I'm alive and back! School's going to start up again and while I'd love to update as much as possible, it may take a little longer for me to post something. I know it's been a long time but here's a long oneshot to make up for it! It's dedicated to ShizaAssassian316. Check out their work and a special thanks for helping me out Shiza. This one's for you! Love you all and enjoy!
Once upon a time, there was girl. A simple girl who lived a simple life. She thrived on small moments spent in a garden or a sweet smile a child would give her. It made the rest of her miserable life so much brighter. Elsa Arendal was employed at the Sanchez Inn, an establishment that was owned by the Sanchez nobility. Rich beyond belief for their trading of spices and goods, they took up a terrible habit of giving out loans.
Elsa's parents had been the ones to take out a loan from the very powerful family. After a terrible storm at sea, Elsa was left an orphan to struggle on the streets alone. She now worked to pay off their debt as best she could.
But no matter what, Elsa remained steady in her work, remembering the happier years years she'd had with her mother and father. Their stories and morals guided her through the pitiful life she'd found herself in. She smiled at the times they'd spent in the meadow by their small house, when they would all go to town together, and the daring stories of heros her father would tell her.
But what is most important, he would say to her, is to have courage and be kind.
The Sanchez family was composed of the kind of rich aristocracy one should only hear about as villains in fairy tales. Cruel and selfish, anyone less than them was viewed as dirty, including their own workers. Forcing the young women they employed to work in the tavern to turn a profit, Elsa found herself a friend whom she could trust.
Valerie Gray. A young woman who took no nonsense from no one no matter who they were. She stood by Elsa as the young girl was stepped on by the overbearing family. Especially Paulina, the eldest daughter, who's special hobby was tormenting Elsa.
"You best stay alert, servant girl," Paulina, spat at the blonde as she worked to clear a table of the tavern as it slowed down after lunch. She smirked, "Lest your debt build up again and you'll have to work here for another ten years!" she laughed before pausing, "Of course, your filthy parents should've thought of that before taking our money."
Elsa's grip on her tray tightened, "They did it to feed me."
She lifted her nose into the air with another satisfied smirk on her face, "Their mistake."
With that, she strode right out of the warmed wooden room. Valerie glared after her. "I don't know why you let them treat you like that," she shook her head, picking up an empty woven basket.
"I have no other choice," Elsa sighed as she untied the white apron around her wait, smoothing down her plain tan and blue frock. She looked up at her friend shyly and smiled, "Could I come with you to the market today?"
Valerie's anger melted at her friend's sweet smile. She sighed and shook her head at the sight of it. Elsa, while also allowing everyone to step on her like a doormat, had the power to light up an entire room and bestow kindness to anyone, even if that person was unworthy. "Of course," she smiled right back at her, offering her arm, "But we better hurry, we don't want to hit the afternoon rush."
The market was a sort of escape for the girls. The only place they could find solace that wasn't on the Sanchez property. The smells, colors, and sounds all erased the horrible conditions they found themselves in, if only for a few hours. But today at the market was different.
It was different because the Crowned Prince Daniel was strolling along among the crowd and rammed right into Elsa.
As she landed in the packed dirt beneath her, the Prince was right beside her. "Oh no," he sighed before she sat up and he hurriedly knelt to her level, "Are you hurt, Elsa?"
The blonde blushed as she looked up to meet the eyes of her old schoolmate. Yes, her, Daniel, Valerie, and a few others had all gone to the same schoolhouse for a while. Now, of course, the Prince was too old to be out in public without protection, but back when he was younger, his parents wanted him to know his future subjects and understand them in a way most could not. He even brought his two closest friends back to the castle with him to be his advisors.
And here he was before her, no longer a boy, but a young man who had been bred to lead his kingdom with bravery and compassion. She hadn't seen him in years, but those same big blue eyes stared right back at her with just as much heart as they had in school.
"N-No," she stuttered as her cheeks dusted pink, "No, I'm alright."
"Here," he offered his hand to her.
She hesitated before she took it and he helped her to her feet. He was much taller and his shoulders had broadened, but his hair was still shaggy and unruly as ever. "Th-Thank you," she breathed as their gazes locked. Her eyes found the guards that were behind him before she reluctantly stepped away and gave a low curtsy, "Your Highness."
And then the crowd came between them, separating them for the time being, but not for good as fate would have it.
That night, Elsa sat by the window of the living quarters she shared with Valerie. The dark skinned girl smirked at her friend as she set down the last of the mending she had to do for that day. "Hmm, looks like someone is a little lovesick," she teased as she watched her friend gaze at the stars
"I'm not," Elsa protested calmly.
"You're gonna fall out that window if you don't stay out of your daydreams."
Elsa shook her head, "I'm not daydreaming. Besides, I doubt the prince even gave me a second thought."
Valerie smirked, "I never said anything about Danny."
She whirled around she scold her friend with a smile, "Valerie!" But they shared a small laugh before Elsa moved towards her bed. "Should I bring up his advisor? Oh, what was his name? … Tucker?"
"Touché."
Elsa looked down at her thin blankets and sighed to herself, "Valerie? Do… Do you think he remembers me?"
Her friend smiled at her, "There's not a doubt in my mind that he does."
There was one last smile shared between them before Valerie leaned over and blew out the candle for the night.
The Prince, however, was greeted immediately when he arrived back at the castle. "Look who pulled off going to the market today," Tucker smirked as he and Sam appeared beside their friend, matching his stride, "Anything interesting happen?"
Danny's mind immediately flew to his run in with Elsa, but he kept his gaze forward and kept walking. She'd changed, grown up. She'd always been beautiful to him but when he saw her again… beautiful and its synonyms didn't seem to be enough to describe his admiration. She was taller and her hair was slightly unkempt from her fall, but her eyes were still kind beyond belief and her lips still parted in shock at his appearance. There were definitely more… womanly aspects of her that had appeared that he couldn't help but notice but she was very slender. Part of him hoped that it was only genetic, but the other part knew that it was because she couldn't fully feed herself.
"I can't go telling you all my secrets," he laughed at his friends as they entered a drawing room, "What will protect you from my prying mother and sister?"
Sam laughed at her friend and placed a hand on his shoulder, "Please, like we couldn't handle Jazz," she raised a brow at him, "Besides, what could possibly be interesting enough for your mother and sister?"
"Guess you'll never know," he shrugged.
Tucker and Sam smiled before they shared a look. "Danny," Tucker began seriously, gaining the prince's full attention, "Your parents… while you were gone…"
"What?" Danny asked seriously.
Sam winced, "They… they scheduled a ball for you on the last day of the Festival of Ostara… and a courting ceremony."
Danny froze mid step, his eyes widening. "A what?"
"You know the beginning of spring," Tucker tried to make light of the situation, "All the… fertility and whatnot."
"Okay, now you're really not helping," Danny crossed his arms over his chest, "I can't believe them. They won't even spend more than the length of a meal with me and they're already trying to marry me off?"
Tucker sighed, "Well, you did refuse your original engagement."
He glared at his friend, "One that was made when I was six. And of course I did. I don't want to be stuck in an unhappy marriage when I'm already a prisoner in a fancy stone house."
Sam gave him a look, "So many people eat from your scraps, you don't even know."
"That's not what I meant and you know it…" he trailed of and sighed, sinking into the chair that was near him, "I just… I'm already stuck with a job I never wanted and now… for all I know I'll be married off to a total stranger."
Sam and Tucker shared another look before moving over to their friend. "Hey," Sam placed a hand on his shoulder once more to offer some reassurance, "We'll be by your side every step of the way."
"Through thick and thin," Tucker nodded.
Danny looked up at his best friends before smiling with a soft laugh, "Thanks guys."
That night, the moon was high over the kingdom of Amatia. Against its bright reflection stood a tall silhouette of a bell tower where two wandering spirits were fated to meet.
