(A/N: I'm so glad to be making progress on this story again. I was afraid I would never get it done. After this, I think I want to stay away from the concept of "Goddess Elsa" for a little while to explore other ideas when writing Elsa's character. I have another goddess Elsa idea but I'll reserve that for a later date since I've already promised other stories. I'll need to get them taken care of before I can write that one. Update on family quarantine, my brothers tested positive two days ago. I was told that as long as I keep my distance and don't show symptoms, my quarantine wouldn't be affected any. As far as I can tell, I don't have symptoms. Please pray I can return to work by the 16th. A man has to make a living XD.)
CHAPTER TWEMTY-TWO: ELSA'S SECOND CHANCE
The night of the Grand Open Ball arrived and according to Queen Anna, all were invited. It was a grand undertaking since much had to be done to prepare for the vast number of guests. Luckily, with Elsa's help, it was accomplished. The entirety of Arendelle arrived upon hearing the Goddess Elsa was going to be attending as well, so many swarmed the palace grounds out of curiosity and eager anticipation of seeing her. Anna meant to keep Elsa's attendance quiet for fear of scaring away people who were still unsure of her, but she was happy to see that wasn't the case.
Donovan waited within the courtyard, all dressed up with flowers to present to his date upon her arrival. Despite his incredible nervousness, he was still very happy. However, his happiness slowly faded as the last of the guests walked by to enter the palace. He looked at the gates. Did Elsa change her mind? Was her invitation only out of pity? Did she have no intention of truly coming?
His heart became heavy as it assumed the worse. His hands lowered to his sides and his head dropped. "She's not coming. I should just go home."
He headed for the gates which were being closed by guards. "Excuse me. I need to get through."
A couple of guards chuckled among themselves at the state he was in, joking how the nerd got stood up by his date. Donovan was only reminded of Lila's painful rejection, forcing him to quicken his pace to leave. His eyes widened when there she stood. "Elsa?"
The guards were speechless too. There before them, stood the guest of honor, the Goddess Elsa. Her hair was let down and her divine white dress was even more breathtaking. Donovan couldn't help but mentally point out all the differences from her original and more modest dress. Is this a new dress or did she alter her old dress? It looks somewhat similar except- The way she looked in his eyes, how beautiful a sight she was to behold. It rendered the innocent Donovan speechless.
Elsa's old outfit was more modest, covering her from her collar bone to her ankles in a beautiful white. Her shoulders, hands and feet were exposed. However, her new dress was different entirely. Elsa had made a new dress for herself. It was a special occasion and she noticed every other young woman getting dresses, desperate for a more…less than modest look that made sure their well…assets were presented in a way that made heads turn. Elsa took that into consideration as she spent every waking moment in the room that Anna gave her.
The dress looked somewhat similar but exposed more than her old dress. Her arms, shoulders and upper back were exposed, but she was covered from her bust to her waist where a long skirt ran down and stopped just above her feet. There was a slit on the side of the dress that exposed her leg all the way up to her thigh. It was a simple design that exposed only what she was willing to show. She was tempted to go with a low cut on her blouse to partially expose her breasts, but she immediately panicked at the thought of presenting herself before Donovan like that and immediately changed it back to a more modest look.
She had a level of class that she wasn't going to throw away like some of the younger women she saw entering the palace. She wasn't some lust-filled teenager. She was a woman. She had her pride. She became nervous seeing him stare at her. Is he shocked because I'm exposing too much? I shouldn't have. Please say something, Donovan.
Donovan approached her and gently took her hand, not removing his eyes from her's for one second. "You look very beautiful. Not that you didn't look beautiful before- I mean- You've always looked beautiful-" He remembered the flowers and held them out to her.
Elsa smiled before taking them and smelling them. He had one flower of each of the kinds the flower shop sells all joined in a large bouquet. It caused Elsa's nose to be bombarded with so many different scents. It was strange and she glanced up at Donovan.
He smiled sheepishly while rubbing the back of his head, "I uh…I wasn't sure which was your favorite."
"I love them all. Thank you." Elsa took charge, seeing that her poor date was too stunned to stop staring. "Donovan. Give me your arm and take me inside please."
That shook him out of his trance making him shake his head and clear his throat before holding out his hand to her with a formal bow at the waist. "Yes, of course…Your Majesty?"
Elsa laughed lightly, "Just Elsa will do, Donovan."
Donovan looked up at her with a nervous chuckle before escorting his special date inside like a gentleman, presenting his bent arm for her to wrap hers around. He shivered from her touch and inhaled deeply. Okay. Here we go.
Elsa was nervous as they approached but no one would know because of how well she masked it at first. As soon as they entered, all eyes were suddenly on them. Elsa's divinity made her stand out like a raging inferno in the darkest night. Her sudden presence demanded humans take notice of her, which was bad. She was hoping to stay under the radar and get through the night without being noticed. She glanced at Donovan. He was far more nervous than her. His panicky demeanor gave it away. In fact, she could feel him tensing up so bad he could hardly breath.
Donovan snapped out of it when a voice spoke to him in his mind. Donovan, relax. Take a deep breath. Everything is going to be okay. He found the voice incredibly soothing and warm, but it startled him. "What was that?" he looked around.
It's me. Elsa, the voice said in his mind and his eyes widened when they looked at her.
"That was you, Elsa?" Donovan asked.
Don't stare. Just keep moving. Focus on my voice, Elsa encouraged.
