A Lieutenant Duckling Story

Under the Sea

Killian awoke with the sun – a habit of all the time he had spent at sea. As he put on his uniform, he thought about everything that Emma had told him. He supposed he owed her the same courtesy, but he still wasn't sure if he was ready to open up to anyone – regardless of how many years it had been since Milah left him, and he had forgiven Liam.

He took a deep breath and made his way on deck. As he made his way over to Liam, he asked, "Well, Captain, what's on the agenda for today?"

Liam smiled at his younger brother as he replied, "Nothing much, Lieutenant. You're free today."

Killian scratched behind his ear before he said, "I suppose I'll spend time with Princess Emma then."

As Killian turned to walk away, Liam stopped him, "Brother, be careful."

Killian gave him an odd look as he questioned, "Be careful of what?"

Liam only gave him a knowing look, and Killian caught his meaning. "Of that, Liam, you have nothing to worry about."

As Liam watched his little brother exit the ship, he couldn't help but worry for him. Perhaps he was jumping to conclusions where the princess was concerned, but after what happened with Killian's first love, Liam would do everything he could to protect him.

Killian arrived at the castle and saw Emma coming through the back door.

"Taking an early walk, Princess?" Killian asked as he came upon her, startling the blonde.

"Killian, I didn't see you," Emma said.

"Apologies, Your Highness," Killian said, as he looked down.

"It's alright, Killian," Emma said. As he brought his blue eyes back up hers, she asked, "Your brother didn't need you today?"

"Not really," Killian answered.

"And you decided to spend it with me. I'm flattered," Emma teased earning a chuckle from the lieutenant.

"What do you plan on doing today, Princess?" he then asked.

"Well, I thought I'd take Ariel's lead. She's going to Atlantica for her sister's birthday, and I thought I'd spend it at the beach," Emma answered.

"Sounds lovely, Your Highness," Killian told her. He reached up and scratched behind his ear as he asked, "Would you mind if I joined you?"

"Really? I'd figured you'd want a break from the ocean since you're in the navy," Emma said.

"Well, it's like you said – the water's peaceful," Killian said.

Emma smiled as she nodded. She then said, "I need breakfast first. I'm starving." Killian smiled back in agreement as he followed Emma to the dining room.

After breakfast and a wardrobe change, Emma and Killian walked down to the beach. As soon as they got there, Emma slipped out of her flats to go barefoot.

Seeing this, Killian said, "If you don't mind me saying so, Your Highness, you're not exactly what I expected."

Emma smiled before she responded, "Well, Lieutenant, I suppose that's a good thing."

Killian glanced sideways at her before he said, "Of course, now that I know your past, it makes sense." Emma nodded in response before she stopped to pick up a seashell.

When she stood back up, she asked, "Hey, do you want to see this place that Ariel showed me a few years back? It's really something."

Killian pondered the question a moment – he knew it was against his better judgment, but he agreed anyway: "I'd like that, Your Highness."