(A/N: I was up late finishing Frozen: Dangerous Secrets. For those not familiar with that title, it is a great book about Agnarr and Iduna. I highly recommend you get the eBook version if you are trying to save money, since it's cheaper AND you'll get it instantly and not have to wait on shipping. It's a great book. Let me know in your reviews or PM what you think of the book. You think we'll ever get a book or a Frozen 3 that finally explores Kristoff since there's still so much we don't know about him?)
CHAPTER NINE: JUST A SILLY DREAM
The Ice Harvester Guild was going to have their annual event at Ymir's Lodge. Elsa smiled, recalling the wonderful time she had, making new friends, showing them her magic and being proposed to by Kristoff. Usually, it was appropriate to first spend several months courting the woman of interest before popping the question, but she and Kristoff already knew what they felt for each other in their hearts. Her first instinct was to turn away but being with Kristoff just felt so...right. She didn't regret her choice to marry Kristoff and she never will. The happy memories faded into immense nervousness as she saw Ayla's home getting closer and closer with each hesitant step. It was ironic because she was the queen and Ayla was the commoner. It was usually the other way around when she first reached out to her people.
She felt guilt for pressing Ayla about her secret feelings for Aesir, but she felt compelled to resolve whatever conflict was between her and Aesir and Anna due to witnessing how distant and guarded Ayla became around them after Aesir was attacked. If there was secretly ill will between the three, it was one of her many duties as Queen to discover the problem and find a solution. Despite the spark of hope that came from Anna's report that Ayla was doing much better, Elsa felt the guilty and needed to do something to apologize for putting her friend through such pain. Elsa couldn't imagine harboring such feelings for Kristoff and then learning he was already in a relationship with Anna. I wonder what that would've looked like. Elsa shook her head, No more distractions, Elsa. You need to do this. She was surprised to see Ayla's door wide open and approached cautiously.
Elsa smiled watching Ayla paint a large canvas over a tarp like she was possessed by a demon, using none of her brushes, but her bare hands. Elsa was a neat freak, so she cringed behind a smile, watching the mess her new friend was making. What is she painting? She moved her head to the side to get a better glance, but Ayla kept getting the way to get a spot from a better angle before she froze, noticing the shadow silhouette on the wall in front of her. Ayla turned to see Queen Elsa standing there with a smile. Ayla looked at the mess and quickly closed the door, distraught her home was in such a state of disorder in the presence of the Queen. "Ayla?!"
"Just a moment, Your Majesty. I- I need to clean this up." Ayla called back from inside.
"It's okay, Ayla. I don't mind. I have a wild little sister, a mountain man for a husband and a son whose just as messy as his aunt and father combined," Elsa tried to assure her, but it was pointless. Ayla was a devoted citizen of Arendelle who cared greatly about her image and the state of her home. You'd make a good wife to someone someday, she thought with a smile before the door quickly opened and there stood Ayla panting.
"You okay?" Elsa giggled.
Ayla couldn't speak so she just smiled and nodded before inviting her into the home. In the few seconds Ayla had, she quickly cleared the living room of her art stuff and cleaned her hands and face of paint. Elsa smiled at how clean and orderly the room was in contrast to a few seconds ago. 'A fast worker', indeed.
"What can I do for you, Your Majesty? May I offer you something to drink?" Ayla had her painting leaning against the couch so it could dry.
"No thanks, but thank you for offering, Ayla. I didn't mean to disturb you, but I had something I wanted to run by you and see if you were interested," Elsa explained, drawn to Ayla's most recent painting but Ayla quickly covered it with a blanket that was on the couch and asked nervously, "Really? What would that be?" Ayla didn't want Elsa to see the painting, at least not yet, and Elsa didn't abuse her authority to demand to see it but stepped away and carried on the conversation to respect Ayla's privacy.
"I hear you and Anna spent some time together," Elsa said, walking away to a nearby chair. "I'm glad you two were able to enjoy each other's company."
"I glad too, Your Majesty," Ayla agreed and Elsa sighed with disappointment. "Is something wrong?"
"You are being too formal again. Just call me Elsa, Ayla. I reserve that privilege for those closest to me," Elsa explained, "I leave the formalities to those outside my social circle."
