A Swan Necklace

Chapter 2: Kingdom hastles

Killian Jones leans against the railing of his balcony taking in the gorgeous view of the morning rise.
It's almost a perfect day to go sailing but you know prince not sailor. He sighs and his eyes flutter closed. This kingdom thing really sucks.
A knock on the door pulls him out of his little train of thought. He opens the door and his mother comes bursting in.
She is already dressed in her usual purple dress with her crown atop her brown curls.
"Killy!! How's my little boy!!" She says hugging him tight.
"Mother! I'm not little remember?" He groans.
"Does it look like I care?" She asks smirking and he scoffs. "Anyways you should be getting ready. Rumple and Belle are coming for their usual visit."
He groans and walks over to his bed. He hates these visits. It's something about Rumple that doesn't sit with him. He seems almost evil. They always come every second week to help with any business transactions.
"I know Killy that you hate these but you have to find away to bond with them. They are helping our kingdom succeed." Mother replies sitting next to him on his bed, brushing back his hair.
"I know and I will." He sighs.
"Good now get ready Killy." She says then kisses his forehead. She leaves the room and he drags himself over to his wardrobe.
After he changes into his usual white tunic, black trousers and brown long length coat; he rushes down the stairs and meets his brother.
"Aye little brother! Rumple wants us to join him in some business thing regarding the ball." Liam explains guiding him to the den.
"Killian!! Great to see you dearie!" He says patting his shoulder. Killian nods and they all sit down on chairs surrounding a wooden desk.
They discuss some things about the kingdom and how he and Liam should find someone soon so they can help make the kingdom rise which he isn't fond of.
He thinks all the royals are stuck up and rude. Only looking to him for his wealth or good looks. Not him, Killian. Which is exhausting. Talking to a bunch of suitors and then turning down all of them. It's just not his thing.
Rumple explains a couple of thing before their small meeting ends.
With a quick goodbye, Liam and Killian do their usual sword fighting.
A couple rounds go by and he looses all of them.
"What's wrong with you, Kill. You never loose." Liam asks after the last round.
"I don't know brother. Just not into it I guess." He sighs standing back up after Liam pinned him down.
Liam sighs and raises his sword.
"Okay hold your sword higher and keep your body tall." Liam explains and he does what he is told. "Good. Now loosen your grip on your handle. No need to strangle the blade." Liam chuckles pointing to his white knuckles.
He does and his knuckles go back to its usual colour.
"I don't know why you are acting up but really Killian this is all common sense!" Liam exclaims and he shrugs.
He actually has no clue why he isn't his normal self, it's almost weird.
They go again and Killian wins finally by hitting his brother sword out of his hand and he points the blade to his sternum.
"It's about time!" Liam smirks and Killian hit him on the shoulder.
"Shut up brother!" He glares and Liam chuckles. "Again!"
Liam nods and they go again. Finally Killian goes on a winning streak. Winning eight rounds in a row.
"Okay, we better stop. Mother won't be happy if we are practicing all day." Liam laughs and Killian scoffs.
"You are just sick of loosing." He smirks and Liam glares.
They put away there weapons and change again leaving them to their usual routine before dinner.
Killian usually goes on a ride through the forest or takes a long stroll through the garden before dinner.
Today he does neither. He decides to go visit his best friend Robin and his son Roland.
Robin's wife died years ago after Roland was born leaving him to take care of a bouncing baby boy on his own. Not all are very lucky these days.
Robin works for the kingdom so his home is close making the ride their short and easy.
Killian made him the royal archer and messenger after his wife died since he never really had a job.
Always a good way to help a lad out.
He knocks on his door and Roland opens it with his usual big smile.
"Killian!!" He says giddy and jumps into his arms.
"Hi little one! Long time!" He says holding the boy in his arms a little longer before putting him down.
"Yes it has! Why haven't you visited sooner?" Roland asks and Killian gulps. He always feels bad for not visiting as often. It's just the kingdom is a hassle and when he has free time, he wants to spend time alone.
"I'm sorry Roland, it's just been very busy in the kingdom."
Roland sighs and he puts the lad down. Roland pulls him in and then yells for his father.
Robin comes down the steps with a grin on his face as he sees Him.
"Kill! Nice to see you! What brings you here?" Robin asks patting him on the back.
"What I can't visit my best friend and most adorable little lad!?" He asks in mock defences.
"You know you can always come aye? It was just unexpected!"
"I know and I'm sorry. I should have let you know." He sighs.
"Don't be. It's great to see you."
They all gather in the kitchen and they talk about there day or the crazy stories.
"So you went to the Mills residence again?" He asks.
"Aye mate. Same old wench of a mistress and her two stuck up daughters. But I still feel terrible for Emma." He sighs. Hmm Emma. She must be miserable, always dealing with the irritable human beings of her step family.
"Tomorrow go to her and tell her the prince wants her to work for our stables if she has anytime to. It will pay her well and who knows, things will get better for the lass." He proposes and Robin nods with a smile across his face.
"Perfect! I'll go tomorrow for sure!" Robin says cheery and Roland looks confused.
"Wait who is Emma?" Roland asks an they both laugh.
"Someone. Don't worry about it Roland." Robin says rustling his hair.
"Okay! Roland smiles and runs off.
"I better get going. Mother wants me back for dinner." He says standing up.
"Of course." Robin smiles and opens the door for him. "Thanks for visiting. Roland needed to see you."
Killian smiles and then walks over to his horse.
The ride back was peaceful and short, perfect when the sun sets beyond the horizon.
When he arrives back to the castle, he changes into something more formal and then goes down to the dinning hall. His mother and brother are already there, arguing about something.
"Liam you know how I feel about that!!" Mother cries and Liam scoffs.
"What do you expect? I've been stuck in the kingdom for days now! I kinda wanna go out and explore the seas!" Liam yells and he sits down.
"How about this? You can go and bring Killian after the masquerade!!" She offers, his eyes light up at the offer and he watches his brother.
"Fine. Fine!" Liam says finally and Killian smiles.
Dinner was eaten over small talk about our day and some abnormal stories which usually there is none then they go off to do whatever they need to do before midnight.
"Killian?" Mother asks and he turns.
"Aye?"
"Take a walk with me around the garden?" She asks linking her arm with his. He nods.
They walk past the roses and daisies soaking in each others company.
"I know you miss your father and Milah but--" she says and he cuts her off.
"Yes I know mother. I need to move on. Meet some other lass and be happy again in the kingdom not the sea." He sighs.
She nods. "I just really don't want to see you miserable anymore... I hear you were out of it during training?"
He sighs and nods his head. He is going to kill Liam.
"Let me guess, it was because of what rumple asked you and your brother of, aye?"
"Yes it's true but like I believe I ruined my chance of love and I don't think I will be happy with anyone else." He croaks and he keeps his eyes set on the ground avoiding any eye contact with his mother.
"I know Killy. But fate will drive you to your one and only true love and I'm sorry to say this Killy but Milah wasn't the one." She whispers and he chokes.
She unlinks her arm with his and walks back to the castle.
He sits on a bench past a small river and stares at the stars. A sigh escapes him as he finds different constellations. He thinks back to their stories behind each one and a smile plasters on his face.
I guess his mother is right.