The best of times, the worst of times {Liam}

[Deleted]

Emma knew this was for the best. Not only was her Kingdom taken by Queen Regina, forcing her parents to flee, but she was now to be wed to a complete stranger from another kingdom. She would be safe there, with Liam Jones, Captain of the Royal Navy, but would she be happy? She hadn't even gotten a chance to be courted by the man... she knew nothing about him. In fact, she had arrived on the day of their wedding. Everything had been incredibly rushed, and it made the princess even more nervous. 

She got off of the ship, and was ushered by what was left of her family's guards in to the church where she was to, for the first time, meet her soon to be husband. She tried incredibly hard not to think of what would happen if the man was somehow worse than Regina, and she merely hoped for the best. If there was one thing her mother taught her, it was to always look at the bright side of things - no matter how dark the situation may be. The moment came.. The doors opened to the church, and Emma was ushered inside. At first, she kept her head down, and began to walk forward, honestly afraid to see what lied ahead of her. 

The orchestra played, and her eyes stayed on her dress that she was wearing. She'd been wearing it for hours while on the ship that brought her here, and she managed to not get it dirty. She was impressed with herself. Acutally, she made a lovely bride - but she wasn't thinking about that now. She was far too scared. 

Liam Jones

[Liam Jones]

From the moment his mother first spoke to him of love until now, Liam Jones always hoped he’d be able to marry for love. He was lowly born and had climbed through ranks by himself, sweating his own sweat and blood in order to raise his and his brothers statuses. As such he had come to be a well respected captain of the navy, respected even by his king. This had ultimately caused him to stand in a church, wearing full formal attire, waiting to meet his fiancée for the first time in order to marry her.

As far as he understood, the match came to be through his queen. She was befriended to the royal family of a neighboring country, who had just been thrown down by an usurper. Their king had agreed to get the princess out of danger, by arranging for a match. As a thrown down princess, she was no match for anyone close to the royal family by birth. But it appeared both his king as well as her parents would like to entrust her in his care and as such Liam accepted his duty to her and her family and the duty to her country it would eventually hopefully bring. First and foremost, though, he had promised to protect her, with his life if necessary and keep her safe, no matter the circumstances. It would contain doing whatever pleased her, treating her well.

When he first saw her, Liam was blown away by her stunning beauty. She looked every part the princess. Even the gown said as much, probably one of the few she had left. She would have to get used to simpler garments with him, but he hoped he could make it worth her while. Instead of waiting, like it was protocol, he decided it might help her nerves if he met her halfway. And in any case her father was not giving her away, for multiple reasons. Once there, he offered her his arm.

“Princess Emma. I know it’s not protocol, though I thought it might ease your nerves. I am Captain Liam Jones. Are you well? Nervous? Should we delay the ceremony? We can.” Though he thought they should get it over with and then find a place where she could sit and rest after her journey. 


Emma Swan

[Deleted]

Emma was not expecting to be greeted halfway down the aisle by her groom to be. She also wasn't expecting him to be so young, and handsome. She lifted her gaze to the man who introduced himself as Captain Liam Jones, and she gave him a small smile. "Princess Emma, but please..just Emma is fine." she mused in a low tone, much like a whisper. "Thank you for your kindness, Captain Jones.." Why so formal? They were about to be husband and wife. "Liam..but we should do this. There is much that could go wrong if we wait. I very much appreciate the sentiment, though." 

He seemed kind. She had been expecting the worst, so there was no reason for her to be scared. Nervous? Of course...but certainly not afraid. Then again, sometimes things weren't always what they seemed. She had to keep a positive attitude, though. She had to be optimistic, because that was all she had now that everything in her life had gone down in flames. "Come on, Captain.." she spoke with a  hint of a smile. "We have a wedding to attend." Her voice held a teasing tone to it. She attempted humor, to see what his personality was like. But then, she supposed, they'd have their entire lives to learn that. 


Liam Jones

[Liam Jones]

“Well, Emma, since we are to be familiar, please call me Liam. Or whatever name you see fit. You will be the woman of the household.” If not the head of it. They would see about it, depending on the dynamics they would develop. Liam would give her as much power as she wanted and as much as she could handle. He would see how well it worked out, though. At the very least her head was screwed on right, she was clever enough to see that this was a good chance for her and any delay could give this Regina person an opening towards attacking her. This wedding was to avoid that. She’d be less of a threat if she was married, settled even. 

“Good, then lets get married.” It would have to include other things later, but in that very case, Liam was more than prepared to lie for her. He’d be the last person to pressure her. He wanted to get this marriage under wraps, everything else would be private between them. And it should remain so. Liam took her hand – again not exactly protocol, but he hoped to make is as comfortable for her as it was and this kind of contact could hardly hurt. Together he walked her to the priest, who’d officiate this wedding. In passing one of the guards handed him a tiny box, the ring her parents had insisted upon and he wanted to honor it. He’d honor a lot, but most importantly his promise to her parents. 