Ayla was speechless, having the Queen place her in such a favored spot in her life. "I-I'll-I'll try, Your Majesty."
"Ayla," Elsa said more firmly with an arched eyebrow.
"I'm sorry, Your Maj- I mean, Queen El- I mean-!" Ayla panicked, spooked by the hint of regal firmness in Elsa's voice. She became silent when Elsa started laughing.
"Oh, never mind, Ayla. Address me in whatever way makes you comfortable," Elsa laughed.
Ayla calmed down after that and Elsa continued, "My husband was once an ice harvester. To this day, he remains good friends with his old crew. The Ice Harvester Guild is throwing their annual gathering event this weekend. Kristoff and I will be attending and taking our son Joseph. Would you like to attend as well? We would leave Friday morning and returning Sunday morning."
Ayla turned away and watched her grandfather outside with his cane in the Market Square sweet talking an elderly lady. "Four days and three nights? I've never been away from my grandfather that long. I'm responsible for him. He has health issues and can't take care of himself."
Elsa planned ahead and anticipated Ayla's hesitation since she saw much of herself in her and suggested, "I have a doctor and maids who could tend to your grandfather while you're away." Ayla was silent, which was the only cue Elsa needed that she wore out her welcome and headed for the door, "Take your time and just think about it." Ayla's grandfather passed Elsa on the way back to the house. She secretly met with him and explained. He was all for his granddaughter having a small vacation from life. She deserved it.
"Did she accept?" he asked. Elsa didn't need to say anything and he asked with a chuckle, "She's that scared to leave her granddaddy, huh?" If there was one thing in this vast world Ayla cared for more than herself and her art, it was his well-being. The respect and love his granddaughter had for him warmed his heart every day.
"Maybe I overstep my boundaries," Elsa thought out loud.
"Nonsense. Leave it to me. I'll convince her to attend. Stop by the place and I'll have her ready Friday morning," the elderly man promised which reassured Elsa. Ayla deserved a break, working as hard as she does to support her and her grandfather. However, that wasn't the only reason she wanted Ayla to attend though. A smile came across her lips, recalling Kristoff mentioning young men in the guild. Perhaps Ayla would catch their eye and start a spark. If there was one thing that Anna's relationship with Aesir has taught her is that a broken heart can find healing in the love of another person.
Ayla's grandfather walked back to the house, leaning on his old, wooden cane for support. He smiled at his young granddaughter as she uncovered her latest painting and was checking a few spots. He found the composition chilling and disturbing. The canvas was on it side, allowing more space for a more appealing composition.
The background was red like blood and there was a young woman on her knees towards the bottom that strongly resembled Ayla. Towering over her from behind was a tall, dark fallen angel with worn black wings and fiery red eyes. One arm wrapped around her like Death's cold embrace and the other hand held a wicked looking knife drenched in blood. Black feathers from the angel's gradual torn wings flowed around both the figures in her painting. His face was even paler than usual, being a superstitious man. Ayla noticed and hid the painting from his eyes. He asked her, "Your visions are getting worse, aren't they?"
"You and your superstitions," Ayla laughed and reminded her spooked grandfather, "It was just a silly dream. I use them for inspiration for my work. You know that." Why was he making her paintings into something they weren't?
"Yes, of course. Pardon me, my dear. Just the ramblings of a tired old fool," he chuckled, more for his own sake than her's. "What did the Queen wish to speak with you about?"
"She was inviting me to an annual gathering at a lodge that the Ice Harvesters do. It'll be this weekend. She says they'll be leaving Friday morning and be back Sunday morning," Ayla explained.
"I sense a BUT coming," he said and she froze briefly. "You should go, dear. Enjoy yourself."
Ayla went to her grandfather and took his wrinkled hand in her's. "I can't. Who will get you medicine if you have coughing fits again? Who will cook you your meals and clean the house?"
"I managed for some time before your parents passed away. I'll be okay for a few days. Go, enjoy your youth while you can," he replied warmly, stroking her worried face, "Get rid of that frown and give your grandfather a smile or you'll get wrinkles like me." He laughed and Ayla's worried expression melted into a smile.
