(A/N: Okay. So much has happened the past two days. My parents have tested positive for covid so my brothers and I are also in quarantine since we all live under the same roof. My parents aren't big believers in the vaccine since people are getting sick anyway, so they got an IV antibiotic fusion done and both say they feel better. My brothers and I tested negative, but I'll have a lot of free time on my hands since I won't be working until after my quarantine period is finished (14th if I still have no signs, 18th if I do so signs). If you can keep me and my family in your prayers, I'd appreciate it. I'll be using my free time to complete the Goddess of Ahtohallan before finishing The Pale Knight. Let's get to it!)
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: MORTAL OF INTEREST
The time for the special banquet for Anna's allies was upon them. The banquet hall was filled with faces of old friends, which Anna excitedly greeted as they entered. The guests were encouraged by their Queen Anna to dig in and help themselves to the feast that was prepared. They didn't have to be told twice. Because of what Kristoff revealed to Anna about not being exposed to certain foods during the long reign of the Duke, Anna took advantage of the event to remedy that. Common dishes food shops in town were provided and Anna even reached out to her dignitary friends about their favorite dishes from their homelands. Anna was provided with a detailed list and Olina was overjoyed with the opportunity to put her cooking skills to the test by cooking things she never made before.
The banquet hall was filled with a lot of chatter and delicious aromas that bombarded Elsa's ears and nose, but she remained cloaked, hiding from everyone, including Anna (like that was even possible).
"Elsa?" Anna called, looking for Elsa. She stepped up on the steps where her throne was to get a better view over the crowd, hoping to spot that recognizable head of beautiful blonde hair. No such luck. Her lip stuck out as she pouted. Where are you, Elsa? You told me you would be here.
That's when it hit her, the feeling she'd get when Elsa was cloaked but nearby. Anna quickly began to follow. It's…coming from behind my throne? Anna knelt by the back of her throne where there was some space between the throne and the wall. She smiled warmly and sang softly as if a mother singing for her child to come out of hiding. "Oh, Elsssaaaa."
Elsa uncloaked revealing herself hiding behind the throne with her knees hugged close to her breasts. She looked so scared. Anna giggled, "What are you doing back there?"
Elsa looked slightly to her right when the noise of the crowd spiked slightly, "I don't recall there being so many. You didn't invite the whole kingdom, did you?"
Anna held out her hand, "Come on. Just stay close to me and you'll see it's not that bad. You'll have fun, I promise."
Elsa looked into Anna's eyes before hesitantly taking her hand and allowing Anna to guide her out from behind the throne and in front of everyone. Anna whistled loudly, getting everyone's attention, "Welcome, everyone! For too long we have all lived in an Arendelle our fathers and mothers never knew. However, a brave few souls band together to serve the people of Arendelle and even going to war to set them free and return our home to its former glory. We have all lost friends during this time, but their sacrifices were NOT in vain. Their selflessness and valor will always be remembered." Anna wasn't quite sure why everyone was looking at her like she was a nut, so she looked and noticed Elsa was cloaked again and it just looked like Anna was just holding her hand up awkwardly. "Elsa, it's okay," Anna whispered. This seized the attention of her guests.
Elsa hesitantly uncloaked herself and surprised everyone. All their eyes became wide and interested as some stepped closer to get a better look at their special guest.
Anna gave her a reassuring squeeze around her hand and a warm smile before looking at the others and speaking up, "During the conflict against the Duke, we lost loved ones, those who gave their lives for the cause. Their sacrifice and valor will not be forgotten, thanks to my friend, Elsa. Kai, if you'd please."
Kai nodded and removed a large curtain to reveal a special memorial statue consisting of several statues joined as one beautiful mass of polished bronze. It depicted those who had fallen during the conflict against the Duke. This earned some amazed gasps. In the middle, standing tall, was Lars wielding an axe and a sword. Everyone clapped, amazed by the beautiful memorial statue created by the goddess. Anna then gave a signal to the waiters who gave everyone a glass of red wine. She raised her's, "A toast."
Everyone raised theirs with smiles and saddened eyes.
"To the fallen heroes of Arendelle," Anna said and everyone repeated her words before following her example and drinking their wine.
Elsa was late but understood what they were doing and gulped her's before anyone could notice. She stared at the empty wine glass as the taste reminded her of a moment with Jack.
What is this, Jack?
