A/N A big Thankyou to everyone who has reviewed so far and to all those who have favorited. Some readers have some very interesting ideas.
Well I have nothing to say except hope you enjoy the latest chapter.
Chapter Three.
"Hello...hello, It's me, Elsa.
Instantly he turned his head, shifting his gaze towards the sweet, angelic and alluring voice. He froze in shock as his eyes settled on the beautiful enigma standing before him. Her figure hugging blue, glittering ice dress danced lightly in the breeze. It accentuated her cerulean blue eyes, and pale, flawless skin perfectly. Platinum tresses flowed effortlessly over her shoulders and down her back. She was so desirable, but for now, also extremely unattainable.
As she daintily strolled towards him, beads of sweat lined his forehead. She was beyond perfection. He could not put into words just how much he envied her. Didn't she realize just by being here she was tormenting his very soul.
"My Queen," he managed to whisper, after clearing his throat. He couldn't believe she was finally this close to him. His heart was fluttering. It was a feeling like no other. He had felt like this before...but only once.
"Are you him? Are you the one who sent me that letter? Are you the man who sent me the flowers? Are you my secret admirer?
"Oh Elsa, I am so much more then that. Let me show you." He reached out his hand and began leading her through the royal gardens.
"Where are you taking me?"
She had asked in such a low, sultry voice that it had brought butterflies to his stomach. "You'll see," he smirked. He then continued to lead her to a small, private area, where he had prepared them a nice picnic.
"Oh my goodness, this is so lovely."
"Do you like it? It took me hours to prepare, but only the best for Her Majesty."
"This is the first time anyone has done something this nice for me."
As he gazed at her, he noticed the gleam in her eyes. "I can do lots of nice things for you, My Queen. If you'll let me." He reached for her hand and a shudder ran down his spine as she grasped it tightly.
"I'd like that."
"Really?" he shuffled in closer, and then cupping her chin, he leaned in, ready for his lips to touch hers.
Her face turned to horror as she recoiled from his grip. "What are you doing?"
He instantly blushed. "I'm sorry...I just thought. That was completely unintentional. You're not ready yet, I see that now." But even he knew that all good things came to those who waited.
He woke from his bed, covered in sweat. He gripped the sheets as he blinked a few times. The cold, dark room reminded him that he was home. He wasn't sharing a meal with the Queen and enjoying her company. He was back to the harsh reality, that no-one like her would ever look at someone like him.
"Anna? hey sleeping beauty, wake up."
Anna could hear a distant, but familiar voice. She groaned as she slowly opened an eyelid. In her half-awake state she noticed a large, stocky blond staring down at her. "Kristoff, go back to sleep." Suddenly she shot up, hugging the sheets around her tightly. "Kristoff? what are you doing in my bedchambers?"
Kristoff seated himself down on the edge of the bed. "Calm down feisty pants. Last night, you invited me, remember?"
Anna looked at him rather bewildered. "Did I?"
The ice master chuckled lightly. "Yes you did, after our meal. You asked me to stay with you. Don't worry though, I slept in the chair...all night. And I've got the aching muscles to prove it. Damn that chair was mighty uncomfortable," he added, rubbing his sore back.
Her cheeks reddened in embarrassment. "I'm sorry Kristoff. I don't remember. I think I drank too much wine."
"Wine? all you drank was non-alcoholic cider."
"Oh," she replied sheepishly. "Is that all it was? well, silly me."
Kristoff stroked her cheek. "Look I've got to go. But I just wanted to ask about...you know...when you're planning on sneaking the letter."
"Sshh keep your voice down," Anna warned him in a low, but authoratative voice. "Look, as soon as Elsa is in one of her boring meetings, I'll go grab it. Just be patient."
Kristoff nodded in acknowledgment. He then leaned forward, ready to capture her lips, when they were both interrupted by a loud knock on the door.
"Anna?" Anna, are you in there? because it's well after noon."
"Elsa!" Anna shrieked.
Kristoff looked stunned. "Did you just say Elsa? Oh no! She's not going to come in here, is she?"
The Princess giggled at his panicked demeanor. "Kristoff, stop worrying. It's not like we're doing anything wrong."
"Try telling her that. She won't even let me in the castle, let alone in her sister's bedchambers. If she catches me in here, my life will be forfeit. And as much as I am fond of blocks of ice. I'm not keen on ending up like one."
"Elsa would never..."
"Wouldn't she?"
"Anna?! are you going to answer me, or do I have to come in there?" came her sister's firm voice again.
"No it's fine...I'm awake," the Princess assured her. "I just had a rough night, that's all. I must have slept in."
