Chapter Seven

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"She's getting married today, you know. My sister. My Elsa. I want her to be happy, but what if she's so happy that she picks him over me? No, no, no, I mean, of course I don't want to see her suffer. I'll kill him if he makes her suffer, but if he makes her happy she might… I know, I know I shouldn't be worrying, after all it's me she loves. She's said it many times. … Argh! What am I supposed to do? …"

Anna stared at the painting, in hopes of an answer. But Joan didn't seem to know exactly what to do when your sister, who also happened to be the love of your life, was marrying a person who wasn't you. The heroine's eyes were full of pity and understanding, yet she remained silent.

"I guess I should go find her," Anna sighed. "Spend as much time as possible with her. She must be getting ready for the ceremony."

Whatever Anna expected to see, it wasn't that. Elsa was breathtaking, Elsa was astonishing, Elsa was beyond any level of perfection. Her wedding gown was made entirely out of ice –long ice sleeves that resembled lace, smooth ice that hugged her body until just below the hips, where it dissolved in layers of icy silk and icy tulle that cascaded down her legs like an upside-down bell. The entire dress sparkled with tiny little diamonds of ice. Gerda made Elsa twirl for Anna, and the redhead almost fainted when she noticed that the gown was backless. Everything from the nape of her sister's neck to her lower back was bare skin, soft, white, flawless. Her blonde hair was piled in a rolled-up crown and she was just about to put on a glittering veil of ice.

"Elsa…" was all Anna could manage.

Her sister did that one-side little smile. "Do you like it?"

"I…"

"Would you like a moment alone with your sister, Princess?" Gerda asked.

"Y-yes, please."

"So…" Elsa began once it was just them in the room.

"You're gorgeous."

"So are you."

Neither was sure about what to say next. What could be said in such a situation? Instead, they hugged.

"Nothing will change between us, right?"

"Of course not. What would I do without these freckles?"

"I love you."

"I love you too, little duck."

"And I love this dress."

"I know. Who do you think I had in mind when I made it? I know what my princess likes to see."

Anna ran her fingertips across Elsa's back. The tone of the conversation was changing quite abruptly. Anna brought her hands to the front, over Elsa's chest, and squeezed gently.

"Sit on that table," Anna commanded.

"Anna, what-"

"Shh, I haven't given you a wedding gift, have I?"

Elsa sat hesitantly on the table and was immediately surprised by Anna's kiss. The Princess' hands were soon reaching under the wedding gown. And then the Princess' head.

"Anna, careful, the garter, the dress!"

"It's all made of ice, isn't it?" came Anna's muffled voice from below. "You can make new ones. Now shut up and enjoy my gift."

Elsa squirmed on the table, trying in the name of the gods to stay silent while Anna's mouth made life worth living. Her ice heels dug into the redhead's back, and she fell onto the table as she attempted and failed to support herself with the arms. It didn't help that Anna herself was moaning under the layers of her dress. Elsa writhed and rocked her hips under the caresses of her sister's tongue. She couldn't stop the little whimpers and mewls that escaped her lips, and when she finally reached her climax (a new record time) she had to bite the veil to drown her scream.

"What was that?" Elsa managed to pant.

"I've told you, my wedding gift to you." Anna pulled her in for a long kiss. "Time to go. We'll see if he can do better than me."

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To new, innocent eyes, it was a beautiful ceremony. The way Prince Jørgen's eyes widened upon seeing his bride, and how he had looked dazed when he greeted her at the altar, would be some of the most commented moments for weeks. People also found charming the blush in Elsa's cheeks and the way her legs had seemed to tremble as she made her way to her soon-to-be husband. Nobody imagined the truth, how could anyone have? There they were, the clueless guests who saw the Princess holding hands with the Ice Master and were convinced there would soon be another wedding, all the people who saw the Princess wipe a traitor tear and were moved by her happiness.

"Anna, pull yourself together," Kristoff murmured. "Don't let her see you like this."

