Chapter Four

Awkward silence passed for a minute, but it felt like an hour. Elsa grew shyer and looked down at her new gift, twirling the long stemmed rose in her porcelain fingers. He looked down as well, wanting ever so much to hold those hands. Right as he was about to speak, the silence was interrupted by the sudden screeching of rockets flying into the violet evening sky. Spiraling into stardust, they erupted in window-shaking booms and filled their world with a rainbow of colors. Elsa turned and gasped with joy, not expecting the fireworks to be this stunning in person. She had read about them in so many of her stories… Her smile brightened with wonder as more flashes of bright greens, oranges, and purple lights blinded the shore line. Hans didn't once look up to the concert above him. He thought to himself, the miracle of the rose standing beside him, opening up into true bloom, was more beautiful than anything he's ever seen before. More than the radiant sunsets at sea after a storm. Up close, he was able to admire the smaller details of her breath-taking gown, obviously more commonly seen around his side of the country. Especially so many pearls… His eyes followed down her back… and down to her bustle He became lost in thought and shook his head to try and focus. Standing up strait again, he cleared his throat and straitened his collar.

"Your majesty." He tried to speak over the loud commotion overtaking Elsa's senses. She smiled back up into his gaze, her heart lightly jumping once she remembered the prince standing immediately beside her. "I… I must say." He cleared his throat again. "You look particularly beautiful this evening, not that you didn't already take my breath away this morning…" he blushed and laughed nervously, Elsa holding up her flower again to hide her grin. "I didn't guess you to like that kind of fashion." He turned red as he tried to not insult her. "B-but I mean, you have great taste in anything you wear. Or don't… Wear…" he couldn't stop himself even if he tried. "I uh, sorry, I feel awkward. Not that you're awkward, you're gorgeous. Wait…" he was having déjà vu. Elsa relished in his torment, but didn't want to make him suffer. Despite this, she couldn't control her laughter.

"Why thank you… You look wonderful yourself, you clean up very nicely." she managed, as they began to walk slowly forward, still occasionally looking up at the sky to watch the celebration among the stars. "…I actually picked this gown with you in mind."

"Oh, is that so my queen? I am… honored." He beamed. He slowly reached for her hand, and with a shaking grasp, wrapped her delicate hand around his arm. Elsa took her white rose and tucked it into the bodice of her gown.

"…This was the only thing I could find in my entire wardrobe that had anything related to the sea." She smiled, looking out onto the fjord as they turned the corner on the balcony… The music slowly fading away, the fireworks slowly becoming more disinteresting. The both looked out onto the water, and watched the numerous grand wooden ships gently sway with the tide. "Honestly Hans…" she sighed. "I used to really hate it." They continued to walk slowly further away from the party.

"That's understandable." He remembered having a similar conversation with her younger sister, which felt like a lifetime ago. "With… what happened… I don't blame you at all."

"But now… When I look at those waters… Not only do I feel sadness, but I grow more worried about what tomorrow could bring." Hans tried his hardest to not remember the violence that seemed to follow his family with every step.

"When I look out onto those waters, I feel freedom." He smiled warmly, filling her chest with a glow to match her face, replacing any negative thoughts as fast as he could. "For so many years I thought my place was on a throne. But once I found myself back out there, I knew it was where I truly belonged…" looking out onto his fleet, he swelled slightly with pride. "Out there, you don't have to answer to anyone, just her."

"…Her?" she asked with curiosity. Hans laughed.

"Mother ocean. You better listen too, she is terribly harsh." He smiled and stopped, not being able to contain himself any longer. He grasped bother her hands into his and pulled her closer, forcing Elsa to hold her breath. "But, as strong and often merciless she can be… She is twice as breath-taking, and will always make me smile every morning. Especially on the bad days." Elsa ignored everything that could possibly distract her from this moment. All she could do was smile endlessly, her cheeks starting to grow numb. She let it all go and gripped her fingers into his, not wanting to release her grip for the rest of the night. Hans, seizing the moment, quickly swept Elsa off her feet and spun her in place with one arm. She gasped and tried to not fall flat on her face, and let his hands guide her in a perfect circle. "I believe I owe you one dance?"

