Chapter Forty
"Some souls are connected by an ancient calling beyond worlds"
…
"Where are we going Elsa?" asks Silvanna for the tenth time in front of the horse to the Crown princess behind her.
Ever since she woke up today, things have been weird to say the least coming from Elsa. Silvanna would like to say that she is aware of the Crown princess' mannerisms being around her long enough. Elsa has been acting out of character ever since this morning as far as she can see.
First of all, she had awoken first before Silvanan which bugged the Knightess. Elsa LOVES her sleeping time and doesn't wake up UNLESS she has to. Never in their long time together did Elsa ever awake first before her. Silvanna however had been a good sport about it and said nothing thinking that Elsa had grown a new leaf. Besides, Silvanna was curious about their upcoming little trip.
Secondly, Elsa wore a full cloak of brown that looked way too baggy for her. Now that made Silvanna pause. Elsa might be conversative but like any other woman, she also cared for her looks. This macabre of full cover was unlike her. When she bugged Elsa about it though, the young princess only laughed and told her that they would riding to the edge of a mountain and it would be cold.
Of course that made sense. Silvanna herself had chosen not to wear her dress; opting instead to wear skin tight black pants (custom ordered) over same skin tight blue shirt that she covered with her navy jacket. Elsa after all mentioned that she wore something nice. Silvanna believed that wearing something showing every line and contour of her form hiding nothing to the imagination would be enough. Judging from the lingering eyes of Elsa at her ass as they approached the stables was a sign of victory for her.
Thirdly and the one that confused Silvanna more was when Elsa told her that they'd be sharing a horse and not riding separate. Also Elsa would be riding at the back instead of front as she tends to do when they ride. That was enough for Silvanna to ask Elsa what's going on. To her surprise the Crown Princess pouts and leans to whisper in her ear: "I just want you to feel you pressed in front of me,"
Now here they are with Silvanna feeling horribly awkward with Elsa behind her holding the reins, her hands going below Silvanna's armpits grazing the sides of her breasts at every canter of the horse. Behind them are their five bodyguards riding a few meters away giving the two of them some privacy as they talk.
Of course Elsa being Elsa, the subject is a book. Basically the story of the Battle of Thermopylae written from Greece.
"I'm telling you Silvie that what Queen Gorgo did to call the army to war to support her husband is an act of courage in her part. Not many women would surrender their chastity to another person even if it's for the sake of the country," points out Elsa.
"She's desperate though and a queen. The weight of responsibility falls down on her shoulders with her husband so far off. Not only that but she knows that the survival of Sparta hangs in the balance. If they remain stuck in inaction for the sake of tradition, then they would be destroyed. She knows that and thus the result of her actions," Silvanna shrugs.
"Maybe, but we can both agree that what she did was brave, kinda like what you do for all of Arendelle,"
Silvanna blushes at her words. Normally when other people say it, she feels nothing. When Elsa however brings it up, it would send small butterflies on her gut that leaves a tingling good feeling behind.
"I'm just doing my duty as its Steward Elsa, nothing more, nothing less," answers Silvanna trying to humble down the praise.
She nearly flies out of the saddle though as Elsa's presses herself at her back making her feel very consciously the developing breasts of her friend and charge. Not that she's protesting of course. Until now Elsa can still make her feel like a teenager first time in love.
"Beautiful, humble, powerful; you're the perfect girl aren't you my dear Silvie?" she whispers behind Silvanna's ear before gently nipping the skin at the side of the Knightess' neck leaving a hickey there.
Silvanna mock glares sideways at Elsa who blinks at her innocently, her big round eyes glinting . Grumbling to herself, Silvanna tries and fails to cover the love bite there with her jacket. She's sure that if anyone would look at her from the back, the bite would stand out like a sore thumb.
"There it is," Elsa's voice brings out Silvanna out of her thoughts as she turns her head towards whatever their destination is and her jaw drops as her eyes register their target. Not from awe mind you but in disbelief.
