief gasp was muttered from her lips until she leaned into the kiss. “You do speak too much when you’re freaking out.” He chuckled against her lips and when she started to speak he closed the gap again, this time slipping his tongue out to trace over the seam of her lips.

“I’m not…” She gasped when the kiss deepened and their tongues slipped into a dance neither one of them could control.

When Emma’s hands smoothed up and under his great coat he moaned into her mouth, her fingers dancing along the buttons of his red vest. His blood boiled when her fingers combed through the hairs peeking out from the partly open shirt. Those fingers and lips would be the death of him, even if he’d never be able to be near her again, he’d die a happy man.

Gasping for breath he pulled back and gazed into her green emerald eyes, “That was…”

“A…”

He slipped his fingers over her lips, “You bloody well don’t say that it’s a one-time thing, love.” He sounded wrecked in his ears, never had a woman had such power over him and he hoped she understood this.

“Killian, I… I’m a princess.” She sobbed and averted her eyes, closing them, breathing deeply as if to compose her own emotions. Perhaps as she’d been taught her whole life.

A lone tear slipped down her cheek and he used his thumb to wipe it away, “Emma look at me.”

She silently shook her head, her whole body trembling by now. “I can’t.”

Gently he put pressure on her cheek with his hand, “Please, look at me, love. I know you’re a bloody princess. I don’t give a damn about that…”

“But my… everyone else will.” She finally opened her eyes, “Don’t you see it can never be, we’re from two different realms, you’re living your life as a pirate, I’m a princess.”

“You’re also a mother and a strong independent woman who won’t think twice about searching a pirate ship when she knows her son is onboard. You’re bloody brave, smart and beautiful.” He whispered the last word into the darkness. “Look into my eyes and tell me you felt nothing and I’ll step away.”

Her eyes flickered between his face and the dark hallway, her lips pulled between her lips while she contemplated his words. “I do feel something.”

“Aye, I can see it in your sparkling green eyes.” He smiled when she finally focused on him, “Ah there she is, take a leap of faith with me, love.”

“You know that my Aunt Regina is one of the most powerful sorceresses in my realm, right?” She smirked.

“Bloody hell, she’ll kill me won’t she?”

“I’m sure she’ll try unless we find some sort of smart plan to make her see right about this.” She looked down at her hand, still resting on his chest.

“What?”

“Us.” She looked into his eyes again, “I don’t know, something just feels right when I’m with you. I’ve been spending days now trying to figure out what it is.”

“Have you found an answer to those musings?” He lifted an eyebrow.

“I found, I care for you, a pirate living his days as a dragon rider, roaming the skies on his flying ship.” She shook her head in wonder, “I have kept my heart behind a stronghold built of old hurt feelings and regret. I was hurt once.” She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply.

“The lad’s father?”

“Hmm” She nodded, eyes still closed as if she was reliving her past bad memories.

“You can tell the story when you feel ready for it.” His thumb caressed her cheek, her skin warm under his fingers.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He shifted closer and whispered, “I need to sleep, Graham will wake me up in less than four hours.

“Oh.” She looked crestfallen, her cheeks glowing in the dimmed hallway.

Slowly he closed the gap between her and kissed her again, this time it was slow and calculated, savouring each little movement of her body against his. The little moans slipping from her lips had him groan, God, he wished he could slip her inside his quarters, but he needed the rest.

“What’s going on out here?” A male voice boomed from down the corridor.

“August?” Emma gasped, her body slumped against Killian’s as if the kiss had made her dizzy.

“Care to explain what just happened, Your Highness.” The guard’s voice was low and raspy as if he had a hard time controlling his anger.

“That is my business.” Emma bit out pulling away from Killian and crossing her arms as she faced her royal guard.

“That man is a pirate,” August said in an angry tone, stepping closer and reaching for his weapon.

“Now hold on mate, I did nothing the princess didn’t want to do.” Killian held up his hand.

“Shut up, pirate, you have no business defiling the princess of Misthaven, least of all kissing her.” August roared.

“Did Mother kiss the Captain?” Henry’s voice piped up further down the hallway behind August.

All three adults gaped at the boy, rubbing sleep from his eyes, blinking to focus on the group.

“Henry…” Emma pushed away from Killian, then turned to him, “I’m sorry, I have to go get my son in his bed again.”

“Of course.” Killian bowed his head, reaching for her hand, “Until tomorrow M’lady.” He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. His lips lingered far longer than was redeemed properly in any way or form, but he did it to rile up the stuffy royal guard. And sure enough, a growl could be heard from August.

“Sleep well, Killian,” Emma whispered, her face an even deeper shade of pink. She walked towards her son. As she passed by August she said, “Don’t kill the pirate.”

“But he kissed you,” August argued with a glare toward Killian.

“Yes, and I quite enjoyed that so unless you want to see the inside of one of our dungeons once we return from this hellish trip I might suggest you keep your sword away from Killian.”

Killian gaped at the interaction between the princess and her guard, this was the first time she’d truly acted out her title and August was left behind gaping and mumbling to himself as Emma showed her son into their cabin.

“I’m still watching you pirate.” August warned and slipped into the room behind Emma.”

“I’d despair if you didn’t.” Killian mocked and went into his quarters, his lips still tingling after the kiss he’d shared with the princess. As he got ready for bed his mind whirled with thoughts of the future. Emma might have been blubbering before he’d kissed her, but her words were true, how could they ever make it work as they came from two different realms and she was a bloody princess.

“Bloody hell.” Killian slumped into his bed and already he knew that sleep would not come easy to him. All his dreams were filled with Emma swirling around him, dressed in pirate gear or princess gowns. Flying high into the sky on Pearl’s back, laughing as her golden blond hair whipped in the wind behind her. God, he was so screwed.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 8
 
The morning sun painted the sky in a spectacular palette of pink and gold, with clouds lined in silver. The dragon deck had become Emma’s favourite spot and she smiled when the dragons woke up with the sun, shaking out their wings. Toothless grunted and stepped towards the railing, his snout lifted into the wind, sniffing at something they couldn’t see.

“What is it?” Emma asked and walked over next to Killian’s dragon.

Toothless grunted and flapped his wings excitedly, so it seemed to be no threats nearby. Another grunt sounded behind her and Emma greeted Pearl with a rub down her neck. “So what do you think is out there?” Emma turned around and squinted her eyes from the rising sun out to the east.

“Captain!” The pirate in the crow's nest shouted, “Think we’re close, the cloudy mists are on the horizon and the ocean is disappearing.”

“What!?” Emma exclaimed and rushed to the main deck and up the steps to the helm, barely paying attention to how the ship shifted lower and lower until it hit the water with a small splash. “What does he mean about the ocean disappearing?”

“Love, this just means we’ve reached our destination,” Killian said and shouted to his men, giving orders to take in the mainsail and only drift by the two smaller sails for now.

“Have we reached the End of the World?” Henry’s voice sounded from the stairs.

“Aye, lad, we certainly have, here have a look.” Killian found a telescope in his coat pocket and unfolded it deftly with his one hand.

Henry took the telescope and scanned the horizon, “Look, Mother, the ocean disappears, as if we’re heading towards a huge waterfall or something.”

“A waterfall?”

“Aye, a waterfall, the gates to the hidden world of dragons, is right here at the End of the World.” Killian took the telescope from Henry, “Don’t worry M’lady, we’ll only drift a little closer, then drop anchor.”

“Then what?”

“I’ll fly on Toothless along with my fellow dragon riders, to find Caldera at the bottom of the waterfall.”

“Mother, can we go too?”

“Absolutely not.” Emma stated firmly glaring at her son, “You’ve already gotten into too much trouble on this journey.”

“You can come along on Pearl if you want to.” Killian offered her, suddenly standing far too close for her liking. She could already smell his intoxicated mix of leather, rum and saltwater. When she turned her gaze to him he had the audacity to wink at her, right here in front of her son and everyone else.

“I haven’t flown that much on her.” It had only been on short flights around the ship a few times. She still didn’t feel confident in her ability to fly longer.

“Come now love, the dragon will follow her mate either way, she might as well have her dragon rider on her back.” He rubbed behind his ear, “You won’t have another chance at seeing Caldera, ain’t you just a little curious?” He lifted an eyebrow.

“Mother, please can we go?”

Emma shifted her gaze between her son and the insufferable stubborn pirate before her. Then she looked to the dragon deck and saw how restless Pearl seemed to be alongside her mate and the two other dragons. The beasts clearly knew where they were right now, close to where they might have been born or at the very least where their ancestors had come from.

“Okay.”

“Yay.” Henry shouted and rushed over to hug his mother, he looked up at her, “I promise to be safe and listen to everything you say on this adventure.”

Emma lifted an amused eyebrow, “Knowing you kid you’ll be finding a dragon egg and trying to steal it away from there.” The light in her son’s eyes had her sigh, “And that will

not

happen, you hear me?”

“I hear you.” He pulled away, “I’ll go tell August.” Then he rushed down the stairs to the main deck in search of her royal guard.

Emma turned her focus on Killian who was still standing far too close, “August won’t like this.”

“That man doesn’t like a lot of things.” Killian mused grimly. “He doesn’t like me very much.”

“Can you blame him?” Emma dared to step closer to Killian, “You stole the heart of the princess he’s supposed to protect at all costs.”

“He’s jealous,” Killian mumbled.

“Surely not…” Emma blinked in surprise, “What… what do you mean exactly by that?”

“I got eyes in me head, love and that man is more than just interested in protecting your delectable arse, he’s jealous.”

“As in…”

“Aye, the man is smitten with the Misthaven princess, despite what his duty tells him, he likes you, a lot I dare say.”

“He was pissed off last night, I just thought it was because he felt he failed to protect me?” Emma blinked in surprise, recalling how August had come into their room last night after he’d caught her kissing Killian. Never had she seen the man so angry, drawing the curtain shut between them with angry tugs so the poor fabric nearly ripped from its rings mounted on a wire hung in the ceiling.

“I recognize a jealous man.” Killian got a faraway look on his face as if that was something he’d been through himself.

Emma placed her hand on his cheek, startling him, his eyes blown wide.

“Killian, I’ve harboured no such feeling towards August.”

“Aye, I know that,” Killian smirked and twisted his head so his lips graced her palm, sending shivers up her arm.

“Gods, you’re so full of yourself aren’t you?” Emma chuckled.

“Seems you like me that way.” He lunged forward and placed a kiss on her mouth, making her gasp out in surprise. She never had time to answer him as a call was made from the crow's nest again. Something about how far they were from the waterfall, Emma looked to the horizon. It was strange seeing the ocean disappear into nothing, mists of water hung over the abyss. They were now so close that they could hear the roar of the water, “I’m really going to fly over that?” Emma mumbled to herself as she strode towards her dragon.

On the dragon deck, August waited for her alongside Henry.

“Henry tells me you’re going with the pirates.” August had his arms crossed over his chest.

“Yes we are,” Emma said with as much conviction as she could muster. “Will give my dragon a chance to visit her ancestors.”

“She can fly without you,” August stated calmly, but Emma could see the twisted emotions flickering in his eyes.

Killian had been right, why have I never noticed what feelings August harboured for me?

“Well, I’m here now and I’m going to see Caldera, you won’t get another chance like this.” Emma looked over at Graham and Ruby who were busy preparing their own dragons. “Maybe if you ask nicely, you can ride with Graham again.”

