Hi everyone! thank you all for your patience. I've had major writer's block lately. I hope you guys love the chapter :D

The bright morning sun shone through the library window as Emma was looking through dusty bookshelves, trying to find something, anything that could reverse the spell. She needed her magic, not just for her, but the kingdom. There had to be something in these selves that they overlooked the first time. If the Dark One was truly gathering up more magical objects it couldn't be good. His plans never turned out to be any good. They needed to protect themselves. Emma groaned, snatching a few titles off the shelves and adding it to the ever-growing stack.

She'd been here half the night and now into the morning, after leaving the meeting yesterday she had been bone tired and slept away most of the day. After waking up Emma decided that there had to be another way, there had to be something else they could do. Killing Regina couldn't be the only way to get her magic back. There had to be something else, some obscure spell in one of these dusty books.

A sudden surge of pain coursed down her scarred arm. Emma cursed and dropped the books she was holding. She staggered to the nearest table, slapping her palm on it, trying to hold herself up. Emma ripped off the sleeve of her dress, seeing the dark blue and purple scars fade to white, the table became incredibly hot beneath her hand. The candles in the library flickered. A familiar warm feeling spread through Emma. A feeling that she hadn't felt in a long time, in many years. She almost didn't want to believe it, simply because she didn't want to be wrong. Emma brought her hand up from the table and saw her handprint burned into the wood. Emma closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She opened her eyes and focused on the books on the floor. With every bit of her being she willed the books back into her arms. Without hesitation they leaped into her arms in a neat stack. Her magic was back. She dropped them again in excitement and began extinguishing and relighting all the candles. Emma might just cry. It was something that had been gone for so long, something she thought she'd never have back. After the excitement wore off, fear struck her, if she had her magic then what happened to Regina?

Emma ran out of the library and down to the throne room. With a flick of her wrist the doors opened, and she smiled. She hasn't felt this good in a long time, in years. Her mother and father were gaping at her.

"Did you…?" David asked her. Emma nodded.

"Oh sweetheart," Snow gasped.

"I have no clue; I was hoping you two would. If I have my magic, then what happened to Regina?" Emma asked, confused.

"Have you seen Killian today?" David cleared his throat. Emma looked at her father confused.

"No, why…" she paused then realization hit her, "No! You two let him go through with that crazy plan!"

"Emma, he was willing to do what none of us could do. He was willing to do that for our kingdom, for you," Snow explained.

"For me?"

"You've had your magic back for what maybe ten minutes and you're happier than I've seen you in years. I know you tried to accept your life without it, but it's always been a part of you. He knew that, he's an accomplished soldier and he'll return home safely. Graham went with him." Her mother had an all-knowing look in her eyes. The one Emma can't stand.

"Who said I was worried about that?" Emma won't make eye contact with her.

"Sweetheart, we see the way you look at him. It's clear you care for him," David stepped in.

"Oh," She was about to swear up and down that they were wrong, that she couldn't possibly care about him, but she could barely make herself say the words. The truth was she did and had for a while. She may even love him. If you had asked Emma when she sailed to Arendelle if she thought, she would fall in love with Killian she would've laughed in their face. She could never love the enemy she fought most of her life. He's surprised her from day one and he's never run from her. Killian's been by her side, at first it might have been for the treaty, but it developed into something else over these last few weeks.

Emma summoned a white cloud to transport her back to her room, not wanting to deal with her parents and their knowing stares.

"I can't say I miss her doing that to run away from an argument," David sighed, throwing his arm around his wife.

"No, I can't say I did either. You know her, she just needs to process this on her own." Snow looked up to meet her husband's gaze and he nodded.

"Oh no, it can't be," Emma paced around her room, pondering what this meant for her, for Killian. His actions changed everything; he was willing to risk his life for her. He said things yesterday and so did she. His words kept ringing in her head, he all but admitted he cared for her. Did he feel the same way about her? She had often wondered about what he felt for her. That one night on the ship he had mumbled something, but she thought that was due to the fever, not his true feelings. Emma never knew what to think of that night.

