So, here we are again, into double figures-chapter 10, Jesus Christ…how did this even happen? Thanks for sticking with me guys! Ily n stuff!
And now: for the shoutouts:
LovelySnowTea: As always darling, thank you! You're words inspire me and keep me motivated!
Morrigan, Queen of Shadows: firstly, what a kick ass name! Secondly, thanks for your input on Octavia and Eon…I quite agree ;)
Spirt Ella: (who is, by the way, an amazing author and you should totally check out her fanfics) thanks for your utterly lovely review !
By the way, just lettin' y'all know, next chapter there is some serious smut…we haven't had one since chapter 5! For future reference: this fic may be progressing a little slower because I am working on not one, but on two new fanfictions, one is just a series of smutty drabbles, the other slightly more of an epic…check them out!
-A
Hans
I lean against the wood of the dressing table, staring into my reflection, examining my own green gaze.
"Marry me, or let that queen of yours die."
I slam my hands down, momentarily distracted by the novel feeling of wood against my uncharacteristically uncovered hands. I make a mental note to get a new pair of gloves before I turn my thoughts back to my predicament. Practically enslave myself to Octavia, or kill Elsa. 3 weeks ago, I would have firmly given you the answer and laughed for even asking the question, but now…I'm not so sure. I had firmly shown the spoilt princess the door, but hadn't given her an answer. Hell, I don't even know the answer. I hear a tentative rasp of knuckles against a door, I know it not to be Octavia; she wouldn't knock.
"I didn't think you were the knocking kind." I call out flatly, well aware of who it is. The door creaks open, and I glance over my shoulder in the mirror at the figure behind me, a dark eyebrow raised.
"I do have some manners. I just don't usually use them on you." Elsa chuckles, a noise which makes my heart clench painfully.
"the choice is yours darling…"
Elsa picks up on my unusual quiet, her beautiful face creasing in concern.
"Good god. We have hardly been here five hours, and something's already happened. Who did you kill." She asks flatly, a twinkly of humour in her eyes. Against my will, my mouth twists into a smirk as I turn to face her.
"No one…yet." I say sweetly. I offer her my arm mock gallantly, a gesture which she takes just as sarcastically.
"This will be interesting." She mutters as we leave the room. I glance down at her.
"oh?" we make our way to the private chambers of Adrian, where we shall dine.
"think about it. You, Me, Adrian and the girl who is convinced I've enchanted you in the same room." I chuckle.
"Promise me you won't burn her to a crisp?" I ask playfully, although at this point, I would love nothing more. Elsa looks up at me, pouting.
"Can't I at least singe her?" she whines. I give a theatrical sigh.
"No Your Majesty."
"boring." We reach the doorway, where to guards are posted in the red livery of Elmira. It briefly crosses my mind that almost everything in this godforsaken palace is crimson. They nod respectfully, apparently made aware of whom we are. Elsa had made the decision to be here officially; the platinum blonde misses her paperwork. Her two day hiatus can be written off as an attempt at quiet travel, her appearance in the kingdom as a desire to improve diplomatic relations. All very neat. If only the truth was as simple. We walk into a cosy antechamber; a large wooden table is in the centre, filled with delicacies. Octavia and her brother are already seated, Adrian in his typical red shirt. I notice how irritatingly attractive he looks; golden hair lit by candles which makes him almost look like he has a halo, amber eyes and a pouting red mouth smile gently as he stands according to etiquette. Elsa leaves my side to go sit by him as directed, leaving me to sit next to Octavia. I swallow before I take my seat to her left, I can't help but notice how Adrian pulls Elsa's chair out for her, as she sits his hands linger on the back of the chair longer than necessary. I force my expression out of a glare and back into a relaxed pleasant smile, although the atmosphere in the room is anything but. We sit in uncomfortable silence, Elsa clearly remembering Octavia's outburst from earlier, the princess in question staring at me adoringly. Adrian clears his throat.
"So, Your Majesty…How are things back in Arendelle?" He asks, breaking the quiet. Elsa shoots him a teasing smile.
"Elsa, please. And they are recovering, thank you." She says politely. None of us touch the food.
