In the moments of chaos following Emma being dragged from the ballroom by black knights, led by the Evil Queen, Hook spotted David entering the room looking irritated and followed after him. As David strode toward Midas, he caught part of their conversation.

"Snow White- she escaped! My mother's ring is gone- Broke into my chambers."

"Problem there, mate?"

Charming turned around suddenly, obviously annoyed for the distraction and wondering what reason this man could possibly have for doing so. Perhaps out of frustration David responded to the seemingly impertinent intrusion.

"The bandit Snow White broke into my chambers, stole my mother's ring, and escaped into the night."

"Well then, I think we're in a position to help each other," Killian asserted.

He answered the prince's quizzical stare before he could ask. "It seems that Snow White did succeed in stealing your mother's ring, however, she dropped it on her way out and now my princess has it. The catch is that she's just been arrested by Regi- er.. The Evil Queen."

"Great. That's two women who've stolen from me today."

"Any idea of how we're going to get inside the queen's castle?"

Killian turned to look at David who was seated near him by the side of a warm, glowing fire.

Though he was trying to keep his cool, Hook's voice betrayed his mounting worry over Emma.

David looked over at his masquerading companion with a reassuring expression.

"We'll find a way, don't worry."

"You sound quite sure."

The prince smiled the same impossibly optimistic smile he always did.

"Good always wins."

"You're preparing to rescue a woman who you believe stole from you with a man you met hours ago. What makes you think I'm good?"

"Well, you're risking your life to save this princess. A man who only cared about himself wouldn't do that."

"That is true, I suppose."

Hook considered his words for a moment before changing the subject.

"So, are you excited for your nuptials?"

"I'm marrying Midas's daughter, what's there not to be excited about," David replied unenthusiastically as he threw kindling into the flames.

"I don't mean to pry, mate, but you don't look like a man who's doing this by choice."

"The marriage was arranged, the merger of two kingdoms," the prince replied simply, orange firelight warming his face but never reaching his usually smiling eyes. Charming's gaze fell further into the fire, lost in a resigned melancholy. "This whole ordeal makes me wonder if there's even such a thing as True Love."

Killian faltered at his unexpected confession.

"I, I once felt as you did, mate," he started, thinking of Emma,"then I met a woman who turned my whole world upside down. She changed everything."

"Princess Leia, the one we're rescuing?"

"Aye. I'd go to the end of the world for her," he smiled to himself," or time."

"And she for you, I take it?"

A stab of sadness interrupted Killian's musings. He hadn't before considered the one-sidedness of his affection for her.

"I dunno," he laughed bitterly.

David crossed his arms, seeming to enjoy advising Killian on his love life.

"What makes you say that?"

"Well, I wasn't always a good person before I became a lieutenant and sometimes I wonder if she still sees the man I once was, instead of the man I've become," he said honestly, "Not to mention my reputation has made her parents wary of me. I'm not sure they approve."

"Given the lengths you've gone to save her, they'd be crazy not to."

Though he wouldn't admit it, Killian was glad to hear him say that. He smiled at the irony of it all.

David continued, this time looking Hook right in the eye, "Listen Liam, no matter what happened in your past, it doesn't have to define you. You are a man of honor now; It's only a matter of time before they see that."

"I truly hope so," he replied quietly. Though Charming didn't know who he was talking to, Killian hoped his words were true.

"So, what's she like, this woman who turned your world upside down."

Hook's heart seized at the thought of his Swan.

"She's.. she's beautiful and strong, clever and powerful. She's a bloody marvel." He stopped himself, reminding he was talking to her father.

"She sounds like an amazing woman."

"That she is, mate, just incredible."

No sooner had the words left his mouth than they both heard a rustling in the woods near their camp. In an instant, they were both on their feet, swords drawn at the approaching intruder. Hook recognized her right away as Red from Granny's diner, albeit in different clothes.

"Who the hell are you?"

"The name's Red," she replied, "I'm a friend of Snow's and I'm going to help you sneak into the castle."