Chapter 24: Birthday Honours

Typically, Johanna would get to Emma's chambers just after sun up to ensure her little charge was up, bathed and dressed for the day. As it happened, this well worn routine was upset the next morning. Due to a persistent twinge in her back that made sleep impossible, she had gone down to the kitchen to order a pail of hot, salted water to make a compress. This required her to pass by Emma's chambers. As it was not yet dawn, she had quite rightly expected the little girl to still be fast asleep, but this was not the case. Johanna clearly heard the little princess' voice as she exited the stairwell.

"KILLIAN! KILLIAN!" Emma was trying to shout while also trying to be quiet about it and failing miserably. Johanna hurried to find out why her young charge sounded so distressed and found Emma, still in her nightdress, standing in the hallway giving a picture perfect demonstration of 'suspicious behaviour'. She was leaning as far down the hallway towards the boys' chambers as she could while still keeping at least one finger on her door. She looked very worried; biting her lip in between calling out for Killian. When Emma saw Johanna, her eyes went wide and she threw herself back inside and slammed her door shut.

Johanna squared her shoulders, long accustomed to the antics of children who had done something wrong and were trying to hide it, and walked right up to the door and knocked softly.

"Your Highness, what's happened? How can I help? Do I need to get your Mama?"

"No! I need Killian," Emma squeaked from the other side of the door. "I need Killian, now!"

"Now, now, Your Highness, let me in and we can sort out what's happened," Johanna said, attempting to sound as non-threatening as possible.

Emma opened the door just a crack and peeked out. "Mama said I wasn't allowed to leave my room after bedtime and I didn't. You saw, I had my finger on the door and that counts as not leaving."

"Yes, I saw you. I can tell your Mama you did the right thing, but the sun is almost up, now. It's morning and you can come out and go see Killian, after we get you dressed," Johanna reasoned, to which Emma shook her head emphatically.

"You can't come in, yet. I need Killian, 'cos he can fix it," Emma said, her expressive eyes growing shiny as she bit her finger nervously. "Or Liam, he could fix it, too."

"Your Highness, you can't have a boy in your room while you are in your nightdress. It isn't proper. Now, let me in and I can help fix what you've broken." Johanna leaned down so her eyes were level with Emma's. She really didn't want to have to push her way into the room "We can probably fix it without having to tell your parents, if it isn't too bad." She winked, conspiratorially.

Emma shut the door and leaned her back against it as she looked once more at the cause of her distress. She really hadn't meant to get this carried away, but she'd run out of rope to practice on. Undeterred, she'd practiced on the sash of her birthday dress; then all the other sashes on her other dresses, then her hair ribbons, all of her shoe and boot laces, her socks and stockings, the curtain cords and, now that she could tie all the knots really well, all of the curtain fringing had neat little bows. At that point she had run out of everything in her room that could be tied. Then she'd realised something fairly important in all this knot tying business.

Killian had forgotten to teach her how to untie what she'd tied.

And, oh, the mess she'd made in trying to untie it all herself.

She scrunched up her face in concentration and chewed harder on her finger as she tried to find way to get it all righted before her parents found out. She needed Killian. Liam would probably help, but he'd likely give her a lecture, which she felt wasn't needed because she already knew where she'd gone wrong. He also had that 'good form' which meant he wouldn't be able to stop himself from tattling to Mama and Papa.

Then there'd be another lecture about proper care of her things.

Killian would help and, not only keep the crime quiet, but do away with the evidence, too. But she had to get him past Johanna first. Emma turned back to the door and opened it a smidgen.

"Um, what if I get my clothes and you dress me in your room?" Emma suggested, hopefully.

Johanna pursed her lips. Her patience was legendary, but not infinite. She dearly wanted to see what disaster Emma was hiding. Small though the Princess was, that was often inversely proportional to the amount of havoc she could cause.

"That's enough, now, Your Highness," Johanna informed her, and grabbed hold of the door and carefully, so as not to hurt Emma, pushed it open. While Johanna's expression grew more horrified as she took in each aspect of 'the mess', the perpetrator ducked under her arm and ran up the hallway to hide in Killian and Liam's room.

There was a lecture. Quite a long one.

Emma and Killian spent nearly all day undoing her efforts, some of them making the Gordian Knot look like a slip knot. By the end of the day Emma could untie knots with her eyes closed.

On the morning of Emma's birthday, Killian was dragged to consciousness by a weight landing on his bed.

"Down, Jib. S'too early," Killian grumbled. He received a giggle in reply. Cracking an eyelid, he found two small hands with fingers spread being held about an inch from his eyes.

