Anna quietly twisted the doorknob to Elsa's room and peeked inside. As always, her sister's room was neat. She saw Elsa still sleeping soundly on her bed, her chest rising and falling with every breath. Behind Anna, their governess, Gerda, was fidgeting warily.
"I don't think this is a good idea, Princess Anna," Gerda said.
"It's alright. You know we do this to each other all the time." Anna shrugged her off.
"But this is Her Majesty's day off. She probably wants to sleep in."
"Oh, she'll change her mind."
"But still—"
"I'll be gentle, Gerda. I promise."
Gerda was unconvinced. She was not sure the princess' idea of gentleness matched hers. Alas, she stood behind and said nothing to stop her, although she had her fingers crossed.
Tiptoeing in, Anna smirked at her own mischievous thought. She closed the distance noiselessly; a feat made easy for there was nothing on the floor to look out for, courtesy of Elsa's cleanliness. Once she arrived by the bed, she stopped. Crouching slightly, she inhaled a deep breath before leaping on top of her clueless sibling and squealed.
"Elsa, wake up!"
Elsa let out a startled cry and jolted awake. She fought under her sister's weight, trying and succeeding in throwing her off to the floor. She turned on her bed and caught a glimpse of her attacker.
"Anna! What do you think you're doing!?"
"Geez, I'm just waking you up." Anna rubbed her sore bottom. "I did it so gently too. You don't have to wrestle me to the ground."
"I could have hurt you!"
"You don't have to panic that much. You won't hurt me and you know it."
Elsa only noticed her rapid breathing and calmed herself. She flopped back on the bed. Anna climbed up and lay beside her. "We really should talk about the definition of 'gentle'."
"Well, my definition of 'rough' is a choir, a bukkehorn and a marching band."
"We have a lot to talk about." They both giggled before Elsa stopped and yawned. "What time is it? Did I miss lunch?"
"What are you talking about? It's not even eight yet."
"What? Anna of Arendelle is up before nine!? Who are you and what have you done with my sister?"
"Really?" Anna sat up, placing her hands on her hips. "Your sister is starting a good habit and this is how you motivate her?"
"If you're really my sister then I know for sure this is nota start of a new habit and you're planning something."
"Elsa! How could you… All right, fine, yes, I'm planning something. Don't do that. Don't raise your eyebrow. When you're looking at me like that, it's as if you're reading my mind. Wait, are you really reading it now? You can't! I'm not thinking about anything. My mind is clear. You're not intruding!" Anna placed her hands on her temples and closed her eyes.
"As if that would stop me if I do have the power to read minds." Elsa chuckled. "What do you want, Anna?"
"Shopping!"
"For what?"
"Your birthday dress, my dress, they're not going to buy themselves you know."
"Anna, I don't know if you notice, but I can make my own dress."
Anna waved the idea away. "Those ice dresses are getting old. It's time to get you a real dress. Besides, it's been a while since last we went shopping together. Come on. Spend your day off with your cute little sister, please?"
Elsa thought about it, then a smirk appeared on her face. Anna beamed, knowing her approval signal all too well. "Fine, since you asked so nicely. Let me get ready first. Off with you."
"Alright, I'll see you at breakfast, sis."
It did not take long for Elsa to emerge out of her bedroom, fully garbed and prepared, and she met Anna in the dining room. Her sister was already gulping down a bowl of cream soup. She regarded Elsa with full cheeks while patting the seat beside her. Elsa stifled a chuckle and shook her head.
"Manners, Anna."
Anna swallowed. "It's just you," she said. "Quick, sit, while the soup is still hot."
Elsa sighed exasperatedly and took the seat beside Anna. Some servants entered and served a bowl of soup and a basket of bread before her. Elsa took a loaf and broke it into pieces before submerging them in her soup. As she ate, they poured her warm honey mead. Elsa muttered her gratitude in between bites.
"So? What's our plan today?"
"Oh, lots. Dresses, shoes, accessories, party supplies… The list goes on, but first we have to find Jack so he can escort us."
"Jack, huh?"
"That's a weak reaction and here I thought you would choke on your food and blush."
"Sorry to disappoint you with my composure. It's just that when you said his name, I can't help thinking about him."
