Hi Everyone! The next chapter is up! Thank you for your reviews, they really mean a lot to me. Hope you guys are all doing well. Enjoy the next chapter and Happy Reading! :)

Chapter 35

"Good morning, Anna." Elsa happily sipped her drink, "How's our bride-to-be?"

"Tired…" Anna shuffled into the cozy parlor for mid-morning brunch, still in her slippers and robe.

"Anna, you're getting married tomorrow. There are royal guests staying here. The least you could do is get dressed, considering how late in the morning it is. It's already half past ten."

"I'm sorry but I could not sleep last night. Like at all." Anna tiredly plopped onto the seat across from her sister, "What's in the glass?" She gestured towards the glass in her sister's hand.

"Water." Elsa furrowed her brows, "What do you mean you couldn't sleep last night?"

"I mean what I said. I couldn't sleep. Too many thoughts and feelings keeping me up."

"You are not getting cold feet, are you?"

"No, I don't think that's it. I'm still really excited about the wedding." She sighed, "I honestly don't know what's gotten into me. But I'm sure I'll be fine tonight. Especially if I'm this tired." To prove her point, she added a long un-lady like yawn.

"Well, after you eat, please get dressed. We have the last few remaining guests to welcome today." Elsa took a long sip from her glass.

"You okay?" Anna reached for a finger sandwich.

"Yes. Why?"

"Well…" Anna shoved the sandwich into her mouth, "Don't you usually have tea at this time?"

"I wasn't really feeling up to tea today. I think this whole wedding thing is messing with both of us."

"I get that. The week leading up to your wedding, I couldn't eat anything with broccoli. It made me sick."

"Broccoli?" Elsa couldn't help but laugh, "I thought you never liked broccoli?"

"Oh, I don't. But usually I can tolerate it and eat it without making too much of a fuss. But for that one week, there was no power on earth that could get me to touch it. Blech!" Anna reached for another sandwich.

"So…" Elsa let out a nostalgic sigh, "By this time tomorrow, you'll be at the chapel getting married." Anna started coughing as she choked on her sandwich. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah…" She heavily gulped, "I'm just dandy."

30 minutes later, the sisters were on their way to the docks in order to greet the final wave of wedding guests. The sun was shining, not a single cloud in the sky, with a light cool breeze rustling through the trees. It was perfectly serene. The passing townspeople were all smiles as they watched their beloved rulers, specifically the bride-to-be, walk through the main square. To make things better, Anna was fully awake and whatever weird mood she was in had completely vanished.

As they approached the docks, a small skip was added to Anna's step as she spotted the Corona flag in the distance, "They're here! Rapunzel and Eugene and the twins are here!"

"Anna, there might be a chance that it could be Uncle Thomas and Aunt Primrose. In case Rapunzel couldn't make it."

"Nonsense. She promised. And when Rapunzel promises something-"

"I never ever break that promise. Ever." Rapunzel grinned as she walked up to the sisters with one of the twins in her arms.

"Rapunzel!" Anna tried to hug her cousin, but found it was rather difficult with the baby in her arms.

"I'll take the baby." Elsa offered as Rapunzel gratefully handed the baby to the queen.

"Thanks, Elsa." Her smiled grew tenfold when she excitedly hugged the bride-to-be, "How are you feeling, Anna?! Excited?! Anxious?!"

"Yes." The two laughed, "But I'm feeling a lot better knowing that you and Eugene made it here safely. Speaking of which, where is Eugene?"

"Ah, yes. Well, being that there are two babies and there are two of us, we decided to split up the responsibilities. Eugene's on diaper duty for Flynn while I'm on diaper duty for Evie. Unfortunately for him, Flynn had a little accident while we were pulling into the docks. But Rebecca stayed behind and is helping Eugene as we speak."

"They are getting so big." Elsa smiled down at Evie, "Three months old, right?"

"Yes. And surprisingly well-behaved. Well, Evie is at least. Poor Eugene got stuck with the troublemaking one. Like father like son."

Rapunzel giggled as Eugene casually strolled up behind them, baby Flynn in his arms, "Alright. We are changed, powdered, and clean. It wasn't easy but I'm not one to shy away from a challenge." He proudly held up Flynn, "Check it out."

Rapunzel rolled her eyes, "You seem to be very proud of your accomplishment considering Rebecca probably did most of the work."

"Trust me, this was no small feat." He turned his gaze to the Arendelle sisters and grinned, "How's it going?"

