Chapter 13: Open the Gates

The next week flew by as Kristoff and Elsa prepared the house for the party. Floor cleaners come in and washed and waxed the floors, plus took the rugs out for cleaning. Then a crew came in dusted every inch, and repainted some of the peeling walls. The banister were polished till they cleaned like new, and every piece of furniture smelled of pine sent.

Anna spent all of her time either out with Hans, which was every night, or spending time getting to know the new Elsa who lived with her. In spending time with Elsa she spent a lot of time with Kristoff as well. They got along pretty well, even had long conversation about….well about everything. Which she found surprisingly enjoyable and easy.

"Anna the party this weekend in very important, I know all your friends will be here but I need you to keep a level head. We need these people to support us, to see we can handle the company. Have fun of course, but make a good impression." Elsa said with a smile to her sister as she focused on getting ready to leave.

Elsa spent most of her time in the study at home, or at the office; trying desperately to figure out every little piece of the business that had been dropped in her lap. Which was so hard since things weren't adding up in the manifest of certain ships. But that was the least of her troubles, her emotions were all over the place; it was lucky she hadn't been found out yet.

"I know Elsa, I'll be good and woo the business stiffs! Cross my heart." She said crossing her heart with a smile.

Elsa laughed and nodded "Alright, I'll see you at six sharp to greet the guest." Elsa called over her shoulder as she walked out the door to start her day.

The day went by quickly, things seemed to flash by and before Elsa knew it she only had an hour to get ready. The house was filled with the scent of finger foods, and hired helpers bustled around putting the final touches on everything.

Anna stood before a mirror and smiled as she turned to admire the beautiful dress she and had Elsa had picked out for the party. It went to her knees and it was the prettiest color green, with embroidery along the hem. Her hair was braided into a high bun and she had coloring of makeup.

Anna bounced down stairs and gasped as she spotted Elsa pacing near the door. Elsa was wearing a long silk gown that went down to the floor, a deep blue color with full length sleeves. She had on black gloves and her hair was cascading down around her shoulders. Thick ringlet like curls framed her perfectly pale face.

"Elsa you look! Wow I mean just wow, if Jack could see you…well I don't think your clothes would be staying on long." Anna said with a wink giving Elsa a hug.

Elsa batted her arm playfully laughing and blushing at her sister remark. "Stop it Anna, and you look gorgeous too. Now let's get ready to greet." She said with a nervous breath. People began to arrive shortly after and soon the party was in full swing. Soft music played as people mingled around, chatting and laughing.

Elsa walked around and talked with everyone, making sure to smile and flatter them. Anna did her best to do the same but Hans being there kept her busy. She flittered around dancing and flirting with him most the night.

"Well now Miss Arendel you'll be taking over the company, that won't leave much room for romance." Said the wife of one of the investors.

Elsa laughed "I'm not really concerned with that I'm currently seeing someone." She said smiling at the woman, but inside she really wanted to tell her off.

"That's too bad because there's a young gentleman over there, white hair by the looks, who hasn't taken his eyes off you since he got here ten minutes ago." The same woman said looking over in the directions behind Elsa.

Elsa turned around so fast her hair whipped over her shoulders in a flurry. She spotted Jack easily, he was lounging against a wall smile at her. Her eyes grew wider, as did her smile and slowly she forgot about the ladies she was too and made her way over to him.

Jack smiled as Elsa caught his eyes with hers. When she moved towards him he did the same, with each step his heart beat grew. She was within arm's reach when she stopped moving forward and stared at him.

He was wearing a black tux with a white shirt and tie. His hair was combed neatly and he didn't have his staff, and then there was the fact that everyone could see him.

"Hi" She whispered reaching out and touching the edge of his jacket with a smile.

"Hi" He whispered back reaching a hand forward to touch her cheek.

People were watching but Elsa didn't care, she threw arms around Jack neck and laughed as she hugged him.

"I missed you." She said in his ear before pulling to a round of applause from the room. Elsa turned to everyone and waved shyly before jestering to Jack.

"Everyone this Jack Frost, odd name I know, he's my….well my….." She blushed but couldn't finish. Luckly Jack step forward with a smile and took her hand.

"I'm her Fiancée." He said sliding her fingers in his. Elsa looked over at him and smiled.

"Not yet you aren't you haven't asked." She said playfully, the room erupted in laughter and Elsa smiled.

After that Jack walked with her around the room mingling, he was a natural at talking to the higher ups of the company. Elsa laughed and enjoyed watching him woo the big wigs, her own job seemed less daunting with him at her side. Finally he pulled her out onto the dance floor.

"So are you surprised?" He asked pulling her into his arms and whispering lightly in her ear.

His breath tickled her and she sighed as she leaned into his arms. "Yes, very surprised. And even happier that my surprise brought you back to me. I really missed you Jack" She said raising her hands to run her fingers through his hair, scratching his scalp lightly.

Jack moaned and placed his forehead on hers. "I missed you too ice queen." He whispered. "I missed waking up to you in my arms, the smell of your hair." He said lifting a strand and taking a deep breath. He pulled her closer, her body pressing against his as they slowly danced across the floor.

"How are you here Jack? How can they see you?" She asked laying her head on his shoulder.

"I talked with the man in the moon. I said I couldn't spend my entire life apart from you. He said I could come and be with you, but I wouldn't have any powers. All I had to do was place my staff in an ice case. This way I can be with you during the summer." He whispered leaning in close.

Elsa lifted her head and firmly wrapped her arms around his neck. "I like that, all summer. You're mine Frost, don't forget that." She whispered kissing his nose lightly.

Jack opened his mouth to say something but was cut off as a shadow slid into the room. "I beg to differ Elsa Adrendel, you my dear will be all mine?" Said a deep voice from within the shadow.

Jack's arms tightened around Elsa's waist and he pulled her behind him. The room went deathly still as people began to shuffle out in fear. Elsa clung to Jack's shoulders, pressing her body fully against his.

"Pitch! What is the name of the North Pole are you doing here!" He asked looking left and right trying to find a safe spot to back up into to protect Elsa.

Pitch laughed "Well Jack I've come for the one thing we both want. She's coming with me, sorry Frost!" He spat out.

Jack moved to grab Elsa but something hit him squarely in the head and he collapsed onto the ground. He was aware that Elsa screamed near him, but it was drowned out as the room burst into shouts and yells. Then everything went dark. The last thing Jack heard was Pitch laughing and him whispering in his ear. "She is my Snow Queen Frost…"