It something humanity calls Wine. They celebrate important moments in their lives by drinking this. I wanted to celebrate this day, because it was the day I first came to your kingdom and fell in love with you.
Jack, I-
To first love. To us.
To us.
"Elsa?" Anna's voice pulled her back. Elsa was oblivious to the saddened tears running down her cheeks until Anna stepped closer and wiped them from her soft cheeks. "What's wrong? Talk to me."
"I had this once with Jack," was all Elsa replied with and Anna instantly understood. Before Anna could say anything, Elsa handed her the empty glass and excused herself, "Excuse me, Anna."
Elsa forgot the crowd was even there as she walked through it. Her mind and heart were focused solely on Jack and the warmth of that memory, causing more tears to leak from her glistening blue eyes. She was quick to wipe her tears away before she reached a empty spot by the furthest wall, where she saw Kristoff sitting with his gift for Anna. He gave her a smile and she decided she needed his company to distract her from her heartbreak. Otherwise, she feared she'd ruin the cheerful mood in the room.
"Judging from where Anna found you hiding, I bet you're having a BLAST," Kristoff joked.
Elsa laughed, "That's an interesting way of putting it." She looked down at the wrapped gift in his hand. "When are you going to give it to her?"
Kristoff groaned with frustration, "As soon as I can catch her alone, I guess. It's impossible to do now since Anna is busy talking with everyone. She sure loves to hear herself talk."
Elsa gave him a teasing smile, "Perhaps I should tell Anna you think she talks too much."
Kristoff looked at her with a worried look in his eyes before smiling and countering with "I'll tell her about how you tossed me around if you do."
That startled Elsa, but she smiled, "Well played. Truce?" She held out her hand.
Kristoff took her hand and nodded, "Truce."
Elsa noticed Kristoff's eyes as he stared at Anna in the crowd with eager intent. How he would sigh with annoyance whenever someone else seized Anna's attention. He was literally this adorable puppy eager for his master's attention.
Elsa smiled and shook her head with amusement before getting up and walking over to Anna, making Kristoff nervous suddenly.
Anna smiled as Elsa approached her and the people she was talking to.
Kristoff watched nervously as Elsa whispered in Anna's ear and he panicked when Anna's eyes met his. He quickly hid the gift behind his back, but Anna already caught a glimpse of it, causing her interest to peak before she walked over.
Kristoff's face blushed as his girlfriend came over with that beautiful smile on her face that was reserved only for him. The closer she got on the bench he sat, the more his heart raced.
Anna gave him a dark glance that oozed with desire as she neared him even more. "I hear my baby is feeling territorial of me?"
His heart rate spiked, "Uh, I…oh, boy." The feeling of her hand grazing up his thigh, then to his abs, then finally rested on his chest where his heart threatened to beat out of his chest. There her fingers dug into his chest and raked down to where her hand began. It sent a shiver through his body, which made him panic slightly, causing him to halt her hand with his left while the right remained behind his back, holding her gift.
She knew he was hiding her gift because Elsa already informed her he had a gift he desperately wanted to give her. She smiled seeing how innocent her handsome boyfriend was reacting to her touch. It pleasured her to tease him like this, but was lost as to what she would do if he ever tried to pull anything back on her. She was excited to find out. But first things first. Whatcha get me, Kristoff?
While distracting Kristoff by drawing closer to his lips, she snatched the gift from behind his back before quickly pulling away and opening it, completely aware of the amused grin on his face. She opened the velvet box and was shocked by how beautiful the bracelet was. Kristoff took it out and held the ends to present it to her, "Anna, this is a token of my love for you, which is not fragile and will never run out. I am yours and you are mine and I will strive to remind you every day so that you never forget these three words: I love you."
Anna melted at how romantic Kristoff was being, her face barely able to contain the joy and love she felt. She knew how much she loved him, but as soon as he fastened the bracelet around her wrist, she knew the depths of his love. Unable to contain herself anymore, her lips fiercely met his with passionate desire. She didn't care who was watching.
Elsa made the gift that way. With it literally made from Kristoff's love, she would always know how much he loved her and if that love ever faded.
Anna, your guests? Elsa's voice spoke in her mind and Anna noticed how everyone was watching her and Kristoff. Anna did her best to save face by quickly standing up tall like a regal queen and blaming Kristoff, "Kristoff, we have guests! Please try to contain yourself!"
Kristoff looked at her confused and retorted, "Ladies first, Your Majesty."
