Link for dA: xxscarletxrosexx.

deviantart.

com/art/A-Promise-Between-Status-518323172

(c) Art work by Kuro-D
(c) Shang belongs to Disney's Mulan

(c) Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff belong to Disney's Frozen
(c) Jack and Aster belong to Dreamwork's Rise of the Guardian

Summary:

It began when a pair of children of two distinguishable classes promised for each other's happiness. Eight years later, he had achieved a new status just to be closer to sustain his promise as well as harbor prosperity to his sister. His new status as head knight, opens opportunities for him to cross paths with his former childhood friend. An audience with the newly crowned queen is his last chance to clear up a speculating uncertainty that has clouded his mind for almost a decade, but will she recognize him or remember their promise? And even in front of his enemy, his mind couldn't help but wander to certain someone back at his homeland.


There was a reason why he wanted to be the head knight. Not because it made him the pride of the country, nor the amount of attention that he would be showered upon for representing his home, but because he wanted to destroy the boundary that had kept them apart for years.

It began in his early pre-adolescent years, when he was left to take care of his younger sister. Their parents had fallen ill by an ominous plague at the time, and were immediately taken away from their lives by force. He and his sister never had the chance to say goodbye, and up to now, their existence were still questioned. It was best that they assumed the worse, and forget about that fading hope; better to know that they will not be disappointed every time they hear someone at the doorsteps and see an unfamiliar face.

Their social status was below than average, but manageable than those who suffered in poverty. They were able to live off out of support of their neighbors, who insistently begged them to enter a loving and peaceful life, but it was his sister who refused, and Jack who earnestly and gratefully declined for the sake of their mind. They couldn't stand the idea of leaving the house they were brought into, couldn't stand that leaving their house could mean forgetting about the loving parents who raised them. They chose a path of difficulty and hardship, but only requested that their neighbor take their home under their name, while they handled the money.

One day he had stumbled upon a young woman, dressed in ragged, bear fur on his way to the market to his usual job as a baker's assistant. The hood covered majority of her face, exposing only her plump, pale lips. When he had reached out to the mysterious figure, she grabbed him by the wrist and had taken off immediately after a hushed, "Shh!"

Taken into a dark alley, about several yards away, they ended up in a white blanketed field of snow. When he cried out for her to explain what she was doing, she released him and pulled off her hood with a chiming laughter.

He lost his bearings with a simple glimpse at her. She was beautiful despite being covered by blotches of soot and mud from her hair down to her neck. Her eyes were ever so gleaming like a twinkling star of the night sky, and her skin was as white as the snow surrounding them. Her platinum blond locks were ever so tousled as she pranced several feet ahead. She was jovial and bright as she fell back into the snow with a sigh of relief. Then her eyes fell back on her companion with childlike innocence and curiosity.

"You won't let those people get me, right?" Her voice was as smooth as velvet, and curt. He found it difficult to talk back to her without sounding bashful.

"I hope you're not one of them…" she continued as she fixated her attention to the cloudy sky.

"Like who?" he inquired softly.

"Those bad people," she continued, "they want to lock me up and tell me to do things I don't want to do."

"Why would they do that?" the boy answered back, "Isn't it because they love you?"

"If they loved me, then why do they tell me to do things I don't like to do?" she replied, appalled by his reply.

The boy shrugged as he strode over to her. "My momma always told me that parents knew better and just want to make sure that we're following a good path."

"Did your momma go through what you went?" the platinum blond asked.

The boy shrugged. "She had her momma and papa to guide her until she was older. I'm on my own."

The girl sat up abruptly and stared at the boy with eyes as large as plates. He saw sadness reflected through them, and he smiled sadly to express that he was okay-his pride refused him to cry in front of a beautiful guest.

She patted the floor seat next to her and he sat down.

"What about your papa?"

"He left with momma. It's just my sister and I," he answered nonchalantly.

Suddenly, he found his head on her shoulder, and her left hand cupping his left cheek.

"It's okay to cry," she answered quietly, "You look like you want to…"

And he did. Embarrassedly and unintentionally, the jar that had sealed that emotion and hidden from his sister months ago had poured out. He wept, and he covered his eyes. Somehow he found himself in her arms and was comforted. A part of him wanted to die there, from humiliating himself, while another part of him just wanted to flee from her sight.

