My story was at chapter 20 on WattPad before it was sadly removed. So I'm transferring it here. Sorry for the delay!
"My Queen, we were trying to determine a way you can have direct contact with your people." A member of the small council spoke up. "In a safe manner."
"I could do letters." Anna suggested. "I've already sent out multiple but what about individual? Every household?"
"Um Anna you have any idea how many you'd have to write?" Elsa eyed her from across the table. "That's hundreds. You hate writing."
"Okay maybe not letters... uplifting notes." Anna nodded. "Especially to the ones that are going to be isolated to the church."
"Can she visit the church?" Another member looked around the table. "They're not sick."
"Can't risk it though." Said another.
"We can't risk Anna's safety." Elsa stated but she looked around. "When I came back... I walked Main Street for the first time in months. It was empty. It was drenched in dread and fear. It was alarming." She looked towards Anna. "But they were watching. Standing at their windows. They had hope on their faces and happiness. I bet if the Queen were to make the same walk... safely... Just seeing her will bring love to their hearts."
"Both of us." Anna smiled at her. "These people glow anytime Elsa and I were out. Even if we were within the gates they still came up and waved to us. With precautions do you think we could just go up and down the streets?"
"Make sure people stay within their homes. They can't come outside." Mattias' voice was stern. "You'll need guards. Just to insure they will listen. What if they get too excited and forget the laws."
"You honestly think we don't know our own people?" Anna looked at him. "I admire you're worry but you don't need to. They have always listened. None of them would ever put our safety in jeopardy."
"Anna's right. They need a sense of normal. If seeing the two of us is going to help then we should do it." Elsa grinned. "Right now their vision of us is being locked in this castle AGAIN and hiding from the world. I'm sure they feel alone."
"We need Olaf." Anna said quickly. "The kids just love him. He can't get sick!"
"That gives me an idea..." Elsa hummed softly and gave smirk.
"Elsa can do the magic." Anna's eyes were huge. "Oh Elsa! It's perfect. The snow! Olaf. They can't get sick!"
"What are you talking about?" Blake, coin master looked around them. "Want her to make snowmen that can go around-"
"And interact with the citizens." Mattias grinned. "That's a great idea."
"Yeah! They can deliver messages to them." Anna smiled. "Also knowing that Elsa is back that alone will make their hearts soar."
"What about the little snowman?" Mattias asked. "I haven't seen or heard him around."
"He's on a journey." Elsa nodded. "But he'll be back soon."
"Ill send out a notice." Anna stated with a smile.
So that's what they decided to do. Elsa had created some of the cutest little snow critters to go door to door and deliver the notices that were written. Anna stood on the front step and watched the gates open allowing the dozens of little snow creatures out. Little snowmen and snow dogs and snow deer and little snow rabbits and the occasional penguin rushed out the gates. Along with a new well rested batch of guards that monitored the streets. It was so cute watching Elsa do the magic and create all these little darlings. Anna's eyes were always so big and full of wonder anytime she watched the older girl in the snow.
"Anna this was such a great idea." Elsa said beaming up at her. "As odd as it is this is probably the most normal thing they've seen in a long time.."
"Yeah I think you're right." Anna stood tall and proud on the top step. "It's funny what's normal around here."
"And then we can bring Olaf and Kristoff and Sven." Elsa stopped speaking and gave her a sorry look. Anna didn't respond to what she had said. Elsa hoped that things between her and Ice Master would be okay. It was going to be weird if things didn't turn out. Elsa couldn't imagine a world without Kristoff in it to be honest. "Have you thought about what you're going to say to him?" Elsa moved closer to her.
"I may have a few speeches played out in my head." She shrugged. "I know I can't avoid it."
"No you definitely can't do that." Elsa mumbled. "Hopefully you're ready because it looks like they're back.."