"Okay. Elsa volunteered her doctor and staff to tend to you while I was gone," Ayla shared.
"Really?" her grandfather asked, trying to act dumb, but was completely obvious to Ayla. "Aw, yes. I now recall speaking with the queen while you were out running errands. Darn my old head. My memory is not what it used to be."
"You're conspiring with the Queen against me," Ayla smiled.
"Oh, hush. Go get packed. I promised her Majesty you would be waiting outside the house tomorrow morning," he spoke up and she rushed to her room and packed a bag of clothing, completely forgetting the painting she just finished and the ominous message it spoke.
He left for the palace. He needed to speak with Queen Elsa immediately since the painting stirred an unshakable fear in his aged heart. Luckily, he was able to catch up with Elsa before she returned in the gates, "Queen Elsa?"
Elsa turned to see the elderly man she just spoke with and smiled, "Were you able to convince her already? Ayla must get her fast work ethic from you."
"Yes, and she gets that from her mother, but that's not why I'm here," he replied.
Elsa noticed how pale he looked and how he acted very worried. She stepped closer and laid a cold hand on his cheek. "What's wrong?"
The elderly man was silent and hesitant, working out what he was going to say. I trust you, Your Majesty, but I can't reveal the secret of our family. "I just need you to promise me something concerning my granddaughter."
Elsa became more curious, "Anything."
"I need her to remain by your side at all times. NEVER is she allowed to venture off on her own," he replied with a firm, serious tone. "Promise me this. I know as long as she's near you, she'll be safe. Please, promise me, Your Majesty."
Elsa could feel the importance of his request as she looked into his tired and fearful eyes. "I promise. She'll be safe. You have my word."
Elsa watched as life returned to his face and relief came over his entire body. He smiled a grateful smile and slowly turned to head back home. She remained where she was, right before the small bridge that led to the palace gates, watching Ayla's grandfather disappear from her sight. As she walked across the bridge, she was deep in thought over his request. I just need you to promise me something concerning my granddaughter. I need her to remain by your side at all times. NEVER is she allowed to venture off on her own. Promise me this. I know as long as she's near you, she'll be safe. Please, promise me, Your Majesty.
There was something he wasn't telling her, but she forced it out of her mind for now. It was pointless to fixate. She walked to the stables and snuck on Kristoff as he brushed Sven and wrapped her arms around him without a word and just enjoyed his warmth. He smiled, looking over his shoulder at his wife's smiling face. She made herself comfortable, pressing her body against his firm back and letting her hands travel over his broad chest. "Back for seconds?" Kristoff asked with a mischievous grin.
Elsa shot him a look as she playfully pushed him away. "Just so you know…last night was for you. ALL for you. I wanted you to remember I love you, Kristoff. No other man could ever replace you or steal me away from you. To think you off all people would doubt me…after everything we have been through together. I-"
Kristoff's smile faded and he put the brush down as she talked, grabbing his wife's hands and sitting on a nearby stool. "I know. Elsa, I'm- I shouldn't have-"
Elsa immediately leaned in and kissed him, "Don't EVER doubt my love for you again. Got it?"
After she threatened him, Kristoff smiled THAT smile as he tried to pull her close, but Elsa just smiled and rolled her eyes before pressing her hand against his face and shoving him into the open stall behind him that was full of fresh hay, making him tip over on his stool and cause an explosion of hay. She stepped closer with a smug smile but with a regal stance with her hands clasped in front of her waist and her head held high. Kristoff looked up at her, his blonde hair littered as he smiled and titled his head before quickly grabbing Elsa's hand and pulling her into the hay with him.
Elsa giggled as they wrestled in the hay, making it fly into the air and back down on them. Despite Elsa's small frail appearance, she was MUCH stronger physically. Kristoff knew first hand as he finally wrestled her into submission…or she let him win to spare his ego? That did sound like something she would do.
Elsa's hands were pinned against the hay beneath her and she stopped struggling, smiling at her husband who looked down at her. "Either you're getting stronger or I'm getting weaker," he commented.
Elsa's smile grew and an eye brow arched. "Hmm. What a head scratcher."
