Disclaimer! I do not own Frozen/Disney.
*gasp* An update that didn't take months to be posted! \(OAO)/ HAHAHAHAHA.
Anyway, inspiration hit me like a freight train! In all honestly I'm getting impatient with my own doing, *sigh* though natural growth of feelings is important than make your characters getting into each other's throat then making out the next out of nowhere. I do hope I achieved the "natural growth" of their relationship because if they didn't yet I don't know anymore with all these 30+ chapters I made. Haha ignore my ramblings.
SOOOOO I read the reviews and I am so happy with them! THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH! I wanna answer your questions so bad but it would totally spoil the story!
The characters are slowly coming together! The plot points I made on my notes are materializing though slowly haha.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE REVIEW SECTION!
I HOPE YOU'RE GONNA ENJOY THIS CHAPTER!
A figure sitting by the fireplace took swig from the drink she was holding. She couldn't stop the thoughts of supple soft lips which always taunts her to come closer and taste them, the touch of Anna's soft skin and the wonderful smell of her luscious hair for they were ingrained themselves in her mind. Elsa impatiently tugged her cravat off her neck and unbuttoned her waistcoat for she could feel the heat coming to her, she emptied her decanter to her glass and quickly ripped the french doors of her balcony open to subside the uncomfortable heat her thoughts brought her.
The rush of cold wind pickled her skin but it was not enough to stave off her desires. Elsa placed her glass on the railing and ran her hands through her hair in frustration.
"Stop." Elsa closed her eyes only to see Anna's figure. "I shouldn't feel this way!" she shouted, snapping her eyes open. "I can't be attracted to her."
A let out a horrified gasp at her own words. No she couldn't be attracted to Anna. She shouldn't and mustn't be attracted to her. This was the last thing she needs! Fear gripped Elsa's heart at the thought of being utterly careless for letting herself feel anything towards Anna.
She went back inside only to pace in her room, not without her drink, for quite sometime before she decided that she needed to go out.
Eric was a man who rarely talks unless he's spoken to nor he has to say something important on either about his work or the urgency of the information he has. He mostly observed from the sidelines and try to understand everything around him. Unlike his relatives he always keep his opinions to himself and only smiles but whatever had happened between his charge and the Queen certainly took his attention. It all started the next day after he sparred with his cousin, Olaf, he was back on his duty of Anna's personal guard since the Queen was nowhere near his charge. At first he ignored it knowing it must've been another argument ensued between them but what he didn't expect was the sudden awkwardness that didn't exist before every time they cross paths with one another.
Anna, based on his observation, was too easy to get flustered and failed to articulate at Elsa's presence, while Elsa was calm as always but there's this hesitation in her eyes despite the smile she wore on her face then excuse herself. That kind of interaction was somehow not normal and it was filled with tension. Eric dismissed it completely once again until while was about to retire for the night, he saw shadow dancing in the candle lit room under the door. Elsa's door.
Sure Elsa's habit of pacing was something they were used at this time of night, again he dismissed it and was about to go on his way when the door suddenly opened revealing a disheveled looking Elsa. Her usually immaculate braid was loose and her usually slicked back hair was down and slightly obscuring her face as if she just rolled out of bed.
Eric greeted her with a slight frown on his brow at the half filled crystal glass she was carrying.
"Eric. Good evening." Elsa said before emptying the glass in one large gulp.
"Are you okay?" Eric had thrown all the protocols out of the window and reached for Elsa's hair to fix it. A sudden gust of wind from the open balcony doors had hit them. It's getting colder and Eric knew what that meant. "Are you in pain?"
"I guess for once I am not? I don't know." Elsa's said softly.
Eric could only wrap his arms around her. "Can't sleep?" he asked and took the empty glass from her and broke the hug. "You shouldn't be drinking-" he faltered at the sight of the empty decanter by the fireplace.
He sighed and fixed Elsa's waistcoat by buttoning it up.
"I'm a Queen, not a child." Elsa said.
"I know but that doesn't mean I can't show that I care about you." he smiled. "How about a night walk in the garden? I saw it's larger than the garden we have in the north. Maybe you need to tire yourself out to sleep."
Eric took Elsa's hand and almost dragged her outside using the back entrance of the castle going towards the garden. They walked in silence.