And so as the vows were spoken and promises exchanged, he slipped her mothers ring onto her finger and smiled at her. “Apparently I am to kiss the bride now. My wife, shall I honor this tradition or shall we save the kiss for later?”


Emma Swan

[Deleted]

Emma felt a wave of relief wash over her when she was taken by the hand by Liam, and he walked her down the aisle. It made her feel better, even though this definitely wasn't how she ever pictured her dream wedding. The dream wedding would have been her father walking her down the aisle to meet the man she was madly in love with.. but that wasn't the case here. At least Liam was kind enough that she could see something being able to form there. Once they reached the priest, Emma took a deep breath. She was about to become someone's wife.

Once the ceremony ended, Liam spoke of how he was supposed to kiss the bride, but he would be willing to wait. Emma gave him a small smile.. A kiss would seal the ceremony and it would also seal their bond as husband and wife. It may also even offer insight in to what the chemistry of the marriage would be like. "You may indeed kiss the bride." Emma could feel her cheeks turning pink. Instead of waiting, she leaned in close to her new husband, and she pressed her lips against his in a gentle, tender kiss. 


Liam Jones

[Liam Jones]

Liam honestly would have let her decide. He would have not pushed her, but he was glad she decided it would be better this way, because she was right. There would be more doubt eliminated, the wedding was less likely to be attacked and she was more likely to be allowed to live in peace in their care. Liam placed both hands on her cheeks, holding her close as she kissed him softly and he kissed her back, gently nudging her to give in just a little more, to deepen the kiss just a little more. Her lips, her kiss, felt like heaven. He found himself flustered and blushing as he broke the kiss. It took him a moment of just staring into her beautiful green eyes until he found words.

“Well, Emma, it seems you’re quite the kisser.” He definitely could see himself looking forward to sharing a kiss with his wife in the future if they proved to be as satisfying as those were, if she agreed of course. Once again Liam took her hand to lead his wife, now Mrs. Jones, out of the chapel across to the haven where the ship was anchored. They would have to endure a little voyage back home. They had to set it outside of their hometown in order to protect her. Liam brought her on board.

“The Captains cabin is all yours, later, Emma. I shall not do anything you do not want. But for now, before we set say, lets eat and celebrate. We might have married out of convenience, but that does not mean we can’t be merry today. Is there anything I can fetch you? Do you want to change? I could imagine the corset is constricting to be in all day.”


Emma Swan

[Deleted]

Emma had never been kissed until now. The kiss was, in a word, wonderful. His lips were soft, gentle, and she could already feel her cheeks turning pink. She knew he was going to see her blush when the kiss ended, and sure enough.. he did. However, he was more focused on her eyes, and the way she kissed. His compliment, however, turned her cheeks a bit more of a reddish hue. "It was my first.. i'm glad it impressed you." He had likely kissed plenty of women. This led her to wonder.. was there another before he was meant to marry her? "You're pretty wonderful, yourself." 

She  tried not to think about that right now. It was too sad of a thought, to wonder if she'd stepped between true love. Liam escorted her from the chapel, and to his ship. had gone from ship to ship, with only a brief break to marry a stranger. Luckily for her, she had a kind, handsome stranger at her side as her new husband.. and no longer was he a stranger. He was a man named Liam, and he had been her first kiss. As her husband she was certain he'd be her first for.. other things as well. 

Liam spoke of how he would not do anything with her that she didn't want him to do, but, was that not what husbands and wives did? She wasn't accustomed to being married. She had seen her parents, but they were a special case. They married out of love. Wouldn't this one day possibly grow in to that? And how would they know if they didn't share a bed? Emma pushed those thoughts away for now...because now, she really did want to change her clothes, and food sounded perfect. "Changing sounds fantastic right now.." She spoke with a small smile. "And I can not wait to celebrate with my new husband." She gently placed a kiss upon his cheek. 

"Thank you, Liam..for being so kind to me." 


Liam Jones

[Liam Jones]

He nodded to his wife as she agreed to changing. She could thank a few people for how he treated her, not just him, for his attitude was born from being raised by a wonderful woman. And her parents had been deliberate in choosing a man fit for her needs, a man who would respect and protect her. He had been a natural choice it appeared as he never even made a difference between respecting the King and his Queen. And so her parents had been hopeful to have a best possible match for their daughter in him. He did intend to keep her safe and happy, no matter if it meant 

While he let her go to the Captains Quarters alone – her men had brought her belongings there already, as far as he had been informed. He hoped it was the case. Meanwhile he busied himself with making sure the food was ready for her. They had made sure to have food from her home, as close in taste as possible. They wanted to make the beginning of her arranged marriage as easy as possible, given how she married so far out of her class. He was just a captain, but he had ensured that she would have all the comfort he could offer, even if it was not much.

