Chapter Three
The clinking sound Kristoff made with his salad fork on the empty champagne glass began to make Anna twitch.
"…Kristoff." She scowled.
"What? This is boring. I'm bored. The fork is bored." He continued, people now staring. Anna 'gently' elbowed his very wide shoulder; making his chair jump and making him slightly wince. He stopped. "Sorry."
"It's ok handsome." She smiled, taking a moment to fix his sculpted blonde hair. He blushed very brightly. He pulled at his collar and ties with his gloved hands, and fidgeted. Her love for him glowed brighter than all the candles surrounding every inch of the grand hall. The banquet being so large, their usual ballroom was too small. Extending out into several grand parlors of the palace, the immense celebration had extra tables set up for as many guests as possible in the square. Anna bounced with glee in her chair, not being able to see absolutely everything, but happily overwhelmed at the size of everything. Even the sashes and chandeliers where oversized, not remembering at all where any of these things came from. And not caring. Grand golden centerpieces filled to the brim with full scarlet roses blocked everyone's view. And the stunning ball gowns and handsome suits danced and shone brighter than the stars beginning to peak through the sunset. Anna had never seen or felt anything so powerful in her whole life, matching only that moment when she first saw her sister's castle of pure ice. The harder she thought, the more she realized that Elsa would probably…. Really hate this party. Especially with the two red heads sitting nearby, she quickly glared over Kristoff's large shoulder pads.
"…What is it, is that ginger bothering you again? Want me to punch em?" he grinned. "I could do some punching." He nodded with pride. Anna giggled.
"No no, I'm fine. It's just…" Kristoff stopped smiling as Anna looked off to the side. "It's Elsa. I'm getting a little worried about her. I'm thinking maybe she's taking this all harder than I am. She's acting weird, I can't figure it out."
"Well that's nothing new." Anna scoffed and gently elbowed him again, Kristoff smirking.
"Not, funny!" she smirked. "You know what I mean. Plus I think she's getting stressed out, especially… About…"
"The king having the hots for her?"
"Hey!" Anna tried not to shout, and quickly shushed him. "And… Yes!" She glared back over his shoulder, trying not to be noticed. She glared at the king's crown. Did he shine it or something? She'd swear it was twice as shiny tonight. She shook her head. "You know, I'm starting to get suspicious myself." Kristoff shrugged, and his bored eyes scanned the empty plates before them, but suddenly eyed a small bowl of salad. On top where a small pile of baby carrots. "I mean, she hates like, all human contact anyway, but, still…" Kristoff pretended to listen as he reached forward slowly, ignoring anyone watching. "And it would make sense if she was still, so so mad, because I mean, he left me! He almost committed murder! Wait, why am I not more upset about this?" As Anna's eyes followed Kristoff's hands… He quickly grabbed a handful of salad and swiftly shoved the carrots and pieces of lettuce in his pocket. "…Did you seriously just do that?"
"Not my fault Sven wasn't invited." He folded his arms and looked out the window, thinking of his buddy hanging out in the castle gardens, being spoiled and pampered like a royal steed. "I even made him a little flower crown for his antlers, and a tie…" Anna sighed and rolled her eyes, laughing silently to herself. Kristoff smiled and reached for her hand, caressing her tiny fingers gently. "I think we're doing ok, because well, think about it…" they smiled into each other's eyes. "I'm actually happy you're going to marry me instead." he blushed. Anna gasped as she turned redder than her hair and threw her arms around his neck, kissing his cheek over and over.
"I love you so much." She smiled in between pecks. He laughed and let her smother him, not caring at all the scene she was making.
"I love you too." He laughed, beaming with pride. Off to the side, sitting by the king were the heavily decorated and flashy sailors of his fleet. They all laughed at the couple, teasing them and occasionally demanding for more drinks. Hans tried his best to keep them on their best behavior, not indulging in anything before the toast. He rolled his eyes and couldn't help but notice Anna… Her happiness was impossible to not notice. He was happy she was happy, he really was. But the guilt of his past actions still weighed heavy on his conscience. As he slumped back in his chair, he rested his impatient cheek on his fist, elbow firm. His free hand tapped his fingers and he shifted in his boots. The ridiculously long feather from his obnoxiously large white hat dangled in front of his face. He took a breath and whistled it out of his view. His father looked down at him, dressed from the top of his crown to the tips of his boots in regal red and gold, long feather trimmed cape cascaded onto the floor. He smirked and shrugged, and looked back onto the sea of people before his feet. He was clearly in his happy place, just like everyone else it seemed like.