"My sister is thinking about a man! Bring in the cavalry! Ragnarok is nigh!"
"It's not like that, Anna. His reaction the last time we talked made me curious."
"My sister is curious about a man!"
"Anna…"
"Right, sorry." Anna cleared her throat and gave her full attention. "Go on."
"You know that I asked him to help you with the ball, right? He asked me why and I said I trust him—"
"My sister trusts a man!"
Elsa continued, unfazed by Anna's interruption. "I expected that he'd at least be happy about it, not that I'm saying he must. Yet, he seemed so crushed about it. I felt like I said something wrong then, but I have said no such thing."
"Maybe you should ask him later."
"Maybe I will."
Anna's smile grew and she looked at Elsa with delight. "Look at you, Elsa. A man is plaguing your mind. A man!"
"I told you, it's not like that," Elsa said, yet this time she could not hide the blush creeping on her cheeks.
"There it is! There's the blush I'm waiting for."
"Let's just finish our breakfast and find him, alright?"
"Oh, Elsie. So eager to see your man."
Elsa ignored her, but it was obvious her sister had witnessed how her ears too had turned red.
…
Jack had never been in the General's office before, so he took his time appreciating the room. There was an arched window at the back with sand yellow curtains. His desk was located just before the window. In the middle of the room was a roundtable big enough to accommodate twelve people around it. Jack was currently sitting in one of the chairs around said table. Shelves lined the right wall making the office looked almost like a library. On the left was a great painting of an hourglass on a field of sand under the moonlight. Whatever the painting meant, Jack could not comprehend. Beside it, there was a nautical chart and a map. Judging from the state of both papers, they were often taken down.
General Manzie was sitting beside Jack. He was openly snoozing, making his guest rather uncomfortable. To hide his discomfort, Jack kept staring at the door, hoping Admiral Smollett would soon burst out of it. His prayer was answered before long. The door swung upon to admit the Admiral, followed by a big man. Jack immediately stood and General Manzie, who woke with a start, followed suit.
The Admiral was a lithe bodied woman of tall stature. Her heart-shaped face looked too big upon her thin body and her eyes were sea green, wide and catlike. She had a short red hair and a mole on her upper right lip. She wore a blue coat with a white collar, golden cuff links and buttons, khaki pants, and long black high-heeled boots. She seemed fragile like a twig, but Jack was sure she would not be an admiral if she had not the slightest capabilities befitting of one. At least the air of confidence she carried, albeit slightly arrogant, testified to that.
"Return to the R.L.S Legacy and make sure she is ready for departure, Mr. Arrow," she commanded to the man behind her. She spoke with an accent somewhat similar to Edmund's yet much more elegant. "We will set sail as soon as I'm finished with whatever business they have with me."
"Yes, ma'am." The man bowed and left, closing the door behind him.
"Now, then," The Admiral turned to Jack, "you must be Sir Jackson Frost."
"Yours truly." Jack offered his hand for a handshake. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Admiral."
Admiral Smollet spared a glance toward the offered hand without making a move to accept it. "I'm afraid the sentiment is not shared." She dragged a chair across the two men and sat, prompting the two men to sit and Jack to withdraw his hand. "You see, I've heard about how you managed to ludicrously obtain your title. Now, if I don't know Sir Edmund well enough, I'd say you bribed the man. Lo! That's hardly the case. I don't know how or what you did to charm the Queen, bless her naïve heart, but I assure you Sir Jackson, it won't work on me."
Jack stared in astonishment, startled at the sudden poor judgment the Admiral gave him. He wondered how she managed to say so much without missing a breath. Yet, after his mind processed her words, his smile grew. "I know that, Admiral," he replied. "You are the last woman on earth who would fall to whatever 'charms' you accuse me to possess. I thank you though, for acknowledging that I have one. Alas, I am here for no other reason than to beg for the help of your capable hands for none can help the Queen's cause other than you." He bowed deeply.
It was the Admiral's turn to stare, but she quickly hid her lapse with a scoff. "You may not be as daft as you appear to be. Let's carry on, shall we?" Her voice was still stern but her gaze softened.
General Manzie gave Jack a knowing smile, and only then, she noticed the short man's presence. "Oh, I didn't see you there Sandy. You are well, I see, and ever the man of few words. Very well. So, what is it that requires my utmost attention?"
