"I hate him."
Anna stared as her sister continued to violently violate her chocolate pudding with a spoon, not wanting to be involved in whatever sinister plot Elsa may be unconsciously thinking of.
"Like, seriously? Who does he think he is? All of a sudden proposing a foolish deal like that. As if anyone would agree to something so stupid." Elsa vented after stabbing the pudding once more.
Anna cleared her throat after, literally, seeing smoke emanating from Elsa's body knowing full well it will get ugly if she allowed her temper to continue. "Well, to answer your questions…he is a Prince of Padora, so there's that. And to what I've heard from your venting for the past two days since your meeting, you agreed to something so stupid." Elsa froze up as she realized that she literally dug her own grave. Anna sighed as she started spinning her spoon in the empty bowl she had been holding the whole time. "I mean, if you didn't agree to it, he would've left by now. But…"
Elsa looked up shamefully at Anna. "But what?"
Anna smiled brightly. "I'm kind of glad he's around, you know."
Elsa was shocked to hear those words coming out of her own sister's mouth. "T-t-traitor!"
Anna laughed. "I'm serious though."
Elsa leaned back as she couldn't believe her ears. "I can't believe my own sister would enjoy my torment. I didn't realize you were such a sadistic person."
Anna frowned. "Hey! You could've left that last part out." Anna started laughing again. "But it is nice, you know. You never had a proper childhood. And with him around, it's like getting to finally witness you growing up. Cause, you know, we missed each other at that time."
Elsa calmed down thinking about her past. "Yeah, I guess you're right."
"And you know, if everything works out in the end, it's not like it's lawfully wrong to marry a younger man. He's already at that legal age."
Elsa flinched. "Ew, I can't believe to hear those words come out of your mouth. It's not whether it's lawfully right or not, it's about your own moral and beliefs. If you think its okay, why don't you marry him?"
"Nope. I said it's not lawfully wrong, but it's not like I would do it. And plus, I already have Kristoff."
"Oh right. Lucky you." Elsa said sarcastically.
Anna laughed as she enjoyed Elsa's childish side. As opposed to her usual front, this was way much more enjoyable. As they continued their conversation, a figure nearby continued to watch over them.
Erik was sitting by the window that was overlooking the garden with a book in his hand. However, he wasn't reading his book. He was watching Elsa and Anna sit at the gazebo having a much fun conversation. He wasn't sure whether or not they realized his room overlooked the captivating garden, but they were always there together on their free time. Filip walked up to him and noticed that soft smile as he gazed on.
"She is rather charming, isn't she?" Filip stated.
"Hmm." Erik hummed in agreement.
Filip followed Erik's gaze and saw that Elsa's back was turned to them, and yet, you can see exactly what kind of emotions she was displaying. "Why did you come here, Erik?"
"Weren't you the one that said it's about time I start looking for a potential bride?"
"Yes, yes I did. And you haven't answered my question. Why did you come here, Prince Erik?" Filip's voice deepened as he was more demanding. "Is it because of that?"
Erik's lips curved upright as he shifted his eyes to his mentor, not saying a word.
Anna was giddily walking down the hall as the sun gently rose from its midnight slumber. As she turned the corner, she saw Erik leaning out the window as he watched the rising sun color the sky in a gentle blue and red. As she approached him, she realized just how fragile, and yet so strong he looked. Not wearing his usual jacket to hide his slender body, his loosely tucked in shirt made him look a lot smaller than he actually is. As his sleeves were rolled up, his fair, honey-colored arms glittered with sweat. His usual slick hair was now disheveled and loosely hung around his face.
Erik jerked in surprise as he saw her approach him. Feeling a bit embarrassed she saw him quite unkempt, he quickly stood up to his full length and greeted her with a sly hint of pink on his cheeks. "Good morning, Princess Anna."
"Please, Anna is just fine. Good morning to you too."
"Ah, I see. Then please address me as just Erik as well."
Anna's eyes averted to his open, undeveloped, masculine chest and back to his glittering hazel eyes. "Were you having a morning work out?"
Erik smiled sheepishly. "Yeah. I came out to take a breather and enjoy the sun rise. I didn't think anyone would be up and about at this time. Sorry if I look unruly."
Anna smiled. "Not at all. I just happened to have an engagement early today, so excuse me for interrupting." Anna looked at his black hair swaying in the wind like a willow tree gently dancing. "Since we're here, can I ask you something?"
Erik blinked as he buttoned his shirt only after realizing it was exposed. "Uh, sure."
"Why are you here?" Anna said bluntly. Erik was a bit surprised by her sudden brashness. Anna cleared her throat. "I mean, like, you know. I'm sure there are tons of other princesses around your age that would be more suitable. And yet, you chose to come here where you know you'll likely have no chance at all. So…why are you here?"
Erik smiled gently as he looked down at the ground. "I see. I suppose my being here is a bit unsettling." He ran his fingers through his hair. "I'll be frank with you, Anna. Both you and Elsa may think I might be fooling around because of my age, and I understand that completely. But you must also understand that even men who are more suited for Elsa may still take this as game."
"Are you saying you're genuine?"
"I am. To me, gaining Elsa's favor is everything. When her profile first reached me, it's like my eyes are finally opened for the first time. I don't know how to explain that feeling, you know."
Anna smiled thinking of Kristoff. "I know that feeling." Erik smiled shyly hearing her say that. Anna tilted her head. "But still, why Elsa? Is it love at first sight or something?"
Erik looked back to the rising sun. "I understand your concern for your sister. And I wouldn't say it was love at first sight since there wasn't actually a photo attached to her profile."
Anna raised an eyebrow in question. Erik smiled widely and winked. "I'm sure if things work out, you'll come to understand as well."
Anna nodded. "I see. Well, when it comes to it then. I have to get going." She began to walk away but then stopped and turned to face him again. "Why did you put in your profile 'wise beyond years'? Was that to get her attention?"
Erik laughed. "Hey, don't look at me. I had no control over what gets put in there. If you want to blame anyone, blame Filip."
"I'll be honest with you, but when I saw that, I seriously thought you were some middle-aged man." Anna spoke honestly. Erik laughed at the thought. "And you can thank me later. I was the one who said she should pick you because you seem 'old' and 'easy to deal with'." Anna winked playfully.
Erik laughed. "I see. I'll give you a proper thank you later."
They shared a laugh until Anna waved and walked away. Erik stared behind her as she disappeared around the corner. He leaned his back against the window as he rested his elbows on the frame. He sighed cheerfully. "I guess if I want things to go according to plan, I better get started."