"Indeed you do!" she grasped his hand tighter with excitement growing within her. But she hesitated. "…But, we can't hear the music…" she paused and then smirked up at his suddenly confused blank stare. "You should sing me something."

"Me? Sing?" he chuckled, reaching in and placing his left hand on her small waist lightly, his right confidently holding out her left arm.

"Surely you know a few songs from your adventures?" she eagerly pulled herself closer to his chest, her hand gripping tighter into his. He slowly began to ease her into a silent waltz.

"Well, I suppose I know a few…" he paused for a moment, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. Elsa melting more and more with every second, starting to believe in a new kind of magic she never felt before. It was just so unbelievably warm… And once he began to sing a melody of a lonely soul out on the blue, his sweet lady fair waiting for him at the harbor, Elsa's feet began to turn the balcony into a glistening dance floor. Sparkling icicles and swirling frost decorating every surface, leaving their feet free to glide without worry of slipping. Their waltz slowly growing more dramatic, Hans sweeping her into dips, and catching her with little effort. They made their own music as they danced into an open room, Elsa leaving glowing patches of ice with every footstep. Running down a small staircase, they danced their way down to the gardens near the grand ball room. Close enough to hear the murmurs of laughter, but far away enough to dance their cares away in the growing moonlight. Ending his song, they both lightly panted as he spun her around and over towards a stone mossy bench. He held out her hand as he helped her with her dress as she sat down. She caught her breath, and closed her eyes, wishing she could stop all time. She even began to question if this was reality.

"…Hans?" she softly asked as he sat next to her, wanting to wrap his arm around her back, but hesitated… and let his hands tap his knees instead. It took all her strength to not kiss him. She was losing her control with each passing minute. "How long are you… And your father staying?"

"As long as it's needed to assist Arendelle, I promise." He reached out for her hand again. Elsa wanted to ask more about his father's intentions… She grew more suspicious with him the more she thought about everything. But she knew even just mentioning him was ruining one of the best nights of her life. Only matching that of the night before. But this was different… Even the Hans before her now was different than one that made her body burst with fire. She felt the butterflies return as she felt his hand brush up her slender neck, and to her ear, gently caressing her pink cheek and then clutching her chin with his fingertips. "Let's just… Forget about everything and let tonight happen…" he sighed, pulling her in for a much awaited kiss. From this moment forward, he wasn't allowing any other thought other than embracing this enchanting woman fill his mind. All he knew and wanted was this goddess. And he longed for her deeply… Letting his emotions overflow, his couldn't control his fingers as they ran up her back, and passionately kissed harder. Elsa whimpered and wrapped her arms around his strapping neck, tasting him more and wanting more. Smoldering embers began to glow between them as they embraced harder still, fireworks erupting now only for them. Breathing sharply in and out of their noses, their lips barely parted, their hands furiously traveling up and down each other's arms and backs. They could hardly stand it. If anyone had walked by, they would be seeing the slow rise of steam starting to grow in the garden.

"Elsa…" Hans gasped; starting to feel light headed again, his hands stroking the sides of her waist. "I think I need something to drink." He laughed, trying to drop a hint. She laughed back and nodded in agreement.

"I think so too… I'm so sorry."

"Don't be!" he rose, holding out his hand for her to rise along with him. "Please, do not apologize my queen."

"At the very least… I think we could use some more privacy anyway…" she winked, leading him back towards the castle. He felt dizzy again and his smile curled, letting her take him wherever she wanted. They laughed some more like rebellious teenagers as they tip toed their way around drunken gatherings of celebrating soldiers, nobility, and happy families, looking for a parlor that wouldn't draw any attention. Finding a small room, still filled with desserts and random opened bottles of wine and champagne, they quickly snuck in and looked around. No one was really there except a few couples also looking for a place to hide from prying eyes… Too inebriated to even recognize the prince sneaking around and tickling the queen in inappropriate places. Her bubbly giggles were impossible to hide behind her hands as he glided her to a free lounge chair, bending to one knee as she sat back. Before leaving to look for two glasses, the urge to taste her perfect lips was too great. If they had truly been alone, she would've let him take her right then and there… But he ripped away and composed himself. They giggled some more.

