Author's note: This is a little Lieutenant Duckling AU that I'm playing with. Not sure how long it will be. Those of you how know my work...I will not steer you wrong (at least I hope not). Lots of familiar characters in a new situation or a familiar situation depending on how much you love Frozen. ;) The movie, not 4A, lol. I'm such a sucker for Frozen Swan Brotp! Anyway, I hope you enjoy this and there's plenty more to come, so please don't kill me. ;)

Disclaimer: I am not the dynamic duo of Kitiwitz.

Chapter One

Emma checked to make sure her mourning band was in place before heading for the Council chamber. She was heartbroken for her friend, losing her parents so senselessly. She wanted to do something, to go to her, but she didn't think her parents would allow it. Arendelle was simply too far away and she was the Crown Princess.

She nodded at various people as she passed. She hated making a fuss about her rank; she tried to be as courteous to the servants as possible. It was a lesson learned from her mother, Snow White, who'd learned it from her mother Queen Eva. Emma, though, never got to know her grandmother, as she died while Snow was still a child.

Emma caught a glimpse of her father's flagship, the Jewel of the Realm, out the window, the one preparing for the journey to the grief stricken kingdom of Arendelle. The King and Queen had been lost at sea a mere eight weeks earlier, leaving their eldest daughter Elsa as the reigning Queen. Elsa and Emma were childhood friends; their families were close. In fact, Arendelle had been a haven for Snow White and Prince Charming as they fought Snow's stepmother the Evil Queen for control of Misthaven. The newly restored monarchs repaid the kindness with frequent visits while their children were small, allowing the three little girls to know each other well. Emma was fond of both sisters, Elsa and the younger Anna, but was closer to Elsa. They had much in common, far more than anyone suspected.

Emma hadn't seen Elsa in some time; they corresponded, but letters were slow in coming. She felt so helpless when news of the tragedy arrived. Elsa was a very private person; she confided her fears about becoming Queen to Emma. She wanted nothing more than to be there for her friend, show her that things would be all right.

All she had to do was convince her parents it was a good idea.

The Council chamber was only half full when Emma arrived; she took her seat to her mother's left. Her father, David, smiled sadly, wearing a mourning band of his own. The King of Arendelle had been a good friend to him, having also married a reigning Queen for love. They'd been planning a hunting trip together for the summer, meeting halfway between their kingdoms. Sadly, those plans would ever be.

"Everything okay, Emma?" David asked.

"Not really," Emma replied honestly. "I'm worried about Elsa."

David nodded. "So young to have so much responsibility. But she'll be a good Queen."

"Yeah, I know she will." Emma and Elsa spent lots of time in Elsa's suite in her parents' castle wondering what it would be like when they were each Queen. Neither of them were relishing the task.

"Everyone here?" Snow White asked, taking her seat, skirts rustling. She, too, wore a mourning band as well as a small miniature of the late Queen. Emma thought her mother looked tired, eyes a bit puffy. Had she been crying? She and Queen Gerda were fast friends, so happy to see their daughters' bond.

"I think we're ready, Snow," David said. The Council chamber was one of the few places they could all be so informal. Snow and David's council was filled with their dearest friends, the ones who had stood by them during the fight to reclaim the throne. Granny and her granddaughter, Red, Snow's best friend. All seven dwarves. Jiminy Cricket and Gepetto. Granny was getting on, but she was still there, stalwart as ever, knitting. Red sat next to her husband, the Huntsman who had once saved Snow's life. One of her mother's first acts had been to return his heart to him, since the Evil Queen had taken it. Graham nodded and waved at Emma; she flushed a bit, embarrassed. She'd harbored a crush on him when she was fourteen, but it had long since melted into a more familial affection. He was more like a favorite uncle now, thank the gods. Still, he liked to tease her about it.

Snow cleared her throat. "As I'm sure most of you know, our dear friends, the King and Queen of Arendelle, died at sea eight weeks ago. It has taken that long for news to reach us here. However, this also means that the new Queen will need to be crowned as soon as official mourning is over. We need to send a representative."