"There you are," a floating cloaked figure who held a tall, commanding staff spoke in a deep, wise voice, "I was beginning to think that maybe you'd forgotten."
The other figure's feet were on the ground but the same glowing aura surrounded his polar white fur, the moonlight gleaming on his deep blue cloak and ice arm. "Of course I hadn't," the much jollier voice of the other stranger filled the tower, "Why, it is that glorious time once again."
"Yes," the cloaked figure admitted, a ghost of a smile showing from under his hood, "Tell me, who have you chosen this time, Frostbite?"
"A simple girl at first glance," the furry ghost smiled widely, "But her joy and warmth can reach any heart. She faces the world with a bright smile, despite what the world has given her in return. Lending helping hands is second nature and she cares and loves so deeply," his smile then faded, "But that is also her weakness. She does not hate, nor burden others, even when she is forced to tears. She had resigned in herself, finding solace only in her happiest of memories."
The smile was now visible on the other figure, "So full of heart… One can only dream of a simpler time when we were once all like that," he tilted his chin up, "My chosen one is a young man of royal blood. Brave, loyal, determined, and compassionate, he is the ideal prince. He cares for his kingdom deeply and would never run away from his responsibility, but he also knows the burdens that await him as king," he nodded, "No doubt he will be a great king, but under that is just a lonely boy who wants the love and approval of his family and friends, striving to protect them."
"Yes," Frostbite nodded, "I think we've got ourselves a fine team, Clockwork."
"Alright boy, let's get you to the festival."
Danny whirled around to find and old man with a long white beard staring up at him from his hunched over position, a staff holding most of him up and a cloak covering his eyes. The prince raised a brow at this. How did the man get into his family's private garden? When he was younger, they'd all built this place together as a sanctuary. Now, he was the only one to visit. He found himself there alone today because the Spring Festival of Ostara had started this morning and, while he was also dreading the impending ball the loomed over his head, he wished more than anything he could go just for fun.
"Sir?" he asked as he moved to help the old man sit down at the edge of a fountain.
The old man waved him off, "Please, don't fuss. It's you I'm worried about. My job right now is to get you out and at the festival so you can finally have some fun."
Danny just blinked back at the man, "Sir, are you ill?"
"Is that anyway to treat your guardian?" the man raised a brow at the boy, "Nevermind, I need to start this transformation."
"Transformation?" the young man's eyes widened.
He shrugged, "More of a disguise really. You've made it harder by visiting the market as yourself already. You still want to go to the festival, right?"
"Yes, of course I do, but I-"
Danny was cut off my the man turning into a young boy before flickering into a man before returning to a old man, repeating the cycle over and over again as he floated off the ground. "Good," the ghost smiled warmly.
"Do the delivery, I said," Elsa muttered to herself as she cut through a wide alleyway, "It'll be easy, I said." She kept alert as she made the stupid shortcut, but she knew the head of the Sanchez house wouldn't let her go to the festival tonight if she was even a little late. Right now, the one thing she desperately needed was freedom.
But freedom always seemed to come with a price. She heard the sound of three other pairs of footsteps behind her. She didn't dare look back and quickened her pace ever so slightly. They became harder to ignore as they called out to her, first just greetings but it evolved into lewd comments about the festival of spring and how they "needed to make the most of it."
There as a slight whoosh in the air before the sound of a sword being unsheathed rang off the stone walls around them. "Is there a problem here gentlemen?" a male voice called out from behind her.
Elsa whirled around to find a tall figure standing protectively in front of her. His black and silver sword glinted in the light, matching his gleaming silver hair. He wore black leather, the kind that one would only see spies or assassins wear, and it was lined in silver as well. The men stared at him with confusion and wariness before slowly retreating to the other side of the alley.
The man sheathed his sword and turned to find Elsa staring at him. She was then met with a pair of hypnotizing electric green eyes.
He selfishly admired her for a moment. At first, he had just been leaping over rooftops with his newfound super senses and honed skills, having the time of his life before he dropped down into the festival. Then he'd heard the shouts and catcalls. He didn't know that it was Elsa that he'd been protecting, but he was not sorry one bit as he met her soft gaze.
"I hope those thugs didn't cause you any distress," he started smoothly, scanning her a few times, "Are you alright?"
Elsa took a minute to find her voice before she nodded, "Oh, yes. I'm quite alright. How can I ever thank you, Sir…"
It took him a minute to think of something before he replied with, "Phantom," an easy smirk spreading across his face as he decided then and there that he was going to take full advantage of this week of freedom. He gently took her hand in his before bowing and kissing it softly, "Phantom, at your service, princess."
"Pr-Princess?" she asked, a heavy blush spreading on her face, "I think your mistaken."
He stood up at his full height and smiled, "I think not, princess. But you've given no other name to call you by."
She stared at him for a moment before she smiled, "Elsa."
"Well then, Elsa," he countered, "You mentioned thanks… May I ask that you accompany me to the festival? I hear there's a lot of fun to be had."
Her blush darkened as she looked away, "Oh, I would love to but…" she glanced behind her, "I'm not allowed out until after dark. I wouldn't want to hold you back…"
"Nonsense," he waved her off before he glanced out onto the street, "Meet me at that fountain then. After sunset."
Elsa met his eyes once more before nodding with a smile. "Until then," she smirked before turning around, "My hero~"
Danny almost swooned at her flirtation as he watched her go and sent a million prayers of thanks to Clockwork for getting him out of the palace. He had hoped to spend all day having fun but he would definitely wait until sunset.
The blonde returned to the tavern with a few minutes to spare and was set to work tables for the day. The entire time she thought about the mysterious stranger she just met yet… there was something familiar about him, like she'd known him all her life. And she couldn't help but berate herself for that comment she'd made. What was she thinking? Calling him her hero when they'd only just met.
"Hey," Valerie appeared next to her, snapping Elsa out of her thoughts, "I'm here to tag back in."
Elsa smile gratefully as she took off her apron and fixed herself up a little bit. Her and Valerie agreed to cover each other for certain parts of the day so they could go to the festival, but it had been a pain to get Lord Sanchez to agree. Valerie was watching Elsa as the blonde redid her hair, noticing the fair blush in her cheeks and the excitement in her eyes.
"Let me guess," she smirked as she tied her apron around her waist, "You met someone."
She whirled around to meet her friend's teasing gaze. "What?" she asked, "Wh-What makes you say that?"
Valerie raised a brow, "Please, I know that look. And Prince Daniel isn't attending the festival. So, who is it?"
Elsa rolled her eyes but couldn't stop the blush from spreading to her ears, "If you must know, I… received some help with my delivery today."
"So… it was a stranger," Valerie studied her intently before smirking, "And a roguishly handsome one judging by the look on your face. Unconventional looking, but dashing."
"Will you stop that?" Elsa moved passed Valerie, "It's creepy how good you are at it."
She just waved her off, "Don't worry about me. You just have yourself some fun."
Elsa sent a genuine smile to her friend before hurrying out the door to meet Phantom. She couldn't help the fact that her heart picked up with every step she took. Half of her was excited to see him again, half of her was expecting him to not show up. But her heart soard when she spotted him. He sat on the edge of the fountain casually, but his eyes were everywhere. He watched the people move around him eagerly with such interest, Elsa almost didn't want to disturb him.
She approached him shyly and when he spotted her, a smile quickly appeared to greet her. "I was starting to think you'd leave me hanging, princess," he teased as he stood and faced her. Her only response was a shy laugh and she found herself at a loss for words at the meeting of this stranger. His eyes grew kinder at her shy demeanor. "Why don't you lead the way," he offered his arm to her with a reassuring smile, "I'm new in town and don't know it that well."
She blinked back at him before her shoulders relaxed and she took his arm. "Come on," she smiled, "There's a wonderful set of games just over this way."