Anna's face turned red as she smiled with embarrassment before quickly hushing him by placing her fingers on his lips and guiding him by the arm to the party so he could socialize with her.
Elsa stepped over to the window, smiling at them. Elsa wondered if there was anyone who could love her the way Kristoff did Anna. Donovan's face flashed in her mind. This line of thought startled her and made her shake her head. No. He already loves another. Why did his face just appear to me like that? I had someone once, but he died to save me. Jack's smiling face appeared in her mind, but it turned into Donovan's face, startling her again. Innocent curiosity overwhelmed her and prompted her to use her sight to find Donovan. She wanted to see him again. She found him.
Donovan was in the nice log cabin in the woods, sitting at the table with his mother, grandmother and little sister. They were eating their evening dinner. Elsa watched the mother and grandmother just laugh as Donovan acted silly with his food to make his little sister laugh. The way he acted reminded her of Jack, but she didn't realize this as she laughed too.
Anna looked over at Elsa as she heard her laughing. Elsa was standing all alone by the window randomly laughing in a way that Anna never saw before. Curiosity overwhelms her and makes her walk over to investigate the cause for Elsa's genuine laughter. Elsa laughed when Anna was little and they played, but it was always in a mocking and smug manner. The laughter Anna heard from Elsa now sounded more warm, sincere and genuine. It was beautiful music to her hears, but the nagging question in Anna demanded to be answered. What's making her laugh so openly like that?
Elsa was so focused on the moving scene in Donovan's home that she wasn't aware she got Anna's attention and drawing her over. Elsa? Elsa?!
Donovan looked in her direction, causing Elsa to instantly panic and turn her divine sight away from him, but realized Anna was also trying to get her attention by gently shaking her.
Anna was smiling but her eyebrow was arched with confusion, "Hey…what's so funny?"
Elsa blushed with embarrassment. She couldn't tell Anna that she was watching Donovan. She wouldn't understand Elsa's curiosity because Elsa didn't understand it herself. Why was she drawn to this mortal? Elsa quickly came up with an excuse, "I was just laughing…BECAUSE OF THAT FLOWER THERE. It had a very funny joke." Elsa pointed at a random flower outside the window.
Anna looked and then looked at Elsa who was forcing a smile. A guilty smile if I ever saw one. "Your weird, Elsa. And hopeless if you think I'm going to buy that excuse. Why were you laughing?"
Elsa quickly escaped Anna's attention by joining Kristoff in the crowd and socializing. She'd rather do that than confess what she was doing just now to Anna. Elsa felt compelled to keep that to herself for now until she could understand why she was drawn to Donovan.
Anna just shrugged it off and smiled seeing Elsa finally mingling with the others. She walked over to stand by her side.
…
Despite feeling better mingling with the harvesters and other who joined the resistance with Anna and Kristoff by her side, Elsa was dreading the upcoming Ball. The Banquet was solely for the members of the resistance that fought against the Duke. Since was watching Anna secretly during those hard and dark times, she in a way already knew them. However, the Ball would be open to EVERYONE. The citizens of Arendelle and the palace staff. All their eyes would be on her as Anna officially introduced her to the kingdom. Elsa remembered what Kristoff accidently let slip out. I was planning on giving the gift to her at the open Ball she's throwing in your honor, but I don't think I can wait that long. I'll give it to her at the banquet.
Anna was throwing the Ball to honor Elsa. For what? I didn't do anything. It's you who should be honored, the Queen of Arendelle who restored prosperity and happiness to the kingdom. Not me. It was my fault Arendelle was oppressed by the Duke. If I hadn't threatened the peace of the Kingdom, you and your parents never would have had to leave your home to confront and try to reason with me. A part of her wanted to blame her brother, Pitch and just justify herself by claiming he turned her evil, but deep down she knew that wasn't true. Looking back before Pitch had infected her when she slaughtered him for killing her family, she had already fallen from grace. She defied her father's one rule and took on humanities fallen state in order to have the ability to have a baby. Tainting her divinity with the fallen state of humanity made her vulnerable to Pitch. Pitch could instantly see that and took the opportunity to infect her with fear and darkness.
Elsa looked from the dark alleyway that next morning at the busy streets of Arendelle. What could I possibly do atone for my sins and reconcile with the ones I turned against when I was supposed to protect and guide them? What would Jack do? What would ANNA do?