Kristoff and Elsa stared into each other's eyes, each second was increasing in intensity before Kristoff finally kissed his wife slowly. Elsa was still distracted by Ayla in her mind and Kristoff could tell. "What's wrong?"
"I invited Ayla. You mentioned young men have joined the Guild. I thought maybe if another man showed her interest, it would help her get over Aesir and move on. Her grandfather was able to convince her but had the strangest conversation with me before I returned. He wants me to keep Ayla close."
"He is her grandfather. He's just worried about her being away from home," Kristoff suggested.
"No, I think it's more than that. He seemed terrified when he approached me. I don't know why," Elsa replied as Kristoff picked the strands of straw from her messed up blond hair.
"I'm sure it's not as serious as you're making it. As for what you're doing for Ayla. It's nice…but should you get involved in someone else's personal life? How do you know she wants to dive into that again after she just had her heart broken?"
He was right but Elsa responded, "I'm not trying to force her to fall in love. I am merely introducing her to potential matches and she can decide for herself as nature takes care of the rest. These young men…tell me about them."
"First, there's Daniel whose kind of loud and trying to lift the heavier blocks of ice. Probably, not the best for her. Erik, on the other hand, is pretty perfect. Strong. Kind. Quick to help others. Then there's Ezekiel, a kid from Africa after moving here with his aunt. He's okay, but not much of a talker."
As Kristoff listed a couple more, Elsa remained focus on only one out of the few names he listed and shared about. Erik.
The rest of the day went normally. Everyone performed their duties and tasks as the day demanded of them. Before they knew it, a new day was upon them. One of the cooks in the palace entered the kitchen to aid in making breakfast. Olina's face lit up seeing the young man, "Good morning, Damon."
Damon was a young man, early 20s with brown hair. It took him a few years of working in the palace to establish his position and build a reputation by earning everyone's favor and trust. Today was the day he trained and prepared for years. He reached into his pocket to pull out a vial of poison and he quickly dumped it into the bowl of oatmeal Olina was preparing without her looking. There was only one member of the Royal Family he was allowed to kill and that person requested a simple bowl of oatmeal. Damon remembered the Master's words when he demanded why he couldn't have more poison. If he had more, he could poison the others and eliminate the entire Royal Family. Patience, Damon. Your loyalty to our cause is uplifting, but we must not be too greedy. They'll all fall. You have been granted the greatest honor. You get to kill the-
"The Oatmeal is ready. I'll take to the next room," Olina said and walked into the large dining hall where all the members of the Royal Family had gathered, dressed and ready for their first meal. While Olina carried the bowl to Damon's target, he peaked out the door to see his mission to the end with a smile on his face.
Other plates of various breakfast choices were placed before the members of the Royal Family. Finally, Olina placed the bowl in front of Kristoff and he inhaled the steamy glob of oatmeal. Nothing else was added to it so it was just plain oatmeal and Kristoff was content, turning down Olina's offer to sprinkle it with cinnamon and a handful of various berries. "Thanks for the offer, Olina, but this will be fine. Thanks for meal," Kristoff smiled, giving the woman a grateful kiss on the cheek and making the older woman turn warm from the young king's gratitude. Elsa gave her a smile and Olina returned to the kitchen with a fluster.
"I think you just made her day," Elsa commented, eating her fruit.
"The stewards and maids all work hard to keep our home running. I couldn't imagine being in a home this large without them," Kristoff replied.
"It would be lonely indeed," Elsa agreed. Although she had Kristoff, Anna and Joseph, she secretly enjoyed having all the servants in their home as well.
Kristoff was about to take a bite of his oatmeal, but Kai burst through, "Pardon me, Your Majesties! King Kristoff! You need to come with me!"
He lowered his spoon, angering the spy watching from the kitchen. He stood with a serious stance. "What's going on, Kai?"
"The Ice Harvesters are fighting in the market square. Guards are having difficulty subduing them," Kai reported. Kristoff and Elsa immediately rushed out. Anna told Kai to keep an eye on Joseph and make sure he ate his breakfast. Olina sighed, "This may take a while. I'll remake his oatmeal. This bowl will become stiff and harden if left out."
Damon cursed under his breath and left to report the failed attempt.