“I’d rather not.” August said and stepped back, “Be careful down there.” He turned around and strode towards the hatch leading to their quarters. Moments later he emerged with her sword and shield and as he approached her, he gave her a rueful smile, “Better take these.”

“Thank you, August.” Emma took the sword and strapped it around her waist. “I’ll be careful, I promise I’ll come back.”

“You better.” He gave her the shield, “I’d hate to bring the news to Regina about you dying at the End of the World.”

Emma nodded in agreement, as August gave a final bow and strode to the bow of the ship, ignoring her for now. Emma sighed and turned to her son, “Ready, kid?”

Henry nearly stumbled over his own two feet as he rushed over to Pearl, the white dragon looking down at the boy with blinking eyes. The dragon lifted her head when Emma came closer, and Pearl grunted in greeting.

“Yeah, we’re going flying today.”

Pearl flapped her wings, showing off the saddle someone had mounted on her back.

“Got her prepped for you while you were smooching with the captain,” Ruby said and smoothed her hand over the saddle which Pearl had accepted after a few trials and errors. Emma felt more safe on the dragon’s back when riding in the saddle and knowing she’d have Henry along with her it was best to have it on.

“I wasn’t…” Emma tried to protest but when she looked at Ruby, she knew that everyone onboard the ship had witnessed the kiss. “Shit, you saw that.”

“Oh yeah and let me be the first to congratulate you.” Ruby stuck out her hand. “You’re the first to crack open our Captain’s shield and slink your way into that ol’ darkened heart of his.”

“He’s a good man.”

“He’s also a pirate.” Ruby winked, “But he’s got his code and all that, so you scored one of the good pirates in all the realms.”

Emma shook her head, still not feeling comfortable speaking so privately with the woman, despite it being nice to have another woman on this ship. 
 
Half an hour later the four dragons were prepared and ready to take flight, they had provisions in saddlebags, just in case. Killian had shown her a specially made crate where they’d be transporting the Phoenix flower. They lined it with dragon scales so the crate wouldn’t catch fire once they placed the flower into the crate.

Emma held her breath as her dragon soared to the sky, circling the ship a few times before following Toothless to the edge of the waterfall. Here the roar of the water was deafening and she could hardly hear her son shouting in joy as they flew over the massive waterfall.

Toothless took the lead as they began the descent over the waterfall and Emma tried to take in the surrounding scenery. Water mists had their clothes become damp in seconds and it wasn’t possible to see the bottom yet. It felt as if they flew downwards for ages before they began seeing large boulders scattered over the bottom of the waterfall.

Emma kept her dragon close to Killian as did both Ruby and Graham with their dragons. Killian waved his hand towards a large hole between three massive boulders. Did he want them to fly in there? It sure seemed as if their dragons could fly in there with no problems.

Killian flew in first and Emma quickly followed hoping that the other two dragons would be right behind her. It was easy to navigate in the cave as little glowing lights covered the walls and the roar of the waterfall soon was only a muted echo.

“Do you see this?” Henry asked in front of her. She knew that her son’s eyes would be huge as he looked around them, but right now all she focused was on following Killian deeper and deeper into this magical place. the lights shifted between pink, purple and light blue.

They entered a large cavernous space, tall columns were holding up the ceiling of the cave. Still, specs of light illuminated the space and as they flew over the floor Emma could see what looked like glowing plants gathered in small groups all growing on the rocks.

She flew up next to Killian, “Where do you suppose we’ll find the Phoenix flower?” She looked down at the plants below her, “Do you even know what to look for.”

“No.” Killian twisted in his saddle making Toothless do a sharp turn to the right, Emma followed him closely.

“What?”

“It will be a plant of fire. Do you know what a Phoenix is?”

“I know what a Phoenix flower is.” Henry piped up.

“You do?” Emma asked leaning forward to send her son a hard look.

“Well, not what it looks like no one really does, but I know it grows on lava stone, hence it being named after a phoenix, who burns up when it dies and…”

“Yeah, I know what a Phoenix is, Henry.” She ruffled his hair, “You’re too damn smart for your own good.”

Henry turned his head to her and grinned, “See all that reading does pay off.”

“It certainly does.” She looked around the cave, “Well I don’t see any lava here.”

A whooshing sound came from the opposite side of the cave and moments later a group of dragons flew out and circled over them. Both Toothless and Pearl gave out various grunts and hisses in reply to the dragons’ sounds. The group of dragons looked friendly enough, but they all kept a wary eye on them just in case. A smaller dragon swooped down in front of Toothless making them stop in midair, the only sound was the flapping of dragon wings. Toothless grunted again and moved its head up and down.

Emma nudged Pearl up beside Killian and Toothless, “Do you think they’ll help?”

“They might?” Killian rubbed over his dragon’s neck, “Uh, Toothless can they show us the way to the Phoenix flower?” Toothless did a small nod and grunted at the other dragon.

The small dragon shifted its gaze between them all as if assessing their intent, but it seemed to feel safe enough and turned to another cave tunnel to the left. It stopped and swooped around and roared in a beckoning call. It was easy enough to understand that the dragon wanted them to follow him.

Their group followed the small pot-bellied dragon, its wings looking far too small to hold its round form, but it navigated surprisingly easily between the pillars of stone in the tunnel.

“Did you know that’s a Gronckle?” Henry asked just as the tunnel twisted sharply to the right. Now the air seemed heavier and had a more sulfur scent. They had to be closer to some sort of lava source now.

“I didn’t know that. So is it friendly?”

“She eats rocks to make fire.”

“That doesn’t sound friendly.”

“There’s been recorded some Gronckles who have used their gasses to stun their enemy and use their heavy tails to knock them out.”

“Really? And you think it wise to trust this dragon?”

“Well, she’s not eating rocks right now is she?”

Emma smiled to herself as the words flowed from her son, he certainly had picked up a huge interest in dragons, she knew of his late-night trips to the castle library.

The tunnel widened and Emma could see the walls inside the next cave were painted in an orange glow. They had to be close now and sure enough, they came to a large cave with a river of lava flowing through.

The group spread out in the lava room, all searching for some kind of plant but it didn't seem as if many plants grew in this lava-heated room.

“Here Captain,” Ruby called out from behind a large boulder. Everyone flew their dragons to her. And when Emma circled around Ruby she saw the bright flame-looking flower, growing between two black lava stones.

“Won’t it burn your hands?” Emma asked.

Graham pulled out a pair of large gloves. “These will protect my hands. Captain, bring over the crate.”

Killian flew closer to Graham who jumped from his dragon and strode towards the Phoenix flower.

“See if you can get the roots with it.” Henry called out, startling the group of adults, when he noticed this he added, “You’ll be able to plant it in a fake lava stone setting.”

Killian turned his focus on Henry. “Are you sure that can be done?”

Henry shrugged, “It can’t hurt to try.” He swept his little arms to the cave, “Seems like a lot of hard work and too much time to travel to this place if someone else in your realm is poisoned by that plant.”

Killian’s face split in a wide grin, “You know what, Miss Swan you have a smart lad there. You should be mighty proud of him.”

“Oh, I am.” Emma ruffled Henry’s hair, much to his dismay, but she pulled him to her chest, wrapping her arms around him, “I am proud of you, son. You’re still far too curious for your own good, but that smart brain of yours will certainly help you when you’ll be king.”

Henry rested his head back on her shoulder, “You’ll be queen first.”

The word

queen

sliced through her mind and heart, she hadn’t given it much thought these past two weeks onboard the pirate ship. Her life at the royal court was still waiting for her return. “I still need to find a husband.” She mused without thinking, still watching Killian and Graham work out a way to lift the plant from its spot between the rocks, trying to get the roots too.

“Think you have found him.”

“What?” Emma scoffed.

“Killian,” Henry whispered.

Emma gasped at this, that could never happen, “He’s a pirate.”

“But there’s still a pirate king in his realm once we get that flower back to save his brother. Killian won’t be king of Rum Island.” Henry mused, sounding far older than his ten years right now.

A pang of wonder washed over Emma. “When did you become so wise beyond your years? Things aren’t that easy when it comes to finding a husband.”

“You love him don’t you?”

Emma paused, her eyes never leaving Killian as he gently eased the flower down into the crate. Graham helped fill several smaller lava stones in to support it on the journey.

“It’s just so new and…” She stopped realizing she was talking about love with her young son, “This is not the time for that talk, my son.”

Henry hummed as if in disagreement, but let the subject drop when the two pirates leaped onto their dragons again. Now the crate was carried between the two dragons.

The little Gronckle dragon had been watching their every move and when they reached the tunnel leading out of there, it grunted and Killian had Toothless stop. “I thank you for your help, we’re much obliged and will forever be in debt to you.” The dragon huffed out a small puff of smoke in reply and flew ahead of them, showing the way out.

Emma still marvelled at the beauty of this place, who would have known this place even existed? The shimmering walls lit up their path out of the caves and far too soon they swept out of the mouth of the tunnel. The group of dragons quickly soared above the waterfall, the water mists once again soaking them through. But as they dropped on the deck of the Jolly Roger everyone cheered and hugged, when Killian stopped in front of her he paused before asking, “Do you regret going along on our quest?”

“No,” Emma said with a smile, trying not to notice how his wet shirt clung to his chest. He was not wearing the vest that day, showing off every defined muscle of his chest.

“See something you like, love?”

“Shut up.” Emma pushed past him, but he gently placed his hook at the crook of her elbow stopping her. “What?”

“Thank you for being here.” He leaned closer and kissed her cheek, the flicker of his eyes to her lips showed her he might have wanted to kiss her but clearly stopped himself as everyone was still gathered around them.

“It’s been a fun adventure,” Emma said, placing her hand on his hooked arm.

“I’ll be forever grateful to your son for making this happen,” Killian smirked, letting his hook drop away from her arm. Then he turned to his crew and called out an order for preparing the ship to set sail back home.

Emma went below deck to change into a dry shirt and she rested for a bit on her bunk before she felt the now familiar surge as the ship lifted from the water. They would have a long way home before reaching Misthaven. She wondered how everyone had been dealing with her and Henry missing. Queen Regina was a resourceful woman who might have tried a few ways to locate her. 
 
Emma woke up with a start several hours later, in the middle of the night, she heard shouts from the deck and her blood ran cold when she picked up the name Blackbeard. She slung her leather jacket on and picked up her sword and shield on the way out. As she entered the hallway, she realized Henry hadn’t been in the room, neither had August.

“Henry?!” Emma called out in a panic, she rushed above deck and kept herself low while assessing what was going on. The pirate crew shouted orders about firing the cannons and a flash of dragon fire above them had her look up. Four dragons flew above them in circles, breathing fire toward the attackers. A group of Blackbeard’s men also flew on dragons.

She spotted August near the railing, firing a pistol at the incoming dragons. “August, where's Henry?” Yanking his arm back she glared at him “Where’s my son?”

“Up there?” He grimaced as he pointed to the white streak flashing over the sky.

“What the hell!” Emma watched in horror as Pearl and Henry flew close to Toothless with Killian on its back. How in the devil had Henry thought it to be wise to jump on the back of a dragon in the middle of a pirate battle?