Instead she said to him, "You're a strong boy. I think, someday you'll be a good man when you grow older."

When he looked at her, he saw tears in her own eyes and he wiped them away as he asked with a broken voice, "Why are you crying? I'm the one who experienced such thing, not you…"

She wiped his own tears in return and replied in her own cracked voice, "It's because I can't stand seeing people hurt."

He laughed at her, and she mirrored him with her own smile.

"I wish I could be with you," she answered lightheartedly, "to grow up with you and help you with your situation if I can."

"Why can't you?" the boy asked.

She looked across the horizon and gently lifted her right hand at the castle that floated on the sea. "Because I live there."

Following her finger, he fell speechless as his eyes fell back to her. "No way! You're the Princess!" he exclaimed as he scrambled away from her. Quickly, he collected himself and fell on his knee and hung his head to show respect.

"Please…"

When he looked up, she was still seated on the ground with sadness reflected in her eyes. Confused, the boy wondered as to what he had done wrong.

"It is because of that, I can't live like you," she sighed.

"But at least you're prospering well, and you can live your life without hardships," he smiled.

"Knowing that I could live luxuriously while you suffered, only makes my life seem cruel in comparison." Turning her attention to the ground, she continued, "I'd be more content if I had no responsibilities and do as I please." She glanced back at the boy with embarrassment. "I apologize, I sounded selfish and unfair to you."

"I understand," he answered kindly, "Whether with or without titles, we're still kids, right?"

The princess smiled fondly as she mumbled, "If only you were a prince…"

"What?" he asked, unsure if he had heard her correctly.

She shook her head with her eyes closed and a small smile plastered on her lips. "Can you keep a promise with me?"

"I don't know…" he answered perplexedly, "I don't think my worth can be anything compared to yours."

She shook her head amusedly as she stuck out her pinky finger. "Stick out your pinky finger and claps it over mine."

"Princess… I don't know if I can keep it…"

"You will," she insisted, "because it's you."

With reluctance, he did as she requested.

"I promise that I will make you happy," she began, "and lighten the load of your hardship."

"Princess…" the boy whispered, touched, "you shouldn't waste a promise like that on me."

She replied with a shrug and a smile, "Even with just one person, I want to change someone's life."

"What about you?" he whispered.

She shook her head, "I don't need a promise. You already did me a favor by changing my perspective of all these responsibilities and lessons."

"But I want to make one for you to make it fair," he insisted.

"Fine," she smiled, caving in. "What is it do you promise?"

"I promise to make you happy," the boy stated. "I want you to help you change this country so that you can be free to do as your heart desires."

"That's two promises!" she exclaimed.

"It's one that grants two," he answered mischievously, "just as long as you don't tell anyone I cried."

"It's a promise," she giggled.

That was the last time he saw her, and to this day he remembered their promise. Not one day had he forgotten her, nor regretted that he had scolded by the baker after he walked her back to her castle. When those blue ginormous iron doors closed behind her, it seemed as if she was engulfed by a monster and ceased from existence. But her back looked more confident than it did when she was racing across the blanketed field.

Five years passed when news had spread when the King and Queen of Arendelle had passed away at sea, and the boy grew frustrated that he wasn't able to see the young princess. He felt helpless and a complete failure for the second time in his life.

Although their meeting was a secret, his sister was able to comfort him without question. In attempt to cheer him up, despite strongly opposing of the idea, it was then she shared the recruitment taking place the following month.

Thinking nothing but helping his sister and himself lighten their hardship, he registered immediately and promised his sister that he would return home safely along with a better life. Packing his bags and wishing his sister goodbye, the boy known as Jackson Overland had become Jack Frost.

He had to take on a pseudonym to protect his sister back home in case his enemies had taken him under custody and contacted her. It was also to protect his identity from being used and infiltrate the country side. His chocolate locks had to take on an alabaster appearance to establish a uniformed appearance. Only his eyes remained the same color blue from then.

In a blink of an eye, three years passed by, and he was ranked first in his class in performance and diligence. His experience left him calloused, but the promises tattooed into his mind never failed to keep his character intact, and continuously motivated him to work harder.

As promised, he was the first to be knighted by their new Queen on the day of her coronation. The prize itself was more than he could ever ask for, and he prayed vehemently, that the young Queen would recognize him as the bashful crybaby from eight years ago.