"I'm five!" Emma announced, waggling all ten fingers and bouncing on the bed. All previous talks about not being in boys' rooms in her nightclothes completely forgotten; although she had waited until the sunrise, so she'd obeyed one rule. Leo was with her, and he and Jib were rolling about on the floor in mock battle.

"Happy Birthday, Emma," Killian said, dragging himself to sit upright, only to be knocked backwards when she threw herself on him for a hug.

"Five! Finally! The party's today and Granny and Ruby are coming and they always bring cake," Emma said, her excitement causing her volume to rise. She let Killian go and wriggled back off his bed before jumping on Liam and waking him in a similar manner. Before either boy was fully awake, the blonde hurricane was off and out the door to ensure her parents were aware that she was awake and, ready to be wished a 'Happy Birthday', and be given her presents. She had no clue what clever gift her Papa had found for her this year and she couldn't wait to see. There was only a moment's delay while she popped back to get Henry, as he had to be there whenever she was given a new duck. She never wanted Henry to feel left out.

To Emma's immense delight, her parents were waiting for her. As she padded into their bed chambers, her father popped out from behind the door and scooped her up to swing her around. Henry flew from her grasp and across the room where Snow neatly snagged him mid flight. Leo was bouncing about yapping, not at all happy to see his mistress off the ground.

"Higher, Papa," Emma squealed between giggles. David obliged, lifting her a little higher up.

"Happy Birthday, Duckling," Snow said. She popped Henry on the bed and came over to take her from David. "My beautiful wonderful daughter." She kissed Emma's forehead while David kissed Emma's cheek.

"You thought you'd sneak up on us, didn't you?" David asked, tickling Emma's tummy.

"No tickling, Papa. I'm too old to be tickled, now," Emma declared, trying to squirm away. "Tickling's for babies."

"Really?" Snow asked, smiling softly, her gaze shifting from Emma to David, who nodded slightly. "Well, in that case, you need to let us practice tickling some more, because we have something to tell you."

Snow and David sat down with Emma on Snow's lap. Leo settled at their feet, chewing and dribbling on one of David's slippers.

"We wanted to tell you on your birthday, but only you. No-one else knows, yet, only the fairies," Snow said, quietly.

"A secret? Just between us?" Emma asked, leaning in to hear.

"Just between us, for now," David affirmed.

Snow kissed Emma on the cheek. "Emma, you're going to be a big sister," Snow said. Her beaming smile would not be held back. She smiled until her cheeks hurt. Emma's eyes widened as the news sunk in and the smile that erupted on her face was blinding. The tears started about two seconds later as mother and daughter cried together in joy. Emma hugged her mother tightly. "Really? I'm getting a baby brother?"

"We're not sure yet if you are getting a brother or sister, but we have your grandmother's pendant and we're going to find out right now," David told her, his own eyes a little shiny.

"And nobody else knows? Not even Granny or Ruby?" Emma asked.

"Nobody, just our own little family. We'll tell the boys in a few days, but for now, we wanted you to know and get used to the idea," Snow said, wiping away tears and kissing David's cheek.

"Mama, I've been asking for ages. Why did I have to wait so long?" Emma asked, pouting slightly.

"Well, Sweetheart, we don't always get what we want exactly when we want it. If we do get it, it often happens unexpectedly. I know you've wanted a brother so, so much and I know you'll be the best big sister that there ever was. Now you're a big girl of five, you are just the right age to help with the baby," Snow explained.

"I still have to wait? How long?" Emma asked.

"You still have to be a bit patient, because it will be nearly the end of winter before the baby is here. Shall we find out if it's a boy or a girl?" David asked. He reached into his pocket and took out his mother's pendant. Just for a moment he was far, far away by Lake Nostrus, holding his mother's hand. He was brought back to the present when he felt Emma's gentle tug on the old chain.

"You look sad, Papa," Emma said, and gave him a kiss on the tip of his nose.

"Charming?" Snow reached out and put her hand over his that held the pendant.

"Your Nana Ruth would have love you so very much, Duckling. She'd have hugged and kissed you so much that your Mama and me might never have gotten to hold you at all," David said, his voice sounding thick as he struggled to rein in his emotions.

"You tell me lots of stories about Nana Ruth, Papa. I know who she is," Emma said, nodding.

"Your Papa will always tell us stories about her. So none of us will ever forget her," Snow leaned in and whispered in David's ear. "Or the precious gift she gave us."

David nodded and seemed to gather himself up. "Now, let's find out what the baby will be," he said.