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 9

“What the hell?” Emma screamed, punching August in the chest, “Who’s stupid idea was it to place my son on a dragon in the middle of a damn fight.”

“Think he did that himself, Your Highness.”

“The hell he did.” Emma glared at the man she’d trusted her whole life, “Why was he even out here?”

“He claimed he couldn’t sleep, so I thought showing him the stars would give him something else to think about. That’s when we saw them coming.”

“Blackbeard?”

August nodded, “And Killian mentioned something about us having drifted far too close to Neverland when he spotted some flying boy.”

“A flying boy.” Emma pushed her hand through her hair, “Who?”

“Peter Pan. Milady.” Tiny, the cook, rumbled behind them, pushing a barrel of gunpowder towards one of the deck canons. Before Emma could ask the pirate more he’d busied himself helping his comrades feed the cannon.

“Shite.” Emma looked up at the dark sky, only illuminated by the lights from the ship and the blows of dragon fire. “Henry, get down here right this minute,” Emma called out and watched as Pearl seemed to have heard her voice and swooped over the deck.

Henry waved, “We’re hitting them hard, see what she can do.” He nudged Pearl’s flanks and the dragon soared to the skies Emma watched in horror as her son clung to the dragon while it did its crazy dive bomb at one of the black pirate dragons.

“Henry you’re in a world of trouble you hear that,” Emma shouted, but she knew her son had no chance of hearing him as the roaring sounds of dragons breathing fire filled the air above them.

“He seems to do great up there.” August tried to ease her mind, but she just pushed passed him and staggered out to the dragon deck. Too late she realized that the shape of a dragon she’d noticed wasn’t one of the Jolly Roger dragons. A large burly man jumped from the dragon, his face hidden behind a large bushy beard.

“Shite.” Emma tried to scramble away from the pirate, but he’d already seen her.

“I had no idea Captain Hook kept his harlots onboard, what a delightful surprise.” Blackbeard barked out and swung his sword, “Wouldn’t mind showing a pretty lass what being with a real pirate will feel like.”

Emma pulled her sword out of its sheath and prepared herself to battle. The man was large, so surely she’d have the advantage of agility, right?

“Oh, the little lady has a sting to her too, like them a little feisty, so come now lass, let’s see what you got.” He waved with his free hand.

Emma kept her distance and circled around him, not wanting to attack if not needed. It wasn’t as if she’d ever been in a real fight before, but she was confident in her skills in wielding the sword.

“Get away from my ship.” Killian’s voice was suddenly beside her, she had no idea where he’d come from, but she could see the surprise in the burly pirate’s eyes.

“Ah come to defend your whore’s virtue.” Blackbeard taunted.

“She ain’t no whore you vile bastard.” Killian lunged forward and the two pirates circled around one another, their weapons clanging together.

“She’s been on your ship for some time now, hasn’t she?” Blackbeard cast a quick glance at Emma, “Saw her drop from your dragon back outside Thiever’s Cove.” He waggled his bushy eyebrows, “She’s a pretty lass, I can see why you keep her around.”

“Shut the hell up.” Killian lunged forward and managed to knock the pirate's chin with the pummel of his cutlass, making the large pirate stumble back towards his dragon. The black evil-looking beast hissed and bared its teeth, smoke emanating from its mouth.

“Killian watch out,” Emma shouted and sprinted ahead and pushed Killian away from the spew of dragon fire that washed over the deck. She and Killian rolled over the wooden planks together ending behind one crate.

“Thanks love, but you should stay away from that man.” He pushed himself to his feet.

“I can defend myself, but right now I need to get to my son.”

“Aye take Toothless he’ll bring ya to Henry.” Killian glanced at the sky, “Though I think your dragon might have adopted another rider.”

“Don’t even…” Emma spat, “Not now.” She crouched low as she scurried over the deck, towards Toothless. “Hello there.” Emma whispered as she pointed to the air, “Take me to Henry, to your mate.”

Toothless crouched down making it easier for her to get on his back. Seconds later Emma flew to the sky as they headed for the Light Fury, Pearl was doing her best to ward off the attack from two of Blackbeard's dragons. Emma realized that Blackbeard’s ship was moored close by, but had been hidden by the darkness.

“Henry,” Emma called out just as Pearl did another dive bomb, but Emma couldn’t even breathe out in relief when the attack seemed successful. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw a streak of sparks fly near Henry and when she squinted the outline of a boy flying easily through the air without the aid of a dragon. “Peter Pan,” Emma whispered in disbelief. Was this slight teenager the demon Killian and his family feared so much, “He’s a damn teenager.”

“Mother?” Henry called out and manoeuvred Pearl closer, not seeing the danger right behind him, as Pan lifted a bow with an arrow Emma could only make out the sound of her own scream as she saw Henry being hit in his arm. On instinct, she blasted her magic after the flying demon and whooped when he seemed to retreat.

Henry nearly slipped off Pearl’s back, but the dragon kept her son safe and flew to the other dragon deck where Killian wasn’t fighting Blackbeard. Emma leapt from Toothless' back and rushed to Pearl and Henry. Her son slumped over the white dragon, groaning as he held on to his lower arm.

“Henry, are you okay?” Emma reached for him and eased him to the deck where she inspected his wound. It seemed as if the arrow had just nicked his skin, but to her horror, she noticed some dark markings going out from around the wound. “No, no no….” Emma mumbled and focused her magic on the wound, light sparks flew from her hand and moved over Henry’s arm. But the poison didn’t seem to vanish, “Why won’t it work?” Emma cried out in frustration, intensifying her magic to heal her son, she’d done it a few times in the past.

“It has to work.” She sobbed as she cupped her son’s arm between her hands. Everything around her faded away, but suddenly the sky became silent once again. She looked up and saw Graham and Ruby land their dragons on the other deck. “Killian?” She whispered, squinting her eyes trying to locate his dark mob of hair in the group of pirates milling about there. Shouts to find the manpower to clean up the deck from dead comrades or Blackbeard’s men rang over the deck.

“Emma?” August shouted as he searched over the main deck.

“I’m here.” Emma cried out, not daring to lift her hands from her son's arm, she needed to focus her magic on concealing the poison.

Her guard leapt towards them and fell to his knees, “How bad it is?”

“The arrow was poisoned with something.” Emma let her tears fall freely, “I can’t stop it.”

“You’ve stopped poison before,” August exclaimed.

“Who shot the arrow?” Killian’s voice sounded behind August.

“Pan.” Emma mumbled, “I’m sure it was Pan.”

“Bloody hell.” Killian kicked at a nearby crate. He pushed his hand through his hair, it was bloody and bruised, but he didn’t seem to take notice.

“What?”

“It’s Dreamshade, that little bastard demon he had his arrows laced with Dreamshade.”

“Why can’t I stop the poison with my magic?” Emma cried out.

“It doesn’t work like regular poison I’m afraid.”

“What does that mean?”

“Even our greatest healers weren’t able to heal my brother.” Killian sighed and dropped next to Emma, “The very reason we went on this expedition, remember love.” He gave her a wry smile.

“We have the Phoenix Flower.” Henry whispered, “Use the flower.”

“I don’t know how.” Emma whimpered with a sob, “I can only hope my magic will contain the poison in his arm.” She gently lifted her hands from Henry’s arm, the black lines didn’t seem to have moved.

“It will keep him safe until we reach Rum Island,” Killian said with a sigh rubbing over his face, steaks of blood seeping from a wound on his temple.

“You’re hurt.” Emma reached out her hand and smoothed over the lash in his skin, her magic reacted by instinct and healed the wound within seconds.

“Thanks love, save your strength for your son.” He smiled.

“August help Henry below deck, I’ll see if I can help around up here,” Emma said, ignoring Killian’s protests to this plan.

“What happened to Blackbeard?”

“His men swooped in and saved his arse along with his dragon, so last I saw him he was sailing straight for Neverland.” Killian grimaced.

“So he’s in alliance with Pan?”

“Could be or he’s just stupid enough to visit the hellhole.” Killian took her arm, stopping her from going to the main deck, “You should rest.”

“I’m going to help your men whether you like it or not.” Emma shook off his hold and strode towards the main deck.

“Bloody stubborn woman you are.” Killian huffed beside her but walked along with her as they assessed the injuries. She opted to only heal the worst bruises and broken bones, letting the minor scrapes and cuts heal on their own.

Emma finished her round on the dragon deck where the dragons rested, “None of them are hurt?”

“No, you can rest assured your precious Pearl is right as rain,” Killian said and followed her to their dragons.

Pearl lifted her head and Emma touched her snout, “You took off with my son.” She tried to sound angry, but in reality, the dragon had saved her son from dropping into the waters. “Thank you for saving my boy.” Emma hugged her dragon, still slightly baffled at how her life now included a dragon.

Pearl grunted and bowed her head when Emma pulled back.

“Let’s get you below deck, shall we,” Killian suggested gently, taking her by the elbow and leading her down to the cabins. Her body suddenly felt weary and tired.

Emma stopped at her door turning to Killian. She flung her arms around his neck, “Thank you for being there today.” She pulled back and pressed her lips to his mouth.

Killian groaned into her mouth as his fingers curled at her waist, his hook pressed into her back. “Bloody hell. If August would open that door right now, he’d string me up by my own guts.”

“I’ll never allow such a thing. Don’t you worry.” Emma smoothed her hand down his cheek. “Sleep well.” She pushed away from him and slipped inside her cabin.

August wasn’t asleep yet, the curtain separating the room in two was still pulled away. The guard looked up with a wry smile, “Said a proper goodnight to your pirate there Your Highness?”

“Shut up, really none of your business.” Emma huffed and shrugged out of her leather coat.

“I know, I just want to make sure that you know what you’re getting yourself into with this man.”

“You know, I believe it’s settling in for me.” Emma sat down and pulled off her boots.

“Oh?”

“Hmm, think he might be my soulmate,” Emma stated and slipped under the cover ignoring the grunt of displeasure from August.

********
 
Killian stood at the helm, it had been four days since they passed Neverland and had been attacked in the middle of the night by his old enemy. He’d pushed his crew to their limit trying to get back home. Now more than ever in a rush to go back to the only man who could save his brother and Henry, Merlin would know how to use the Phoenix Flower.

He looked over the deck and saw Emma sitting with Henry on one of the storage crates. The lad looked far better than he’d been in the past few days, Killian knew it was all because of Emma’s magic that the boy felt so well. They’d been away for nearly three weeks now, time was running out for his brother.

“Captain.” August’s voice sounded from the stairs.

“August?” Killian tried to not look too surprised to see the man up here, it had seemed as if the royal guard had avoided being near him.

“We’re closer to Misthaven now, right?”

“True?” Killian lifted an eyebrow at the man, “What are you getting at?”

“My queen will want to know that the princess is safe.”

“Aye, but she and her son will have to come with us to Rum Island.”

“I know.” August grimaced, “I wondered if I might borrow a dragon… and one of your crew members to fly the beast.”

“Why?”

“To relay a message to the queen on where the princess is heading.”

“And have the Misthaven army knocking on our doorstep, I don’t think so.” Killian pursed his lips.

“Trust my word I’ll make sure that no such thing will happen. I’m a trusted guard who's sworn an oath to protect the princess and her son at all cost.” He bowed his head, “The queen will know I’m telling the truth.”