Anna giggled, "I missed hearing you two banter back and forth. It's adorable."

"I'm glad that we can keep you entertained. Oh and Rebecca will meet up with us shortly, she insisted on cleaning up the room before coming ashore." Eugene chuckled as he glanced around the docks, "So where's Kristoff?"

"He and Sven went out to the Valley of the Living Rock to make sure that the trolls have everything ready for tomorrow."

"Are they going to be attending the wedding?"

"Oh, no. We decided it would be best to not intermix the royal dignitaries with the trolls. Kristoff and I will be going up to the valley tomorrow after the reception and have a second ceremony with his family."

"Well that sounds like a lot of fun. You two will be extremely busy tomorrow."

"If you guys want to come, you are more than welcome to join us."

"Thanks for the invitation, Anna, but I'm afraid that would be very difficult with the twins. Sorry."

"That's alright, I understand." Anna looked Rapunzel up and down, noticing that her extremely long hair had been cut to her shoulders and her body shape was surprisingly slim, "By the way, you look amazing Rapunzel. You can't even tell that you had twins."

Rapunzel laughed, "Thanks." She took Evie from Elsa, "Keeping up with these two have definitely helped in whipping me back into shape." Little Evie happily clapped in response to being back in her mommy's arms, making Rapunzel grin.

Before they started to make their way back to the castle, one of the guards at docks informed Elsa and Anna that another ship had just pulled in. "We should go greet our guests." Elsa stated regretfully, "We'll see you two at the formal dinner tonight."

"We will be there." Rapunzel excitedly squeezed Anna's hand, "See you in a couple hours." The couple waved goodbye as a few guards escorted them to the castle.

"Who else are we missing? I thought Rapunzel and Eugene were one of the last guests?"

"I may have invited some people that weren't on the original guest list." Elsa couldn't help but smile as she led her sister to one of the docked ships, "I already told you how nobody from the Southern Isles will be coming since Hans will be acting as the representative from that kingdom."

"Yes. Thank, goodness, by the way. Talk about dodging a bullet, huh?"

"Very much so, yes." They stopped in front of a ship, "So with the absence of any Southern Isles guests arriving, I made some other arrangements."

Anna looked up at the ship just as a small brunette head popped above the railing, "Anna! Elsa!"

"Oh my…" Anna covered her mouth in sheer surprise, "Is that who I think it is?"

Elsa waved at the little girl, "Hi Diana!" She nudged her sister, "Don't be rude, say 'hi'."

"Hi Diana!" Anna enthusiastically waved, "Is your mom here too?!"

"Yeah! I'll go get her!" The little head disappeared as Diana ran off to find her mother.

"Elsa! How did you do this?! We worked so closely together for the last month, when did you find time to do this?"

"I've been known to work after hours quite often." Elsa smiled, "I figured you wouldn't mind if I invited our friends from London."

"You seriously just gave me the best wedding gift I could ever ask for!" Anna threw her arms around her sister, "Thank you!"

"I told you that I would do anything to make sure that you'll look back on your wedding day with nothing but fond memories." Elsa broke the hug and turned her sister around to face the guests coming down the gangplank, "Let's go say 'hello'."

Anna excitedly ran over to Diana and Juliette, "Hi! I can't believe you guys are here!" Anna scooped up Diana into her arms and spun her around, "How are you doing, Diana?"

"Good! I'm gonna be at your wedding, Anna!"

"I am so happy that you are! It wouldn't be any fun without you!" She gave Diana one last squeeze before putting her down so that she could hug her mother, "Hello, Juliette. I had no idea that you guys were coming."

"Bonjour, Princess. We received your wedding invitation about a monz ago. Queen Elsa wrote zat zis would be a surprise, so of course we had to come." Juliette still looked as young and beautiful as when they first met. Her dark brown hair nicely framing her petite face and her chocolate brown eyes practically sparkled.

"Something's different about you, Juliette." Anna studied her giddy body language, "What's new in London?"

"I did not want to bring it up since zis is your big day but…" She lifted her left hand, presenting a beautiful diamond engagement ring, "I am engaged."

"Oh my gosh!" Anna cooed over the ring, "Elsa, come here!"

The young queen, who was talking to Diana, hurried over, "What is it?"

"Look!" Anna grabbed Juliette's hand and practically shoved it into Elsa's face, "Juliette is engaged!"

"Congratulations! Who's the lucky man?"