"Yes, please," Emma said, giving her Papa another kiss on the nose.

Ruth's pendent predicted a boy and Emma's joy was so great she thought she'd explode with having to keep it secret, but she'd promised and, girls who were five, were old enough to keep their promises.

Her birthday breakfast was held in the family dining room as usual. Henry was perched in a chair next to Emma on one side and Killian on the other, with Liam facing her. Once they'd finished eating, Emma received her gifts from her parents and the boys.

David gave her the glass duckling first. The number of rainbows it threw about the room was extraordinary. Emma clapped her hands in delight as Leo ran about trying to catch the shimmers, not realising they couldn't actually be bitten into. Jib wasn't falling for it and stayed next to Killian's feet and chewing on bacon.

Snow gave her a pearl necklace and a pair of new monogrammed kid leather gloves, saying that the necklace had been given to her when she was five. Emma thought they were a bit too girly, but Mama had tears in her eyes when she gave them to her, so Emma gave her a big kiss on the cheek and a very tight hug.

"We have something for you, too. We had to hide it in our quarters so Jib wouldn't chew on it. I'll go get it," Killian said, and took off at a run. He returned a few minutes later with a burlap bag which held something lumpy and oddly shaped. Liam took the bag so Killian could get both hands into it and pulled out a butterfly that had been crafted from knotted leather strips, stained in different shades. Purple and yellow beads had been worked into the wings.

"It looks like a Royal Beauty!" Emma exclaimed as Killian handed her the present. Once she had it in her hands, both boys bowed to her.

"Happy Birthday, Emma," Liam said. He was smiling proudly, while Killian blushed and scratched his ear. "I wanted to get you a real one but they're too hard to find."

"You remembered the butterfly from the mine," Emma said, her small fingers feeling over her gift. "You made this for me?"

"Yes. Liam drew it and then we made it and Johanna gave us the beads," Killian explained. "Is it alright?"

"It's so pretty. Look Mama, look what they made me," Emma allowed her parents a closer inspection of the perfectly executed knots.

"It really is. You boys are very clever to make this. I've never seen anything like it. It will look beautiful hanging in Emma's bedchamber," Snow said.

Emma let her father hold the butterfly so she could hug the boys, kiss their cheeks and say thank you. Liam tried not to look uncomfortable, but Killian's smile was dazzling with dimples on full display.

The garden party went smoothly and, true to her word, Emma practically stuffed the food down the boys' throats, until Killian held up his hands in surrender. Granny and Ruby brought enough cake to fill everyone's bellies several times over. Their reunion with the Jones boys consisted of much hugging, an interrogation from Granny about the amount of food they were eating and were they comfortable or want to come home with her (she saw the way Killian's face lit up whenever Emma smiled at him and knew the answer to that!), and a lot of tears from the sentimental Ruby.

Once most of the eating was over and Mrs. Hodge presented Emma with an exquisitely made patchwork quilt, a surprise visitor arrived. Mr. Miggens appeared carrying a large woven basket. He smiled, an expression not best suited to his dour visage, as he approached the King and Queen and bowed.

"Good day, Your Majesties. I bring greetings from King Midas, Princess Abigail and Prince Frederick, to Her Highness, Princess Emma," Miggens announced.

"I have to say I am surprised that you would be the one to bring them," David said, clearly perplexed. "But it is Emma's birthday and you are welcome to join us for a meal."

"Well, now, that's very kind of you, Your Majesty. I offered to come, to show no hard feelings about the chickens. When the Royal court heard about what happened it gave the King the biggest laugh he'd had for a long time. No word of a lie, Your Majesty, he laughed so hard he near fell off the throne," Miggens reported, then he turned to Killian. "Princess Abigail were touched by your reasonin' for letting the chickens out. She knew it were Her Highness' birthday and she sent me with a present for both of you. All brought here, careful like, just like you ordered, Your Highness."

Miggens put the basket on the ground and beckoned to the children to come closer. Emma and Killian looked up at David for permission and, after a moment of careful contemplation, David nodded it was alright, but he was right behind them. Miggens opened the basket and lifted up a soft looking wadding to reveal several baby chicks.

The look on Emma's face as she carefully picked up a chick was absolutely priceless. She held it out to Killian for him to see and they smiled at each other. Snow and David dissolved into giggles that were most unseemly for royalty in public. Liam shook his head but couldn't keep the smile off his face.

A little while later when the chicks had been put to bed, the pups, who had run rampant throughout the day, had virtually dropped in their tracks into a deep sleep, and the food had been all but finished off, David and Snow called everyone's attention. They had requested the guard, the Council and the entire household assemble in the great hall for an announcement.