Anna squeezed his hand until her knuckles were white. She tried to tune out the incessant blabber of the speeches, and looked away when Elsa and Jørgen said their vows.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Jørgen looked at Elsa. Her perfect features were impossible to decipher. He tilted her head up; she tensed, but didn't stop him. Ever so carefully, he bent down and touched her lips with his own. He didn't allow himself to think about anything, not how soft she felt, not how he craved more of her, nothing at all. It lasted but a second. In the distance, the bells began to toll. Applause and good wishes quickly surrounded them. Anna enveloped Elsa in an enormous bear hug and, under Kristoff's insistence, gave Jørgen a quick peck on the cheek. The Prince kissed her hand in return and told her he couldn't have wished for a better sister-in-law.

"Elsa?" he turned to his new wife after Anna disappeared with Kristoff. "I'm sure everyone has told you by now, but… you look beautiful. I… I had never seen anyone so beautiful."

Elsa blushed. "Thank you. Y-you look quite h-handsome, too."

"It's nothing compared to you. Now, please allow me to introduce you to my father."

The King was a kind man. Widowed for a few years, he had assumed the task of providing the best for his two sons on his own, and they were the only reason left for him to live for. Nothing made him happier than to see his eldest finally get married; he sure had taken long enough. And it wasn't just any woman, no. The King took Elsa's face in his hands and kissed her on the cheek.

"Oh, look at you, my memory didn't do you justice. I attended your coronation, my darling. You have changed quite a lot, but you're still beautiful as ever. Jørgen, you are very lucky, my son."

The King then called who seemed to be a younger version of Jørgen –tall, dark-haired, with stubble that promised to become Jørgen's impeccable beard. "This is Astor, Jørgen's little brother. And hey, you have a little sister! How about that?"

The sudden flash in Elsa's eyes puzzled Jørgen.

"Anna… Anna is still young," she said. "There is time for that. We'll see, later. Now, um, the reception will be held in another wing of the castle, we should probably get going."

It was as lavish a party as the Council could put together in three weeks. Not a detail was left to chance: from the thousands of flowers that made up the decorations, to the exquisite dishes that were served during the banquet, to the small orchestra that played waltzes, quadrilles, minuets, and polkas –everything was perfect.

This wedding was without a doubt the social event of the year, the very highest monarchy was gathered in Arendelle to attend the wedding of the famous Ice Queen, and they couldn't be given one single reason to spread ill-natured gossip. So much had been speculated about Queen Elsa, so many rumours had haunted Arendelle during the past year, that the Counsellors couldn't wait to prove just how wrong everyone had been. The girl was capable of fulfilling all her royal duties, and the kingdom was stronger than ever.

Said girl, however, was fighting against the growing anxiety. Her sister, her new husband, the happy face she had to put on for everyone else, the awful memories of another party where everything had gone wrong, it all was coming to devour her. Elsa was desperately seeking any sort of relief. She spotted Kristoff as he came into the ballroom and hurried to his side.

"Elsa, congratulations," Kristoff said. "You'll see it was the right decision."

"I really hope so." She leaned closer to him. "How is Anna? I haven't had the chance to talk to her."

"She's doing fine. She's a strong girl, and very brave. She'll make it."

"May I ask you a favour? Could you stay with her during the party? I know this isn't really your kind of thing, but I don't want her to be alone."

"You don't have to ask. I'll take care of Anna and guard her with my life."

"You know how impulsive she can be. Keep her amused, try to make this whole situation as easy as possible for her. I'll talk to her later."

"Of course. Count on me."

"I will. And Kristoff?" she said, placing a hand on one of his.

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

Kristoff smiled. "No problem, Your Majesty."

When Elsa returned to Jørgen, she was surprised to find a rather serious look on his face.

"Who is that?" he asked, nodding at Kristoff.

"Kristoff Bjorgman, the Ice Master and Deliverer."

"You two are quite close, aren't you?"

"He's Anna's best friend. He's around a lot."

"But I don't see Anna."

"They were just about to bring out the chocolate fountain. I suppose she's over there."

"Oh, yes, there she is." After a brief pause Jørgen spoke again. "And who named him Ice Master?"

"I did."

"Why?"