Several voices started at once; Emma sat back and observed. It took a moment for Snow to get them to quiet down, to speak in turn. Arguments went back and forth about who was the most suitable person. Grumpy volunteered, but he'd always been very unusual for a dwarf, wanting to see the world.

"We can't insult Arendelle by sending a dwarf," Granny said loudly. "This isn't one of your daydreams, Grumpy."

"Hey!" Grumpy cried, offended. That started a whole other argument and Emma groaned. They were never going to get anything done at this rate. She loved all of these people; they were like family to her. But that didn't mean she occasionally didn't want to throttle them all. How did her mother deal with this?

Emma glanced at her mother; she was pinching the bridge of her nose. Emma bit her lip; she didn't like seeing her mother upset. She waved her hand and a sound like a firecracker went off. Everyone fell silent.

"I'll go," Emma said firmly. "It should be me."

"That's kind of you, Emma, but..." Snow began.

Emma shook her head. "I'm the heir to Misthaven. It only makes sense that I go the crowning of my fellow monarch."

"Not for a very long time," David cut in.

"You don't know that," Emma said quietly. She'd been giving that a lot of thought since the missive arrived from Arendelle. "Elsa's parents were healthy. Young even. And they're gone."

David sobered. "Emma, I know you mean well, but..."

"But what? I'm twenty, Papa. I think I can make my own choice. And I want to be there for Elsa. She needs me."

"Your brother..."

"Is eight years old," Emma reminded him. "Even if something happened to me, Neal will be here and safe." When Snow went so long without conceiving another child, she had the law changed so that the oldest child would inherit, without regard to their sex. Her stepmother, Regina, had used the excuse of possibly being pregnant with the old king's son to usurp Snow's crown. Once it was apparent no child was coming, Regina was fully in control and Snow on the run. Snow wanted to make sure her child didn't go through similar trials.

"You've never been so far on your own before," Snow pointed out.

"So give me a bodyguard. Not a whole regiment, but one trustworthy man. I can defend myself though." Her magic aside, her father had trained her in swordfighting. She could handle herself. She only offered the bodyguard as a concession; Emma fully planned to ignore said person and do as she pleased.

Snow stared at her for a long time. Finally, she nodded. "You'll need to have some new gowns made."

"Snow!" David cried. "You're not actually considering this?"

"She needs to see the world some time, Charming," Snow said gently. "Emma's right, we won't be with her forever."

David looked from his wife to his daughter, both stared determinedly back at him. He had the grace to know when he was defeated. "Fine. But I'm choosing her bodyguard."

Emma let out a relieved sigh. She didn't care about anything else but seeing her friend. She had a feeling Elsa would need her more than ever.

"Stevens," Killian said, trying to sound stern, "why is there a cache of foodstuffs near the powder magazine?"

The seaman feigned disbelief. "I don't know, Lieutenant."

Killian drew himself up to his full height. "Put the food where it belongs, Mr. Stevens. No one gets their own private stash on this vessel. Is that clear?"

"Aye, sir." Stevens headed off looking glum. Killian silently patted himself on the back; the crew was still getting accustomed to his presence. A good officer was firm but fair and Killian had the best example of the maxim in his older brother, Liam. Who just so happened to be the Jewel's captain.

"Attention on deck!" someone cried.

The entire crew snapped to attention, stopping their various tasks. Killian hid his smile as his brother stepped up the gangplank. "At ease, gentlemen." Everyone relaxed and went back to their jobs. "How do she look, Lieutenant?"

Killian grinned. "The food is nearly loaded, as is the crew's belongings. We'll be ready to sail on schedule, Captain."

Liam nodded solemnly, but Killian could see the smile tugging at his lips. He was so proud to be serving with his brother at last. And on the Crown's flagship no less. It was a dream come true. "Are the guest quarters ready?"

Killian frowned. "Guest quarters?"

"Seems we'll be carrying a passenger on our voyage, brother. Come; I'll explain." They headed below deck to Liam's quarters. The captain's quarters were bigger than his own, but hardly the height of opulence. The narrow bunk was clean, but the desk was littered with papers and maps. Liam's books lay untidily on the shelf; Killian always had to fight the urge to straighten them. Not good form, not at all.

"What's going on, Liam?" Killian asked when they were alone.