Eric removed his cloak and draped it on Elsa's shoulders but he met a pair of glaring eyes. "I know you are a Queen, not a child." he smiled. "But it's getting colder."
"Cold doesn't bother me." Elsa said. ". . . it just kill me inside."
Eric refrained from commenting on that. "Do you still remember when we participated in a tourney back in Corona?"
"Which one?"
"The one where you crown your cousin as Queen of Love and Beauty."
"Can you be more specific? Because I lost count how many times I crowned Rapunzel as Queen of Love and Beauty."
Eric laughed. " Right, right. You always win at tourneys so much to Rapunzel's delight so no slimy men with grubby hands could escort her to the banquet."
"It was our deal. I will save her from her potential suitors in return of making excuses for me so I won't have to deal with Uncle most of the times."
"You two are thick as thieves."
"Indeed we are." Elsa chuckled. "Why bring up the tourney?"
"I am just curious if you're going to hold one once we're back."
"Are you participating?" Elsa asked.
"Of course I am and I'd be more enthusiastic now that you can't participate in it until you ensured the line of succession. A sure victory for me."
Elsa pondered for a moment, ignoring Eric's comment about the succession. "You've won twice, that was before I was able to take part in it and you crowned Rapunzel at both times. Are you planning to crown her again this time?" there was amusement on Elsa's tone.
Eric's thoughts drifted to the red head he rescued days ago.
"No. Not this time I guess if she's there."
Elsa's brow rose at that and even more so at the wistful smile he was sporting.
"Oh gods. I wonder who manage to capture Captain Eric's heart?"
"Just someone who I met when we were at Heather's Town. I don't even know if she'd be there."
Elsa smiled widely. "Then it settled. Let's hold a tourney so you can meet this mystery woman, I am sure an event like that will attract attention."
Eric balked. "What? You'd do that for me? Elsa that's too much, I can just inquire about her."
"I, Elsa, First of my name will hold a tourney for the sake of finding my cousin's lady love."
"Hey! It's hardly love!" Eric looked away hoping Elsa wouldn't notice his blushing cheeks.
"Eric Maximillian Harold, are perhaps in love?" Elsa asked in awe.
"No! There's no way I am! I only met her for less than five minutes! That's impossible!" Eric's usual calm façade was utterly destroyed.
"We shall see." Elsa's wicked grin had brought relief to him since he didn't like Elsa drowning herself in misery.
They had gone silent as they walk towards the shrubbery filled with flowers and there's one specific flower shone under the moonlight.
"Purple hyacinth." Eric said as he stared at the flower. He turned to Elsa. "Are you asking for forgiveness because of what you've done before or because of what you're doing now?"
Eric saw how Elsa's jaw clenched and glared at the flower.
"I am not dumb Elsa."
"I didn't say you were." Elsa almost growled.
"Tell me in all honesty Elsa. Are you truly trying to make effort for her just because want to or you are going along with the plan of taking her to your side for political reasons regardless of her feelings?"
"That is none of concern."
Elsa turned around to walk back.
"Yes it is not." Eric said making Elsa halt her steps. "But you on the other hand is my concern."
"Why are you all treating me like child?!" Elsa shouted and turned. "My Uncle wanted to things his way as if I am some mindless soldier of his army, my cousin, the Duke, the Count are my constant reminder that I have to do things for the greater good but your cousin thinks I should be selfish and do the exact opposite of what I'm doing now. While you think that I can't take care of myself!"
"Too much drinking will solve nothing." Eric wanted to shout to express his exasperation but he knew it wouldn't help. "Or are you perhaps not aware how your grandfather died?"
"I know very well how he died. He killed himself by including with too much of that drink."
"Then are you trying to kill yourself as well? And I know it's not only that you're drinking."
"Sometimes I want to." Elsa said.
Eric's eyes widened at Elsa's admission. "What?"
"I just want to be free from all of these." Elsa took a deep shuddering breath. "Drinking is the only thing that can numb the pain I am feeling in every single day of my life. Numb the pain and emptiness I feel every waking moment." Elsa sighed. "I was ready to die when we invaded Arendelle, thinking if I did die at least I tried but I didn't die so I have to continue fighting. My life was never mine to control ever since my family died and even now a Queen they are still trying to control me. I often ask myself if this what I truly wanted, whether taking the throne was the only path for me?"