Jack then began reiterating the Queen's plan for a grand ball. Smollet seemed displeased at the idea of such a frivolity, but she held her tongue and made do with a low grumble. Manzie, on the other hand listened attentively, though showing signs of wanting to return to his nap. "I know there's little I could do to help, but I heard from Bun… I mean Sir Edmund that Arendelle is lacking in men. As it happens, I know a band of mercenaries should we need their service."
"With all due respect, Sir Jack, I'm sure my deck boy would be more useful than whatever ludicrous parcel of driveling galoots you can offer." The Admiral sneered. "And besides, what can a score of mercenaries do to help our number?"
"True, but more than two dozen additional pair of eyes surely would help us. I promise you these people are seasoned fighters despite their choice of occupation. They could help be the fresh eyes to find the wolf amongst the sheep. I believe the clever ruse of a certain Southern Isles' prince is still fresh in our memory."
"You don't have to remind us. I still remember it as clear as day. It's the first time ever I've seen you so angry, isn't it Sandy?" The General shrugged but his eyes hid leashed fury. "What do you think? Should we take his offer?"
Manzie seemed to be pondering about it. "Can you vouch for these men, Sir Jack?" he asked.
"I vouch for their love for money."
"And the money?"
"I'll arrange it."
Manzie rubbed his chin and turned to the Admiral who shrugged. "Don't look at me, Sandy. You're the General. You make the calls."
"When can you get them?" Manzie asked Jack.
"As soon as you need them. I will have to ride out of town and find them first. Luckily, we still have more than two weeks for the whole preparation."
"What can you tell me about these men?"
"Ah…where to begin? Right, how about their leader, John Silver…"
…
Edmund was waiting for Jack outside of the office. He had been the one who helped to contact the admiral and was the one who showed Jack the general's office. He did not miss the admiral's arrival and exchanged brief pleasantries with her. Edmund knew he had no obligation to wait for his junior, yet he did it anyway. The younger knight's parting words on the day they went out of town together plagued his mind, and he had this itching feeling that something was troubling him. He had been trying to get in touch with Jack about it, yet he was elusive, and it served to fuel his suspicion. Accompanying the knight was just his way of trying to put his finger on what Jack was truly hiding.
The meeting seemed to drag on. The admiral had arrived at eight and now it was almost nine. Edmund started to wonder if he should have left instead. However, his patience was soon rewarded, for when he was about to take his leave, the office door opened. Jack held the door for the admiral while shaking hands with the general. Amelia Smollett passed Edmund by while acknowledging him with a nod, and left. Jack was having a brief conversation with Manzie before trotting toward Edmund.
"That was rather long," Edmund said.
"The General is very scrupulous. He won't accept before I describe each and every one of the mercenaries."
"I'd do the same. Can't be too careful with those gold-seekers."
"True, we can't really trust anyone these days. A prince can be a usurper, a queen has ice power, a knight has a secret family. Everyone seems to have a secret of his own."
"How about you, mate? Since that day we went out together, I feel you have something you want to say."
Jack gaped, caught off-guard, but quickly hid it with a smile. "Not really."
Edmund scowled. He did not miss that slip at all. "You think you'd fool me?"
Jack's smile now seemed to be forcefully plastered on his face, a poor mask indicating someone clearly trying to put his defenses up. Edmund was about to open his mouth to press further when an excited shriek cut him off.
"There he is!" The men turned to the source of the sound and found the two royalties approaching them. Of course, the enthusiastic voice came from none other than the ever so jubilant princess. "I was just about to send men looking for you, Jack. Ah, good morning, Sir Edmund."
"Good morning, Your Majesty, Your Highness." Edmund bowed and Jack followed suit.
"Good morning, Sir Edmund, Jack." Elsa's lack of title in addressing the knight surprised both Anna and Edmund. Jack too showed a little bewilderment, but quickly hid it with a smile.
"Timely arrival, Princess Anna. I've just finished discussing matters of security with your general. Rest assured, everything is settled. You should have no worry."
"Huh? Security?" Anna cocked her head before hitting herself lightly on the temple. "Oh right, I'm supposed to arrange that. Good job, Jack. Not why I'm looking for you, but good job."
