Chapter 10

To say that Aaron was disgruntled was an understatement. If anything he was feeling surly. Every time he'd attempted to speak with Elsa had been foiled for one reason or another. Either someone needed to see the queen on a trivial matter or they wanted to pay their respects or any number of other excuses. It was maddeningly frustrating.

Then the feast to welcome all the foreign dignitaries had started in the great hall and he'd figured that he might be able to steal a few minutes with her in the ensuing chaos. And, sure enough, he had. After she said a few words to the patrons, thanking them on behalf of her sister for coming to attend the wedding and that she hoped their stay in Arendelle would be enjoyable, he'd managed to pull her off to one side for a private chat. However, before he could ask her any of the questions that were burning a hole inside him that pompous oaf Cyrus had come sauntering on up, preventing him from asking any of them. Then, before he knew it, the sniveling little rat had swept her away with some pretext of discussing diplomatic relations and all he could do was stand there while Elsa gave him an apologetic look.

After that disappointment he made a point of trying to mingle with the visiting dignitaries but quickly found that he didn't feel like being much of a conversationalist and instead retired to the outskirts of the room. From there he could oversee the crowd and at least pretend to be doing something security related. Even so, he couldn't help taking the occasional peek at Elsa, who was still talking to Cyrus. In the time they'd been talking they had been also been joined that Manevian prince. Zachariah, right?

Aaron still wasn't sure how he felt about Zachariah. He'd had a brief conversation with the man before the feast and he seemed to be reasonably competent. That is, except for when he was around women, in which case he became increasingly nervous. As though, despite the fact that he was a prince, he didn't have much experience dealing with them. And that suited Aaron just fine.

Still, Elsa had been talking to them for some time and the longer she did the antsier he became until he found himself craving a drink. At that moment one of the multiple waiters was passing Aaron with a tray of glass flutes filled with champagne when he set his hand on the man's shoulder, bringing him to a halt. The waiter looked confused for a moment but once he saw who it was he put on a smile and offered the tray, saying, "Champagne, sir?" Not even glancing at him, Aaron didn't say a word. He simply took one of the glasses and downed the entire flute in a single gulp before setting it back on the tray. If the waiter was confused then now he looked downright perplexed as his eyes darted between Aaron and the empty glass. Rather than asking questions, though, he said, "Very good, sir," and hurried away into the crowd.

Not that Aaron noticed his hasty departure. He didn't even really taste the champagne, instead just enjoying the warm burning in his belly. It helped to temper his frustration and took the edge off his anger, which would have to do for now.

"Uh oh. Someone's looking grumpy."

The voice shook Aaron from his contemplation and he looked up to see Kristoff walking towards him with a beaming Anna on his arm. The pair looked so content together it was almost enough to banish his lingering resentment as he gave them a nod. Halting beside him, Kristoff flagged down another waiter and handed a flute of champagne to Anna, who accepted it with a gracious smile, before procuring one of his own.

After declining a glass of his own and waiting for the waiter to depart again, Aaron said, "You're looking better."

Nodding, Kristoff toke a swig before replying, "Yup. It's amazing what a little rest can do to make you feel better. Still a little groggy but at least my head no longer feels like it's caught in a vise." He paused for a moment before smirking and nodding at Anna. "Just as well. This one would never forgive me if I was ill tomorrow."

"You're darn right," she retorted, giving him a playful scowl. "I fully expect you to be at the end aisle tomorrow."

Rolling his eyes and looking away, Kristoff heaved a sigh. "Yes dear." Then, before she could give another a quip, he laughed and leaned in to plant a kiss on her cheek. Only Anna moved purposefully saw he caught her lips instead and they shared a brief but tender kiss. After they parted again he took another pull on his drink while she rested her head on his shoulder with a contented sigh, her other arm still tightly wrapped around his.

It took a moment for her to notice that Aaron was watching her and when she did she shot him an inquisitive look. "What?"

"Nothing," he replied with a shrug. "You just look… eager to be married."

Her eyes grew distant for a moment as she mulled that over before nodding and looking at her fiancé. "Yeah, I guess I am. It's not like I haven't been dreaming of it my entire life, and it's kind of exciting to think about. Starting tomorrow he's all mine."

Kristoff turned to smile back at her only to laugh again when Aaron leaned over and muttered, "Run."

Also chuckling, Anna gave her head a shake. "Too late. You think I'm letting go of him that easily?"

"Not with that grip you're not."

After waiting for the mirth the subside Kristoff finished off the rest of his drink before giving Aaron a shrewd look. "So," he said. "What's got your feathers all ruffled?"

At first he considered denying that anything was wrong but quickly decided against it. What good would that do? Kristoff only wanted to help, and even if he couldn't the gesture was still appreciated. So, looking back towards the room, he nodded towards Elsa, who was still chatting with Cyrus and Zach. "That," he answered tartly.

"Ah." Having followed his gaze, Kristoff frowned when he saw Cyrus. "Who's the pretty boy?"

"Prince Cyrus," Aaron growled, trying to keep at least some contempt out of his voice. "He's from Ildonen."