When that day finally arrived, he watched with baited breath as the young princess from eight years ago, strode gracefully down the aisle, dressed in a blue train dress with a transparent light blue cape adorned on the gold hems of her dress. Her neck was adorned with a white pearly necklace and a sapphire pendant sat at the center of her chest. Her platinum blond hair was slicked back and down to a braid, casting over to her right shoulder. She wore lavender eye shadow to bring out her matching, confident sapphire eyes and pale carnation painted her perfect cupid arrow lips. Her presence itself was exulting and powerful, and yet she appeared so delicate and fragile.

With her confident back facing the audience, the priest began the ceremony and had the princess repeat her vow followed by crowning her with a silver tiara adorned with matching sapphires. He watched her take her gloves off from the side before picking up the scepter and the orb before turning around and facing the audience.

As the priest announced her status, the young princess-queen-wore a listless expression, as if she were holding her breath. She looked uncomfortable carrying the objects, and the moment the priest announced, "All hail Queen Elsa!" She quickly retrieved her gloves and turned toward her subjects as they repeated the chant.

"Now may I have the our first class member come up, please," the priest continued.

Almost missing his cue, Jack marched with long strides towards the steps. With each step, he felt a little nervous having those very sapphire eyes meet his, but he had to persevere. Just as he had practiced a million times over, he fell on one knee and raised his fisted right hand over his heart.

"Rise," he heard the young woman command, and he lifted his head to meet hers.

In that split second, her eyes widened with surprise, while he replied with a gentle smile. But after that moment, that glimmer disappeared from her eyes and she instructed him to stand beside her while the priest retrieved the sword of Arendelle from his cardinal.

"Jack Frost," she continued gently, and yet authoratively.

He walked up the stage and knelt in front of her once again when she was presented the sword. With an authorative stance she delicately touched his shoulder with the bunted end followed by the other as she recited the chivalry conduct.

"Beloved warrior of Arendelle. Standing before us, you hath proven to be the embodiment of a Knightly figure. As you attain thy title, you swear that you will abide to your newest standards. Your presence before us, hath proven that you acknowledge and accept your position."

"I do," he stated confidently.

"Before thy people of Arendelle, you swear to sacrifice your life for the sake of our people and guide your friends, your brethren, your comrades, into victory. Before thy Queen, you swear your loyalty and vow to stand beside me to fight and protect our kingdom from outer forces. Before God, you will follow through his will and seek his guidance as he guides you into battle and your decisions from this moment forward."

"I do."

Gently lifting the bunted sword from one shoulder over his head to the next, she declared, "I hereby knight thee to serve thy Queen and country. You may rise, Sir Jack." Standing beside one another and facing the audience, the young queen continued, "Let it be known that Arendelle will continue to prosper under the protection of thy Queen and thy Knight."

The audience broke into a thunderous cheer as the Queen strode down the aisle, followed by the newly Knighted leader and the princess of Arendelle. As the three passed by, the row of witnesses bowed before them and congratulated them as they made their way to the open courtyard where a carriage waited for the three of them.

The over-bubbly, strawberry haired royal highness smiled uncomfortably when she met her majesty's eyes but voiced out her congratulations. Despite sitting beside her sister in the carriage, she appeared restrained to enact any interaction relevant to the queen. Thus, settling her attention on the new, unfamiliar guest.

"Sir Jack, was it?" she began.

"Yes…!" he stammered, and quickly added, "your royal highness?"

"You're quite young to be a head knight, aren't you?" she continued.

"Anna…" the queen hissed with a small frown at her sister's behavior before meeting the young man's gaze with an apologetic smile.

"No, it's alright," he answered the Queen, "I don't believe I'm the youngest within the cavalry."

"But you have set the record for being the youngest to head one," the princess acknowledged, "for that, congratulations on that achievement!"

"Ah, thank you, your royal highness," Jack answered, embarrassedly.

"Your royal highness is a mouthful of words, just call me Princess Anna," the strawberry blond chirped happily.

"Yes, P-Princess Anna," he acknowledged, hesitantly.

"That's more like it," she continued, upbeat. "Relax too, will you? You're a royal guard now, we're practically on the same rank! Just take a deep breath and relax."