"That would be me." Everyone turned toward a young man with bold blue eyes, light blond hair, and a huge grin on his face.

"Doctor Christopher Bello…" Anna shook her head with a smile, "I always knew there was something brewing beneath the surface between you two." They quickly hugged, "Congrats, by the way."

"Thank you, Princess. But I believe I should be congratulating you on your big day. How are you feeling?"

"I'm overjoyed at the moment. I am so excited that you guys are here." She laughed, "Kristoff is going to be so surprised. So will Hans, Eugene, and Rapunzel for that matter." Anna looked at her sister, "Unless they already know?"

"I didn't tell anyone. Not even Hans." Elsa smiled at the two women walking up to the group, "Hello, Hannah. Hello, Scarlett."

"What?!" Anna quickly turned around, "The surprise just keeps going and going!" Anna practically tackled Hannah in a huge hug, "You're here!"

Hannah laughed as she returned the hug, "Yes, I am. How are things in Arendelle?"

"Amazing now that you're all here!" Anna also hugged Scarlett, "I am so happy that you could come."

"I wouldn't miss this wedding for the world." Scarlett sincerely smiled, "Although I am surprised to have received an invitation."

"You saved our lives back in London. Without you, none of this would be happening." Elsa placed a gentle hand on Scarlett's shoulder, "We are indebted to you."

"Well I am not so sure that I saved you as much as you saved me. But thanks anyways." Scarlett cleared her throat, "So that was a little too deep for my taste. Where are the drinks? I could go for one right about now."

"Right this way." Elsa laughed as she led the entire troop to the castle.

As they entered the castle courtyard, Hannah sidled up to Elsa, "I was a bit surprised to hear that no one from the Southern Isles would be attending the wedding. Being that Arendelle is one of its closest allies."

"Well King Richard figured that Hans was representation enough."

"Hm. Speaking of Hans, how is he?"

"Why don't you ask him yourself? He's right over there." Elsa nodded toward the castle doors where Hans was directing servants as to where the large bouquets in their arms would go.

Hannah smiled as she tightened the scarf that was hiding her noticeably bright red hair, "It really wouldn't be proper to surprise him in front of the staff. Especially since I don't want to attract too much attention to myself."

"Do not worry about a thing. I know how to get Hans alone. Have Anna bring you to my study in five minutes." And with that Elsa took off ahead of everyone and confidently walked up to her husband, "Hans, I need to talk to you in my study."

Hans dismissed the servants before turning to his wife with a naughty smile, "Do you really want to talk or is it more along the lines that you want to talk?" He winked.

Elsa blushed when she realized what he was referring to, "Really talk this time." She headed inside the palace, "Come on."

"Is everything alright?"

"Yes, everything is going great. Very excited about tomorrow." Elsa opened the door leading to her study and ushered Hans inside.

Hans walked into the study and then turned around with a confused look on his face, "Okay, this is getting weird. If everything's alright, then why do you need to privately talk to me?" He quickly looked her up and down, "Unless there is news you wish to deliver?"

"I'm still not pregnant." Elsa rolled her eyes.

Hans took a step closer to her, filling the space between them, "Elsa, what's going on?"

"Umm…" Elsa glanced at the clock behind Hans, wondering where Anna and Hannah were, "Have I told you I love you today?"

"Yes. This morning, after we-"

"That's right…" Elsa giggled, "That was fun." She pursed her lips together, trying to think of something else to say, "Wonderful weather we're having, huh? Very temperate." Hans' head jerked back in amusement. He opened his mouth to say something when there was a familiar knock on the door. "Oh, thank goodness!" Elsa turned around and threw open the door, "Anna, what took you so long?"

"Sorry, I got distracted." Anna poked her head into the study, "Hello, Hans. I have a surprise for you."

Hans crossed his arms with a small smirk on his face, "Alright?" Anna hurried into the room, dragging Hannah in behind her while Elsa closed the door to ensure privacy. Hans' smug expression quickly faded as genuine disbelief took its place, "Mom?"

"Hello, Hans. Surprised?"

"I-yes!" He hurried forward and tightly hugged his mother, "What are you doing here?"

Anna crossed her arms, "Now I'm going to pretend that he did not just ask that."

"I'm sorry, of course, you're here for the wedding." Hans grinned, "I didn't know you were coming though."

Hannah rolled her eyes, "Well yeah, that's because it was meant to be a surprise."