Anna was a social creature who feasted on interactions with others. That was most likely why Anna annoyed her so much as a child. She talked with her parents, the palace staff, random guards and civilians. Anna was the complete opposite of Elsa so Elsa knew she could never achieve good relations with mortals the way Anna did. There had to be a different way. She knew she couldn't stay hidden forever. Remaining cloaked, she stepped out into the streets, hoping just being around humans again would help her become comfortable enough so that she'd no longer have to cloak or change her appearance.
Elsa walked slowly, taking in the busy scene occurring before her eyes. The people were working, shopping, interacting with each other or fighting over prices or looking at someone's woman the wrong way. So much was happening that Elsa wasn't sure what to focus on, but she focused on just being present. Her sapphire eyes took in every face. Every man. Every woman. Every child. One face caused her to freeze in her tracks. The breath in her lungs became heavy when her eyes fell upon his face again. Donovan.
He was dressed more casually, but it was him. It must have been his day off. Elsa abandoned her original plan to become comfortable around people and instead chosen to follow Donovan through the busy streets. Her sapphire eyes were sparkling with interest as they remained on him. Much like the eyes of a hungry predator stalking a weaker and helpless prey.
As Elsa stalked the mortal that caught her eye, Anna and Kristoff spent time together at Hudson's Hearth, enjoying a drink. It was Anna's idea to go there and Kristoff was hesitant to have a drink so early in the day, but how could he deny his first love when she begged? Anna had a darker intent for going there. Anna was more open about her desires for Kristoff and lacked the restraint that Kristoff had an abundance of. His innocence was adorable but kept him under good behavior when he was with her, respecting her personal space and only testing it when she first took the initiative. Maybe he was just being the perfect gentleman or maybe it was because she was Queen and he was treating her with reverence. Maybe it was both. Either way, he was too hesitant to act on his desires for her. It was obvious to Anna, so she secretly hatched a secret and naughty plan to help him loosen up with a few drinks. Maybe…with the help of a little liquid courage…she would get a chance to see the kind of man Kristoff was when his guard wasn't up.
She eyed him not so subtlety as he took a drink from his mug of meade, which helped settle his nervousness. She was always busy with her duties as Queen and him harvesting ice up north that dates were non-existent…until now. Ever since he gave her that bracelet, she seemed to have more time for him. Being the overthinker that he was, Kristoff obsessed over what her hidden motive could be. He eyed her back as he drank, hoping her secrets would reveal themselves in her beautiful teal eyes. He smiled, "What?"
Anna blushed and looked away. "Nothing. Nothing at all," she replied rather quickly before taking another drink. The way she answered him immediately betrayed her to him that she was up to something. This realization caused Kristoff's mind to overflow with different ideas. It's not my birthday. That's not until the Winter Solstice. Does she have a gift she wants to give me since I gave her the bracelet? No. That wouldn't be necessary. All I need is her. What reason would she have for bringing me to the bar so early in the day. She's up to something. I can feel it.
Kristoff had no idea how close he had come to unraveling her naughty plan to help him get relaxed enough around her so another side of their relationship could be explored. He looked away from her to take another drink and she watched how the drink wet his lips and she suddenly wanted to taste them again. Anna had to quickly shake her head and regain her composure. Otherwise, her lustful thoughts would make her do something in the moment. Her libido was always high since she transitioned into womanhood and Elsa never had a real talk about those kinds of things. So, Anna lacked restraint that other young women have already learned. I have to stay cool and calm. I don't want him drunk, just relaxed enough around me to see what he'll do. I just want him to act normally around me and not hold back just because of who I am or what my title is. Just once.
Anna had to look away from Kristoff to avoid getting caught staring again. She focused on what was occurring outside the window they sat by. Suddenly her eyes widened when she saw Elsa secretly following someone through the crowd. The fact that no one else was paying the strange goddess any attention told Anna that Elsa was cloaked, but since Anna and Elsa were so close, Elsa couldn't hide from her. Anna stood up to follow Elsa's gaze and her heart rate quickened when she noticed Donovan. Donovan had requested time off for three days to be with his family. He was out enjoying the beautiful sunny weather, oblivious to Elsa stalking him, but Anna saw.
Kristoff noticed Anna looking at something suddenly, "Anna? What's wrong? The Royal Guard closing in?" The two of them had to sneak out. Anna wore a cloak to disguise herself. She didn't want to tell Lord Peterssen or Kai that she was going to the bar with Kristoff. She never would have been allowed to leave if they had their way.