Liam gestured for him to sit. "Our instructions have changed. We are to escort the princess to Arendelle and stay until the coronation festivities are over."

"But that could take weeks!" Everyone knew of the deaths of the beloved King and Queen; everyone also knew that official court morning lasted for four months. It was a two week journey to Arendelle if the winds were favorable. "Why so much time?"

"The princess is friends with the new queen," Liam said patiently. "She wants to commiserate in person."

"That's what letters are for," Killian groused.

"That's your future Queen," Liam admonished. "I'd watch your tongue around her."

"Surely there are more important tasks for the flagship of the King's fleet."

"More important than escorting the Crown Princess to her destination and seeing her safely home?"

"When you put it like that..." Killian conceded.

Liam sighed. "There's one more thing. And you won't like it."

Killian felt dread settle in his stomach. "Out with it then."

"I have a special request from the king himself. The princess has agreed to have a bodyguard for the duration of our mission."

Killian knew where this was going. "Oh no. No. No. No. Have you gone mad? I'm an officer in Her Majesty's Navy not a bloody bodyguard!"

"Fantastic," said an unfamiliar female voice. Killian's ears instantly started to burn, his eyes widening in horror. "Because I don't need one."

Both brothers snapped to attention. "Your highness!" Liam cried. "I offer my apologies on my brother's behalf. He's young." Killian would have glared hard at Liam if he wasn't frozen in place. How long had she been standing there? And where the bloody hell had she come from?

Emma waved her hand dismissively. "It's fine. It seems that neither I nor the..." She looked at his insignia. "Lieutenant are crazy about this situation."

Killian finally found his voice. "I'm..." He turned around to face her, which was a mistake. He'd heard gossip about the beautiful princess, but he'd never laid eyes on her. She was beautiful, not that anyone was asking his opinion. Long golden tresses, bright green eyes, fine features. She wore a gown of pale yellow, a black mourning band tied to the left sleeve. He stared at her, completely dumbstruck. She looked precisely how he imagined a beautiful woman looking, not that he had much experience. Or any really. Finally, he swallowed. "Happy to be at your highness's service," he finished lamely, cheeks flushing crimson.

Emma felt her chest constrict, while maintaining her cool facade. She'd seen Captain Jones a few times, conferring with her father. He was handsome enough. She had no idea he had a brother, especially one who was so...good looking. Emma wasn't—couldn't—be like the scullions or maids, swooning over men in uniform. She saw them all the time as part of her duties. But just this once, she had to admit that she saw the appeal. The young man before her was her age, maybe a year older? But he was tall, dark haired with red tinged scruff. From the northern reaches of their kingdom perhaps? But it was the eyes that stayed with her. They were the color of the sky on a summer day, the kind of blue that only shone on the most perfect of fair days.

Unfortunately, the illusion was broken when he opened his mouth, stammering like a naughty school boy. That was partially her fault, dropping in on them unannounced like this. But her bodyguard was going to need to cope with stressful situations. She wanted to size him up for herself.

"Look, I don't like this anymore than you do. And frankly, I can take care of myself."

"Killian is the finest swordsman I've seen, aside from the king," Liam said proudly. "He's fit for this duty." Killian flushed again, unused to such high praise from his brother.

Emma grinned, sensing a challenge. "Is that so? Do I get a demonstration?"

Killian snapped back to reality. "I would be honored," he said, his voice much steadier this time.

"Does the main deck work for you?"

Killian started. "Now?"

"Of course. We're leaving in three days, Lieutenant."

"Who will I be fighting?"

Emma's grin broadened. "Me." She turned on her heel and climbed nimbly from the cabin, leaving both Jones brothers standing there in shock.

"What the bloody hell just happened?" Killian demanded.

Liam burst out laughing. "Seems you've gotten yourself into quite a pickle, brother."

Killian groaned. "I hate you." After shooting his brother a glare, he climbed up the ladder and went to fetch his sword. When he returned, the princess was waiting for him. She'd tied her hair back, green eyes alight with mischief. She was examining one of the other officer's swords, checking the balance on it. Or she was examining the engraving; it was hard to tell. Killian had no idea what the princess thought she was playing at; he had no desire to fight her. She was a high born lady and he was a gentleman. But she was also his princess and he couldn't disobey her.