Outside, Kristoff spoke to his wife, "Let me handle this. They'll listen to me."
Elsa was too upset to agree, "I will not have them fighting in this kingdom. They'll listen to me. I'll make sure of it." Her hands began to glow with her icy magic.
"ELSA!" Kristoff raised his voice, startling Elsa. She turned to him. He never looked so angry before. She nodded and watched in amazement as her goofy husband marched off like a real king to end a conflict. It looked like two harvesters were fighting and the rest were trying to pull them apart. When they saw an angry Kristoff coming, they made way to the one's causing trouble. The harvesters and the worried audience of civilians watched groaned when he bumped their heads together like coconuts. "What is the meaning of this?!" Kristoff demanded. It's been years since the Harvesters were the source of conflict. It took a little bit to repair their reputation after three targeted him and Elsa. Kristoff refused to let that happen again because the Ice Harvester Guild wasn't just friends to him, they were family since he was very little. If they were going to cause conflict again, he swore he'd end it right then and there.
Henrik stepped forward to calm Kristoff seeing him shaking with torn emotion and anger. "These two young boys got into a heated argument over an incident at work. They're done fighting. Is that right, you ignorant fools?!"
The two young men, Daniel and Ezekiel, both nodded. Kristoff noticed damages done to stalls in the Market Square. "You two will clean this mess up and since you caused these damages, it will be deducted from your pay to repay the owners. Is that clear?!" Kristoff delivered his judgment. Daniel tried to protest, but remained silent when the king gave him an icy stare. Kristoff remained where he was as the harvesters cleared out besides the two that did damages.
Anna's eyes were wide. "Wow. It's not every day you see Kristoff get riled up."
Elsa smiled, impressed by Kristoff showing his assertive, regal side. Despite her attempts to handle everything herself and prohibiting him from acting as a king, he was becoming a great king for Arendelle. She walked up and leaned against his body, calming him by holding his shaking fists. "I'm so hot for you right now."
Kristoff was caught off guard by her words and snapped out of it as he looked down at Elsa who was smiling with pride.
"We'll need to head out for the lodge soon. Go get your breakfast. I'll handle getting Joseph ready, okay?" Elsa suggested. Kristoff smiled before giving her a peck on the lips before heading back inside. She stared at him with pride as he headed back inside the palace. Anna joined her side, "Think he'll ever speak to you that way in bed?"
Elsa shot her a look. "Hah! There's only space for one Alpha in Arendelle." Elsa headed back inside.
Oh, this is going to be interesting, Anna smiled before following Elsa. As they passed Kristoff eating his new bowl, Elsa gestured to Joseph to follow her and casually gave Kristoff's shoulder a squeeze before leaving with Joseph up stairs to grab their prepared bags.
In the secret lair of the Master within Arendelle, Damon entered the Master's chambers, "The attempt failed. He didn't eat from the bowl of oatmeal."
The Master groaned with frustration, "You had one job boy. How could you have messed this up? I'll send an assassin to personally take care of the Royal Family. He'll succeed where you have failed."
Damon's eyes widened and he stood, "No, I can still succeed. Give me more poison."
"You had your chance and you failed," the Master hissed after turning around. His favored assassin came forward and executed Damon swiftly. The cloaked figure headed for the door.
"You alone are not enough to kill the Queen. The Queen will crumble if she loses the King or the Prince. Eliminate one of them," the Master commanded, "Our spy in the Royal Guard has informed us that King Kristoff, Queen Elsa, and Prince Joseph are attending Ymir's Lodge for the weekend. It'll be an ample opportunity. Princess Anna will be vulnerable with her family and a portion of the Royal Guard following the others for security. After the Triad had failed, the Royal Guard have upped security around the Royal Members."
The masked, cloaked figure continued on his way.
Back at the palace, Kristoff loaded his wagon with their bags. Behind them, Captain Halden and a few Royal guards got ready in another wagon. After the rebellion years ago and Kristoff took Elsa to the Lodge, Captain Halden insisted for Elsa's safety and now Kristoff's, Royal guards had to accompany them. This bothered Elsa and it showed on her face. When Captain Halden voiced his concerns, Elsa gave him a command that the Royal guards would remain several feet away and not be obvious they were there. Captain Halden eventually agreed to the Queen's command. Aesir and Anna were there to see them off.