“I’ll ask if Ruby and Graham will help you.” He tapped the wheel, “Think you can manage the wheel for a spell.”

“Aye, Captain.”

Killian smiled ruefully as he found his crew and walked with them to Emma and Henry, where he relayed the suggestion from August. His eyes never left Emma and he could see how she agreed with the guard.

“Let me write you a letter to bring to my friends at Arendale Inn, Elsa is on good terms with my aunt she’ll help August making her see sense in not sending the entire royal guard to Rum Island.” Emma looked at Ruby and smiled, “Thank you for offering to fly August to Misthaven.”

“I’m happy to help.” Ruby bowed, “Your Highness.” She shook her head, “Still a little baffled you kept that detail to yourself for so long.”

Killian laughed it had been a fun afternoon when Emma had shared her true identity with his trusted inner circle.

Emma ventured below deck, followed by Henry, in the desire to write the letter.

A few hours later Killian had calculated that they would be as close to Misthaven as they would ever be if they would still keep the fastest course towards Rum Island. He watched August jump up behind Graham on his dragon, Hookfang and along with Ruby and her dragon, Stormfly they took off towards Misthaven.

They would still have four or five days to fly before they would reach their home realm. It felt good to know that the Phoenix Flower was in their possession and that it could save his brother if they hadn’t come too late.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 10
 
Emma helped Henry to the dragon deck, she looked around at the place she’d never imagined she’d ever be, Rum Island. The place was a surprisingly cozy little village by the ocean and further inland she’d seen fields of crops being grown.

Killian was already on the back of his dragon, the crate holding the Phoenix Flower tied behind Toothless’ wings.

“Will he be able to carry it himself?” Emma asked.

“Aye for the short trip up to our home, he’ll be just fine,” Killian assured her with a smile.

Emma helped Henry onto Pearl's back and got into the saddle behind him. “Hold on kid.”

Despite being slightly under the weather due to the poison still roaming in his arm, Henry still whooped in delight when Pearl took off to the sky.

Emma followed Killian and took in the quaint village below her and watched them head for a large structure, not a grand castle, like her own home, more a large estate built of stone and large timber logs. The eaves were carved in intricate designs, but from the sky, it was hard to tell what it looked like.

The two dragons landed on a platform built on top of the estate. Killian patted the two dragons, “Now Toothless why don’t you show your mate her new home?”

Toothless grunted in reply and waited for Pearl to join him, Emma gave her dragon a smile, “Go on girl, go fly with him, we’re safe here.”

The two dragons took off towards a large meadow behind them that ended in a forest.

“Can you walk?” Killian asked Henry, as he hoisted the crate to his chest, letting it rest on his hooked arm.

“I’m good,” Henry whispered and leaned into Emma.

“Be careful, okay,” Emma said and wrapped her arm around her son’s shoulders supporting him the best she could as she maneuvered through the hallways with Killian. When the first people began spotting them the estate became a flurry of activity, servants rushed to deliver messages and Killian made orders for a guest room to be prepared for Emma and Henry.

“Take the room opposite mine.” Killian barked out as he pushed further down the corridor, he used his elbow to press down on the handle to one of the rooms and looked over his shoulder at Emma, “Wait out here for a second. If they show you to the room just down there, let them, there’ll be a bed for the boy to rest in.”

“Thank you.” Emma held on to her son as she watched Killian slip into the room.

There was a cry of surprise and a thumping sound of the crate being dropped to the floor before the door slammed shut behind him.

“Miss?” A mousy young woman said beside her, “Let me take you to your room.”

Emma followed the girl down the hallway and into a room with a large double bed in its centre. It was built out of solid wood, dark gleaming in the firelight from the fireplace.

“Thank you,” Emma said and urged Henry to the bed. “You need to rest.”

“I know mother, I’m just so curious to see where we are.” He huffed as he sat down on the soft bed.

“That curiosity which took us on this damn adventure.” Emma admonished gently pushing away his fringe from his pale brow, “You need a haircut kid.” ‘

Henry shook his head as he pushed back, slipping up to rest on the large pillow resting against the carved-out headboard. It had a design with a flying dragon soaring over a village.

“Will you be needing anything else miss?” The maid asked from the door, startling Emma she’d almost forgotten the girl. “There’s food by the fire and water.”

“Thank you.” Emma smiled and walked over to the table by the fireplace and filled a goblet with water. She made sure that Henry got some food as well while they waited for Killian to return.

She had no idea how long it took before there was a knock on her door and Killian’s voice called from the hallway, “May I come in?.”

“Yes.” Emma rose from the chair she’d been resting in, Henry had fallen asleep a little while ago.

Killian slipped inside, “How’s he doing?”

“Sleeping for now.” Emma rubbed over her arms, “How is your brother? Did Merlin manage to save him?” She felt a stone settle in her stomach as she waited for his answer, what if they’d been too late?

“Merlin is working on my brother as we speak, he’s positive that we got here just in time. It might be a few more days of bed rest for my brother.” Killian walked up to her and cupped her face, “He’ll come with the potion for Henry as soon as he’s finished with my brother.” His thumb brushed over her cheek.

“Thank you.” Emma gulped down, suddenly overwhelmed with feelings. Killian seemed to notice her change in mood and pulled her closer and wrapped his hooked arm around her waist holding her close.

“It’s okay, love, your boy will live.” Killian kissed her temple and Emma felt the heat of his breath wash over her making her heart leap in her throat. What this man did to her sanity was a little overwhelming. But she knew deep down that this pirate was her soul mate, just as she’d proclaimed to August after Blackbeard’s attack.

“What are you thinking about in that pretty little head of yours?” He gently urged her to look up at him.

“What makes you say that?” She asked in defiance.

“Well love, you’re somewhat of an open book to me.” He smirked.

“So you know what I feel right now, what I feel for

you?

”

Killian lifted an eyebrow in surprise, “Uh?”

Emma whispered, “I love you.”

His blue eyes became an even darker shade of blue when her words seemed to register in him. “What?”

“I realized I can’t live my life without you Killian Jones, Captain Hook of Rum Island.” She glanced around the grand splendor of the room, “I guess you’re the prince of Rum Island, right?” She smoothed her hands over his chest, his heart hammered under her touch.

“Aye, I’m the prince, my brother took the King card in this deal.” He shook his head ruefully.

“Guess what I am?” Emma pressed closer to him, inhaling his intoxicating scent.

“What?”

“A princess, looking for a prince.” Emma pressed her lips to his, ignoring the grunt of surprise from him, she only slipped her tongue between his parted lips.

“Emma.” Killian gasped, “Bloody hell, what are you saying?”

“I love you.”

“Aye, and by gods do I love you too, you have to know that.” Killian pleaded.

“I know it as well as I know that you’re my soulmate.” Emma proclaimed.

“But I’m a bloody pirate.” He mumbled, “I’m not so certain that your aunt will be too pleased with you bringing home a pirate prince as your king consort.” His eyes blew wide at his own revelation. “Bloody hell, I’ll be your…”

“Hmm, my prince, whom I’d very much like to marry.”

Killian spluttered and stumbled over his words, “I never dared hope or dream about finding a woman who could love me as you do, I got to be dreaming.” He rubbed over his face.

“Marry me, Killian Jones.”

Killian blinked at her for several moments and she felt her heart drop,

what if he said no?

“I think the word you’re looking for is, yes!” Henry’s groggy voice sounded from the bed, making the two adults jump apart, turning around and seeing Henry rub his eyes from sleep.

“Bloody hell.”

“How much of that did you hear?” Emma couldn’t really be mad at her son, it was her own fault for blubbering all her feelings out like that without thinking.

“Enough to know that it will be quite interesting getting back home to Misthaven with a pirate prince in tow.” Henry chuckled but began coughing, making Emma rush to the bed and help him get a drink from the goblet.

“I’ll go see how far along Merlin is,” Killian said and rushed to the door.

“Are you okay?” Emma asked, placing her hand on Henry’s forehead, he felt a little bit warmer than before he’d fallen asleep. She pulled up his sleeve and gasped as the poison seemed to have spread a little further up his little arm. “No No No…” Emma mumbled as she collected her thoughts and wrapped her hands around his arm, focusing all her magic on the wound.

The door was opened and when she glanced up she saw Killian stride in followed by a dark-skinned man in a long gown.

“Emma, this is Merlin.” Killian rushed out, “Is the lad okay?”

“The poison spread a bit more.” Emma sobbed as she felt her focus slip and her magic fizzle out. “Please help my son.” She looked up at the sorcerer with pleading eyes.

“I got the potion here that will help your son.” Merlin soothed and stepped closer, “I see your magic did contain the poison so it didn’t spread through his tiny body. That has saved him, it usually spreads faster in younger children.”

Emma sighed in relief and Merlin administered the potion to Henry, she slumped back into Killian’s embrace as he wrapped his arms around her.

“He’ll be alright,” Killian whispered into her ear while making shushing noises.

Emma hadn’t noticed the tears streaming down her face until Killian gently whipped them away with his thumb.

“Thank you.” She turned around in his embrace, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, love.” He pressed a kiss to her temple, “I thank you too, you assisted me on the quest to find the Phoenix Flower, had I failed my brother would be dead in a matter of weeks.”

“You’d have become your people’s new king, wouldn’t you?”

“Aye, our rules of succession are a bit more straightforward than yours.” Killian chuckled, “But I’d rather be your King Consort. Your Highness.”

Emma felt a laugh bubble out of her at his words. This was a crazy moment to be laughing at, but this man was her soul mate and she planned to live the rest of her life with him by her side.

Merlin finished his work and stepped back, “Let the boy rest, he should regain his appetite and strength within a few days.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Your Highness.” Merlin bowed his head and nodded when Emma gasped in surprise, “Killian has revealed it all to his brother while I helped him.”

“Oh.”

“No worries love, Liam is anxious to meet you, the woman who managed to steal my heart.”

Emma gulped down, “I’ve never met a Pirate king before.”

“Don’t worry he’s a fair king.” Killian smoothed his hand down her cheek, “You’ll charm him right on the first meeting I’m sure.”

“How is he?”

“He is resting and so should you and your boy.”

“Yeah, it’s been a long day.” Emma glanced back at Henry who looked less pale than only moments before. Her son gave her a big grin, as he looked between her and Killian.

“Sleep well, lad.” Killian said and whispered to Emma, “Sweet dreams princess.” He kissed her cheek and slipped out of the room, leaving Emma behind with her all too nosy kid.

“Don’t even start on anything,” Emma warned.

“Not saying a peep.” Henry tilted her head, “You look happy Mother.”

“I am.”

“That’s good.” He nestled down under the cover and turned on his side, slipping easily into a deep sleep.

Emma got ready for bed while wondering how the news of her return was received in Misthaven. The fact that she and Henry had had to take a detour to Rum Island certainly wouldn’t help. 
 
********

Killian smiled when Emma glanced at him nervously, “Why so jittery, love?”

“I’m going to meet your brother, the pirate King.” Emma huffed and tucked at the tunic she wore, she’d opted for the more practical approach to her wardrobe while waiting for her son to recover.

Killian knocked on the door to Liam’s study, the king refusing to meet Emma before he’d been able to walk on his own and feed himself as he’d grumbled when Killian had suggested an earlier meeting.