"Why do I feel underappreciated?" Jack asked in monotone, sarcasm thick in his voice.
"Really, Jack? Must I sing praises every time you do what you're supposed to do?"
"Just a jest, Your Highness, no offense meant."
"In any case, you're coming with us. Sir Edmund, you won't mind us borrowing him, will you?"
Edmund switched glances between the royalties and Jack. He still wanted to question him, but knew his chance had passed. Jack too seemed relieved, knowing Edmund could not refuse the Princess. "We'll continue our conversation later, Frost. I'll be on my way then, Your Majesty, Your Highness."
"Were we interrupting?" Anna asked when Edmund was safely out of earshot.
"No, you weren't. Rather, it was the perfect timing too. So, how may I assist you today, Your Excellencies?"
"We're going to do a little shopping and you'll be escorting us."
"It'll be my pleasure." Jack bowed.
"Let's not waste anymore daylight then. Follow me! To fine clothes and jewelry!" Anna marched ahead of them like a man ready for war.
Elsa stifled a chuckle at Anna's action. Glancing at Jack, she saw a shadow of a smirk on his face, although it was so brief it could be easily missed. She wondered why Jack was not openly smiling, as he would always do. Elsa shrugged it off. She was possibly reading too deep into it; Jack probably thought that laughing at the princess in front of the queen would be unsightly.
"Were we really not interrupting, Jack?" Elsa asked as they followed the overly enthusiastic princess.
"Truly, what we discussed was matter of no importance."
"Sir Edmund seemed displeased."
"He always does."
Elsa was unconvinced; Jack sounded like he was hiding something. However, she was above prodding and pushed no further. She was aching to ask about his reaction the other day, but found no right time to bring it up.
Anna turned and noticed her two companions tarrying. She called out to them, "Come on guys! Move it! I'll give you time later for your little date."
Elsa blushed. "Count on Anna to quickly jump to conclusions." She glanced at Jack, hoping her attempt to wave her sister's comment was not too queer and thus giving the man a reason to tease her. Once again, he surprised her with his reaction for he was blushing along with her.
"Shall we pick up our pace, Your Majesty?" Jack asked without meeting her gaze.
"Yes, of course."
For reasons she herself could not comprehend, Elsa's inner goddess was dancing with joy.
…
They made their way to town on foot rather than being escorted by a convoy fit for royalty. Anna insisted on it, saying she would like to take her time enjoying their outing. Elsa had nothing against walking thus she complied with her wish, and Jack seemed all too glad he did not have to prove his riding skill just yet.
Shops in the upper district were scarce, but they sold the finest of goods. Only royalty and the wealthy people of Arendelle could afford to make their purchases there, thus, the royals were no rare sight. People would stop and greet them, but their gaze would not linger or follow where they went.
Their journey was a cheerful one, with Anna unable to contain her excitement over the upcoming ball. Elsa occasionally chimed in, but most of the time would just let her sister's revelry flow like water like a broken dam. Even Jack would often tease Anna and frequently argued with her over a pointless topic.
Thus, it was very disturbing that after their visit to the clothier, all manners of joviality disappeared from Jack.
Anna seemed to be oblivious to it, still ciphering animatedly. Elsa, however, felt the abrupt change almost instantly. His usual playfulness replaced with something much more somber, and he gave off a distant feeling that Elsa found peculiar. She had an inkling of what or rather who caused it.
It had happened when Elsa and Anna went inside the clothier workshop to have their measurements taken. Jack, being the perfect gentleman, waited outside for them. Elsa had finished earlier and planned to accompany Jack. However, she found the man otherwise engaged in a conversation with another. She could not see the face of the man, for he was wearing a thick cloak and drawn hood, and they stood facing away from her. She saw how Jack's expression turned grimmer as the conversation went by and soon the man left, leaving Jack staring at the ground. Elsa was about to approach him, but Anna emerged out of the workshop a second later and dragged them both to the next shop.
Curious, Elsa stepped back when Anna was ogling for a trinket from a certain stall, and stood beside Jack.
"Are you alright, Jack?"
"Huh?" Jack lifted his head, only just realizing the queen was next to him. "I am. Why do you ask?"