"Ready?" the princess asked.

Killian swallowed. "I'm not sure this is such a good idea, your highness."

"Afraid, Lieutenant?"

"Certainly not. I have no desire to hurt you."

"You won't." She said it so dismissively; he stared at her. Was she insane? A sword was no toy. She tossed the scabbard aside and held the sword in front of her, looking serenely calm. "I'm giving you permission to attack me, Lieutenant.

Killian looked at Liam, who nodded. Fantastic. He was cornered. Killian drew his sword and bowed, then tossed his hat. One of the crew caught it. Then, before he could change his mind, Killian attacked.

Emma sidestepped him easily, even in her skirts. But then he surprised her by slashing upward and she caught it just in time. She frowned in concentration, biting her lip. It seemed that Captain Jones hadn't been exaggerating. His brother was a good swordsman. Emma had spent years learning from her father, going up against the best knights of the realm to hone her skills. She was very good, if she said so herself. But what had begun as a tease meant to intimidate was turning into a serious fight.

Killian backed up, parrying the princess's attack. He had no idea how she moved so well in her gown, but he was straining to keep up with her. He looked for an opening, anything, but she hadn't made an idle boast. It was decidedly unladylike, but it only made him more intrigued by her. Still, he wasn't about to hurt her, so he parried where he normally would have slashed, giving ground.

"Stop coddling me," Emma huffed, swinging a slash toward the Lieutenant's thigh. He blocked her. "I can take it."

"You're...the...princess," Killian countered, grimacing. "It's bad form."

"I don't want to hurt you," Emma grunted, pivoting and slashing. "But I will."

Killian parried the strike, then made a intricate move spinning their blades around until their straining arms were entwined and they were practically nose to nose. He couldn't help but notice how mesmerizing her eyes were. Emma wet her lips and tried to move, trying not to look him in the eye. Those baby blues should be illegal, damn it.

"Let me go," Emma snapped.

"I thought you could extricate yourself, highness?" He didn't know where the flash of cheek was coming from, but she'd earned his respect. Plus it meant he didn't have to look directly at her, which was good because she was really starting affect him. Like a woman affects a man. And that was sure to land him at the gallows if they didn't kill each other first.

Emma gritted her teeth and yanked herself free, coming around for another blow. Back and forth they went. Emma was sweating in her gown; her mother was going to kill her. But she didn't want to be the first to yield.

Killian spun; a dangerous move but worth it. Sparks flew as their swords clanged together; they were both beginning to tire. This had gone on longer than either of them anticipated. He sought an opening, something they could both live with, an end. But the princess found it first. She seemed to look up, distracting him, and before he knew it, her sword was pointed at his throat.

Emma smiled triumphantly. "I win."

Killian swallowed. "Aye, your highness."

"Good enough form for you, Lieutenant?"

He nodded, well aware of the sharp sword. But it wasn't a lie. She was a superior swordswoman. He'd actually had fun dueling her. "Whoever taught you must be very proud."

Emma smiled, lowering her sword and dropping a curtsy. "I'll tell him you said that. The King will be honored by your compliment."

Killian blinked. She'd learned from the King? That explained a lot. But that final tactic, that was all her. "It was my honor, Your Highness."

Emma handed the sword back to the officer she'd borrowed it from before saying goodbye to Captain Jones and his crew. Maybe having a bodyguard around wasn't so bad after all.

Three days later, Emma and her parents were at the docks. The King and Queen were taking a final tour of the Jewel before sending Emma on her voyage. She scanned the assembled crew, searching for her lieutenant. She'd thought about him more than she wanted to admit; those blue eyes popping up in her dreams over and over. Worse was the ache she felt when she woke, a physical ache. She'd heard enough gossip and read enough books to understand what it was. She'd even explored her most private places a few times, which only served to frustrate her more so she stopped.

This felt different though, sharper, more acute. She could see those blue eyes, the fluid way he moved while they were fighting. On a whim, she tried again and was rewarded with pleasure. Emboldened, she kept going until she reached a peak, a soft cry into her pillow. It was a revelation to her, but thinking about it now, searching for the object of her fantasy, she felt a mixture of guilt and anticipation. Would she get the shy stammering lieutenant or the bold swordsman? Did it matter?

