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The sky was a clear blue, the white clouds and squawking seagulls painted by the bright sun that shone down on the Jewel of the Realm. It was a perfect day for sailing, the picture at the royal docks immaculately pristine, save for the lone scowl that graced Lieutenant Jones' face.

"Trouble, brother?" Liam asked, standing next to Killian as the pair watched workers carting on trunk after trunk.

"I realize we are embarking on a royal voyage, but I didn't expect to be carrying the entirety of Mist Haven's coffers in the process."

Liam laughed, all too aware that his brother's displeasure had little to do with the cargo the Jewel would be carrying.

"What would you have them do? Send the heir to the throne to a new land in rags?"

Killian's scowl only deepened, the thought of a bridal trousseau crossing his mind unbidden. It was just day one of their voyage to the Seven Isles, they hadn't so much as pulled anchor, and already he felt his patience wearing thin.

"Liam, can you do me a favor?"

"Hmm?"

"Don't speak to me until we've reach land."

Liam laughed even louder this time, taking little pity.

"I'll have you know, Killian, that while I am incredibly amused by your personage this morning, I am still commander of this ship."

Killian huffed out a breath he'd been holding, having just spotted a trio of royal horses up ahead, knowing the Charming family was mere moments from reaching the ship. He turned quickly on his brother.

"I'm glad you find this so entertaining. Tell me, had it ever crossed your mind to show your brother some level of understanding, or were you intent from the start to take glee from my situation?"

Liam stopped laughing at that, studying Killian for a long moment before turning his own attention to the oncoming monarchs.

"It can be difficult to find sympathy for a man who refuses to help himself," Liam said seriously.

"Meaning?"

"Tell her how you feel, Killian. You've no idea what the outcome might be, but at least you'll have laid your cards on the table!"

Killian held Liam's earnest gaze, searching his brother and captain for anything that might be of help. But it was for naught.

"I've made a decision, when it comes to Emma and me."

Killian turned from Liam, the words stuck in his throat. Just a dozen yards away, he could see his princess and her parents stepping from their horses, speaking to the servants arranging the last of Emma's things to bring on board. The sun lit up her hair in a halo, making her even more luminescent than usual. Killian knew then, with perfect clarity, that there would never be another. His love for her would remain unconditional always, no matter what little hope he had for its return.

"She has a destiny," Killian said at last. "And I've no part in it. I will remain as I always have, her constant friend, her most loyal of servants."

Liam shook his head, walking away to assist the King and Queen, pausing just long enough to whisper, "Then you are a fool."

Killian sighed. At least in that, he and his brother were in agreement.

"Permission to come aboard!" Queen Snow called out just then. Killian plastered on a fake smile.

"Permission always granted, your majesty."

It was just a few paces and Killian was beside his monarch, taking her hand and helping her step onto the deck of the ship. Steps behind her were the King and then finally Emma, who emerged onto the Jewel of the Realm with all the regal poise she'd been taught her entire life.

"It seems a fine day for sailing, does it not?" King Charming asked heartily, clapping Killian on the back.

"That it is, majesty."

Snow and Emma came to stand beside the King, the three of them making a pretty picture aboard the regal ship. Snow was muttering lowly to her daughter, no doubt imparting some last morsels of wisdom for the road ahead. It was with a tearful smile that mother and daughter embraced, and Killian could tell from years of experience that Emma was wearing her bravest face, the one she donned when she was at her most vulnerable.

"I want you to know we do not take this commission lightly," Charming said, looking away from his family. He studied Liam and Killian in turn before settling his stare on the younger Jones. "You've both made this kingdom incredibly proud, but I don't think I need to tell you that this will be your most significant voyage to date. The Jewel of the Realm has never held a more precious passenger.

Killian closed his eyes briefly, steadying himself before opening his eyes and nodding tersely. No one needed to explain to him what it meant to have Emma on board.

"Killian," Charming said softly. "At the end of this, if all goes well, I think it will be time we made you a captain."

He could have laughed. This title, which he had sought so greedily, coveted with near insane passion, was now within his grasp. And what was the purpose? His sole aim had been winning enough esteem to feel fit to stand beside a royal heir. Without her, what did it matter what title they called him?

"I think you, sire," Killian said instead, watching the King hold his daughter close, Charming and Snow bidding a final farewell to their beloved daughter. The scene had turned suddenly morose, and Killian felt at last that his own emotions finally matched the mood of the day.

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Emma's fingers lingered over a small figurine, a tiny ship impeccably preserved in a glass bottle. She'd seen such things before, but had never had such occasion to examine one so closely. The workmanship was exquisite, and upon closer inspection she realized it was a remake of the Jewel. She wondered who had made it.

"You can have that, if you like it."

