Chapter Nine
From the shadows, the two young royals watched their guests continue to pour into the ballroom. The excited chatter only got louder by the minute.
"This is sure big and fancy for a ball you didn't want," Anna spoke.
Her sister sighed, "The council members invited every person they thought suitable for me to possibly marry. I did not realize how long this list was. No wonder they put so much effort."
Her blue eyes scanned the crowd of faces. There were just so many people. She could tell some of these princes traveled far to meet her in hope to win her hand. Maybe this facade was not the best idea. Frost sparked at her fingertips.
Anna squeezed her hand, "You don't have to do this. We can make an excuse. You're not feeling well or something."
"No," Elsa shook her head, "I have to go through with this. Look at how many guests I'll let down if I leave. Besides, it's only for one evening. All I have to do is smile, dance..." lie...
"Well, alright. I'm going to get Kristoff. I think Kai is going to announce you soon."
She nodded at Anna. The ballroom doors creaked closed announcing every guest had arrived. She watched Kai take his place. It's time to put on a show. She emerged when her title echoed throughout the ballroom. She greeted the clapping audience with a small wave and smile. From the side, Anna and Kristoff walked into the crowd unannounced. The council wanted all attention only on their Queen tonight.
As the men milled around wondering who would approach the Queen first, her eyes fell on the door. Perhaps an unexpected or late guest would arrive. The mask Elsa wore cracked. Her smile formed into slight frown and she tore her eyes away from the door. She isn't coming no matter how badly you want it. The months that had passed still didn't make the ache hurt any less.
"Your Majesty?"
Her eyes flicked toward the voice. The scrawny young boy cleared his throat. The poor thing's voice slightly trembled.
"May I t-trouble you for uh- dance?"
Elsa smiled sweetly, "It is no trouble at all."
"Excuse me; I need to borrow my sister for a moment."
Anna yanked Elsa away from the confused man. They huddled away from the ears and eyes of their guests,
"Thank you," Elsa relieved.
"Your eyes were practically screaming for help. How bad was this one?"
"I apologize if I ever insulted your rambling. He had you beat."
Anna's jaw dropped, "Are you serious?"
"It didn't help that his breath had me gagging." Her body sagged against a pillar, "This night is never going to end."
"Oh, Elsa,"
Anna pulled her into a comforting hug. She squeezed back tightly releasing all of her stress. She had put up a great effort trying to smile through every event. Every single time she watched them wince or retreat when they touched her cold hand. When she heard a back handed compliment about her rule, ignored the lewd stares over her body, and realized the subtle briberies… Elsa simply wore a grim smile. The only exceptions were the especially touchy men. One had the audacity to grab her face while the other traveled south. After he was escorted out with a block of ice attached to his arm, they all kept their distance.
"The night is almost over. Then you can forget all about this," Anna comforted.
Elsa nodded. If only that were true. She didn't want to worry her sister but promised to at least try to find a few decent suitors and invite them back. Luckily, there were a handful of nice princes so she had an idea on who she wanted to continue a conversation with.
Elsa couldn't hide in the corner all night. She breathed in, "Wish me luck."
Elsa side stepped back into the crowd. In the corner of her eye, bad-breath King of Malerick made his way back to her. Please, anyone else ask me to talk to me!
"Woah, excuse me!"
The stranger twirled around her body without any contact. Hazel eyes glanced over her. The smile on his face formed into worry and the young brunette bowed.
"I apologize. I almost knocked you over, Queen Elsa."
"Think nothing of it," she dismissed. "Accidents happen."
The man rose upright with a warm smile, "Of course, but I promise to keep a better eye." He looked around, "This is lovely party you have put together. Much larger than the last one if I recall correctly."
Elsa peered at him. He did look familiar although she hadn't been paying attention to any of the suitors at the last few balls.
"Oh, I apologize again. You must meet so many people," he bowed once more "Prince Caleb of Edelar."
"Ah, yes! You attended my birthday celebration. We shared a few dances."
He rubbed the back of his neck, "I wouldn't have thought you remembered me."
"You were one of the few people that had remarkable dancing abilities. You spared my feet a few injuries."
"Well, would you mind if I prove that I'm still remarkable," Caleb offered his hand.
She laughed. It's been a while since she's done that. Accepting his hand, he effortlessly swept them into a dance. The music chimed in the background of their conversation.
"Arendelle is beautiful in all seasons. The rich colors of the leaves are breathtaking. We don't get weather this fair in Edelar."
"I'm glad you're enjoying it. Sometimes it can get a bit chilly around here but I suppose I'm to blame."
"Like you said, accidents happen."