He did as he was requested, and surprisingly enough, it had helped along with Princess Anna's flamboyant and laid-back aura.

"Pardon my sister's behavior," the gentle voice intruded, "and for my intrusion, but may I inquire why you wanted to be head knight?"

No sooner had the tension returned to him as his overwhelmed mind raced with words to explain for his explanation. He knew he couldn't sputter a simple you are to the new Queen to be and her witnessing sibling. He was far too embarrassed to even bring about what had happened years ago, unsure if the Queen would allow the Princess to overhear her rebellious action.

After a pregnant silence, the Queen continued, "I am aware that the head of the cavalry must over step his boundary and attain skills far more impressive, requiring that he must go through intense hard work to gain this title… so why?"

"A promise…" he blurted. He fell uncomfortably flustered when he realized what he had done. Quickly he recovered his informal mannerism with a hurricane of stutters, "Yes, I, uh, I believe, it was a promise I wanted to k-keep, your m-majesty."

Princess Anna smiled gleefully as she exchanged an amused smile with her older sister.

"Do you mind elaborating on your promise?" Queen Elsa pressed on, interested.

Taking a quick glance out the window, words began to formulate on his mouth without him consciously grasping.

"If I may be so bold, I would like an audience with your majesty to elaborate my tale," he requested.

"Granted," she answered.

"But perhaps another time would be convenient."

Right on cue, the stagecoach opened the carriage's door and acknowledged their arrival with an open palm, "Your majesty?"

Queen Elsa turned to him with a gentle look and stated, "I acknowledge your request if you accompany me to the ball, Sir Jack."

Ignoring the deafening sound of his racing heart and the heat creeping up his neck, Jack answered, "If I may be so honored to do so, I shall."

Taking his gloved hand, Queen Elsa stepped out of the carriage with gracefully. Before following suit, Princess Anna passed a small wink and a suggestive smile to him as she flickered her eyes to her sister and back to his. A short, muffled giggle escaped her lips as she took the stagecoach's hand and stepped out, leaving a steaming and baffled knight in the aftermath. Brushing off his embarrassed state, he sauntered out the carriage and stepped beside the Queen and faced her. With a bow, he offered his right arm towards her and addressed her respectively, "Your highness?"

With a small smile, she took his arm as they both sauntered into the castle.

Behind the pair, the royal highness smiled and muffled a squeal of delight before following after them in search of her own Prince Charming.


But that event had not come during that party, or several days coming through.

It had been revealed that Queen Elsa was born with powers of winter. Word spread like a wildfire during the coronation ball, and he had barely caught a glimpse of her majesty speeding out into the courtyard and out the tunnel leading to the embankment. He couldn't believe it until he had witnessed Princess Anna corner her sister. All it took was one limb to freeze up the entire fjord.

He never forgot the fear he saw in the people's eyes, nor the frightened cries of the children as they expressed their distraught of the unfolded events. The stories of her being locked away in her very own bedroom for many years, perhaps including the time they had encountered one another, shook the people's view, as well as their loyalty towards her.

Even he was left speechless and baffled by the circulating gossips. Although he was taken aback by the discovery, his view of her had not changed nonetheless. Regardless if her ostracized story had been true at the time that they had encountered, one thing that Jack was definitely confident about was seeing a pure child who had experienced a moment of rebellion, not a catalyst to a formulating monster.

Everything about her was pure-and he held on to that until the very end.

A week had passed by when the winter season had condensed to the sky into a ginormous snowflake, before shattering away into oblivions. The Queen had returned alongside her beloved sister, a fellow ice maker, Kristoff Bjorgman, a reindeer, and a magical snowman known as Olaf.

The castle reopened once again, and it has stayed that way ever since. Queen Elsa and Princess Anna had been busy as well, filled with duties to sustain for their people. An audience with the Queen, herself, was as rare as finding a coin in a cracked cobblestone on a bustling day. Even so, he had to try once more, especially this being a possible final appearance before the queen. It was unfortunate but at this very moment, he was required to return to the line.

The snow haired young man, at the age of twenty-two, stood before a set of large double doors, dressed in his iron clad attire and his sheathed sword tucked to his left waist, as he waited for the Queen's consent to allow his imprudence. Although his physical appearance carried a burly image, his mentality had reduced to one of a nerve-wracked child.

