A/N: In my head-canon I call this chapter "Chapter 4: The Chapter That Would Not Be Written (And Once It Was It Turned Out to Be One-Million Pages Long)", but I've already outlined everything and "The First Tourney" sounded better sooo . . . here we are. I hope the length makes up for the wait. A huge thank you to everyone who has taken the time to follow, fav, kudos, or review, especially those of you who have reviewed multiple times! Woot!
The Bachelorette
Chapter Four: The First Tourney
i've got a bad boy and that's alright with me
his dirty laundry is nothing that i can't keep clean
i'm just a bad girl that's why we get along
won't make excuses for anything i'm doing wrong
what's the fun in playing it safe?
i think i'd rather misbehave
your way
bittersweet - "dirty laundry"
If asked later to describe the days following the events across the far side of the fjord Elsa would have been hard pressed to recall anything other than the fear and frustration that tinged her every waking moment the color of despair. There was an endless parade of meetings between generals and counselors, village folk and spy-masters, each with a different perspective on the matter-at-hand and all passing in a whirlwind of faces and names. Without Kai's organizational skills Elsa sincerely doubted she would have been able to keep her wits about her.
As it was, there were several close calls in which her powers threatened to overwhelm her, but, luckily for everyone, most of all Elsa, Anna had proven her constant companion though each new challenge. The princess attended meetings and meals alike, exercising a serene patience Elsa hadn't realized her younger sister possessed. Anna had even taken to sleeping in the queen's quarters at night, her gentle snores and sighs joining the crickets songs that orchestrated the long hours Elsa spent tossing and turning between bed and dawn.
Much to their dismay, all business with the suitors had been suspended outside of perfunctory meals in the Great Hall. This included the "best blossom" contest which Elsa had schemed up so brilliantly at the last minute in response to Hans' incessant meddling. Several suitors had insisted on pestering her with their prizes in the interim days, most catching her between her various comings and goings. The arrogant young prince Pertyer had gone so far as to present his Hibiscus with a flourish before the entire breakfast assembly that very morning. Elsa was still smiling long after while recalling the strangled guffaws Anna had tried in vain to cover with a sudden coughing fit. This had started Elsa laughing and soon both sisters had been left a wreck of giggles while the prince stormed off, leaving the flower in his wake. Elsa had taken to freezing each blossom and keeping them on the mantle in her chambers so that they might later be fairly judged.
By the third day after the disaster Elsa managed an entire morning and afternoon without a single outburst of ice or worried glance from her sister and felt it was time to let go a little bit. Though she loved Anna dearly and definitely appreciated her support in such trying times, the Snow Queen was beginning to feel not only stifled by the constant barrage of attention, but also guilty for keeping Anna from Kristoff and her other responsibilities. When Elsa stopped long enough to think about it she realized Anna didn't really have any other responsibilities, but she felt none-the-less guilty.
"Anna," Elsa met her sister's gaze through the mirror in which she was currently facing while the princess combed her hair for what felt like the hundredth time time in only a few days, "I think that's enough."
Anna flushed and started babbling, as she was prone to do when feeling awkward, "You're right, of course, it's just you have such lovely hair! It's so blonde it's almost white and it's sooo soft." The princess rubbed a bit against her cheek as though to test its silkiness, "It's like it was touched by the moon!"
Elsa smiled warmly at both the compliments and her sister's theatrics. "I meant," she tried desperately to keep her words gentle, "I think that all of it is enough. I'm safe to be left alone for a little while." Anna looked horrified and the Snow Queen was quick to turn in her seat to grasp her younger sister's hands reassuringly, "You've been great, Anna, you really have, but I'm sure Kristoff misses you and I . . ." she trailed off, unwilling to admit she also needed her own space, if only to gather her thoughts and refocus her energy.
Anna still looked a little bit hurt, her brows upturned in concern, but she took a deep shuddering breath and put on her best smile. "I understand, Elsa, I really do. I just don't ever want you to feel like you have to do things all alone." She leaned over to embrace her older sister, "We can face this hand-in-hand."