Emma was mad at him for leaving without a word, but mostly she was mad at herself for not making sure he went through with this. She wanted Killian here, she wanted to talk to him about what she had been avoiding for weeks, but she had to wait. Mostly she wanted to be sure he was in one piece. She paced around her room for hours watching the sun slip lower and lower in the sky.

Emma moved out onto her balcony and looked down to the front gate, to see it closing behind two figures on horseback. From this distance she couldn't see who it was, but she had a good idea of who they were. The horses headed toward the stables and Emma transported herself in a cloud of white smoke to the same place. She wanted to talk to Killian before her parents did.

Emma folded her arms tightly as they rode up. Both Killian and Graham looked tired as they dismounted.

"How long have you been waiting out here?" Killian asked her as a stable boy took his horse back.

"Just a couple of minutes," Emma said, anger clear in her voice. Killian raised an eyebrow at her tone.

"How can you possibly be mad about this?" Killian sighed, knowing her mood from her tone.

"How can I-? You snuck out to kill her without a damn word!" Emma shouted. Graham quietly heads into the castle, leaving them alone.

"Well did it work?" Killian responded. Emma closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened them, he's standing directly in front of her. His gaze never leaving her, hopeful that his hard work paid off. She held her hand out palm up, a warm soft light emanating from it. Killian's face reflected shock and complete wonder.

"Emma, why are you mad? I know you've missed your magic. You told me as much. What is this about?" Killian asked her, his eyes searching hers.

"Because you ran off on a dangerous mission without a word to me! What if something happened to you?" She snapped. Surprise filled his blue eyes.

"Do you care about me?" She put both hands on his face.

"Of course, I care about you! You stubborn man, it's quite possible I love you." Killian just blinks at her, floored by her response. In a million years he never thought she'd feel the same way he did. Without thinking about it Killian swept her into his arms and kissed her in a way she never has been kissed before. He can't form words to say to her right now, his actions will have to be enough. Emma gripped the collar of his coat and kissed him back. It's everything she had imagined and more. His soft lips against hers, his hand firmly pressed against her back. Emma pulled away and rested her forehead against his.

"I love you too." He had finally found the words. His gaze unblinking, unwavering.

"I was mad you left without saying anything. I was worried something would happen to you," she muttered, still holding onto him.

"I know. I won't do that again. It was bad form." He smirked at her.

"Please don't, why did you?" She loosened her grip on his collar.

"I was afraid you would have tried to stop me; tell me it was a bad idea. It wasn't by the way. You gained back something that was lost for too long and I had no qualms about killing her. Perhaps this is how it was supposed to be."

"Perhaps, but another reason I didn't want you to go was because her blood is on your hands because of me," she sighed, moving out of his grasp. He caught her elbow, turned her back to him.

"Emma, we all have blood on our hands because of that damn war. She took something precious from you and I was willing to take it back for you."

"I know and I will always be eternally grateful for that, for you," she said with a glimmer of hope and understanding in her eye. Killian swept her into his arms and kissed her once more. He would be content to do this for the rest of his days. She truly had never felt anything like this before. His kiss filled her with warmth and longing she had never felt anything like before. She would be beyond happy to kiss him for the rest of her days. They broke apart once more, much to her dismay.

"Love, I'd gladly kiss you forever, but your parents might object." He chuckled. She groaned, but agreed. Their hands joined together, and fingers were intertwined as they strode into the castle.

The day went by in a whirlwind, Emma found she didn't want to be far from Killian's side. She supposed it had been like that for a while now, but she let herself gravitate to his side or hold his hand. Emma didn't miss the looks her parents exchanged, but they said nothing. They were beyond thrilled that Emma had her magic back and that they were happy she was smitten with a certain prince. Killian had to restrain himself; he wanted to be touching or holding Emma at all times.

Before they turned in for the night Emma and Killian had a long goodbye in the hallway. Filled with lingering kisses and soft touches. Both desperately didn't want to say goodnight to one another.