Anna almost choked as she followed Elsa's gaze and saw Kristoff off in the distance making his way towards the stalls. Her stomach dropped and she quickly looked away from his direction. She felt Elsa's hand on her shoulder and she provided her with a kind smile. This was NOT going to be something easy but she just hoped that Kristoff kept his mouth shut long enough to listen. Her sister was right. Get him one on one. No Sven or Olaf or Elsa or anything else around to distract either of them. That would be hard.
"Ill go see him after dinner..." Anna mumbled. "Walk with me?" Elsa just nodded and linked her arm with hers.
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Kristoff was thankful he got away from the palace for awhile. He needed a clear head and spending time in the woods was exactly what he needed. He had hitched up the wagon and set out on his way. Of course it wasn't exactly peaceful with Olaf constantly running his mouth but he loved the little guy.
"Did you know that there's no other organism on this entire PLANET that lives longer than a tree?"
"Did you know that plants can actually feel pain?"
"Oh oh! Did you know that clouds are just water or ice crystals floating around in the sky?"
"Did you know that reindeer don't have that good of hearing or sight?"
"Sven is just fine." Kristoff stated reaching over and patting his buddy on the head. "Olaf. Did you know that carrots improve eyesight?" He smirked at the little snowman. "Trust me Sven is fine."
"Clever!" Olaf smiled and plopped down on the ground next to where Kristoff was sitting. Reaching out to warm his little stick hands near the fire. "How do you feel?"
"About what?" Kristoff reached over and pulled his stick arms away from the fire.
"Everything."
"Fine." He shrugged. "I mean the point of this trip is to search and clear my mind."
"Search? For what!?" Olaf got curious.
"Answers." Was all Kristoff said before throwing another log on the fire. He leaned back and relaxed against Sven's side. The three of them planted around the small campfire. Soaking in the warmth and relaxing after the long hike of the day. "You're around Anna a lot. Does she talk about me? Or anyone else?"
"Hmmmm." Olaf thought for a moment. "Nope! Well sometimes she talks about how clumsy you are." He paused. "Or tell a funny story! Anyone else? No."
"Good. I think." Kristoff frowned a little.
"Or Elsa. She talks a lot about Elsa."
"I knew that." He mumbled. "She talks a lot about you." He nudged him with his elbow. "Things are so tough right now maybe funny stories are the best."
"Something is wrong with you and Anna isn't there?" Olaf cut to the chase. "I can see. You aren't happy." He sounded sad and Kristoff couldn't help but smile at him.
"No they're not." He shook his head. "There's a lot of things not right at the moment and yes her and I is one of them. That's what I'm searching for is answers. Do I fight for her? Or do I step aside and let her go?" Olaf suddenly looked sad. "What do you think?"
"Anna is worth fighting for." Olaf stated in a fond tone.
"But how do you fight for someone who doesn't want to be fought for?" Kristoff asked softly. "And... I don't even know what I'm fighting?" There was a pause. "I don't want her to leave.."
"Is she going somewhere?" Olaf asked.
"Well... no but I don't want her to leave me." Kristoff sighed. "I'm scared to not have her in my life."
"Does Anna seem like the type to just kick you out?" Sven's voice echoed and Kristoff looked over.
"No. She doesn't. I know she won't do that." He said softly. "This is someone I wanted to marry. Someone I wanted to spend my life with. If I don't have that then I don't know what I'll do."
"You can have her but maybe in a different way?" Olaf smiled. "Anna won't abandon you."
Kristoff spent their trip doing some soul searching. It felt nice to be back in nature and not have to worry about castles and royal duties. Especially now with this illness spreading he wanted to get away from from town. He wanted to stay in the woods forever but unfortunately he couldn't do that. He had a job and his title as Ice Master. People needed ice! The trip with Sven and Olaf was enjoyable just the boys not worrying about a Princess or well Queen.
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"It's not you its me."
"Oh God that's how these horrible conversations start." Kristoff's voice was full of just dread. "If you're going to leave just say you're leaving. Don't give me all this nonsense."
"Stop." Anna smacked him in the chest. "I'm trying to do this right. Can you stop being a big baby for just five minutes!?"