Donovan managed to calm down, thanks to Elsa, and continued to guide Elsa deeper into the event. Donovan's nervousness started to build again, noticing how many eyes were on them. Everyone is staring.
I know, Elsa replied before attempting to ease Donovan's nerves by joking, They probably think you look weird all dressed up.
Maybe. This was Dad's. Mother had it cleaned and pressed for the event, Donovan replied to Elsa. His openness made her interest rise, causing her to give him her attention. But I don't think that's why they're staring.
Why do you think they're staring? Elsa asked.
They're staring because my date is the most beautiful woman in all of Arendelle, Donovan smiled without looking at Elsa and she noticed his cheeks slightly redden. He turned his head slightly away from her. He was clearly embarrassed by saying something so affectionate and sweet.
Elsa was speechless, unable to say anything. All she could do was smile slightly and blush even more. Finally, she asked, Just Arendelle? So, I'm not the most beautiful woman in ALL the world?
She almost started laughing seeing his face distort with worry and anxiety as his thoughts exploded in a panic. Yes, of course, Goddess! My apologies! I didn't mean to confine the measurement of your immense beauty JUST to Arendelle! I just meant-
Donovan heard her laugh lightly, Just help me find Anna, Donovan. She's very eager to meet with you tonight.
Hearing he was going to be in the company of the Queen AND a Goddess made him gulp nervously. God help me.
The Ball Room was enormous and enough to hold their guests. Anyone who desired food and refreshments would head to the Banquet Room. Anyone who wished to dance would be in the Ball Room. If people just wanted to mingle, the Garden was open to the public or people would have the halls or the Painting Gallery. Certain areas of the palace were restricted to the public and were on patrol by the Royal Guard who Lord Peterssen insisted on having for security.
Anna and Kristoff were waiting in the Ball Room at the other end. Kristoff looked uncomfortable in the outfit Anna had Gerda tailor for him. Anna was jittery with excitement to see Elsa and her date, Donovan. "What's taking them so long?"
"Calm down," Kristoff said with a smile before pointing at the entrance. There Anna saw what everyone was staring at. They're stood Elsa on the arms of Donovan.
Anna shattered the silence by calling out and waving frantically, "Over here, Elsa!"
Elsa smiled and proceeded across the large Ball Room with Donovan.
Kristoff noticed the people entering behind Elsa with curiosity in their eyes. Elsa is going to get nervous if everyone just stares at her all night instead of dancing. He went over and had them start the music. This caused many to start dancing, but it didn't keep people from sneaking curious glances at Elsa.
Anna gave him a grateful look as he came back to them. Out of habit, Donovan bowed formally to Queen Anna, "Your Majesty."
"No need for Elsa's new boyfriend to be so formal, Donovan. You're part of the family. Just call me Anna," Anna said.
Elsa's- Elsa's boyfriend? Donovan thought.
Elsa was also startled and gave Anna an embarrassed look that also came across as an angry scowl. She began to worry feeling Donovan's emotional spike at that statement. She felt compelled to ease his sudden fear. She spoke to his anxious mind. Please ignore Anna's statement. She has a rather unfortunate habit of being impulsive with her mouth.
Anna could tell that whatever Elsa was saying to Donovan wasn't painting her in a good light from the look Elsa gave her. She gave Elsa a look back.
Donovan could feel the tension between Elsa and Anna and felt the need to give them some space. "Can I get you a drink, Elsa?"
Donovan's sudden offer distracted Elsa briefly from her and Anna's stare down. As a goddess, Elsa did not require food or drink, but she withheld that and just gave him a nod. Anna saw Donovan nervously glance at her then Anna before leaving. "A drink does sound nice. Kristoff, can you get one for me, please?"
Kristoff too felt the tension and understood completely. "Sure, Anna." He left following Donovan, seeing an opportunity to talk to him as well.
Elsa's eyes narrowed as they continued to stare at Anna.
"What?" Anna asked.
"What is wrong with you? I know humans aren't perfect, but-" Elsa answered.
"You invited him to be your date. Have you seen the way he kept glancing at you as you both walked over?" Anna asked, "He totally has feelings for you, Elsa, and based off of how you've been acting since you first met him in the palace…you totally like him too."
Elsa blushed at this, "You don't know what you're talking about, Anna. The meeting in the hallway wasn't our first meeting."
"Wait, what?!" Anna asked after her eyes widened. She then remembered what she caught Elsa saying in her office that day they talked about him. I don't know if he was that boy. I need to find him.
Anna looked back up at Elsa who just gave her a guilty smile, revealing she knew Anna made the connection. "Oh my, Gosh! Elsa!" Anna exclaimed covering her mouth with her hands.
Meanwhile, in the Banquet Room, Kristoff joined Donovan's side to get a glass of punch for Anna as well. He could only imagine the heated argument they were getting into over Anna calling Donovan Elsa's new boyfriend. Maybe I shouldn't have left.
"So, I take it you're the Queen's rumored suitor?" Donovan asked, trying to make conversation. That pulled Kristoff out of his train of thought. "I just have the unfortunate privilege of hearing the maids and kitchen staff go on and on about Her Majesty's partner."
"They talk about us that much?" Kristoff asked with a bit of surprise. "What are they saying? Perhaps that it's strange for the Queen to become romantically involved with a harvester?"
