"Malric. Farwyn. Bring their corpses to my chamber when you are through." The icy voice of the Lich King ordered his two protectors in the Halls of Reflection.
The five Alliance members, who had accompanied Jaina Proudmoore, looked to both sides warily. Ghost lined all the walls staring at them with hallow dead eyes, but filled with murderous intent of their master. They really weren't that concerned with the powerful arch mage at their side, but being surrounded by some of the most deadly of the Lich King's forces did make one nervous.
Even though his face was covered by the dark blue plate helm, Jaina could tell those chilled white eyes were staring directly at her. Although it would have been near impossible to tell, Jaina knew behind the helm he was giving one of his annoying smirks of superiority. It had been one thing that had always annoyed Jaina when they had been together.
"Yes, my liege." Both commanders replied simultaneously before offering brisk bows to their master.
With just the slightest nod to them both, Arthas turned to walk through huge double doors that led to a long ramp.
"What's the plan, Lady Proudmoore?" A Night elf druid asked as he transformed into a Moonkin. There was a dreaded silence and the Moonkin turned around to find that the arch mage had disappeared. "Lady Proudmoore?"
"Up there!" A gnome squeaked, pointing behind the Lich King where Jaina ran behind him.
The five companions looked to one another fearfully before scrambling to follow, but by then the huge double doors had closed leaving the five friends alone with a room full of the living dead.
Jaina heard the five champions scream in terror and briefly had a twinge of regret stab her. They had come to see if they could retrieve the sword, but none had planned on seeing the Lich King himself. However, they had volunteered on their own volition to come knowing what they were getting into.
As the arch mage came to the top of the ramp, she was surprised to find a small throne room. The walls were adorned with black sackcloth, skulls holding the fabric together. A throne, looking like it had been made with the assorted bones of different creatures, sat at the back of the room, more black fabric draped over it. To her left was a door leading to a ridge along the citadel.
Jaina stomped her foot in frustration as she looked around the room. Arthas couldn't have gotten far; she had only been a few feet behind him. Unless there had been a secret door in which case he would wait to ambush her. Just as the thought entered her head, cold hands grasped her shoulders flinging her around. Before she could react, the Lich King kissed her deeply, holding her warm body tightly against his cold plate.
There was a quite humming sound, and the sense of magic filling the air as Jaina blinked out of Arthas grasp, trembling. The dreaded Lich King chuckled quietly, as he wiped a plated hand across his lips. "It's good to see you again, Jaina."
There was no reply from the sorceress who stood quite a distance away, an icebolt ready to fly should her charge.
"It's good to see you to, Arthas." He mocked in a whinny female voice when she did not reply.
Taking off his helm, the white locks of his hair came tumbling out, ice still clinging to some of the strands. He ran a hand through the snow white hair before slumping onto his throne. "So, what brings you to my neck of the woods?"
Having steadied herself from the shock of the terrible and all too familiar kiss she had ached for for so long, she managed to speak in a firm tone. "I've come to kill you, monster."
He laughed. "Really? You and I both know I'm far too powerful for you even to make an attempt, so what did you truly come for?"
She paused, it was true she had no clue if she could have killed him or not. What had she come for?
"To be honest, I'm not certain." She looked around the cold drab room in despair. "Proof, maybe."
"Uh huh." Arthas replied dumbly. One hand under his chin, his eyes gazed over the arch mage who hadn't lost any of her gorgeous feminine shape in all the years he hadn't seen her. "I always liked your violet Kirin Tor robes; they really bring out your eyes."
After the kiss, Jaina shouldn't have been surprised at the statement, and she wasn't. She was surprised at the blush that sprang involuntarily to her cheeks. Scolding herself profusely she attempted to cover it up, but far too late.
Rising from his throne, Arthas began walking slowly to the arch mage, who with every one of his steps forward went one back. "It's so unfair how the only woman I ever loved is trying to kill me."
The statement made Jaina stop in her tracks. "Unfair?" She echoed in disbelief before righteous fury took hold of her. "UNFAIR! Is it unfair that we have an ass-hat on the throne leading the Alliance? Is it unfair that you killed my master Antonidis? Is it unfair that instead of everything going as it should have you're the king of the damned?" She was screeching at him to the top of her lungs.
Arthas clapped both hands over his ear, cringing at her tone. "I take it back; you might be able to kill me single handedly if you keep screeching."
To both their surprises a music sound echoed through the room, laughter. Jaina laughed as he hadn't in years. Arthas' features twisted around in that funny way that had always made her break out into a fit of giggles in their younger years. The laughter died after a few moments replaced by a sadness.
"What happened to you Arthas?" She asked almost desperately.
He lifted a hand to brush her cheek free of a tear, a small smile etching his almost light blue face. "Destiny, Love."
The old nick-name he used when they had been sweet hearts nearly made the stalwart Proudmoore break down. She fought down what felt like a whole mana cake in the middle of her throat before grasping at his hand. "Was there anything I could have done to save you? If I had stood by your side at Stratholme, would this have happened?"
"We will never know, and to be truthful, I don't think I want to know. The last thing I want is for you to be plagued with more unnecessary guilt. I made my choice, as you have made yours. I will see to it this world will come under my rule and you have vowed to stop me." He chuckled slightly. "It reminds me of the first play we went to see together for our first date. Do you remember?"
She nodded. "I do. Then we walked through the city, trying to avoid the guards following us from our parents."
He pulled her close. "And there was that musician's troupe playing beside a fountain."
"And we danced." She finished with a whisper becoming enfolded in his arms.
He ran a hand through her honey blonde hair, and he didn't feel so cold. He felt like the Arthas she had known what seemed like a millennia ago, and they danced.