Henry had recovered faster since the poison hadn’t taken hold of him as much as it had done his brother.

“Enter.”

Killian pushed the door open with his hooked arm, wrapping Emma’s hand in his, gently urging her to follow him.

“Brother, you have a visitor,” Killian said with a smile. It was good seeing his brother looking far healthier than he’d done for months now.

“I see.” Liam rose from his chair and walked around the large desk, “Welcome Emma, princess of Misthaven.” He bowed his head in greeting.

“Thank you. You’ve been very kind, letting us stay here while my son recovers.”

“I understand you helped in the quest to find the Phoenix Flower?”

“Yeah, while I do think you might send that gratitude along to my far too curious son,” Emma said with a smile.

“Aye, Killian did mention something about your boy hiding on the Jolly Roger.” Liam chuckled, “You’ll bring him for the evening meal? I'd love to meet the lad, he sounds like quite an adventurous lad.”

“Oh, you have no idea, King Liam.”

“Since we’re going to be family, I think Liam will suffice. Aye?”

Emma glanced back at Killian who gave her a small sheepish smile, “Thought he best knows that I’m spoken for and a princess has stolen my heart.”

Emma shook her head, then returned her focus to Liam, “I do love your brother very much.”

Even now the words of her love for him send a bolt of lightning through him and a big smile spread over his face as he watched his brother ask Emma more about their adventure. The trio ended up taking a walk to the gardens behind the royal estate and Killian had never felt more happy or alive than this moment shared between him and Emma alongside his brother.

As they headed inside a flapping of wings was heard above them and a voice called out, “Ahoy down there, captain, we’re back.” It was Ruby calling down from her dragon and to Killian’s surprise a woman with strikingly blond hair sat behind his trusted shipmate. From the distance, he couldn’t pinpoint if he’d ever seen her before.

“Elsa?” Emma shouted in surprise waving her hands to the blonde-haired woman. She took hold of his arm, “That is my friend Elsa.”

The dragons landed nearby, showing the group of four riders, Ruby and Graham alongside Emma’s friend Elsa and not surprisingly the group also included August, now decked out in official Mishaven Royal guard gear.

He watched Emma greet her friends and he called out to a servant nearby, “Better let the cook know we’re having four more at the table tonight.” The servant scoured off to deliver the message.

It was a flurry of hugs and greetings and an official introduction of him to Emma’s friend, who eyed him wearily, but she did give him a friendly smile, “Nice to meet you, Prince Killian Jones.”

“Wellcome friend of Emma.”

“Elsa I’d like you to meet King Liam, ruler of Rum Island.” Emma gently pushed Elsa closer to Liam.

Killian watched in curious interest how his brother seemed to lose his usual royal cool when he greeted the other blonde woman.

“Welcome.” Liam took Elsa’s hand and bowed over her fingers, “It’s a pleasure to welcome you to our realm. Any friend of Emma and Henry is a friend of Rum Island.”

“Thank you,” Elsa said with a timid voice, her eyes shifting between Liam and their still clasped hands.

Killian chuckled when it took a few short moments before his dofus brother realized he was still holding the lass’ hand.

“Pardon.” Liam mumbled stepped back and proclaimed in a much firmer voice, “I’m happy to have you all join us for the evening meal. Welcome to Rum Island.”

Emma walked over to Killian and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, “I’ll show Elsa around, alright?”

“Hmm,” Killian rubbed over his cheek as his eyes followed the retreating form of the two women. Emma called out to Henry who’d been playing with a few of the village kids, the boy had fallen right into a small group of lads. Henry waved at them and continued his game with the group.

“You’re still smitten I see,” August mumbled beside him and when Killian glanced to the side he saw August follow the two women with his eyes.

“Aye, we’re going to be married,” Killian revealed casually, keeping his eyes on the royal guard. He had to give it to the man, it was only a slight flinch near the other man’s eye that showed how the news unsettled him. “Don’t worry mate, I won’t steal her away from Misthaven.”

August blinked back at him, “What?”

“We’ll marry in Misthaven, I’ll become King Consort.” He shrugged, “Well that is what Emma calls it.”

“You’ll make her happy.”

Killian wasn’t sure if it was meant as a question or not, but he only nodded in response and offered the man to join him for a late afternoon drink before the evening meal. He turned to his brother and asked, “Are you joining us, brother.”

“Oh, what?” Liam looked slightly confused and shook his head before his gaze shifted to where Emma had slipped away with her friend Elsa.

“A drink?” Killian lifted a curious eyebrow, “Perhaps you’d rather be accompanied by the lovely Miss Elsa Winters?”

“Bloody hell, little brother, what are you saying?”

“It’s younger brother.” Killian rolled his eyes, “You seemed to lose your usual stoic facade when you greeted the woman.” Killian shrugged and clapped his brother’s shoulder.

“I… I would never…” Liam stumbled over his words and ended up throwing his hands in the air, “Oh bugger off will ya.” He strode towards the castle while mumbling something to himself.

Killian chuckled and turned to the Misthaven royal guard, “I guess it’s just you and me mate.”

August only grunted in response but did follow Killian to the tavern for an afternoon pint before the evening meal was to take place. Killian and Emma still had so much to sort out in regard to her and Henry’s return to Misthaven. He hoped that she saw it wise for him to follow them on this journey.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 11

“It’s so good to see you again,” Emma said and looped her arm with Elsa.

“Likewise.” Elsa shifted her gaze around the buildings they passed on their walk through the village, “Misthaven has been in quite an uproar when your aunt found you missing along with Henry and one of your royal guards.”

Emma sighed, “I know, it was not my intent to just disappear like that.”

“August did recap most of your adventure.” Elsa looked at Emma with a dainty lifted eyebrow, “But he never told me much about that pirate captain of yours?”

“Oh, yeah well.” Emma pushed away the wayward hair falling over her face, “That is a whole different adventure.” She looked down, feeling her cheeks flame in heat.

“You’re in love?”

Emma nodded mutely and continued to walk for a bit before saying, “We’re in love, I’m not sure how it happened, but I guess things just aligned for us and we plan to marry.”

It was an almost silent gasp from Elsa that had Emma turn to face her friend, Elsa looked at her with large eyes, “Are you serious?”

“Very much so.” Emma shrugged, “Regina wants me to marry, I’m going to marry Killian.”

“But… but he’s a pirate.” Elsa spluttered.

“He’s one of the good pirates.” Emma sighed, “Believe me there are far more dangerous men out there on the open seas.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, remember the name, Blackbeard, our trade ships have also fallen victim to his brutal plunderings.”

“So Killian doesn’t plunder?”

“I’m sure they do, but they have never been as ruthless as Blackbeard and other vile pirates out there.” Emma waved her hand aimlessly, “There are some dark stories in Rum Island’s past that set a rift between some pirate leaders. I don’t know all of the details, all I know is that Killian and his brother, King Liam are the good versions of pirates.”

“Hmm.” Elsa didn’t sound too convinced but did give Emma a small smile.

They walked back towards the royal estate and saw Killian walk towards them and Emma felt her heart flutter at the sight of him.

“Oh god…” Elsa groaned, “You’re so smitten aren’t you?”

“Shut up.” Emma stepped into Killian’s arms and kissed his cheek, mindful of their audience, “Have you told your brother about the added guests to the evening meal?”

“Aye, and he’s expecting you to join us for pre-dinner drinks in his private parlour.” Killian bowed his head towards Elsa, “That includes the friends of Emma and her son.”

“Oh.” Elsa gasped and Emma could see the slight panic in her friend's eyes.

“What’s wrong?”

“I should change then.” She motioned down her body, “These travel clothes are not fit to wear when meeting a royal, pirate or not, your brother is the king of this realm.”

Killian chuckled at this and acknowledged, “We’re not so formal as some realms might be, but if you want to change I’ll show you to your room. I can have a maid come help you if you need.”

“That won’t be needed.” Elsa waved him off, “I’m used to doing it by myself.” She winked at Emma, “I’m not the princess here.”

“Shut up,” Emma grumbled.

This made Killian laugh and wrapped his arm around her and whispered in her ear, “I like your friend, she’s not afraid to speak her mind.”

Emma smiled and nudged him gently, “I need to wash up myself and should try and locate my son.” She glanced around the area and they could hear shouts of a group of boys down by the stables.

Emma soon spotted Henry and called out, “Henry you need to come in now.”

By the reluctant gait in his steps it was clear that he wasn’t too fond of the idea and when he reached her he looked up, “Can’t I play some more, we were just going to the river to fish.”

“Not today, you need to be washed.” Emma scanned the state of her son, hair tousled from the wind, a leaf stuck into the strands of his dark brown hair. She plucked it out and showed it to him, “A bath it is and clean clothes.”

“Sucks,” Henry grumbled and trodden up to the front gates of the estate.

“That kid is so stubborn.” Emma groaned.

Both Killian and Elsa chuckled at this and they all walked inside, where Elsa was shown to a room next to Emma and Henry’s. Emma walked to her own room and got ready for the evening meal and the pre-drink session with the pirate King and his brother. 
 
An hour later Killian knocked on her door, calling, “Are you ready?”

Emma opened the door and smiled, “Yes I’m ready.” She glanced over her shoulder, “Come on Henry, we need to go.”

Henry reluctantly dropped the book he’d been reading and followed her and Killian down the hall. Here they were joined by Elsa and August.

Killian knocked on a door and Liam’s voice was heard, “Enter.”

“Brother we’re here.”

Emma followed Killian inside and stepped to the side so Killian could introduce her friends to his brother.

“Brother, this is Elsa Winters, a friend of Emma and August Booth, Misthaven Royal guard.”

Liam nodded in greeting to both his new guests and smiled at Emma, “Your friends are welcome here.”

Everyone gave the pirate king a slight nod in return.

“Now join me for a drink before the evening meal. I’d love to know more about the woman who snuck aboard my brother’s ship.”

Emma gave a nervous chuckle, “Well that is all thanks to my son, as you know.”

A waiter had poured wine in crystal goblets and a fruit drink for Henry, who already looked a bit bored by all the grown-up talking.

The talk went a little slow at first but soon they all joined in on the conversation about their adventure, Henry providing endless information of his knowledge about dragons. Liam was an amazing attentive host who seemed eager to include everyone, even asking direct questions to Elsa about her Inn. This seemed to fluster her friend to no end when all of Liam’s attention was on Emma’s blonde friend.

Emma sat next to Killian on a lounge sofa, his arm placed behind her on the backrest. Suddenly she felt his fingers grace over her neck, slipping under her long hair. She sent him a hard look.

Killian grinned and mouthed, “

What?

”

Emma pressed her hand between their legs and nudged his thigh in a silent warning, she wasn’t too keen on this public display of affection. They were in the company of his brother. Vaguely she started to pick up on the conversation between Liam and Elsa again.

“... I’m certain we’ll be seeing more of each other,” Elsa said and looked over at Emma with a smile.

“Oh.” Liam looked between Emma and Killian, his brows furrowed.

“Yeah, seeing as your brother and my friend are getting married.”

“What!?” Liam barked out and rose to his feet, “No one has mentioned anything about a wedding.” He pointed at Killian, “I knew you had lost your heart to the pretty princess, but marriage?”

“Look, brother.” Killian lifted his hand in a peace offering, “I was going to talk to you about this.”