"He deserved it. He runs the best ice business in Arendelle, and I almost ruined it last year with the whole thing that happened. And also… He saved Anna's life once, and I'll forever be grateful for that. If I had lost Anna, I don't know what would have become of me. Naming him Ice Master was the least I could do. Why is it so important right now, anyway?"

"I don't like how he was looking at you."

Elsa rolled her eyes. "We're friends. He would never see me that way."

"He just did."

"Jørgen, please, are you serious? What are you insinuating? Who do you think I am?"

He looked into her eyes and spoke slowly. "You're my wife now. I don't want to see you flirting with anyone else."

A hundred shades of anger and indignation crossed Elsa's face. "I wasn't- how dare you- I-"

Jørgen understood he might have been too rash. "I'm sorry," he said. "I shouldn't have spoken to you like that, I shouldn't mistrust you. I know you would never cheat on me. I'm sorry," he kissed her hand. "Dance with me?"

Elsa made a face, still upset, but she really liked the waltz that had begun to play and a fight on their wedding day wouldn't look good to their guests. Grudgingly, she followed Jørgen into the dance floor.

"You dance it differently here," he commented as they moved gracefully across the space.

"Really?"

"Yes. We have small variations of a couple of steps."

"What variations?"

"Wait for the third compass and I'll show you."

When the compass came, he grabbed her by the hips and lifted her in the air.

"Put me down!" she cried.

He laughed. "See? That's one of the changes."

"It's awful."

"Whoop, here it comes again."

"Don't you dare!"

"Jump when I lift you, it'll be easier."

"Don't-!"

But she was already up, despite her protests. This time Jørgen twirled her around a couple of times before letting her back on her feet again. She scowled at him, but he simply laughed.

From the distance, Anna and Kristoff observed them, and broke each moment into a detailed analysis.

"Anna, you have nothing to fear. She's yours."

"But look at her. Is she laughing? No, not really. Oh, but see how they're dancing!"

"A girl's entitled to some fun on her wedding day, isn't she? What, would you rather see her weep and suffer? Let her be happy, and enjoy yourself, too. Wanna dance?"

"Kristoff, you don't dance."

"I know. But you do. Come on!"

Kristoff pulled Anna to the dance floor and tried his best to follow the rhythm of the music. Anna laughed and decided she would teach him once and for all. As he tripped and stumbled, Kristoff's eyes met Elsa's. She thanked him silently. He was the only one who knew the truth behind Elsa and Anna's relationship, and without his support the girls would be totally lost.

Jørgen saw the exchange of looks and felt the pang of jealousy again. He pulled Elsa closer, to show the ice man that she was his and no one else's. Just as he was about to point that out in words, a voice interrupted him.

"Hi! I'm Olaf and I like warm hugs!"

Jørgen turned and saw a snowman running towards them. Wait, a snowman running towards them? Never in his life had Jørgen seen a moving, talking snowman, let alone one who did these things with such enthusiasm. "What the…?"

But Elsa was already on her knees, hugging the thing. "Olaf," she murmured sweetly.

She lifted him and they hugged again. Jørgen had never seen such tenderness in anyone.

"I wanted to wish you all the happiness now that you're married," said Olaf. Then he addressed Jørgen. "Are you the husband?"

"Yes," Jørgen said, still doubtful.

Elsa laughed. "Let me introduce you. Olaf, this is Prince Jørgen, my… husband. Jørgen, this is Olaf."

"Elsa built me," Olaf declared proudly.

"You did?"

"Yes." Her pride and love for the snowman were too big to stop her smile.

"Elsa, you can create life?"

She nodded, beaming, and Jørgen could only stare. She was much, much more powerful than he'd imagined.

"So, are you guys in love?" Olaf asked Elsa. His face was bright and hopeful.

"We, huh, we're…" How could she say it without breaking Olaf's little heart?

She was saved by Kai, who insisted that he needed to tell her something very important.

"Go play, my dearest," she told Olaf as she set him on the floor again. He trotted away happily.

"Your Majesty, there are people outside," explained Kai. "They would like to see you and the Prince."

"How many people?" Jørgen asked.

"It looks like… like all of Arendelle is here tonight, sir."

