The Traitor's Wish

28. The Crew's Challenges

TTW Ch 28

Emma climbed up the ladder from her newly acquired Captain's Quarters. The sun's light was soft, and the sea was calm. She hated it.
It was the kind of weather that Killian would have celebrated. His perfect day on the ocean. He'd wake her with a smile, kiss her forehead in awe of her beauty, as he always was.

Good morning, my darling.

His smile always made her melt, but on these days especially. It seemed nothing could drag him down. He walked on the clouds and carried her with him. He would open up the windows in their quarters. With the breeze coming in, he leaned out and took a deep breath of the salty air. This used to be my favorite sight. He uttered, a peaceful sigh escaping his lips.

Used to be? She would ask, leaning back against the pillows. Her eyes danced across the sight of the sun on him.

Aye, it's second now. You only are my favorite sight. She laughed at his flattery, but his bright smile would prove he meant every word. He pulled off the heavy leather coat, the crew need him not for at least an hour, and he planned on spending every second of it with Swan, doing nothing but laying in bed.

Before setting down his coat, he pulled a fresh, bright orange from the pocket. He gave her the gift, watching her eyes light up as he leaned back beside her.

I'd give you all the fruits of the world if I could.

He kissed the tangy, sweet juice off of her fingers. His hands hanging onto hers tightly. You deserve all of them Swan.

She leaned back into his arms, setting the peel of his present to the side, You know all I want is you, Killian. Her green, doe eyes sparkled in the sunshine.

But what I want is to give you so much more, love.

So tranquil, calm. Everything seemed perfect. Even when death was chasing them, he always managed to make her forget her worries, so much so that he was able to slip out from her grasp and fulfill his want: to give her more. She had more. That was undoubtedly true. A ship, a crew, a legacy to fulfill. But what bloody good was more when she did not have him to share it with? He should've stayed. They could have found another way, together. He did not have to die.

She looked out to the still waters, and her heart filled with hatred. Every part of her hated what he had done. Nothing would ever be right again until he was by her side. Her stubbornness was strong. In his letter he had begged her to return home. It was no longer the love she had for him that drove her forward, but a sense of revenge that needed to be fulfilled. If he wanted her to go home, she would do the opposite, just as he had done to her. She would become a symbol of the life he left behind. Captain Swan. His worst nightmare. When she gets him back, he'll wish he would have stayed.

Her transformation started the moment she awoke and realized they were on the Jolly. Once she had stepped into the role of commanding Captain, it would be complete. She had a lot to learn, but dedication was not an issue due to circumstances.

When Emma turned away from the rising sun, Brinley stepped towards her from the helm. "Ready Captain?" He asked, ducking his head in a small bow, to set example for the crew. Word had spread quickly after the stone table meeting. Some were shocked, others disagreed with all of it, but none enough to voice their concerns.

"Yes." She answered simply.

He led her over to the wheel. The crew's watchful eyes pierced through them.
"Spinning the helm moves the rutter, and.." he spun it to the port side, "the ship." He stepped aside, motioning for Emma to give it a try.