Elsa nodded making a mental note. Caleb was one of the good ones. She wouldn't mind speaking with him again. This number should satisfy them. They could prove to be good allies for Arendelle even if I can't promise my hand.
Relishing in the moment where she was actually having a good time at this dreaded ball, she allowed herself to be distracted and relaxed. A nice dance with a nice man would end this event on a good note.
That's why the flying arrow took her by surprise.
The object moved too swift for her to completely avoid it. The sharp tip sliced right through the sleeve of her dress. Elsa let out a strangled gasp and gripped right below her shoulder. She heard the spring of a crossbow. Caleb immediately held her close and threw their bodies to the ground. Another arrow sailed right over their heads and sent the other guests dodging the weapon. Someone screamed.
"Get down!"
All at once, the entire ballroom panicked. Some hit the ground and other fled to the nearest door. Screams and cries filled the air as guests shoved or trampled over one another to safety. Elsa dodged the stampede as Caleb ushered her to nearby wall. She stared at the frenzy of people who failed to listen to the guards' directions. Now able to check her arm, the Queen discovered she was indeed wounded. Blood covered her fingertips and dripped from the cut.
"Your Majesty!"
"I'm fine!" Elsa patched it with ice. Her heart pounded but not for her well being, "I need to find my sister!"
Caleb's protest disappeared within the shouts of fear once the Queen entered the crowd. Her darted from face to face but none were her sister.
"Anna! ANNA!"
Whoever shot the arrow had meant to kill her. What if there was more than one person in the castle? And if they miss their main target, they would hunt down another. They would take something precious away from her. Her body cringed at the thought of an arrow heading straight at Anna. Elsa rushed forward with a new force. Polite manners forgotten as she pushed anyone in her way. She needed to find her.
"Elsa!"
The distant voice traveled from the other end of the room. A glimpse of red hair flashed in Elsa's sight before the person disappeared into a hallway. She forced her way in that direction. Only her heart beat pounded in her ears, what if someone has her? Another voice called her name and a strong grip grabbed her arm. She glanced up and recognized Kristoff.
"Hurry," he pulled her close and guided their way quickly through the crowd.
"Where's Anna?"
"She's safe. I left her with the guards."
Though the open door, Elsa spotted Anna. They ran to each other and immediately embraced. The blonde pushed her sister back and inspected over her.
"I'm fine! Kristoff kept us out of sight." Then Anna gasped, "Your shoulder!"
"It's nothing more than a cut. I'll live." She turned to the nearest guard, "Have they spotted the assassin?"
"I'm not certain."
"Are the gates closed?"
"Yes, but the guests-"
"Shall remain on castle grounds until the person is found."
"What if they climbed over the wall?" Kristoff asked. "The guards didn't really let a man with a weapon walk in, did they?"
"Of course not!" another guard argued.
An uneasy feeling rested in her stomach. Even if they can't scale the wall, there's still the servants entrance or the main way if the gates open. The longer they speculated, the more time they gave their attacker to escape. Elsa turned on her heels and stormed away.
"Elsa? Wh-where are you going?" Anna called.
The Queen threw open a window facing the wall surrounding the castle. She drew in a deep breath, stretching her arms forward. Ice covered the grass as it crept towards the walls. Envisioning the entire wall being covered, the ice followed the command and spread over every brick in sight. Palms up, she lifted her hands upwards. Like its conductor, the solid ice followed her direction and added almost ten more feet to the wall.
Elsa dropped her arms grasping the ledge of the window. She breathed heavily out of adrenaline more than exhaustion. It's been months since she created something so massive. The rush she hadn't felt while making skating rinks and snow. When she turned, Anna, Kristoff, and the guards, stared at her ice barrier wide eyed and opened mouth.
"There. Now no one is escaping."
A/N: Again, I'm really sorry for the wait. I have no idea how I hit one hundred followers but I guess we can celebrate! I'll try posting soon for you guys.
Now for the wonderful reviews :)
RemmyThePatriot: Thank you. I hope this little excitement makes up for the long wait.
APV5: She will have to reveal her plans but later. Elsa in the real world? I might make it happen.
The Reaper13: An emotional reveal because I love me some drama.
crazyguy1313: I'm happy you like the filler. I found these two a bit better so I hope you enjoy them. Ah, I missed the secret messages,
RJCA27: I hope you're still in love with it! Sorry for a late update.
ForgottenPrince: He might earn death but Elsa has some new problems to deal with for now. Viva la Elsis!
Guest: I'm so sorry. I bring an update.
extremeenigma02: I added the song to the list so I will find a place to put it.
Zack1187: First of all, I welcome you this story and my tiny ship. Thank you so much for your kind words both for the last story and this one. I know we all the reunion soon and I promise to bring Elsis back together.