The cries and cheers that greeted their appearance in the balcony were the loudest he had ever heard. It was true, the entire kingdom was there to congratulate their Queen. They love her, he thought warmly.

"Kiss, kiss!" the people were shouting. "Kiss!"

Elsa pursed her lips and looked around nervously. But as the shouting grew she knew she would have to please them. Their lips joined pretty much like they had during the ceremony –the briefest touch.

"Oh, that's no real kiss!" someone from the crowd shouted.

"Come on, kiss! Give us a true kiss!"

"Kiss!"

Jørgen looked at Elsa with the question in his eyes, and saw her nod imperceptibly. She would do anything for her people. He moved slowly, so as not to frighten her. He cupped her face with one hand, and intertwined the fingers of the other with hers. Elsa rested her free hand on his shoulder. Their eyes were locked. He leaned forward. Her lips parted. He kissed her. Gods, he kissed her! It was lightning in his veins. Elsa's lips were smooth and cold, her taste was sweet.

There was nothing Jørgen wanted more than to pull her in and kiss her good and long. He yearned to put his arms around her and kiss her… everywhere. But Elsa was barely responding to him, moving her lips just enough to make it look real. There was no pressure in her touch, no feeling, no reaction. It was like kissing a doll. The most glorious, perfect doll, but a doll nonetheless. She was the one who pulled out, of course. In an act of rebelliousness, he pecked her lips one last time. The cheering around them was deafening.

Elsa played nervously with her hair and tried to put on a smile for Arendelle. Only Jørgen noticed how her hands were shaking. She all but ran back into the ballroom and tried to stay away from him.

The party went on for another couple of hours, and then it was time for the newlyweds to retire. They went to their separate rooms to prepare.

Elsa felt nervousness strike again and asked the ladies who were assisting her to leave. She wasn't sure about how to deal with what expected her. At least she still had the comfort of her own room. There was a royal chamber, especially thought for a royal couple, but it had been her parents' and Elsa couldn't bear even the thought of entering it, let alone occupying it.

She stood before her dressing table and took a couple of breaths to calm down. She was starting to really panic. I'm not ready, I'm not ready for this. I don't want to do it. Gods, I'm not ready to be with a man, and he'll be here any mo-

A knock on the door.

"Anna?" she asked out of routine.

"Your husband."

"Oh. Come in."

When Jørgen saw her, he had to hold his breath. Elsa wore a simple silk nightgown that reached to her knees. The fabric was cream-coloured and had lace around the edges. Thin straps held it from her shoulders. Under that nightgown, he knew, there was only her. Part of her hair was still in its updo from the ceremony, but there were curls and braids falling down her back. Apparently she had forgotten about him, for now that he appeared she reached for a robe, longer and thicker.

He still wore the clothes from the party; only the coat and vest were gone. His eyes were dark, she noticed. Now that he only had the shirt on she could see his muscles more clearly, and felt terrified. He's stronger than me, much stronger. I have my powers, but…

They looked at each other. He could see that she was breathing heavily. He took a step towards her and raised a hand. The moment that hand came into contact with her arm, she jumped back.

"No."

He dropped his hand. "Elsa, we're husband and wife now. It's natural. I promise I won't hurt you. Please don't be difficult."

She looked down and didn't move. Jørgen reached for her again, and this time managed to wrap his arms around her. Underneath the coldness of her skin he could feel warmth. Her breasts were pressed to his chest, and that little fact almost took over all his thoughts. Elsa was very aware of his hands on her back, and of a certain firmness against her hips. He pulled her a little closer. No, no, no, I don't want to. Instantly, Elsa's hands were on his chest, trying to push him away.

"Don't, please," she whispered.

"Elsa, this is necessary. Otherwise our marriage will have no validity, and what's the point of going through this whole show for nothing? Also… allow me to remind you that it's you who needs an heir."

Elsa looked at him with profound dislike. Little by little her resistance vanished. Eventually she sighed, took the robe off, and laid herself on the bed.

"Do what you have to do, and leave," she told him. She didn't meet his eyes.