After a while he came to knock on the door. “Emma, are you alright in there?”


Emma Swan

[Deleted]

Emma had gotten changed in to some far more comfortable clothes. It was mostly nightwear but it was modest. After all, she hardly knew her new husband, and wasn't quite sure if she was ready to completely bare her...soul, to him just yet. She was brushing her hair, and allowing herself to get lost in thought when she heard the knock at the door. He was knocking, and yet, it was his room as well. In fact..it was his room -first-. She couldn't help but smile when he asked if everything was alright. "Yes," she called. "You can come in, you know." She was very thankful that he seemed so caring about her. He seemed as though he were a very good catch. 

She placed her brush down, and waited for him to enter. She honestly had a lot on her mind.. wondering about her parents, and if they were safe. If they managed to get away from Regina's armies for now. Sure, Emma was safe, and protected..but she had no idea what the fate of her mother and father were. Luckily, Liam was there to distract her from her thoughts. When he came in, she stood up, and smoothed down her nightdress and the long robe that was wrapped over it. It didn't reveal anything thankfully, and it was comfortable enough that she could wear it until it was time for bed. "Sorry.. I should have told you when I was dressed and ready. I was just thinking about my parents.. hoping that they are safe."


Liam Jones

[Liam Jones]

Liam slowly entered the cabin, hoping she was decent. As it happened it appeared she was. He was glad about it. This marriage was probably taking a toll on either way, so he wanted to be sure to always respect her boundaries. That included being as kind and considerate as possible. And it would include lying for her, if he had to, especially about the consummation of their marriage. He was surprised though at her choice of night dress and robe. It appeared to him that she wanted to stay in here or close to the quarters. Then again she had just traveled here, he wouldn’t be surprised if she was just exhausted and wanted to rest. Liam would be perfectly fine with that. 

“There is no need to apologize, Emma. You have all the time you need here. You’re on my ship, so luckily I make the rules. If I say my wife gets to do as she wishes not a single sailor will question it, least of all me.” She’d get used to it, eventually. Eventually they’d know each other well enough for her not to apologize for something like that. Liam reached for her hand, his thumb tracing a pattern on the back of her hand, while his other hand was placed gently on her cheek.

“I can help you with that, Emma. They should be safe. They have boarded a ship after you did, heading towards the islands in the north. The kingdom of Arendelle will grant them sanctuary. The Evil Queen might try to reach it, but by the time she does, they will be warned. They are safe, for now. As are you.”


Emma Swan

[Deleted]

Emma, although she was sure she was hungry, was feeling a little nervous to eat.. So she wasn't complaining about just standing there for awhile, talking to her new husband. When he took her hand, and touched it with his thumb while simultaneously touching her cheek, she allowed he eyes to close. His hands were strong, but not too rough. In fact, his touch was very comforting, and right now.. she could use all of the comfort she could get. She opened her eyes, and looked in to his, suddenly giving him all of her attention when he began speaking about her parents. They were safe.. they were going to Arrendell where they would be protected. "Oh..Liam, thank you.. Thank you so much for giving me that information." She lifted a hand and touched his hand that was against her cheek. 

"I'll rest easy knowing that they'll be away from Regina's reign." She leaned in close to him, and gave him a feather light kiss on his lips. It was their second kiss as a married couple, but this one wasn't obligatory. It was purely out of the desire to kiss him again. And just as before, his kiss made her head start to swim a little. She leaned back once more, and she felt her cheeks turning pink once again. "So.. is..is dinner ready? I'm famished.." Her voice held a slightly nervous tone..but it wasn't the bad sort of nervous. She was just highly aware that this was their wedding night, and..well..she wasn't entirely sure what to expect. 


Killian Jones

[Liam Jones]

Liam was slightly surprised at how she did not expect to be given the information. Why would he withhold it from her? Those were her parents, she had every right to care about them and every right to information about their safety and whereabouts. He smiled almost sadly at her. Once upon a time, he would have paid the devil for the whereabouts of his father. But he had been betrayed by the man. Emma on the other hand had been given to him to keep safe in more than one way. “Emma, I will give you whatever information about your family that I will gather over time. Whatever knowledge I have off them, you shall have as well, the good as well as the bad, as long as you’re inclined not to kill the messenger.” Aka him then. So much could still happen, but for now the King and Queen were safe in exile and so was their daughter, in exile and married, away from the Queen and probably away from her interest. She might just see the fact that she married no prince, that she was a lowly Captains wife, nothing fancy. If only she knew this wasn’t the plan at all. Liam kissed his wife back softly, still feeling glad she seemed to be at ease with him. It would make their marriage a lot easier. Once parted he couldn’t help himself. Her cheeks turned a delicious pink, like ripe peaches and he just had to kiss her cheeks. 