"You are rather quiet. Who was that man?"
"You saw us?" His eyes went wide with panic and distress. "Did you hear what he said?"
"I did not. Apologies, was it a private conversation?"
"No, not really." Relief was evident in his voice. "He is…a friend of Kozmotis. He came up to me to show his displeasure. He thought it was my fault that his friend is now rotting in the dungeon."
"It's not your fault, though."
"I know."
Jack was still inconsolable though. She did not realize a stranger's opinion could affect him so much and she wanted nothing more than to return his smile to his face.
"You know…" she began, "you can't have everyone liking you. One person hating you doesn't make you a bad person."
"Huh?" Jack turned toward Elsa with features of utter bewilderment. Elsa, however, did not notice this and continued.
"I know you're used to people liking you. The fault does not lie in you. You need not concern yourself over the likes—"
"Wait one second, Your Majesty. I apologize for interrupting, but did you think I was upset because someone hates me?"
"Why… yes…?" Judging from her look of confusion, she truly believed it. Jack could not help but to snigger, before launching into a full-blown laughter. "What?"
"Oh…my… Your Majesty, aren't you adorable." Jack crouched down, clenching his stomach. His loud laughter began inviting curious eyes.
"That isn't exactly something you can say to your queen," Elsa meekly said, realizing her misunderstanding. Her weak retort made it even more impossible for Jack to stop his outburst. He laughed so hard, tears began to pool in the corner of his eyes. Embarrassed by him and the crowd whom began to throw curious glances, she subtly nudged him. "Stop laughing!"
"By Odin, you were sincerely trying to cheer me up too." His back was trembling so much, it was hard to tell whether he was laughing or crying.
"Will you listen to me for once?! People are watching."
His laughter finally died down into hiccupping chuckle. He was out of breath, but he finally stood up. He wiped away the last tear glistening in the corner of his eye. "What do you mean 'for once'?" he asked. "When did I ever not listen to your beautiful voice?"
Elsa's breath hitched in her throat. She could not believe how easy it was for him to say things like that, and how easily it affected her. She looked away to hide her continuous embarrassment and to find respite from his unbearable gaze. "Aren't you spiteful?" she mumbled.
"Don't say that, my queen," Jack said, clearly heard her muttering. "I will be truly inconsolable if you come to hate me."
"What makes you think I like you in the first place?"
"Ouch… Please just kill me now for I have nothing left to live for." Jack clenched his heart and made a pained expression.
"You…"
"Ahem…" Anna cleared her throat, cutting their argument short. She was looking at them with a raised eyebrow and lips holding back a lopsided smirk. "You really can't wait to have your date, can you? All right then." Anna turned back to the trinkets merchant and paid for a necklace and a bracelet. She then gave Elsa a rolled up parchment.
"Make sure you purchase everything on that list, okay? I'll be going now. Kristoff is probably waiting for me. See you later, Els. Jack, make sure you watch over my sister." She walked away and disappeared among the crowd.
Elsa stood there dumbfounded while Jack wanted to laugh again but his earlier outburst had spent him. Hearing his snicker, Elsa annoyance perked up and their paused argument resumed. "Don't you have a sliver of respect for your liege?"
"What are you accusing me of, Your Majesty? I have nothing but love for you."
Elsa scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Of course, you do."
"You don't believe me? And here I thought you trusted me."
"And you were not too happy about that, if I recall."
The twinkle in his eyes suddenly dimmed and he fell silent. "Right, I wasn't…" he mumbled.
It was her opportunity, Elsa knew it, yet she could not bring herself to ask him, not when he showed such a pained expression.
"But I do adore you, my queen." Jack opened his eyes and looked at Elsa with gentle eyes. There was no trickery or lies hidden in the twin orbs and no one could doubt the sincerity in his voice. "I may laugh at you or play tricks on you, – far above what is appropriate from a man of my standing – but I do all that with genuine affection for you."
Elsa was startled beyond words. She looked to her right and left, wondering, hoping that no one was watching. Fortunately, the crowd was bustling and no one paid attention to two figures standing stationary amidst the busyness surrounding them, one had just professed his…love?
Were her ears playing tricks on her, or had Jack just professed his love?