"Hold onto that thought, I will be right back…" he practically growled. Elsa fanned herself as she watched him walk quickly, her eyes glued to his backside… She closed her eyes and thought back to what he looked like that morning… when she awoke with him overpowering her bed. "My queen?" her eyes shot back open. She blushed as the prince held up her glass of champagne for her, and they clinked their glasses together for luck. As they slowly finished their refreshment, they talked about the best time of year it was to set sail for lands far east, and west… And how he hoped to maybe travel to newly discovered lands. She was fascinated by his grand sense of adventure, and by not letting his pain hold him back. They finished their third glass as lost track of time… they kept chatting and falling over one another in laughter and in random, but welcomed passionate embraces. Oh, enough is enough Elsa thought, as she felt his eyes travel downward and into her bust. Before he could even attempt to make a grab, she rose to her feet and tried her hardest to pull him up with his arm.

"It's time for bed." She commanded. He eagerly sprung up on his heels and wrapped her arm around his.

"As you wish your majesty." he chimed, practically singing. As they stepped their way forward to the doorway leading out… They heard familiar voices. Elsa's blood suddenly turned back into its normal icy chill.

"Oh, hey Elsa! OH I mean, your majesty!" bowed Anna, laughing like crazy and throwing her arm into the air, clearly at least tipsy. "Looks like you're having fun!" Hans froze into place, unable to turn around. Elsa swallowed hard, and decided running would only make it worse. She turned just in time to see Kristoff enter the room as well. Any shade of pink in her skin was instantly drained.

"Heya Elsa." Spoke Kristoff candidly, his hair a total mess, his jacket completely undone and tie missing. "Hey Hans." They paused in awkward silence. Anna scoffed.

"W-what what is this? Please tell me he's not bothering you." Anna groaned.

"No one is bothering anyone!"Said Elsa, trying her best to keep her cool. Hans quietly tried to slip away without being noticed, or saying a word. Kristoff frowned and grabbed his shoulder.

"You could at least address the princess properly." He spun him around, making him lose his balance.

"I'm sorry, you're right, good evening your majesty, Princess Anna." He quickly bowed, not making eye contact. He needed to bail. "Please excuse me; I was just on my way out."

"Not so fast, mister!" shouted Anna, pointing her finger up into his nose. "I have a few, choice words for you. I think, your hat, is SILLY." She let out a loud HA and crossed her arms. Elsa rolled her eyes.

"Please…" she sighed. "Anna I need to go to bed."

"Let me just escort this fella in the right direction." Said Kristoff, grabbing Hans's arm roughly. He pulled his arm back violently and frowned.

"I can show myself, thank you very much. Goodnight gentleman, princess." He took in a sharp breath. "Your majesty." He quickly turned, his cheeks firing up the more he ignored the anger. But he didn't notice the large foot blocking his way. Hans's eyes widened in terror as he fell fast and forward into the pile of pastries and a large cake waiting for him on the table. The roars of laughter that followed made Elsa's stomach turn, as she watched him slowly pull himself up, his hair and arms dripping with cake.

"Well, that's not exactly the crown you wanted, but it suits you!" laughed Anna, nearly falling to the floor, holding her sides. Hans just stood there in shock, watching everyone stare at him, layers of sugar falling to the floor from his sleeves. Taking his hand to his face to free his eyesight, he grimaced and calmly made his exit. His stomping echoed through the castle hall. Elsa's eyes watered as he held her hands up to her gaping mouth.

"ANNA! KRISTOFF!" she screamed, both of them looking down at their feet as she froze them to the floor. All she could manage to do as she trembled in a rage, tears struggling to let themselves free, was tear her rose from her dress and throw it to the floor, it bursting into powdery snow. "GROW UP!" she screamed once more, as she furiously turned and ran after the mortified admiral. As she followed the footsteps of frosting in the hall, she finally caught up to his back, and attempted to reach for him. His pace was fast and he refused to look back, his fists shaking uncontrollably.

"Do not follow me!" he shouted, turning into a room and slamming the door with a shattering bang. The silence hurt her heart more than his sword ever could at that moment… She stood alone, in the darkness, realizing her night was now through. And her heart sank faster than an anchor. All that was left now… Was to make the long lonely journey to her bed, by herself.