“Dinner is indeed, ready. Shall we go or shall I bring it to you?” He’d do whatever made her feel comfortable. For now, he didn’t have intentions of letting go of her. The soft touches were comforting, even to him. “You know you have full choice in here. This night shall be commanded by what you want above traditions. I am fully prepared to lie about tonight, if you’re not comfortable with this, Emma. This goes at your pace and I shall comply with what you command. Though, don’t think I don’t desire you, Emma.”


Emma Swan

[Deleted]

Emma gave him a small nod, and a soft smile. "I appreciate it more than words can say, Liam.. and do not worry. I have no plans on taking any sort of bad news out on the messenger. The good news, however, I may be inclined to reward." She spoke with a rather teasing tone and a slight lift of her eyebrow. When she kissed him, he returned the kiss with one of his own..and then, he kissed both of her cheeks when they had turned pink from her blushing...this only caused her smile to grow. He then informed her that dinner was ready, and asked if she preferred to dine elsewhere of if she'd rather he'd bring it to her. She thought about it for a moment, and gently bit her bottom lip. "Would.. you mind much if you and I dined in here tonight? I think I'd rather just be alone with you this evening." 

She was comfortable with Liam, and she wanted just for one evening at least, to be comfortable with someone. She hadn't felt at ease in a long time..and this was the closest she was going to get for awhile, she was sure. He then went on to tell her that tonight.. she would have a say in what happened. He revealed that he desired her, but if need be, he'd lie about the two of them sharing a bed together - or what they did in it. Another blush touched Emma's cheeks. "What do you say.. we eat dinner first, and see where tonight takes us?" It seemed to be a good idea, to at least get to know him before she took him up on his offer. It would be rude to completely shun away her new husband.. not to mention..she found him rather desirable, as well. 

Liam Jones

[Liam Jones]

"Would I have offered if I minded, Emma?" He wouldn't have. Had he been concerned for the crews opinion in any of this, he would have consulted them, but he made the rules here, the crew had to follow them. To him the rules meant to be as good to his young wife as possible. She'd have to make enough sacrifices as it was, she deserved a husband, however unknown he was, who'd treat her with respect and care, even if they might not fall in love. And she owed that to his mother, to a strong woman, who had taught Liam how to respect women and that they were more than deserving of it.


"Well then, my dear wife, I shall be fetching food for us. Wait here, make yourself comfortable. I shall be back shortly." With that the Captain left his quarters again. Up on deck he requested help from the cook, to help carry the food down as Liam sadly only had one pair of hands. He loaded both trays he fetched with a bit of everything, main course, soup, dessert, salad, so they'd both have as much choice as they could have. The cook helped him balance the trays down. Liam carried one inside, then returned to the door to carry the other inside. Both of them were placed on his desk. "I hope the food is to your taste. We tried to cook as ... accommodating to your kingdoms cuisine, but a ships cook can only do so much." As he had done his task, he finally removed his jacked and opened the buttons of his vest, breathing deeply. Damn those restrictive clothes. He turned, scratching his ear out of nerves. So they were alone now, just the two of them, to get to know each other.


Emma Swan

[Deleted]

Emma waited patiently as Liam went to fetch food for the two of them. She took a deep breath, and looked herself over in a mirror. The mirror was too small to see her whole frame, but she was able to at least make sure she looked decent. Her parents had always told her that they wanted her to find true love before marriage, but fate seemed to have something different in mind. But, she was determined to find love in her new husband, Liam. She already found him attractive which was going to help physically, and he was kind. He would be easy to love, especially once they knew each other.. But would he love her? All he knew was that she was a Princess who needed to be rescued. That wasn't much to go on.. so she hoped she could make him fall for her, somehow. 

When he returned, her eyes widened. There was so much food! And most of the dishes looked akin to something that her family's own chef would often cook. It was clear that he had the ship's cook attempt delicacies from her kingdom. More for Emma to be appreciative of. "Liam.. this spread looks absolutely delicious. I see you had your chef prepare stuffed quail," She spoke with a smile. "It so happens to be my favorite. Thank you.. and tell your cook I said thank you, as well." She watched as he took off his jacket, and began to unfasten the buttons on his vest to get more comfortable. She could already feel herself flushing at such a sight. 

It wasn't anything bad, by any means.. but perhaps nerves. She, however, was already far more comfortable now that she was out of that corset. As lovely as they looked, one couldn't quite breathe with those on, being so constricting. She lifted a hand and raked it through her long blonde hair since she had finally taken the pins out of it that were holding it on top of her head. It was now time to eat..and to get to know her new husband. "Tell me about your family.. I know nothing about them." She decided to take the initiative on asking the first question, before she started to dig in to her food. ...delicately, of course. 


Liam Jones