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"No."
Elsa's hands clenched. Her papa had begun pacing the length of her room once more. Her eyes followed him mindlessly.
"Please be reasonable about this, sweetheart." He offered his hands to her, palms up. Beseeching. Pleading. "Aside from the fact that no agency is willing to send us another nanny, Miss Almstedt seems like a wonderful girl."
Elsa looked away. Wonderful was an understatement. Immediately after announcing that she had been there for the job, Anna was swept into an in-depth conversation with her parents, an astounded Elsa left on the couch. It seemed that Anna's charm worked on everybody.
"She's the same age as I am, papa."
"And that is why she is perfect," Her mother had cut in firmly from one of the arm chairs in her room. She seemed tired of the conversation, eyes focused on perfectly manicured nails. "You're always complaining about wanting friends your own age. With Anna, we are killing two birds with one stone."
Elsa shifted on her bed, trying to keep her ice from spreading across her sheets. "I promise to behave if you pick anyone else—"
Her papa had stopped abruptly, the exasperation shining in his usually warm eyes. He knelt before her, taking her hands. "There is no-one else, Elsa. We cannot bring Kai and Gerda back. Anna will be your new nanny and that is final." Elsa was taken back at the sharpness in her father's tone.
"Okay," She acquiesced, eyes downcast. She drew her hands back, her fingers curled into the fabric beneath her.
"Elsa," Her father had begun. She could hear the quaver in his voice.
"I'm tired," She declared, not meeting either of her parents' gazes. "I would like to get some rest."
"Of course." It had been her mother that time, the red of her lips sure to leave a mark against her temple. Her father received a scathing look. He pretended not to see it as he got to his feet. "Goodnight, Elsa."
"Goodnight mama," Elsa whispered, shifting to lie in her bed just as her papa went to follow her mother's example.
"It's for the best," Her papa had murmured against her hair. Elsa refused to flinch away. "Please understand that we are only doing this for you."
Elsa didn't answer. She merely drew Sven to her chest, eyes clenching shut as the tears burned behind her lids.
Of all the people in the world, it really had to be her. The one person she'd vowed to stay away from - the one person she wanted to protect.
Elsa hadn't been sure of whether or not she should curse her luck.
"Are you crying, Snowbug?"
Elsa swallowed thickly, holding her phone closer, listening to the sound of Gerda's soft voice on the other line. She had to savour every minute they spoke. She knew her mother would take away her phone as soon as she found out.
"I just really miss you," Elsa whispered, Sven tucked under her chin, burrowing further under the covers. "I wish you and Kai were back here with me. I don't want anybody else."
Gerda had sniffed on the other line, and Elsa knew she was crying, too. "We wish we were there too, Snowbug. You've been taking care of yourself, haven't you?"
"Yes." Elsa pressed the heel of her hand into her eyes, trying to stop her tears.
"You've even eaten all of your vegetables?" Elsa could hear the smile in her voice.
Elsa laughed quietly. "Yes. I've eaten all of my vegetables, even if I don't like them."
"Good." Gerda had paused on the other line, Kai's snores filling the silence. "Snowbug, we just want you to know that we love you so much, and that even if we aren't there with you physically, we'll always be with you in your heart."
"My heart sucks," Elsa mumbled a little petulantly, a small smile pulling at the corners of her mouth.
Gerda had been the one to laugh this time. "You have the strongest heart I know, Snowbug. I promise."
Elsa held Sven closer to her chest, closing her eyes. "I love you, Gerda. Goodnight."
"I love you too, Snowbug. Sweet dreams."
"You took a job where?" Rapunzel had exclaimed in astonishment, eyes practically bulging out of her head. Anna shushed her, glancing surreptitiously towards her open bedroom door. Her cousin had waved her off. Rapunzel had looked at her as if she was insane.
Maybe she was.
"Look, it pays ridiculously well, and gives me a chance to get close to Elsa again." Anna smiled brightly at the memory of her walking into the room. "Elsa's face was priceless."
Rapunzel had huffed.