There in front of them is the edge of a cliff with a large cabin at top. The cabin is large, very large in fact, able to contain eight rooms with a second and third floor on it. Light gleams from its windows showing residency and a small chimney smokes from the top. All in all it looks homey with a good view down below on the valley at the ravine and the aurora borealis at the night sky.
"We're going into Madam Paddifoot's?" she blinks turning towards Elsa who looks confused at her expression before nodding.
"Yes a friend of mine recommended it Silvie; is there something wrong?" asks the Crown Princess. Silvanna can hear the rather undertone of nervousness at her tone making Silvanna inwardly sigh. There is the Elsa she had known before, the one who is afraid of disappointing Silvanna (also the one that makes her feel guilt when it comes out).
"No, no," answers the Knightess lying (Unsure Elsa is making Silvanna feels like she's kicking a puppy). "I'm just wondering why we are going to one of the romantic places in Arendelle that's all,"
Elsa seems to brighten at that as she urges their horse forward a little faster. Silvanna however does not share her enthusiasm. In fact she's getting nervous. Madam Paddifoot's is Arendelle's version of a couple house. Before the rise of her businesses, it is where young nobles that are engaged tend to go to consume their marriage night. For the two of them seems to be heading there, unbidden thoughts about Elsa springs to her mind and Silvanna can't help but let her mind wander on what "might" happen. Elsa has grown more beautiful than before and she is slowly blooming into the flower that men would wage wars to win. In fact Silvanna herself is finding it hard not to be in contact with her several times per day. The two of them are still in the touching phase of their relationship despite both wanting to go past it, but Silvanna is resolute on her dedication that they do the deed after her twenty-first birthday. Part of her that suffered her ordeal after her kidnapping knows that she isn't ready to sleep with anyone, not for a long time at least. She's just isn't sure how she would react when she is put in the wonderful situation perverted by her "brother", turning her experience to one of horror and fear instead.
"Well, we're here," Elsa's cheery voice snaps Silvanna out of her thoughts. She has been to engrossed in them that she never noticed that they have finally ridden through the path cleared through the snow and are now inside the stone fence being manned by a dozen or so guards.
Nodding wordlessly, Silvanna follows Elsa off the saddle of their horse with their guards behind them following suit. Silvanna watches as Elsa tosses a coin purse to Ling, the new head of their bodyguards.
"Take the pouch and make yourselves comfortable in the guest rooms. The five of you are expected. Me and Lady Silvanna will take our rooms in the main quarter,"
"But your highness we are supposed to-," the young man starts to protest only to be silenced by a glare from the Princess.
"That is not a request but an order captain," says Elsa sternly making Silvanna look at Elsa in surprise. This is the first time she has seen Elsa being so…authoritative. "I'm pretty sure Lady Silvanna would be more than capable of protecting me inside where the most danger is a drunk. Unless of course you are insinuating that the Knightess of Arendelle's capabilities are lacking,"
"No, no! Of course not your highness; I meant no offense to either your or Lady Silvanna," Ling shakes his head in denial. "I'm just concerned for both your safety that's all,"
"And we welcome your concern Major," replies Elsa. "However me and Lady Silvanna have some sensitive matters of state that needs to be discussed in private,"
"Sensitive matters my ass, more like the two of you would be sucking each other's-OW!" if not for her observant nature, Silvanna might never have heard the mutterings of one of the guards who is now limping, courtesy of a foot stamp from his fellow guard.
Silvanna's face doesn't react but inside, a part of her panics at the thought of hers and Elsa's secret relationship being divulged. Gulping, she mentally makes a note to have Price investigate. The last thing that Arendelle needs now is an upheaval of morality due to the preferences of their Steward and their Crown princess. It is after all if based on religion alone, a scandal of the highest order.