"Oh, no. Not at all, my lord. You actually got a few maids crushing on you actually," Donovan revealed with a smile. "Everyone sees how happy you make the Queen so you already have a lot of people approving of you with the Queen."
"Just, Kristoff. I'm no lord- and what? There are maids interested in me?" Everything Donovan was revealing about how the palace staff sees him was blowing his mind.
Donovan smiled slightly and nodded, "Looks like Her Majesty has some rivalries brewing. You should probably keep that to yourself."
Kristoff chuckled, "Absolutely. Wouldn't want my Feisty Pants declaring war on her own staff."
Donovan was startled hearing Kristoff refer the Queen by a nickname, surprised things were that well between them. "No, we don't want that. Sounds like Her Majesty is the jealous type." He held up his glass and gently pinged their glasses together before having a drink of punch since they were already there.
Donovan was still slowly drinking his. Kristoff gulped his in one try and looked at Donovan. Finally, the question he was meaning to ask Donovan exited his lips, "So, what's it like being at a Royal Ball with a goddess as your date?"
Donovan then immediately panicked at his question, making a mess with his drink and was couching violently since she swallowed down the wrong tube. Kristoff quickly sat his glass down and held him steady while patting his back, "Easy, pal, easy! I don't need you dying on me. Elsa would kill me if something happened to you."
Donovan's face turned red. Was he really that important to the Goddess, Elsa? Why? He was just a random human serving Queen Anna. What makes him so special to Elsa? Kristoff's panicked statement left him warm inside. At first, he believed Elsa only invited him as her date out of pity, but he could no longer entertain his heart with such a thought, hearing how important and valuable he was to Elsa. It made his confidence go up as his heart rate quickened. He had a sudden desire to make this the best night for Elsa. "What's it like? Nerve wrecking. I'm just a servant of Her Majesty and Elsa is something greater than a Queen. It's like I'm in the presence of someone very famous but multiply that by a thousand. I feel so-"
"Nervous?" Kristoff asked. He felt the same way about Anna after learning she was truly royalty. He could see a place for himself by Anna's side since she was Queen.
Donovan nodded, "And humbled. I'm constantly struggling with a cloud in my mind. It's like a dream haze. You wonder if you are really awake or dreaming. Does that even make sense? How can I possibly stand in her presence?"
Kristoff smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder, "Just relax and enjoy her company."
Donovan looked at him dumbfounded, "That's it? No. There has to be more to it. That can't be it. I'm a normal human. Elsa's a GODDESS. I HAVE to do more than just be myself."
"No, you don't, Donovan. Trust me," Kristoff insisted, vaguely hinting at how Elsa feels about him, but Donovan couldn't understand. "Just remember to breath around her and pay attention."
"Pay attention?" Donovan asked, confused.
"The way she acts. What she says. How she says it. Know why she does what she does. The things she values and fears in life. What makes her smile," Kristoff listed off before get Anna's glass of punch and leaving. Donovan quickly made one for Elsa and quickly walked after Kristoff to catch up with him.
Kristoff began to worry as soon as he entered the Ball Room again and noticed Anna and Elsa were having a silent argument to not disturb the other guests. He cleared his throat once he got close enough. Whatever they were arguing about, they immediately became quiet.
Anna forced a smile, "Hi, Kristoff." She took her drink but didn't gulp it down right away.
Donovan approached with a genuine smile. After his talk with Kristoff and the valuable advice on how to be around Elsa, he felt more confident around her, like he could truly be himself. "Elsa?" He held his drink to her.
She looked into his eyes as she slowly took it, careful not to touch his fingers since he was so tense from her holding his arm earlier. Something was different. He seemed much more relaxed around her. This made her interest peak immediately. He even smiled warmly. Elsa once knew everything but not being on Ahtohallan to access her throne's ability to see more and her decision to not read people's minds so casually limited her. It bothered her not knowing. Seeing him so calm now around her made her heart quicken and her chest turn warm for some unknown reason.
Her eyes became so intense as she peered into his eyes which became mesmerized by her's. She could hear his heartbeat quicken from her stare. "So, what took you two so long? You get lost? I was about to send one of the guards to go find you." Anna laughed. This broke Elsa's and Donovan's intimate stare down and caused them to awkwardly look away from each other.
Donovan bowed at the waist to Anna, "Forgive me, Queen Anna. I…had some questions and Kristoff and I got to talking. What he shared helped me a lot with something personal."
This caught Elsa's attention instantly and made her suspicious. She looked at Kristoff with an intimidating look. He noticed and quickly shook his head, letting her know he didn't tell him she liked him. That made no sense to Elsa. Something about their conversation helped Donovan relax around her. She needed to know what he told Donovan while they were away. Her resolve not to just pull the information from Kristoff's head crumbled and her iris's glowed slightly as she began reading, but her concentration was ruined by Anna.
"What do you think of your drink, Elsa? Pretty good right?"
"Oh, uh," Elsa said, glancing at the red liquid. Is this red wine like what Jack shared that one time and what I had at the banquet? It looks more brighter than red wine. She took a sip. "This isn't wine."
Anna laughed, "Of course not, silly! It's a fruit punch. If we served wine, my guests would get drunk if they had too much."
"Okay. I understand," Elsa replied, taking a bigger drink of the punch this time. She liked the simple fruity taste and smiled. Anna was serving this because it wasn't an alcoholic beverage. She did have underage guests here after all. Elsa was glad. She recalled how friendly she got with Jack after drinking a whole bottle of that years ago.
