Rifiuto: Non Miriena

"What do you mean we won't be able to do anything? You just said-"

"Do not raise your voice to me, Jack Frost! You may be the Crown Prince of the Winter Court, but I built that court from the ground up! I am the one who originated that court! And only I can control who takes power and when!" Elsa winced as her husband lashed out, slamming the end of his staff into the floor of Old Man Winter's study, sending frost rushing about the ground and walls.

They had come to talk to Old Man Winter, to discuss their options, and explain the new developments, however, as soon as he'd laid eyes on Elsa, the older man had broken into a grin. He'd congratulated them both with a hug and a kiss, and had ushered them into the study. He'd explained the workings of the court and the ascension of power, but when Jack pressed, he lashed out. Currently, Elsa was listening to the two men argue; seated silently on the sofa, she kept one hand on her midsection, the other gripping tight to the arm of the sofa. After a moment, she climbed to her feet, staggering towards the door to escape the sounds of the argument.

"Elsa?" She ignored her husband, reaching for the doorframe. Her legs soon gave out- "Elsa!"

When she looked up next, she was in Jack's arms, back on the sofa. "What... happened..." He swallowed, blue eyes filled with worry.

"You collapsed." She nodded, swallowing as she sat up, accepting the water Old Man Winter handed her. The elder spirit studied his great-granddaughter-in-law, a knowing look in his eye.

"This baby you carry is already making its presence known." She turned to him.

"What do you-" Old Man Winter held up a hand, chuckling.

"Because my wife experienced the same symptoms when she was pregnant with Father Frost." Elsa turned to Jack, who shook his head.

"I don't understand." The other spirit gently too her hand, turning until her palm faced up.

"You possess extraordinary powers, Elsa. Powers you share with my grandson. They are one in the same, the powers you carry. This baby is already proving that they too possess the same powers you both possess." She leaned down, studying the ice crystals coating her fingertips.

"I didn't-" She whispered, turning to Jack. Old Man Winter chuckled.

"When you get stressed, your powers get out of control, correct?" She nodded. "Now that you are carrying an heir to the Winter Court, you must be careful. As the baby grows, the stress you face will grow with it, making your powers even more uncontrollable if you let them."

"And the baby's powers?" Jack slid his hand into hers, squeezing gently. Old Man Winter shook his head.

"They will not fully manifest until birth." He glanced at his great-grandson. "Now you take her back to the court, and you keep her in bed. She is to rest this first month, not go gallivanting around because you want her to, Jack. This is your child she's carrying, and while she may be immortal now, she did not come to court immortal. She needs time to adjust; this is going to be a long process for her, I won't have you showing up here in a huff because she's grown tired of your antics, you hear me?" Jack, clearly chided, muttered something and nodded.

"So, because Old Man Winter created the court, he decides who take the throne and when?" Jack nodded, slipping into bed beside her that night. He reached out, hand finding her midsection in the darkness, and gently, he rubbed the fabric over her skin, only stopping when Elsa moved closer and tucked her head beneath his chin.

"Yeah."

"So why doesn't he pass the crown onto you?" He wrapped his arms around her, sighing.

"Because I am not ready to take the throne, and according to the court, I will never be ready. According to the court, I will always be the rebellious Crown Prince, too wild and rambunctious to assume the throne because I'm not 'adult' enough to be king. I know Grandfather means well, but sometimes, I think all anyone sees me as is a screw-up. Unable to do anything correct or take anything seriously." Elsa pulled away, looking up at him.

"I don't think that at all, Jack."

"No?" She shook her head, propping herself on her elbow.

"No. You're my husband; and you're loving and gentle and caring. You aren't a screw-up, and you take things more seriously than anyone I've ever known, even my own father. You just don't show it all the time." She reached up, trailing her fingers down his cheek. "Like today, when I collapsed. You were right by my side, instantly. You will be a wonderful, beautiful king some day. I know you will." He caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm.

"And you will rule by my side as my queen." She smiled softly, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Absolutely."

Their lips met in a soft kiss; when they broke apart, she settled back into his arms, allowing the whistling of the wind outside and Jack's even breathing to lull her to sleep.

"Come in." Taking a deep breath, Jack stepped into the study; his father stood at the window, staring out at the storm. "I want to congratulate you, son." He swallowed.

"For what, Father?"

"On the conception of your child with the former Arendelle heir." Jack paled, and his father chuckled as he turned towards him. "You didn't think that I wouldn't notice the vines on her shoulder, my son? It has been three months since the two of you conceived; her adjustment is long over. Even if she does not immediately start to show, the vines make it clear her condition."

"The court-"

"Still does not know of the heir growing within your wife. Do not worry, I will allow you to share such good news when you two deem fit. Now, you came to me with a reason." Jack nodded, Elsa's request ringing in his head. She was currently being checked over by the midwife, leaving Jack to deal with his father.

"Elsa wants privacy." The Frost King glanced at his son before going to his desk and taking a seat.

"She shall have all the privacy she desires. Those at the court will not bother her."

"No." Jack stepped up, hands behind his back. He licked his lips, gathering his courage. "My wife requests privacy when her time comes, Father. Not before." At this, the Frost King's head snapped up.

"During the birth?" His son nodded.

"Yes."

"That is not possible." Jack narrowed his eyes.

"It is my wife's request. She wants privacy to birth our child in peace when the babe decides to make its entrance into the world. I won't deny her that request."

"I'm sorry, my son, but that is one request she is going to have to do without. The court has always witnessed the birth of royal children, it is tradition-"

The smug tone in his father's voice pushed Jack- who'd struggled to keep from lashing out from the moment he'd stepped into the study- over the edge. "Damn tradition to Hell!" He slammed his palms down on the table, causing frost to start coating everything within reach on the ice desk. "My wife has done all you've asked of her; she gave up her own freedom and her family to come to the Winter Court with you, you ensnared us both in this arranged marriage; she gave up her mortality, knowing she would most likely never see her family again- Elsa has done all this wretched court's demanded and more over the years, and now, when she requests one thing- one simple thing- you deny her it on the grounds that it's tradition. Well, Father, as far as Elsa and I are concerned, tradition needs to be broken."

Then, without another word, Jack turned and left, returning to their chamber, leaving his father sitting at his desk, eyes wide and mouth open in shock.