Elsa however seems to not have noticed it for she smiles at Ling before gesturing for him to go. The young major simply bows before whistling to his men to follow him as they walked towards the guest part of the house bringing with them their horses.
"So I guess that's just us, shall we?" Elsa smiles at Silvanna before leading in front to the entrance of the house.
Knocking twice with her hand, Silvanna for a second got a glance of bare limbs through the cloak of Elsa. She's just about to ask about it when the door opens in front of her. Immediately warmth floods her face erasing the coldness of Arendelle's weather off her cheeks. What roots Silvanna though is the large wooden plaque with bold letters in front of her.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY SILVIE!"
There's no question to who is responsible, the only one who calls her that is no one but….
"Elsa? Did you prepare this for-," Silvanna's words are cut off as she finds her tongue sticking up the top of her mouth as her eyes try to accept what they are seeing.
There in front of her is Elsa, only she has taken off her cloak. Her braided hair is undone falling into a stylish wave behind her. Her eyes contain makeup, a light dusting of soft red with black eyeliners and violet eye shadows giving her a seductive and attractive look. Her attire is also changed. Coloured black, she's wearing a leather sleeveless dress that only falls to her outer thighs. There's also a deep V cut in its middle that cuts through her breasts ending a few inches of her belly button. The Veolyx shines brightly through her skin at the cut of her dress. At her wrists are gold bands ending with the heads of serpents whose eyes are emerald. She's wearing a fishnet stocking on her legs with heels at the end. All in all, she looks desirable in every way. Silvanna's throat is nearly a desert as she tries and fails to form words as she looks at her friend and lover.
….
Elsa would be lying if she said that for a brief moment she is worried about Silvanna. The Knightess it seems had frozen like a statue the moment Elsa presented her new wardrobe. It had taken a lot for her to pluck up the courage in fact to dress up so….bare like this. Elsa ever since her locking away had always worn clothes that cover the entirety of her body. Like her gloves, it seems almost a placebo for her, the more she kept hidden, the more she'll feel safe. Yesterday with her talk to Gerda changed all that though. If you truly love someone, you should take a leap of courage for them, breaking down the barriers and slowly changing yourself to fit in. Elsa knows of course that Silvanna is doing her best to accommodate her and her issues of fear for her power. She changed all that brought Elsa back to the light. She gave her hope out of the darkness she had hidden herself.
She doesn't have anything to give Silvanna. The Knightess has everything after all, money, fame, love of the people and respect. Thus the only thing that Elsa can give her is her heart. She would change herself, be brave for the one she loves. She is the cold, but the cold could also be warm if pressed on skin enough. It was not easy coordinating with the owner of the establishment to reserve a place for them alone. It took a lot of bargaining. As for her clothes though, Elsa had to borrow it from one of Gerda's friends. She admits it takes a lot of courage for her to dress so revealing. Judging from the stunned form of Silvanna though with a bit of drool falling from her lips, it seems that decision is the right one.
"Hey Silvie, you've got something in your mouth," Elsa points out with a grin snapping Silvanna out of her daze as she blushes before frantically trying to wipe her mouth.
"Elsa, you look wow! You're just wow!" the Knightess it seems is at a loss for words. Elsa notices that her eyes seem to be confused either gluing at the cut on her chest to her bare arms or to her hips. To her own surprise, Elsa doesn't find it wrong, in fact she finds it extremely endearing. She also doesn't mind Silvanna looking at her.
"Thank you Silvie, I don't know what to get you so I thought I should simply dress up in something you might like," says Elsa pulling Silvanna to the table prepared by the owner beforehand with a small fancy dinner of chicken dipped in honey and some fried potatoes, pasta and soup. It is a simple fair but enough for both of them.
"You shouldn't have to Elsa," Silvanna replies, her cheeks rosy red as she allows Elsa to guide her. "Being here with you is enough for me,"
Elsa simply smiles at her words. Leave it to her Silvanna to be ever the humble. Taking a sit on the table, Elsa watches as her friend takes off her navy upper coat. Her eyes widen though as she notices that Silvanna is not wearing a brassiere at her chest. Immediately her gaze wanders to the breasts of her friend making her bite her lip at their rather distinctive swell through the skintight fabric.
