A Lieutenant Duckling Story

Our Happily Ever After

A week later, the castle was busy with preparations for the first ball they had thrown in ages. Emma was staring out the window of her room. She figured she would have gotten used to sleeping in her own bed, but she was still adjusting. She was also still adjusting to the fact that she would actually get to go to a ball. It was all so surreal.

Just then, Emma heard her door opening. She turned around to see her mother standing at the door. Snow was already ready for the ball with a sleeveless purple ball gown that had sparkles covering the bodice and her long raven hair was in an elegant up-do. She was also wearing purple gloves that rose to her elbow.

"Hey, sweetheart. I thought I would help you get ready for the ball," Snow told her daughter.

"Of course," Emma replied as she smiled at her mother. The princess had actually been hoping for as much. Emma then walked over and picked up the dress that was on her bed.

"I wanted to wear this one," Emma said.

Snow smiled as she said, "I think it's perfect. You'll be absolutely beautiful."

Within thirty minutes, Snow was putting the finishing touches on Emma's hair. The princess' blonde locks were in a bun much like how she had worn it at the ball in Seabrooke, except it was loose. Emma rose from her vanity to look in her full length mirror. The short-sleeve silver dress had sparkles covering the skirt. The intricate raised rose pattern that ran in a diagonal line across the bodice also adorned the neckline.

From behind her in the mirror, Emma could see that her mother had something on her mind. So, Emma turned around and asked, "What is it, Mom?"

"I was just thinking," Snow answered.

"About what?" Emma questioned.

"I remember my first ball. I was eight years old when my mother said I was finally old enough to go. It was magical. All of the lights, the music. And I remember thinking: I can't wait to someday share all of this with a daughter of my own. But then, I had to give you away to protect you. Even after you found your father and I, it was only for a few years before you were cursed. I thought I would never have the chance to share this with you again," Snow finished as she began to tear up.

Emma pulled her in for a hug, as she said, "I'm so glad that I get to share this again with you too, Mom," fighting back tears.

When they pulled away and were able to compose themselves, Snow asked, "Are you ready to go?"

Emma nodded, and they both began making their way out of the princess' door and down the stairs.

When they arrived downstairs and walked into the ballroom, both of their names were announced. Shortly after, the music began to play. Charming came and met Snow, and Emma began searching the ballroom for Killian. Within a few minutes, the princess locked eyes with his blue ones.

When he walked over to her, he asked, "Care to dance, love?"

"Of course, Killian," Emma answered as she grabbed his outstretched hand.

They bowed before moving out onto the floor, and Killian wrapped his free arm around Emma. He pulled her close as Emma rested her hand on his shoulder.

"You know, Emma, I have to say, you look..." Killian began but Emma cut him off with,

"I know," as she offered a teasing smile.

Killian couldn't help but roll his eyes in response.

As the princess' green eyes lit up with laughter, Killian remembered that day on deck when they had first met. He had been so caught up in the memory that he didn't notice that Emma had stopped laughing until he heard her ask, "Something on your mind, Killian?"