"No, it's Elsa," Anna pointed her out and Kristoff saw her.
"What's she doing?" he asked, seeing Elsa act all sneaky as she worked her way through the crowd with stealth.
Anna looked at Donovan and then back at Elsa's stare of intent. It suddenly all made sense, all of Elsa's strange behavior the past several days. Ever since she met- "Elsa likes Donovan!"
"What? That new guy helping Kai? What makes you say that?" Kristoff asked. Anna quickly helped him to his feet and pointed Donovan out by the flower shop. "Is she…STALKING him?!"
Anna could hardly contain her excitement, "YES! Oh, it makes so much sense, Kristoff! She met him and suddenly started asking me questions about him. How could I be so bling? She likes him. Look at her stalking her new crush. It's so adorable!" Anna freaked out, placing her hands on her round cheeks.
"Kind of creepy if you ask me," Kristoff confessed honestly, but received a scowl and a slap on the shoulder from Anna.
"She's just confused. It's been so long since she lost Jack and Olaf. She's been alone for far too long. I'm telling you; she likes Donovan but doesn't realize it yet, but I'm going to be the one to help her," Anna boldly declared before starting to march out there to confront Elsa.
Kristoff seized her wrist, "I don't think so. You don't know why she's following him. I don't even know. I think it would be best if we leave her be. Whatever her reason is for following Donovan, we should leave it to her to decide."
"No, unhand me, harvester," Anna said dramatically.
Kristoff pulled her into his lap and held her in his arms as he looked at her startled face. "What if I don't want to?"
Anna's face became red under her cloak. "Kristoff."
He held her closer. "I want to hold you all the days of my life. To protect you. To care for you. To love you with every fiber of my being. I want to help you feel safe when you're scared. To make you happy when you're sad and make you laugh when you feel down. How Anna can I ever let you go?"
Anna was completely subdued. The pure romance in his words was so moving that Anna quickly pulled away. She wanted to see Kristoff take the lead, but now that she did, she was completely clueless on what to do. It was like her brain just shut down on her. "I- I, uh- I should- I should return to the palace and oversee the final preparations."
"Yeah, right," he got in her way, "You just want to follow Elsa."
"I do not," Anna blushed. She really just wanted to escape Kristoff. She wasn't sure how to act on what she felt growing in her heart.
Kristoff stepped closer and stopped an inch from her lips, "I'll be the judge of that. I'll escort you back to the palace and help you with preparing for the ball. Okay?"
Anna pounted, "Fine."
Kristoff followed Anna out. He was two steps behind her and one to the right. Anna was rambling angrily about his accusations, explaining how he's wrong and she's right. Kristoff just smiled with amusement, but stopped and looked back at Elsa.
Elsa's back was too him several feet away, hiding in an alleyway and peeking out at Donovan as he talked to the flower shop worker. Elsa really did look cute doing this. Kristoff looked back at Anna who was still heading to the palace rambling on and on. She was completely unaware that he wasn't right behind her. Kristoff took the opportunity to confront Elsa.
Elsa continued to stare at Donovan. Why she was drawn to him, she still didn't know. Elsa watched as he bought various flowers to make a beautiful bouquet. It had to be for the maid, Lila. The memory of seeing them together last time she spied on them made her heart ache again. Elsa stepped back deeper into the alleyway and sighed, "Why am I doing this?"
"Because you like him, don't you, Elsa?" Kristoff asked behind her making her jump.
"What? I don't-" Elsa denied.
"Then you may want to explain yourself to Anna. She caught you following Donovan, but I got her to return to the palace," Kristoff explained.
Elsa looked like she was going to panic, but Kristoff encouraged after taking her hand and smiling, "Everyone deserves to be loved, Elsa. If you like the guy, you should pursue this."
Elsa blushed at what Kristoff was insinuating and was about to yell at him out of embarrassment, but she held her tongue. She looked down in defeat, "Thank you, Kristoff, for what you trying to do, but it doesn't matter. IF I was interested in him, there's nothing I could do about it."
"What do you mean?" Kristoff asked.
Elsa turned back to look at Donovan again, "Look at him. He's getting flowers. I overheard him telling the flower shop keeper they are for Lila. His heart belongs to another."