After watching the trio for a minute or two, Kristoff admitted, "You know, I don't actually know a whole lot about Ildonen."

"Neither do I. Just that it's a nation off the coast of Maneva composed of a cluster of islands," he replied, still glaring at Cyrus, who'd just laughed that obnoxious laugh of his. "That is, two main islands and a smattering of smaller ones."

He was so caught up in his thoughts regarding what he'd just learned that it took a minute until he noticed that Anna was watching him closely. When he looked at her she gave him a sad smile and said, "Kristoff? Sweety?"

"Yes, love?" Kristoff replied, looking down at her.

"Do you mind running and getting me something to eat? I'm feeling a bit puckish. Oh, and take this," she added while handing him her glass, which was now empty.

"Of course." Taking the glass, he gave her cheek a quick peck before walking away, calling back, "Be back as quick as a flash."

Anna watched him go for a moment, smiling fondly, before looking back at Aaron and the smile faded. Feeling a twinge of anxiety at her sudden change in demeanor, he frowned. "Anna? Is something wrong?"

She didn't say anything at first, instead just continuing to give him a thoughtful look. Then she took a step closer and spoke so quietly that only he could hear her. "You know, Aaron… my sister loves you."

Recoiling sharply, Aaron's confusion quickly gave way to panic. Where did That come from? "Of course I know that."

Giving him the same sad smile, she gently placed a hand on his shoulder and turned him so he was looking at Elsa again. "Then stop worrying about that."

"Yeah, I know." As he watched she laughed at something Zach said and a pulse of jealousy rippled through him. "But…"

"No buts," Anna said sternly, turning him so he was looking at her again. "Look, you're the one Elsa has chosen to be with and she didn't make that decision lightly. You don't realize how hard it can be for her to get close to someone." Lowering her eyes, she heaved a sigh before looking at him again. "She shut me out for years with so much as an explanation. Yet she loves you. So please, for the love of god, stop worrying."

Now it was Aaron's turn to give her a long stare, culminating in a sigh as he looked down at the floor. "I try not to. It's just frustrating is all. No, scratch that, it's infuriating. To have to hide my feelings for her while other men openly court her in front of me." His eyes met hers again. "But I am trying to be patient."

Anna continued to give him a sad smile before wrapping her arms around him to give him a small hug. "Hang in there, Aaron. Your time will come," she muttered, giving him a small squeeze. Then, with that, she broke away but kept ahold of his hand and tugged him along behind her as she walked towards the crowd. "Now then, since we got that out of the way, follow me."

"Where are we going?" he asked, not resisting.

She was scanning the crowd as she replied, "There's someone who wants to meet you."

What? he thought as he let Anna guide him along. Who'd want to meet me? When he asked the thought aloud she simply said, "You'll see," without breaking stride. It took a few minutes for her to locate whoever she was looking for but when she did she made beeline, slipping through the crowd with an apology here and a smile there. Pretty soon, though, it became apparent who she was taking him towards.

Standing near the center of the room and watching the other people around her with a good-natured look on her face was the princess from Maneva. Aaron wasn't the sort of man to linger over a woman's looks but even he nearly did a double take when he first saw her earlier that morning, what with her flawless features and piercing gaze. Actually she might have been the second most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. After Elsa, of course. Fortunately, no one had noticed his momentary lapse and he was able to recompose himself without drawing attention to himself. Even now, though, he actually felt a little anxious to approach her, which might have to do with the fact that he was struggling to remember her name. Starts with a K, right? Ka, no, Ki, uh uh… Kr… Kres something?

Her back was turned to them as they approached so Anna released his hand and placed a finger over her lips before creeping up behind her. Then she slipped her hands over the woman's eyes and said, "Guess who."

At first she recoiled from the unexpected touch but quickly relaxed, her mouth rising in a grin. "Hmm, let me think," she muttered aloud, pursing her lips. After some apparent yet obviously fake thought she took a guess. "Um, I'll say… Anna."

"Ahh," Anna complained, letting her hands drop to her sides with a huff. "How'd you know it was me?"

Turning to face her, the princess gave an alluring smile. "Who else would be bratty enough to try that?"

"Hey!"

"Just kidding, honey." Then her emerald eyes flipped to Aaron, who was standing off to one side patiently waiting for Anna to introduce him. "Who this?" she asked, looking him over.

Also turning to look at him, Anna muttered to her just loudly enough for him to hear. "He's that guy I was telling you about." Out loud, she said, "Kresta, allow me to introduce Lord Aaron of Arendelle." She then gestured at the other woman and to Aaron said, "Lord Aaron, Princess Kresta of Maneva."

Giving a short bow, he put on a diplomatic smile. "Your highness. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

He was expecting her to respond in kind, perhaps even a proffering of her hand like he'd seen other royalty do, but she did nothing of the kind. Instead she looked him over again before slowly beginning to circle him, her eyes searching for something. "So you're the pyromancer I've been hearing about," she said as she went.

