Spaces between seconds
Emma and Killian.
That was how they were known.
In their quaint little village, the pair were as natural as the sun rising in the morn, as the changing faces of the moon, as the north star shining bright.
They were a team.
Killian always knew there was something special about Emma. There was a light to her, something bright and beautiful, despite the life she had lived.
They bonded over being orphans, of having no family to speak of.
But it ran deeper than that.
There was an understanding between them, a world view shaped by everything they had been through, every battle they fought to just keep on surviving another day.
Look out for yourself and you’ll never get hurt.
At least, until they met each other.
Then it was about looking out for each other, challenging the other and always having each other’s back. They bickered and bantered, laughed together, held each other through the nights when the pain was too much. Life was simple.
Calm.
Until, it all changed.
Not in the way one expected. Not with an outbreak of war or a prophecy revealed.
No, this change came in the form of a simple letter.
“You’re going to have to open it eventually.”
“I know. I’m just-” Emma sighed, finger tracing the pattern on the wax seal “-scared.”
Killian sat down next to her, covering her hand with his. “It’s okay to be scared, Swan. But I think I know you quite well by now. If you don’t take this chance, you may spend your whole life regretting it. Take a leap of faith, love.”
He squeezed her hand, before giving her some privacy. With shaking fingers, Emma opened the letter, eyes scanning over the contents.
Dearest Emma,
I know this might be hard to understand, and you have every right to be angry with us for the deception, but I promise you, the danger has passed. Â
It’s time to come home, Emma.
The Evil Queen is no longer a threat and the kingdom needs it’s princess.
Your father and I will explain everything.
Please, come home.
Your loving mother,
Snow White.
“They lied to me, Killian! All this time, everything I’d ever believed about my parents-” Emma waved the letter at him, “-it was all a lie.”
Killian held her by the shoulders forcing her to look at him. “Look, Emma. I know you’re angry but this here is a chance for a home, a family. Not everyone has a second chance you know.” Killian dropped his gaze, but the sadness of his words lingered.
Emma caressed his cheek. “You’re my family, Killian.”
He turned his head and kissed her palm. “And I will always be. But I think you should hear your parents out. Give them another chance.”
Emma nodded, and embraced him.
“Are you sure you don’t want to come with me?”
“The letter invited you. I’m not sure my presence would be all that welcome. And besides, I think this is one journey you need to go on without me.”
Killian helped Emma onto the cart, leaning against the side of it. “Don’t look so worried, Jones. I’ll be back before you know it.”
Killian stared after her as she left, fighting against the tears. “I very much doubt that. Princess.”
Emma showed the letter to the guards, who bowed deep and let her pass. The interior of the castle was as impressive as the exterior and she was led to the Great Hall.
She expected a large audience and was surprised when the doors opened to reveal only the King and Queen. She attempted a curtsy, faltered and blushed.
Emma stood, unsure of what to do with herself. The King rose from his seat, and stepped forward, a soft smile on his face.
“Welcome home, sweetheart.”
The kingdom rejoiced, the return of the princess marking the true start of the peace and an end to the terror of the Evil Queen.
But, as the months passed, Emma found her thoughts drifting to Killian, and the simple life they had shared. Life as a princess had its moments, and Emma slowly found her feet but she couldn’t help the ache in her heart, that longed for a life she had lost.
Killian was content to let Emma be, convinced that she had a better life without him. Though he missed her terribly, he couldn’t choose his own happiness over hers.
He continued on living, continued on surviving though not a day went by that he didn’t think of her.
He should’ve expected it, but he had hoped it would wait. News of Princess Emma’s betrothal spread like wildfire, reaching all the corners of the kingdom. Killian felt like he’d been punched in the gut.
He knew what he felt for Emma, knew it from the moment he saw her laugh without restraint. But he’d never confessed it, and he wasn’t sure she felt the same.
A man unwilling to fight for what he wants, deserves what he gets.
Emma was certain she was dreaming. Because how else could he be here?
“Killian?”
He bowed at the waist, “Princess.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I-” he swallowed, the determination to see her once again, quickly fading away as he tried to find an explanation. “I heard that you are to be married. And, whilst I know I don’t have any say in how you live your life, I just- Emma I couldn’t let you go ahead without-” he blew out a breath. “Without you knowing how I truly feel about you.”
“Not now.”
“What?”
“Meet me here tomorrow night,” was all she said before she left, leaving Killian stunned but with a flicker of hope lodging itself in his chest.
This was reckless. It was reckless and stupid and insane beyond belief but Emma still found herself waiting for Killian. The candles flickered, shadows dancing on the walls, and this whole thing was bound to end in flames but she couldn’t help the little flicker of excitement.
She had stopped Killian from saying the words yesterday, because she needed some time to gather her thoughts. But as soon as she saw him, she knew.
There was nobody else for her but him.
“Princess?”
“Killian? Over here.”
He stepped silently, before setting down the lamp his was holding. He looked so nervous and Emma smiled at him before pulling him in for a heated kiss. He pulled back, eyes on her lips and their breaths mingling.
“That was-” he cut himself off, slanting his lips over hers.
Emma giggled, being the one to pull away this time “So, you had something to say?”
Killian caught her gaze, smile blooming on his face. “I love you, Emma.” She grinned and answered his confession with a kiss.
“Mom, Dad, there’s something I need to tell you.”
“Of course, Emma. You know you can always talk to us.”
Emma picked at her food, running over the words in her head. She’d tell them about Killian, about who he was to her, and how she’d choose him.
“I don’t want to get married.”
Snow and David had matching stunned expressions, but her father recovered first.
“Ah. I see. And who, exactly, is the lucky man?”
Emma smiled sheepishly, before launching into the tale.
Emma left the next day, having dealt with the repercussions of breaking off her betrothal. She could’ve sworn Prince Eric was more relieved than she was, and he took the news much better than she expected.
She set off, with her parents blessing and for the first time in a long time, she felt hopeful. Â
Emma made good time, noting the small changes in the village she once called home. A few extra houses, a few new faces but the same lively atmosphere.
She rode to where she knew Killian would be and dismounted. Emma strode up to him and kissed him fiercely. Â
Killian laughed, “Not that I’m complaining, but how are you here?”
“I came back for you. Like I promised.”
Killian shook his head in disbelief. “But, what about your parents?”
“I told them everything. They can’t wait to meet you. I want this life, with you.” She vowed, leaning her forehead against his. “I love you, Killian Jones.”
“And I you.”
For my main bbs @acourtoftruelove and @swanandapirate ❤❤
