*Sorry I haven't posted in a while! I was on a school trip and didn't have access to internet.*
"It's been a week."
"Well good morning your majesty. Or is it afternoon? Being in prison makes it much harder to tell what time it is."
"What's your decision?"
"Aren't nobles supposed to have better manners. You know, salutations congratulations all those fancy things."
"Stop stalling. What's your decision?"
The prisoner tisked and settled into the corner, a small smile on his face. "Don't be so pushy. What if I don't feel like telling you?"
"If you don't answer I'll be forced to assume that you have refused my offer and wish to remain in this prison. I'll be able to forget about you and go lounge on silk couches eat gold and all the other ridiculous things you think I do."
"Oh please, we both know you'd be all torn up with guilt. What if I die of boredom? Or get eaten by rats?"
"I thought I was a heartless noble who steps on commoners for fun."
He shrugged a shoulder. "I've decided as queens go you're not that bad."
"I'm honored really" It was better than before. "Now what's your decision?"
"Are we back on that? I thought we were having a stimulating conversation on politics and the absurdity of monarchy."
"Stimulating conversations about the absurdity of monarchy are perfect for a guard."
"Subtle."
"It comes from being in politics. Now answer my question."
"I'll tell you." The prisoner said slyly. "But first you have to answer a question."
"I'm not revealing state secrets to a prisoner."
"It makes me sad that's the first place your mind went. Most people would think I wanted to know all the sordid details of their love life."
"You'd be rather disappointed."
"Luckily I'm interested in neither state affairs nor your non-existent lovers. I want to know why you're trying so hard."
"What are you talking about?"
"Why are you trying so hard to get me out of prison? I'm just one prisoner."
The prisoner stepped closer to the bars, watching Elsa think. Despite the flickering torchlight his face was so covered in grime that it was impossible to make out from the cell behind. In front of him the queen was immaculate. Yet the queen looked far more uncomfortable in her finery than the prisoner in his rags.
"I've never been the best sister." Elsa's voice was timid, her eyes fixed on her hands. "She went months without getting so much as a word from me. I'd do anything to go back and change that and now you have a chance."
"We're different. You're a good sister, but I'm a criminal."
"I'm a danger to her. I thought I was helping her."
"Then don't you understand? It's better for my brother to grow up without my influence."
"That's exactly what I thought, but my sister and I barely know each other now. I'm trying so hard, but I can never make up for the time I lost."
The prisoner sighed, "You're right. I'll become a guard."
When Elsa left the dungeons the dungeon seemed a little less dark.
…
"What on earth are you doing?"
Jack paused the excellently executed dance. "The waltz of course."
"I know the waltz," Stick said skeptically. "That was no waltz."
"I don't know what you're talking about that was flawless."
"You were slouching so much you were almost bent in two."
"I think I know what the problem is."
"Do tell."
"I'm bored."
"I shouldn't have asked." Stick moved to restart the music. "Try again."
"I'm serious. We've been doing the waltz for almost a week I need to do something new. I want to try one of the dances they actually do here."
"Why do I have a terrible feeling about this?"
"I want to try halling."
Stick burst out laughing. Jack stared in amazement; Stick smiling was a rare sight and now he was laughing. Jack's amazement faded fast and he began to pout. The idea of him halling wasn't that ridiculous.
Stick wiped away a tear, "Thanks for that. I thought you were serious at first. Breaks over, let's get back to the waltz."
"I was serious."
"No, you weren't"
"Why is the idea of me halling so unbelievable?"
"You got sore doing the waltz. Sure it's challenging to do well, but getting the basics down shouldn't be anywhere near as hard as you make seem."
"I had to hold that broom for a very long time."
"If you got sore doing the waltz halling would kill you."
"I'm better now. The halling also relates better to fighting; I've heard there's this one kicking move-"
"There's no way you could do the hallingkast."
"What's a hallingkast."
"It's the 'kicking move' and it's incredibly hard."
"Just let me try." Jack begged.
"Tell you what, you perfect the waltz and I'll teach you the basics of halling."
Jack grabbed the broom."What's taking you so long? Turn that music on."
Was that an eye roll? Couldn't have been; Stick must have been checking the state of the chandeliers.
The music began to play and Jack grabbed the broom. He swept around the dance floor carefully counting the three steps, his back ramrod straight. He was about to attempt a twirl with the broom, when the ballroom door burst open.
"Is this a dance lesson?" The sunny princess from Jack's first week stood in the doorway, her hair in disarray.
"I'm sorry," Stick gave a bow. "If you wish we can move elsewhere."
"No this is perfect! Are you a dance teacher?"
"Not really," Stick said modestly. "I just do it for fun, but I have had quite a few students."
"Could you teach Elsa to dance?"
Did Elsa need to learn to dance? Jack remembered the grace with which she always moved. Even when writing she was as elegant as a ballerina. There was no need she'd need lessons.
"It'd be my pleasure to serve her majesty, but I'm sure there are more suitable teachers."
"You'd think wouldn't you? Sorry! I didn't mean that you're a bad teacher I'm sure your really great. I've just gone through so many. There almost all busy. There was this one I researched who had just decided to sail south to learn how to imitate tropical birds. Anyway they were either like that fellow or they were so very expensive and Elsa is so picky with money. Not that that's a bad thing! It makes her a great queen. I could never do it. I'd always be getting distracted by silly things. There I go getting distracted; it really is a bad habit of mine. Anyhow we did get one teacher, but he was ridiculous. I'm sure you're better than him. What do you say?'
Stick seemed quite overwhelmed by the torrent of words, but he pulled himself up. "I'd be pleased to teach her majesty to dance."
"Perfect." Anna nodded. "Be here tomorrow, actually let's make it the day after tomorrow. I don't think Elsa likes surprises. Anyway the day after tomorrow at this time exactly."
With one last nod the princess ran out the door leaving two very confused guards behind her.