"Tell us Elsa. How does a kingdom recover from being placed in an eternal winter?" Octavia asks cattily. The silence grows even quieter, you could have heard a pin drop. Three pairs of eyes in the room narrow towards the princess, both me and Adrian open our mouths to chastise her, but Elsa beats us to it.
"the invitation for first names was extended only to your brother Your Highness. Furthermore, before you can make comments about ruling a kingdom, I suggest you rule one someday-oh, except that's not likely to happen, is it?" Elsa muses. Octavia huffs, Adrian gives a lazy half smile.
"And on that note, please, eat." He chuckles. The tension in the room eases a bit. I immediately see the jug of wine and quickly pour myself a glass, ignoring protocol. I'm going to need it if I am to survive this evening. I feel something sliding up my thigh, I glance down and realise with surprise that it's a delicate hand. I visibly jump before pushing Octavia's hand away, looking up at her and glaring. I lean over.
"Do you mind?" I hiss. She giggles.
"No, and you don't either darling." Her hand snakes its way back to my crotch. I push it away again, already exhausted, and the evenings just begun. I look up to see Elsa watching the exchange, an amused smile on her lips, but her silver eyes stony. They narrow fractionally before she delicately picks up a grape from her plate and pops it into her mouth before turning to Adrian and muttering something. He looks surprised before relaxing and laughing. I glance back to the practically drooling Octavia and sigh.
It's going to be a long night.
"Your Highness-" Elsa begins, he cuts her off.
"Adrian, please." He corrects her firmly. She smiles.
"Adrian." She says, testing the name. I start to feel a scowl slip onto my features-which is exactly what Elsa wants, the minx.
"Hans darling, why do you persist in looking at her when I am sitting right beside you" Octavia murmurs in my ear, resisting her clear urge to stick her tongue into it.
"Because dear Octavia," I murmur, putting sarcasm on the 'dear,' something which is clearly lost on her. "She is better than you in every way." I glance back at Elsa, who is covering her mouth on a laugh at something Adrian said. Octavia huffs.
"In every way?" she says coyly, her hands quickly sliding up my thigh again. I give a hiss of irritation before shoving her hands back, not as subtly this time. I feel eyes on me, I look up to see Elsa looking at me curiously.
"Is everything alright charming-I mean Hans." She corrects herself. I give her a reassuring smile.
"totally" I turn and glare at Octavia, who giggles and winks at me.
Elsa
Why the hell does she have to giggle like that?
I turn my gaze from the oh-so-irritating princess and the auburn headed man and back to Adrian, who golden eyes smile as well as his mouth. He is refreshingly easy to read, unlike Hans who is infuriatingly impassive.
"Okay, Your Highne-sorry, Elsa. I must confess, I was confused when I heard that you and the prince were travelling together, considering your-history." He says softly. I tilt my head and allow myself to divulge.
"I didn't really have a choice. He told me his brothers were going to invade my kingdom." I say, keeping my voice carefully low so as to evade the ears of Octavia, who seems to be trying to quite literally get in Hans's pants. I delicately pour myself a glass of wine and take a meditative sip, turning back to Adrian.
"Ah. You didn't go for the coronation, did you?" He says, narrowing his eyes in thought. I give him a teasing smile.
"Nope. You're a smart boy, figure it out." I challenge him. His brow furrows before it eases, he gives a wry chuckle.
"oh god. You went to depose them, didn't you? To put the wayward prince on the throne."
"My my, you are clever, aren't you?" I say flirtatiously. He glances at me with surprise.
"and your behaving strangely. Last time we met, I was-shall we say, intoxicated, and tried to grope you. For which, I should add, I am immensely sorry for." He says in his flowery speech. I smile.
"You're forgiven. And I owe you an apology for the hand."
"I rather deserved it, don't you think?"
"Honestly? Yes."
I take another sip of wine, realising how remarkably relaxed I am. Hans is on the other side of the table, fully preoccupied with the very persistent Octavia, who is still giggling. I become aware that Adrian is staring at me intently. I turn my face back towards him, raising an eyebrow.
"Penny for your thoughts Adrian?"
"Cost you more than a penny I'm afraid."
"oh? And what will it cost?" I am astounded at my own boldness. He chuckles, his intense gaze searching my face.
"I'll settle for a dance."
"I hope it won't be a reoccurrence of what happened last time we took to the floor." I chuckle. He shakes his head.