Donovan smiled more seeing how happy Elsa was with this new drink. How is it possible she never drank this before?
Elsa finished her drink. Childish satisfaction came across her face. "I like this Fruit Punch. I'm going to get more."
"Uh, maybe later? Wouldn't want to run out before anyone else can get a taste if you drink it all," Donovan said jokingly after taking her wrist.
"He's got a point, Elsa," Kristoff chuckled.
"But," Elsa replied. She was having a hard time getting her words out because Donovan had initiated physical contact first unlike her earlier when she took his arm. Kristoff and Anna didn't seem to notice her reaction to his touch, just her.
"You can have more later, but first things first," Anna promised before taking Elsa's hand and guiding her into the center of the ballroom after she saw everyone was coming to this room. Now was a good time as any to complete the party's sole purpose.
"Uh, Anna. Where- Where are you taking me?" Elsa asked nervously as she saw everyone start looking at them.
Anna stopped and faced her with a smile while holding her hands in her's. "Giving praise where praise is due." Elsa's eyes widened, knowing what and she tried to say something but Anna already turned to face the crowd of guests. "Thank you all for coming! It pleases me much to see all of Arendelle is attending tonight! This Ball was made open for everyone to attend because we are celebrating the liberation of Arendelle after the tyrannical oppression of the Duke of Weselton! For too long has Arendelle suffered under his rule! Now is the time for celebration to honor the one person responsible for our newly found freedom!" Anna turned to Elsa with a smile. "Thank you, Elsa!"
Anna begins to clap and everyone else joined in instantly and loudly, filling the large room with cheers and cries of praise. This made Elsa a bit nervous, but was moved to some tears that glistened her eyes. She calms when her eyes seeing Donovan clapping with more excitement than anyone else in the room. It helped her to smile and calm down, but she didn't deserve this praise.
She raised her hand and called out with a smile, "I don't deserve this praise! It is your Queen Anna! Arendelle is free not because of what I've done but because she gave me the courage…to do the next right thing! For too long I've lived in fear and the oppression of my own weaknesses! I was freed from that bondage because your Queen showed me what love was really like! She showed me how to be strong when I felt week, how to be brave when I was afraid! Cheer Arendelle! Cheer for Queen Anna of Arendelle!" She held Anna close in her arms, wiping Anna's tears as the whole kingdom cheered for her.
"This party was supposed to be for you, Elsa," Anna giggled in Elsa's arms.
"I'm just giving praise where praise is due," Elsa smiled, turning Anna's words against her.
"But I wouldn't have been able to do my part if YOU hadn't saved me-" Anna tried to retort with a smile, but Elsa covered her mouth with her hand.
"Stop ruining this moment by being so selfless and just take your people's praise like a good little Queen," Elsa sighed, annoyed with Anna's modesty and humility. "Let's just agree this once it was you who saved Arendelle and deserve the glory."
Anna held Elsa with her arms, "We both did. Now you take it like a good little goddess." Anna laughed when Elsa gave her a surprised and shocked look and tried tickling her to get payback for what she just said. Finally, Anna addressed the crowd, "Eat. Drink. Dance. Be merry, for tomorrow we eat, drink, dance and be merry again! Kristoff, if you'd please?!"
Elsa left the floor and Kristoff approached Queen Anna with a smile. The music started with the Queen's first dance with her suitor which everyone took in. Elsa smiled seeing Anna so happy. As the evening went on and others joined the dancing. All except Elsa and Donovan.
Elsa was lightly swaying her body to the rhythm of the music and how Anna moved as she danced with Kristoff, imagining what it was like to dance. Donovan glanced at Elsa and noticed this. Does she want to dance? He gently took her hand and she immediately looked at him. That was the second time he initiated physical contact with her. "Would you like to dance, Elsa?" Donovan asked, his voice harboring a hint of nervousness.
Elsa nodded timidly before cautiously reaching out her hand and allowing his warm hand to gently take it before trying to guide her onto the dance floor, but Elsa wouldn't budge. Donovan saw her nervousness and went back to her. "What's wrong?"
"I have this thing with being in a crowded space," Elsa tried to explain. With everyone coming in here, it was becoming more and more crowded. "Can we just-"
Before she could finish her request, Donovan placed his hands on her, one holding her hand and the other held her close by the small of her back. The sudden contact again made her heart rate quicken and her breathing become slightly shaken. Elsa knew how to dance thanks to Anna, but she abided by what Anna taught her, watching for her ques to do what she needed.
Elsa allowed herself to come closer. Donovan had to adjust his hand on her lower back, but the slight movement sent a tingle up her spine causing her to look in Donovan's gentle brown eyes before halting their dancing and changing their hand placement. Donovan just watched as Elsa took his hands and placed them on her hips and then wrapping her arms around his neck. Thang caused for closer proximity. There in their special place, the dark corner, the two just slow danced.
Anna was suddenly curious to see what Elsa was doing and squealed happily in Kristoff's chest after her face lit up upon seeing Elsa and Donovan slow dancing together apart from everyone else.
"What's going on with you?" Kristoff asked Anna and she grabbed his chin and forced him to look. He too smiled seeing the beautiful site.
Elsa and Donovan slow danced with their eyes closed, totally calm and at peace in each other's arms. They were so relaxed that their arms wrapped even more around each other. Elsa's around his neck to the point her head was resting against his chest and Donovan's wrapped more around her back. Having their eyes closed during this as they made relaxed and slow turns, neither realized they had drifted from their safe corner.