Emma snatched her hand back, turning at Killian's sudden voice. He stood there in the doorway of the small cabin, looking as handsome as ever, his windswept hair making him appear younger. He smiled warmly at her, a welcome sight after the tension that had followed them in recent days.

"I apologize for the cramped quarters," he continued, walking into the cabin. "We had thought to put you in Liam's room, captains quarters and all that. But you wouldn't believe the maps and equipment he has in there," he paused, "we thought you might be more comfortable in here."

"Oh," she replied, realizing with a start that this must be Killian's cabin. She surveyed the room again with new eyes.

"Did you make this?" she asked at last, holding up the small ship in a bottle. Killian nodded, stepping forward and taking the bottle from her hands.

"When I was 13. It was the first time Liam brought me onboard the Jewel. I was so in awe," he said with a chuckle, inspecting the tiny model encased in glass. "It would be years before the ship became my home, but once it did, this was the first thing I put on the shelf."

Killian looked thoughtful, turning the bottle over in his palm before handing it back to Emma. She took it, trying to picture a young Killian bent studiously over the model, but shook her head strongly.

"No, I can't," she said quietly. It occurred to her then that although there was no person in the lands she knew better than Killian Jones, there was still this whole side to him she had never been privy to. His life at sea was a mystery to her, and she felt a sudden thrill that she might at last get to see this portion of his personality. It was only a momentary pleasure, however, as she realized quickly what awaited her at the end of this exploration.

"It belongs here," she said at last, resting the ship back on its perch. Killian nodded stoically, looking ill at ease all of a sudden, as if unsure what to do with his hands.

"Lieutenant!" a young voice called out then. A boy, perhaps 11 or 12 years old, stood in the open doorway, a stack of heavy books in his arms. The child wore a naval uniform at least three sizes too big, the cuffs rolled up at the wrists to keep from swamping his frame. "I brought what you asked for, Lieutenant Jones!"

"Good lad," Killian said, his face lighting up in the most pleasing way. Emma watched entranced, a secret smile on her face as Killian helped the boy with the stack threatening to topple him. Together, the two began piling the books onto a table that sat at the middle of the cabin.

"What's this?"

"Princess Emma," Killian answered, an affectionate look on his face, "It is my pleasure to introduce you to young Henry, master of inventory aboard Her Majesty's Jewel of the Realm."

The boy looked startled by the introduction but recovered quickly, giving Emma a deep bow as a blush reached his cheeks. Emma hid a grin, curtseying in thanks.

"It is an honor to make your acquaintance, young sir."

"It's my honor, princess!" he said enthusiastically, removing his hat and clutching it to his chest. "If there's anything I can fetch ye, just ask. I know everything there is to know about this ship!"

Killian clapped the boy on the shoulder, giving him a wink.

"That'll do, Henry. Go aboard and see if the men need help getting the kitchens to rights."

Henry nodded eagerly, a few more "yes sirs" and "anything you say sirs" on his tongue as he scrambled out of the cabin. Killian watched him as he went, his eyes never leaving the boy until he disappeared from view. "That was Henry," Killian said at last.

"I gathered," Emma replied warmly. "A little young for the service isn't he?"

"Yes, well," Killian said with a shrug, whatever response he had planned trailing off. "Anyway, I brought these books onboard for you. Thought you might find them useful."

Emma peered at the tomes, noticing they all had to do with the Seven Isles. Dining etiquette, holiday customs, religious rituals…Killian had apparently made sure every topic would be covered.

"Thank you," Emma said quietly, her gaze meeting Killian's in a question he seemed resigned against answering.

"Anything," he replied breathlessly. "Ahem," he cleared his throat, "I should get to it. Liam can't sail this ship on his own, no matter what he might say." Emma nodded with a tight smile.

"If you need anything else, don't hesitate…I'll be bunking with Liam if you need us."

"Like old times, huh?"

"Mmm, yes, let's just hope one of us doesn't chuck the other overboard."

With that, Killian left her to her own devices, closing the door quietly behind him to give her privacy. Emma looked around the cabin space, her trunks and personal items taking up every inch of what Killian called his own. The bed was neatly made, notebooks lining the shelves cleanly. There wasn't an inch of dust or clutter, and Emma wondered if it was always like this, or if Killian had made an effort to make it extra tidy for her benefit.

Flipping open the cover of one of the books resting on the table, she began scanning the pages, noticing suddenly familiar handwriting lining the edges. Killian had taken to scribbling notes in the margins. This could be helpful, he'd written at one spot, and A useful Seven Isles custom he'd written in another. She realized with a start that he had made a sort of guide for her, to help her along, and it was with a sudden fear that Emma noted she was on the verge of tears.

Thinking on the loving parents she had just left behind, the childhood bedroom she was sailing away from, the best friend who was just yards away but felt miles from her, Emma had never felt lonelier in all her life.