"I could've take things better if she was not part of all this political nonsense but no she just went and ruined it all for me. She made me feel something for her, made me care for her but deep down I know I shouldn't because for someone like me, someone not capable of love, would only bring pain to her. I hurt her enough and I don't want to do that anymore."
"Elsa. . ."
"I am so conflicted. It tears me apart." Elsa growled as if she's in pain while running her hands through her hair. "I was asked to force myself to her Eric. Do you know how it killed me?" teared gathered in Elsa's eyes.
Eric knew, regrettably he couldn't do anything to help on that but what he didn't know was the damaged it caused Elsa.
"I assaulted her and did deplorable things to her. You can't even begin to imagine the fear she had in her eyes that night. She flinches on my every move, and I can barely stand myself because of what I've done!"
"But you didn't do it."
"I could've, that's why it's killing me Eric! I wanted her! I want to have her! And it disgust me that I even thought of it. I can barely control myself around her. Why do you think I showed only animosity towards her? Her grandfather is dead, the general is dead! I have no more reason to be angry at her! I needed something to separate myself from her! She's so beautiful Eric but I am a depraved monster and she doesn't deserve someone like me!" Elsa's face was wet with angry tears. "We are only here because we were forced to be together and from the start all I did was assault her, shame her, demean her. How could- how could she like someone like me? A person who took everything from her. . . a deplorable monster."
"Then make it up to her. Show her how you truly feel."
Elsa shook her head. "Don't you understand? I can't." her voice quivered in hopelessness.
"Why not?"
"They are everywhere Eric. They are watching my every move, they will use any weakness to undermine me. And showing affection towards her is one of them. They will know my weakness and it can ruin me, they show favor towards her more than I. Those traitorous bastards only let me keep the throne for her and once they knew about how I saw her, what I feel for her it's only matter of time when I play straight to their hands through her. I'd be like a dog in leash."
Eric moved had engulfed her with a hug. "I understand." he kissed her forehead. "If it were my choice I'll have them beheaded. All of them. You suffered more than enough. I don't even remember when I saw you happy. Truly happy." he backed away and wipe her tears. "May I voice out my thoughts about this?" Elsa only nodded in response.
"Sure it will be seen as weakness, being totally succumbed to whatever you feel about her, but have you considered that it can be your greatest strength?"
"That only bring us back to the pretense I had to do. I was asked to do this for the same reason."
"Are you still pretending?"
"I am not sure anymore."
Eric sighed. "Considering your words earlier. You had grown to care for her enough to give her this flower. You only use flowers to the people whom you care for and yet having a hard time telling them how you feel." he fixed her hair once more. "Knowing you, it would take a lot of effort to reveal your feelings considering you were asked to conceal them as if they didn't exist, something I abhorred when we were growing up under your Uncle's wing." he said in total distaste. "Be sincere to her, make her trust you-."
"I asked her not to trust me." Elsa cut him off.
"Good gods." Eric muttered. "Regardless. I am not telling you to tell her how you feel, just show it in the best way you can. Once she feels something for you, everything will fall perfectly into place. And if those bastards will use her against you, remember you are with her whenever you wanted, a luxury they don't have, take advantage of that and make her aware of what you're trying to do. No king nor queen survived without using underhanded methods Elsa, you know that perfectly well."
"I'll think about it." Elsa muttered softly.
"Good and please don't drink that stuff too much. I need you. We need you. We care for you even if you are so stubborn."
"I am aware." Elsa refused to look at Eric. "Thank you." she whispers.
Eric smiled, showing his dimples. "I shall escort you back, Your Majesty." he heard her scoff at the formality.
"I don't know how you are able to address me in such a way when you just called me stubborn not even a minute ago."
"It took a lot of practice, Your Majesty." Eric laugh and felt the weight of his chest lifted at the smile Elsa was sporting. It was a weak smile but a genuine one.