Elsa panicked slightly when she opened her eyes to see how close they were to everyone else. She buried her face in the crook of his neck when she saw everyone glancing at the two of them dancing.
"So cute," Anna whispered as she watched while dancing with Kristoff.
"Yeah. You see all the other guys in the room? They're totally jealous of Donovan," Kristoff pointed out and Anna snuck a few glances.
"I believe your right," Anna giggled lightly.
Lila was dancing with her new boyfriend, Michael, but was secretly watching Donovan dance so closely with the witch that cursed them in the first place. He looked so happy dancing with Elsa that it made her heart ache with jealousy. He had moved on from her so quickly that she was left feeling hurt. She knew what she did, but why was she regretting her choices. Why should she care who he was with? Had it been any other woman in Arendelle, maybe it wouldn't have bothered her as much, but Lila recalled her brief conversation with Elsa after Donovan left.
This is all your fault, Witch!
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?
Who else is better?
Lila tensed up recalling the arrogance in the witch's words. She also recalled how Donovan defended the witch during that one debate in the parlor. She had to have used her magic on him to get him so loyal to her. That's the only answer. She had to get him alone and warn him about her. He was in danger around Elsa.
Her eyes weren't the only ones glancing at the couple. As they turned, Michael's stared at Elsa. As the heir of his family's business, he also had to find a worthy partner to produce more heirs in order to prolong the line of his father. It was the way of things in the world of the elites and nobles. A pairing would be decided by two families to ensure prosperity for both. Arranged marriages would be created and a heir would be produced before repeating the cycle. It was for wealth and fame, never for love. Love is for weak fools, Michael silently smirked. He cared not for Lila. He had his own target. Elsa. He did not believe she was truly a goddess like many say. She was no doubt a witch in desperate need of money. That was the reason why she acting so close with Queen Anna. The witch was merely using the gullible young Queen to acquire wealth and power. When he learned Elsa would be attending the Ball that was being held in her honor, he saw his opportunity and targeted Lila. He was not concerned about Donovan. He had such a weak looking body that he didn't pose a threat to him.
His greedy eyes fell back on Elsa. She possessed great beauty and sorcery, something that his father's house could prosper from. She would make the perfect bride to bear his children. The thought of what Elsa could do for his Household excited his greedy heart. Before the night is over, I will make Elsa mine. I will promise her the wealth and power she craves and she will accept without hesitation.
When Elsa saw everyone watching her and Donovan dancing, she panicked because she heard all their thoughts. It was all coming at her all at once. She buried her face in Donovan's crook of the neck and forced all these mental voices to become silent. If only she heard about Michael's intent. Feeling Donovan hold her firmly gave her a feeling of safety and security. It helped her relax again, perhaps too much because she now heard his affectionate thoughts as he held her during their dance.
Elsa focused on these thoughts since Donovan let his guard down and had forgotten she could read thoughts. How? How is it possible that I have forgotten you? You changed much, yet time couldn't taint your beauty Goddess Elsa. Elsa panicked lightly but strived to stay composed in his arms, He remembers me? She continued to listen.
How could others call you a witch or say you're some scary monster? I can't understand their claims. How can a monster or a witch be so…beautiful…so gentle…so warm to hold…so soft? She could feel her heart rate quicken and she bit her lower lip as he adjusted his hands on her back and subtly feeling her perfectly smooth skin. His nose moved closer to her hair so he could sneak a smell of her heavenly scent as he inhaled and exhaled. Did I make a mistake by giving my heart to Lila so soon? That's what I did and I paid for it. She wasn't the one for me. Could Elsa?
Elsa tensed upon learning that Donovan was starting to see her in a more romantic way and pulled away slightly, getting his attention so he could see her distressed eyes. "Elsa, are you okay?"
These feelings you feel for me, Donovan…are not real, Elsa spoke to him in his mind.
His eyes widened with embarrassment, You heard my thoughts?!
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I promise. We were both too relaxed that we let our guard down and I just heard them, Elsa answered.
Donovan became silent, maybe thinking what to say. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to overstep. I just couldn't help-
It's okay, Donovan. You don't have to apologize. It's just you reacting to me, as a mortal to a goddess. However, reactions in the past were never romantic, Elsa explained. That's just how my father created me. That's my purpose. My presence is meant to draw humanity to itself so that I can better connect with humanity and help them as my father intended. Elsa remembered how Jack looked at her when he first arrived on her shores. It was the same with Donovan. This made Elsa freak out and push him away so that she could be escape his gentle embrace. "No."
Donovan was silent for a bit. "I don't understand, Elsa." He tried to step closer to calm her, but she turned away and hugged herself with her arms. "Elsa, please. Talk to me. You helped me. Now's my chance to help you. Tell me what you need," he requested softly.
"Another drink? Please?" Elsa asked. It wasn't the answer she wanted to give him, but she needed space in order to calm down after learning what she just did about Donovan.
"Okay," Donovan smiled, "I'll be right back."
Elsa's heart stopped and her face went red when she felt his lips give her a tender peck on the cheek before he walked away. She watched him leave before sighing and covering her eyes with one of her hands. "What am I going to do?"
The music stopped and everyone pulled away from their dancing partner. Elsa needed to talk to Anna about what she just learned. Anna would help her figure this out. Elsa halted in her footsteps seeing people swarm Anna. Anna smiled as she socialized with them so Elsa stepped back, not wanting to interrupt.