"I solemnly swear."
"Then I suppose it is my duty to acquiesce. When?"
"Whenever there's music." I laugh, realising, with some surprise, that I am actually enjoying the company of the Prince. Glancing over at Hans, whose face looks like thunder as he has a hissed conversation with Octavia, It occurs to me he probably can't say the same thing.
"I take it that you and he are- together?" Adrian murmurs hesitantly. I don't look at him, unspeaking as I stare at the auburn prince, who is blatantly furious.
"No." I say eventually, turning my head to look at Adrian.
"good." He smiles.
"Oh? Why?" I laugh. He looks at me seriously, leaning forward to whisper in my ear.
"Octavia is a jealous girl Elsa. She will not abide a rival, especially not where Hans is concerned." He murmurs. I look at the two in front of me; Octavia batting her eyelashes at a scowling Hans. I can believe it.
"Why? What happened between those two?" I ask, tilting my head to examine Adrian properly, his face close to mine. He shrugs gracefully.
"I'm not entirely sure. All I know is they were…sharing a bed together, he left her and she never really got over it. I heard about what happened this afternoon Elsa, Octavia told me. Whatever it is you have with him, it has to stop. For your sake-and for his." As I look into his eyes and see the concern there, I bite back the sharp response I would otherwise have given, and simply look back at Hans. I know what he says is true, If I want to leave here breathing, then I need to give the illusion that there is nothing between us, and yet…Hans glances up from his food, green eyes locking with mine. I feel my stomach twist. Oh god…was that-?
"I know." I say softly. Silence descends on us, Octavia seeming to have abandoned her attempt to work her way inside Hans's trousers (for now at least) leaving the space blessedly bereft of giggles. The quiet isn't as tense as before, punctured by the occasional sound of chewing. Octavia breaks it.
"Me and Hans have an announcement to make." Her golden eyes sparkle with malice. Hans stares down at his empty plate.
"No, we don't." he says flatly. She giggles.
"don't be silly dearest. Your Majesty," she looks at me, placing sarcastic emphasis on my title, "I have decided to give you the antidote." I spit out the wine I was sipping, surprised. Why would she change her mind? I glance to Adrian, who looks just as shocked as me, and then to Hans, whose face is darkening as he glares down at his plate. A thought strikes me, which makes my eyes widen. Hans… what have you done?
"Why the sudden change of heart?" I narrow my eyes at her. She giggles again, infuriatingly.
"my heart didn't change, but his did." She glances at Hans, who finally lifts his head, murder in his gaze as he glowers at her.
"No, it hasn't. Octavia, whatever you're doing. Stop." His voice is controlled, terrifyingly so. He turns his gaze towards me, the green depths hypnotising. I tense, my hands gripping the fork in my right hand all too tightly. I feel the metal start to heat up with my stress. Her resulting giggle makes a surge of uncontrollable magic rise to my fingertips, I frantically quell it.
"Oh Hans, there is no need to delay the inevitable. You know as well as I do that you'll agree eventually." Her words make me narrow my eyes and flick my gaze between the two. My vision starts to blur alarmingly.
"Agree to what?" I ask softly. She looks at me, a smile filled with triumph as a warm thud begins in my heart. Her pretty face constricts in and out.
"Why, to our marriage of course!"
I drop the white hot fork, standing up and stumbling backwards, the world swimming before me, I collapse, my vision deserting me before I am forced to close my eyes. I hear chairs scrape backwards and alarmed voices which sound somehow distant call my name, so worried. The last thing I hear is the giggle of Octavia before a burning heat consumes me, and I lose consciousness entirely.
Hans
I give one last glance to the unconscious Elsa, who lies on the golden bed of Adrian, platinum blonde hair spread over the pillow like a halo, her beautiful face looks like it's been carved out of marble. She had collapsed at dinner, no flames like last time, just-fell. Her temperature flicked through white hot back to cool, although neither of the golden royals had noticed. Adrian was too concerned, and Octavia was far to delighted. Octavia…my lips thin as I turn away from the bed, going to find the princess who has the power to stop this. I hesitate at the door to the chambers, glancing one last time at the sleeping queen and the prince who watches her before I leave the room. I know what I have to do. Thankfully, Octavia's chambers are next to her brothers. I knock on the door, short sharp raps.