The King and Queen took their place on the dais with Emma standing in between her parents.

"Today is a happy and wonderful day for our Crown Princess, for our daughter, for our Emma," he paused to smile down at his daughter. "She was the most the perfect blessing when she was born and, every day since, her mother and I grow more and more proud at the kindness and generosity she gives to others. In honour of those qualities that she herself displays, we are today, going to honour two others to whom we owe much. In truth, they only recently saved Emma's life, so as parents, we owe them everything."
David nodded to Snow and she continued. "Liam Jones and Killian Jones, please step forward and kneel."

The boys did as instructed, both wearing thoroughly confused expressions.

"Liam and Killian Jones, though only young, carry in their hearts the sort of selflessness to which all of us should aspire. The bravery, intelligence and presence of mind they each displayed in rescuing Emma, was extraordinary. They have not been born to nobility but they are noble, in all the ways that truly matter. In all the ways that have true value." A page stepped forward. He held a cushion on which rested a ceremonial sword. Snow picked up the sword and Liam suddenly understood what was happening and had to fight to keep his mouth from dropping open in surprise.

"In our capacity as monarchs of this realm and with the blessing of the Council, it is within our authority to confer rank where it has been earned, regardless of age. To that end, let it be known that we confer upon, Liam Jones and Killian Jones, the rank of knight." Snow performed the time honoured touching of the flat of the blade to each boy's shoulders.

"Henceforth they are to be known as, Sir Liam Jones and Sir Killian Jones, Knights of the Royal House of Misthaven. In her first public duty, Crown Princess Emma, will award her favour to Sir Killian Jones, in gratitude for selflessly risking his life twice to save hers."

Emma, who had been smiling so broadly she thought her face might split, suddenly went shy and her cheeks flushed bright pink as she looked up at her mother. "Now, Mama?"

"Yes, Duckling, just as we practiced," Snow whispered in her daughter's ear.

Emma turned back to face Killian and, as soon their gazes locked, all her nervousness vanished. Another page stepped forward; a medal sat on the cushion this one was carrying. Emma took up the medal and approached Killian.

"As Crown Princess, I thank you. Go forth and service my people . . . um . . .that's not right, is it Mama?" Her cheeks had pinked up again and were a charming match for the bright red ears that Killian sported.

Snow and David made a titanic effort not to laugh at their daughter's mistake, as they knew how nervous Emma was and didn't want her first royal duty to be a bad experience for her. Everyone else just completely cracked up, including Liam.

"You mean, go forth and be of service to the Crown and the people," David corrected her, softly, but Emma, acutely aware she had mucked it up but not sure why what she said was so funny, was now just too shy to say anything else. She did know the next bit and was more than happy to put the medal around Killian's neck and kiss him on the cheek.

The official portion of the day was done and the household staff and guards went back to their work. Liam was expressing his gratitude to Snow and David and being hugged by an ecstatically proud Granny and Ruby. Sir Killian Jones gave his medal to Liam for safekeeping and, Crown Princess Emma, gave the tiara her mother had made her wear for the ceremony to Johanna to put away. Free from pomp and circumstance the two children ran off to play pirates.

Snow watched them as they ran out of the hall and tried to put the image in her memory for safekeeping. Emma was already five and Snow had no idea where the time had gone.

"Let them run. They'll be cooped up on the ship to Arendelle for days," David said. He kissed her cheek. "All that energy confined to a ship. Do you think the navy is ready for Emma?"

Snow laughed and shook her head. "They've no clue what's coming their way, tomorrow. I'd warn them but they might desert!"

"That's alright. Liam could take over and captain the ship. He's a natural leader. I can already picture him barking orders," David said.

"He's a good boy. They both are. Our family is growing, David," Snow said, putting her arms around him and hugging him tight. "And I couldn't be happier."

Chasing Killian out in the hallway, Emma would agree.

A/N I hope you have enjoyed the last chapter of The Chicken Reform. The escapades of little Emma, Killian and Liam are going to continue, and I am looking forward to writing the next entry in this series, which will be called, 'Crushing Ice'. It will cover the trip to Arendelle,

When I started this little scribble I never thought it would get so many readers as it has and haven't you all been just the kindest and most generous readers and reviewers. Truly I feel totally inadequate to express my immense gratitude to each and every one of you.

This story has been my haven from the 5A angst. The more angst the show threw at me the fluffier I made this story.

Thank you again for the support. You have made me smile so, so much.