Ariel woke up in an unfamiliar room, she sat up and try to discern where she was. The room was stately, something high ranking family could ever have if that gilded vanity and those velvet plush seats on the other side of the room has to go by. She sat up and looked at her clothes, her night dressed was made with the finest silk. Ariel got out of bed and try to search for her clothes but they seemed nowhere to be found but there was a blue dress on one of the seats.
Walking across the room was with difficulty, Ariel felt so weak and she had to support herself on one of the bed post. She tried to move again but her knees gave in, making her kneel on the carpeted floor.
Ariel gritted her teeth in frustration.
"I have to get out here." she said because it would only be matter of time before Lord Hunter's men would find her wherever she was. She was so in deep thought and she failed to notice the person who came in to her room. Ariel looked up and her blue eyes met with bright and soft green orbs.
"You're awake." the woman smiled and helped her on her feet.
"I'm so sorry for being a burden." Ariel said as she was being assisted back to her bed.
"It's no issue my dear." the woman smiled at her. "How are you feeling?"
"Weak." Ariel answered honestly.
"You were asleep for two days. I started to get worried that it might be because you fell off your horse and probably from exhaustion."
"Probably." Ariel whispered as remembered the lack of rest and food just to escape her pursuers for days, not knowing they were apprehended for the ruckus they made back in Heather Town. She looked at the woman again and from what she observed the latter must be a high born lady. "I don't mean to be rude but may I ask who you are Madam?"
"Oh silly of me, I should've introduced myself. I'm Queen Arianna of Corona."
Ariel's eyes widened in shock. She scrambled on her feet and knelt on the carpeted floor. "Your Majesty, please forgive my ignorance for not recognizing you."
"Why should you? This is the first time you met me. . ." the Queen trailed off.
Ariel quickly picked up what the Queen was trying to do. "Ariel, Your Majesty. My name is Ariel."
The Queen smiled at Ariel. "Ariel. Such a lovely name. Please rise."
Ariel did was she was told and tried to stand up on her own. She glanced at the Queen once again. "You- may I ask what house you hailed from?"
"I am from House Rey, Your Majesty."
The Queen furrowed her brows. "House Rey you say?" she mumbled. "Anyway, I had the servants prepare breakfast for you and I'll see you later alright?"
"Thank you Your Majesty, you're too kind."
The Queen smiled and turned her back on Ariel.
"Your Majesty. May I ask where I am?"
"Oh, you are in my niece's castle. Arendelle Castle."
Ariel's heart almost jump out of her chest. "Arendelle Castle." she made it! She finally reached her destination. "Thank you Your Majesty."
Meanwhile at the castle gate. There were two people on the same horse, both were wearing brown hooded cloak one man and a woman.
"Identify yourselves" a guard said.
The man and the woman pulled down their hoods.
"State your business young man."
"I was requested by Her Majesty, Queen Elsa, to come and train as part one of her knights." he pulled out a letter of recommendation from his leather satchel and gave it to the guard.
As the guard read the letter, the woman behind the man spoke.
"Dearest, are you sure about this?"
"Yes." the man answered.
"Here." the guard returned the letter but he refused to let them pass.
"What's the problem?" the man asked.
"You are permitted to enter but that lovely lady must stay her with me." the guard smirked while leering at the woman.
"No. She'll come with me."
"Then I can't grant you entry." the guard smugly responded.
"Dearest, go on I'll be fine."
"No! You are to come with me." the man glared at the guard.
"What's going on here?" the three of them turned to the man.
"This man insisted for entry when he has no business here."
"You're lying! You read my letter of recommendation from the Queen!"
"May I see it?" the other man asked.
The man on horse back gave the letter to the newcomer.
"You're Phillip? And this woman with you must be Lady Aurora?"
"Yes." Phillip answered.
"Come and follow me. I'll inform Princess Rapunzel of your arrival." the man turned to the guard on duty. "Don't disrespect Lady Aurora with your lecherous eyes. I'll have them gouge out if I caught you again, understood?" the guard paled at those words.
Phillip and Aurora dismounted their horse and were escorted towards the castle foyer. "Thank you. . . sir?" Phillip said.
"Just call me Flynn." Flynn smiled at them then focused on Aurora. "M'lady I apologize if that man made you uncomfortable."
"It's alright but I am not sure if we've met before, you speak to me as if you know me."