"Come in."
I open the door and find myself in the all too familiar bedroom of the Princess of Elmira, the red wall hangings and the heavily perfumed air makes my head spin. I find Octavia sitting at her vanity, brushing her golden river of hair. She smiles as she sees me.
"Hans darling, it has been all too long since you were last in my bedchambers. Come to finish what I started at dinner?" her high voice grates on me, so different to Elsa's slightly husky low voice. I cross my arms over my chest.
"I'm here for Elsa." She turns and pouts before standing, her fair legs sliding through the two high slashes in her gown. Rather than find myself aroused by the display of flesh, I am vaguely repulsed.
"Has she woken up yet? Will she ever wakeup? Tell me darling, how does it feel to know that you have the power to save her, and you do nothing?" she titters, golden eyes glittering in the low candle light. I grab her wrist, hard, uncaring if I hurt her.
"You're the one who can save her Octavia." I hiss. My jaw tightens before I force a plea out from my lips. "Please. Don't let her die." she giggles.
"I never thought I'd see you beg darling. It really doesn't suit you. You know how you can save your precious queen dear." She runs her free hand up my shirt front, my grip on her other hand tightens, she merely laughs.
"If you kill me darling, you will never get the antidote." I reluctantly release her wrist. She gives me a flirtatious look before walking away from me, her hips swaying. She undoes the two clasps holding up the fabric at her shoulders, causing the red fabric to flutter to the ground, leaving her in her typically crimson undergarments. In a display meant to tempt me, she turns around, a smug smile on her pink lips.
"Would it really be that bad Hans? We had fun here once, we could again." I give a sharp bark of laughter.
"I would rather die." She shrugs flippantly, walking towards me.
"So will Elsa." she giggles. I sigh, gritting my teeth, finally making a decision.
God help me, Elsa had better appreciate this.
"if we marry, you'll give Elsa the antidote?" I say finally. Her Cheshire-Cat smile grows wider before her hands slide up the front of my shirt, unbuttoning. I force myself to ignore the repulsive feeling, and fist my hands by my side.
"I am a woman of my word." She ends on her customary giggle, sliding the shirt off my shoulders. It falls to the ground. I fight the urge to run away, and merely close my eyes, unable to look at her pretty calculating face any longer.
"I have one condition. Until we wed, give Elsa enough of the drug to survive on." My voice comes out even, even as I feel her run her hands along the lines of my chest. She laughs.
"fine." She loops her slim fingers in the waistband of my pants and tugs, dragging me to the bed. It's with a deep sense of resignation that I surrender, my body and my life into pleasing this vain, spoilt princess. All for a woman who I tried to kill. I must be insane. She presses me down to the mattress, I open my eyes to find hers sparkling with triumphant possessiveness. I speak my last four words before she covers my mouth in a greedy forced kiss.
"I will marry you."
Elsa
I groan, a deep ache in my chest leaves me reeling before I force my heavy eyelids to open, my vision blurs, and then focuses as my mind slowly catches up with myself. I sit up groggily, taking in my surroundings. I'm in a rich bedroom of some sort, red and gold furnishing. I'm sitting in the centre of a huge bed with the same matching red and gold counterpane.
Where the hell is Hans?
I frown. Why was that my first thought? I'm interrupted in my musings by a relieved male voice.
"Elsa! You're awake!" I snap my head to the side, the world moving swimming before me. I see Adrian standing up, golden eyes wide and innocent, ringed with dark circles. I notice sunlight streaming in through the window; it seems to be the middle of the day. I turn my gaze back towards him.
"What happened?" I ask slowly, my tongue feels like lead in my mouth. He smiles sadly.
"You fainted. You've been out all night." My eyes widen. I must be weaker than I thought…
"Have you been awake the entire time?"
"Well I was hardly going to climb into bed with you." He gives the closest expression he can possibly do to a smirk. I give a small chuckle, which ends in a small cough. I don't have long for this world…If I am to die; I want to do so in Arendelle, not here. I have already named Anna as my successor, but I didn't know it would be so soon- I feel tears gather in my eyes, which for once, I don't bother to hide. I finally face the truth.