Kristoff noticed the slightest hint of sadness in her voice when she said that last part, "Elsa-"
"Which is fine, because I'M NOT interested in some random mortal," Elsa insisted firmly after facing Kristoff. The voice inside Elsa, perhaps the voice of her heart, replied to her, Donovan isn't just some random mortal, Elsa. You know that. He's the mortal who approached you as a boy, wanting to be friends with you while everyone else feared you. That's why you are obsessed with him. You were so moved by that one single act that you want to accept it so badly.
Kristoff became concerned when she saw a stray tear run down her cheek. He knew what she was feeling. He gave her a hug, which startled her, but she allowed the hug to continue. He was silent briefly before speaking softly, "I felt the same way when I thought I lost Anna to Hans. I felt so insignificant compared to him. She was secretly royalty so she was drawn to this charming prince. I was just a delivery boy. Walking away seemed like a good thing. If I let her go, my feelings for her would fade and I would learn to move on."
Elsa pulled her head away and looked up into his eyes, "But you didn't."
Kristoff smiled, "You're right, I didn't. You know why?"
Elsa shook her head.
"You showed me how strong my love for her was when you made that bracelet for me," Kristoff answered. "You showed me how strong and true my love was. Not everyone has that kind of love. Most people have a love for only the good things in another person and not their short comings and imperfections. When you love someone, I mean REALLY LOVE them, Elsa…You love ALL of them, the good and the bad, and when you find someone like that…you can never walk away. I couldn't walk away."
"That…very wise of you," Elsa teased, "Since you said you learned that when I made the bracelet for you, I guess I get some of the credit."
"You can have all the credit," Kristoff said back. She smiled back. "I better head to the palace before Anna catches me not with her."
Elsa giggled, "Too late. She's going to kill you. Trust me. She's waiting in the palace for you. It was nice knowing you, Kristoff."
Kristoff immediately looked scared, "You're kidding right?"
Elsa pursued her lips and tried to look sad and had her hands joined together at her hips. "I wish I was. Bye." Elsa waved goodbye with her fingers.
"Don't give up on him without doing everything you could've, Elsa," Kristoff chuckled nervously before leaving.
Elsa's smile faded as she watched Kristoff disappear in the crowd and she turned to also watch Donovan leaving with his flowers. There was a happy smile on his face as he walked to meet Lila. He wanted to ask her to the Ball that's happening in three days' time. Elsa recalled Kristoff's words before he left, but although she agreed, she also questioned it. She was an immortal goddess and Donovan was a mortal. Was it even within her right to intervene in mortals' lives like this? Was it even her place?
She closed her eyes and used her divine sight to find the woman who had Donovan's heart. Lila. What Elsa saw next shocked her.
Donovan was happily approaching Lila's home on the edge of the capital city of Arendelle. The streets were barer since everyone was at work. Lila sent a message to the palace that she was sick and couldn't report to work today. That was what Gerda revealed to him, being the head of the maids. Donovan bought Lila her favorite flowers, his mother made some medicine for him to give her and a bowl of vegetable soup to help nurse her back to health.
When he turned a corner to get to Lila's home at the end of the street, he stopped when he saw Elsa standing in his way with a hurt look on her face. "Goddess Elsa?"
"You can't see Lila, Donovan," Elsa urgently said.
He approached her with worry, "What do you mean? Is Lila okay? I have to. She's sick. I have medicine and vegetable soup for her."
He tried to go around her, but she blocked his path again. "Donovan, please. You shouldn't see this. You have to trust me. Please-"
"What are you talking about? Get out of my way. She's sick," Donovan insisted.
The purity and innocence she saw in Donovan was so precious, she wanted to protect it. He was worried about someone who he believed was very ill and needed him. "Donovan-"
"GET OUT OF MY WAY, WITCH!" he yelled in the heat of the moment. He immediately regretted calling the goddess that. She saw the regret in his eyes, but it didn't hurt her less. Here eyes glistened with sadness before she stepped aside and he stepped forward hesitantly and with guilt. Then he froze seeing Lila well and healthy in the presence of some noble merchant's son.
He wasn't that far away. Lila saw him and her smile instantly vanished before she slowly approached him. Elsa kept her distance, but Lila still saw her over his shoulder. She was tempted to convince Donovan that it wasn't what he thought it was, but looking into his eyes and the hurt he was already feeling, she knew it would've been pointless. "Who is he, Lila?" Donovan asked her, his voice on the verge of breaking.