"I can't seem to let you go," Killian mumbled before pressing another kiss into her neck.

"A spring wedding seems rather distant now doesn't it?" Emma chuckled moving her hands up and down his back.

"Very." An idea comes to Emma's mind, "What is it love?"

"What if I told you we didn't have to wait until spring to spend a night together?" Emma bit her lip.

"Emma, your guards are right there. They would know if we did. I won't put your virtue at risk," Killian shook his head, "Also if you want your father to not kill me where I stand, I suggest you go sleep in your own bed."

"Do you trust me?"

"Of course, love, but what does that have to do with this?" His brow furrowed and confusion spread across his face.

"Everything," her voice lowered to a whisper, "Say goodnight and go into your room." Killian frowned, but knew better than to question her. He told her goodnight and kissed her cheek before going into his room. Emma went into her room as well and quickly changed into her nightgown and brushed her long golden hair. Her room and Killian's shared a wall she stood before it and took in a deep breath. With the wave of her hand a door appeared. Emma had expected her magic would take some getting used to again, but it was like nothing had changed, like no time had passed at all.

Emma knocked on the door before entering, she found Killian standing in the middle of the room wearing his night clothes with a dumbfounded look on his face.

"I don't know what I expected but it wasn't that," he said, blinking rapidly. Emma shut the door behind her.

"I'm glad I can keep you on your toes," she smiled. An awkward silence fell between them. Emma didn't quite know what to do with her hands. Killian's ears turned red. Neither one of them knew what to do next. Emma's gaze drifted toward the bed.

"Why is this different? We've spent the night together before, we've shared a bed much smaller than this…" Killian reached out and took her hand in his.

"Before we didn't love each other. Before we hadn't kissed. Before I hadn't held you in my arms like this. It's different for many reasons, none of them bad." His free hand cupped her cheek, caressing it.

"Trust me?" He mirrored her question from minutes before.

"Yes," Emma said on her exhale. Killian embraced her, his lips caressing hers. Her hands exploring his body. He guided her toward the bed, lying her down gently. He joined her on the bed, his hands all over her. Emma released little gasps and moans that made his cock twitch. He pushed up her nightgown, and found her bare underneath. She pulled the gown off over her head and onto the floor. He kissed her lips once again as his fingers stroked her entrance. Emma moaned again.

His fingers found her clit and her eyes snapped open.

"Killian…" His eyes met hers, filled with lust and wanting. He stopped moving his fingers but did not remove them from her.

"Do you want me to stop?" He whispered and a shiver went down her spine.

"No…" her eyes never left his. His thumb moved in small circles on her clit. She began to writhe beneath him, and it made him want her even more.

"Then let me give you pleasure." Keeping his thumb where it was, sinking two fingers inside of her.

"You're so wet for me. Have you thought of me touching you?" He slowly began moving his fingers in and out of her. Emma gripped his forearm.

"Yes…" she breathed out. He sunk his fingers deep inside of her, his thumb moving faster over her clit causing her to cry out. He pressed a kiss beneath her ear.

"Now, my love as much as I love your noises, the whole castle will soon know what dirty things I'm doing to you. Shhh." He whispered in her ear. Emma bit her lip in desperation, she didn't think she would be able to keep quiet. He began to move his thumb and fingers in tandem. Her breathing became erratic and fast paced. Even with biting her lip Killian could hear all the little moans in her throat. He applied more pressure to her clit, his movements quicker. Emma's eyes opened and released her lip. Killian could feel her walls clenching on his fingers. She went limp in his arms. He slowly removed his fingers; they were dripping wet. He gladly licked her essence off of them. She tasted like perfection; he would be happy sinking his tongue deep inside her. That would have to wait for another day. Her eyes fluttered open and he pressed a kiss into her lips. She savored every second of it. Her hands brushed against his hard length through the fabric of his pants. She dipped her hand into his pants, her hand wrapping around him. He hissed.

"Emma, you don't have to."