"Aesir, for this weekend, you are temporarily reassigned to my sister Anna who has agreed to handle royal duties while we are away. I don't have to remind you what will happen to you if anything happens to my sister," Elsa spoke regally.
Anna gave her a look with a sarcastic smile.
Aesir remembered how Elsa threatened him in Hudson's Hearth years ago and nodded. "I'll protect her with my life, Your Majesty." Anna smiled and hugged his arm, earning a smile from Aesir.
Elsa looked to the gate when the gates opened and she smiled, glad to see Ayla made it. She was getting worried that she wouldn't make it. Ayla froze when she got near the wagon, seeing Aesir. He came over and grabbed her bag. "May I give you a hand, miss?" he asked with a smile. Ayla flustered slightly and looked away, "Yes, please…and thank you."
Aesir offered her a hand so she could climb in the back of the wagon and sit next to Joseph. Sven bellowed, ready to roll. The lieutenant next to Captain Halden was surprised by Ayla's arrival. The captain didn't mention her being apart of the event that weekend. The Captain whispered that it was a last-minute thing Elsa mentioned the night before. The lieutenant cringed with frustration. It was too late to inform the Master of the new arrival. Kristoff snapped the reins and Sven began heading out of the gate and the few Royal Guards accompanying them followed behind with their camping gear. They would set up outside the lodge and do patrols near the Royals' rooms. Elsa wasn't happy about that, but Captain Halden would hear none of it. He once served King Agnarr and when he passed away, he was reassigned to Queen Elsa. He was one of the most loyal and dedicated soldiers Arendelle has ever produced and he took the Queen's and King's safety very seriously.
Elsa began to smile as Kristoff drove the wagon down a familiar path. She turned to watch Joseph and found him sitting still for Ayla so she could sketch him in her sketchbook, which was odd because Joseph was always a rowdy boy except when it was time for bed. Ayla beamed at Prince Joseph cute smile. The young prince was the most adorable child he had ever seen, bearing chubby cheeks and a remarkable resemblance to his father. By the time she completed her very detailed sketch of the prince, they got closer to the lodge. His face lit up when Ayla showed him the sketch. He got up and pulled on his mother's dress, "Look, Mama!"
Elsa smiled seeing her sketch. "I know what my next painting is," Ayla said with excitement. She was so happy she brought her painting gear as well. Not all of it. Just a box of paints, set of brushes, and a couple of canvases.
"We're here," Kristoff announced. Joseph and Ayla's faces both lit up seeing the beautiful lodge. It was like a log cabin that Joseph heard about all the time in his father's stories but bigger. Captain Halden and his men set up their camping site near the lodge and privately discussed shifts.
Kristoff grabbed as many of the stuff he could as they headed inside. Elsa by his side. Joseph, wanting to be just like his father, insisted he was a BIG BOY and could take Ayla's bag. Elsa and Kristoff watched with amusement as their little boy pushed her bag out, climbed down and tried to pick the heavy bag up. "That's my boy," Kristoff said with a proud smile as Joseph carried her bag in.
Inside, other harvesters and their wives were already gathered. The younger and newer additions to the Guild heard the King, Queen and Prince was attending and became very nervous, especially after what happened that morning in the market square and hearing stories of the rebellion and Elsa ending it swiftly with her icy magic by summoning a monster and reducing her enemies to icy statues. The older ones withheld information of what they were really like, just to mess with the younger members of the guild.
Henrik smiled when Kristoff, Elsa and their son entered. "BEHOLD, KING KRISTOFF, QUEEN ELSA AND PRINCE JOSEPH OF ARENDELLE!" The room roared with cheers and applause. Kristoff shot him a smiling look as if asking, Was that really necessary? Ever since Kristoff left the guild and became King, the older harvesters who knew Kristoff well liked to make jabs at him since he was now a big shot.