Elsa fought to say something, anything to the knight in front of him; she felt that she needed to. Her heart was pounding beyond control, but she was too caught off guard to blush. She could not fathom why he would choose such a time and place to say something like that, but she knew she had to break the silence.
"And of course I love the princess too." Jack added lightly, as if an afterthought. "Arendelle could not hope for better rulers than the two of you."
"That… that's what you meant?"
"Yes, what else could I imply?"
"No…nothing." Now, Elsa felt the urge to blush. "We should buy the remaining items on the list." She turned and walked away, and just in time too, for her cheeks began to flush. Walking on, she mentally chastised herself for actually expecting it to be a true confession. "What was I thinking?"
"Your Majesty," Jack called, falling in step with her, "is it alright if we stop by somewhere else first?"
"Ah, yes, of course. Where do you want to go?"
"You'll see."
With Jack leading the way, they travelled to the lower district, making purchases Anna requested along the way and having them delivered to the castle. Jack led them to Nicholas North's Armors and Weaponry. The infamous blacksmith was still taking orders despite the chill in the air. Hot steam rose up from the chimney as the clanging noise reverberated. One of his workers, Phil, greeted them and quickly went inside to notify Nicholas of their arrival.
"Your Majesty! It is great honor to have you visit my humble workshop." Nicholas bowed deeply. Even then, he was still taller than the queen was. "And Jack Frost! Dani was not too happy about the little prank you brought on her the last time you visit. Quite the troublemaker, you are."
"Well, I'm not bringing any today. Can we see her?"
"Of course, of course. Dani!" Nicholas bellowed, causing his guests to flinch. "Jack is here to see you!"
"Kick him out!" A reply came from inside. "I'll not have him disrupting me again!"
Elsa spun toward Jack, her surprise poorly disguised. Jack had told her about the apprentice making his sword, but she never knew the apprentice was a female.
"One moment. She will come out." North assured them. "Dani, the Queen is here with him!" He bellowed once more.
There was a loud clattering noise followed by the sound of rushing footsteps. Dani soon appeared before them unceremoniously, panting and glistening with sweat. Upon sighting Elsa, she gaped openly, struggling to say something but not a sound came out from her lips.
"What was that about kicking me out?" Jack snickered. Fortunately, Jack words fell on deaf ears, or he would have a fist flying to his face.
Her stare caused Elsa to be uneasy, but she knew the girl meant well and sympathized with her. "You must be Dani the apprentice," she spoke first in hope to relieve the awkwardness, "Jack has told me about you."
Dani attempted to reply, only to let out a feeble squeak. Nicholas and Jack erupted in laughter, further dismaying the poor apprentice. Elsa elbowed Jack on the ribs to liberate the young woman of her torment – and increasingly reddened face – but the subtle nudge showed little to no effect.
"I know I'm going to see something interesting bringing the queen here, but not this interesting." Jack uttered in between laughter.
"Jack… be nice…" Elsa reprimanded.
"Your Majesty, should you know how Dani usually is, you would be laughing along with—Yeowch!" Dani landed a merciless stomp on his feet, making him jumped back and hopped in one leg while nursing his injured one.
It was Elsa's turn to burst into laughter. Dani was red-faced and fuming, but Elsa's infectious giggle made laughter bubble in her throat too.
"By Odin! Do you have rocks in your boots?" Jack gave his pitiful foot a massage, wincing at the pain it caused him.
"Serves him right," said Elsa.
"How kind of you, Your Majesty," Jack said through gritted teeth, though the corners of his lips twitched upward, "and how come you don't do the same to North? He's laughing too!"
"And what, pray tell, do you think I can do to a man almost twice my height and thrice my size?" Dani crossed her arms in front of her, her eyes screamed challenge. The usual Dani had returned.
"That is good thinking." North chuckled.
"Point taken. Anyway, enough idle banter." Jack conceded, and giving Dani a meaningful look he continued, "We're here to see them."
Dani understood immediately the signal he was trying to give her, and shook her head. "I have not finished the rest, but if it's just that you're after..."
"Just that then."
"I'll bring it out; it's too noisy inside. I'll be right back." Dani returned inside the shop.
"Why must you speak in riddles?" Elsa asked. "I know for sure that we're here either for your armor or your weapon."
