A Lieutenant Duckling Story

Its Called Trust

Killian was standing on the deck of the Jewel of the Realm before the sun had even risen – mostly because he wanted to avoid his brother. Killian thought about what Liam had told him in regards to the princess, and he couldn't deny that his older brother was right. But Killian felt like he needed to talk with Emma after the way they had left things yesterday, and he wasn't in the mood for an overprotective big brother talk. Emma was still upset when they had parted, and Killian couldn't help but feel partially responsible. It was quite ironic the more he thought about it –he was the one afraid to open up and let people in, yet he wanted her to open up him.

Unfortunately, the water wasn't doing its usual job of calming Killian as he tried to think about what he should say to the princess. Perhaps the woods behind Queen Ariel and King Eric's castle would do the trick. As Killian ran a hand through his dark locks, he stood up straight from where he had been leaning against the railing to walk towards the forest.

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Killian had been walking through the forest for several minutes, still no closer to what he needed to say to Emma than when he had left the ship. Killian was so wrapped up in his own thoughts, he almost didn't notice when he had stumbled across the lake in a clearing in the woods. When he realized where he was, he sat down up against one of the trees. As he turned his eyes toward the lake, he noticed a single swan on it.

"That's rather odd," Killian thought.

As he studied the creature, he couldn't help but notice there was something quite different about it. This swan's beauty surpassed that of others he had seen before although it was hard for him to pinpoint exactly why. He also admired how graceful the swan was as it moved across the water. He had seen swans before, but this one had him mesmerized. He had been so caught up in watching the swan that he forgot the reason he had come into the woods in the first place.

As Killian glanced up for a moment, he noticed the sun had begun to rise and got up from his place against the tree. Killian knew if he didn't go find Princess Emma right away, his resolve to speak with her would fade away.

Just as Killian was about to make his way back, he saw a white glow out of the corner of his eye. He turned toward the glow and saw it was light coming from the swan. When the light had faded, Killian marveled at how the swan transformed into a woman on the shore of the lake – he was even more surprised when he caught sight of familiar blonde curls. As she looked up and locked those green eyes with his, Killian was rendered speechless.

Emma was clearly aware of his shock as she cautiously made her way over to him.

"It's alright, Killian," the princess said. Killian stared at her a few moments as the pieces slowly started to click into place.

He eventually cleared his throat as he said, "So, I'm assuming this is the reason you're really here?"

Emma nodded, and Killian could tell she was contemplating something. After a few moments of silence, she motioned for him to follow her to a pair of rocks sitting by the lake. He guessed whatever she had been contemplating was going to be a long story.

"Few people know about this – my parents didn't want it getting out that their only daughter had been cursed by an evil sorcerer. Only those present at the ball know what happened, which means you can't tell anyone – even Liam," Emma began as she looked at Killian with pleading eyes.

"Don't worry, Emma. Your secret is safe with me," Killian reassured her.

Emma smiled, but Killian noticed it wasn't her usual bright smile, so he placed a reassuring hand on hers – and ignored the warning bells in his head and his heart slamming into his chest.