Elsa smiled, though Anna couldn't see it, and returned the hug with as much force as she dared. "I love you, Anna. I really am the luckiest big sister in the world."
Anna squeezed her sister with finality before releasing her. "Ah shucks, thanks sis," her grin was more honest now and it made her eyes glow with warmth, "I think I'm pretty lucky, too, to have you as a big sister."
Spinning almost drunkenly in a pantomime that made Elsa chuckle Anna landed in an ungraceful heap amongst the bed-sheets. "Do you think I could stay here for one more night, maybe, please?" The princess wrapped herself in bedding and soon only her round smiling face and stockings were visible, "Your bed is so comfortable and everything has me a bit shook up recently." Without waiting for permission she hopped up and began to disrobe.
"Of course you can stay," Elsa said almost as an afterthought before focusing on the part of Anna's statement that concerned her, "What do you mean everything has you shook up?" The Snow Queen began her own preparations for bed, though she took infinitely more care folding and setting her things aside just-so than her younger sister.
Anna was down to her pantaloons and already snuggling into bed without a second thought. "Well," she was fluffing her pillow and thus distracted from the serious nature of her words, "it's not like when you lost control of your powers, is it? Someone is using this magic on purpose in order to hurt others."
Her worst fears given form and substance, Elsa fought valiantly to still the cold in her veins. "We don't know that for sure," Elsa tried to reassure her sister, but her voice lacked conviction and she could only hope the princess was too sleepy to notice.
Anna did indeed yawn as the queen went about putting out the lights, but was still unwilling to drop the subject entirely. "It's a little scary, but with you and Kristoff, and even Olaf, at my side I know we'll be okay." Anna's golden lashes brushed her cheek in a desperate bid for sleep, "Only there's so much more than our safety at stake, isn't there?"
Elsa nodded solemnly, though she wondered if Anna could even see the gesture through her ever-dropping continence, and crawled into bed beside her sister. "The safety of our kingdom and its citizens is paramount, of course," she chewed her lip in thought, "and then there's the security of the suitors to worry about as well." 'So many foreign monarchs and important diplomats and so conveniently gathered together without enough staff to even serve them all, let alone protect them.' Between defending her people and her would-be bridegrooms, Elsa's forces, both physical and magical, would be stretched thin. Their enemy was wise indeed.
"Oh, the suitors!" Anna groaned full of drama and suffering, sufficiently distracting her elder sister from her brooding thoughts, "To be done with the whole mess already!"
Elsa snorted in spite herself. "So soon? I thought you were looking forward to your grand tourneys and extravagant balls?"
"Yes, well," Anna sounded contrite, but it was hard to discern her features in the dim light of evening, "that was before this whole sorcery nonsense wasn't it? At any rate, we've got the First Tourney tomorrow afternoon and you still have to pick a winner for the flower-date competition-thingy."
"Ugh, don't remind me!" It was Elsa's turn to be dramatic and her eyes automatically shifted to the mantle where the small collection currently resided, though she couldn't make out any of their details, "I suppose I could announce the winner tomorrow morning before the tourney, though I'll have to miss my meeting."
"That's the spirit," Anna mumbled sleepily and yawned deeply once more before burrowing down into the covers, "Goodnight, Elsa."
"Goodnight, Anna."
And for the first time in the four nights, she slept peacefully.
Anna was still snoring serenely, oblivious to the world, when Elsa rose the next morning. Trusting her sister to Gerda's gentle care and briefly informing Kai of her morning plans, she made her way to breakfast with the suitors alone for the first time in days. The meal was much the same as previous mornings, minus Anna's presence, though her companions at the head of the table this morning included the twins and the dark Prince Bertrem. The suitors seemed to have agreed amongst themselves on a sort of informal seating arrangement that gave each man an opportunity to sup with the queen, though none had yet to allow the Southern Prince near anywhere near her. Elsa had found herself surprised at the observation when she realized it the previous evening at dinner and didn't know exactly how she felt about their presumptions. 'I should be relieved.' It was easy to chastise herself, but their male posturing still grated on her nerves. After all, she had certainly proven herself to be more than a match for the Southern Prince.