"Look, Red, I don't want to burst your happy little bubble, but it's been ten years. You and Elsa aren't the same little girls who used to make snowmen in the park anymore." Anna glowered at her cousin's pessimism. "I'm just being realistic, Anna. I know you hope to be buddy buddy with Elsa again, but I just want you to be careful. Ten years of isolation can do a lot to someone. More than that, she's ill, Anna. She can't keep up with you the same way your friends can," Slender fingers brushed her bangs away from her eyes. "I just don't want you getting hurt. I don't want anyone else to get hurt."
"I won't get hurt, Punzie," Anna promised, peering earnestly into her cousin's eyes. "Elsa and I are different now, and I'm not the hopeful little girl who waited for all those years again. I'll be careful."
Rapunzel had eyed her warily. A pinkie was offered towards her. "Promise?"
Anna's grin was blinding as their pinkies hooked together. "Promise promise."
Anna could only hope to live up to her word.
"Mama?" Elsa called out as she entered the dining room. "Papa?"
Eyebrows furrowed in confusion at the sight of the empty table, devoid of both her parents and food. A glance to her phone cemented the fact that she had woken at the same time she always did, just in time for a leisurely breakfast with her parents before they left for work. So, where were they?
Elsa wandered around for another moment. No loud voices. No broken plates. Elsa couldn't help but be a little relieved, eyes landing on a thick square of off-white card on her usual seat. She quirked a brow, plucking it from the leather and being greeted by her mother's cursive. Her papa's messier hand followed as a footnote in the corner.
'Elsa,' it read. 'Your father and I sincerely apologize for not being present for breakfast, but your grandfather had called us in for an urgent meeting and we did not have the heart to wake you. I'm sure you're aware that Tiana is available to cook anything you wish for – though you should stay to your prescribed diet - so don't hesitate in asking. Miss Almstedt will also be around, so I expect you to be on your best behaviour.'
Elsa rolled her eyes before continuing to read, taking in her papa's untidy scrawl. 'Make sure to eat a hearty breakfast, sweetheart. And, please be nice to Anna. She seems like a sweet girl. I know you could use a friend. Try to have some fun with her. Your mother and I love you very much.'
Elsa breathed out a loud sigh and tucked the card into the pocket of her shorts. She drummed her fingers against the sturdy wood of the table. She probably shouldn't bother Tiana. She was sure her simple breakfast of eggs and toast was… manageable.
She wasn't completely useless, after all.
Elsa wandered into the kitchen, peering around a little curiously. Though she knew every inch of the mansion like the back of her hand, she very seldom entered the kitchen, only making exceptions for sneaking chocolate out of the pantry. Elsa couldn't help but feel a little lost.
Maybe she should get Tiana.
Elsa had begun the walk towards the door leading to the staff quarters when the sound of joyous singing reached her ears. She leaned closer to the door, ear pressed to the cool wood as she strained to hear. Why did it seem to be getting closer?
Elsa's eyes widened in realization when the golden knob twisted beneath her hand.
Elsa realized too late.
When Anna had reached forward to open the door, she expected many, many things.
A beautiful blonde with bright blue eyes was not one of them.
Anna let out a startled scream, her song cut abruptly as Elsa crashed into her. They stumbled back, landing harshly on the sleek wood beneath her. She could only let out a groan, eyes fluttering open to stare into Elsa's astonished ones.
Elsa was so warm against her.
"Shoot," Anna gasped, breaking the moment as she scrambled to help Elsa up and off of her. "Are you okay? Are you hurt? I hope I made an okay cushion." Her palms smacked against her own cheeks, eyes widening in horror. "Oh, I'm so fired. It's my first day and I've already jeopardized you. I'm so, so, so sorry. I didn't—"
"I'm fine," Elsa had huffed out, silencing her rambles with an effective twitch of her brow. Anna couldn't help but watch as Elsa's long, slender fingers straightened her thick sweater out, the rich material practically hiding the light blue shorts. They did nothing to hide the endless expanse of milky legs before her. It took Anna a moment to realize Elsa was still talking. "—only came over to find out where that atrocious singing was coming from."
Hold on one pancake flipping second. Atrocious?
"Excuse me?" Anna scoffed, eyebrows shooting up. She was one of the best singers in her school choir, thank you very much.
Anna tried to not be distracted by the elegant arch of Elsa's brow. "Yes? It's very rude to interrupt when one is speaking, you know."
