"It is an honor that the King trusts us to ensure the Princess's safe passage to Rumplestiltskin's part of the kingdom," said Liam, to his younger brother.

Lieutenant Killian Jones knew that his brother was correct, and under any other circumstances he would be absolutely happy to carry out the King and Queen's wishes.

But matters were more complicated this time.

Killian had always admired Princess Emma. She was strong, smart, adventurous, and beautiful, gods, was she beautiful. However, that admiration had evolved into a deep love over the past year. It had begun, ironically enough, on the night that Princess Emma had become engaged.

He remembered the night of the ball like it was yesterday.

"May I have the honor of the next dance, your Highness?" asked Killian, sweeping into a low bow before Princess Emma.

"You may," said Emma, placing her hand in his.

They moved to the dance floor as a waltz began.

Killian placed his free hand on her waist and pulled her close to him, and as soon as he did, he was amazed how right it felt to have Princess Emma in his arms.

"It's been a long time, Lieutenant," said Emma softly, "Tell me, how is it to serve in the Royal Navy?"

"It is an honor to keep this kingdom, as well as the royal family, safe from invasion."

"Than I am grateful to you, Lieutenant," she said coquettishly, looking up at him through her eyelashes. "Although I miss you when you are away."

"You shouldn't, your Highness. You have much better things to occupy your valuable time than missing the boy you grew up with."

"I don't think so," said Emma, boldly pressing herself closer as they moved in time to the music.

Killian flushed. "Princess, everyone is watching," he hissed.

"So? It is a waltz, Lieutenant. You might as well take advantage of the opportunity."

"I would never take advantage of you, Princess," he said softly.

To his surprise, she smiled. "Of course you wouldn't. You're a gentleman and different from all the princes and potential suitors I've met. You actually respect me."

"Aye, that I do."

On that note, the dance ended. Killian escorted the Princess off the floor and turned to take his leave, but she held onto his hand. "Come with me," she whispered, tugging him out of the ballroom and into a curtained alcove in the empty corridor.

"Princess, we shouldn't be here," said Killian, "what if someone catches us?"

"They won't," said Emma, moving closer to him.

"I'm only a common sailor, Princess," said Killian, "There are dozens of more eligible men you could be spending your time with."

"No," said Emma firmly. "I'd rather spend it with you. All the other potential suitors I've met only see me as a prize to be won, a method to become king. They don't care about me."

She laid a gloved hand on his cheek, and he could feel the warmth of her skin through the thin material. "And you are more than just a sailor. My father and mother have always favored you and your brother. One day, you will be a Captain. And if you want my opinion, you're worth more than one hundred of those other pompous princes and nobles that are vying for my hand."

"I am not worthy of such praise," stammered Killian.

"Oh, shut up and kiss me, Killian," said Emma, grabbing the lapels of his naval jacket and pulling him to her into a passionate kiss.

His eyes slid closed. One hand tangled itself in her thick blonde curls and the other pressing against the small of her back, pressing her flush against him. It was the best feeling in the world and Killian suddenly felt at home.

They were both flushed and breathing heavily when they pulled apart. "Good form," she said, leaning her forehead against her, and using the phrase he was known for against him.

"Same to you, Princess," he said softly, grazing his lips across hers again.

"Princess?" called a voice.

Emma and Killian sprang apart.

It was Grumpy, head of the Royal Guard, not to mention, the princess's godfather.

Emma pressed a finger to Killian's lips. "Shhh, I'll be back," she hissed, as she slipped out of the alcove. Killian didn't move an inch.

"I'm here, Grumpy."

"Your parents have been worried. They wish to make an announcement, and would like you to be present."

"What kind of announcement," demanded Emma.

"Your mother wants it to be a surprise," said Grumpy.

"Tell me. You know that I don't handle surprises with grace."

"That's true," said Grumpy, "Fine. Your mother and father have recently made a deal with Rumplestiltskin. In a year, you will marry his son, Baelfire. They are announcing the engagement tonight.

Killian's heart was in his throat. He forced himself to remain still and silent as he listened for Emma's response.

"Just give me a moment alone, please. I promise that I'll return to the ballroom shortly."

"Sure, just remember to act surprised when the announcement is made," said Grumpy, before shuffling off.

Emma slipped back into the alcove and straight into Killian's arms.

Killian was hesitant to put his arms around her.

"Just hold me for a moment, Killian, please," she said, her voice shaking.

Killian obliged, and began to glide one hand through her hair in what he hoped was a reassuring manner. He could hardly believe that Emma was seeking comfort from him. They had grown up together, they had always been friends, but now it seemed there as there was something more between them. But it was too late. In a few minutes Emma would leave him and she would be engaged to the son of the Dark One.

"I will find a way out of this, Killian." said Emma. "Will you wait for me until I do?"

"If you wish it, I shall do it, your Highness," said Killian. The words came out before he could formulate a response, and Killian knew he meant them. For as soon as he spoke them, he realized that he had been falling in love with Princess Emma for years, and it seemed as if the same had happened for her.

"You won't forget about me?"

"Never," he said.

"Good," said Emma. Then she kissed him again, drawing his strength into her heart, the heart that, Emma now realized, had belonged to Killian for several months at least.

"Killian, are you alright?" asked Liam.

Killian blinked. "Of course, bother," said Killian, "just reminiscing, is all."

"Well, Princess Emma will arrive with her parents at any moment. We will set sail shortly after that, and I will need your full attention. When we return from escorting the Princess, there is a very good chance that you will be promoted."

Killian forced his frown into a grimace. He would attain a new rank, but he would lose the woman he loved. It wasn't worth it. But he couldn't tell Liam about that.

No one in the kingdom knew what he and Princess Emma felt for each other. And now no one ever would.