"Such a large event, isn't it?" a voice said and she looked up to see Michael, the man who Lila was now with. Elsa remembered how hurt Donovan was because of him and Lila and immediately became guarded. The disgusting smell of his greedy heart didn't escape her sense of smell either.
Elsa restrained herself in order to remain polite at Anna's Ball. "Yes, it is indeed. Her Majesty definitely possess impressive ambition."
Michael smirked at the witch's praise of the Queen. He had no respect for the young Queen. Money was the only thing driving him. "Yes…ambition." Elsa could hear the mocking tone in his voice and her heart hardened, but she continued to restrain herself as he continued, "May I perhaps get the goddess a drink?"
"I'm with Donovan. He's getting one for me. So, no thank you," Elsa replied calmly.
Michael became quick to anger inside. His patience quickly wearing thin. He needed to charm her in order for his plan to work. "Donovan? Ah, yes. The sickly-looking servant who works under Queen Anna."
Hearing this arrogant man refer to Donovan in such a disrespectful way almost made her snap. The stench of his greedy hart and the repulsive feeling she was getting from his pride and arrogance was too much for her. She needed to get away from him. "Donovan should be back any time now. Pleasure meeting with you, good sir. Excuse me, please."
Michael was instantly offended by how this witch was just waving him off. Does she not know who I am? He grabbed her wrist before she could walk away. "Forget about him. He is not worthy of you, Goddess. He is a mere servant. What could he possibly give that I can't? I know why you are befriending the Queen. I know your secret. You may have everyone else fooled, but not me, Witch. You seek wealth, power, and fame. That's why you are so close with the young Queen and why you are deceiving everyone by making them believe you are really a divine goddess."
"EXCUSE ME?" Elsa asked with a firm tone. What he accused her of blew her mind away.
"As my bride, I can give you these things. With your magic, my house will become more prosperous and you will reap that immense wealth as well," Michael smiled. "You no longer have to hide behind your lies."
Elsa scowled at him and ripped her hand free from him before facing him. "You say I am lying about being a goddess? You think wealth and fame is what I desire?" She held out the palm of her hand and from it, small nuggets of gold poured out. The way his face lit up with pure greed only confirmed what she knew. He tried to grab it, unable to resist, but she made it all instantly vanish before his eyes. "You disgust me, mortal. Why would I be your wife when I lack nothing? What need have I of your wealth when it is nothing compared to the wealth I could easily create for myself?"
Michael's face became twisted in anger like he was going to snap hearing her words as she continued chiding him, "YOU have NOTHING that I desire."
During this heated confrontation, Donovan made another drink for Elsa. He couldn't help but smile after boldly kissing her cheek like that. His heart swelled with the joy it brought him. He also knew that she liked this simple drink and making her happy made his heart swell even more.
He turned to see Lila right behind them. "Donovan, we need to talk about Elsa."
"I can't. Elsa's waiting for me in the Ball Room. I can't keep her waiting," Donovan replied and tried to go around her but she blocked his path.
"Donovan, this is serious! She's manipulating you! Can't you see that?!" Lila said urgently.
Donovan looked at her with a serious glare. "The only one that's been manipulating me, using me, lying to me…was YOU."
"Donovan-" Lila tried to speak, but was cut off by Donovan.
"But I should thank you for breaking my heart, Lila. It's because of you that I got to meet Elsa. I have NEVER been this happy around ANYONE. I hope Michael makes you this happy as well," Donovan said.
Lila ached inside because Michael didn't. There was no love from him. Only the promise of wealth and fame. She made a terrible mistake hurting the one man who did love her for wealth. She realized this seeing how happy Donovan was around Elsa, but he still had to be warned about Elsa. "That's just Elsa using her magic on you. Michael knows her secret and he told me. He confronting her now and-"
"Wait, what? Michael said what?" His eyes widened realizing he left Elsa alone with Michael. He dropped the glass, causing it to shatter at his feet before he took off to return to Elsa.
Back in the ball room, Donovan heard Elsa say something and Michael look like he was going to snap. He quickly got between them and kept Elsa behind him, "You leave her alone."
Elsa was surprised by Donovan's sudden arrival but very relieved he was here with her.
Michael just laughed, "Well. Well. Look who we have here. The Witch's little pet."
"Stop calling her that…and I'm not her pet," Donovan replied. The commotion was starting to get other's attention.
"Wake up, commoner!" Michael laughed. "You're just a nobody she took pity on!"
Donovan's eyes glistened as if he partly believed that, but he kept his voice firmed, "Leave us, now."
"Or what? Who's going to make me? You? The lying witch?!" Michael laughed mockingly. Donovan instantly punched him in the mouth, knocking out one of Michael's perfectly white teeth, which shocked Michael. Michael pulled him by the collar out of his way before punching him in the stomach so hard that Donovan fell to his knees.
Michael then kicked him in the face, knocking him onto the floor. "I'll make you pay for that!" Before he could kick Donovan again, Elsa got between them, standing tall with a scowl on her face. Her eyes then glowed white, causing him to cower in her presence as she remained towering over him.
"Make way! Make way!" Anna ordered nearby and Elsa saw Anna and Kristoff rush through the crowd to them. Anna ran to Elsa's side while Kristoff quickly rushed to Donovan on the floor. Elsa worried seeing Donovan hurt on the floor and went to him as well. Anna faced Michael with a scowl, "This was supposed to be a night of celebration. I will not tolerate your disrespectful behavior ruining this event for everyone else. Guards!"