Anna harrumphed. "Well, it's rude to call one's singing atrocious. In fact, I remember hearing you state that it was your favourite sound in the world!"
Elsa's demeanour had changed completely, braid whooshing centimetres away from her face as she turned away. "I don't remember such a thing."
Anna's shoulders slumped slightly. Just when they had begun speaking to each other. Or, arguing, she guessed.
Anna followed the blonde into the kitchen. Absently, she rubbed her lower back, watching Elsa rummage through the fridge, only to emerge with two eggs. She merely watched as Elsa stood, holding onto the eggs in what seemed like a mild state of distress.
"Anna," Elsa had called eventually. She jumped, effectively snapping her out of her staring. Anna's eyes flickered up to meet Elsa's, unable to hide her amused smile at the sight of Elsa's crimson cheeks. "Do you know how to cook eggs?"
"Well," Anna stepped closer, the blonde stepping back predictably. "Depends on how you want them." Elsa had cleared her throat and shoved the eggs into her hands unceremoniously. They were both cool to the touch.
"Any way. I'll be waiting in the dining room. Make some toast, too." Anna watched as Elsa walked away, the tips of the blonde's ears burning as she paused and muttered a quiet 'thank you.' Anna smiled to herself and started on Elsa's breakfast.
That girl really was something, wasn't she?
"Goodness," Elsa breathed out as she slumped against her bedroom door.
After having steadily ignored Anna's smug presence during breakfast, the girl had continued to trail after her, following her to the library – how many books do you read? - and through the gardens – oh, duckies! - and past the paintings on the walls – hang in there, Joan.
Elsa had forgotten how much Anna liked to talk.
The girl didn't seem to care for the troubled twitches of her brow, or the grimaces that marred her face. Anna had ploughed on, chattering endlessly about everything and anything.
While Elsa hadn't minded hearing her voice, Elsa was sure her ears were still ringing.
She wandered into the bathroom, splashing water onto her face and puffing out an exhausted breath. She didn't remember how tiring it was to actually entertain someone. Gerda had always been content just sitting with her, braiding her hair or humming as she read. Anna was brimming with an energy nobody in the house possessed for a long while. She had to tire her out somehow…
When she caught sight of the bottle of baby powder on her counter, a grin played across Elsa's lips. She held it in her hands, giving the bottle a soft little toss. Her father did tell her to have fun with Anna…
Anna was about to learn that taking this job had been a very bad idea.
Anna puffed out a large breath as she sat by the intercom.
After being shooed away by Elsa, she had been left to wander around the mansion. She had been found by Tiana, head cook and head of staff, promptly sent to the staff quarters to stand watch by the intercom in case the 'Little Miss' needed anything.
That was how Anna found herself on an uncomfortable stool, sketching idly as the intercom remained painfully silent. She wondered if she could take a nap. Surely, Elsa wouldn't—
The crackle of the intercom brought her out of her thoughts, the sound of Elsa's pained voice shooting panic down her spine.
"Anna, Anna, help!"
Anna was on her feet in seconds, racing through the halls and up two flights of stairs to reach Elsa's floor. She knocked hastily on the door, having remembered Elsa's mother's warning about the blonde not liking anyone just barging in. "Elsa?"
"Hurry!" Elsa cried urgently from inside.
Anna didn't hesitate for another moment, rushing inside. Her concern morphed into panic, and soon pain as she slipped on the baby powder that coated the wooden floors. Elsa stood in the doorway of her en-suite bathroom, face void of emotion but eyes sparkling with mischief. It was the same look Elsa used to have when they played pranks on Gerda. She never expected to be on the receiving end.
"Clean this mess up," Elsa had said simply, stepping over her and settling onto her bed. She grabbed a book from her bedside, looking very pleased with herself. Anna watched as the girl opened the book fluidly, only pausing to glance briefly at her. "Now, Anna."
Anna's jaw snapped close as she huffed an angry breath out through her nose, wincing pitifully as she got to shaky feet. That was definitely going to bruise. She returned moments later with dustpan and a sweeping brush, grumbling to herself as she worked on the polished floors.
Anna didn't miss the smug smirk Elsa tried to hide behind her book.
"Can you bruise your butt, Punzie?"
"Anna, what? I'm in the middle of my shift."