"I'm going to die soon" I whisper, horrified. A tear spills down my cheek, then another, and another. I feel the weight of a body climbing into the bed next to me, a strong arm is placed around my shoulders. For once, Uncaring about seeming weak, I press my head against a lean chest as a hand strokes my hair.
"Elsa, we will find a way around this, I promise. I'll talk to Octavia." Adrian's voice calms me down, stops the tears.
"Not necessary." A mocking low voice speaks from the doorway, my head shoots up to see Hans, who looks blatantly amused at the intimate spectacle in front of him. I hurriedly wipe away my tears, glaring at him as I gently remove Adrian's arm from my shoulders. I glance towards the golden prince, who looks confused. I lay a hand on his arm.
"Adrian, could you give us a minute?" the prince nods, gets up and leaves the rom, nodding at Hans as he strides past him. The instant the door clicks closed, I glare at Hans.
"What are you talking about?" I snap. He gives me a self-satisfied smile before unhurriedly walking towards me in the bed. I see he is holding something in his hand; a glass filled with an opaque liquid, a blue tint to it. He stands beside me; my eyes widen and fly up to his face before he holds it out to me.
"Is that what I think it is?"
"Yes."
I stare at it, not accepting it. A wave of dread rises in me.
"Hans…how did you get this?" I stare into his entrancing green eyes. He looks back at me intensely.
"I did what I had to do." He presses the glass into my hand, and my fingers curl around it. It feels delightfully cool, and I am about to drink when I notice several small bite marks along his neck…
"I did what I had to do…"
"Oh god, you didn't do what I think you did, did you?" I watch his reaction. He runs a hand through his hair before tossing me an easy smile bellied by the discomfort in his eyes. He motions for me to move over in the bed, I do, giving him room to sit beside me. He stretches his long legs out on the bed, not looking at me.
"I consummated my engagement."
"You did WHAT?!"
"Elsa, you can yell at me after you drink." His calm voice reminds me of the lifesaving liquid in my hand. I stare down at it before squeezing my eyes shut and bringing the glass to my lips. It doesn't really taste of anything, it's just cold. I don't open my eyes, waiting for something to happen in my body, for what exactly, I don't really know. I open my eyes, frowning.
"Nothing's happening-Why are you staring at me like that?" Hans is looking at me with a ridiculous grin on his face, he quickly gets up and grabs a hand held mirror from a table and brings it to me. I hold out my hand, and laugh delightedly at what I see.
My eyes have turned back to azure blue.
I stop mid laugh to gasp with shock as I feel my ice start to return to my body in a rush, all at once, the tingling sensation not painful, but almost like a tickle, gentle. It stops, not getting rid of the fire I know to be inside me, but stopping the dull ache in my chest, keeping me alive. I look up at Hans, smiling.
"Thank you." I grab his collar and press his lips to mine. The kiss isn't fiery, but one of acceptance. He tried to kill me, my sister. Tried to take my life and my throne, but, I realise now.
I forgive him.
I break from the kiss, cupping his cheek with my hand as I stare into his eyes, a sparkling green. He understands.
"Octavia will give you one glass of the antidote every day. It won't cure you, but it will keep you alive-" I cut in.
"Why did you do this for me?" I ask softly. He shrugs.
"Because I…I want you to leave Elmira breathing." He was clearly going to say something else at the start, but he catches himself and regains his typical arrogance.
"That sweet of you. You know, I guess this means we're even." He chuckles.
"Oh no we aren't. I'm practically enslaving myself to a spoilt little princess for you My Queen. You, Your Highness, are utterly in my debt." He sounds so smug that I can't refrain from laughing.
"I suppose I am." I chuckle, before sighing sadly. Hans is going to marry Octavia. To save me.
"So, when's the wedding?" I ask, taking a deep breath and forcing my voice into playfulness. Hans stares down at his tightly linked fingers which rest on his chest. He shrugs.
"no idea. Soon probably. A few weeks at the most, my fiancée is very eager. Want to come?" I laugh.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world." We sit in silence, words don't need to be said between us. The door creaks open, and in skips Octavia. She looks unbelievably smug, her golden eyes glitter with triumph. She makes a small 'tsk' noise when she sees me and Hans on the bed together.