And so began the night filled with fun and laughter. A night like neither of them had really experienced. The streets were alive with performances of dancers and children ran along stone buildings past their bedtime.
"You sure about this princess?" Danny asked as he watched her pick up a tomato to throw at the poor volunteer who was supposed to dodge them.
Elsa just smirked back at him, "What? You think I have no muscle after all that work in the tavern? You underestimate me, Phantom," she turned to the man who ran around dodging fruits and vegetables, "Besides, he never tipped when he came to the inn. Consider this payback."
With deadly precision, she threw the fruit and hit the man right in the back of the head. Danny gawked before a moment before sharing an excited smile with Elsa.
Launterns of green lined the streets and the stars seemed to shine bright enough to brighten the darkest of corners of the kingdom. Everything was so alive and wonderful that the two easily lost track of time.
"Here," Danny offered his hand, "I'll get you home before they even notice you were gone."
She raised a brow at him and took his hand, trusting this stranger. He swiftly scooped her up into his arms, earning him a gasp and a blush, before he lept up onto a rooftop. Elsa clung tighter to him when they jumped, but opened her eyes when she felt him still. She smiled as she saw the warmly lit streets panning out from underneath her.
He dashed across the rooftops with skill that made Elsa feel at ease and she melted further into the embrace. Her head rested delicately on his shoulder while her arm was draped around his neck, her other hand bracing herself against his hard chest.
Danny landed on the ledge of her bedroom window with her tucked up into his arms. He helped her down into the room and onto her feet. "Thank you Phantom," she smiled up at him, "This evening was wonderful."
"More than that, princess," he smiled right back, "Is there a chance we could meet again tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow I'm free at noon until sunset," she offered.
He took her hand in his, "Then for tonight, I must say goodbye," he leaned down and kissed her hand, "Until tomorrow, Elsa."
With that, he turned and jumped off the ledge, into the night. He landed safely on the ground underneath the tower-like structure she lived in. "Yes!" he cheered to himself before making his way back to the palace.
Elsa just stared out her window at the stars, already lost in her memories of the night. But a familiar voice from a behind her startled her.
"Okay, now you have to tell me everything."
The second day of the festival was spent in the sun. It was the kind of day that made you smile once you stepped outside. Air crisp, sun high, and skies blue, it was the definition of spring. The kind of day where Danny semi-forced Elsa to try archery.
"I'm not sure about this Phantom," she looked over her shoulder at him as her bow was drawn back, arrow in the quiver.
He laughed at her before reaching up to adjust her arms a bit more, "It'll be fine. Just relax your arms a bit more," he laughed again, "And breathe."
"I won't ever do it again," she scoffed at him before beginning to aim, "I don't even hunt."
That day, she missed almost every shot until the last one, which was a pure lucky bullseye.
The third day was spent after sunset again and was filled with just as much of an escape as each of them needed. It was on their trip back that trouble came about.
The two of them sat in Elsa's shared room. She sat beside him on her bed with a bowl of water on a nearby table and a cloth in her hand. "You need to be more careful," she scolded him softly as she tended the gash on his bicep, "You're lucky he was drunk."
Elsa couldn't stop laughing at Danny's misfortune in a game they'd just played. "Well, I see you're actually me walking to my door tonight. How gentlemanly," she teased him with a smile.
He gave her a smirk, "When am I ever anything but?"
"Hey sweetheart," a slurred and garbled voice drawled out from the tavern entrance, "How much for the night?"
She blinked back at him, actually used to this question, but she did feel Phantom's arm find a way around her waist. "I'm sorry sir," she answered politely, "We don't offer those services here. Perhaps you-"
"Penniless slut," he hissed before reaching out to grab her, "I want my money's worth."
"Better me than you, princess," Danny answered wholeheartedly at he stared down at the girl that gently took care of him, finishing up his bandages.
The man was up against the wall in mere seconds.
"You dare speak to my princess like that?!" Danny bit out through clenched teeth, his sword unsheathed and eyes practically glowing in the dark.
Elsa gasped, "Phantom, don't. Please, it's not even worth the trouble."
But Danny glancing back at her gave the man the opportunity to unsheath a concealed dagger.
She gently placed her hand over his small wound. "Stop that," she shook her head at him, "I care about you just as much as you care about me. What would I do if you were to get seriously hurt, hm?"
Phantom's sly smirk reappeared, "I guess you'd be stuck taking care of me."
With a shake of her head, she playfully pushed his face away from hers. "In your dreams," she taunted him.
The fourth day was supposed to be just as wonderful. Unfortunately, a patron of the inn had seen the interaction with Elsa, Danny, and the random man. In an angry huff, Sanchez prohibited her from the festival today, gave her no meals, and worked her until well past midnight.
As soon as her work ended, she realized how hungry she was. With nothing to occupy her and keep her from thinking about starving, she resolved to go to sleep. Cheap nightgown on with a shawl she was turning down her thin blankets when she heard a tap on the window.
She looked back to find silver hair shining under the moonlight and green eyes smiling at her. She rushed to the window and opened it, staring at him with confusion and relief. "Phantom…" she breathed, "But… How did you…"
"I ran into your friend Valerie," he shrugged before his eyes softened, "She told me what happened. Though I don't think she likes be every much," he finished more to himself, earning a small laugh from her. He smiled back before his face fell, "Look, I'm… I'm so sorry for getting you into trouble. I just-"
"Phantom," Elsa stopped him before smiling, "You did anything but cause trouble. If anything, you're my hero."
He froze for a minute and enjoyed the wondrous feeling of his heart swelling with warmth within his chest. "Here," he said as he offered her a small pouch, "It's not much but it's something."
She took it and easily recognized the smell of fresh bread, her mouth practically watering at the welcoming scent. "Thank you," she beamed back up at him.
And Danny smiled right back, "Anything for my princess."
The fifth day the entire square was opened up for dancing. A large misfit band sat in the center and people of all ages spun around on the lantern lit cobblestones. Elsa and Danny were in the center of it all, wearing the red flowers that had been thrown at them by an excited young flower girl. They wore bright smiles and hardly took their eyes off each other the whole time.
But the sixth day was the most magical the two had yet to share.
"Come on," Elsa said once they'd met. She gently took his hand, "I know the perfect place to go."
She led him out of town and onto the hills that surrounded it. They talked excitedly as they moved through the trees. When they emerged out of the forest on the crest of a low cliff, Danny gasped. The moon was set behind the castle, showing it's grand silhouette to the stars. A soft and warm glow lit every street of the kingdom, it's twisting and turning streets resembling roots of a tree or lightning that's been frozen in the air.
"Elsa," he breathed, unable to take his eyes off the sight before him, "It's," he turned to her in excitement, and he immediately noticed that warm glow in her cheeks, sparkling eyes, and bright smile, "Beautiful…"
Her smile, if possible, widened before she sat down on the grass, Danny soon joining her after a moment. "On days where I have enough time, I like to sneak out here," she said before her eyes became distant, "It's a place where I can have peace. An escape. The closest thing to freedom I have."
Danny's heart dropped at the wistful tone in her voice. But her soft laugh and next few words caught him off guard. "Silly," she shook her head at herself, "Isn't it?"
"No," he answered immediately, "Not at all." A comfortable silence settled over them as the music and cheers from the streets floated up onto the hill. "Do you have dreams, Elsa?" he asked, before pausing then speaking again, "If you could run away, what would you do?"
She smiled to herself before hugging her knees to her chest, "I'd want to start a family. I lost mine and I've always wanted the chance to create one. My mother and father were always so in love and so happy despite having nothing at all. I want that," she turned to him with big eyes, "I want to feel loved, cherished, and content even when I can't afford to feed myself." She shrugged, "What about you?"