She insisted on no trumpets, but they played anyway, as she slowly made her approach to the entrance to the grand ball. She hesitated to step into the golden rays of light from the comfortable cold shadows. She took in a very, very deep breath, and composed herself. As she stepped forward, she could hear them announce her name and title, etc. But she was so overtaken by the warmth and color of the sparkling dream before her; all sound seemed to fade away. Hans immediately sat up in his chair, both his gloved hands gripping the arms of his chair so hard it made the whole thing jump. Everyone was too busy being in shock to even notice a gentleman dropping and breaking a glass. The room became so still, everyone decided to hold their breath. Elsa blushed even harder as she stepped further in… Coming into full view… Hans thought his eyes would fall out of his head.
Before the world stood the most powerful queen they had ever seen, wearing something no one would EVER expect to see her in. The king laughed silently with joy, great confidence shooting out from his curling grin. Her white braid was pulled up high on her head, decorated with many layers of pink and white shades of ribbon, a few flowers dancing in her curls. She wore a small pink feather hat, pinned securely in her large up do, a soft pink lace collar necklace, decorated with pearls, kissed her pale skin. She sparkled before them like frost in the moonlight, her grand pink ball gown silently danced across the floor. A large train of white and pink lace followed her large bustle of white and pink fabric. Across her chest and waist were large soft pink bows, and her neckline plunged deeply, exposing more cleavage than she was used to. As she walked by, people softly gasped to themselves, noticing all the small pink pearls sewn into the pink and white striped fabric that hugged her curves perfectly. To say she felt uncomfortable was the understatement of the year. She closed her eyes as she made her way to her seat, by this time her cheeks were rosier than her dress. She kept her tiny hands folded in front of her, wearing sheer white lace gloves that ended at her wrists.
Her royal guards practically stepped over each other as they reached for her seat, one gentlemen on each side helping her with her dress as she squeezed in. As she pulled in closer, she smiled wide, pretending this was just a rehearsal for her sister's wedding. She was proud of herself for doing as well as she did, walking in those heels was unbearable. But she did not fall. Once. She trembled uncontrollably however the longer the silence turned into fog, a man coughing echoed through the corridors. She turned crimson. Anna's mouth was still hanging open. Elsa did her best to hold up her glass in a toast as hundreds of perfectly dressed servants came swarming into the hall, filling everyone's empty glasses to the brim with golden bubbles. She spoke out, thanking her sailors personally for their sacrifice, survival, and prosperity and smiled at their table, their glasses raised high in return with their families crying with joy. The more she spoke, the more the rooms filled with warmth and happiness, remembering why they were all gathered there. To thank the king, and the admiral, for the miracle of saving the lives of her kingdom's sailors, and to celebrate the new alliance between their two kingdoms. Her whole kingdom sang together in unison as they toasted to this spectacular evening. The feast beginning for all. Elsa looked down at her hands and smiled, proud of herself for staying strong despite her fears of public speaking. Anna smiled with pride too. As the waves of laughter, songs, music, and love echoed throughout the walls of Arendelle, Hans could barely keep his attention on the glorious plates of food before him. He was too consumed by the beauty of the queen to notice the king's possessive glare.
"My son." Snapped the king, breaking him out of his trance. "Be sure to introduce yourself to the Duchess I told you about earlier." Taking his glass, he gulped down his champagne with one swig, and burped loudly.
"…Yes, father…" he tried not to say sarcastically, reaching for his glass as well, taking a much needed sip. As soon as this meal was through, he was making for the door, he promised himself. He knew as soon as someone else had their claws in him around the king, his night was over. He focused back on his meal as he brainstormed. The king demanded another bottle of champagne for the table.
Finally, course after course, the feasting was over, people eager to dance and get out of their seats. Elsa barely ate anything, Kristoff easily cleaning off his plate, and Anna's, and Elsa's. She was so happy she at least got to sit next to Anna and her wonderful fiancé. They made her laugh and feel so at ease, without them there for her to confide in, she wouldn't have made it. They had way too much fun making fun of Hans's hat as well, Elsa throwing her head back in loud laughter as Kristoff questioned the size of the bird that feather came from. Hans looked up and watched her laugh like he never heard before… Her eyes finally meeting his after all this time. That incredible smile she thought. Her cheeks blushing more the longer her sapphires locked into his emeralds. Every second of staring into her, he never once took for granted, his smile growing wider, his eyes sparkling harder. He leaned in closer and winked. Elsa felt a tickling flutter in her chest and she laughed some more, this time holding up her hand to her lips. Anna looked back over her shoulder again, and couldn't help but look in Elsa's direction. The king blocked her view… No, Anna thought, there was no possible way Elsa was flirting with the king. But the more Elsa giggled shyly, the more Anna became confused. Hans could barely stand it any longer, and started to excuse himself from the table. But he was interrupted by his very loud father.