"We haven't formally met but I once accompanied your father as one of his security detail on one of his travels as ambassador."
"My know my father?"
"He's one of Lords who supports the former princess' and the Queen's up coming marriage." Flynn said. "He-"
"Oh what do we have here?" they turned only to see the Princess of Corona and her female general.
"Your Highness, these are Phillip Hubert and Lady Aurora of House Costa." both guests gave their respects to the princess.
"Ah, the husband and wife. Your rooms are already prepared and Captain please show Mr. Hubert around while I take his wife and have a little chat."
"Of course Your Highness, if you would." Flynn gestured Phillip to follow him.
"Come M'lady, let's talk while having tea." the Princess of Corona wrapped her arm around Aurora's own, surprising the poor woman.
"I- that would be lovely, Your Highness."
The Princess of Corona grinned. While the female guard behind them could only smirk, knowing this would be an interesting morning.
It was the day of the ball, final preparations were being made. The people in charge were all over the place to check if everything was in order. Two men were by the dais at the ballroom.
"Do you think tonight will spark something big?" the Duke asked.
The Count of Isles laughed. "Definitely. I can't wait to see them. . . humiliated."
"That will be sight to behold." the Duke chuckled. "Does she know?"
"No. She has no idea."
"And is that a good idea?"
"As long as it served its purpose. I've waited long for this to happen."
"Surely." the Duke then saw the castle's butler in his periphery. "She has been acting odd recently."
"Regardless, it's good to see them getting along."
"Indeed."
Meanwhile on the other part of Eldr Castle
Anna was so in deep thought after waking up, in her hand was certain type of flower she haven't seen before. The flower was somehow similar to a rose but she's sure it wasn't a rose. The pink petals were so close together and formed a bulbous shape. She was on her way to the library to know what it was only to bumped into Olaf in the hallway.
"M'lady!" Olaf smiled he bowed.
"Olaf. Good morning."
"Good morning." Olaf's gaze fell on the flower she was holding. "Oh that's a pink ranunculus flower." his smile widened. "Where did you get that?"
"You know it? I found it on my pillow this morning."
"Interesting." Olaf mumbled.
"Sorry? What's interesting?"
"Nothing! I was just thinking about the books I saw before, that reminds me of you."
"Me?"
"Yes. I actually need your permission to borrow them."
"Why? They are just books, you can borrow them if you like." Anna shrugged.
"Actually those books might be your father's own collection, not to disrespect or anything that's why I need your permission as his daughter."
Anna's heart skipped a beat.
"M-My father's?"
"Yeah, I guess I found his room the last time I was here, Her Majesty told me to ask you for them."
It completely slipped out of her mind to look for her father's belongings, she was so pre-occupied by whatever was happening between them and Elsa. Guilt racked her body for not even bothering to look for any traces of her parents, or visit their graves.
"Can you take me there?" Anna asked in a steady voice.
Olaf agreed and escorted Anna to one of the state rooms. Once the door was opened. Anna was greeted by shelves of books lining up the walls. She entered the room cautiously and perused on the books her father had on the shelves. Anna turned to the bed across the room and right beside bed was a small portrait of two individuals, she missed the other portrait of the same woman hanging on the wall. The woman dressed in forest green dress and was sitting on a red velvet gilded chair and next to her was a man wearing Eldr's livery and black trousers and military boots.
Anna moved towards the fragile gilded framed portrait. "Who. . ." she gaped. Anna was rooted on the floor, she couldn't move, she couldn't breath, her heart was hurting as if someone was tightly gripping it. Her teal eyes were on the face of a woman she never seen before. The woman was beautiful, Anna doubt that beautiful would be enough to describe her. Her wavy dirty blonde hair was styled in a half updo and rest was down to her waist. The woman's hands were clasped on her lap, the golden wedding band with three small aquamarine stones was visible on her right hand. Anna then fixed her eyes on the woman's face, the woman has bluish-green eyes and has a regal yet gentle smile.
The man standing beside the woman had his arm wrapped around her and his hand was placed on the woman's shoulder. He was looked quite a bit younger than the portrait Anna saw in Arendelle castle. It was a younger version of her father and that would mean the woman sitting beside him was her mother. Tears rolled down her cheek.