"I know I want to," she said with an edge of eagerness in her voice. Her thumb spread a bead of precum around his tip. Her hand moved up and down slowly. Her other hand pushed his pants down giving her freedom to move. Emma gave him a few quick pumps before moving to take him in her mouth. The move surprised Killian to say the least, he hissed once more and groaned at the contact. She moved her mouth and tongue up and down, making sure her tongue swirled around his tip. Her movements became quick, she released a slight gagging sound when he hit the back of her throat. She used one of her hands to cup his balls, Killian thought he might combust from the stimulation. He buried one of his hands in her hair, guiding her head. She kept up with the fast pace, wanting to bring him as much pleasure as he brought her. Emma hollowed out her cheeks, the extra pressure finally sending him over the edge, his cum spilling down her throat. Killian collapsed against the bed. Emma released him and swallowed with a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Proud of yourself?"

"Yes," she licked her lips once more. Emma flopped on the bed next to him. Killian pulled her close to him. Exhaustion and the warmth emanating from Killian pulled Emma into slumber, his arms wrapped around her.

They woke in the early morning hours, the sun barely poking over the horizon. Emma turned to face Killian who was rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

"Killian…"

"Yes, love."

"I never thanked you for what you did, returning my magic. It means more to me than you'll ever know." Tears welled in her eyes, but did not fall down her face. Killian brushed a few stray strands of hair off of her face.

"Emma, I'd do just about anything for you. If it brought you happiness, then my mission was a success."

"Your mission?" She smiled, questioning him.

"To make sure you are happy for the rest of our days, no matter what." Emma shook her head, still smiling. Emma's heart melted slightly, and it was hard to believe there was a time when she hated the man whose bed she was in, harder to believe she loved him. If these weeks and months had taught her anything it was that nothing is expected and perhaps everything had led her here.

"Off to a good start then… I unfortunately should head back to my room before someone notices I'm gone." A certain sadness filled her voice.

"Of course." Killian kissed her forehead, holding her tightly for a moment longer. Everything they had last night was amazing and he can't wait for the day she no longer has to leave him. He released her reluctantly. Emma gave him a sad smile before she kissed his cheek, slow to leave his embrace. Emma sat up and got out of the bed, a chill ran down her spine as she was met with the chilly morning air. Killian couldn't help but let his eyes explore her gloriously naked body. Like he had said before she was beautiful no matter what.

Emma found her night gown and pulled it on quickly. At the door Emma paused with her hand on the knob. She looked back at Killian, who's eyes were still on her,

"See you at breakfast, my love." Emma nodded and blushed slightly before going through the door.

The door shut and with the flick of her wrist the door disappeared. She didn't want to leave any evidence behind of what they had done. Ruby will probably be able to tell based on their scents, but that couldn't be avoided. Emma cleaned herself up quickly and messed up her bed to make it look slept in for the maids to clean later. She chose a simple green dress for the day, hoping later maybe Killian would have some time to spar with her, so she'd have an excuse to wear pants again. He could never take his eyes off of her when she did.

The sun rose above the mountains when there was a knock on her door. She opened it to find Killian fully dressed and ready for the day. He gave her a charming smile and offered his arm.

"Good morning," Killian gave her a wink, "Ready, love?" Emma nodded and linked her arm with his. Both of them were smiling the whole way down.

Snow and David were whispering when they walked into the dining room. The couple exchanged a worrying look when Emma and Killian entered.

"What is it?" Emma asked, cutting to the chase. Killian's arm dropped and he fumbled for her hand. Emma squeezed his hand once it was in hers.

"Two things actually, Killian's ship is about two days out, so you two will be heading to the safe house tonight with the supplies." David stated.

"The second thing?" Killian asked.

"The Dark One has started to take men from the village surrounding his castle. We need to prepare for an attack." Snow told them. Emma can feel the magic tingling in her fingertips. She pulled it in quickly not wanting to hurt Killian. She turned to him and saw the same worried expression in his face. Whatever was coming wasn't good, they needed to be prepared for the worst.