"I would want to explore," he said, staring up at the stars, "I'd want to have a steady job, study nature and what it has to offer, and have home for myself. A nice, normal life," he laughed at himself, "As a child, I used to pretend I could one day go to the moon and see how bright a star truly is. Ridiculous."
Elsa looked at him, "Not one bit."
And thus, the conversations spiraled into that of dream, aspirations, inspiration, and other such things. Private desires that were spoken in confidence with the understanding that nothing would leave that hill.
Danny's face fell after they'd shared a joke, catching Elsa's attention. "Princess," he sighed, "I think this may be the last you see of me."
"What?" she asked him.
"After tomorrow, I'm afraid I won't been seen walking the streets much more," he looked at her with big sad eyes, before smiling, "But this time I've shared with you, I'll treasure it forever."
She smiled back at him, "Couldn't have said it better myself." She took a deep breath before leaning closer and giving him a soft kiss on the cheek. "I'm so glad I met you Phantom," she breathed out before leaning away and smiling, "Thank you for everything."
He blinked back at her, "Y-You're welcome, princess." They shared a brief moment before Danny was suddenly brought back to reality and he rolled his eyes, "My family is forcing me to go to the ball tomorrow," he paused, "Will you be there?"
She gave him a look, "Heavens no," she sighed dreamily as her gaze flicked to the castle, "Oh, but what I would give to spend just a moment in such a wonderful place."
"Balls aren't so wonderful," Danny grumbled, "They're full of rich snooty people who care about nothing but status and wealth."
"Music and dancing," she countered.
"Fairweather friends."
"Gowns, pearls, and silk."
"Things that to them matter more than the lives of the kingdom."
"And being treated with respect," she suddenly breathed before closing her eyes, "To be treated like a person. Like a… a…" she paused before she smiled and beamed at him, "A princess." Another silence before, "What I would give for just one night."
Elsa always wanted to go to a ball like the grand one being held in the castle, and, for once, she was going to take action and get what she wanted. Valerie had already snuck out to the festival, seeing as the tavern was closed for the night. Elsa was then free to pull out the nicest thing she owned, her mother's old gown.
She had spent months fixing it up with what little money she had, tailoring it to fit her, and restoring it. It was purple, and a little outdated, but it fit and it flattered her, its skirt swishing as she walked towards the door, thinking to sneak through the tavern.
"What do you think you're going, Miss Elsa?"
Elsa whirled around to find Lord Sanchez, his daughter, and her friend forming a blockade, cornering her. "I-I was…" she started before she cleared her throat, "My lord, I merely had intentions to attend the ball. The inn is closed so I thought-"
"You?" the lord asked.
She blinked back at him, "Well… all eligible maidens are invited."
Paulina cackled, "What? You want to meet the Prince?"
Elsa shook her head, "No, I-"
"You better not be going to meet that rogue," Sanchez scoffed, "Who did he think he was? Skulking around here the whole week. And for what? You?"
She blinked back at him, "Sir, please, this dress was my mother's. It was at no expense to you, I promise."
A large hand suddenly gripped her upper arm and pulled her away from the door. "Do not make me repeat myself," the lord sneered at her, "You are a mere servant and you are not to go to the ball!"
"B-But, sir," she struggled in his grip, "Just one night, I beg of you."
"The answer is no," he growled her throwing her at the door and turning, leaving her.
She stood there, braced against the door for a few moments before heard a ripping sound and harsh voice. "Look Star," Paulina laughed as she held a piece of Elsa's skirt in her hand, "I was right. It is as cheap as it looks."
Elsa stood up straight and looked down to see the damage done on her dress before there was a pull at her sleeve and another rip. "It's practically asking to be ripped to shreds," Star cackled before they both began ripping at her dress.
"Stop!" Elsa cried in panic as she tried to get away from the two other girls, "Stop it, please!"
With one final attempt, Elsa shoved Paulina away from her. The dark haired girl stumbled back and crashed into a tavern bench, Star rushing to her aid in a moment and Elsa's sash in her hand. Paulina's teal eyes snapped open and narrowed at Elsa, "Why you little-"
"Why?" Elsa asked angrily as she glared at the girl, "Why must you be so cruel to me?!"
Paulina stood up and straightened her pink fluffy dress, "Because you need to know your place," she turned, Star following her, and moved to exit the tavern. "Nothing but a wrenched servant," she sneered before leaving Elsa all alone.
Elsa was frozen in her place until the sound of the front door closing and the lock clicking into place sounded in the empty tavern. It was then that a sob escaped before tears poured down her cheeks. She couldn't move, she couldn't speak, she couldn't think. All she could do was stand and look down at her torn dress. "I-I'm sorry Mama," she whimpered to herself, picking at the tatters of her skirt, "I'm sorry Papa. I tried. I tried to be kind and see the good in everyone," she closed her eyes as more tears fell, "But it hurts. It hurts so much."
She kicked a nearby chair away from her and it clattered to the floor, "Is it wrong that I want to be selfish?!"
She panted for a moment before sitting down at a table, more tears coming with each second. "Oh, Phantom…" she sighed before her words were garbled by her sobs, "I wish you were here." He always made her feel better.
So lost in her own misery, she couldn't hear the door open. "Oh," the sound of a male voice startled her and she shot to her feet, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude."
An old wrinkled man with a beggar cloak and hood stood in the doorway. Elsa just stared at him for a few moments before shaking herself out of her daze and wiping away her tears. "I'm sorry," she apologized absentmindedly, "Can I help you with something?"
He nodded at her, "I was just hoping you could spare a glass of water or a crust of bread."
Elsa sniffed as she nodded, gesturing for the man to take a seat. As she ventured into the kitchen, the furthest part of Elsa's mind told her that Lord Sanchez would be angry that she gave away perfectly good food. But at the moment, she didn't care. In fact, it was hard to care about anything at this point.
She returned with a loaf of bread and a large glass of water. "Here," she kindly smiled at him, "Don't eat it too fast or you'll get sick." The kind act eased her troubled heart a bit as the old man smiled back at her.
He began to eat as silence settled over them. Then, the man asked, "Now my dear, why were you crying?"
Elsa didn't even pretend to be taken back by the question. At this point she'd truly given up, sinking further into herself with each moment she stood in the tavern. "I just wanted to go to the ball," she sighed as she sat down in the chair next to him, "To have one night for myself. Is wrong to wish to be happy, just this once?"
The old man smiled at her, "There's nothing wrong with that, dear. Surely, with a little bit of magic, your wish could come true."
She huffed out a weak laugh, "Unfortunately, it seems I'm fresh out of magic."
The man smirked at her, "But I'm not."
Elsa looked at him strangely before her eyes widened at the sight at the man in the cloak getting bigger. She scooted back so far that her chair fell over and she watched in as the cloak fell to reveal a huge bear-like monster.
"Surprise," the monster huffed, "That's much better. Now, I-" He stopped when he saw Elsa on the floor with wide eyes. "Oh, I'm sorry," he leaned down and offered her hand, "I didn't mean to frightened you, Miss Elsa."
She stared at his hand for a moment, hesitantly taking it before he helped her up. "A-And who might you be?" she asked, still in shock.
"Call me Frostbite," he smiled before he shook his head, "But that is not what's important," he told her before nodding at her, "What's important is getting you to that ball."
The blonde blinked back at him, "Me? To the ball?" Suddenly, the Sanchez's taunting words crept into the back of her mind. "No," she shook her head and backed away, "No, I don't belong there."
"But every eligible maiden is invited. You must go," Frostbite insisted.
"I can't. I'm nothing but a servant girl," she looked down at her dress, "Besides, I don't even have a presentable dress. I have no way to get there. I…"
Frostbit studied her for a moment before laying a hand on her shoulder. "Tonight, my dear Elsa, you shall etain the happiness you've earned, the kind that you deserve," he gave her a small smirk, "All I really need is a pumpkin."