"Ah, there goes my surprise. Would you at least feign curiosity and wonder so that my effort won't be wasted?"
"Alright, I'll play your game. Hmm, we're in Nicholas North's Armors and Weaponry, what could Jack possibly wants to show me? Perhaps a litter of kittens?"
Jack tittered. "Sometimes I forget you have this side of you, Your Majesty."
"You have something against it?"
"Not at all, my queen. I love this side of you."
There it was again. How easily he used the word was more of a wonder for Elsa rather than whatever Jack wanted to show her. She could feel heat beginning to rise to her cheeks once more.
"So, why is it so important for you to bring me here?" Elsa asked, diverting the topic.
"I did promise Your Majesty to be the first witness of North's apprentice's craftsmanship."
"When did…" but the answer came to her without Jack needing to answer it himself. It was during the time she had taught him how to ride. She could not believe he took what Elsa perceived as passing conversation seriously. She was awed and flattered at the same time.
Dani emerged out soon enough, bringing a sword — or rather, a rapier judging by the shape —covered with a brown cloth and fastened with a red string. She gave it to Jack who eyed it excitedly and nervously at the same time. Jack unraveled the knot and held his breath at the sight of the rapier. He first saw the scabbard of dark blue-dyed leather and the most intricate work of the handle, where the loop and the knuckle guard were shaped so they imitated icy vines swirling to the end of the blade. Upon unsheathing the rapier, they saw the icy vines reached the base of the blade and continued upward in form of engraving on the flat of the blade to the tip. The guard was designed as if frost had encrusted upon a half-spherical object. There was no other word for it other than breathtaking.
"As you can see, I took the liberty of incorporating elements from your family name," Dani said when the others were still at loss for words, "adding some personality to it, so it can be a family heirloom. I do hope you like the winter theme, or all my work will be for naught. Go on then, say something. I don't know if your silence is of amazement or distaste."
"Distaste?!" Jack's eyes shot at her and bulged wide, "Woman, are you kidding yourself? I am no man of art, but I know an example of master artisanship if I see one. I confess I had my doubts having an apprentice taking my order, and for that, I apologize. But this! I feel like receiving a slap from a beautiful lady."
"It's alright. Your concern is understandable." She shrugged, but obviously flushing with pride.
"This is beyond doubt a wonderful work," praised Elsa. "You are truly gifted."
Dani began to blush, having the queen complimenting her skill. Only belatedly did she remember to say her gratitude. "You are very kind, Your Majesty. It's a great honor hearing that from you, although, some of the credits belong to Nick. He has taught me well."
"Bah! Nonsense!" North denied. "This is your accomplishment, but I lie if I do not say I am very proud teacher."
If heads truly could get bigger from praises, Dani would have a hard time walking through the door. She decided to change the topic for lack of better reply, and the overwhelming embarrassment. "So, what are you going to name it?" she asked Jack. "Every good sword needs one."
It did not take long for Jack to decide. "Frostbite," he said without missing a beat, and then turning to Elsa as if asking for approval.
"Uncreative, but very apt." Elsa nodded.
"Here's your sword belt. I'd show you your armors too only I haven't even started on it. The rapier took most of my time."
"It's alright, Dani. I'm already a very happy customer. Thank you." Jack immediately buckled the belt and hung the rapier under it. "We should be going now. Time for dinner is nigh and our queen will bite my head off should she be late for dessert."
"Thank you for coming out to meet us despite your busy schedule," Elsa said after landing a well-aimed elbow in between Jack's ribs.
Nicholas waved her subtle apology away. "It is always great pleasure to serve you, my queen. You have been most kind to my humble business. You be good now, Jack."
"Come and visit again after the ball. Hopefully, I'll have the rest of your orders ready," said Dani.
"I can't visit just for fun?" Jack feigned a pout.
"And be on the other end in one of your pranks again? I don't think so."
"You say as if that's a bad thing."
"You want to have your other foot trampled?"
"Scary," Jack mock-shivered. "I'm trembling in my boots."
"Ugh!" Dani charged at him, but seeing it coming, Jack nimbly dodged and ran. "Come back here you!" She ran after him.