Anna had finally swallowed her nerves and decided now or never to talk to Kristoff. Elsa was right. He was a great man and she was also right she couldn't stay somewhere she knew she didn't belong. She owed it to the Ice Master to tell him the truth. After all he's done for her he deserved to have his questions answered and honestly. She was scared and the walk to the barn was hard as her feet got so heavy. She wanted to either pass out and die or just... actually that doesn't sound to bad. Spend a few days in the infirmary and maybe she'll have memory loss!? She won't remember anything? Forget her name and where she was. Not a bad idea.. or she could pretend for the rest of her life. Except she hadn't planned ahead for that and it sounded like it would be too much work. So she decided on the proper thing to do and that's to confront him. She was nice about it of course and pleased that he allowed her into his space. She suggested Sven step out.. so funny how they acted like he was human! She fed him a couple carrots and she smiled kissing his nose. Sven not Kristoff. And then the conversation started.
"Okay." He said quickly. Anna raising her voice wasn't something he was use to. In fear of possibly getting smacked or beaten up he let out a heavy breath. "Okay. I'm sorry." He scratched his head and leaned against the stall. "What's wrong? What happened?"
"It's so hard to explain. I love you. I do. You are the only guy in my life. You're my big strong protector. You're a great partner. You're sweet. You're adorable. You have a big heart. Your love for animals and trolls is heartwarming." Anna looked up at him and sat down heavily on the hay bale. "I'm not good for you."
"What?" He looked down at her. "Are you insane? Not good for me?"
"Kristoff you wanna have kids. Many many kids. You want a wife who will take care of you and cook for you and wait for you to come home. Who actually does your laundry and rubs your shoulders after a long day." She looked at him. "I can't be that person. I'm a Queen. I have all this responsibility. My people come first. I can't do that to you. YOU should come first in a relationship. Not third or forth or sixth." There was a pause. "You want a life that is normal. Average. Not high and rich.. not like me. My life is so.."
"I know you're royalty." He stated. "I know our life wont be normal. I'll be honest I miss sleeping in the barn and in the woods and being reckless and wearing the same clothes for a month." He gave her a smile. "I know our worlds are so different. I didn't mean to get mad at you really. I was grasping at anything I could and I know everything has been so different lately. I feel like you were never actually mine to have."
"What do you mean?" His words kinda scared her to be honest.
"You're so distant sometimes like you're fascinated with someone else. Like you daydream. You have a million things on your mind. You're so sidetracked. I speak and I don't feel like you're really listening to me. I dunno what guy you're thinking about but I know that it isn't me." He said with a frown. The look on his face broke her heart.
"Okay." She got up from her spot and approached him. "I'm going to tell you something okay? I want you to listen very closely. You. Are. The only. MAN I could EVER have in my life. Kristoff you are the manliest most amazing guy in all of Arendelle. Definitely the cutest." She smiled. She had to boost his ego and he smiled proudly. "I am never EVER gonna be with another man. Ever! Because I don't want one." She looked up at him. "We might not be together but I will never ever replace you. I do not want to be with a man."
"Huh?" He looked confused but the wheels were turning in that thick skull. "Wait you don't want a man?"
"You heard me."
"But.. you don't want a guy.. .so does that mean that you're-"
"Wait! I just wanna also add that you are my best friend... I'll never hide anything from you and that's why I'm finally opening up and letting you in." She looked up at his confused face. "I've had my eyes opened for me and I'm learning so much about myself that I've kept hidden for so long." Kristoff nodded understanding. "And if I'm going to be honest with anyone it's going to be you." She reached up and placed a hand on his arm. "If we can't be together I want us to still be friends..."
"I mean we kinda already have a relationship that's more like friends." He gave a small smile. "I guess... You're right. If we can't be together then I wanna still be friends too."
"I'd love that." She said with a big smile.
"So wait!" He looked at her closely. "Are you saying you don't like men?" Anna nodded her head. "You don't like men?" He paused. "But... Really?" He thought for another moment. "Wow."