The grand ballroom of the castle a filled to the brim with gowns, waistcoats, jewels, golds, and silvers. The sounds of shoes dancing on the marble floors was muffled by the orchestra. Flowers from the Spring Festival had been brought into the ballroom and were displayed in vases and huge arrangements.
Danny sighed as he stepped away from the noblewoman he'd just danced with. Clad in a white and black waistcoat with red accents, the prince adjusted the sword that rested on his hip. While he was bored out of his mind with the usual droll of the ball, he kept his eyes open, searching for someone who he'd hoped would come.
"You seem distracted, your highness," Sam's voice spoke from his right side, a knowing smirk on her lips.
Tucker nodded, "Yeah, you expecting someone?"
"Guys," Danny hissed at them through his teeth, "Please, we're in public."
"You were out in public with Elsa when you were Phan-Ack!"
Tucker was cut off by Danny swiftly kicking the back of his knees, sending him to the ground. Sam couldn't help but laugh at his expense. "But there are so many ladies attending, your highness," she continued teasing, "Surely one of them may catch your eye."
Tucker smirked again, "Seems he only has eyes for one girl."
Danny turned away from his friends with a roll of his eyes, "I don't know what you mean Tuck…" He trailed off when he spotted someone entering late to the party. She was coming in from the side entrance, obviously trying not to draw any attention. But Danny saw her immediately.
She was dressed in a stunning blue gown. The top was fitted to her torso the straps hanging off her shoulders. The skirt of the dress flowed out at her hips and gracefully followed her every movement. The whole dress sparkled under the lights, winking at him like it knew their secret.
It was her. She came. She actually came. Danny's face split into a wide smile at the sight of Elsa's wide blue eyes scanning the room, looking for Phantom no doubt. He wanted to run to her and take her in his arms. But he couldn't. After all, she didn't know that he'd been with her at the festival all week. And he couldn't tell her here.
But he could hint at it.
"Excuse me," he absentmindedly said to his friends before making his way through the sides of the crowd.
"Well," Sam shrugged, "I think our future queen just walked in."
Tucker laughed at her, "You can say that again. Care to dance?"
She nodded, picking up the skirt of her purple dress, "Finally. With Danny around, no one wants to ask me. Dancing with you might make me seem more approachable."
"Hey!"
Danny moved easily through the crowd, trying not to draw attention. He approached her slowly, trying not to startle her. But when she spotted him, she let out a small gasp. "Your highness," she blinked at him before realizing her place and falling into a deep curtsy with her head bowed, her skirt pooling out around her.
He smiled at her and reached down to tilt her chin back up to him. "Elsa, please," he laughed at her as she rose, "We used to learn the alphabet together. You can use my name." God, did he want to show her who he was the second she smiled at him. But he couldn't.
Instead, he gently reached out and took her hand, raising it to his lips and kissing it, much like he had the entire week. A bright blush painted her cheeks as the air left her lungs in a whoosh. "Then," he smirked at her, "Will you do me the honor of your first dance?"
She beamed at him before nodding. "It would be my pleasure," she raised a brow teasingly, "Daniel."
He smiled back at her and eagerly led her out onto the dance floor, catching the attention of almost everyone in the room as the music started up again. He bowed to her and she curtsied, before he took her waist and pulled her close, earning a small gasp from her. His smile widened even more as he locked eyes with her, his hand tracing down her arm to find her hand, eyes never once leaving hers.
Elsa needed to take a moment to steady her breathing as the handsome prince began to lead her around the dance floor. She then became aware of the whispers around her and she noticed no one else was dancing. He twirled her around and when she came back to him, she had wide eyes. "Everyone's staring at you," she said.
"Really?" he smiled, "I'd forgotten there was anyone else here. And if anything," he leaned in a bit closer, "They're definitely looking at you."
She looked away from him with a blush on her cheeks, but a smile grew on her face no matter how she fought it. "So, Daniel," she said, looking back at him, "Did you enjoy the festival?"
"Yes," he laughed a little to himself, "More than you could ever know. You?"
Her smile lit up the room, "I met the most wonderful person. He goes by Phantom. You wouldn't happen to know if he's here, would you?"
Another small laugh, "I know Phantom," he nodded, "He hasn't arrived yet."
"Oh," she sighed, her eyes dimming a little.
"But when he does show up," he assured her, "You'll be the first to know."
She laughed at him, "Thank you, Daniel."
They danced for two more songs, laughing and talking the whole time before Tucker and Sam showed up next to them. "You highness," Sam spoke through a fake smile, "You make a certain promise to your mother about dancing with all the girls."
Danny rolled his eyes before sending a smile towards his partner. "Perhaps we can finish catching up later?" he asked as he took her hand.
"I would love to," she smiled as they bowed respectively and he kissed her hand once more. Swiftly, he pulled her to him and whispered into her ear.
"Until then, princess."
Elsa froze in her place when Danny was dragged away and into the crowd to be passed around to all the princesses, ladies, and maidens in attendance. But she just stared at where he once stood, trying to process what just happened.
Princess.
She was snapped out of her thoughts when a hand on her arm turned her around. "Elsa?!" She met Valerie's smiling face and Elsa immediately smiled back.
"Valerie, sh!" she laughed at her friend.
"I will not shh," she raised a brow, "You have the best dress and you've been dancing with the prince for ten minutes."
Elsa smiled at her friend who was clad in a red dress, before a man came to her side. "Would my lady care to have the next dance?" he asked charmingly.
Her and Valerie locked eyes for a moment before Elsa turned and curtsied. "Yes of course," she answered politely with a small smile, not missing Valerie's smirk as she was led back out onto the dance floor.
Danny, who had just finished dancing with Paulina, noticed the pair and glared at them as a chill ran down his spine. "Careful, angry eyes," Tucker warned as he handed Star off to the prince, "You're looking a little green."
The prince nodded in understanding before shaking his head and clearing his mind. It's fine, he thought to himself, Elsa is a beautiful, charming, and captivating girl. I'm not the only one interested in her. This is her one dream of freedom. Whatever you do, do not growl at him.
He looked to Sam for help and she held up five fingers. He sighed. Five more dances before he could take Elsa away and tell her everything. Five more chances every other man in the ballroom had at her.
The time seemed to go so slowly as Danny practically counted the seconds. Once he was free, he instantly made his way over to Elsa, who was surrounded by a few men, looking a little uncomfortable. "Pardon my intrusion," Danny spoke up, adding a bit of bravado to his voice as the men parted for him, "But if you wouldn't mind, my lady, I would like to discuss something with you."
Her shoulders relaxed at the sight of him and she nodded, "Of course, your highness." She let him take her hand and lead her away from the small group.
"Shall we go somewhere more private?" he asked as he led her to the edge of the ballroom.
She quirked a brow at him and gave him a teasing smile, "Are you stealing me away? A rather bold action for a prince."
He laughed at her before shaking his head, "No, I merely have something I want to show you."
"There's something about that girl," Star hummed as she watched the prince lead the mystery girl away.
Paulina huffed, "Hardly, I would say that the prince was utterly captivated by me." She sneered at her friend, "Why would a fellow want a girl like her, a frail and fluffy beauty? She's a frothy little bubble with a flimsy kind of charm. But you know, she's frail enough that with very little trouble I could break her little arm!"
Star nodded, "She does look a little less… substantial than the noblewomen. Maybe it's a new style?"
"Oh please, Star," Paulina rolled her eyes, "Anyone who's anyone has meat on their bones. Fat means lots of food, and food means money. That girl is obviously a nobody. I just don't see why he's so interested."
Star raised a brow, "Her cheeks are a pretty shade of pink."
Paulina narrowed her eyes, "But not any pinker than a rose."
"Her skin may be delicate and soft," Star quirked her head to the side.
