Chapter Text
The Crown:
She found him at the docks.
OF COURSE he was at the docks. She recalled not too long ago what he'd replied in adorable defense when she had teased him abut it, it-it just calls to me.
"M-hm," she had leaned in and raised an eyebrow, "and...what else calls to you?"
He smirked, snaking his arms around her waist and tugging her to his chest. "Oh THAT I can gladly demonstrate."
"Please do."
That one thought left her grinning like a fool, cheeks blushing furiously in the dark. Her real motive there had been a kiss, which he had happily delivered-more than one-once her intentions were clear. But that wasn't why she had sought him out in the middle of the night, and remembering why she had been unable to sleep in the first place was enough to downward her lips into a frown.
"Emma?"
Her eyes flicked away from her staring off into the distance to see his dark silhouette stand up and then walk toward her in quiet, elegant steps she knew being in the navy had taught him to do. Within just three strides he was in front of her and she felt herself sigh in relief even though she hadn't intended to; his presence already comforting and making her feel more relaxed.
A crease formed between his eyebrows and he cupped her cheek. "Sweetheart, what's wrong? You appear vexed."
She tried to give him a reassuring smile but it was too small and quickly fell since, it was true, she was vexed. He didn't believe her attempt for one second and took his hand from her cheek to gently grab her hand instead and then playfully tug her to sit down. That coaxed out a little giggle and she obliged, but decided to be un-princessy and dropped herself into his lap, smirking smugly when she caught his surprised look and then grinned down at her, shifting her so they were both comfortable and placing his hands at her hips to run soothing circles with his thumbs.
"I am." she whispered with her forehead to his, all playfulness gone and seriousness returned.
He rubbed his nose against hers and she tightened her arms around his neck. "Is it because of tomorrow?"
"Yes." she nodded, almost defeatedly, and tears prickled at her eyes that she desperately tried to blink away but he noticed and abruptly stopped his motion, bringing both hands up to her cheeks so she had to directly look at him when he said, "YOU will make a great ruler, love, don't you ever doubt that. Never, you hear me?"
"Yeah," she sniffed and his gaze didn't waver as he kept his attention on her, sadly knowing what was coming. "I just...I just wish they were here to see it."
"Hey," he wiped the tears that had begun to fall and she held back a sob, body trembling with her resistance. "your mother and father would be so proud of you to see the strong woman you've become and the even amazing queen you will be."
She ran a hand through his hair and then brought his head down to give a sweet kiss to his lips. "I love you."
He smiled. "And I you, my Queen."
She rolled her eyes, "I'm not queen yet, Killian."
"But after tomorrow you will be, and trust me I will be the one cheering so loudly in the crowd that they'll have to throw me out."
She chuckled and he dove in for a kiss in the middle of it, catching her mouth open and then slowly pulling her down with him until his back was pressed against the wood and she was on top of him, sweet and lazy kisses being exchanged until they became more ardent and soon their tongues were dancing furiously with each other, his hands going up and down her arms and her gripping his shoulders hard, breathing uneven and wanting more.
He was the one to pull away first and she whined, "Kiiillian"
"As cute as you look when you pout like that, tomorrow is still your coronation and I don't think the people in town will appreciate hearing your moans before we even get to the ripping our clothes part."
She slapped his chest, indignant. "I don't moan that loud!"
He gave her a pointed look. "Must I recall your birthday party?"
She blushed at the memory and almost got away with it, but he felt her risen heat under his palm and grinned victorious. "I blame you COM-PLETE-LY for that."
Killian shrugged, still grinning wickedly. "Then I take full fault as long as I'M the one making you moan like that."
Shaking her head she rolled off his chest and then stood up, dusting her dress from the specks of sand she couldn't see, and with a sigh he forced himself up too and readjusted his shirt that had been untucked from the loose belt and was now currently revealing the bare skin underneath that she had fiercely run her hands up just moments before. Once they were both looking slightly more appropriate than the disheveled appearance they had been sporting, he turned to her with his still wild hair that indicated the needy fingers that had begun to tug and seep, and wrapped his arms around her waist, pecking her lips one final time before pulling away and pressing a small kiss to her forehead too.
"Smile tomorrow, okay?" he whispered against her skin.
"For you?" she questioned, even though she knew what he would say.
"No, for you."
....................................................................
Emma turned to face her kingdom and the applause erupted for the newly crowned queen. It rattled the church windows and her smile was in no way forced when everyone in unison shouted, 'Long live the Queen!' . The eyes of every follower and noblemen were on her but she seeked out Killian in the crowd and when their eyes met, he winked and mouthed 'I love you' before clapping even harder and his whoop getting swallowed up by the roaring cheers.
And she swore...she swore that she felt her mother and father's presence right there with her as she took her seat on the throne and then saw them right there, standing silently at the back and wearing proud smiles for the daughter they hadn't seen grow up. And yet, she felt as if it was them putting the crown on her head, because in that moment their love had been strong enough to walk through worlds. To walk through death.
Today, she realized she had never been alone.