"I'm sorry." She said softly. "I tried.."
"No don't apologize." He looked down at her. "Anna if this is who you are then... It's okay. I'm not gonna force you to be with me. Feisty, I love you and I'm never going to abandon you."
"You are so understanding. I was so scared. If I lost you and Sven I don't know what I would do." She flung her arms around him and gave him a big hug. "You are so important to me and-" She paused. "What are you laughing about?"
"Nothing." He pulled away from her and tried to fight back the laughter that escaped his throat. "Oh come on! It all makes sense! How did I not see this before?" She was confused. "You like girls! If you think I'm shocked you're mistaken."
"How the hell can you notice?" She looked around. "Am I wearing a sign or something?"
"You have the mind of a guy." Kristoff shrugged. "Come on! Look at all the camping trips and guys stuff we've done. We use to wrestle and you'd usually win! You love mud! And I watched you drink a beer or two. I wont tell anyone about that evening I promise!" He added that after her death glare. "And the jokes you've told me. Come on?" He smirked. "And I've seen you check out a girl or two."
"What?!"
"Yeah." He crossed his arms amused. "That girl that came up to you and bowed.. Blonde hair.. low cut dress. Yeah I noticed."
"Okay yeah.." Okay so he caught her. "How is it that you've noticed all this and I didn't?"
"Because it's natural for you." He responded with a nod. "You liked going to the mud fights remember? I thought it was for the jacked up lumber jacks but nope it was the muddy bar maids!" He put his hand on her shoulder. "It's okay. I'm not mad or anything. In fact I'm kinda relieved."
"You are?"
"Yeah. I can go back to being a slob. I can smell bad now. I can eat horribly. I can sleep in the barn with Sven." He smiled. "High maintenance stuff isn't my thing."
"You tried."
"We both tried." He smiled and gave her another hug. "What about Elsa?"
"She's definitely high maintenance!" She stated loudly.
"No. I mean does she know?"
"I told her the other night." She nodded. "And she encouraged me to come talk to you. She took it... very well actually."
"Doesn't have to worry about some guy coming and taking you away now huh?" He smirked. "I bet she was happy."
"She's happy that I'm comfortable with myself. She was just as scared as I was about losing you."
"I know she told me." He smiled. "Hey you guys need some sort of guy around. You know where to find me."
"You're always going to be family." She smiled back. "Always."
"You too." He grinned and then asked quietly. "So..is there a girl? A lucky girl? I need to know these things?" Anna rolled her eyes. "Come on it's for research!"
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"Elsa?" Anna called rushing to her sisters room. "Elsa!" Nope not there. Just an empty cold room. "Hmm." She rushed down the hallway. "Elsa?" Where did she go? She had to tell her about her evening with Kristoff. "Hey Kia?" She approached him. "Where's my sister?"
"In the bath my Queen." He nodded. "She was feeling a little under the weather. We suggested a warm bath."
"That won't last long. Thank you." Anna moved by him and suddenly got worried. She wasn't feeling well? She was fine earlier. Surely she didn't get sick? Approaching the bathing suit she knocked on the door. "Elsa?" Silence. "Are you in there?"
"Come in." Elsa said softly.
Anna pushed the door open and was instantly met with warmth. So rare for a room to be warm when Elsa was inside it. The room was lit with multiple candles all around the room. It was kinda steamy. There was a king table along the wall with candles and different herbs and scents for the bath and bath solutions. Plus towels and rags stacked on the edge. In the corner was a changing screen and she could see Elsa's robe slung over the top. On the other side of the room was a chair or two where Gerda sat giving Anna a small wave. In the middle was a tub and Elsa sitting right in the middle of it. There was some steam rising around her and she was sunk down to her chin. Her hair was pulled up into a messy bun to keep her hair from getting wet. This was the most private of bathrooms. It wasn't like the bathhouse on the other end of the castle with the giant bath pools.