"Like something you see Elsa?" Silvanna's teasing voice makes Elsa pull her eyes off the sight and to the mischievous face of the Knightess.
"What would happen if I say yes Silvie?" pouts Elsa at the expression of her friend.
"I don't know, maybe something nice later," the older woman giggles. "For now, let's enjoy this food though,"
The meal is indeed hearty and full of flavour. The cooks it seems have pulled out all the stops. Elsa can literally feel the different flavours melting in her mouth. The texture is juicy and sweet and the smell is simply fragrant. Silvanna it seems also have the same opinion as her judging by how eagerly she is devouring her own part of the food. The duration of the meal is filled with little to no talk as both women focused on finishing the last of their food. Finally with the last scraps cleaned and the sauce almost licked clean, Elsa finds herself reclining at Silvanna's shoulder as the two of them sits at the wooden sofa at the veranda of the most lavish room that the hotel has to offer for their residence tonight.
Of course seeing that this place is designed for the "consummation of marriage" everything is one way, one loveseat, one sofa that forces guests to be in close skin contact with one another, one bed and even one toothbrush. Thus Elsa is finding herself pressed quite snuggly with Silvanna watching the auroras above them. The fact that her body is rather glued to the older woman makes Elsa feels quite pleased with herself as she can feel the soft breasts of her friend at her chest. For someone who is a warrior, Silvanna's body is soft but firm. At times Elsa is still quite mesmerized with her good fortune about her love life. What are the chances that Silvanna, a beauty of renown would return her advances to her, another woman at that? Elsa more than once gave a small prayer of thanks to whatever deity that made their love possible.
"Elsa, thank you for this," the voice of Silvanna makes Elsa pull up her head from Silvanna's collarbone to look at the face of the Knightess smiling faintly at her. "Thank you for celebrating my birthday with me,"
Elsa simply beams at her. "You're welcome Silvie. I enjoyed your company too for today,"
"I'm still wondering how you managed to know about the date of my birthday though Elsa. I don't recall telling you about it," points out Silvanana.
Elsa can't help but smirk mischievously at her. "The perks of being a royal Silvie is information being readily available for you if you asked for it,"
"Ahhh, I see, I don't think I wanna know about it," she replies making Elsa giggle. Leave it to her Silvie to be not pushy when she's full and watered. The next words of Silvanna though catches Elsa off guard.
"Hey Elsa, do you….want to know what happened in my captivity?"
For a moment Elsa believes that she heard wrong. However when Silvanna does not speak anymore, she turns her attention to her fully noting the darkened expression that the Knightess is supporting. Elsa can't help it, she slowly lifts a hand at Silvanna's face pulling it to face hers. This seems wrong, this deadened expression like all hope in the world has left does not belong to her beautiful Knightess. Silvanna is strong, a confident woman that pushes a small nation upward, she has hopes, dreams and plans that makes Elsa's head spin. She is that person that Elsa loves. Such emptiness does not have a place on her beloved Knightess.
"Are you sure you want to talk about it?" asks Elsa making sure not to avert her eyes away from that of Silvanna. For a second, a glimmer of hesitation appears at the beautiful sorrowful face. Her eyes closed though as she puts a hand above that of Elsa's.
"Yes, but will you hold me?" requests the beautiful Steward making Elsa nod as she stands up pulling Silvanna with her to the single large bed.
Kicking off her heels with Silvanna following suit with her boots the two of them lie down on the bed with Silvanna lying at Elsa's chest. The crown princess hesitates for a second or two before letting her hands encircle the slim frame of Silvanna who seems to be shuddering. For Elsa this feels a little off and wrong. It had always been Silvanna after all who had held her many times before when she's down.