"Hey are you okay?" Elsa voiced reached her ears. Anna turned and saw Elsa by the door while Olaf was standing by the shelves. She must be passing by and saw them.
"I'll leave you two alone." Olaf said and left.
"Anna, why are you crying?" Elsa asked and rushed to her side.
Anna didn't respond but she looked at Elsa as she wept.
"Hey." Elsa cradled Anna's face with her hands and gently wipe the tears with her thumbs. "What made you cry?" Elsa looked at the painting. She pursed her lips.
"That's them. . . isn't?" Anna asked. "My parents."
"Yes."
Anna's lips quivered and sobbed. "I don't know why I feel so sad, I don't remember them but why do I feel like this?!" she said in anger.
All Elsa could do was hold Anna in her arms. Anna wrapped her arms wound Elsa's in return and sobbed on the latter's chest.
"Just let it out." Elsa said gently. "It will lessen the pain." she added.
"I don't know them but it hurts." Anna gripped Elsa's coat. "Please, take me out of here." Elsa did what Anna asked.
Olaf left the room only to be greeted by one of his loyal servants and passed him a note. He almost growled as he read the note.
Evening
Series of carriage entered the castle gates, nobles and commoners alike were invited and wore their finest clothes. The common folk of the Duchy still couldn't believe they were invited in the castle since the last time the common folk were invited was in the time of Prince Einrik, the first Duke.
It seemed not only the nobles of the Duchy were invited, some of the other nobles from other regions were there too. The some of the notable attendees were Viscount Henry from Wester lands and his wife Cinderella, Marquis Maurice and his daughter Belle and of course the Duke of Wester was there too. But there were these group of nobles who probably caught everyone's attention.
The first one to arrived was Lady Narissa of Andalasia and her daughter Giselle, both dressed in their finest dresses. They were followed by the Tremaines, Stabbingtons and last but not least the House Rey. Some of them had held their heads high as if they were superior than the houses with Eldr blood whom they met at the foyer. The matriarchs were quite occupied on making polite but insincere pleasantries, mainly the Tremaines and the Stabbingtons, unaware of one person who were watching them from one of the castle widows above them.
"This will be so satisfying, don't you think so Elsa? Despite of the rats trying to ruin it." Olaf said as he gaze down the window then threw a rolled parchment of paper in the fireplace.
Elsa was standing in front of a full length mirror while Marshall was assisting her to put on her dark blue cape attached to her gilded epaulette of her dark blue ceremonial military uniform that ends on her thighs secured by a military sash around her waist, paired with white breeches and black knee high boots . The military medals were pinned on the right side of her chest and of course the Vinter snowflake neck badge worn around her neck. Marshall presented her the purple riband with green stripes trimmings and worn it from her left shoulder down to her right hip, secured by an intricate complete her ensemble, she wore pristine white gloves and her golden crown atop her intricate bun and had Marshall pinned a sapphire brooch on her riband by her left shoulder.
"We shall see." Elsa said.
Olaf grinned. "You look so regal."
"I do hope so." Elsa inspects herself through the mirror and she frowned, she hated this kind of dressing up because she find it so ostentatious but she has to play the part. "What about her? Is she ready?"
"Wendy had long went to assist her."
Elsa only hummed in response then stated. "Come, let's get this over with."
Half an hour later at Anna's room.
Anna looked at herself through the vanity mirror as Wendy braided her hair and twisted it in a half ponytail braided bun. Her dress was a dark green off shoulder short-sleeve ball gown with green sweetheart bodice embroidered with gold along trimmings and rosemailing design at the front. She wore light make-up just like she always do. Wendy secured the emerald princess necklace around her neck before placing the emerald earrings on Anna's ear. Anna also wore a pair of elbow length white satin gloves.