Killian did one final sweep of the guest quarters, making sure everything was in its proper place. He couldn't say he was exactly relishing this duty, but he was determined to do his best. Liam would expect nothing less. He would just have to keep thoughts—and his hands—to himself. What did it matter if the gorgeous princess had occupied most of his waking thoughts? Or his dreams? He kept waking up in a cold sweat, imagining her there with him. It was terrible; gross disrespect of her person and he was convinced he was going to a special level of hell. But he couldn't make the dreams stop. And now he would be in her presence for hours at a time, as her faithful bodyguard.

It was intolerable and Killian had no idea what to do. He certainly wasn't so cowardly as to deny his duty. Liam was depending on him, had faith in him. And he wanted to make his brother proud.

"They're here," Liam said, startling him.

Killian hoped his flush wasn't obvious in the semi dark cabin. "Lead on, brother."

Liam frowned. "Are you all right?"

"Aye. Just rechecking the princess's quarters." It would be a cold day in hell before he told his brother about this particular problem.

"Good man." Liam clapped him on the shoulder and they headed up to the main deck. Killian stood at his brother's side as Liam greeted the King and Queen. Killian had only ever seen them from a distance; they were older than he expected. The Queen was dark where her daughter was fair, but the princess had her eyes. She was still beautiful though. The King was tall, a hint of gray hair at his temples. Judging by his handshake, he was still strong after all these years. The King seemed slightly tense, but that was understandable.

"Lieutenant Jones?"

"Aye, Your Majesty."

"I am counting on you to watch over her," the king said seriously.

"You have my word."

"Emma spoke very highly of your sword skills," the king said with a hint of a smile. "Perhaps you'd indulge me upon your return?"

Killian did blush then, surprised but pleased that the princess had seen fit to speak of him to her father. "It would be my honor, Majesty." And he bowed for good measure.

"Excellent." The King and Queen went off with Liam to tour the ship and suddenly Killian found himself face to face with the princess. He gulped. Wet his lips. Blinked. Gods, she was stunning.

"We meet again, Lieutenant," Emma said, holding out her hand. She slyly looked him up and down, waiting for him to speak.

"Your quarters are ready, highness," Killian said finally, bending to kiss her hand. Her skin was warm against his; her fingers twitched in his grip and he dropped her as if burned. "I saw to it myself."

Emma swallowed as a sudden flush crept up her neck. She could still feel the ghost of his lips on her skin. "I'm sure they'll be adequate. Would you like to show me the rest of your ship?"

"She's the Captain's ship," Killian said seriously, but offered the princess his arm.

"But he's your brother, so doesn't that kind of make it yours too?"

"She," Killian corrected. "Ships are referred to in the female."

Emma smiled. "I like that."

Killian felt his heart beat just a little bit faster at her radiant smile; if he kept this up, it was going to be a very long mission. Time to get a grip on himself. He worked to keep his voice steady as he gave her a comprehensive tour of the Jewel; it would be her home for the next several weeks. She asked some very pointed questions, things Killian would never have dreamed she would care about. As they walked, he relaxed considerably, but never to the point where he forgot who she was.

Emma wasn't completely unfamiliar with ships. The palace sat by the water; she could see them coming in and out of the nearby port from her window. But she'd never been on one as grand as the Jewel. She could tell that her lieutenant was very experienced for one so young. She wondered why that was. But she liked listening to him speak, taking several opportunities to needle him, just a little.

"These are your quarters," Killian said quietly, pausing in front of a door. He opened it, allowing her inside.

Emma stepped inside; honestly, it was larger than she expected. Not as large as the captain's quarters, however. Her father had warned her that this kind of traveling wouldn't be what she was accustomed to, but that hadn't deterred her. She'd written to Elsa already, but it would take time to receive a reply. They could be halfway to Arendelle in the meantime.

There was a bunk complete with a mattress and pillow filled with down, covered in rich fabrics. It was soft to the touch. The room also had a small writing desk and a cabinet for her things. She even had a small window. She smiled at the bouquet of flowers that lay on the desk; they looked freshly picked from the palace gardens. She turned to thank him, but her lieutenant was standing stiffly outside in the hall.