His thoughts swirled with imaginations of how their confrontation would turn out. In his mind, words flowed out of his lips with such cool composure that it flowed perfectly well with the balanced atmosphere, leading up to his confession and a happy ending for the bewitched couple.

He had only hoped for the best of their confrontation, perhaps even if she had not shared an equal view of his sentiments, that their friendship could blossom over time and create an unbreakable bond.

His heart leapt to this throat when he heard the familiar calm voice on the other side call out, "Come in."

He swallowed audibly and attempted to clear his throat silently as he placed one hand on the door. Taking a couple deep breaths, he braced himself as he pushed the door aside.

The moment his eyes fell on her, his legs began to tremble and his mind had gone blank. The imagination he had manifested several minutes ago had vanished completely, and he was left unsure of how to begin the conversation.

Despite his shaken state, the young Queen carried a humbled, gentle smile as she sat on the wooden throne. She was a perfect canvas, capturing the perfect mix of royalty and serenity as she waited patiently for his approach. Amidst his own tension, he had expected ten-fold the effect within her presence. He had forgotten their shared sentiments, how this individual was not just the pressured Queen of Arendelle but a beautiful young woman with a pure heart who wished nothing but happiness for her people. All of a sudden, he was facing the young rebellious creature in the blanketed field of snow. Somehow, he was able to recapture his bearings and proceed from there.

He stopped just several feet before her, and bowed before her. "Your majesty."

"Sir Jack…" she addressed, "I apologize that we never had the chance to speak about your promise."

He fell on his right knee while his hands rested on his left knee cap.

"I presume that we will continue where we have left off?"

"If I may be so bold, I would like an audience with your majesty?" he coaxed.

"Granted," she accepted immediately, "What is your dilemma, young man?"

"You are, in fact…"

He noted her startled reaction, nevertheless she continued on. "I beg your pardon, Sir Jack?"

"There was a promise I had made with a beautiful, young creature who seemed to have entered her rebellious era. Although I was not the one who had granted it, I came to inquire if my end of promise had come true for you."

It was then her eyes grew wider, as if the memory fell fresh through her very eyes. She sat up and gracefully ambled towards him.

"Please rise."

As requested, he stood tall and faced her. He was taken aback when her trembling, slender fingers reached for his face, but he found them strangely comforting. Unintentionally, his hands cupped over hers.

"You have done more than enough," she whispered gently, "you may have not known this, but there was a young, bitter Marquess who critically watched over his new recruits. He would never stop talking about this one individual who had reminded him about himself and rekindled his experience as general."

"You don't happen to mean…?"

"Lord Shang. Has he ever shared his story with you?" Queen Elsa inquired.

"I believe there was one occasion, your majesty. I recall it was something about his status?"

She nodded, "Other than being an offspring of a well respected Duke, he took action to receive a well respected background for his status, not a well-off child. And so he became what he is now."

"I recall that… and he brought up something about his fiancée?"

"I'm surprised how much the Marquess shows his trust to you," the young queen noted as she gently brushed a strayed hair from his face before pulling away. "He grew to loathe his position, now that he was aware that his friendship with his comrades proved to be temporary. Despite this pitiful state, he had done it for someone he loved and gain the approval of both family heads, as well as improve their family honor."

Jack smiled warmly of his leader's perspective. "Shortly after our meeting, he disappeared. But I've heard word that he's that he's alive and well."

"I relieved him of his duties so he can be beside his family," Elsa acknowledged, "although I apologize that you will now rise to his position."

"Your majesty…"

"You've kept your promise, Sir Jack. But I want you to be aware that you have not only kept your promise to me but you have also changed the mind of a dear friend of mine, and for that I'm in deep gratitude."

The young queen strode back to her seat and delicately picked up a small box and opened it. Returning before him, she presented a pair of gardbraces with an intricate shaped snowflake stamped on the center.

"Your majesty-"

She chuckled gently, "Queen Elsa is fine."

"Thank you for keeping your end of the promise as well," Jack bowed deeply, "For giving me the opportunity stand beside you. I know that my sister is also thanking you for your kindness."

"Please, it's not required to bow in front of me for such a thing," the platinum blond mumbled, "I wish to ask how your sister is doing?"

Returning to his former position, Jack knelt back to the ground.