Paulina sneered, "But not any softer than a doe's is."
Star nodded, "Her neck is no longer than a swan's."
"She's only as dainty as a daisy," Paulina scoffed.
"She's only as graceful as a bird."
Paulina huffed in defeat, "So why is the prince going crazy?"
Danny led Elsa out onto the moonlit balcony and down the stairs into the gardens. There were a few twists and turns before they arrived in a small private garden.
It as beautifully lit with silver moonbeams that shown on the brightly blooming flowers representing the beginning of spring. Elsa gasped as she was suddenly reminded of something.
"You know," Phantom began as they sat together on a bench on the town street, "My family and I used to do everything together. We even created a small garden together."
Elsa smiled at him, "That sounds wonderful."
"It was," he nodded, "But everyone else grew up and had more important things to do. Now, I'm the only one who still goes there."
"It's amazing, Daniel," she breathed out as he led her a little further into the garden.
"It's nothing, princess," he smiled at her before his eyes grew serious, "I've wanted to share this with you for a long time, but I couldn't. The garden isn't what I wanted to show you. I need to tell you something."
She shrugged, "Go on."
He didn't really know how to phrase it. So he took both of her hands in his, and stepped closer to her. "Close your eyes," he said softly.
Elsa raised a brow at him before complying. As soon as they were shut, a white ring formed around his waist. "I wanted to tell you sooner," he said to fill the silence, "But there was no way for me to," he let out a breath, "Okay, you can open them now."
There in front of her stood Phantom, dressed the same way the prince was but with a black and silver waistcoat. She could only blink in response, "It's… It's you…"
He nodded with a sheepish smile and rubbed the back of his neck, "How else would I know that you love the smell of roses over lilies, or that your favorite food is chocolate despite you not having it in years."
"You… You're…" She couldn't even believe it. Her hand landed on his cheek and she stared into his eyes for a long time. Now that she was comparing the two, they looked very similar and there, in his eyes, there was the same compassion and valour that she'd seen that entire week with Phantom. "But… how…"
Danny just shook his head, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
She quirked a brow at him,"Try me."
"A ghost guardian," he deadpanned before thinking aloud "At least, that's what he told me… It was the only way I could escape and just have some fun. But," his hands found hers again and he smiled down at her acceptance of his secret, "Then I met you… and you changed all that."
"Then you'll never guess who got me here and gave me this dress," she laughed to herself before her tone grew serious and she met his eyes, "I was afraid I'd fallen for two men. Praise the skies that their one and the same."
He laughed at her and a silence settled over them as they stared at one another. Music then filtered through the air faintly from the open doors of the patio not too far away. Elsa gasped, "Oh, I love this song."
"Then, my princess," Danny smirked as he bowed and offered his hand, "May I have this dance?"
She beamed at him and nodded, taking his hand. They then began to waltz to the song. After a short while, Elsa started absentmindedly humming it to herself. He only smiled at this. "Will you sing for me Elsa?" he asked, remembering the time she'd sung with the band in the town square one day.
Elsa laughed at him a little hesitant before the words floating in the air in a beautiful melody.
Ten minutes ago I saw you
I looked up when you came through the door.
My head started reeling,
You gave me the feeling
The room had no ceiling or floor.
Ten minutes ago I met you
And we murmured our how-do-you-do's.
I wanted to ring out the bells
And fling out my arms
And sing out the news.
He laughed with her, humming along to the song her knew but not wanting to sing over her lovely voice as she serinated him. He twirled her around as the bridge was played, making her laugh through the next few lyrics.
I have found him, he's an angel
With the dust of the stars in his eyes.
We are dancing, We are flying,
And he's taking me back to the skies.
The tempo of the song began to slow and soon, the couple just started swaying together, eyes locked.
In the arms of my love I'm flying
Over mountain and meadow and glen.
And I like it so well
That for all I can tell
I may never come down again.
His arm around her waist and hers on his shoulder, they leaned closer to each other. Their noses brushed as the very end of the song played out. She looked up at him with a shy smile, "I may never come down to earth again."
Then, out of nowhere.
Bong!
The first stroke of midnight.
Elsa eyes widened as the sound reached her ears
"Be back by midnight, Elsa," Frostbite had warned her.
She raised a curious brow, "Why?"
He placed a hand on her shoulder, "Because the family will be returning home at that time. Once you arrive back here in the tavern, everything will disappear and the spell will be broken, so your secret will be safe. But you must get home."
"Daniel," she suddenly pulled away from him, quickly gathering her skirt in her hand, "Forgive me for this but, I must go."
He blinked as she practically took off out of the garden. He was frozen for only a moment before he was quick to follow her. "Elsa wait," he caught her by her wrist at the stairs.
She whirled around to face him as the fourth chime rang through the air, "I'm sorry," she shook her hand as she tried to tug her hand away from his, "Please, Danny, let me go."
"I can't, Elsa," he shook his head, knowing full well that she was running back to that wretched inn where she was stuck, "I won't."
She gave him a pleading look before reaching up, holding his face, and kissing him, hard. He made a soft noise of surprise before holding her against him. They both melted into one another and the brisk spring night soon felt a lot warmer to the two. Elsa even got a little lost in the moment, but the next stroke of midnight brought her back to reality.
She broke away from him and sprinted away as fast as she could. He stood there once again, dumbfounded at what had just happened.
He shook his head, "That girl is too smart for her own good."
Taking off after her, he followed her around to the driveway where a golden carriage awaited her. When he reached the top of the stairs, she met his eyes one last time before climbing into the carriage and riding away.
Danny watched her go with sad eyes, before something else caught his attention. Reaching down, he picked up the slim, sparkling silver slipper that she'd left behind. He stared out at the carriage that fled his castle gates before a call sounded from within the ballroom, echoing in his ears as dread filled his stomach.
"The courting ceremony has officially begun. The Prince is now able to select someone he wishes to court."
"You wish to court who?!"
Danny practically winced at the sound of his parents shouting at him. He stood before them, long after the ball had ended with Sam and Tucker at his sides. Jazz stood with her parents and the royal advisor, Vlad, stood beside the king.
As they all turned to each other to discuss the situation, Tucker turned to Danny and whispered, "So, how are we going to disguise the fact that we're looking for your secret lover?"
The prince then revealed the slipper that was behind his back. Sam raised a brow, "A shoe. Really?"
"You know, there's definitely more than one size six in the kingdom," Tucker deadpanned.
Danny rolled his eyes, "I know, but no one can know that I know her. This is the only thing I can lead with so this can work."
They couldn't know that'd he'd been sneaking out with someone. All they needed to know was that Danny had met her last night and miraculously fallen in love.
"You only met the girl once," his father raised a brow as he turned to his son.
"You don't even know her name," his mother added.
"And," Vlad cut in stepping forward, "Might I cut in and say that only the maidens that were at the ball past midnight are allowed to be considered for courtship. It's the tradition of the feast of Ostara. Otherwise, the union would be cursed."
Danny shook his head, "But she was at the ball past midnight. Here," he held up the shoe.
"A slipper?" Maddie asked.
"Proof that I'm not lying to you," he said seriously, "Proof that this girl is the right… fit… so to speak," he shook his head, "The point of the ball was for me to actually meet someone I want to marry, right? Well, I found her and she fits this shoe."
They all shared a look before Jazz sighed at her brother, "You just had to choose the one that ran away, right?"
"Yes," he smirked, "Yes, I did."
Maddie nodded at her son, "Danny, you are meant to rule this kingdom one day, something you've worked very hard for," her tone softened as she stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder, "If you believe you are choosing the right woman to rule beside you, I will trust your judgement. We consent to your marriage on one condition: Vlad leads the search."
Danny wanted to cringe at the request, knowing that Vlad was a selfish snob who hated the rising middle class. But, it was better than nothing. He could work around it. He smiled at his mother, "Deal."
