The Swan Princess

-2-

Emma woke to the sound of rustling. She opened her eyes slowly, and saw that Killian had gotten up and out of bed. Her hand reached under her pillow for the dagger she kept hidden and, with a sudden swing, leapt out of bed, the dagger pointed in front of her.

"Sorry, love!" Killian jumped, the freshly picked flowers dropping out of his hands. "I thought you were asleep."

Emma sighed and dropped the dagger on the bed behind her. He opened his arms and she ran into them, holding tight to him as if she were about to lose him. He chuckled, and she pulled away.

"What's so funny?" she smiled.

"Hugs used to be so much easier for us." he grinned, gesturing with his hand to the growing bump where Emma's stomach used to be. "Now, today's a busy day."

"Right, right." Emma muttered. Today was the day that the remaining inhabitants of the Enchanted Forest were to move closer to the castle that Snow and Charming had once lived in. It had been Killian's idea, really. Emma had no idea what had made him think of it, but she didn't object.

"Are you ready, love?" he whispered, and she nodded. Smiling, she walked across the room to the armoire and opened it. A beautiful dress, not unlike the one she'd worn to the ball at which she'd been taken by Regina, hung on the door.

"Do you mind helping me?" she asked, turning to face Killian again. "I don't know if it's still going to fit. I kinda... grew since last time."

He laughed and went to her side, taking the dress and helping her slide off her nightgown. Helping her step into the red ball gown, he eased it up and over her shoulders, sliding her arms in the sleeves as she attempted to adjust the waist.

"Is it too small?" he asked as she fiddled with the string on the back of the dress. With a grunt, she ripped the string clean off the dress and the waistband expanded three sizes.

"Got it." she sighed "Let's go." She began to walk towards the door until Killian grabbed her arm.

"Aren't you forgetting something?" he asked, and she rolled her eyes. She walked to a chest on a table next to the door, opening it and pulling out the magnificent golden tiara. Placing it on her head, she turned to him.

"How do I look?" she laughed. Killian simply smiled, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her as close as he could before the bump ran into him.

"Like the beautiful Queen you are."

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"Swan, you know I absolutely adore you, right?" Killian whispered sweetly in his Queen's ear. They moved smoothly along the floor of the grandest ballroom known to man, celebrating the arrival of their subjects.

"So you've said... A million times." she giggled, and he twirled her around on her toes before dipping her.

"That's because I never get tired of saying it. And it never stops being true."

The music stopped and he assisted his wife to her feet. She was blushing like crazy... Would she ever stop blushing around him? They were married, for goodness sake, and she was carrying his child! But Killian always found a way to make her smile, and she always found a way to make him fall in love all over again. Every day, this was the routine.

The pirate and the princess. It was a love story no one would ever see coming. But no two people were more made for each other... Not even Emma's own parents, Snow White and Prince Charming.

"I'm so glad I met you, love."

"I'm glad I met you too." she smiled. "God, it's hot in here."

"I'll get you a drink. Just a moment." he leaned down, taking her hand and kissing it before disappearing into the crowd.

Emma stood there smiling, thinking about just how lovely the day had been. Everything had gone so well. She believed there was absolutely nothing that could have ruined the day. Nothing at a--

The doors to the ballroom swung open noisily and the music stopped almost immediately. The crowd hadn't parted yet, and Emma hadn't been able to see who'd walked in.

"Your Majesties! He got right past us, we're so sorry! Forgive us!" one guard was yelling. In complete synchronization, the crowd in front of Emma parted like the Red Sea did for Moses. Standing in front of her was a young boy.

Emma's knees almost gave way. It wasn't possible. This couldn't be happening. The room seemed to be spinning around her, and suddenly she felt Killian at her side. Then the boy spoke.

"Mom?"