Then something akin to a veil seems to fall down from Silvanna erasing the Knightess and leaving behind a scared woman, broken. Hot, fat tears begin to fall from the beautiful face, slowly before going faster and faster that it creates small streams at her skin. Immediately Elsa tightens her hold on her as she sobs, the fine control that Silvanna has disappearing like cracked glass as her emotions come to the surface. Then the words begin to fall through the sobs.
Elsa just listens as Silvanna describes her torture. Of course being the Crown Princess of Arendelle, she is privy of some of the things that Silvanna suffered from thanks to General Horst and Captain Matthias' report. However the two men obviously did their best to summarize the details as much as possible. With Silvanna though, she described it in very fine detail as she lies there at Elsa's arms sobbing uncontrollably. For Elsa, she can do nothing but hold her friend and lover as she listens in horror with word after word. If not for the fact that she's holding Silvanna, she would have run to the lavatory to puke her guts out. Compared to what Silvanna suffered, her own suffering seem to be nothing more than a trifle.
"I'm-I'm sorry," the cracked voice of Silvanna whispers finishing her tale. "I never wanted to burden you Elsa, I-I just can't take it anymore. I don't….can't, I've always planned to ignore it but I just…," her sky blue eyes closes more tears falling down as Elsa croons a soft tone atop her temple.
The Crown Princess' face is sorrowful as she sees the state of her friend. "Silvie, I will tell you what you have told me long ago when I absolutely feared my powers. Nothing good will come if you ran away from all this. You must face it and accept it to overcome,"
"I tried!" Silvanna's voice is so lost that Elsa (against her better nature), lets a small gust of snow fill the room using the entirety of her control to make sure that she does not overdo it. "I can't. At nights, It feels like I'm being drowned, like the memories are pulling me in, sucking me in,"
"We will get through this Silvie, step by step, forward little by little, we will get through this. I will be with you all the way Silvie,"
Silvanna simply sniffs, her voice sounds muffling as her face is into Elsas chest. "I just want to be free and happy. I want peace Elsa,"
"You will have them, here with me and Arendelle my dear Knightess. You are never alone. I have every confidence that you can overcome this. You are the Knightess of Arendelle, my bodyguard, the one I love. You promised long ago that you'll always protect me, and I know you will for you are mine and I am yours,"
Despite her tears, Elsa hears Silvanna chuckling through the fabric of her clothes. "When you say it like that Elsa, it seems as if you're proposing,"
At the sound of her laugh, Elsa can feel a lightening inside her soul. Sure she needs some wine to drink (a lot of it in fact) in order to stomach the details of Silvanna's kidnapping, but she knows that Silvanna would be okay and would recover from her ordeal. For Elsa that's the most important thing.
"Happy Birthday Silvie," she simply whispers hugging the Knightess to her chest kissing her brow gently. Above her the stars shine more brighter at the promise of a better future ahead.
…
Author's Note:
Okay, first of all thanks for the Reviews, especially Dodem and Pup. I just want to address the issue about Silvanna's personality. For the record she's not OP or a Mary Sue, I try to make her nature as humanly as possible. Sure she's confident and powerful in her own right; that does not mean that she's not unbeatable though. She also has feelings and weaknesses that she tries her damnest to hide. For Silvanna's mentality, it is a must since she is a leader of a nation and appearances needed to be kept. She also does not want to fail Elsa. In her opinion after all is that Elsa despite being almost out of her shell, she still needs to protect her. That's one of the main reasons why she became the Steward of Arendelle in the first place, to prepare the way for Elsa and a seamless transition.
Now next chapter would be last arc before the final one. It would be the Tourney Arc. Which country would you want to vote to win in the games? Rome? Greece? England? France? Spain?
Also introducing some of our beloved cartoon characters next chapter. Better review you Warner Bros and Disney chars. Hahaha
So far I am enjoying this fic despite little support.