"Yes, that's me," he replied, turning his head to follow her with his eyes. It made him a little uncomfortable to be scrutinized so openly, which didn't help seeing how he was still feeling a little antsy for whatever reason, but he made no mention of it, instead silently waiting for her to speak again.

Which she didn't until she'd completely circled him and was standing beside Anna again. She didn't seem like she'd found what she was looking for as she cocked her head to one side. Then, just when he was starting to grow a little impatient, she shrugged and said, "I must admit, I'm a little disappointed."

That one stung his pride a little as he cocked an eyebrow, his smile vanishing. "Excuse me?"

His change in demeanor didn't seem to faze her at all, though. She just kept giving him a piercing look and calmly spoke again. "When I first heard there was a pyromancer dwelling in Arendelle I expected him to look… well, I'm not sure what I expected. Certainly not this. I mean, you're just so ordinary looking."

Aaron opened his mouth to offer a brusque retort only to stop when he realized that his irritation was gone, replaced by humor. So much so that he couldn't resist a chuckle. Now it was the princess's turn to look perplexed as she asked, "What's so funny?"

"It's nothing," he said, shaking his head though he was still smiling. "Just that Queen Elsa apparently thought the same thing when she first met me."

That got a smile back on those lips as it was the princess's turn to chuckle. "Can you blame her? When people think of someone who can wield fire they think of someone with orange hair and, I don't know, red eyes. With flames trailing from their fingertips. Not you. Granted, you're reasonably handsome, with a rugged smile and pretty eyes, but still. Disappointing."

"Well, I'm sorry I failed to live up to your expectations," he replied, his smiling growing as he gave another bow. At first he'd been annoyed by her but now he found that her curt introduction was fairly amusing.

Returning the bow with a nod, she also grinned. "Your apology is accepted. Just don't let it happen again."

"Thought you two might hit it off," Anna said, drawing their attention back to her. As soon as they looked at her, though, she glanced around the crowd and added, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go find my fiancé. He should have been back by now and I'm afraid that he might have gotten into trouble."

"Course he did," replied Kresta. "He's a man, after all. They can't help but find trouble. But hurry back when you find him. I still want to meet this guy."

They both watched her go but before long Aaron felt those sharp eyes on him once again. Sure enough, when he turned back to her he saw that she was scrutinizing him once more. However, whereas most women wouldn't hold his gaze for more than a moment, she didn't shy away when their eyes met. If anything she looked bolder, as though she was challenging him to look away first. A few silent seconds ticked by while they studied one another before she blinked and smiled again. "So, Lord Aaron. What is it that you do?" she asked in a pleasant tone.

Once again the sudden shift in her demeanor threw him for a loop but he didn't let it show, instead mirroring her friendly display right back. "I'm the Lord Protector of Arendelle."

"And what does that entail?" As she spoke Kresta swiped a glass off a passing tray and took a sip from it, still not breaking eye contact.

"Well," Aaron began, also helping to one of the champagne flutes while making sure to keep his eyes on her. "As Lord Protector I am charged with protecting the people of Arendelle from all threats, both foreign and domestic."

Her smile grew but also adopted a slightly willful quality. "Would you consider me to be a threat to the realm?"

"Not yet, but I've got my eye on you."

That got a titter as she finally looked away, glancing around at the people around them while nursing her drink. Rather than talking, Aaron found that he was simply content to wait and see what she would do next. There was no denying that she certainly had his rapt attentions. After a moment or two she looked back at him, saw that he was still watching her, smiled and said, "Forgive me if this seems forward, but aren't you a little young to be the Lord Protector? You're, what, twenty two? Twenty three?"

"Twenty four," he replied with a nod. "And you would be correct in assuming that I may be a little young for my post. I came by it through an odd sets of circumstances."

"Such as?"

Opening his mouth, Aaron was about to respond but then he thought better of it. "That's actually kind of a long story."

Kresta shrugged and stole at step closer. "Good, because I happen to like long stories."

"Glad to see you two are still getting along," Anna interjected before he could say any more, stepping out of the crowd with Kristoff in tow.

Instantly Kresta's playful demeanor vanished as she took a pace back and gave Anna a bright smile. "There you are! I was beginning to wonder if you'd abandoned me," she exclaimed, giving her a hug. To Kristoff she said, "And this must be the lucky man you've agreed to marry."

Nodding, he gave her a small bow. "Princess Kresta. Glad to see you approve."

She was about to say something back when she glanced at Anna and asked, "Are you alright? You look a little woozy."

"Just hungry. Kristoff was supposed to be getting me some food but apparently he didn't succeed," she replied, giving her fiancé a nudge.

"It's not my fault!" he protested, shaking his head. "Look at this crowd. You find your way through it."

Rolling her eyes, Kresta smirked and hooked her arm around Anna's. "Figures. Let's get something to eat. I am positively famished." With that she and Anna started moving through the crowd, calling, "Come along boys!"

At first they just stood there watching them go before looking at each other. "What just happened?" he asked, giving him a puzzled look.

All Aaron could do was return the look. "You know, I'm not sure."