"She is prospering well your highness, thanks to you."

"Oh, Sir Jack, you mustn't…"

"But I have another dilemma, your majesty. And I would appreciate if you could help me calm the storm in my mind…"

Sighing with humbled resignation, she responded with complete composure and patience, "What is this other dilemma you have, young man?"

"Once more… you are, in fact…" he stated sheepishly. Despite the uncontrollable heat growing on his face and his quivering breathing, he forced himself to continue, "From the moment I met you… I knew that I'm in love with Queen-to-be. And I-I'm inquiring if she loves me too…?"

After a pregnant pause she responded. "Please rise, Sir Jack and face me. And please I refrain from bowing or falling on one knee in front of me from this point forward."

"Yes, your majesty."

"Please address me as Queen Elsa, as well," she smiled gently, as she walked to his side and quietly worked on unbuckling the plain, silver gardbrace, followed by the second one. Then she gestured for the gardbraces and replaced both shoulders. Standing behind him, she requested, "Please lower yourself."

Jack overheard the sound of an unclasped button and a shuddering fabric followed by feeling her arms encircle his neck. He stood as still as a statue as she worked with the button before stepping within his view.

"You may rise again, Sir Jack."

"Your ma-Queen Elsa, this is too much," he stated whilst admiring his new set of gardbraces and a deep violet robe with the royal lilac emblem.

"As for your answer, Sir Jack," she continued, "will wait until you return from battle. I expect you to return me on your arrival."

Jack stared at her baffled and speechless by her request. A hurricane of sentences wanted to spill out of his lips, but he had to force himself to hold back.

"I believe there is more questions you would like to ask of me, but it will have to wait until then." She lifted her right hand and raised her pinky finger, "As childish as this is, but can you keep this promise until then?"

Guiding his own bony finger beside hers, Jack faltered, "Your-Queen Elsa, I don't want to pressure you for your answer until then-that was never my intention…"

Hooking her finger around his, the Queen answered, "I don't need any more time, Sir Jack. I've already come up with an answer."

Nodding respectively, Jack swore, "I promise."

"As will I. Please do return safely, Sir Jack."


Not only was his life on the line, but as well as his friends and comrades. Learning from Lord Shang's experience, he was aware that he would never see his friends again after this battle. The ones who will fall would die with honor for the sake of their people. Those who lived, were left to carry on with their duties as well as their comrade's legacy. But despite the bloodshed that was soon to take place, his mind was elsewhere as he raised his sword. And even in front of his enemy, his mind couldn't help but wander to a certain someone back at his homeland. He had a promise to keep, and a victory to secure.


Months had flown as quickly as leaves have changed from their evergreen to a warm brown. Making up for his time away, his prized letters accumulated, nevertheless his longings have accumulated as well. Before he could take account of the seasons passed, he was already returning home. It had been summer since he had last seen her, but upon their return, winter's breath had greeted them. Despite the frigid weather, the people of Arendelle had bestowed them a celebration for their victory and their safe return.

Jack led his cavalry towards the castle as the crowds hollered their greetings and congratulations. Despite his humbled appearance before the people, he could not help but restrain his eagerness to see the Queen.

Just as they stood before the entrance into the castle and dismounted their horses, the double doors opened, and stood before them was Queen Elsa.

Impulsively, the whole cavalry fell on one knee and placed their right fist over their heart as they addressed her in unison. "Your majesty."

"Please rise," the platinum blond commanded. When they had all stood before her, she continued, "On behalf of the people of Arendelle and from the bottom of my heart, thank you for fighting, for sacrificing, and protecting Arendelle."

The crowd applauded and cheered for their cavalry on beat, followed by another announcement for their queen.

"Please join us for their celebration banquet this evening. All our welcomed," she directed to the audience then to the cavalry, "As for our brave knights, we have prepared bedrooms to accommodate you. My sister, Anna, and our maids, will guide you to your quarters. Please feel at ease and be prepared for this evening's events."

"Thank you, your majesty," the cavalry replied in unison.

"Now if you follow me, I'll lead you to your bedrooms!" Princess Anna chirped energetically.

"I'll meet you at the party tonight," Jack whispered to one of his comrades.

"Going to see your sheila now, eh mate?" a tall, well built figure with shaggy silver hair teased.

