- Chapter 2 -

Like Killian had promised, he was escorting Pearl back towards the castle. It was bright and early; the sun was shining as they drew closer towards the castle gates causing Killian to raise an eyebrow slightly. He refused to say anything as they were allowed in and the castle doors opened to have the King, Queen and Snow run out towards them.

"Pearl!" They all cried as she smiled and ran towards them as they engulfed her into a tight hug. A smile escaped onto Killian's lips as he watched her family embrace her and kiss her forehead, glad to see her alive.

"Don't you ever do that again!" Regina snapped as she held her cheeks looking over Pearl to ensure she wasn't hurt as Pearl nodded. Leopold was the first one to finally notice Killian who was about to walk away as he stood up straighter.

"Father, this is Lieutenant Jones....He save my life" Pearl smiled as he smiled in return. Regina noticed the exchange and was furious on the inside as Snow was smiling brightly to see her younger sister so happy.

"You're majesty" Killian bowed out of respect as Leopold walked forward and shook his hand in gratitude.

"Thank you for saving my daughter's life and I would be honoured if you attended the ball tonight as my guest of honour" He requested. Killian hesitated at first, balls and parties weren't his sort of thing but as he glanced over Leopold's shoulder to see the hope in Pearl's eyes he couldn't refuse. Not when he was being offered the opportunity to spend an evening with her.

"How could I refuse" He chuckled as Leopold clapped him around the back as they went their separate ways. King Leopold led Regina back indoors, Snow and Pearl had their arms locked as she glanced back behind her only to have her eyes catch onto his. She looked away blushing at one point before turning and running towards him.

"Killian!" She called as he stopped slightly shocked to see her running towards him as she reached on her toes and kissed his cheek causing both of them to blush. Killian felt fire erupt on his skin as his fingers trailed towards where she had kissed him.

"I'll see you tonight" She whispered suddenly shy as she bit her lip before turning and running back to where Snow was waiting smirking. They both giggled as they disappeared behind the doors of the castle leaving Killian to smile like a mad man as he went back to the inn to get refreshed for tonight's ball.

"You're telling me everything" Snow whispered as they dashed upstairs to begin their preparations for the ball tonight. Tonight was King Leopold's birthday as the castle was frantically ensuring that everything was prepared for this evening and especially at the announcement of another guest who was to be seated by the King himself and Princess Pearl.

When evening finally came Killian was extremely nervous as he walked into the decorated ballroom. Men and women were dancing as he tried to find Pearl amongst the crowd but so far had no luck. As he continued to stand on the tips of his toes trying to find her a soft giggle escaped her lips as she stood at the top of the stairs.

Her gown was a soft lilac, strapless with diamonds along the bust as she elegantly floated down the stairs. Her long hair was pulled back into a bun with a diamond tiara as her lips were a soft pink and her eyes were highlighted by soft purple eye shadow. Hiding the smile on her lips she stood directly behind him, straightening her back and folded her arms in front of her.

"You look lost Lieutenant" She whispered as he spun round and smiled down at her. Her eyes sparkled as they laughed up at him as his smile beamed as he kissed the back of her hand that was protected by elbow length gloves.

"You look breathtaking Princess" He whispered as she smiled up at him brightly. The dancing soon began as Killian and Pearl danced several dances together. King Leopold could see how happy she was and smiled brighter whilst Regina beside him glared darkly towards Killian. Pearl was often offered to dance by several Princes' or Lords but she would kindly refuse and tended to keep her attention on Killian who smiled lovingly towards her.

As they started the next waltz, his arm secured around her waist holding them together took their breaths away. Killian loved how her eyes glowed with love and life. How she would smell of vanilla and her presence seemed to intoxicate him. Pearl couldn't get over the fact of how protected she felt in his strong arms or how her body reacted and felt weak at his touch.

"Be warned, when my father speaks with you he may never stop" Pearl laughed slightly as Killian chuckled and raised an eyebrow towards his Princess.