"Oh good, I see you've given her the antidote. My, what an off putting shade of blue your eyes are Your Majesty." I bite my tongue against a sharp retort.
"Thank you for your compassion in giving me the cure Your Highness." My voice drips with sarcasm. She giggles, ignoring it.
"I know, quite the figure of mercy, aren't I? Now come on Hans darling, we are engaged after all, and I really don't approve of you being in bed with another woman. Your mine now, remember?" I fight the urge to freeze her where she stands (note to self, check powers) and simply flick my gaze to Hans, who sighs before sitting up. He walks over to Octavia, who gives me a look of triumph before seizing his collar and pressing her lips to his in an exaggerated possessive kiss. Her message is obvious; Mine.
Hans hesitates before (with obvious regret) wrapping his arms around Octavia's thin waist, kissing her back. A stab of jealousy hits me, I try and quell it. I need to get used to this. And yet-is this right? I am making Hans marry this…this woman, just for myself. But nor do I wish to die…I could always freeze her after they marry. By the way Adrian talks of his sister, I don't think he'd mind. The thought warms my blood. I become aware that Hans and Octavia have finally stopped kissing, (they had to come up for air at some stage I suppose) the princess is tugging him towards the door. He gives me one last rueful look before blowing me a kiss with his free hand. I mime catching it, taking comfort in the familiar smirk that crosses his features before he is dragged out the door entirely, leaving me on my own.
I pull off the counterpane, sliding out of the bed and standing shakily. Never before had I wanted to freeze someone quite so badly-with the exception of Eon. Eon…my dark thoughts rise insidiously as I remember him, his hands on me, hurting me, taking me…no. He probably died in that burning room. Burning…That's right, my powers. Do I still have fire magic, or my ice? Or even…I halt that last terrifying thought before I outstretch my hand, concentrating on creating a small flurry of snow, something I would have been able to do as easily as blinking.
Nothing happens.
Not even fire, no flames, and no ice. Just a hand, and the air above it.
Fuck.
I ball my fist and allow it to drop by my side, surprisingly calm. After all, I wouldn't have had many opportunities to use my powers here anyway. So long as Octavia keeps to her word and gives me the full antidote after her and Hans are…are wed, then I shall have my powers and be on my merry way, and can pretend that none of this ever happened.
Both the scar on my chest, and the heart underneath it warn me that this adventure won't be that easily forgotten.
Besides, I can't leave Hans with that woman, not after he saved me. I'll think of something. I am distracted in my musings by a tentative knock on the door; I glance at it in surprise.
"Enter" I call, Adrian pops his head round the door comically.
"Is my sister dead?"
"No, why do you ask?" He gives a warm chuckle.
"I saw her come in."
"A fair assumption, but no, she is very much alive." I laugh, he smiles at the sound before his eyes widen slightly.
"Your eyes…they're blue again! Did Octavia give you the cure?" he is clearly surprised, he moves from the doorway and towards me, stopping at a respectful distance. I sigh.
"Sort of." He frowns, confused.
"Sort of?"
"She gave me enough to live-for now." Something flickers in his eyes, something I had never expected to see in them. Anger.
"Let me guess. This has something to do with last night's news?"
"It looks like we will be expected a royal wedding after all. I'm afraid that I'll be in your hair for the next few weeks, until the two are wed and I can get the antidote." My resigned voice makes his golden eyes glitter with anger.
"Octavia may be a princess, and she may be my sister, but she is a nasty little creature. She doesn't understand that practically killing the Queen of Arendelle is frowned upon, to say the least. Elsa, I am so, so sorry. If it was mine, I would give it to you in a heartbeat, really, I would, but…" he trails off, losing the fire fuelling his impassioned speech. I give him a sad smile.
"I know you would." We stand in silence before he straightens his broad shoulders, smiling at me kindly, so different to Hans's mocking smirk.
"Do you need cheering up?"
"Yes."
"good." He playfully grabs my right hand and gently tugs me towards the door, moving quickly. I laugh before picking up my skirts and following him, my spirits lifting. We run through the palace like children, so different to my usually queenly stride. The unastonished looks from servants tell me this is a regular occurrence for the palace of Elmira.
"wait wait, where are we going!" his enthusiasm reminds me of someone, suddenly, I remember who.
