The first time he saw her, he'd been promoted to Lieutenant, the ceremony held at the king's palace. His brother, whom he'd be sailing under, beamed proudly next to him the entire time, making the whole situation at least bearable. Killian was never one for grand celebrations nor wanting so much attention on himself by so many strangers.

She was beautiful, more so than anything he'd ever seen before in his life, even as a sailor traversing the world. The smile she offered him at one point during the ceremony matched the one on Liam's face and it made his heart flip. Why would she be so pleased for his promotion?

Despite the wonder, a wide smile of his own appeared, his head ducking down for a moment to hide the light pink hue gracing his cheeks before returning his attention to the king.

—-

It started with a single flower left with a maid to give the princess. No note, no name. Just a small gift to let the princess know someone was thinking of her.

Later that day, he'd unintentionally spotted the blonde wandering around the markets, a pensive look on her face as she smelled the flower that twirled between her fingers.

—-

He was only going to be in port for a month before their next commission started. He didn't expect much to come of his actions, content with seeing even the slightest smile turning her lips up when she received another flower from her secret admirer.

—-

Two weeks after the first flower, the sailor finally included a message. It was short and revealed nothing of his identity, yet still hoped it would make her smile brighter than usual.

Princess Emma-

Your smile continues to brighten my day, and I only hope these gifts do the same for you.

—-

As much as he wanted to bring a smile to her face every day, he had to hold himself back. Every other day was more than he probably should be doing, seeing as she was the princess and he a simple sailor.

Besides, he'd be gone in less than two weeks and couldn't afford to grow too attached.

He still continued to send a single flower and a note, sometimes with words of affection, sometimes with bits about himself or his day, and sometimes about nothing in particular. But never revealing who he could possibly be.

—-

A month had passed, much quicker than the lieutenant could ever imagine. Sometimes he wasn't sure he'd counted the days correctly, but here he was, checking over his ship to ensure she was ready to set sail in the morning.

Yet he kept finding his mind wandering to the princess and the realisation he wouldn't be granted the chance to see her smile again for the next six months. A sadness overcame him, mixed with a longing for company he'd never shared before.

He fought with himself for most of the Jewel's preparations as to if he should reveal his identity to her; what good would it do if he was going to be at sea for half a year?

—-

Six flowers were delivered to her just as the Jewel of the Realm set sail with one final message scrawled in familiar writing.

One flower for each month until my return, where my days will be brightened once again by your smile.

-Lieutenant Killian Jones