“Hmm, I’m sure you would.”

“Believe me, I had it all planned out, then Miss Elsa and August came and I forgot.”

Emma looked at her friend while the brothers stared hard at each other, Elsa looked a little lost, “I’m sorry Emma I really thought that the king knew.”

“I must admit I thought Killian had already spoken with his brother.” She looked at Killian who was still shifting nervously in his seat.

“A word, little brother.” Liam pointed to the door and waited for Killian to rise.

“It’s younger brother,” Killian grumbled and glanced down at Emma, “Don’t worry, love I’ll speak with him and have him see reason.”

Emma reached out and took his hand and gave it a firm squeeze, “I know. I love you.” The last words were a mere whisper, but she was almost certain that everyone in the room had heard it.

Killian walked out of the room with his brother, Emma only hoped that things would settle down between the two brothers.
 
********
 
“What in the bloodiest of hells was that all about?” Killian roared angrily and stomped back and forth in the smaller room Liam had pushed them into.

“You’re a pirate prince and you want to marry the crown princess of Misthaven?” Liam rested against the large table, his arms folded over his chest.

“Aye.” Killian lifted an eyebrow, daring his brother to make any sort of argumentation against his plan.

“Do you have any idea how ridiculous that will end up being?”

“I’m bloody well in love with Emma. What else matters in this?” Killian pushed forward and stepped close to his brother.

“Her Aunt, the current reigning Queen of Misthaven will have a say in who her niece will marry.” Liam gave back with a grunt, “You’re not setting Rum Island in any good grace with all of this if the Queen refuses to let Emma marry you.”

“She would never…” Killian’s voice trailed off while his mind conjured several scenarios of how that might work out for him and Emma.

“They do have a strong sense of right and wrong in Misthaven.”

“How would you know?”

“I do like to make a habit of knowing who we’re plundering from time to time and we’ve done a fair bit of trading with the smaller villages up the western coast of Misthaven. So aye, I’ve been reading up on the realm.”

Killian grunted and kept staring down his brother, “As soon as Emma returns to Misthaven she’ll talk with her aunt.”

“I still don’t like this.” Liam rubbed his face with his hands, “This almost tops the stupid things you did when you tried to train dragons.”

“I love her.” Killian roared, fed up with his brother’s rigid way of thinking, “Isn’t that enough?”

“I hope.” Liam folded his hands behind his neck, “You will have to travel back with her. Her son is well enough to travel, so soon?”

“So you approve?”

“Perhaps I should join you and make this a bit more official.”

Killian smirked, “Is that a way of getting to spend more time with Miss Winters?”

“What?” Liam frowned.

“Come on brother, I saw how engaged in the conversation you were while speaking with the woman just now.”

“I did no such thing…”

“Don’t deny that you enjoy her company,” Killian smirked.

“She is an interesting woman.” Liam hedged and gave him a wry smile, “I’ve barely spoken with her for half an hour so perhaps it's a bit too early to assess my interest in her or not.”

“Aye.” Killian rubbed behind his ear, “But I’ve spent a whole journey to Caldera and back with Emma. We’re in love and I intend to marry her.”

“I understand and we’ll make plans to travel to Misthaven within the next few days.”

“Thank you.” He walked to the door, “Let’s join our guests and find our way to the evening meal.”

Liam nodded in agreement and followed Killian to the lounge room where they’d left their guests.

Once inside everyone stood up and Liam said, “The meal will be served soon.” He strode over to Elsa and offered her his arm. This didn’t go unnoticed by either Emma or August who both looked startled at this bold move. August looked like a thundercloud and Emma looked a little miffed at her friend's position next to Liam.

When Emma slipped her hand into his she whispered, “What’s that all about?”

“What?”

“That.” She pointed ahead of them where Elsa and Liam were speaking together in quiet voices.

“Oh, I’m sure my brother is just trying to be less of an arse than he was before.”

Emma gave him an unsure look but shrugged it off and followed him inside the dining hall. Long tables were loaded with all kinds of delicious foods that Rum Island could provide.

The meal ended up being a joyous affair with plenty to eat and drink and Liam tried to be the good host and asked several more questions about Emma’s life in Misthaven. Killian saw how his brother really tried to accept the fact that his brother would marry Mistahven’s Crown Princess. 
 
Three days later dragons had been prepared for travel and Liam had instated his trusted council to oversee the run of Rum Island.

Killian watched with pride how Emma spoke with her dragon, Pearl. They’d trained quite a lot this past week while Henry recovered. Henry was going to fly with Emma, Killian had offered Miss Winter a seat on his Night Fury, but Liam had somehow managed to persuade the blonde Inn owner to fly with him on Graham’s dragon. Ruby would fly along with August, leaving Graham behind to help the royal council in the absence of their king.

Soon all three dragons soared to the sky and headed for Misthaven, Killian only hoped that the news of his marriage with their Crown Princess would be well received.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 12
 
When Emma noticed various familiar locations below her, she felt a nervous flutter inside her; she was going home. They had opted to land near the house of Anna and her husband Kristoff so they wouldn’t fly three dragons towards a castle that had a grim history with dragons.

As they approached the meadow, Emma saw Kristoff chopping wood outside when he heard the flapping of wings above him he dropped the axe and ran straight for the house while calling out for Anna.

“It’s us,” Henry shouted and waved, his shout had Kristoff pause and look up and when Elsa sent a light flurry of snowflakes to the ground, the mountain man grinned and shouted for Anna again.

“Your sister is back.”

Emma saw Liam’s startled look at Elsa’s show of magic, but Emma had no chance to hear the explanation Elsa gave the pirate king

They soon landed close to the cabin and Anna came barreling out with a white apron around her middle. “Elsa you’re back and you found Emma.”

Anna quickly hugged her sister before she focused on Emma, “Wow that is a beautiful dragon you have there. What is it called?”

“That is a long story.” Emma grinned and helped Henry from the white dragon before she jumped to the ground. “But this is Pearl, she’s a Light Fury.”

Anna gave Emma a big hug, “When August came to the Inn last week, we barely believed his tale of dragons, lost worlds and Phoenix flowers.”

“It’s all true.”

Anna glanced over her shoulder at Killian before whispering, “Is he the pirate you travelled with?”

“Hmm,” Emma smirked, not knowing how much Anna truly knew about her plan to marry the pirate.

Anna gave her a curious look before she pointed at Emma, “We need to talk, soon.”

“Yeah, come with us to the castle and we’ll find time to talk.”

Anna nodded in understanding as she looked around the group, “Who’s the curly-haired guy staring at my sister?”

Emma choked back a laugh, “That would be King Liam of Rum Island.”

“What?”

“Hmm, he really is the pirate king.”

“Are you kidding me?”

“Nope, and he’s Killian’s brother.”

“That makes Killian a pirate prince.” Anna waggled her eyebrows, “Oh I’m so going to join you at the castle, I don’t want to miss seeing the look on our Queen Regina’s face once she hears this.”

“What?” Emma frowned, “She knows I’m alive and well, right?”

“Oh sure, and from what Elsa told me she was livid when she learned where you were.”

Emma groaned and looked to the sky, “Can’t wait.” 
 
Everyone walked towards the castle and Emma realized that Elsa still kept close to King Liam, who seemed eager to entertain her friend with whatever pirate tale he was currently sharing.

“They look chummy.” Killian’s voice sounded beside her.

“Yeah.” Emma frowned and looked at him, “Your brother isn’t married is he?”

“Good heavens no, he’d never really been looking for a wife.” Killian laughed then pointed between the couple who walked in the front, “But it looks like he’s quite taken by your friend there.”

“Yeah.” Emma kept a watchful eye on her friend and the pirate king.

Half an hour later they reached the castle and when the guards spotted August striding towards them and then Emma walking in the group, the gates were opened with shouts to announce their arrival.

Inside the courtyard, everyone stopped their doings and gaped at them as they walked over the cobblestones. Whispers of “the princess is back.” fluttered through the castle workers, soldiers and stable boys.

Emma looked up at the white walls, her home. It was with a thumping heart that she stepped inside; it felt like a lifetime since she last stepped over the threshold. Inside a footman greeted them with a beaming smile, “The Queen will be delighted to see you, Your Highness.” He did a small formal bow, “Follow me.”

Emma glanced around the group around her and shrugged, “Might as well get this over with.”

Killian walked beside her and he placed a hand on the small of her back. The gentle touch was enough to calm down her nerves as they walked towards her aunt’s smaller reception hall.

Guards on either side of the large oak door bowed as they saw Emma and opened the door while one called out, “Your Majesty, Princess Emma has returned.”

Emma walked in first, vaguely aware of Killian following her closely.

Queen Regina stood by the large windows with her back turned to the door, “Welcome home niece.” She turned around and smiled, but Emma noticed her startled look as her aunt took in the group accompanying her. “Who did you bring?” Regina took a step towards them, her hands folded in front of her burgundy dress.

“Aunt.” Emma stepped forward and curtsied before she reached over and gave her aunt an awkward hug and kiss on the cheek. “I’m so happy to be back.” She glanced over her shoulder, “I’ve got a lot of things to tell you.”

“I’m sure you do, but perhaps you should introduce your friends.”

Emma stepped back and cleared her throat, “May I present to you, King Liam, of Rum Island.”

The mention of the pirate realm didn’t seem to rattle the poised queen, if it did she hid it with a small nod as her eyes landed on Killian who stood beside his brother.

“And this is Prince Killian of Rum Island.”

“Welcome,” Regina said with her usual calm voice, but Emma knew her enough to see the flicker of mistrust in her eyes.

“They helped me save Henry.” Emma provided and glanced over at August who stood sentinel at the door, as if he’d fallen back into his guard duties. Emma wondered how much August had shared when he’d come by a week ago.

“I know as much and I knew you were resting up in Rum Island.” Regina glanced towards Henry who looked slightly bored, “How are you feeling?”

“Oh, I’m doing great now, thanks to the Phoenix Flower, Killian knew where to find it, and he showed me his dragon, I even flew on its back… and I fell from a tree, but Killian’s dragon saved me… and then the white dragon saved Mother when we were attacked by the black pirates…”

Emma stepped over and placed a hand on her son’s shoulder, “Think we need to stop the tale-telling for now.” When Henry looked up at her in confusion she sighed, “Look, we’ve got a lot of stories to tell and we’ll tell them all, one at a time. Right now I really need a word with my Aunt alone.”

Everyone else nodded in understanding and walked out of the door, Killian walked out last and glanced over his shoulder. Emma gave him a small smile, she could have used his support, but right now she thought it best to do this alone.

When the door closed behind them Emma turned to her aunt, “Yeah there’s a lot to tell.” She rubbed her sweaty palms on her thighs, she still wore leather breeches, much more comfortable when flying a dragon.”

“So you’ve flown back home on dragons?”

“Hmm, they are at Anna and Kristoff’s place, I imagine they’re hunting the woods.”

“A pirate?” Regina lifted a perfectly manicured eyebrow, “How did that happen?”

“How much did August tell you?”

“Not enough to understand why you didn’t try harder to return earlier?”

“Killian was on a time crunch, his brother was ill from a stint with Dreamshade. The only thing which could save him was the Phoenix Flower.”