Joseph was started by the uproar of cheers that he quickly dropped Ayla's bag and hid behind his mother's dress. Elsa smiled and gently caressed his blond head with a gentle hand. Henrik came forward with his wife, Ella, helping with their bags and the adults all greeted one another like old friends. Henrik noticed Ayla standing awkwardly in the doorway shyly, super nervous about coming in. She felt so out of place. Why did she agree to come? She wasn't royalty or a harvester. "This would be Ayla," Elsa came over and introduced her, "New Royal Artist and a very good friend."
Ayla blushed at that. Despite talking to Elsa before, she still thought the day they met was a dream. She couldn't believe she was actually friends with the Queen. What were the chances? A commoner like her, a nobody, becoming friends with Elsa saw how nervous and shy she was and placed a comforting arm around her and gestured her inside. "I thought a weekend away from Arendelle would help her and us relax."
"We'll you're in luck. A couple of the gang couldn't attend because of family issues in another kingdom where we expanded with that merchant. Remember that Kristoff? You had to disappear for a bit to talk to him."
Elsa, now near Kristoff, remembered. Kristoff was new as the Ice Master and she couldn't leave herself so she had to send Kristoff to handle it. It was a hard time for her, being apart from Kristoff that long, but she made up for it when he returned to her. Kristoff remembered as well, since she could feel his hand intimately slide down and squeeze her perfect rear. She shivered at first at his touch, "I'll never forget," Kristoff answered Henrik but was looking at his wife with mischievous intent.
"We'll help you to your rooms," Ella offered.
"I forgot my painting gear. I'll be right back," Ayla said turning for the exit.
"Allow my nephew Erik give you a hand," Henrik offered and gestured for a young man to come over and aid the young painter.
"Erik?" Elsa asked, remembering the name that stood out from the others when Kristoff listed them off. The fact that he was a relation to Henrik and Ella secretly added more favor to him in her eyes. He was as tall as Kristoff, brown hair and eyes, looked strong. More and more Elsa was convinced he would make the best match for Ayla.
Erik came over cautiously and formally bowed to the King and Queen, intimidated that he was standing before real royalty. Henrik slapped him on the back of the head and whispered, "Chill, boy. You're embarrassing them and me."
He quickly stood. "I'll give you a hand, miss…Ayla," he said to Ayla.
Ayla instantly read Elsa smile and nod and blushed. That's why she invited me! The Queen and Grandfather are trying to match me up with someone. She suddenly felt guarded and honestly slightly offended, but held back as much as she could to not offend or embarrass anyone. "I can get it. It's not heavy at all." Her voice was calm but the tone was hinted with slight anger.
Elsa was about to speak up and gently chide her for her tone but Erik smiled at her, "Sure you can. I'm just here for moral support."
Ayla shot him an annoyed look before heading out after he walked past her.
"Think she'll kill him before the sun goes down?" Kristoff whispered in Elsa's ear.
Elsa smiled.
Outside, before Erik could grab her gear, Ayla quickly grabbed it and held it close defensively while still scowling him. "What is your problem with me? We don't know each other and I'm just trying to help?"
Ayla turned to him, her scowl narrowing even more. "I don't need any HELP from you. Don't think I don't see what you all are doing."
Erik appeared confused, "Excuse me?"
"Drop the nice guy act. I know you, the Queen and that Harvester inside are in on it," Ayla replied back. Erik treating her like an idiot by playing dumb. The only other person to EVER get her this angry before was the shop owner, who unfortunately was found dead. The investigation is still underway.
"In on what?" he asked, again acting clueless, which upset her even more and caused her to drop her stuff. He quickly knelt to help her and picked up something.
"Give that back," Ayla demanded. He had enough of her attitude and just stood tall holding her brushes high above his head. "Make me," he retorted.
She stood and jumped several times but still couldn't reach. The emotions started overwhelming her and tears started swelling in her eyes, feeling so helpless to recover what was her's. He instantly noticed how upset she was getting and dropped his attitude and handed them to her. "I'm sorry. That was mean. You don't have to carry all that on your own. Please let me help you with your canvases at least."
Ayla wiped her eyes, feeling embarrassed she got that upset and emotional over brushes. "Fine," she replied with a shaky voice and picked up her box of paints before heading inside. She desperately attempted to compose herself as Erik followed with her somewhat large canvases.