"Well I am definitely surprised." Hans chuckled, "I can only assume that this is why Elsa was acting so strange."

Elsa placed her hands on her hips, "I wasn't-"

"Temperate weather?" Hans raised a knowing eyebrow at her.

Elsa raised her hands in defeat, "Enough said." She opened the door, "Now I've got a couple more things to do before dinner. I'll see everyone later."

"Do you need my help with anything?" Anna followed her sister out of the study, "I mean it is my wedding, after all."

"No, no." Elsa nervously laughed, "You've done enough. I can do the rest by myself."

"Alright. If you're sure?"

"Definitely sure." Elsa hurried down the hall, "I'll see you at dinner!"

Anna watched her sister practically run down the hallway with a perplexed expression on her face. She couldn't remember what else was left to do prior to the wedding, but whatever Elsa was doing was obviously very important…and secretive.

"You ready?" Anna straightened Kristoff's ascot as they stood outside of the dining hall.

"Ready as I'll ever be." Kristoff sighed. He looked down at his fiancé, "You look beautiful, by the way."

"Thank you. You clean up pretty well yourself." A small smirk played across her lips as she tried to lighten his anxiety. "Just think. Tomorrow at this time we'll be married and most of the festivities will be over. Then we're off to the Valley."

"I can't believe this is actually happening. I mean, we've always talked about this stuff but to actually see it becoming a reality. It's…I don't know how to explain it-"

"Scary?" Anna mindlessly finished.

"Not exactly the word I'd use."

"Well I would." Her hands started to fidget, "I'm scared."

"You?" Kristoff held her fidgeting hands.

"Everything is changing so quickly. I finally got used to Elsa and Hans being married and that whole dynamic. And now it's our turn and the dynamics are going to be completely different. Like I can't get over the fact that tonight is going to be the last time I'll sleep in my old bed or sleep by myself."

"Anna, if you're uncomfortable about sharing a bed-"

"I'm not. I'm really okay with it. I am actually looking forward to going to bed and waking up with you beside me. Along with all the other perks." Anna giggled as she diverted her gaze.

"Anna?" She silently looked up at Kristoff with wide eyes, "Don't be scared. We've battled worse and we always come out stronger than before. And I'll always be right beside you for every step of the way, for the rest of my life. I promise."

"You are so much better than the Prince Charming I dreamed about when I was little." Anna smiled as they swung their intertwined hands back and forth.

"Are you two ready?" Elsa's voice startled the oblivious couple.

"Oh!" Anna laughed as she placed a hand on her chest, "Elsa, you scared me!"

"Sorry about that. Kai just informed me that everyone has been seated. Are we ready?"

"Yes, I think so. But I still don't understand why our friends from London can't join our formal dinner?"

"That wouldn't be proper, Anna. All of the guests are either royalty or foreign dignitaries. Although we don't mind eating with people 'below our class', our guests might think otherwise."

Anna crossed her arms, "Well maybe we should do something about that."

"I am not ready to open that can of worms, Anna, I'm sorry. We'll see our friends later this evening for a late night gathering."

"Alright." As Elsa started to walk away, Anna called out, "By the way, did you finish everything you wanted to do before dinner?"

Elsa turned around with a big grin on her face, "Yes, I did. Everything is perfect."

It was a little after nine by the time the formal dinner ended and Anna, Kristoff, Elsa, and Hans were finally on their way to the parlor to gather with their friends from London. The dinner had gone surprisingly well, much better than anyone could have hoped for. It also helped a great deal that nobody from the Southern Isles (other than Hans) was present to rile up any unnecessary tensions. Kristoff was quite relieved that a good portion of the discussion was divided between Rapunzel and Eugene's adventures as new parents and Elsa and Hans' most recent changes in the Arendelle military. Whenever someone did converse with Kristoff it was mostly about how he and Anna had met, along with how he had "rescued" her and brought her back to the castle. Despite the elephant in the room, most of the guests were very accepting of Kristoff's social standing and even gave him some tips on how to blend in to the more formal events he would have to start taking part in. Overall, the formal dinner had left everyone feeling quite optimistic about the wedding and the festivities that would follow.

"Good evening, everyone." Elsa was the first to walk into the parlor, "I apologize for the late hour, but the dinner went a little long."

"There is no need to apologize nor to worry. We quite enjoyed the wonderful meal that your staff prepared for us." Hannah waved her hand toward an empty seat, "Take a load off, sweetie, you work too hard."