"It's about the war," Jack clarified, testily, then noticing his darkening locks, "We'll talk about your dark hair again later, Bunnymund."

"Oy, it's Aster, mate. Quit that formal verbage ya got there," Aster complained.

"Just let her highness know where I'm at."

"Just go on with your sheila now mate," he encouraged. As he watched the eager head march down the hall with quickened steps, he smiled to himself and muttered, "That lil bugger."


"Your majesty!" Jack exclaimed several feet away from her. With a small bow, he approached her apologetically.

"You're late," she smiled warmly.

"I should have left with you right from the start," he replied bashfully before offering his arm, "May I escort you?"

"Gladly," she accepted as they headed towards the grand ballroom.

Although both parties appeared peaceful with one another, deep down both were at chaos with topics to bring about to one another. Unguardedly, Jack's lips slipped.

"The heart does appear fonder when there is distance…" Embarrassedly, Jack avoided her eyes.

She did not respond to his question immediately, nor minutes after, leaving the young knight to be invaded by scolds internally while his external appearance grew in temperature.

When they had arrived before the same double doors, Jack excused himself and held the door open for her. It was then Elsa finally answered.

"Indeed, the heart does grow fonder."

As he closed the door, Jack mentally shook himself and replayed what he had heard in his head.

"Is it safe to assume…?"

"I know it has been several months since I have last seen you, but I would like to properly answer you as promised."

At that moment, wave of nostalgia embraced him and he had released himself to go as he had done those many months ago.

"If I may be so bold, I would like an audience with her majesty?"

Smiling warmly, the young queen faced him with a small giggle, "What is your dilemma young man?"

"You are in fact." Right away he fell on one knee just as he had several months ago. "I'm in love with the Queen…" he continued, "And I wonder if she is in love with me?"

"Is there a law that forbids a love between statuses?" Elsa challenged.

His eyes glazed while his heart accelerated uncontrollably. It was difficult to hear over his drowning heart rate, causing a distraction from his probing thoughts. He knew the chivalry acts by heart now, and he had recalled reading the law of Arendelle over and over again, and not once had it ever mentioned any forbidden love between outer classes. With confidence he stated, "I don't believe so, my queen."

"Ah," she nodded gently. After another pregnant moment, she lunged towards the knight. The impact had caused the young knight to fall back.

"Queen Elsa?" he called out, concerned as he sat up. With assistance, he helped the Queen sit up beside him.

"You did request to know the real me, as I recall from our letters," the Queen stated matter-of-factly. "I hope you know what you're getting yourself into."

"I am aware," Jack smiled, whilst cupping her face. "It doesn't matter that you have abilities that others don't have or how rebellious you were eight years ago. It doesn't matter how many years have passed or the difference in our status. I may have loved the mischievous child from then, but I believe I have fallen in love a second time with the young woman she has become presently."

The Queen smiled warmly with tears overflowing from her radiant cyan eyes. Her hands overlapped his and gently caressed the back of his large hands.

"I believe I've properly kept my promise this time around, Queen Elsa," Jack clarified, "I apologize that it took so long to properly fulfill it."

The Queen chuckled softly, "But you have already fulfilled it a long time ago." By his confused gaze, the young woman clarified, "Changing a country doesn't intentionally mean settling scores with war. It starts with the words to change one's view, and from there change takes place."

"Despite that," Jack added, "it's a man's job to fulfill their duty before committing to what they desire." Then as to draw in, he inquired playfully, "May I have my prize now?"

Taken aback, the Queen stuttered softly, "Y-your prize?"

"Your majesty, if I may have the honor to kiss you?" he clarified as his face continued to draw closer to hers, close enough for their lips to brush one another.

"I hope you are aware that I'm not good at this," she smiled, bashfully.

"Acknowledged."

Giving in, she whispered before their lips met.

"Granted."


A/N:

One lengthy one shot made for my comeback! I hope you guys will accept this for my apology for my absence and a big thank you for your support over these past several months! I wrote this one shot based on Kuro-D's art (link above).

I've had the idea saved in my notebook for a while now, but I believe this is the best time I've finished it as well as a huge thank you for her support during my rough time (especially for dangerously sitting on her roof to get better wifi connection in order for us to continue webacamming)!

I hope you guys enjoy it!