"Gentlemen," the table quickly fell silent at her command and she was satisfied they still allowed her this illusion of control in her own home, at least, "as you well know today is the day of the First Tourney." Anna had explained the general idea of her plan to the suitors the day before, including the tourneys and eliminations, but she had neglected to inform them exactly what sorts of challenges they would be facing.
The First Tourney was to be a test of horsemanship, as per Anna's initial suggestion, and the prize was an afternoon's ride followed by a picnic with the Snow Queen. Elsa was a decent rider by any standards, but Anna was the superior equestrian, having spent more hours out-of-doors in their youth. Elsa may have lacked the natural grace of more practiced riders, but she was certainly looking forward to enjoying the feats of seasoned horsemanship, though she suspected some of the suitors might make her feel more than refined in her meager talents.
"Today will be a test of physical endurance, so if any of you need to ready yourselves we will be meeting in the anterior gardens, which any of my staff will be glad to show you," Elsa gestured to the few stewards and servants who milled about, who all acknowledged her with a polite nod, "Otherwise, I am forgoing meeting with my advisors this morning in order to host tea. There I will also be judging the best blossom contest." Though she hated missing even one morning with her council, Kai had assured her he would take thorough notes and debrief her later, and she very much wanted be done with this much, at least. She would have to stop in her rooms to gather the blossoms and could inform Anna of her plans. She very much hoped the princess would join her in the gardens, despite her insistence at independence the previous evening.
Whicker basket in hand The Snow Queen entered her chambers to find Anna and Gerda laughing heartily between themselves. The princess had raided Elsa's closet once again only to emerge in a horrid yellow and brown number four sizes too big the queen had received as a coronation gift. "Elsa!" Anna giggled, turning from side to side as though flaunting the dress, "I hope whoever gave you this didn't mean it as an insult."
"If you like it so, I'm sure we could have it tailored for you," Elsa teased as moved toward the mantle to gather the flowers.
Anna pulled a disgusted face before bounding over to the clothes Gerda had laid out for her. Rather ungracefully, the princess tried to remove the offending garment over her head, making her resemble a cupcake with legs until Gerda moved to help her. "Your highness," the older woman's giggles were that of a girl half her age, "please let me." With both women's efforts Anna was soon free from her cloth confines.
When her younger sister looked recovered from the ordeal Elsa beckoned her closer. "Anna," Elsa gestured to the frozen flowers in her basket, "I'm going to the public gardens to host tea and judge this blasted contest, if you'd care to join me?"
"Oh, would I!" In her haste Anna was attempting to put her dress on backwards, "Seriously, you have to wait for me, Elsa!"
"Of course I'll wait, Anna," she carefully arranged each still-frozen flower to occupy her hands while Anna sat still long enough for Gerda to give her a simple braid. The matron smiled indulgently while she worked, fingers swift from years of practice.
"Okay!" Anna's boundless energy was infectious. She grasped Elsa's arm, causing the blossoms to rattle against one another with a musical tinkling of tiny crystals, "Let's go!"
"Have a nice time, girls," Gerda called after them, her voice warm with barely contained mirth.
"Oh, we will!" Anna answered exuberantly on behalf of both sisters and shut the door behind them.
It was a good day for the gardens, the humidity relatively low for late morning and the birdsong gave the setting an almost romantic atmosphere. Kai and her staff had seen to a nice spread of sandwiches and finger-foods while the aroma of tea and coffee filled the air. Plenty of chairs and benches had been arranged in the shade along with a few tables for convenience. Here and there staff mingled and chatted over steaming pots and empty cups ready to serve their guests. "Good morning, your majesty," Jerrod, her head of household staff, greeted them excitedly, "and you highness. We really are delighted for an opportunity to host you and yours today."
"Very good," Elsa acknowledged politely as they made their way toward the spread, "everything seems to be in fine order. Thank you for accommodating us on such short notice."
"Nonsense, your majesty," Jerrod seemed slightly affronted, "this is what I live for!"
"Please tell me there's coffee ready?" Anna's voice was plaintive.