The three were then released as the search party was being prepared. Sam watched Danny carefully as they walked through the now quiet halls of the palace. "Danny, are you sure about trusting Vlad?"
He smirked, "Not at all," he turned to face them, "Sam, Tucker, I have a plan."
One the other side of the palace wall, Elsa went about her work of the day with a smile on her face, having had the most wonderful dream that night.
Well, it wasn't a dream. More like a dream come true.
She hummed as she finished cleaning up after the lunch rush, going upstairs for her few minutes of break that she was allowed. Lost in her thoughts of this past week, she let herself become less aware to her surroundings.
When she entered her room, Valerie was by the window with a big smile on her face. "I'm guessing you haven't heard."
"Heard what?" Elsa asked with a slight laugh.
"Heard that they're looking for the mystery girl from last night to be presented before their majesties," she paused before jumping up and down, "For marriage!"
Elsa's eyes widened, "Marriage?"
"Yes!" Valerie beamed at her before pulling her into a hug, "I'm so happy for you."
"Well, isn't that just charming."
The taunting voice of Lady Paulina pulled the girls from their happiness in one foul swoop. "Of course, no one would believe you," the girl shrugged as she strolled into the room, "You, nothing but a servant girl who has yet to learn her place, will seem so desperate for money the captain of the guard would even look you over. The only thing you can claim is your foot fitting that slipper. And you and I, dear Elsa, are the same size."
Valerie sneered at the girl, "Every maiden in every household is required to try on the slipper."
"Oh, but there are only two maidens here, you and me," Paulina smirked, "The search party will come and go and find no trace of little miss Elsa."
"I swear, you're so stupid to think I would-"
"One word while the party's here, Valerie, and you can kiss your payments goodbye."
Elsa's eyes widened and she turned to her friend. "Valerie no," she shook her head, "Your family needs that money."
She blinked back at her friend, "But you-"
"Have no one," she shook her head before shrugging, offering a smile as tears brimmed in her eyes, "It is of no consequence if I suffer this fate."
She knew Paulina would never wed the prince. After all, he wasn't stupid. He knew who the mystery girl was. But Paulina couldn't know that.
The sound of a team of horses came from outside and Paulina straightened up. "Valerie, out, now," she hissed.
But the girl was smart, so she slyly reached out as she stood, opening their window ever so slightly. She passed by Elsa and squeezed her hand on her way out. Paulina smirked, satisfied with herself before kicking over the pan of soot and cinders from the hallways into the doorway of the room. "Oh, and clean up that mess, Cinderelsa," she cackled before closing the door and sliding the bolt to lock it.
Valerie was seething with anger as she was led downstairs, the entire Sanchez family gathering to greet the royal search team. Vlad made quick work of introducing himself with Sam and Tucker standing ready. Valerie actually volunteered to go first, knowing it wouldn't fit her.
Paulina sat down with a haughty grace when it was her turn to try it on. Valerie was bracing herself for the inevitable victory of the snobbish noble but blinked when she thought she saw it shrink right before it touched her foot.
And just like that, it didn't fit.
Paulina forced the poor captain of the guard to try for at least ten minutes before Sam finally spoke up. "Okay, I think that's enough," she gave Paulina a look while the captain nodded in thanks.
Tucker, knowing better, looked to Lord Sanchez, "Are you sure there are no other maidens in this household? It is a royal decree that all maidens try on the slipper."
Lord Sanchez nodded, "Quite sure."
The captain began to move before Paulina grabbed him again, "Oh, I don't think so!"
While that madness continued on, Elsa was alone in her room. Though she was sad, her spirit was not broken. For she knew that the ball and the prince would become distant and wonderful memories like those of her mother and father, memories that no one would be able to take from her.
She stood as she let the memories from last night fill her mind and she absentmindedly started to move about the room, a certain tune from her childhood stuck in her head to lift her spirits as she twirled in her old frock.
"Sing sweet nightingale, sing sweet nightingale, ah ah ah ah ah…"
Vlad, Sam, and Tucker were all led outside to join their party that had remained on horses. When suddenly a lovely voice floated through the air through a small open window from the attic of the inn.
"Oh, sing sweet nightingale, sing sweet nightingale, sing sweet…"
Sam smirked, "Do you hear that, your grace?"
Vlad raised a brow and shook his head, "Let us be off. We have more important places to be."
"I, however, would beg to differ, grand duke."
They all turned at the sound of the prince's voice. And sure enough, there he was, taking off the guards' hat and cloak and handing it off to the captain, sharing a smile with him.
"Y-Your majesty," Lord Sanchez stuttered before bowing, his family following suit.
Danny dismounted his horse and strolled up to the entrance of the inn. "The decree states all maidens must try the slipper," he paused as he listened to the soft lullaby, "A sweet song indeed. Sam, would you mind investigating?"
"My pleasure, your highness," she smirked, locking eyes with Paulina and shooting her a smug look. She ventured up the stairs to the attic and unlocked to door, opening it and stopping Elsa's song. She looked the blonde up and down and nodded, "Yes, I like you much better than miss frill frill downstairs."
Elsa blinked at her, remembering her easily from the ball. "Daniel…" she breathed before looking out the window, "He… He came for me?"
"Of course he did," Sam shook her head at the bewildered girl, "Couldn't shut up about you in fact."
She laughed. Yes, that sounded just like him. She shared a smile with Sam before they both descended the stairs eagerly. A just like that, at the bottom of the steps, there he was. Her breath left her at the sight of his smile. But she remembered her place and the fact there were others around. "Your highness," she smiled as she dipped into a curtsy.
"You," he smiled, giving her a fast wink, "Please, tell me your name."
"Elsa," she answered, trying to contain her laughter and she could tell Sam and Tucker were doing the same.
The captain of the guard moved towards her with the slipper but Danny simply stopped him, taking the slipper from his hand silently and turning to Elsa, offering it to her.
"Are you here to save me like a damsel in distress?" she whispered to him as she sat down.
"Only if you're here to save me from a life of unhappiness," he kneeled before her with the shoe in hand.
She laughed at him and lifted her skirt, offering her foot. He ever so gently held her ankle and slipped the shoe onto her foot. And there it was. It fit like a glove and Danny smiled up at her knowingly. "Everyone's staring at us," he said as he stood and offered his hand.
"Really?" she smiled at him as she stood and took it, "I'd forgotten there was anyone else here."
They shared another small laugh before Elsa leaned in to whisper. "This is the part where you sweep me off my feet and rescue me," she laughed, "But you know… I think I can do it myself."
"Well, I know you can," he smiled right back, squeezing her hand.
She then turned to Lord Sanchez and his family. She took a deep breath as she approached them.
Remember Elsa, she could hear her father smiling at her, Have courage and be kind.
"Lord Sanchez," she nodded at him, "I acknowledge my parent's debt to you but I am afraid I am unable to work for you anymore," she took off her apron and handed it to him, "You have my word that you will have your money." She nodded in respect once more before taking Danny's offered hand and letting him lead her out of the house.
"You cannot take away my servant," the lord called to the prince, "She is indebted to me."
"Actually, he can," Sam piped up, raising a brow, "By law of Amitia, an orphan under the age of eighteen shall not be responsible for debt," she looked to the girl, "When did you start your work for them Elsa?"
She blinked, "When I was sixteen."
Sam nodded in satisfaction before turning back to Sanchez, "Any other problems, my lord?"
When there was silence, Valerie then threw her apron at Paulina, "You know what? Forget this. I'm quitting too. I can make money anywhere."
Elsa looked back at the noble family before nodding at Lord Sanchez. "I forgive you, my lord."
With that, they left the Sanchez inn for good. Danny and Elsa shared a look before he pulled her into a hug and twirled her around, both of them laughing at their success.