"Well then I hope you would do me the honour of rescuing me my love" He chuckled as her heart skipped a beat hearing him say 'my love'. It wasn't long before the crowd gathered together to hear the King as he drew up towards the stage to begin his announcement. Snow White, Pearl with Killian standing protectively behind her, the Genie, and the Evil Queen stood in the front row as King Leopold spread his arms out wide in a welcome to his friends who had travelled far and wide to be a part of his birthday.

"No gifts are required to mark this special day, for they all pale in comparison to the greatest gifts of all – my daughters, Snow and Pearl." He began as both Snow and Pearl blushed whilst the crowd clapped in agreement. Pearl and Killian both glanced at each other with soft smiles before turning back to Leopold.

"Snow" He asked as she walked up towards him slightly embarrassed as Pearl noticed her whisper something in his ear as her cheek reddened making her giggle quietly. However it didn't escape Killian's ears as his love grew.

"Every day I look upon your face, and I am reminded of your dearly departed mother. Who, like you, truly was the fairest in all the land." He concluded making everyone but the Queen smile as they all watched Snow White hug King Leopold and the crowd claps again.

"My darling Pearl" He smiled as Pearl's hand on Killian dropped as she made it to her father's side. From on the stage she noticed her mother escape from the room to leave towards the Palace gardens making her sigh and her heart drop that she missed her father's loving speech towards his daughter. The sound of claps made her smile and kiss her father and hug him as she knew he would have said something beautiful.

When the music once again began King Leopold danced with each of his daughter's and took an opportunity to chat to Killian and get to know the man who had suddenly captured the heart of his youngest daughter. Killian was very respectful and happily made conversation with the King but soon he grew uncomfortable as Pearl came to his rescue.

"Father might I steal away Lieutenant Jones" She smiled as he laughed and nodded. They didn't wait for him to change his mind once again as they escaped from the grand hall and began to stroll through the palace gardens.

"I'm glad you came this evening" Pearl blushed as she kept her eyes on the ground before them, her arm in the crook of his elbow as he smiled and placed his other hand on hers as they continued to walk.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world" Killian smiled causing Pearl to blush slightly as he plucked a full bloomed with rose and offered it to her as she smiled and sniffed in the sweet scent of the rose. A white rose were her favourite flower as they continued to walk through the gardens that were lit up in the darkness by candlelight.

"What's it like travelling the seas? Being free?" Pearl asked as she let her fingers trail over the soft petals.

"It's hard to describe. I've always had the sea, it's my home. I can always show you one day if you like. We can have an adventure of our own." Killian offered hoping she would say yes as they both stopped and looked at each other.

"Really?" She whispered excited as he smiled at her reaction to having an adventure with him one day.

"Yes.....But maybe until then I can show you the Jolly Roger?" He offered taking a small step closer as Pearl didn't mind as she blushed.

"I would love that." She smiled up at him as her smile was contagious causing them both to chuckle and keep strolling through the gardens together. They came to a bench and sat down as Pearl soon sighed as she just realised something so obvious.

"When do you next set sail?" She whispered scared of the answer as she selfishly didn't want him to leave.

"Two weeks" He sighed sitting beside her as he brushed away a piece of her hair causing her cheeks to redden.

"How long will you be gone for?" Her voice was barely auditable but Killian noticed as his heart broke slightly as he knew he would miss her.

"A month at the most" He whispered in response as she nodded as smiled lightly.

"May I write to you?" She asked him sheepishly as he frowned and raised an eyebrow.

"I won't be able to retrieve letters at sea...."

"No silly. I send my personal letters by dove." She chuckled as he laughed with her and smiled to think he would be honoured by receiving a personal letter from her.

"I would like that very much Princess." He agreed as she winced slightly at her title.

"Please don't call me that. I'd much prefer to live as an equal than as a status" She requested.

"Well then Pearl. I guess one should never argue with a lady." He teased as she scoffed playfully and pretended to look offended.

"You tease!" She exclaimed struggling not to laugh as she gently slapped his shoulder causing him to chuckle along with her.

"Only for you my love." He whispered in her ear causing her to blush and have her stomach churn with butterflies.

"May I see you again.....before I next set sail?" Killian asked, he hoped he didn't seem to straight forward but he so desperately wanted to see her again before he left.

