A/N:

Hello again readers! I want to start off by apologizing for my lengthy update times. Life is being a real bother at the moment. I won't go into detail because it would only bore you, but please believe that I am truly sorry to keep away from this for so long.

Secondly, I can't lie to you guys. This chapter is certainly not my best. I wanted so much more for this scene, and it just didn't work out like I wanted it to, but I also felt strongly that this story desperately needed an update. For this, I am also sorry. Most likely, when the bad things in my life have slowed down, I'll revisit this chapter (possibly a few more as well), as edit it to better fit my storytelling. But for now . . . Please, enjoy. :)

CHAPTER 8 ~LILY'S P.O.V.~

No matter how Lily begged, (and oh, did she beg), her momma would not let slip the surprise she had waiting. And what was more, Elsa was going to surprise Rasmus with a treat too. The little princess found herself slightly jealous at that; it was her birthday after all. Why was Razzy getting a treat too?

Anna walked with Elsa to her study as the Queen carried Lily in her arms, not wanting the girl to get tired before the night really began. Kristoff was already waiting for them inside, as Elsa had instructed Kai to have the rest of the family meet them there. The blonde mountain man greeted his little niece with a smile as Elsa sat at her desk, still cuddling Lily close.

"It's good to see you out of bed, Lily," he said gently, eliciting a smile from the girl.

"Quiet Kristoff! You'll ruin the surprise!" Anna scolded playfully, taking a seat next to her husband on the plush couch adjacent from Elsa's desk.

"Surprise?" He questioned, placing one large hand against Anna's ever-rounding belly. "Are you telling me you haven't told Rasmus yet?"

Elsa couldn't help but laugh at Kristoff's incredulous, yet playful tone. They truly had become friends before he wed Anna not long after the Thaw, and she was grateful for it. It made family time like this more comfortable and authentic.

It was only a moment later when the door to Elsa's office opened, and the Queen stopped laughing immediately. The late hour caused the blazing fire in the corner to cast strange shadows across the vast room. Elsa could just barely make out Rasmus's toned figure entering the space with a graceful stride.

"Is everything alright, Dearest?" He asked of Elsa, his voice so steady and calm. "Kai said you were wanting to see me - LILY PAD!" He exclaimed, his dark eyes finally landing on his daughter, tucked comfortably in the Queen's arms.

"Surprise," Elsa said with the widest smile any of them had ever seen. "She woke up just a short while ago. The physician says she's still sick, but improving."

"That's great," Rasmus said, taking both the Queen and his daughter into a hug.

The happiness that rolled off him was tangible; even Lily could feel it, and she was nearly asleep again. Rasmus was so happy, in fact, that before ending the hug, he took Elsa's face in one hand and kissed her long and deep with an open mouth. And strangely enough, even with everyone's eyes watching them quietly, Elsa let him.

"Momma . . . Razzy . . . Ew!" Lily sighed, trying with all her strength to push the two apart. The force didn't amount to much, but the pair obliged her and separated after a long moment, sharing a small laugh.

"We're sorry, Lilypad," Rasmus offered, still laughing lightly. "I am just so excited to see you up and about; and in time for your birthday too!"

"Yes!" Lily agreed with a wide grin. "Momma said she had a special treat for me for my birthday!" Rasmus raised a dark brow at Elsa, feigning ignorance.

"Oh she did? Well I wonder what it could be?"

"I don't know! Momma! Can I please have my special birthday treat now?"

"I suppose . . ." Elsa began slowly, her teasing smile unable to hide. "If you can't wait another second . . ."

"I can't! I can't!" Lily assured them with as much breath as she could muster. The young queen attempted to stifle another laugh as she kissed the top of Lily's head, and instructed Kai to bring in the surprise.

~ELSA'S P.O.V.~

Elsa watched with silent enthusiasm as Lily's eyes grew wide as dinnerplates at the sight of her surprise. The Queen had asked the kitchen staff to make something special for her baby, and boy did they deliver. Lily was beside herself when Kai placed a round cake bigger than the girl's head on Elsa's desk in front of her.

The chef seemed to have followed Elsa's instructions perfectly. She could smell the chocolate of the cake even from where she sat, and Lily was more than impressed at the delicate flowers of all colors adorning the white icing coating the sweet treat. In the middle of the cake, 'Happy 8th Birthday Lily' was laid out in thick purple cursive. It was perfect and beautiful, just like Lily.

Everyone sang 'Happy Birthday" to the girl who waited not-so-patiently for her first bite of cake. She had been asleep for two days now and felt as though she might die from hunger over anything else if she didn't get something to eat soon, and her momma was willing to let that 'something' be cake. This surprise was proving to be one of the best the girl had experienced.

Much to Elsa's dismay, however, it quickly became apparent that little Lily truly was still sick. She could barely stay awake long enough to eat, much less open her presents. The Queen dutifully fed her daughter small bites of the delicious cake, hoping to decrease Lily's fatigue as long as possible. This mostly consisted of Lily holding the spoon filled with cake as tight as her weakened muscles would allow, while Elsa simply wrapped her long, cool fingers around Lily's hand and guided the utensil where it needed to go.

Lily managed to get almost the entire piece eaten before allowing exhaustion to win out, and let Elsa take over completely. Elsa only managed two more bites feeding Lily herself, before she realized the girl was entirely unconscious again. The young queen's mouth fell into a soft frown without her permission as she gazed down at the sleeping figure in her arms. She had wanted so badly to make this night special for her little girl, and while Lily had seemed very pleased with getting to eat something sweet without first attempting to stomach 'good food,' Elsa couldn't help but feel disheartened that she could not do more for the girl.

What if she never got another chance?

A/N:

Again, I'm sorry. I know this one kinda sucked, but please, stick with me.

Comments are always appreciated. :)