Regina waved her off and walked to a table where a carafe of wine was located, “I know all about the flower, the King being sick and even how Henry got poisoned as well.” Regina poured wine into two glasses and gave one to Emma, “What I don’t understand is why you never had him, the captain, the pirate prince, turn around the moment you realize you’d been taken from Misthaven.”

“It would have cost him invaluable time, his brother was dying.” Emma sighed and took a large gulp of wine. “Killian would have lost his brother.”

“You seem quite close with the pirate.”

Emma nearly choked on her wine, as she cleared her throat she squeaked out, “What… whatever do you mean Aunt?”

“You keep calling him Killian, never once while speaking about him did you call him Prince Killian or any such formal titles.”

“Oh, yeah…” another sip of wine, “It was actually why I wanted to talk to you.”

“I see.”

“Hmm, while we travelled towards Caldera I… we formed a sort of friendship, you see.” Emma glanced at her aunt, but she turned away as Regina kept looking at her with a hard stare.

“Friendship?”

“Yeah, we… It kinda turned into something more.” Emma looked down into her half-filled wine glass while rolling the drink between her hands. “I… we… he…”

“Are you telling me you have fallen in love with a pirate prince?” Regina’s voice was far less sharp than Emma had anticipated and when Emma nodded Regina sighed, “Oh dear.”

“What’s so horrible about that?”

“Who said anything about horrible, complicated, perhaps, but not horrible.” Regina mused and emptied her glass, “It seems as if I’m in for a little chat with King Liam of Rum Island.”

“What?”

“You’re the Crown Princess of Misthaven, the royal council have been begging me to find you a suitable husband for years now.” Regina sighed, “Now you come here with a pirate in tow and tell me you love him.”

“He’s a pirate prince,” Emma said defiantly, lifting her chin.

“But still a pirate…”

“They are the good and decent kind of pirates, they treat their dragons with respect and sure they plunder and pillage whenever they can, but they are never brutal or barbaric in their ways. Unlike some other black pirates.”

Regina harrumphed as if she didn’t fully trust Emma’s words of how the pirates from Rum Island really lived their lives.

“I will still speak with the pirate king about this matter.” Regina tilted her head, “Does he know of your relationship with his brother?”

Emma nodded, “He does and while he’s weary of it all, much like you, I think he would rather see his brother happy than forbid us to marry.”

“Marry?”

“Yeah, that is our plan.”

“It will still need to be discussed at the royal council.”

“Is the fact that he helped save Henry not enough for those stuffy old geezers.” Emma huffed and crossed her arm over her chest, “I love Killian, he loves me. They have wanted me to be married for years now.”

“We all want you to be happy, and once you’re married you will be taking over the throne from me.”

“Oh, yeah.” Emma regarded her aunt for a moment, “Are you keen on keeping it?” She frowned, it had never crossed her mind that Regina might wish this.

Regina looked horrified for a quick second, “By all means, no. This was always a temporary arrangement.” She glanced out of the large windows, “In fact, it helps my predicament.”

“What?”

“Oh, that is a long story…”

“I have time.”

“The reason I wanted you married is also for my own gain.”

“How?”

“Much like your heart has been stolen, a woodsman stole my heart five years ago.” Regina turned away from Emma with a sigh, “He was never interested in pursuing something while he knew my position in this realm. I think it scared him.”

Emma held her breath as she took in this information. Tentatively she stepped around so she could see her aunt’s face, “You want to be with him, but he refused because you’re the queen.”

Regina shrugged, “I suppose that is one way of putting it.”

Emma’s heart beat frantically, “So when I marry you’ll be able to be with this man. Who is he?”

“You’ll laugh when you hear what he does for a living.” Regina gave her a wry smile, “It’s irony at its finest. He’s a thief of sorts, trying to do rights for the poor by stealing from the rich. His name is Robin Hood.”

Emma blinked, trying to recall if she’d heard the name before or not and then she realized, “That’s the outlaw the council wanted to hunt down ten years ago, I remember how the sheriff wanted to behead the men.”

“The very same.”

“Do I want to know how you met him?” Emma really did want to know, but also knew her aunt well enough to know that a story like that was far too private for her to share.

“It’s a long story, but I calmed the council down over the years and they have left the group of woodsmen in peace.”

“I’m happy for you.”

Regina gave her a small smile and then her features sharpened., “But I will still need to speak with the pirate king. Agreements need to be sorted out before I present the council with your plan to marry a pirate prince.”

“I know.” Emma sighed, “I’ll go out and find him, do you want Killian to join as well.”

“That might be best and I want you there too.” Regina walked to her work desk and rummaged around in the drawers, “I’ll prepare while you find them.”

Emma slipped from the room, looking down the corridor and sighed in relief when the two men she was looking for came walking towards her. “Killian.”

“Aye,” Killian rushed forward and leaned closer to give Emma a small kiss on the cheek, “Did it go well with your aunt?”

“Surprisingly better than I expected.” Emma chuckled, “She would like a word with both of you and me.”

The two men followed her back to the room and Emma slipped her hand into Killian’s as they stood in front of Regina. It was clear how nervous Killian was at this moment, his fingers clenched around hers and she reached over with her free hand and wrapped it around their clasped hands. “It will be okay.”

“I hope,” Killian whispered through clenched teeth.

Liam bowed in greeting, “You wished to see us, Your Majesty.”

“I did. Please sit down. I believe we have a lot to discuss since it seems as if our realms will have a connection now.” Regina looked between Emma and Killian.

“Aye, that we do.” Liam said with a nervous chuckle, “Let me be the first to say that I agree with my brother's wishes to marry your niece.”

“That’s splendid, we both agree on that matter.” Regina shuffled some papers around on the table, “We just need to sort out the finer details of this joining.”

Liam nodded and while the two continued to talk about treaties, trading rights and routes, Emma kept glancing at Killian who finally seemed to relax.

Emma’s head was buzzing with plans for the next many months when she and Killian walked out of the room. Things had been settled and sorted out so the wedding would take place in six months. It would be a midsummer wedding and she knew no expenses would be spared when the princess of Misthaven would marry the pirate prince of Rum Island.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

A/N: In the final chapter of this dragon saga/story, all good things must come to an end. This journey has been awesome and I’ve enjoyed taking part in the CSSNS even this year. I always wanted to make some sort of CS dragon story, and this came to life.

I couldn’t have done it without the help of my beta @th3capta1n? (on Tumblr), thank you.

And I absolutely love that the artist assigned to me,
@undercaffinatednightmare (Tumblr),
went above and beyond doing the mood board for this story. She stepped up when things went a little south regarding some pictures in the first version. I absolutely love the one she did for this, the one I use as a cover for this story. Thank you.

The last shout-out is for all you lovely readers out there, thank you for reading, and leaving kudos and reviews. I usually say that I write for my own enjoyment, but I must admit that I do love hearing what my readers think about what I’ve been working on. I chose to end this story here, sure I could have added a little epilogue of future glimpses of their new life together. But I wanted to end it here.

Thank you for reading, enjoy.

Chapter 13
 
“Bloody hell, why does this need to be so tight.” Killian tugged at the cravat currently in the process of choking him.

Liam chuckled from his seat near the fireplace, “Then take it off and be sure you’ve started your time as King Consort offending a few high and mighty noblemen of this realm.”

Killian huffed and tugged the offending fabric off his neck, “Don’t really care.” He undid only one button of his shirt, he wasn’t all that keen on doing too much offending.

“I’m sure your bride won’t complain.”

“Aye.” Killian grinned as he thought of Emma and his short rendezvous this morning where they’d snug into the gardens for an early morning walk. She’d been as jittery as his insides had felt the entire morning.

A sharp knock was heard and Killian called, “Enter.”

August strode into the room, in full royal guard regalia, the golden buttons on his jacket glinted in the candlelight. “Your presence is requested in the Great Hall.”

“So it begins.” Liam chuckled, rising to his feet and clapping Killian on the back, “Ready little brother.”

“Younger brother,” Killian grunted and adjusted the neckline of his shirt and ignored the sharp look from August when the other man seemed to have noticed the absence of cravat. The royal guard had the grace of not mentioning this as he followed them to the great hall.

Inside guests had already assembled and a sudden hush came over the room as Killian walked to the front of the room alongside his brother. The council member who would officiate the wedding greeted Killian with a smile. In the past few months, Killian had slipped into his new role as the realm’s future King Consort, attending council meetings while getting acquainted with the inner workings of the political world of Misthaven. Emma had expressed her wonder of how easy this had seemed for him, to this he’d responded with a shrug and, “

Rum Island has its own politics and some are not so different from what you do here.

”

Killian adjusted his dark velvet jacket as he took in the scene before him, the hall was cavernous and large pillars held the roof high above them.

The musicians in the corner soon played a gentle tune and a harp played as the procession of women in the bridal party glided up the aisle.

“Remember to breathe.” Liam nudged him gently and chuckled when Killian only grunted.

The bridal party slipped to the side and the music changed and Emma entered the hall, accompanied by her aunt. Emma wore a brilliant white wedding gown with a wide skirt and off-the-shoulder design. Her hair fell down her back, partly hidden by the veil secured to her head by a band of flowers.

When Regina offered him Emma’s hand he bowed his head in respect, the queen gave him a small smile and whispered, “You’ll make her happy.”

“Aye.” Killian’s eyes landed on Emma, her lips wobbled as if she tried not to cry, when she noticed him looking she blinked away the tears forming in her eyes.

“You look stunning.” Killian’s eyes swept over her form, the dress fitted snugly to her curves. He had to hold back a groan when his mind wondered what lay underneath all that lace and silk. Misthaven might claim they were a modern thinking realm, but when the wedding plans had been presented to the council, several members had stated that they would only agree to the wedding if they were sure no other royal child would be born outside the wedding. This had Emma deliver an angry tirade, telling what she thought of that idea. It had taken both the calming reasoning from her aunt and his own reassuring that this would be okay. They could go six months without sleeping in the same bed.

“Thank you.” Emma smirked, “You cleaned up nicely.” She leaned closer and whispered, “Though you missed the cravat.” She shrugged, “But I like it.”

Killian chuckled nervously and was about to reply when the council member cleared his throat, “Can we perhaps begin?”

Emma slipped her hand into his and the touch of her skin against his calmed his nerves and he focused on the words spoken by the officiate.

When it was time to say their vows Killian and Emma faced each other and Emma took a deep breath before she began, “When I first met you, we didn’t exactly see eye to eye on several aspects of life. Was it not for my far too curious son…” Emma glanced over her shoulder at Henry who stood beside Regina. “I would never have met you. And I certainly wouldn’t have gained a dragon companion.”

Several guests chuckled at this, in the past months it had been widely known among the people of Misthaven that their future Queen was also a dragon rider.

“My heart was broken when I met you, I was not ready to let anyone come close to me, but somehow that pirate bravado of yours unlocked something inside me. I found my heart again, I fell in love with the man behind the pirate. You’re special and I know our future will be paved with love, understanding, passion, and family. I give you my heart, my love, my forever.”

Tears streamed down her face as she took a deep breath. Killian swiped a thumb over her wet cheek, “I love you.”

Emma gave him a feeble smile, “I love you.”

Killian glanced at the officiate who gave a small nod towards him, letting Killian know it was his turn.