Of Anna.
"Where I go when I'm sad." We run past a large spiral staircase, to a much less ornate one which we canter down. He presses against a double oak door, ushering me inside. Much to my surprise, I find myself in a cavernous empty kitchen, where hundreds of servants could work for feasts and balls. I give an amused smile, crossing my arms over my chest as I watch him, curious. He opens what looks to be an ice chest, retrieving two bowls. He places them on the worn wooden table, before retrieving two spoons. He slides a bowl across the table towards me, I stop it with my hand and look at the contents, surprised.
"ice cream has marvellous healing powers." I chuckle before picking up the spoon. It's been forever since I've had ice cream-how ironic. He sits opposite the table to me.
"How true."
"it's a dreadful expense, but totally worth it." I glance up at him through my eyelashes, curious.
"Alright, I have a list of questions."
"Shoot." He waves his spoon in the air, not looking up. I'm surprised by his openness.
"How on earth does a prince regent even know where the kitchens are, let alone where to find spoons and ice cream?" he looks up and smiles.
"When you're a prisoner, you come to know every nook and cranny of your jail. Besides, knowing where the ice cream is kept is a priority." His odd response merely makes me wish to ask my questions, but I see his reluctance to speak further of it, so I let it slide.
"okay, second question. If you're that upset about Octavia not giving me the cure, why don't you just make her give it to me? You're her brother for crying out loud." He gives a derisive snort.
"You think that means anything to her? You saw her. Anyone who stands between her and Hans is toast. In your case, quite literally." He chuckles. I glare at him.
"Ha. Ha."
Silence falls between us as we both finish our ice cream; I place my elbows on the scarred tabletop, clasp my hands together and rest my chin on my knuckles as I look at him. He notices me staring and raises an eyebrow.
"yes?"
"just thinking."
"about?"
"you." A wry smile tugs at his mouth at my short response.
"Should I be flattered or concerned?" I laugh.
"Neither. I was wondering how you can be so different to your sister." At my words, his gaze turns sharp and wary. He leans over and plucks my empty bowl from in front of me.
"Let's just say we had very different upbringings." At the warning in his voice, I decide not to press further.
"Adrian…Thank you." A smile curves his lips, he raises an eyebrow.
"what ever for?"
"I don't know yet."
He laughs before moving around the table, offering me his arm. I take it.
"I'm sorry, I had planned to show you around the citadel, but urgent kingly business calls."
"Kingly business? Is that a technical term?" I chuckle as we leave the room, going up the staircase again.
"Alright, what do you call your 'affairs of state?'"
"Boring."
Adrian, later.
I sigh, rifling through papers, picking them up and tapping them against the desk in a bunch, organising them neatly. I am nearly done for the afternoon, thank god. Night is beginning to fall over Elmira, the citadel slowly succumbing to the darkness, the walls which surround the city turning pale pink with the setting sun. He stares out the window absently, resting my chin on my palm.
"What a day." I whisper softly, mulling over the day's events…and the nights. Elsa, collapsing gracefully onto the floor, all pale skin and white hair, Octavia giving her the cure, but forcing a man to marry her. She really is barbaric. Now, the question is. How can I stop her? I can't let the man Elsa obviously has feelings for, however peculiar those feelings are…can I? It's obvious that Hans feels for her just as much, the dark looks he sent towards me last night were unmistakable, the two just don't seem to know it yet. But, the question is, can I do anything to stop my sister? Octavia has always been a…headstrong girl; she gets that from mother…mother… I shake my head to clear it of the noxious word. I sit back in my chair, steeping my hands under my chin. Now, what to do. An image of the white haired beauty pops irritatingly into my head, she smiles, laughs, and then-collapses, unconscious. No, I can't let that happen to her, not again. And it's only going to take so long, until she will force her troubled prince to go against his and my sister engagement. She will, inevitably, choose love over common sense, like they always do, she won't get the drug, and she will die. I can't let that happen. I won't let that happen.
I glance down to the paper in front of me, sighing and forcing my thoughts of Elsa to the side as I read. My eyebrows rise. It's a guard report; three whores were murdered in the city last night. Brutally tortured, they're bodies had been mutilated, words carved into the skin. I freeze when I see exactly what that word is.
Elsa.