"Of course, princess, right this way." As Jerrod led Anna over to the magic that was her mid-morning coffee, Elsa found an empty table under the shade of a tree on which to unload her prizes. Delicately, she unfroze each one in a shower of shimmering snowflakes that quickly melted away to nothing. As she brought the last flower back to life - the sprig of Lark's Heel that had started this whole facade - there was a shift in the air that alerted her to another's presence only a few feet behind her just before a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.
"It really is quite beautiful, you know," she steeled herself and faced the Southern Prince, her face schooled into a mask of impassivity. "Your powers," he clarified, gesturing to indicate the collection of now vibrant blossoms that covered the table. "You've gained a lot of control over them in such a short amount of time."
Not knowing how to take his unveiled admiration Elsa fell back on the familiarity of formal pleasantries, "Thank you, Prince Hans." Seeming to take her lack of hostility as permission to approach he moved closer to the table though he stood far enough out of her range so as not to startle.
"You did amass quite the collection, after all," he lifted the Lark's Heel and twirled the stem between his gloved fingers, "What are the chances you will choose mine as the winner?"
Elsa smirked in dry amusement, knowing he was well aware she would never willingly play into his hands. "Not very high, I'm afraid. If it wasn't for your token I would never have to endure this farce."
"'Endure this farce'?" Hans laughed, deep and full-throated and found herself coloring at the sound of it, "You could have just admitted you liked my gift. They do suit you so well, after all."
"Even if I did approve of your audacity, which I decidedly do not," Elsa was filled with the viciousness that she had accused him of inciting in her only a few days prior, "there is little that could move me to so publicly admit it."
"Ah, so, it will just be our little secret then?" His smile matched hers in cruelty, "Wise, indeed, you majesty."
Elsa left the flowers and the Southern Prince to their own devices making her way over to the refreshment table and her sister's side. She felt this song and dance - his attack, her retreat - was becoming tedious, at best, but he also made her feel flustered and uncomfortable in an unfamiliar way and that was much more dangerous than a blow to pride. "Elsa!" Ann's happy greeting was enough to distract her from her unpleasant thoughts, "You must try this turkish blend Jerrod has procured and these lemon bars are simply to die for!"
By the time the majority of the suitors were gathered Anna had finished most of the lemon bars and was complaining of an upset stomach. Elsa milled about for a bit, talking with Farhajii and Garreth, stalling the inevitable. Finally, heart filled with something akin to dread, she made her way to the table of flowers and with each step she could feel every eye follow her progress. She made a great show of admiring each flower, picking it up and turning it this way and that, but she already knew which one one she was going to choose long before this morning's festivities, had known it since the moment he had offered it to her so innocently.
"Duke Garreth," she smiled fondly at the boy's surprise, "your Narcissus Lily has brought me the most joy by far." Elsa was sure she would never forget the look of betrayal on the Southern Prince's face when the boy had appeared with his prize. "And so, I declare you the winner of the best blossom contest. A private dinner this evening will be arranged in the East Wing reception room."
The young duke had the grace to bow elegantly, though his wide grin betrayed his innocence. "Thank you, your grace, I'm delighted to be sharing your company and glad my gift has brought you such happiness."
Elsa was surprised by his eloquence. "Indeed." Finally, she acknowledged the company as a whole, pointedly ignoring Hans' gaze, curious as to his reaction to the results of the best blossom contest, but unwilling to be so blatant, "Gentlemen, if you will follow my sister and me, the First Tourney awaits!"
They purposefully had the suitors meet them at a neutral location, so as not to give any clue as to the nature of the tournament, but now that everyone was gathered it was time to lead the assembly to the stables. As a few passed her unheedingly to follow Anna's eager call to arms, Elsa took a chance to search for the Southern Prince amongst the throng, still intrigued by his mood after her announcement. When she found him at last, she was startled by the fact he was already staring back at her, a knowing gleam in his eye. 'I wonder how long he watched me watch for him?' Elsa immediately felt embarrassed at being caught behaving so brazenly, but lifted her chin defiance, silently daring him to comment. He merely smirked and shook his head at her antics, moving to follow the tail-end of the procession and Elsa felt victory slipping out of her fingers. She hurried to join the middle of the pack, putting as much space between herself and the infuriating prince as possible.