Two guards came over and escorted Michael out by force. There was an awkward feeling in the atmosphere of the Ball Room and Elsa felt guilty. "I should leave, Anna."
"No, Elsa, don't go. It's not your fault. It was his inappropriate behavior," Anna tried to encourage her. She followed Elsa's gaze at Donovan who Kristoff helped back on his feet. Donovan met Elsa's eyes and Elsa came over to him. He was bleeding a little from a cut on his face and that made her feel…guilty? Responsible? Without another word, she gently guided him out by the hand.
Anna was about to say something and go after Elsa, but Kristoff stopped her by grabbing her shoulders and shaking his head.
Donovan didn't know where Elsa was leading them and asked, "Where are we going, Elsa?" He then saw she was leading them into the Royal Gardens near the palace. Elsa had the experience of getting a tour around the entire palace grounds with Anna. Her favorite place next to being with Anna was the Royal Gardens. It was beautiful, quiet, a place of peaceful isolation for Elsa since she started living in the palace with Anna.
Donovan continued watching as Elsa quietly guided him to her favorite spot: a bench beneath the large willow tree. Donovan heard much about this place. Since the Royal Gardens was open to the public, couples occasionally have their weddings there by the Willow tree. It was sort of a tradition. He also heard that the Royal Garden was killed off by the eternal winter, but that Elsa restored it to its former beauty. She guided him to the bench behind the veil of branches that hung so low they toughed the green grass as they hid the two from the world outside.
He sat down watching Elsa look at him with concern before sitting close next to him. Her hand hesitantly reached up and grazed the cut on his face. His flinch made her feel more guilty so she withdrew her hand slightly before rubbing that area with her hand. His eyes widened when he could feel his face heal. The wound and the pain were all gone. The only pain that remained was the pain where Michael punched him so hard in the mid-section. He kept it to himself, but Elsa turned her attention to that area as well.
She got in front of him and began to expose his mid-section which made Donovan's face turn red and his body tense. "Uh, Elsa? What- What are you doing?"
Elsa eyes were glistening with guilt as she replied with sadness, "I need to see how he hurt you."
Donovan calmed slightly after that and allowed Elsa to open his dress jacket then unbutton his dress shirt to expose his toned chest and abs. Elsa whimpered lightly as she saw the nasty bruise on his stomach. Same as the other injury, Elsa's hand gently and slowly slid downward from his chest to his navel, feeling his abs as she wiped the injury away, healing him instantly.
All he could do is star at this beauty tend to his injuries. Her sad eyes betrayed her guilt to Donovan. Finally, her eyes glanced up at his before she asked, "How do you feel?"
"Better. Thank you, Elsa," Donovan tried to smile to help her feel better but she just returned his smile with an upset scowl. This made him lose the smile as she sat by down beside him. All he could do is stare at her in silence as she looked straight ahead and fuming in her anger. Finally, she spoke up.
"You shouldn't have done that. You shouldn't have gotten in the middle like that," Elsa chided him with a firm and upset done.
"I couldn't let him continue to treat you like that, Elsa," Donovan replied.
"You got yourself hurt for me. You should've stayed out of it," she replied angrily, her tone rising slightly.
"I didn't want him hurting you," Donovan said softly, moving closer to her without her acknowledging it.
"He wasn't the first. He won't be the last," Elsa replied.
"Then I'm punch them in the mouth too," Donovan vowed.
It was then that Elsa became aware of how close he was to her, feeling the warm minty breath graze her skin. She turned her head and looked to see his face was so close to her's and whispered softly, "Why would you do something so foolish and reckless?"
They continued to stare into each other's eyes until Donovan's lips met hers with such soft tenderness that Elsa's eyes widened with surprise but her lips instantly received his and kissed him back. Her breathing and heart beat were all effected by this mortal's passionate act. She was rendered so helpless by his warm lips that she couldn't resist. Her body loved it and didn't want it to stop, so she followed Donovan's lead. He drew closer to deepen the kiss by reaching with his hand and hugged her close at the hips before they cupped her face and slowly grazed the area behind her ear and into her long hair. Such a small act, but the sensation was too much for Elsa. Her skin tingled so much it excited her and encouraged her to escalate the kiss herself.
Just as she was about to abandon all restraint with this mortal, her entire life with Jack flashed before her eyes, from the day she first met Jack to his death to him saying goodbye as his lingering spirit said goodbye to her at the palace when she released all those innocent souls. It suddenly dawned on her what she was doing with Donovan and she instantly pushed him away as she jumped out of the seat and backed away.
Donovan instantly stood with urgent worry on his face, "Elsa! Elsa, where are you?! Elsa?!"
Elsa realized she had cloaked herself. "Elsa, come back, please! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to frighten you!" Elsa's heart swelled with pain before she quickly ran away. I'm sorry, Jack. I betrayed you.
Nearly a month had passed since Elsa was last in Arendelle for the Ball. Out of guilt for moving on from Jack, she isolated herself in her Ice Palace to avoid the risk of ever running into Donovan. Anna and Kristoff tried visiting to talk with her about what happened after Donovan told them what happened in the Garden, but she wouldn't let them in. All Elsa could do was sit against the door with her knees pulled close to her chest and her arms wrapped around them as she sobbed into her knees. "I'm sorry, Jack. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." That was all Elsa could manage to say as her guilt ate her up inside.