"Are you going to stand out there all day?" she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.

"A gentleman never enters a lady's quarters without permission," he said.

"Come in, Lieutenant." He hesitated for a moment, but did as she asked. But he kept a respectful distance. "Thank you for the flowers."

"It was no trouble."

"Must have been quite a feat to get permission from the master gardener," she teased.

Killian shifted awkwardly. "I thought you'd like a reminder of home, your highness."

"It's very thoughtful, Lieutenant."

"There's some ink, quills and parchment in the drawer as well," he rambled. "If there's anything else you need, we'll be happy to oblige."

"I'm sure I'll be fine." It was getting late; surely, they would be casting off soon. She moved toward the door but it seemed the lieutenant was going to show her something else and they ran into each other. Quite forcefully. He jumped back as if stung, apologizing profusely. "It's okay, it's okay," Emma assured him, flushing crimson. She hadn't been prepared for the solid feel of him against her.

Killian cursed under breath for his stupidity, then mentally berated himself for cursing. She was the bloody princess! It didn't help that he'd instinctively reached out to steady her, briefly feeling his hands on her waist. Clumsy idiot. He was making a mess of things and they hadn't even left port yet.

"I should go say goodbye to my parents," Emma was saying, snapping him back to reality. Killian nodded, offering his arm once more. Solely because he was a gentleman. He couldn't look at her, knowing she would certainly be rethinking his place as her bodyguard now.

Emma took his arm, smiling at his flustered expression. It amused her that he was so shy around her, but that he could still be the man who'd so impressed her with his swordsmanship. Perhaps she could find a way to get him to relax and bring that man up to the surface. The dichotomy intrigued her. She certainly would have nothing better to do over the course of the voyage.

They reached the top deck; her parents were waiting. She hugged and kissed them in farewell, listening patiently to their parting words and accepting gifts she was to present to Elsa and Anna upon her arrival. Emma would be Misthaven's ambassador; her first real official duty on the behalf of her people. Emma took it seriously, even though she truly just wanted to be there for her friend. She stood at the rail as her parents disembarked, waving as Captain Jones gave the order for them to cast off. She could feel her lieutenant behind her, a silent sentinel. She waved and waved, the wind beginning to toss her hair as they picked up speed.

When the palace was a speck in the distance, Emma headed below, not wanting to get in the way. She'd opted to leave her maids at home, so she'd have to unpack herself.

"Your highness?"

"Yes?"

"My brother, that is to say the Captain, wishes me to convey his invitation to dinner this evening. If the day has not been too trying."

"Will you be attending also, Lieutenant?"

"If the princess wishes."

"Then I shall be happy to accept."

An hour after sunset, Killian knocked on the princess's door. He adjusted his collar, determined to be more himself this time. Frankly, he was still stunned that she still wanted him as her bodyguard, given that she was more than capable of taking care of herself and he'd made a right arse of himself earlier. But he was pleased too, because it meant he got to spend more time with her.

Emma opened the door, the skirt of her gown clutched in her hand. She'd managed to unpack most of her things before succumbing to the gentle swaying of the ship, napping for at least a couple of hours. Emma hadn't napped like that since she was child, but she found the sea comforting in a way she hadn't expected. "Lieutenant."

Killian bowed. "Your highness. The Captain is waiting." He offered his arm. She took it, shutting the door behind her. "You changed your gown."

Emma blushed. "Yes. Would you like to hear a confession?"

"If you like."

"I fell asleep. Earlier as I was unpacking. I didn't want to show up to dinner in a wrinkled gown."

"Is this your first time on a ship?" he asked, curious.

"Not exactly. This is my first time on a vessel this size. Papa, that is the King, only allowed short trips out into the bay. Whenever we visited someone, it was overland. Even Arendelle."

"You've been to Arendelle?"

"Not in a long time. Arendelle isn't far from the summer palace."

"I was not aware."

"Not many people are. But Arendelle was an ally when my parents were fighting to take back the kingdom."