It was amusing to watch the suitors' faces move from curiosity to understanding as the stables and track that had been set up for their use came into view. Various obstacles and pitfalls littered the field. WIth little more than a gesture she was given a clear path to the head of the party where she could join Anna, who wanted to be the one to explain the game.
"Alright, gentlemen, here are the rules," Anna certainly had the voice to be a queen, Elsa thought, "each of you has been given a color. You will start off with one banner of that color." Stablehands moved to pass out different colored flags as per Anna's instruction. Elsa idly noted Hans' assigned color was brown and smirked at Anna's sense of humor. "On the field are four flags matching each of your colors making for 52 banners total. A flag of your own color is worth 20 points while an opponents is worth 2, but be warned," Anna's brows rose mischievously, "I fully condone stealing an opponent's flag on the field of battle! All is fair in love and war!"
The men cheered at this announcement while Elsa couldn't help but feel the entire affair was going to be barely more than controlled chaos. The suitors moved eagerly to the stables to get saddled up wile she and Anna moved toward the dais set up for their use in order to observe the proceedings. Anna grabbed her sister's arm in excitement. "Ooo, Elsa," she squealed, "this is gonna be so good!"
Elsa laughed dryly as they took their seats on the lightly padded chairs set up next to one another facing the field. "Good is one word for it; circus is another."
"Oh, phooey - " 'Phooey?!' Elsa mouthed silently to herself, " - it's going to be grand! Look, Elsa," the princess was pawing at the queen once again, making the chairs creak in protest, "here they come!"
The suitors did make quite the sight, mounted and dressed for riding, saddle-horns and uniforms gleaming in the afternoon sun. Those who hadn't brought their own mounts were lent ones from the royal herds, but she knew for a fact she didn't recognize the tall white stallion the Desert King rode nor the dusty destriers ridden by the twins. Hans' Sitron was familiar to her, but it was strange to see rider and horse reunited after months of hosting the animal in his master's absence. Elsa had come to like the horse, in spite of his owner's treachery, and to see the easy and familiar relationship between man and beast made it hard to hate the prince entirely.
When they were assembled before the dais it was hard to raise her voice loud enough to be heard over both the hoofbeats and shouts of the suitors. "Gentlemen, you have five obstacles before you and 12 opponents. Best of luck to you all."
Anna could barely contain herself, almost out of her chair as she shouted, "Ready!" The men gripped their reigns. "Set!" The horses seemed as anxious as their riders, haunches coiled for action.
Elsa smiled and finished. "GO!"
Then, quick and lightening and twice and loud, the suitors were off in a flurry of hooves and cries of challenge. The pack was quick to split into groups of riders based on experience and aggression with Farhajii and Hans at the forefront and Stefan on their heels. Early on, Prince Bertrem tried to make a play for Duke Garreth's blue banner, tucked into his saddle, but the boy was wise to the older man's tricks and lashed out with his foot while guiding his horse out of range of the prince's grasp. "Oh, well done!" Elsa was surprised at herself for cheering them on.
Farhajii was first to reach the flags, easily catching not only his own green banner, but also snagging an orange flag, before the press of horses at his back forced him onward. Stefan had overtaken Hans and was second to the hurdle, catching several flags with ease, including his own, before Hans and Sitron were upon him. Elsa was dismayed by the few flags the Southern Prince was able to snag as his own color was among them. She had hoped he would not have so many points this early on in the game.
Not a single flag was left on the first obstacle by the time the pack had passed, though the press of horses between the first and second challenges allowed Edwin to swipe a flag from the old prince, Cole, and it seemed the rude duke, Theidor, had lost his original banner somewhere in the fray, though it was hard to find the culprit between the flailing of arms and hooves.
Stefan and Farhajii battled for control of the pack, but before they cleared the second obstacle Stefan had taken the lead. Adding insult to injury he managed not only to grab his own flag, but also the Desert King's. Even from a distance Elsa could see the look of anger that contorted the king's handsome features as he urged his mount to give chase. The pack trailed behind them as Stefan spurred his own gray mare into a frantic gallop. "Go, Stefan!" Elsa shouted, causing Anna to giggle.