She was supposed to feel excited but with all what happened this morning and other days had plagued her mind. She was so sure Elsa would kiss her that day in the library, she couldn't help but to feel disappointed and even more so the next day after that. Anna made a fool of herself whenever she talk to Elsa, her usual ramble were cut short and wasn't even able to say anything without stammering. She always get flustered at Elsa's presence, her heart would skip a beat without fail every single time she saw Elsa. Anna knew she was crossing some dangerous line here, she wasn't supposed to feel this way. She told herself repeatedly that she shouldn't like Elsa but with the latter's continuous effort to make better things between them certainly made it harder for her. Sure she like Elsa but not like like her the way lovers should, right? It make no sense for her to like Elsa that way but why was she disappointed when she didn't kiss her? Does she wants Elsa to kiss her? Maybe. Does Elsa wants to kiss her? Obviously not. Or was this Elsa's way of revenge when she did the same thing when Elsa tried to kiss her before? If it was then they were even. Then there was this portrait of her parents that drove her in a sobbing mess. Anna sighed, she didn't have enough emotional strength to deal with that too.
The ranunculus flower was placed on top of the box where the purple hyacinths were placed. She took it and smell it.
"M'lady, do you know that flowers are a way of communication as well?"
Anna nodded. "Yes but it will be total waste if I don't even know what they meant since I haven't seen them before." she turned to Wendy. "Do you know what this flower mean?"
Wendy smiled. "It would be for the best to ask the person who gave it, M'lady."
"I doubt Elsa will tell me anything." Anna sighed and place the flower back.
There were raps on the door. Anna's heart started to race, knowing there could only be one person behind that door that has a reason to knock. Standing up from her stool, Anna straightened up her dress and cleared her throat.
"Come in." Anna said with a smile.
The door opened and that smile she had on her face faltered.
"My Lord." Anna curtsied and gave him a tight smile.
The Count of Isles and shook his head in amusement. "Disappointed, are we?"
"Whatever you even mean?" Anna responded.
"Nothing." the Count chuckled and went across the room. He took her hand and bowed again the way he did before. He kissed the back of her hand and smiled. "You look so beautiful." Anna could feel his gaze on her. "Something is missing though." he once again procured a square wooded box and opened it. "This was your grandmother's as well. It was a gift from our father when she came of age." He passed the box to Wendy before he took the delicate gold hazel leaf circlet with a small single emerald as centerpiece.
"My Lord, I couldn't possible have that."
"She would be delighted if you accept it." the Count held the crown up. "Please."
Anna couldn't say no at that. "Very well."
The Count gave her a wide bright smile and place the delicate crown on top of her head. "There you go."
"Thank you M'lord." Anna's eyes were blurred with tears.
"Oh please M'lady, don't ruin your make-up." Wendy pleaded earning chuckles from Anna and the Count.
"Alright, alright." Anna carefully dabbed her the corner of her eyes with a silk handkerchief.
"Now, may I escort you to the ballroom, My Lady?" the Count offered his arm towards her.
"Certainly My Lord." Anna felt warm inside because not even her own grandfather had done an effort like this for her. Whenever there's a ball it would be either being escorted by guards flanking her or she would come to the ballroom alone because her grandfather was always busy having some last minute things to attend. Now she wasn't sure whether those last minute engagements were state matters or women.
"Hold your head high." the Count said softly at they reach the door of the ballroom.
Anna straightened up and calmed herself.
"His Excellency, Count Lanster Eriksson of Isles and Lady Annalise Arianne Claire of House Eldr." the herald announced their arrival from the west doors.
The double door were opened for them.
"Take deep breaths." the Count whispered.
The music stopped, so does the people dancing in the ball room. As they entered all eyes were on them, more specifically on her. It seemed they were last to arrive.
Murmurs started among the crowds and there were others who looked at her with softness in their eyes and there were those who looked at her with contempt. However out of these people, there's certain pair of eyes she wanted to see.
Anna looked at the dais and saw Elsa sitting on the ducal throne beside the empty one. It took years of etiquette and practice not to jaw-drop in public because Anna might embarrass herself because of how Elsa looked like in her ceremonial garbs, she looks so regal and incredibly handsome and beautiful at the same time.
Elsa was holding a flute of champagne and was looking back at her with those intense glacial blue eyes. Without looking away from her, Elsa signaled the musician to continue.
Anna and the Count stood in front of Elsa gave their respect by bowing and curtsying.
Elsa passed her champagne to the page beside her as she stood up and walked down the dais.
"May I have this dance M'lady?" Elsa smiled as she offered her hand.
"It will be my pleasure, Your Majesty." Anna removed herself from the Count and took Elsa's hand with a smile.
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