"I demand we begin some dancing, yes?" he boomed, standing from the table, holding his hand up high in the air. He laughed joyfully. "We need to get this party really started!" he cheeks turning into cherries from all the champagne. He then turned to face Elsa, smirking wildly. "My queen, shall we?" holding out his sweaty leathered palm, he walked to her table, his body language commanding her attention. She turned whiter than she normally was, and gulped. She didn't have a choice, and grew silently angry for being put on the spot. Without smiling, she stood slowly, and sighed. Closing her eyes, and turning her head to the side, she held out her hand weakly. Anna watched in shock at her cold reaction to the king's demands. He simply chuckled. "Feisty as always, your majesty, the dance floor awaits."
The band began to play their lovely strings as the king fiercely swept the queen onto her feet, holding her tiny hand in his, and gripping his heavy palm into her thin waist. She felt awkward as he wouldn't even allow her to step properly, he was in completely command of the dance and she was helpless. He swung her around like a rag doll, and she coughed as she tried to keep up with him. He pulled her in, squeezing her bust tightly against his itchy coat, and she grimaced at the smell of the alcohol reeking from his breath. Tripping slightly on his regal cape, he almost dropped her as he dipped her again, but more dramatically. She felt completely foolish and turned redder than his coat, cape, crown, and beard all together. Someone, anyone, please kill me, she thought.
"You look quite, RAVISHING." Shouted the king over the loud music, spraying her cheek with saliva. She winced, noticing up close just how huge his nose really was.
"Thank you… Your majesty, you look quite regal yourself." She lied. And tried to fake a smile.
"I am thrilled you wore one of my dresses." He chuckled, dipping her away from him, trying to get a better view down her chest. She frowned and tried to pull away her hand.
"It's not for reasons you'd think." She smirked as he refused to let her go. Still dancing drunkenly, despite the music stopping.
"Phhhhshaww!" he spat. "You play so hard to get your majesty, you only make the game more…" he attempted to spin her, but instead just awkwardly threw her forward and back again, her hair starting to fall out of place. "Interesting!" he bellowed and laughed. She couldn't take it anymore. Looking down at the floor, she quickly shot a thin layer of ice behind his clunky feet. She then swiftly shoved him backward, and he instantly lost his footing. Crashing to the ground, she stepped back and laughed down at red fool.
"Opps, you fell down! Sorry, well once you fall the dance is over. And you definitely fell, so, bye." She laughed, waving her hand down at him and then flying away as fast as her little heels could take her. The king, dumbfounded, was too embarrassed to say anything and yelled angrily at the servants who tried to pick him up. He stormed off to the side as people laughed, demanding another glass of wine. Elsa tried her best to blend in with the crowd, but so many wanted to bow to her and thank her. Oooh boy, she began to panic. Where is her sister? Where is Kristoff? Where is a friendly, familiar face? As more eyes pointed in her direction, the more she felt herself building up anxiety. She looked back at the dance floor, as people began to fill it up and more music began to flow into the air. The sun now completely set, the sky was purple and sparkled with sequins. As she watched the crowd dance in unison, she saw Kristoff spinning Anna like a ballerina, their laughter quite loud. She smiled and sighed. They danced so beautifully together, knowing exactly how the other would move, and moved in perfect rhythm. She wanted that so badly… Her happy eyes now starting to weaken, she continued to search the crowd. Moving slowly from room to room, her fluttering heart grew more nervous, the longer she went without seeing that tall white hat. After time had passed, and she grew more and more anxious, she sighed with frustration and pushed her way out onto a balcony. Stepping out into the refreshing cold night air, she sighed deeply and leaned down on the cool stone railing. Growing tired of staring at the starlight, she closed her eyes.
"Your majesty…" breathed Hans. Standing behind her, just like he did earlier that morning, too afraid to touch her and startle her. He kept his hands behind his back as he bowed to her, Elsa blushing brightly. She quivered at the sight of him towering over her, dressed in his absolute finest. White uniform, trimmed in power blue and silver, a few of his most prized medals hanging from jacket. A powder blue ascot was tucked neatly in his collar, and a pink rose was now pinned to his lapel. He held up the only white rose he could find on the grounds to his queen, and his freckled cheeks glowed like the candlelight. She grinned from ear to ear, unable to conceal her warm glow. She gently took the rose from him, and held it up to her lips and giggled.
"Admiral Westergard, pleasure to see you this evening." She smiled, looking up at his ridiculous hat again, giggling. He continued blushing and looked up, and laughed in return. "Just how many of those silly things do you have?"
"Five, actually." He smiled down, reaching up to try and flick the feather out of his face, making her laugh harder. She reached up and touched the feather, freezing it into place so it would stop falling. "Much better, thank you." He sighed happily, once again losing himself in her eyes.