Lila looked down as she explained, "I didn't want you to find out this way. I was going to tell you, Donovan, when the time was right. His name is Michael. He's the heir of one of the richest families in Arendelle. It because of these higher families that Arendelle is prospering. Arendelle can become so much more. I want to be a part of that, but that's not with you. I love Michael. With his family's wealth and ambition-"
Donovan dropped everything her was holding and slowly backed away shaking his head in disbelief. "Save your lies. This isn't about love. You're not doing this for the good of Arendelle. You're doing this for yourself. I may not be rich and famous but my love for you was real."
Before Lila could defend her actions by justifying herself further with empty excuses, Donovan walked away.
Elsa watched him walk away quickly. "This is all your fault, Witch!" Lila said behind her.
Elsa looked at her and replied, "You did all this yourself. I was trying to keep him from seeing you betray him. I promise you that he'll have better than you could ever give him."
"Whose's going to give him that? You?" Lila smirked at this arrogant witch in front of her.
"Who else is better?" Elsa said confidently before vanishing and walking away. As she walked away, the reality of what she just said struck her like a violent storm.
I promise you that he'll have better than you could ever give him.
Whose's going to give him that? You?
Who else is better?
What in heaven's name did I just say? 'Who else is better?' Elsa thought to herself, Did I just claim Donovan for myself? Get real, Elsa!
Thinking about Donovan made her feel his heart break again. She could feel he was suffering and she felt guilty for that. She should have taken him away, but would that have been right. Elsa discovered the hard way over the many centuries that things sometimes have to happen and that not even she could prevent them. It was just the natural order. No! I could've done something to prevent him getting hurt. I should've. She felt compelled to find Donovan and fix her terrible mistake.
The followed his pain. The closer she got to him, the worse it got, indicating that either she was getting closer or his pain was eating him alive with each passing second. Elsa knew it was both and quickened her pace out of more guilt to find him quicker. Finally, she did. Sitting at the base of a tall tree in the park within the kingdom that Anna had added for children to play.
She cautiously approached and resting on her knees at his side and speaking softly, "Donovan?"
Donovan glanced and seemed surprised to see Elsa, "It's you."
"I'm sorry for what Lila did. I feel guilty for you hurting," Elsa replied.
"Why? You weren't the one to love me for months and then dump me for some rich guy? Could you really blame her though? The guy she's in love with is handsome and rich. I'm just some frail looking nerd who got lucky at a position within the palace. It's not equal to that of an heir but I can at least provide better for my family."
Elsa studied his appearance, not to agree with his self-depreciation, but to take in every detail out of admiration. He wasn't as frail looking as he was saying. He had a lanky build that showed signed of hard work. He wasn't too big or small. His face and eyes revealed he was a gentle and kind person. His brown hair which he normally kept combed was a mess since he was now upset. Based off of what Anna said and he said, he was a humble young man with a good work ethic. He was doing what he could for his family and didn't seem like the kind of person to complain.
He however was guilty of being hard on himself. She felt compelled to correct him. "No, Donovan. That's not true at all. You are a good man doing right by his family. You are more than what you say of yourself. You are more valuable and good than Lila could ever know or deserve. One day, she'll realize what she gave up but it'll be too late. Don't tear yourself apart because of what she thinks of you."
"You don't understand. Lila meant the world to me. We were friends since we were little. We both come from commoner families. During the Duke's reign, our families looked out for one another. Years of connection…of happiness and she throws it away for money," Donovan vented. He was quiet briefly as if considering something. "I should go back to her and reason with her-"
Elsa seemed angered by this. Lila just dumped him to hopefully marry into a rich family and this poor young man was trying to win her back. She remembered what Kristoff said about never walking away if you truly loved someone. He may have been true, but that was just one side of love. Should one walk away from a relationship, the person in Donovan's situation shouldn't make themselves suffer to chase after someone who doesn't feel the same about them. She immediately intervened for his sake, "You will do no such thing."
Her firm voice seemed to intimidate Donovan. She was a very powerful goddess after all. She noticed his reaction and softened her voice. "You can't trust her. If she can't be faithful to you now, how is she going to be faithful to you down the road? I have seen this time and time again. Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is let go and walk away."