"Right, right, sorry."
"How was your day, sweetie?" Her mother had asked her over dinner. Elsa looked up from her pasta, a brilliant grin spreading across her face. Anna's eyes burned into the back of her head.
"It was wonderful, mama." Her parents had shared curious looks, near dropping their cutlery over her answer.
"Oh?" Her papa had paused to take a drink of his water. "And how are things with Anna? Are you two getting along?"
Elsa suppressed the smirk that threatened to replace her smile.
"We're getting along swimmingly."
'Dear Anna,
This is the most fun I've had in years.
Love, Elsa.
PS. I didn't really take you for a polka-dot kind of girl. I was expecting stripes.'
Anna wondered about what she'd done in a past life to deserve this.
Anna wondered about what she'd done in this life to deserve this.
She hung helplessly, blood rushing to her head as icy tendrils tightened delicately around her ankles. It had been two weeks since the baby powder incident, another since a failed scare attempt by Elsa. Anna, quite frankly, had been scared and wary.
Anna realized that she had every right to be as she stared into startlingly blue eyes, unable to enjoy the delight and amusement swirling within them.
"What did I ever do to you?" She growled lowly. The ice thickened around her ankles. Anna could barely feel the chill as Elsa merely gazed upon her, a self-satisfied smirk on her pretty little face.
This, this annoying, smug, self-centred little stinker was not her Elsa. Never in a million years.
Anna narrowed her eyes and huffed out angrily, swinging her head forward. Elsa had fallen back onto her bum, letting out a squeak of surprise.
Anna could only cry out and slump against the hardwood floor when Elsa finally dropped the rope.
Bad idea.
She's lighter than I thought, was the only thing that ran through Elsa's mind as she carried an unconscious Anna to the staff quarters. She pointedly ignored the curious looks a few maids gave her, only tucking Anna further into her arms. She huffed out a breath, ignoring the weariness in her arms.
Too far.
Those two words resounded in her head as she settled Anna down onto the queen-sized bed, bare hands shakily brushing Anna's bangs back. She was just having her fun. It reminded her of all those years ago, playing pranks on Anna, having fun with her again. It was like the caterpillars Anna placed on her head and the worms she'd let wriggled down Anna's back in retaliation. She hadn't meant hurt her.
Elsa hadn't meant to drop her.
"I'm so sorry, Anna." Trembling fingers soothed over the impressive bump on Anna's head. Her heart raced. Her chest ached. Elsa swallowed thickly, pushing through the haziness it brought. "I'm here to take care of you. You'll be okay."
Elsa could only hope that Anna knew she meant every word.
It had been a soft, near inaudible snore that roused Anna from her sleep.
Her head throbbed, and her back ached, and her heart squeezed when she realized that it had all been Elsa's fault. A groan had left her lips, but she didn't know whether it was from physical, or heartfelt pain.
"Anna?" The snoring stopped. A groggy voice called out to her. Anna's eyes snapped open to meet sleepy, but concerned baby blue eyes. "You're awake."
"And you're here," Anna griped, narrowing her eyes suspiciously. "What have you done this time? Hidden my phone? Put itching powder in my underwear again? What are you doing here, Elsa?"
Elsa had flinched and the decency to look ashamed.
"None of that," She had promised in a pitiful voice. Anna was only vaguely aware of the fingertips tracing over the throbbing area on her head, the cool touch easing the pain ever so slightly.
"Then why?" Anna snapped, eyes never leaving Elsa. She was waiting for a punchline, for the end of whatever joke she was playing.
"I wanted to apologize," Elsa whispered after a long moment of hesitation. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean for you to get hurt like that."
Anna eyed her suspiciously. Elsa's free hand - blissfully bare, Anna noticed - clasped around hers. "Elsa, what—"
"I will try to be nicer," Elsa had interrupted, chewing on her bottom lip. "And I'll stop with the pranks." A laboured sigh. "I think I'm really stuck with you, so I might as well please my mother and get along with you in some shape or form."
Anna's eyes remained fixed on their hands, Elsa's contrasting starkly against her own.
"Promise?" She whispered, voice thick. With what, Anna didn't know.
Elsa sucked in a breath, lips curving into an adorable little grin. "Promise promise."