"Getting a little into it, aren't we, Elsa?" she teased, but her features quickly darkened, "Damn, but Hans got his flag again. That's 60 points already."
"Stefan will get more!" Elsa insisted. 'He has to.'
"Got a thing for the stablehand, huh?" Anna observed wryly, "Not that I can blame you. There is a certain appeal to a man that works with animals. Though, it's definitely not the smell."
"Shhh," Elsa hushed her younger sister impatiently, "I want to watch!"
Farhajii had failed to catch Stefan at the third obstacle, though he had managed to snag his own banner this time, and somewhere between the second and third challenges Hans had lost one of his coveted brown flags, which made Elsa's heart leap with joy. Duke Garreth and Edwin were making a good show of it, as well, their saddles bright with every hue of the rainbow. A few of the suitors, notably the eldest prince and lord-something-or-other had only their initial flag jealously guarded. Even the poor stuttering Duke Archibald, who looked as though he could barely manage to stay in the saddle, had a few banners to show for his troubles.
The pack was rounding the corner into the fourth obstacle now, horses packed together tighter than ever as each man pushed his mount into the last leg of the trial. Farhajii was closing in on Stefan, using the momentum of the herd at his back to propel his steed onward. So focused was he on the green flag on the stablehand's saddle that the Desert King failed to clear the jump and his horse bucked and whinnied in protest. His majesty was forced back around the pack and by the time he rejoined the fray most of the flags were already claimed. Stefan continued to lead to charge with Hans and Duke Garreth at his heels.
Finally, they were upon the last and most daunting hurdle, a long jump with the flags hung high. Elsa wasn't surprised when more than few suitors failed to grasp any flags on their first jump. Rather than leave the banners for the safety of the finish line, several went back to try and collect those still dangling so temptingly, but in doing so they left themselves open to attack and more than a few flags switched saddles in the foray. The old Prince Cole went around the obstacle all together, seeming lost his spirit for the sport.
When all the men were across the finish line and their flags accounted for it seemed a close match. Duke Garreth, Duke Einarys, and Edwin all had quite the impressive piles before them, though few were of their owns colors and thus their points did not put them within striking distance for the win. Edric and the rude Duke Theidor had collected only a few, but they were all their own banners and so they out-striped several of the men with more flags. Poor Duke Archibald and the arrogant Pertyer had only a few flags between them both, while the oily Prince Bertrem, the elderly Prince Cole, and lord-something-or-other had barely managed to maintain their original banners.
The true contest was between Stefan, Farhajii, and Hans, each with more than a handful of flags and all with several of their own color. In the end Stefan's stealing the Desert King's banner in the second obstacle put his points over the king's while Hans' loss of his own flag cost him dearly. "I declare Stefan the winner with 112 points!" Elsa was surprised by how happy the announcement made her. Stefan grinned politely and tilted his head in humble acknowledgment while the rest of the suitors applauded politely. "Well, gentlemen," Elsa was more than ready to proceed with her afternoon, "Anna and I thank you dearly for entertaining our extravagance, but it is getting late in the day and I am sure you are all tired from this afternoon's excitement. For now I must bid you a good evening. Duke Garreth, I will see you for dinner this evening. Until breakfast, all."
With this Elsa took her leave of the men as servants moved to help them remove their tack and wipe down the horses. Anna joined her on her walk back to the castle humming happily to herself. "I see you're quite pleased with yourself," the Snow Queen observed wryly.
"Hmmn, how could I not be?" Anna crossed her arms behind her head, "The First Tournament went pretty good, in my opinion. No one got hurt, Hans lost, and Stefan is pretty cute, don't you think?"
"Hmmn," Elsa mimicked her younger sister noncommittally, "It did go rather well. Thank you, Anna."
"No problemo!" Anna laughed, "Phase One of Anna's Great Plan complete!"