"You're not feeling well?" Anna shut the door behind her. "What's wrong?"
"I have a headache." Elsa shifted her eyes to Gerda. "But with how things are the smallest little detail must be treated with extreme caution and drama." Her tone was snappy and she rolled her eyes.
"She had a headache and was very tired." Gerda said to Anna. "She didn't look well."
"I'm always pale." Elsa cut in. "I am completely fine."
"Gerda can I have time with Elsa please?" She gave her a kind smile and the older woman left. "You do look tired." Anna teased as she approached Elsa. "And you're right. You're always pale."
"I promise you I'm completely fine. My headache is already gone. I've been inhaling this.. this.. "stew" I'm in for 30 minutes." Elsa looked at Anna who dropped to her knees next to the tub. "I feel like I'm melting."
"I'm surprised you aren't." Anna giggled and dropped her finger into the warm water. "It's not even that warm why are you steaming?"
"It's a personal thing..." she mumbled. "Something I do.. anyways how did things go with Kristoff?"
"Great!" She smiled. "He was understanding and so supportive." She placed her arms on the edge of the tub and rested her chin on her hand. Gazing at Elsa she smiled softly. "We decided to just be the best of friends. No change just no more kissing." Elsa smiled. "But I think he's going to be okay. The pressure is off of him and we're in a good place."
"That's good. You worried for no reason." Elsa smiled over at her sister. "I'm glad you're both okay."
"Me too." Anna stared at her for a moment. Elsa had some blush of pink in her face and down her neck. The water was warm and bubbly and kinda milky tone due to the medicine in the water. Elsa had finally sat up enough for more skin to show as the water rested just above her breasts. Anna's eyes taking in this vulnerable sight. However it wasn't anything she hadn't seen. She realized she was staring and finally spoke up. "But are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Elsa rested her head back against the tub. "I promise. I feel completely normal."
"You're not sneezing up snowbabies so that's a good sign." Anna laughed softly. "May I?"
Elsa looked at her for a moment. The warm water always felt weird but it was so relaxing at the same time. It felt like she was dissolving and washing away all the stress around her body. All the aches and pains. Like she was shedding her skin and she felt... warmth. Something. So rare. However warm water or just warmth had an effect on her that usually resulted in a little steam show. She smiled at Anna adoring the happy look on her face. She seemed totally at peace with the world right now. It was nice to see and definitely rare for a young Queen.
"You may." Elsa sat up and Anna happily moved around the tub to kneel behind Elsa. She brought her hands up to pull her hair from the messy bun. She felt Anna's fingers comb through her blonde locks. She loved when Anna did her hair. They had some of their best talks during these times. It was making up for all the lost sisterly time even if they were older.
Anna let her fingers run through Elsa's hair. It was so soft to the touch. The younger girl allows her eyes to drift over Elsa's back. Along her shoulders and followed her spine till skin disappeared under the water. Elsa shifted to bring her knees up to her chest. The sudden shift brought Anna back to Earth.
"Your hair is always so perfect." Anna smiled, her fingers raking her hair down her back. Her fingertips brushing against cool skin. Elsa had freckles dusting across her shoulders and they were so cute. Elsa glanced back at her a little before facing forward again. She reached over and grabbed the soap, lathering it up in her hands. "So tell me, what did you miss most about being gone?"
"Welllll..." Elsa laughed and looked up at the ceiling. "I don't know.. the chocolate." She smirked, as her hair was tossed forward over her shoulder. "You..." She felt Anna's soapy hands move along her bare shoulders. It felt so good. Her fingers massaging into her muscles and she closed her eyes. "Most of all." Anna's hands moved down her back. "This. Us."
"Hm." Anna smiled at the back of Elsa's head. Leaning in she smelled her hair before pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Me too."
"It's not the same if we're apart." Elsa said softly. Still enjoying the sensation of Anna's hands on her skin. Touch was something she hid from for many years and now that she knows what it's like, she adores it. Anna was the only one that was allowed to touch her in such a way. Sure she got hugs from Kristoff and such. This though? She didn't know the kindest most sweet sensation was Anna's hands. "We accomplished so much together..."