Jørgen looked at Elsa, dazzling and perfect and laying on the bed for him. He wanted to take her. He had to take her, for the marriage to be declared consummated and to find some peace of mind and spirit. But he knew that if he did so everything between them would be ruined forever.

He sat on the mattress and examined her. He could guess the shapes of her body through the thin fabric, and his pulse quickened. He had never wanted any woman more than he wanted Elsa. The fantasies that had been tormenting him for the past month hit him all at once. There were so many things he wanted to do to her… He saw the flawless skin of her legs, just begging to be touched, the shadows and curves where the silk covered her breasts. He saw the red lips he had kissed at the balcony and the luscious blonde hair that still held traces of her perfume. Tentatively, he placed a hand on her waist. Her jaw clenched, and she turned her head to the side. She was his wife now, he had every right to enjoy her. He knew that she wouldn't fight him. It would be so easy, and worse, so good

He took her by the chin and turned her head so that she had to look at him. He met her eyes, and made his decision. He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead.

"Goodnight, Elsa. Sleep well."

She sat up, shocked. "Wait, what?"

"I'll see you in the morning."

He rose and turned around to leave.

"Wait," she said, getting up. "You don't… want me?"

Her pretty face was shadowed by insecurity. Did she genuinely think he was rejecting her for lack of desire? He took her by the shoulders and shook her slightly.

"Elsa, look at me. Look at me. A man would have to be blind, deaf, and stupid to not want you." He cupped her face and his voice softened. "You have no idea how much I desire you. You're everything any man has ever dreamed of. There's nothing I would like more right now than to throw you onto that bed and make love to you all night. But you don't feel the same way about me, and I won't force you to do anything you don't want to do. It wouldn't be lovemaking, it would be something terrible and degrading that you do not deserve. I could never hurt you like that. I will wait for you, Elsa, until you want me. And, by the gods, you will want me."

He kissed her on the cheek, and then he was gone.

Elsa sat on the bed, breathing heavily, trying to process what had happened. He respected me. He could have forced me, yet he didn't. Why? Elsa was completely baffled. He had put her needs and wishes above his own –who had ever done that for her before? Only Anna. No, no, no, she couldn't compare Jørgen to Anna. Anna was the girl she loved, Jørgen was… he was the man who wouldn't touch her without her consent.

Elsa got up, and went to see the only person she could talk to. She knocked, and was greeted by an angry voice.

"Go away. I don't want to see anyone."

"No one keeps the Queen out."

A pause and a much softer tone. "Elsa?"

"May I come in?"

The door opened, and Anna pulled her in.

"It's over? So soon? What happened?"

"Nothing," Elsa murmured.

"What do you mean, 'nothing'? Look at you, Elsa, you're shaking! What did he do to you? Tell me!" Anna's face was filling with anger.

"Nothing. He did nothing. He didn't touch me."

"What?"

"He didn't do it."

Anna reached for something from her night table. "Here." She handed her sister a cup.

Elsa allowed herself a little smile and the arch of an eyebrow. "Wine, Anna?"

"It's your wedding night. Surely you weren't expecting me to go through it fully conscious? Now drink and tell me all about it."

Elsa sipped the wine and repeated the scene to Anna, who was just as shocked. She had seen Jørgen; with the way he had looked at Elsa during the reception, Anna had been sure he wouldn't leave her bed for days. Just like Elsa, she didn't know what to think. His game was better than she'd given him credit for.

"Do you mind if I stay?" Elsa asked. "I don't want to spend my wedding night alone. It seems… wrong."

Anna kissed her. "Since when do you have to ask permission? Come here, Elsie."

They cuddled in the bed, in each other's arms. A couple of hours before dawn, Elsa woke Anna up. They made love, tenderly, carefully. It was a feeling too pure to be replicated with anyone else. How could something that felt so right be so wrong?

Elsa felt a twinge in her conscience. She should be in another bed, with another person, but she couldn't bring herself to regret what she was doing. She watched the Northern Lights glow on Anna's body as it moved, as she tried to muffle her moans of pleasure now that they had to be even more careful. The sky's awake for us, little duck. She kissed Anna, and everything fell in place. In Anna's eyes she saw everything she needed.

That night, Jørgen dreamed of her.