"Wow, Snowflake. You look terrible," Jack's voice said.
Elsa looked up to see Jack kneeling in front of her with a smile. "Jack!" Elsa smiled and lunged to hug him, but she went through him.
She looked up at him.
"I'm gone, Elsa. You have to move on," Jack said, stepping closer.
Elsa teared up and shook her head as she wrapped herself in her arms again. "I can't. I can't," she said as she choked on her painful sobs. Jack got closer and looked in her eyes.
"Yes, Elsa. You can. You can't keep yourself trapped in misery because of me. I love you, Elsa, but you deserve to be happy and be loved again," Jack's voice was so gentle as he spoke. "Donovan is a good man who can love you the way you need. Go to him, Elsa. Let him love you."
Elsa was hesitant to receive his words until Jack confessed, "I won't be able to visit you after this, Elsa. You know you are in love with him. Why are you so scared of him?"
"I'm not scared," Elsa insisted through her tears.
"Yes, you are, Elsa. You can't let my death cripple you like this," Jack said, trying to hold her in his ghostly arms. "Don't hide. Love, Elsa. Love."
Jack's ghost then faded away and for the first time in centuries, Elsa felt a void in her heart fill up and heal. Elsa felt her feelings for Donovan become clearer with realization. Joyful tears glistened her eyes and her lips became a smile before she quickly exited her Ice Palace. Anna was where she expected her to be, at her desk working on documents. "Anna."
Anna's face lit up as soon as she saw Elsa standing in the doorway and quickly rushed to hug her. "I'm so happy to see you."
"I missed you too, Anna, but I need to find Donovan," Elsa pulled away and asked, "Is he here?"
Anna's smile vanished and she slowly returned to her desk, adjusting one of her stacks, "I haven't seen him the past few days."
Elsa quickly went to Anna's side, "What do you mean? Where is he? Is he okay?" After isolating herself in the Ice Palace, she never once used her sight to watch Arendelle or read anyone's mind. She was completely in the dark.
Anna winced seeing how worried Elsa looked and gestured with her hand to the chair across from her desk. "Have a seat, Elsa."
This didn't sound good to Elsa and it made her tense up as she assumed the worst. Elsa sat down in the large chair and Anna began, "You don't have to worry. He's okay." That relieved Elsa, but what she said next made Elsa feel guilty again.
"We are in the final week of the month. It's been three weeks since the night of the Ball. Kristoff and I didn't see you or Donovan after you left with him. I took that as a good sign you were getting along and enjoying each other's company. Donovan has been continuing to work hard in the palace but always looked distracted and not in a good way." This made Elsa remember how she freaked out over Donovan kissing her, but she kept that from Anna who went on, "He had become more and more distracted by something so I called him to my office to see what was bothering him." Anna met Elsa's eyes. "He told me about your kiss. He said it was the greatest first kiss he could ever dream of experiencing."
Anna and Elsa both smiled but Elsa blushed at Donovan's secret compliment. Anna went on, "Donovan also told me how you panicked and vanished before your eyes. Did you not like the kiss, Elsa?"
Elsa immediately looked up and quickly explained, "No! I loved it. I never felt anything like that since-" Elsa went silent. Anna knelt by her and rested one of her hands on Elsa's.
"Since Jack? Is that why you panicked?"
Elsa nodded, looking down at her anxious hands. Anna asked beside her, "Why? Were you just nervous about doing something intimate like that again?"
"I felt guilty, Anna. I know Jack is dead, but my heart still belonged to him. I felt so guilty for kissing Donovan, that I betrayed Jack, that's why I left," Elsa explained.
"You should tell Donovan. The way you left him that night made him really feel down," Anna shared, "The first week he was distracted and told me about that night. I talked to him again and mentioned and shared your past in hopes he would understand and be patient with you, but instead he felt responsible. After he learned about Jack and how you lost him, he felt like he crossed a line and was very harsh on himself. He tried climbing up North Mountain, but Kristoff was able to convince him to give you more time to process what happened. He tried to continue working but I ended up giving him paid leave so he could figure things out for himself. That was a week ago."
Elsa stood with a sense of urgency, "I have to find him." She then hugged Anna, catching Anna off guard but Anna smiled before hugging Elsa back. The memories Elsa made with Anna since she washed up on her shores all flashed before Elsa's eyes, reminding Elsa how important Anna was to her and how much she loved her. "Thank you, Anna, for everything. For coming to my kingdom. For being an annoying pest. For not being scared of me and being my friend. For teaching me how to love again. For being brave when times seemed darkest. I love you so much."
Anna began to tear up and forced a laugh, "Gee whiz, Elsa! Stop it! You're making me cry!" She pulled away and giggled with Elsa as she wiped her tears. "Go find your boyfriend and give him a big wet one."
Elsa smirked at Anna and then left. As soon as she was outside the palace grounds, she used her divine sight to find the mortal of interest. She smiled. "There you are, Donovan."
(A/N: There was meant to be two more scenes in this chapter but this chapter got much longer on me than expected. When I type my updates in Microsoft Word, I usually aim for 13-18 pages. I've struck 19 and adding the rest like I originally planned will most likely stretch it to 25 or more pages. That's a bit too big for my ideal update. Saving the last two scenes for the final chapter will help it not be a small update. Next chapter will be the last.)