"Yes.....but I doubt my father will be allowing me to leave the palace any time soon." Pearl smiled before frowning as she reminded him slightly of the circumstances of what brought the two together in the first place as he winced at the memory.

"Then I shall come to you. Meet me here tomorrow night?" He asked eagerly as he pulled her up so that his arms were round her waist and her arms on his chest as they gazed into each other's. Pearl could feel her knee's buckling.

"I will count the hours until then." Pearl whispered breathless before Killian stole a quick kiss from her intoxicating lips and smiled before disappearing for the evening leaving a love struck Pearl. From then on, every second night the two would sneak down to the Palace gardens to meet, talk and steal a quick kiss. Their romance grew and even with Killian travelling the seas they stayed in contact.

It had been five months since Pearl first met Killian when the Queen had sent the Genie to murder King Leopold. By then Pearl wasn't shocked of her mother's evil heart any more she only feared for Snow's safety and her own sometimes as she was currently sitting in her mother's chambers reading an ancient Elvish spell book for strong light magic witches. Regina really only cared that it was a spell book not that it was against the dark arts as the Genie rushed into the room with a bright smile on his face.

"It is done. You’re free, my love. We are free to be together at last. D-did you not hear me? Our days of imprisonment are over." He exclaimed as Pearl turned back to her book to hide her grieved face as she felt a tear trickle down her cheek.

"You haven’t heard the news? The palace guards found the snake. They know it’s from your country. They know it was you who killed the King. It’s only a matter of time before they catch you. You will be executed. I’m sorry, but we will never be together. Come – I’ve arranged for a boat to provide you safe passage out of the kingdom. You must leave at once." Regina announced as suddenly the Genie began to put two and two together before he straightened his back surprised of her betrayal.

"The Agrabahn viper. Of all the snakes in all the world, that is what you chose. You wanted the murder to be traced back to me. You… You fooled me. You never loved me." He accused as her innocent face melted to her evil smirk as she chuckled.

"Loved you? I wanted the King killed, and you killed him. You are no longer of any use to me. Be grateful I’m offering you an escape. Now, flee the kingdom and never turn back." She growled threatening as the Genie shook his head and went to embrace Regina only to have scoff at him and glare. He looked towards Pearl and saw her broken face then back to her mother and wondered how Regina could produce such a pure hearted child.

"I can’t live without you. I won’t live without you." He exclaimed as his love over took him as Regina chuckled darkly.

"Did you not understand me? I don’t love you. There is no way we will ever be together." Regina smirked as the Genie shook his head and pulled out the lamp that he kept in his pocket making Regina raise an eyebrow towards him.

"There is still one wish remaining. I wish to be with you forever. To look upon your face always. To never leave your side." He pleaded as suddenly the Genie disappears in a puff of blue smoke. Both Pearl and Regina wondered where he was as a tapping noise is heard in the background. They both turned to look in the mirror and see the Genie, who is now trapped.

"No! No! No!" He cried out as Regina smirked.

"Well, it looks like you got your wish. You will be with me – forever." Laughing darkly before leaving the room as, Pearl's shoulder drooped, seeing the Genie stuck in the mirror as he sighed sadly. Pearl and the mirror created a friendship as they both were trapped by Regina as Pearl was desperate for the evening to come as she would get to see Killian again before he travelled to a new land, Neverland, for two weeks.

However that night as Killian stood excited in the gardens standing by Pearl's tree which remained in full bloomed white roses with a swing he turned to the sound of feet only to find Regina smirking at him as he growled slowly.

"Your highness" He bowed in respect as she scoffed.

"Don't play coy. I know about your little get together with my daughter, and I'm warning you now to stop it" She threatened as he glared back at her.

"I love her!" He hissed as she rolled her eyes.

"I don't care! You will tell her about your trip to where ever it is your going. But once you come back, you are to never see her again! If I hear you've been near the Palace in order to see her.....well it won't be pretty" She threatened as he had his hand trail to his sword.

"You don't frighten me" He glared as she laughed at his courage.

"You should be frightened. Or else" She hissed before she leant towards him and muttered something in his ear making him stiffen and gasp. She smirked to his devastation before she disappeared in purple smoke......