The door to the East Wing reception room creaked from disuse when Elsa settled her hand against it and pushed lightly. Duke Garreth was already waiting and rose to greet the Snow Queen when she entered, though his movements were stiff with nervousness. A fire roared in the hearth and lit the room with a merry glow that managed to not leave a sweltering heat in its wake, for which she was glad. 'I'm not sure the poor boy could take it.' He was dressed to the nines, every layer and crease the perfect picture of formality, if not practicality. "Your majesty," Garreth greeted as she moved to take her seat, accepting his courtesies with an easy grace as he pulled out her chair for her like a proper gentleman before sitting down himself.
"Queen Elsa is fine, if it pleases you grace," she smiled at his innocent blush.
"Only if you will call me Garreth, your majesty," Elsa was surprised by his quick rejoinder and smiled at his boldness. Garreth might be nervous, but he certainly wasn't without charm. Before she could tease him further, the door opened and dinner was wheeled in by a small army of staff. They moved as a well-oiled machine and before she could thank them the dishes were laid out and the serving cart left for whatever empty plates they might have. Elsa thought there was far too much food for two people, but knew it would not go to waste, all usable castle left-overs being redistributed to those in need later in the evening. The look of pure delight on Garreth's face was well worth the belly ache she was sure to suffer later.
"Wow! Boar and quail eggs! And what are these little red berries?" He was so excitable Elsa was reminded of an overeager pup.
"They're lingonberries," she was happy to share the knowledge with him, "They are indigenous to this region and very tart. You might like them with the boar." Garreth took a spoonful and hummed appreciatively before digging into his meal with gusto. Elsa ate more sedately, amused by the duke's antics.
"Garreth," he seemed surprised at her use of his given name, though he had asked her to do so, "I have to ask: hold old are you, exactly?"
He had the good grace to look a bit embarrassed. "Fifteen, Queen Elsa," she was a surprised in spite herself and did a poor job of concealing it, "I'll be sixteen in August."
"Fifteen!" Elsa tried desperately to not make it sound as dramatic as it seemed, "Goodness! Garreth, honestly, I think you might be a bit young for all of this." She gestured vaguely to encompass the entire idea of the suitors and competitions.
"I know! I know!" He sounded almost apologetic and took a deep drink of juice to clear his throat, "But my mother and grandmother seemed to think this is what would be best for me and I . . . " 'Aha, so I was right about family pressure.' She felt vindicated in her initial suspicions, but was curious about the rest of it.
"And you?" she pressed unflinchingly.
"I thought it would be nice to get away for a while, you know? See another kingdom. Kind of like a vacation of sorts." He rubbed the back of his neck nervously, but gained confidence the more he admitted, "I realize I'm probably not the right man to be your king, but I might be somebody's king someday, hopefully, and any experience that I can learn from is worth the while." He smiled then and in it she could see the man he would one day become.
Elsa smiled in earnest, impressed by the young duke's foresight and wisdom, unusual in a boy his age. Raising her glass of wine to his goblet of juice she toasted Duke Garreth, "To you future kingdom. May Arendelle forever call you and yours friends."
"Thank you, Queen Elsa," Garreth grinned broadly, "That's definitely something I can drink to!"
It was late by the time Elsa took her leave of Garreth's company. Not quite ready for her debriefing with Kai nor eager to face her empty bed alone she made a detour for her library. It was open for public use, but being the closest to her rooms, Elsa had long ago staked it out as her refuge and kept most of her private collection of books there. She was surprised to find the fire still roaring high in the hearth and her favorite duvet already occupied. Even in the dim light the red of the Southern Prince's locks was hard to mistake.
"Oh," she was too tired, and perhaps a little too tipsy, to offer him much more than a half-hearted nod and none of her usual posturing, "your highness. May I join you?"
Hans laughed, though there was no malice in it, for once, only genuine amusement. He had turned half in his seat to regard her and she could make out the sincerity of the smile on his face and the way it made his green eyes dance with mirth. "It's your castle," he was flippant, but not obnoxiously so, at least, his presence didn't grate on her nerves as it normally did.