"Yeah." Anna was red from the warmth of the room or was it because of Elsa? She didn't know. Either way she felt her heart pound. "That's why we need to be together. We can cover more ground apart but together? We're unstoppable. Nothing is limited."
"I know." Elsa smiled softly.
Anna let her hands fall from Elsa's back and she scooped up some water and rinsed the soap away. She got another cup of water and next was Elsa's hair. She reached forward and tilted Elsa's head back and let the water dampen her hair. She got her hands all lathered with soap and ran her hands through Elsa's hair. She let her nails massage into her scalp as she started with the roots. Elsa let out a pleased sigh and held a content smile on her face. They've had intimated moments but never in such a vulnerable situation. Usually they were always wearing clothes. Anna almost laughed to herself at the thought. The redhead finished washing Elsa's hair and Elsa dipped under the water. She watched as the suds rinsed from her hair.
"There!" Anna moved around to the side of the tub. "How do you feel now?"
"Pretty good." Elsa smiled at her meeting her eye. "A new person."
"You're gorgeous." Anna blurted out and Elsa just arched a brow. "I mean it."
"So are you." Elsa let her hand find Anna's and she brought it up to her lips. "Queen Anna."
Anna blushed as Elsa kissed the back of her hand. They were smitten girls, in a private room, where it felt like there was a lack of limits. Anna let her hand fall from Elsa's and rested it on her leg below her knee. It was so magical how her skin was so cool but the water was so warm around her. It was a sensation that was unlike anything else in the world.
"It's so remarkable how your skin feels." Anna said softly in amazement. Elsa blushed deeper. There was a tension between them as Anna's fingers massaged up and down her leg. It was just like the other day in the garden. Magnets. Drawn to each other. Needing each other. Needing to touch and feel the other.
Anna let her eyes lift from her focus on the water and met Elsa's gaze. She looked flushed. Her eyes fixed on hers. The stayed there for a moment before the older girl brought her hand up. Cupping Anna's cheek she brushed her thumb against her skin. Don't think. Just feel. Without them realizing it they were slowly drifting closer to each other. The space between them getting smaller. Anna leaning more over the tub so close she could feel the cool air that rose from Elsa's skin. Elsa's eyes were heavy and just as inches were between them there was a loud knock on the door.
"Girls?" Gerda's voice rang. Anna's hand slipped off the edge of the tub and fell forward. Getting the sleeve of her dress soaked before pulling away. "Elsa? You're not still soaking are you? You'll prune."
"Getting out now." Elsa called pulling away from Anna. "Thank you!"
Anna quickly rose to her feet and tried to dry off. She rushed and grabbed a towel for Elsa and held it up. Closing her eyes she turned her head so her sister could get out of the tub. Elsa took the towel and wrapped it around herself before moving towards the changing screen. The Queen let out a heavy breath and quickly leaned against the table. She felt anxiety build in her gut and tried to steady her pulse. Oh crap. What just happened? If Gerda hadn't interrupted what was going to happen? Anna didn't know but, she wished she did.
It took Elsa longer than usual to come out front behind the screen. When she finally did she was in her gown and wrapped up in her robe. She scooted across the floor and Anna smiled.
"See. Not sick." Elsa said with a smirk.
"You look healthy to me!" Anna smiled. "Just one more thing..." she brought a towel over Elsa's head and started to dry her hair. "There."
"Thanks." Anna started to tame the blonde hair with her fingers and a brush. Before she could stop herself she pressed a kiss to Elsa's cheek. "Good as new."
The two smiled at each other. The air hung a little differently but there was love between them. Elsa managed to take Anna's hand and they left the bathing suit. Walking close to each other they made their way down the hallway to turn in for the night. The tension still hanging and Anna wondering just what would've happened if Gerda didn't disrupt them. Either way they went to bed with dreams and love in their hearts.