That explained why the Navy was sent on so many missions there. However, it seemed there were ties that Killian could not have imagined. He didn't think much about politics or foreign relations; he was just a young lieutenant. They moved deeper into the bowels of the ship, lapsing into silence. It was a bit uncomfortable; he didn't really know what to say to her or if he should say anything at all. Fortunately, he was saved by arriving at the mess. Most of the crew had eaten earlier; this would be a private meal in so far as that was possible on a ship.

"Good evening, Your Highness," Liam said, bowing.

"Good evening, Captain." She held out her hand and he kissed it. Now that they were underway there was a formality that Emma wasn't crazy about. She noticed Killian stiffen beside her.

"Is your cabin satisfactory?"

"Yes, the lieutenant did an excellent job. He was very thoughtful."

"We will do our best to make the journey as smooth as possible." He offered Emma a seat and she took it. The captain sat to her right and the lieutenant to her left.

"How long do you think it will take?"

"Typically, the journey is two weeks if the winds are in our favor. I've only made the crossing once. This will be my brother's first visit; isn't it, Killian?"

Killian nodded. He was still wondering about his reaction to his brother kissing her hand. She was the princess; it was protocol. He had to get a grip on himself. "Aye, I haven't had a chance to visit any of the Northern kingdoms yet."

"Did you not serve together?" Emma asked.

"This is our first posting together in a long time," the captain said. "We started while Killian was very young. Captain Lyons took us in, before he was Admiral Lyons, obviously."

"I know him," Emma said. "He's a great friend of my father's."

Killian shifted uncomfortably, not sure he wanted to relive those early days. Captain Lyons took them in, two orphaned boys trying to survive. Killian became a cabin boy and Liam worked his way up the ranks. When Killian finally received his own commission, he was transferred to another ship with the promise of returning to his brother's command once he had some experience. He'd been thrilled to get called back to serve on this ship. Fortunately, the conversation turned to other things as their food arrived. The ship's chef had done well; the quality of the cooking was due to the princess's presence.

They offered a prayer for a safe voyage; Emma added one for Queen Elsa. Killian was touched by her evident concern for her friend. He could tell this was a personal mission for her, as well as an official one. He felt his lingering frustration draining way as he listened to her speak of her childhood visits to the kingdom; this mission was just as important as any more adventurous one they could have had. When he dropped her off at her quarters, he wished her good night, much more confidently than he had greeted her that morning. He was thoroughly charmed by her.

Emma found herself falling into a routine as the days passed. She took breakfast in her room, then spent much of the morning on the deck, conversing with Captain Jones or sparing with Lieutenant Jones or just taking in the air. The crew quickly grew accustomed to her presence, especially once she ditched the gowns and starting wearing her blue suede vest and breeches. Some of the men were shocked at first, but she won them over. Lieutenant Jones had goggled at her for a full minute before speaking and Emma had to suppress a laugh. He was so easily flustered, her lieutenant.

There wasn't much danger on the ship but he took his duties seriously, always near at hand. She discovered that his quarters were down the hall from her own, but she was sure he would be quite scandalized if he knew she knew. She was still dreaming about him, only with more detail as they spent more and more time together. She frequently dined with him and his brother; it was still formal, but they were much more at ease which made her happy. Despite the seriousness of her mission, she was having fun; it was a very welcome change from court life.

On the fifth day, Emma emerged from her quarters unattended, roused by the unusual shouting and running. She hurried up to the quarterdeck to find out what the commotion was all about.

"Princess!" Killian cried, heart sinking at the sight of her. "You must get below. It's not safe."

"Not until I find out what's going on," she snapped. "Now tell me."

"It's pirates, highness," Liam said, pointing aft. "Just there." To Killian's surprise he handed her the spyglass. The princess peered though it, a frown marring her pretty face.

"So what do we do?"

"Fight," Killian said immediately. "But first I'm taking you below."

"No."

"Your highness, please."

"Captain?"

"We should be able to out run them. The Jewel's the fastest ship in the fleet."

"And what if we can't?"

"We'll fight. Have faith in my crew, highness."

The princess looked from the far off ship, to Liam and finally to Killian. She seemed to get more determined with every flick of her green eyes. "I think I know something that can help."