"Thanks." Elsa obliged as she plopped onto the sofa across from Hannah's seat.

"Elsa?" Diana walked up to the queen with wide eyes, "Can you do the magic?"

"Diana, I zink Queen Elsa would like to just relax for a little moment." Juliette kindly reprimanded her daughter.

"It's alright, Juliette. And please call me Elsa." Elsa got off the couch and elegantly sat on the floor with Diana, "You ready?"

Diana excitedly nodded as Elsa conjured a small whirlwind of snow between her hands before she released a mini burst of snow upward that resulted in a little snowfall that fell around Diana who giddily clapped and danced around, "This is amazing!"

"I used to say that all the time." Everyone looked toward the door to find Anna and Kristoff standing there with their hands intertwined and content smiles on their faces. "Elsa used to turn the entire ballroom into a winter wonderland when we were young. Now that was amazing." Anna laughed as she headed to the vacant sofa with Kristoff in tow.

"Really?" Breathed Diana, "Elsa, can we go to the ballroom?"

"I'm sorry, Diana, but the ballroom is already decorated for Anna and Kristoff's wedding tomorrow. We can't mess up the decorations. Perhaps the day after the wedding?"

"Okay!" Diana scooted onto Elsa's lap and leaned back against her chest, "Can you do the magic again?" Elsa smiled as she held out her hand and placed Diana's little hands underneath her hand before she released a few snowflakes, watching her young eyes fill with wonder and awe.

As Elsa continued playing with Diana, the others continued with their own conversation. About twenty-minutes later Hans walked in with Rapunzel and Eugene, "Look who I found just wandering around the corridors?"

"We weren't wandering, we were enjoying the silence. It's a rarity nowadays." Eugene chuckled as he and Rapunzel sat on the love seat across from Juliette and Christopher, "By the way, congrats on the engagement you two."

"Merci." Juliette and Christopher replied at the same time.

"And congrats on the twins, Your Highness." Christopher added, "They must keep you two very busy."

"Fortunately, the parent to newborn ratio is equal. If we were to have had triplets then we would be in serious trouble." Rapunzel laughed.

"Speaking of the little mess makers, where are they?" Scarlett piped up as she sipped a glass of wine from her seat beside Hannah.

"Rebecca is watching them. We would have brought them but it was too far past their bedtime." Rapunzel yawned as she cuddled against Eugene while he wrapped an arm around her shoulders, "Speaking of bedtime, I am so tired, I almost fell asleep while feeding them earlier today."

"It looks like you're not the only tired one here." Hans chuckled as he sat on the floor beside Elsa, while Diana was fast asleep in her lap. "And what happened here?"

"She had an exciting day to say the least." Elsa smiled down at Diana while she gently brushed her bangs out of her sleeping face.

Juliette started to stand up, "Elsa, I can take Diana. You do not have to trouble yourself."

"It's no trouble at all. Please sit. I quite enjoy this, it's very relaxing."

Despite the late hour, the group managed to strike up a rather lengthy conversation filled with laughter and good memories. The talked about everything from Christopher and Juliette's proposal to Rapunzel and Eugene's new life as parents to marriage advice for the soon-to-be newlyweds. It was quite refreshing to enjoy a lively conversation with good company in comparison to the lonely past the Arendelle castle had gone through for so many years. Before anyone knew it, it was quickly coming upon midnight.

"Uh-no." Rapunzel sat up a little straighter, "It's almost midnight."

"And?" Eugene raised a confused eyebrow.

"You know the rules. The groom can't see the bride before the wedding and once it hits midnight, then it will be May 7th, the wedding day!"

"So basically my wife is kicking you out, Kristoff. Sorry, man." Eugene chuckled.

"Well if I'm being honest with myself, I think going to bed might do me some good." Kristoff stood up and stretched.

"Wait, we can't end this evening without a proper send off. This is Anna and Kristoff's last night being single. It needs to be special." Scarlett stood up and walked toward the bar.

"What did you have in mind?" Kristoff cocked an eyebrow.

"I'm not one to turn down an honest wholehearted toast." Scarlett brought out a bottle of champagne, "Who's with me?"

"As long as we can do it within the next five minutes, I am all for it."

As Scarlett started to fill up the champagne flutes, Rapunzel piped up, "No champagne for me, please. I'm avoiding alcohol until the twins are done with the breastfeeding phase just to be safe."

"Sure thing." Scarlett filled Rapunzel's glass with apple juice.