"I suppose it is," she moved to the unoccupied side of the small couch and made herself comfortable, content to stare into the flames while her mind wound down from the day. Elsa could feel his eyes on her, but chose to ignore the tingling sensation it caused along her cheek and neck in favor of watching the fire burn down. She was so absorbed in pointedly ignoring him that was surprised when he finally spoke. "Are you always so formal?"
"Excuse me?"
"Calling me 'your highness'? And here I thought I was your greatest enemy." He was drinking some variation red wine and now gestured to the bottle, "I'd offer you a glass, by the way, but I only brought the one." He paused to smirk. "I didn't exactly think I'd run into you here."
Perhaps if she hadn't been so sleepy, or perhaps if she hadn't already had a few glasses of wine already lowering her inhibitions, she would have declined his implicit offer. Instead, without hesitation, she conjured a glass of ice while contemplating his questions. "I suppose I am often over-formal," she smiled wanly, "I didn't really grow up close to others, after all. I wish I could be more like Anna, sometimes, be open and honest with everyone I meet, but I just . . . can't." She hadn't meant to admit that much, especially not to him, but the drink had loosened her tongue long before he had even started pouring. She took her own dramatic pause in order to regain her composure and took a sip of wine. It was dry and dark and burnt her throat on the way down. "As for you, you are my greatest enemy," she smirked bitterly, "Or at least, you were until these most recent events across the fjord. Sorcery and weather-magic are certainly a step-up from an over-ambitious heart-breaker."
"A heart-breaker?" He placed his free-hand over his chest dramatically and in spite herself Elsa smiled, though it was small, "You wound me, your majesty. The way I see it, Anna traded-up first."
"'Traded-up'?" Elsa laughed and was actually amused, "Good Lord, please don't tell me that's really how you think? Though, it is good of you to acknowledge Kristoff as the superior match."
Hans grinned easily and leaned back into the couch, making himself comfortable, one hand holding his glass and the other so carefully arranged along the back of the duvet it had to be on purpose. "And if I did think that way, truly?"
"Then you are a blacker villain than I had already cast you," she teased and was shocked with herself for being so glib.
"So, if I am no longer your worst enemy, then what am I?" He tilted his head in curiosity.
"To me or in general?"
He laughed and she idly noted it was wholly different from the way he laughed when he was mocking her or even when something she said or did amused him. This laugh sounded genuinely surprised, as though she had caught him off-guard, each guffaw punctuated by a tiny gasp of air. She didn't necessarily want to catalogue this information, but once she had heard the subtle shift it was hard to not feel some pride in her wit. "My, but we are tipsy, aren't we?"
She took a long sip of wine not only to prove him wrong, but also to serve as a distraction from the truth. Finally, in spite herself, she answered his first question, staring into the flames as she spoke, "I suppose you are my suitor, which may or may not mean you are still my worst enemy."
Hans raised his glass in a mock toast and she let the brim of her glass touch his, the tinkling sound of crystal and ice sealing some deal she was only half-aware was on the table. "One of many enemies, I'm afraid," his mood, ever-shifting, turned teasing, "Speaking of which: how was your date with the young duke?"
Elsa wanted to blush, but she didn't know why. "Garreth was charming enough company for such a young man."
The Southern Prince snorted into his cup. "'Garreth'? He's barely more than a child."
Elsa gave him a long look, trying to discern his meaning from the inside out. "I had noticed. Are you jealous?" Normally, she would not have been so bold as to ask him such a ridiculous question, but now that it was out in the open she waited anxiously for his answer.
Hans returned the stare unbroken and unfettered and Elsa felt equal parts compelled to look away and move closer. "Do you want me to be?"
The spell was broken. "Why would I?" She drained her wine glass in one long gulp, "Jealousy is an unbecoming character flaw." With a single flick of her wrist the goblet dissolved in a swirl of magic and she did not miss the look of wonderment that crossed the prince's features.
"So you say, your majesty," he smirked and stood when she did in a mockery of good manners, "May you sleep well."
"And you, Prince Hans." When she reached the door she couldn't help but steal one last glance at the Southern Prince, still standing and smiling secretly to himself. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Queen Elsa."
And then she shut the door.
end chapter four.