"Wait just a moment," Vlad blinked in the interaction, "Did you…"
Danny raised a brow at the man, "Find the maiden that fit the slipper just like my parents said? Yes." He gave the inn one last disgusted glare before turning to Elsa, "Do you want me to put them out of business for you, princess?"
She shook her head, "No," she glanced at the inn before looking back at him, "I know more than anyone what it's like to be treated terribly. I would not wish it upon anyone else."
He breathed out in a huff, "You're wonderful."
"Huh," Sam shrugged, "I guess she is little miss perfect."
Danny laughed at his friend before taking Elsa's waist and pulling her against him, kissing her like no one else was around them.
The halls of the palace seemed so much more impressive as Elsa was led to meet the king and queen, Danny right by her side. When they reached the grand doors of the throne room, Elsa suddenly felt very self conscious in her tattered old dress.
"Hey," Danny called her attention before taking her hand in his, "I'll be with you every step of the way."
She smiled at him but her nerves returned as soon as the doors in front of her opened. He raised their join hands and led her into the grand ballroom. Elsa had to focus on her every step as she was presented to the king and queen. "Father, mother," Danny greeted, holding out Elsa's hand, "May I present Miss Elsa, the girl from the ball."
The blonde took a step forward before dipping into a low curtsy. "Your majesties," she greeted, her head bowed in respect.
Maddie raised a brow at this, "This is the mystery princess?"
Elsa looked up at them and rose from her position, clasping her hands in front of her nervously, "I'm terribly sorry, your majesties, but I am no princess," she shook her head, "I have no carriage, no parents, and no dowry."
"Then," the queen immediately stood, "I would like to have a word with you, Miss Elsa, in private."
Her eyes widened and she glanced at Danny, who gave her a reassuring smile, though he too looked a bit worried. With one last curtsy to the king, she followed the queen out the doors to one of the drawing rooms.
Danny watched them go with cautious eyes, praying that is mother didn't plan on grilling her. "Danny," his father called to him, drawing his attention away from the door, "Do you still stand by your decision to have Elsa as your wife?"
The young man sent a glare to Vlad, just knowing the advisor was whispering poison into his ear. "Yes," he said sternly, "I will accept no one but her," his tone softened a little bit, "Elsa is selfless and hardworking. Though she lacks in status, I assure you there is none other like her."
"A queen requires more than just character, Danny," his father said, "Education, compassion, loyalty."
Meanwhile, Elsa stood anxiously, awaiting the queen to begin speaking. "Tell me young lady," Maddie spoke up, "How do you usually spend your days."
Elsa blinked before regaining her composure, "Well, I spent most of my time working for the Sanchez family to pay off my parents' debt. Cooking, cleaning, mending, keeping inventory and handling the finances a bit," then she smiled, "But on the rare occasions when I have free time, I enjoy sewing a bit and singing. If I can find paper, I can also draw a bit"
"I here you've had some troubles these past few years, and no parents too," Maddie continued softly, "Yet, you still present yourself as a proper young lady, poised and graceful with manners to match"
She smiled at this and her head bowed, "Why, thank you, your majesty."
"But I must skip straight to the point," the queen gave her a serious look, "Do you merely wish to marry my son to become queen?"
Elsa blinked for a moment. Her, a queen? It didn't seem possible, and yet here she was. "If I may be frank, your majesty," she began, "I hadn't thought about it. Of course, I would acknowledge the responsibility should I marry his highness, but I'm more concerned whether or not he wants to marry me. I'm nothing but a simple maiden."
"Then what would you say to me if I forbid the union?" she asked.
The blonde felt her heart stop but continued speaking anyway. "Your majesty, if I may be so bold," she hesitantly started before confidently declaring, "I love him. I love him with all my heart. He is kind, and brave, and compassionate, and I know he will make a wonderful king someday. Whether I am his wife is not what I am concerned about. I only want to be at his side, supporting him when he needs it," she smiled at the queen, "I love him, but before all else, he is my friend."
The queen was silent for a few moments, her eyes calculating before nodding and returning to the throne room. Elsa took a few seconds to register what happened before following her dutifully. The queen took her seat beside the king and they spoke quietly to each other while Elsa returned to Danny's side. They shared an unsure looked before his parents turned back to them.
"After deliberation, this union is-"
"Your majesties," Vlad interrupted hastily before clearing his throat, "If I may advise you, as is my role, she can't possibly marry the prince," he send her a downcast look, "She is nothing but a filthy servant, a common girl. She knows nothing of the ways of a noblewoman."
Danny narrowed his eyes at the duke and growled, stepping in front of Elsa, "Why you-"
"Danny!" his mother called to him before shaking her head, "That's enough. You're right Vlad. She doesn't know how to act as a royal."
Elsa and Danny's hearts practically shattered in their chests as Vlad sent them a smug look.
"Which is why she will stay her for one year to learn the proper ways of a princess."
The coupled looked up in surprise and their smiles lit up the room. "You may claim her as your fiance until the alloted time, Danny," his mother smiled at him, "But you must continue to be diligent with your own education in preparation for your coronation. Are we clear?"
"Thank you!" Danny practically yelled to his parents before he grabbed Elsa by the waist and lifted her into the air, too happy to even care about etiquette in front of his parents. She squealed in surprised as he twirled her around in his arms. "Elsa, my princess please tell me this is real and I'm not just making it all up. That's not just some dream," he beamed at her as he held her tight in his arms.
She laughed at the goofy grin on his face. "I'm real, Danny," she reached up and cupped his cheek, "This is one wonderful dream."
Half a year had passed and Elsa laughed as Danny led her out into their secret garden one night. After Elsa began living in the castle, the garden that was once his family's was now for him and Elsa to share. They'd taken care of it together, added more flowers and trees. They even planted a single red rose on the night she'd first arrive at the castle. But tonight they sat alone together, under the stars, talking about each other's' day and staring up at the night sky.
When a comfortable silence settled over them, Danny turned to look slightly behind her. "Elsa, princess," he furrowed a brow, "What's that on our flower over there?"
She too furrowed her brow and turned around to see something shining on top of the red rose. She moved a little closer and reached over, finding a beautiful diamond ring. She took it in her hand and stared at it, all the air leaving her lungs in one breath before it was taken from her hands.
"Elsa," Danny said as he moved from the ground up onto his knee, "My princess. You've consumed my every thought ever since the day you answered that first math question in school.
She could feel tears in the back of her eyes, but she laughed despite herself, "You never really were good at math."
"Sh," he shushed her with a smile, "I'm being romantic. Let me finish." They shared another laugh before he stared at her with adoration. "I love…" he almost couldn't believe his luck, "I love you, and I never wish to be parted from you from this day on," he reached out and took her hand, "I want to be your servant, your partner, your hero, as long as we both shall live. So, here I am, nothing more than a man, asking you not because of your status, or for a country, but for myself," he smiled up at her, "Will you marry me, princess?"
She nodded immediately and beamed down at him, a few tears streaming down her cheeks. She held his face and brought him in for a deep kiss. "Yes," she breathed against his lips when they broke apart, "Yes, I will marry you."
He smiled and pulled her back to him for more and more kisses. "Say it again," he asked in between their lips, "Say you'll marry me."
"I'll marry you," she repeated easily before she pulled away and stared at him, hardly believing her fortune as he took her hand and slipped on the ring she'd forgotten about.
"Never in a million years did I think I would marry for love," he shook his head before holding her close once again, "And I couldn't be more grateful."
She shook her head, "Never did I think I would be happy again," she nuzzled further into his neck, speaking softly, "I thought I'd only live by my memories. But you," she smiled, "You've saved me."
Danny laughed, "No, princess, you've save me," he placed a gentle kiss on her cheek, "And I will be forever grateful."
And they lived happily ever after.
The End.