"And no champagne for me too, Scarlett." Everyone turned toward Elsa with surprise, "I don't like to drink alcohol this late. It messes up my sleep and I don't want to risk not being 100% for the wedding tomorrow." Elsa shrugged, "Besides, I don't want Rapunzel to be the odd one out."

"Thanks, Elsa." Rapunzel giggled.

"Alright, here we are. Eight champagnes and two apple juices." Scarlett walked over with the tray, "Who wants to make the toast?"

"I will." Hannah stood up, "I imagine that Anna, Kristoff, Elsa, and Hans will have their say tomorrow, so I would like to say my peace now. Of course, anyone else is free to speak up as well." Everyone stood up and raised their glasses, "Most people get married believing a myth that marriage is a beautiful box full of all the things they have longed for: companionship, intimacy, friendship, etc. The truth is that marriage at the start is an empty box. You must put something in before you can take anything out. There is no love in marriage. Love is in people. And people put love in marriage. There is no romance in marriage. You have to infuse it into your marriage. A couple must learn the art and form the habit of giving, loving, serving, praising, keeping the box full. If you take out more than you put in, the box will be empty. With that, I pray that you two will always remember when you first met and the strong love that grew between you. To work that love into practical things so nothing can divide you. Ask for words both kind and loving and hearts always ready to ask forgiveness as well as forgive."

"I would like to say something." Rapunzel cleared her throat, "Sometimes you have to dig through a whole lot of dirt to find a diamond. But trust me, it's there. There's nothing more beautiful on this earth than walking through life with your best friend by your side, unless it's making a family with that best friend which is one blessing on top of another."

"Surprisingly enough, I actually have something to say as well." Eugene chuckled, "Anna. Kristoff. Make your marriage your own. Don't look at other marriages and wish you had something else. Work to shape your marriage so that it is satisfying for both of you." Eugene looked around the room, "Anyone else? We have about a minute until midnight."

"Sure. Even though I'm not married, I'd like to depart words of wisdom of my own." Scarlett smirked, "Marriage is getting to have a sleep over with your best friend, ever single night of the week." Everyone laughed.

Juliette raised her glass even higher, "To Anna and Kristoff!"

"Anna and Kristoff!" Everyone cheered as they clinked glasses. As soon as they finished their drinks, the clock struck midnight.

"Ah! Anna! Kristoff! You two can't see each other anymore!" Rapunzel playfully, yet forcefully, pushed Kristoff towards the door.

"I'll see you in a few hours, Anna."

"Don't talk to her! As of now, Anna is off limits!" Rapunzel pushed him out of the parlor and closed the door, dusting off her hands with pride, "There we go. All is well."

"Goodnight everyone. Thanks for a fun evening." Kristoff talked through the door.

Elsa looked at Hans with a pointed glance at the door. Hans sighed as he walked towards the door, "I'll walk him back to his room. Not that he needs me too…" He opened the door, "Goodnight everyone."

Everyone responded with their goodnights as he left the parlor. Once Hans spotted Kristoff, he easily caught up with his very slow easygoing pace, "Hey."

Kristoff glanced down at Hans, "Hey." They silently walked side-by-side for a few seconds before Kristoff spoke up again, "Is there a reason as to why you're walking me back to my room?"

"Nope. Just doing what the wife requested."

Kristoff chuckled, "I've been there before with Anna. Oh man, have I been there before."

"Care to elaborate on that?"

"Not really." Kristoff smirked, "Did Elsa send you to make sure that I was okay about getting kicked out? Because I really am fine with going to bed. It was getting pretty late anyways."

"I honestly don't know why she sent me. But I don't blame you, I am thoroughly exhausted. I am all for going to sleep, considering how big of a day tomorrow will be."

"I think you mean today. It's past midnight remember?"

"Right. Sorry." They walked up to Kristoff's bedroom door and another awkward silence fell between them.

"I'm not going to kiss you."

"What?!" Hans staggered back.

"You know, at the end of a date you walk them to the door in hopes of receiving a kiss goodnight." Kristoff smirked, "That's not going to happen. Sorry, Hans."

"Get off it, Bjorgman." Hans disapprovingly shook his head, but he couldn't stop a small smile from forming on his face, "I'll be by your room around seven to make sure you are up and fed. Then again at nine to make sure you are dressed and ready to go by ten."

"Alright. Thanks." Kristoff opened the door and looked back at Hans, "Goodnight."