There was a look of shock in his eyes, "How? How can I do that after we've been together for so long? I can't just walk away from her. That would be like me admitting I've given up on her that I failed her-"
"You didn't fail Lila, Donovan. She failed you," Elsa interrupted, but she still saw the struggle in his eyes, but she understood. Years of connection and precious moments have made his ties with her strong. Elsa knew it would be difficult for Donovan to accept this and cut ties with her in order to heal and move on. The thought that a woman like Lila had the gaw to hurt Donovan the way she did greatly angered her. For his sake, in the heat of the moment, Elsa impulsively yet regally proclaimed, "Enough with your crying mortal. Stand tall because you will be my date to the Ball."
Donovan was forced back up to his feet by Elsa as she said this and looked closely into his eyes boldly. She pulls away, starting to panic over what words just came out of her mouth.
"Uh- Okay? Okay. Yeah, okay!" Donovan said with a sudden smile, feeling much better after Elsa's talk with him. "I would love to go with you, Elsa." As if he had forgotten about Lila already, he leaned in and kissed Elsa on the forehead where she kissed him at their first meeting to heal his headache after he accidently ran into her.
This causes Elsa to blush and panic more before she awkwardly excuses herself, "Uh, very well. If you wish. I mean-! Very good! Bye." She suddenly vanished and ran away.
Donovan was filled with so much happiness that it blotted his pain out completely. He cheered with excitement right then and there and people walking nearby continued on with weird looks as if he was some wierdo.
Meanwhile in the Royal Palace, Anna was punishing Kristoff by making him practice a traditional dance with her over and over in the ball room. "How many more times do we have to do this?" Kristoff complained.
"Until I say otherwise since you tricked me into coming back to the palace while YOU talked to Elsa," Anna replied in an upset tone. "To think you would deceive your Queen."
"Some Queen for falling for it so easily," Kristoff muttered with a smile.
Anna shot a look at him, "Excuse me?"
"Nothing. Nothing at all," Kristoff smiled as he pulled her closer as they danced with a hand on the small of her back.
"That's what I thought," Anna mumbled with her nose in the air. However, she couldn't stay mad at Kristoff since he was getting better at dancing with her. She was enjoying it and couldn't wait for the ball to dance with him in front of her kingdom and make it official that he was her suitor. "And you said Elsa was okay when you left?"
"Yes. She'll be fine. She's an all-powerful goddess. What could possibly frighten her?" Kristoff asked optimistically.
"ANNA, I NEED YOUR HELP!" Elsa called urgently, barging through the massive Ball Room doors, flinging them open with ease due to her divine strength.
Elsa ran to Anna and hugged her firmly while shaking nervously. This alarmed Anna some, "Elsa, what's wrong?! You're shaking!"
"I- I invited Donovan to the Ball! I don't know what to do!" Elsa panicked in Anna's embrace.
This shocked both Anna and Kristoff, who mumbled, "Wow, you work quick."
Anna pulled away and took Elsa's face in her hands to help calm her down, "Relax, I'll teach you." She began to get in the position as she intructed, "You be the Man and I'll be the woman so I can show you hand placement."
Elsa feeling offended by that pulled away, "Excuse me?! I am NOT a man!"
Kristoff chuckled a little too loudly in a seat by the wall, earning a glance from Anna. Kristoff called out to Elsa, "That's okay, Elsa. Anna would rather be the Man anyways."
Anna adjusted her hands on Elsa while looking at Kristoff and retorting, "That's right, because we both know who wears the pants in OUR relationship!"
Kristoff chuckled, "Keep telling yourself that, Feisty Pants. At least I don't have to get you drunk to get you to kiss me."
Anna's eyes went wide when she looked at Kristoff. He knew?! She went red and she turned in the dance to escape seeing his smirk.
Since Anna represented a Man in the dance, one hand held the small of Elsa's back while the other held her hand while Elsa held Anna hand and placed her left hand on Anna's upper arm or use it to lightly hold up the long skirt of her divine white dress. It would depend on the tempo of the dance.
Kristoff smirked with amusement as they kept messing up and blaming each other.
"Elsa, watch your feet!"
"My feet?! You're the one stepping on me!"
"Tell that to my hurt toes!"
"Well get your feet out of my way, Queen of Arendelle!"
"Okay, you two! Let's calm down!" Kristoff tried to deescalate the tension in the room, "Let's just take a deep br-"
"SHUT UP, KRISTOFF!" Anna and Elsa both snapped at him.
(A/N: Two more chapters!)