"And let you have the satisfaction of stomping on my foot?" Jack shouted from the distance. "I don't think so!"
Nicholas could not but chuckle at the sight of two adults running around as if playing tag. Elsa, however, felt a strange twinge of jealousy of their friendship. She quickly shook her head, shrugging away the feeling as a mere imagination and disregarded whatever foolish notion her mind began to conjure. Dani soon gave up chase and doubled back, but Jack was not following her.
"I think it is best you catch up to your knight, Your Majesty," said Nicholas, breaking her out of her reverie. "He should not be far."
"Of course. Thank you again, sir."
"I am nothing but Nicholas to you, Your Majesty." He swept a bow.
"Nicholas it is, then. I believe I shall see you at the ball. Do bring Dani along. I fare you well."
Elsa left and bid her goodbye to Dani too as she passed her by. She wondered where Jack could have gone too when upon passing by an alley, he jumped in front of her to scare her. Her eyes went wide in surprise and she stepped back slightly, but disappointment was clear on the knight's face seeing she did not react in a more grandiose manner.
"That was a let-down," said Jack. When Elsa raised an eyebrow, Jack shrugged. "Your lack of reaction, but never you mind. Will you give me your left hand, Your Majesty?" She was confused, but she did what he asked anyway. Jack attached a cuff bracelet with three little chains connecting to a ring that Jack slid through her middle finger. "Happy birthday, Your Majesty."
She lifted her hand, appreciating the bracelet. It was a pretty little thing made of silver, adorned with a polished oval-cut lapis lazuli. When did he bought it was a mystery. "Jewelry?"
"I am a simple man. I know not what to give women other than jewelries. Also, I think the stone will match your chosen royal blue dress."
"You peeked?!"
"Of course not!" Jack exclaimed, looking mildly offended. "What are you accusing me of, Your Majesty? I saw you handed over a royal blue fabric to the tailor. That's how I draw my conclusion."
"Apologies then, and thank you. It's very beautiful, but my birthday isn't in another fortnight."
"I give it in advance because I won't have time the closer it is to the ball. The day after tomorrow I have to ride to find your cavalries and Odin knows when I will return. Afterward, my focus will be solely on the preparation of the ball."
"And tomorrow?"
"Ah, that's the thing I want to ask you about. I wish for a day off tomorrow if it is not too soon a notice."
"Why, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Let's just say I have woman I should meet."
The twinge of jealousy she felt before returned, and stronger too. This time, she could not wave it away as a fiction of her mind. "Of course, take all the time you need." Her tongue lied for her.
Hello again. First off, I'll say my gratitude to the dear friend who help proof read this chapter again. I hope this chapter fulfills my long due quota of Jelsa. Amelia Smollett is from Treasure Planet btw, a very underrated Disney movie but one of the best IMO. All amazing quotes of her belonging to Disney.
Anyway, off to my second favorite thing to do (other than writing the story that is).
Review reply:
Furiyan: thank you. I hope your child doesn't suffer the same isolation though.
Nico Di Angelo101: I'll do my best to shorten the waiting period. That long hiatus was not intentional really. I apologize. Thank you for sticking with me.
IceCrystal: I would love to delve further into their family, alas, this fic is on tight schedule. Perhaps next time?
Miki Fubuki: Honestly, I'm not that good in the cliffhanger department (since I hate it), but well, I try my best.
SMr. Freeze: Here's the next one, and hopefully the next 'next one' is up next week. So many nexts, huh? Next!
Fenrir Wylde Razgriz: Bless thee, kind reader! Thy have my gratitude. Hope the time thy shall abandon this story never came for I would be disheartened indeed. And I will (or should've done it days ago) pass your message.
JohnTitor: Ah, glad you decided to read it again T.T . I hope I won't tarry in the next update too.
theL3monTart: Thank you for reading this story and welcome...I guess? Hahaha. Thank you for the beta offer, I will put it into consideration. I love 'easter eggs' that's why I incorporate as much as I can inside. Hope you'll stick with me and the rest of the story.
Maria Paula: Yes! Another fall to the Bunnytooth/Toothny? ship. Grow and grow it shall and see how it develops we will.
Anyway, banters aside, and following Furiyan's example (sorry Furiyan):
Next up - Moar Jelsa!