"Goodnight." Hans nodded his head before he walked away. He casually walked through the maze of hallways, observing the array of flowers and banners that lined every corridor. A small flame of nostalgia burned in his heart as he reminisced about his and Elsa's wedding which took place a little less than a year ago. So much had happened in one year's time and that both excited and worried Hans. In just one year, everyone he cared for had tempted the fates one way or another with their near-death experiences. What would happen in the years to come? Would it get easier? He surely hoped so. But there was always the chance that things could get a whole lot uglier, too. Especially with James Jagger in their jurisdiction. Although Jagger claimed that VORTEX was only a London operation, Thomas Sullivan had preached the complete opposite. One of them was right and Hans feared that person was Sullivan. Sooner or later, VORTEX was going to rear its ugly head and Hans wondered if they would be ready to face that battle.

Finally reaching his bedroom door, Hans could hear Elsa humming inside and that put a smile on his face. Hans took one last look at the decorated hallway before knocking and opening the door, "You decent?"

"Actually I'm not."

"Even better." Hans stuck his head in and frowned, "You really shouldn't tease me like that, Elsa."

Elsa was sitting on the edge of the bed, fully dressed in her nightgown and robe, calmly brushing out her long silver locks with a smirk on her face, "I just wanted to see what you'd do. And now I know."

"Interesting." He stepped inside and closed the door behind him, "I'm actually quite surprised that you're here. I would have thought that everyone would have had a hard time calling it a night."

"Quite the opposite, really. Once you and Kristoff left and things calmed down, we all realized how tired we all were. No more than 5 minutes later we were saying our goodnights and headed our separate ways."

"Really? How was Anna?"

"Exhausted. She hasn't been sleeping well."

"Hmm. Been there."

"Pre-wedding jitters?"

"Well, for me it was more like nightmares about my father ruining the wedding. But it's basically the same thing."

Elsa softly laughed as she slid under the covers and leaned back on her pillow, "How's Kristoff?"

"Surprisingly calm. I'm not going to question it, though. If life is going to give us a break, then who are we to turn it down?" He sighed as he slipped off his jacket, "That was sweet what you did though."

"Thanks. What did I do exactly?"

"Promised Diana to turn the ballroom into a winter wonderland for her after the wedding."

"How did you-?"

"I like to think of it as a gift." He walked over to his wardrobe and started getting out his sleepwear.

"You were spying on us in the parlor?"

"Call it what you will. But it proved something."

"That you need to quit sneaking around the castle like an outsider?"

"No." He turned around and sincerely smiled at his wife, "It proved that you could be a good mother, even with your powers."

"Huh…I didn't even realize that. To be honest, I wasn't afraid of hurting Diana at all."

"And you shouldn't be. You are in control of your powers, Elsa. Not the other way around."

Elsa smiled at her husband, "Thanks. I would kiss you but I'm over here and you're all the way over there. And I'm not getting out of bed. It's too comfy." She snuggled under the covers, "How about a raincheck?"

"I'll hold you to that." He chuckled as he finished getting ready for bed. A few minutes later he was climbing into bed while glancing over at his wife, "Hey, Elsa?"

"Hm?"

"Are you asleep?"

"Yes."

"Okay." Hans blew out the last of the candles and turned back to bed.

A couple minutes passed before Elsa turned over so that she was facing her husband, "Hans?"

"Hm?"

"Are you asleep?"

"Maybe."

"I wanted to talk to you about something."

Hans slowly opened his eyes, "Something good or something bad?" Elsa opened her mouth to answer when there was a knock on the door. With a groan, Hans sat up, "Who's knocking on our door at one in the morning?"

Elsa, on the other hand, immediately hopped out of bed, "It's Anna. I recognize her knock." Elsa hurried over to the door and poked her head out of the room to find her sister standing there with her arms wrapped around her midsection, "Anna, what's wrong?"

"I'm sorry to be bugging you at this horridly late hour-"

"You're not bugging me. I wasn't even asleep yet."

Anna lifted her eyes and took in Elsa's nightgown and the darkened bedroom behind her, "Yeah, right."

"Come one. Talk to me. What's wrong?"

"I can't sleep."

Elsa's eyebrows shot up, "Really? I thought you were exhausted, Anna."

"I am exhausted. I want nothing more than a good night's rest. Especially since I'm getting married in a few hours." She tiredly rubbed her forehead, "I don't know what to do, Elsa."