“Emma, you blew me away when you stepped into my cabin. Your spirit never faltered even if I did try to intimidate you.” He lifted an eyebrow, “I’m a pirate after all.” Several chuckles could be heard from the guests. “But as you and your son kept surprising me along our adventure, you changed this old pirate’s heart and I saw what a beautiful gem you kept hidden inside you. Your heart is my most precious treasure, from now and until the rest of our lives. I will do everything in my power to keep you safe, be by your side, as your King Consort, aiding you in the ruling of this great realm.” He bowed his head over their clasped hands and kissed her fingers.

The guests cheered and Killian couldn’t stop smiling when the officiate said, “The rings please.” Liam pulled out the box from his jacket.

Killian took the smaller ring and slipped it onto Emma’s finger, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” Emma smiled and took the larger ring and slipped it on his finger.

“May I present to you all, Crown Princess Emma of Misthaven and King Consort, Killian Jones, husband and wife, now bound together by love.”

Killian leaned over and whispered, “Am I allowed to kiss you now?”

“Hmm.” Emma nodded and moved closer, her arm looping around his shoulders and claimed his lips in a sweet tender kiss. Both ignored the roar of applause in the Great Hall.

When they finally pulled apart, they turned towards the guests and waved, both smiling and Killian was sure he’d never felt more happy than this moment.

After a short time, Regina moved forward and whispered, “It is now time for the official crowning.”

Killian grabbed Emma’s hand as they turned towards the council member and now also Regina.

The large hall went silent as Regina lifted her hand, “This is a great day for Misthaven, you will have a new queen and her King Consort to rule and guide this realm to even more greatness.” Regina looked at Emma and Killian with a fond smile, “Are you ready, Emma?”

Emma gave a small nod and kneeled before her aunt, who took the offered crown from the council member and placed it on top of Emma’s veil. Then she took the sceptre and touched it to both of Emma’s shoulders, “I give you the power of this royal symbol, to rule and guide Misthaven to glory and wealth.”

Emma lifted her head and received the sceptre from her aunt, her eyes misty and one lone tear slipped down her cheek as she rose to her feet and faced her kingdom for the first time as their true ruler.

Killian felt a lump form in his throat as he watched his princess become a queen before his eyes. Her face shone with a serenity that was clear to all present in the Great Hall. She would be an amazing Queen.

“Now Killian,” Regina said gently and Killian turned towards Emma’s aunt.

“Aye.” He bowed his head and kneeled.

Another crown was given to Regina and as she placed it on Killian’s head she spoke, “This crown is a symbol of your status as King Consort, you’ll be a guide and companion to our Queen. May you support and aid her in the quest to bring prosperity to this realm.”

When the crown settled on his head, he took a deep fortifying breath, when he rose from here it would forever change his life. It was a large task to take upon his life, but one he gladly would receive as he knew he and Emma would be in this together.

Killian got to his feet and turned to the guests assembled and he felt Emma slip her hand into his, grounding his frayed nerves. As the crowd roared in greeting he waved and smiled, this was his new life.

Regina showed Kilian and Emma to the thrones set up on a dais behind them and the gathered guests all moved one by one to the front and bowed to their new Queen and her King’s Consort before they exited the Great Hall.

Once the official part had ended Emma and Killian finally had a small moment where they were left alone in the room.

“My Queen.” Killian bowed over her hand and kissed her ring, he lifted his eyes to her and lifted an eyebrow, “Whatever are we going to do now?”

“Hmm, I’m sure we can find a few ways to entertain ourselves,” Emma smirked.

Killian lunged forward and kissed her deeply, his heart soared when she wrapped her arms around his neck holding him close. Her lips moved over his with a renewed intensity.

“Bloody hell,” Killian groaned when she started to fiddle with the first button on his shirt, “We can’t do this here, my love.”

“I’ve waited far too long.” Emma groaned, “Stupid old-fashioned laws.”

Killian smirked, secretly happy to know that he wasn’t the only one a little desperate for physical contact.

“Patience, my love.”

“Fuck patience,” Emma grumbled and rose from her seat and bunched up her voluminous skirt and settled in his lap, her large dress covering them both from the waist down.

Killian secured his hand and hook at her waist, holding her close, even through the trousers he wore he could almost feel her core’s heat as she kept grinding over his crotch.

“Emma, please.” Killian begged and growled into her neck, taking a deep breath, “We can’t do this here, we’re in the bloody Great Hall, anyone could…”

“I know.” Emma paused her movements and dropped her head on his shoulder, “I know, but I just need you.” Her breath whispered over his neck, making his skin tingle.

“Aye, I know what you mean, I’ve been waiting for this moment too.” He smoothed his hand over her back, trailing down the tiny buttons lining her spine.

“Kiss me.” Emma lifted her head and cupped his face, her green eyes sparkling with love and pent-up passion. There’d been far too many touch and goes for them in the past months, keeping away from her in this way had become increasingly difficult.

Killian moved forward and claimed her lips in a slow languid kiss that he hoped would tide them over until they would be able to fully enjoy this.

Suddenly the door behind them opened with a loud bang and Emma nearly slipped from his lap, but he managed to keep her in place as he glanced over her shoulder at their intruder.

“Emma Swan!?” Regina’s clipped voice cut through the silence and Killian cringed a little and averted his eyes.

“Aunt Regina.” Emma said sweetly and rose to her feet with a grunt, as she tried to settle her skirt back into order, “What’s wrong?”

“I’ll tell you what’s wrong, you should have been in the banquet hall ten minutes ago.”

“Oh, I forgot.” Emma glanced over her shoulder at Killian, “I got a bit distracted.”

Killian kept his gaze away from Lady Regina, his ears burning hot under her scrutiny.

“That is

not

how a queen behaves, young lady.”

“Sorry, but can you blame me?”

Killian cleared his throat and got to his feet and settled in next to Emma, “Pardon Lady Regina, we’ll head for the Banquet Hall right away.” He grabbed Emma’s hand and tugged it at the crook of his elbow, “Why don’t we join our guest, My Queen?”

Emma nodded mutely, but Killian could see laughter play in her eyes and her lips tugged into a smile that Regina would be able to spot even as they slipped past the stoic woman.

“Emma!” Regina called out before they reached the door.

“Yes.” Emma turned towards her aunt.

“Congratulations.” Regina smiled and waved them off, “Now go enjoy the feast prepared and you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy each other later on.”

Killian gave a small bow of respect to the woman who he now knew had always been on Emma’s side, trying all she could to have Emma take the mantle from her parents and reign over Misthaven.

Then he turned to Emma and offered her his arm, which she took with a small knowing smile playing over her lips.

“What?”

“Nothing.” Emma waved him off, “I’m just happy.”

“Me too.” Killian lifted her hand from his arm and kissed it.

They walked into the banquet hall where the official party would take place and when the herald announced their arrival Killian realized that this was his new life, being the center of attention wherever he would go. But everyone inside smiled and bowed their heads in greetings as Emma and Killian walked in.

The musicians started a slow waltz and Killian realized that the center floor was cleared out for them to take the first dance. He gulped down, something that didn’t go unnoticed by Emma.

“Relax, you got this.”

“Aye.” Killian gritted his teeth as he tried to remember what he’d been taught in the past few months.

Emma slipped into his embrace as the music increased in volume and Killian moved them gracefully over the polished floor. He ignored the crowd around them, all taking in the scene of their new Queen and her King’s Consort dancing for the first time together as husband and wife.

When the music came to a pause and then started another waltz more couples joined them on the dance floor. Emma and Killian danced a few more times and enjoyed the time together.

Killian noticed how his brother had mainly danced with Lady Elsa and only out of obligations took a dance with Lady Regina and a few other high noble women. But Liam seemed to only have eyes for the blonde-haired woman. It made him happy to know that his brother might find the same kind of love he shared with Emma.

Food and drinks were served and everyone enjoyed themselves, even Emma’s son looked happy. Killian had spotted the lad speaking with his crew members. Most likely regaling them about his ever-growing knowledge of dragons.

When the party dwindled down Emma whispered, “Ready to fly off with your queen?”

“Aye, more than ready.” Killian groaned.

They walked to her aunt who was speaking with Henry now and when the lad noticed them he leaped over to them and gave his mother a hug.

“Hey, it’s way past your bedtime.”

Henry squinted his eyes disapprovingly, “But it’s such a fun party.”

“One that ends now that Killian and I will take our leave,” Emma said and ruffled his hair.

“When will you be back?”

“In a week, so you won’t even have time to miss me too much.” Emma gave her son a long hug, “Be good for Aunt Regina okay?”

Henry nodded and stepped over to Killian, “I hope you will teach me more about dragons when you return… father?”

Killian gasped when Henry said the last word, he’d never imagined the lad would ever want to call him father. Emma placed her hand on his arm, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“Aye, I’ll be looking forward to sharing my knowledge with you, son.”

When Henry heard the last word he beamed and hugged Killian tightly and Killian wrapped his arms around the young lad. Something new shifted into his heart, a new love for the boy who was the sole reason for him to have even met Emma. This was his family, one he was eager to spend more time with.

Emma smoothed her hand over his back and reached over to ruffle Henry’s hair, “Now be a good young prince and follow your governess to your room, you really need to go to bed now.”

“Can I see you fly off?” Henry pouted, “Please.”

Emma sighed and shared a look with her aunt, who smiled fondly at the young prince.

“Oh, of course you can.” Emma found the young governess that Regina had seemed fit to find in the past months, one who would also be Henry’s tutor, “Just a few more minutes, Elizabeth, then he needs to go with you.” The young woman curtsied and bowed her head in understanding.

Killian slipped his arm around Emma’s waist, “Come now, I’m certain our dragons are getting a little antsy outside.”

Emma nodded and followed him out to the large terrasse beyond the banquet hall, where Ruby and Graham had Toothless and Pearl all ready to fly away with the newlyweds.

“Take this,” Ruby said and gave Emma her red leather jacket and Killian took his long leather duster from Graham.

“Thank you. This will help us keep warm.” Emma gave the female pirate a hug, “Thank you for everything.”

Ruby blushed and did a small curtsy, waving her off, “I always rooted for you guys, ever since this girl came swooping in to save your life, I knew you’d be something special for our captain.” Ruby smiled as she glanced over at Killian who was greeting his black dragon.

“Yeah, he’s something special.”

“Oh, I’m sure he is,” Ruby smirked and waggled her eyebrows.

Emma laughed as she stepped over to her white dragon who grunted in response when Emma smoothed her hand over its warm scales. “Hey there girl, ready to fly us on our honeymoon.” The Light Fury snorted in reply and shifted its leg impatiently. Emma laughed, “I take that as a yes.”

Both Emma and Killian mounted their dragons and everyone around them cheered as the dragons soared to the dark skies above them. Taking the new Queen and King Consort of Misthaven to the summer palace where they would spend a week in solitude or as alone as one could be when being royal. A small selected group of staff had already travelled by land to the palace up in the mountains.

Killian laughed as the wind swept over his face, he looked over at his wife and saw similar joy spreading over her face. This was their new life, together, having found love with the Misthaven princess felt just right. As he flew beside her he started to imagine what their life would be like, their future being the rulers of Misthaven, but also starting a family. He hoped their family one day would expand to more children and he knew Henry would be an amazing older brother. He couldn’t wait to be alone with Emma, their time would be well spent alone on their honeymoon.

THE END