"Anna, you always sleep in," the Queen reminded her. "Now, I'm going to need you to run some errands for me. I have an important trade negotiation meeting this afternoon, and I simply won't have time to get them done..." There was a momentary silence. "Did you hear what I just said?"
"Yes Elsa, loud and clear. Don't worry, you can count on me."
"Good. Now please say you'll join me for lunch."
"Of course."
After Anna and Kristoff heard Elsa's footsteps trail away, they were both able to breathe a sigh of relief.
"You know I wouldn't feel so scared if she just gave me permission to stay in the castle. I mean, what do I have to do to gain her trust? because... whatever it is, I'll do it...on second thoughts, maybe not. Well, I guess I'll be out of here then," Kristoff concluded. "Just let me know when you've done...you know."
Anna kissed him, before he could say another word. "I sure will. And don't worry about my sister. She'll come around."
When the two royal sisters were seated in the dining hall, there was a tense silence.
"Is it hot in here?" Anna mumbled as she sat chewing her food with her mouth open.
Elsa rolled her eyes. "Anna, don't speak with your mouth full. It's unlady like and certainly not in the rules of the etiquette handbook."
Anna raised an eyebrow. "There's a handbook?"
"Yes, but I guessed you've never read it. That is why you continue to eat like someone in a primitive state. We're not living in a cave, Anna."
"Excuse me? but you're the one who's been living in a cave," Anna argued.
"Why am I the one who's been living in a cave?" Elsa retaliated, her face contorted in confusion.
"Okay, so I'm just going to say this. When are you going to allow Kristoff a room in the castle? He has been living in the stables since we first started courting. It's cold out there. That may not bother you, but he doesn't have ice magic. He may work with ice, but that doesn't mean he wants to feel like ice. So when are you going to lighten up and allow him to stay?"
"Well he's never asked me."
"But I'm asking."
"No Anna. I've allowed him the priviledge of courting my dear sister, but if he seeks accommodation, then I would like him to come and ask me himself."
Anna stuffed another bite of food in her mouth, chewing it distastefully, just to annnoy Elsa. "Well he won't."
"Then, I guess there's nothing left to say. Eat up. But please try to use both a knife and a fork."
Finally, the Princess blurted out, "he's scared of you, Elsa."
Elsa almost choked on her own food. "Scared... of me?"
"Yes, scared of you," she repeated.
"Why would he be?"
"Because...because you can turn him into a human popsicle, just like that."
The Queen stifled a giggle. "Why would I want to turn him into a popsicle? That's ridiculous."
Anna shrugged. "I don't know, but that's what he thinks. Look, Elsa. You're my sister and I love you...but I'm also very fond of Kristoff. So maybe you could spend a little time with him. You know, to help alleviate his concerns."
"You want me to spend time with Kristoff? But...but what would I say?"
"I don't know, just let him know you approve of him, and you won't turn him into an ice statue anytime soon. Please, for me?" She pouted and furrowed her eyebrow. "I'd feel much better."
"Fine."
Anna threw herself into her sister's arms. Thank you, Elsa."
The Queen playfully pushed her away. "Yes, but just remember, I'm only doing this for you."
It's a good job Elsa gave me these errands to do. That way I'm not technically sneaking into her study.
Forgetting the envelopes stacked neatly on the Queen's desk, Anna headed straight for the drawer. She remembered Elsa placing the letter just on top, but now it wasn't there. Where is it? The redhead rummaged further, until she caught sight of it buried underneath some more recent paperwork.
She gripped it tightly, before placing it safely in her pocket. Anna then wandered over and grabbed the pile of envelopes, Elsa needed her to deliver to the post master. She was just about to leave the room when she heard heavy footsteps outside the door. Anna froze as the handle was pushed down and the door clicked open.
For a split second, Anna contemplated confronting the intruder, but at the last moment decided against it. Instead, she ducked down behind a couch at the far side of the room, slapping both hands over her mouth as she attempted to stifle any unexpected murmurs.
The unwelcome guests heavy, black boots stomped across the room. He swished his cloak as he halted himself in front of Elsa's desk. Anna bravely crawled as quietly as possible to the opposite end of the couch, hoping to get a better view of the trespasser. From her current position she was able to catch sight of his black, gloved hands holding up the envelope, before it was placed down. Hoping to get a glimpse of his face, the Princess strained herself further, but it was no use. His face was obscured by the hood of his cloak.
Before leaving, the intruder stole a glance at their Father's portrait. His lips curled into a smile as he whistled merrily, eventually exiting the room.
The Princess exhaled heavily as she staggered to her feet. Curiously she approached Elsa's desk, glancing down at the letter. She realized immediately that it was the same handwriting as on the first.
He was here. The stalker was here! Anna picked up the letter and placed it along with the other. She couldn't allow Elsa to see it...at least not yet.
A/N More to come.