Elsa bit her lip as she tried to think of a solution, "Stay right here." She closed the door and hurried into the room.

"Everything alright?" Hans sleepily rubbed his eyes.

"It will be." Elsa grabbed her slippers and robe, "I'm sorry to do this to you, but I need to go with Anna."

"Huh?"

Elsa leaned over him and kissed his forehead, "Just get some sleep."

"I thought you wanted to talk about something."

"It's not that important."

"If it wasn't important to you would not have been willing to discuss it at one in the morning."

"It's not that urgent." Elsa hurried over to the door, "Love you. Goodnight." She opened the door and grabbed her sister's hand, "Come on. We're going to get you some sleep." Elsa purposely strode through the halls and led Anna back to her own bedroom. Once in Anna's bedroom, Elsa nodded towards the bed, "Get comfy."

Anna obediently did as she was told as she hopped into bed and snuggled under the covers, "What are you going to do? Drug me?"

Elsa couldn't help but laugh as she tucked her sister into bed, "No, I'm not. That's more of a last resort kind of thing."

"So weren't not at the last resort?"

Elsa grabbed Anna's hairbrush, "Not yet." She nudged her sister, "Move over." As Anna scooted over, Elsa sat at the edge of her bed and calmly started to brush her sister's hair, "So what's really bothering you?"

"I honestly don't know. If I did, I'd know how to fix it." Anna yawned as Elsa continued brushing her hair.

"Are these just pre-wedding jitters?"

"Maybe. I didn't think I was nervous but I guess that could be it. Were you nervous the night before your wedding, Elsa?"

"I couldn't allow myself to get nervous. I wanted to be nervous, but at the same time, I didn't want to freeze my room. But it's definitely a normal reaction. This is a huge leap for you and Kristoff. Some may even say that this may be the scariest leap you will make in your lifetime. So, yes, there is very good reason to feel anxious about it." She stopped brushing Anna's hair, "But you know what?"

"What?"

"It's also the most exciting leap you may take in your lifetime."

"More exciting than leaping off a two-hundred foot cliff?"

"Oh yes, it is far more thrilling than that." Elsa laughed.

"And thing's won't be too different right? We'll still hang out with each other?"

"Well of course. You're not going anywhere. I'm certainly not going anywhere. What made you think that things would become so different that we wouldn't see each other?"

"I don't know. I figured that since I was getting married, I'd have to spend a lot more time with Kristoff, which is fine, but I don't want to sacrifice our time together as well."

"Anna, believe it or not, you won't be spending that much extra time with Kristoff. I mean, Hans and I hardly see each other at all during the day. So it probably won't be any different than the amount of time you're spending with him right now. Except, of course, you and him will have a lot more private time, if you catch my meaning."

Anna giggled, "That's right, I forgot about that."

Elsa continued brushing her sister's hair in silence for a couple more minutes. Although it had been several years, this is something their mother would do with them every night to help them sleep, and when Anna occasionally had nightmares in the middle of the night or couldn't fall back asleep due to thunderstorms, Elsa would take up their mother's tradition and brush Anna's hair until she fell asleep. Unfortunately, once Anna and Elsa were separated, these nighttime traditions ceased to exist. "Feeling a little better? Perhaps even sleepy?"

Anna yawned, "Yeah."

"Good." Elsa stood up and placed the brush on Anna's nightstand.

"Elsa? I know this may sound childish but…can you stay here with me?"

"Absolutely. It's been a while since we've had a sleep over."

Anna scooted over as Elsa climbed into the bed, "Wanna hear something funny?"

"Sure."

"I told Kristoff earlier about how it would be weird knowing that tonight would be my last time sleeping by myself in my old bed. And yet here I am, wanting to share my last night as an unmarried woman with someone. Funny, huh?"

"Maybe that is what's been bothering you. You've been feeling some sort of nostalgia and seek something of comfort before taking this big step."

"That may very well be." Anna yawned as she rested her head on Elsa's shoulder, "Thanks for doing this, Elsa. I know I'm asking a lot from you."

"There's no place I'd rather be. Honestly."

"Not even cuddled up next to Hans?"

"Not even that." Elsa smiled down at her sister, "But don't tell him I said that."

"My lips are sealed." Anna closed her eyes, "Goodnight."

Elsa wrapped an arm around Anna's shoulders and rested her head on top of her sister's head, "Sweet dreams, Anna."

Please review! The final chapter should be up in about 1-2 weeks. Have a good week! :)