The Guard (CS/Merlin Crossover)

7- A New Record

"Captain! We welcome you to our home," Snow greeted the sailor she and Charming were considering to be the Commander of the Royal Navy. He had denied the offer before, but they were hoping he'd had more time to think about it. They had heard of his courage and respect and good form, and how he and his brother rebelled against their former king for being a coward in the face of war. He was the best candidate, the man for the job... if he said no, they were screwed.

"It is my honour, Your Hignesses," the sailor bowed.

"Captain, we would like you to reconsider our offer to command the Royal Navy. It would be our honour to have you as their commander, just as your brother was offered," Charming walked toward the other man and showed him an insignia. The hardened man pondered it for a long time, practically burning a hole through it with his eyes. Finally, he looked away and shook his head.

"I'm sorry, my Lord. I cannot accept this position."

"But your brother would have wanted you to have this position, Captain," The queen spoke encouragingly.

"Yes, but I do not wish to have it. I am sorry," the words tasted bitter in his mouth. The royals exchanged looks of dismay.

"We are terribly disappointed that you will not take over the navy," Snow lamented.

"Do you have any other positions that I may be of use in?" The Captain asked. It was too painful for him to head to sea again, but maybe his many skills could be put to use in the palace.

"Maybe captain of another ship or-" Charming stopped abruptly in the middle of his sentence and glanced at his queen. Snow nodded vigorously, having already read his mind. "Well we have a guard slot open in the royal house; however you are largely overqualified for such a task, and we understand if you want a higher position.

"Is it the position as Princess's personal guard?"

The royals silently cursed, thinking that he surely wouldn't want to take the spot if he already knew about the Princess's infamous behaviour towards her guards. "Yes," the king said carefully, "but trust us-"

"I request that position."

"Really??" Snow immediately stood in shock. "You have heard the rumours, haven't you?"

"Yes, but I do like a challenge," the Captain smiled cockily. The royals looked at each other incredulously, wondering how there was still anyone else even willing to take this job. They both smiled unbelievingly.

"You're hired, Captain Jones!"

###

Emma met him in the corridor, losing all her marbles in the process. No, really, she literally dropped a small basket of marbles she had collected by the stream that morning. Oh, and also kind of lost her ability speak coherently.

"Oh I'm terribly sorry, let me help you with that!" He rushed to her aid, his strong hands sweeping the little pebbles into back into the basket. He glanced at her, did a double take and fixed a marvelling stare on her. His eyes were a crisp ocean blue, ironic really when she noticed his fit white sailor suit. It contrasted nicely with his dark hair and tanned skin. She found herself staring at his chiseled features intensely.

"It's fine, really," she mumbled.

"Captain Killian Jones," he bowed without ever taking his eyes off her.