Chapter 2

In all his years Aaron had seen and experienced so many wonderful things, from the awe of a rising moon or the setting of the distant sun, and he was always keen to appreciate what he was given. That being said, there was nothing in this life or the next that could ever compare to the sensations he felt when he kissed Elsa.

Maybe it was the feeling of her lithe figure wrapped in his arms and pressed up against him. Or perhaps it was the way her cool lips interlocked with his in a perfect union of fire and ice. Or it could just be the rush his heart felt at her slightest touch, beating faster and faster the longer their embrace lasted. Whichever it was, though, there was no denying which was his favorite. How the world fell away until it was just he and her in a lover's union as the undying flame that flowed through him weaved and writhed, threatening to rage out of all control, stoked on by the woman that he loved.

Like all good things, though, eventually it had to come to an end. Their lips parted with a minor reluctance but rather than letting her go he instead drew her deeper into the embrace until her hands were against his chest and his forehead rested upon hers. They stayed there for what felt like an eternity, the sweet scent of her hair drifting through him and their breathing gradually synchronizing with all the rest of the world forgotten, until after what was probably minutes but felt like years she moved to pull away. Still he held her close, refusing to release her entirely. Given the secretive nature of their relationship it'd been nearly a week since he'd last gotten to hold her so he was determined to savor it for as long as possible until it too would end.

Now that there was some space between them she was able to look at him and Aaron contented himself with getting lost within the endless blue of her eyes. His smile grew, thrilling at her cold touch, as her fingers lightly caressed his cheek before brushing through his chestnut hair. As she did so he found that he just couldn't remain silent any longer and quietly crooned, "You have no idea how long I've been wanting to do that."

Elsa's own smile was soft and delicate as her fingers slipped through his hair before meeting his gaze. "Me too," she replied in a silky tone, giving his lips another small peck. Despite that, though, her smile faded and she drew back another step in a manner that had become all too familiar in recent weeks as she gave him a sad look. "But you really shouldn't have come here today."

Part of him wanted to disagree, to make up some excuse as to why he had to be there. But they'd had this conversation too many times for him to argue. So instead he just conceded.

"I know, I know. Someone could grow suspicious or something could go wrong and we could-"

"If you knew then why did you come?" Elsa replied, cutting him off with a disappointed look.

… "Because I missed you."

That at the very least got him some sympathy as her expression softened. "I missed you too," she said before sighing. "This is hard on me as well."

"I know it is. So then wouldn't it be so much simpler if we just stopped?"

"Stopped what?"

"You know. All of this. Why not walk out of here hand in hand?

Aaron knew it was a long shot but it still stung a little when she took another step back and gave him a dubious look. "You're not serious," Elsa said as she turned to her mirror.

Not to be deterred, though, he continued to press forward. "Sure I am. Don't you agree that right now is perfect for that sort of thing? Everyone's distracted by the wedding so no one would even notice. When could it be better?"

"How is that in any way perfect?"

"I don't know, I'm just desperate."

That actually managed to get a small laugh out of her as she gingerly sat in the chair by her stand. "At least you're honest."

That giggle was all it took to embolden him as he moved behind her, allowing his hands to come to rest on her shoulders and brushed his thumb against her chilled neck. When she leaned into his touch he even went so far as to trace a finger along her collarbone, smirking at the miniscule shiver that raced through her while he purred, "Just think about it. We could have everything we wanted, do whatever we wanted to do."

"So then what would we do?" she asked, at the very least humoring his fantasies if only for a moment as she continued to savor his touch.

"Travel, party, anything." As he spoke, though, Aaron's eyes became wistful as he thought about what he really craved. "Although if I'm being completely honest it's the little things I want most. Walking together in public. Hell, just being able to hold your hand. Cooking for you again…"

"That sounds nice," Elsa replied with a rueful smile of her own before gently brushing his hand aside. "And you're sure this has nothing to do with Anna and Kristoff getting married?" she asked as she leaned out of his grasp to inspect her reflection.

As much as he wanted to dismiss the notion Aaron found his denial dying in his throat before he could even say it. For over a year things had been so simple. It was just him and her alongside Kristoff and Anna floating along in a blissful tide of love. Yes, Elsa's responsibilities had always hung over them and the demands of the future were never far from his thoughts but in the moment things were simple and easy. Until Kristoff just had to go and propose, allowing reality to bleed into his utopia.

Just like that he suddenly had a stark contrast between everything he had and what he so desperately wanted. While they were free to express themselves however they wanted, Aaron had to content himself with hiding in the shadows, clutching onto any moments with Elsa that he could get. Before that had been enough but now that he was watching his best friend move forward with his life all Aaron could feel was a sense of being left behind. That if he and Elsa waited too long then the forces around them would find a way to intervene.

Now if only he could find a way to stop waiting.

Either way she was still expecting an answer out of him as Aaron merely shrugged and said, "What's it matter if it does."

Given the way Elsa's expression sharpened, that was the wrong thing to say as she replied, "It matters because we're not ready yet."

"How so? I am."

"Really? Then you're prepared for all the scrutiny you're going to receive?"

Squaring his shoulders, Aaron set his jaw definitely. "I'm not afraid of a little attention."

"I know you're not but that's not what I'm talking about. The whole world is going to doubt you. They're going to say you don't belong with me."

"No one seems to mind Kristoff."

Her gaze flicked to him through the mirror. "Anna's not a queen."

"Maybe not but she's still royalty. Besides, it's not like no king has ever settled for a commoner."

"Yes, because people treat kings and queens the same," Elsa retorted quietly, a bitter venom seeping into her voice. Before Aaron could respond, however, she continued. "But let's say everyone does accept us. What will you do when they expect us to get married?"

That was all it took for Aaron's determination to wither and wilt as he felt a familiar anxiety bloom within him. A gnawing doubt that had festered within him since the moment he'd learned Elsa's true identity. When he'd first met her he'd thought he was falling in love with a normal woman, ice notwithstanding, so the revelation that she was not only royalty but the sovereign of an entire nation had come as a shock. Even worse than that, however, was the realization that came with it. What he would inevitably become if he chose to stay with her, something that he dreaded with every fiber of his body.

Why, if he wasn't hopelessly in love with Elsa Aaron would probably just go back to the mountains where he belonged. The only problem with that was the fact that he was hopelessly in love with Elsa. Why else had he recklessly thrown himself into a world he had hardly begun to understand, leaving behind everything he knew in the process? Not that he regretted it for a second, although it did make the task before him that much more daunting. So much so that he still couldn't bring himself to consider it an option.

"I mean, it's not like we'd have to tie the knot immediately, right?"

The moment the words left his mouth, though, disappointment spilled over Elsa as she sighed irritably, her head bowing slightly. "Never mind."

"But-"

Despite his instant doubt she cut him off harshly. "It's fine, Aaron. You're not ready." However, when she looked back at him while there was still annoyance in her eyes there was also pity as she quietly added, "No matter how badly you wish you were."

Once again he found that he just couldn't deny what she said, only this time he didn't even try, his shoulders slumping as he sighed. "I know. I'm just… tired. Tired of all the secrecy and hiding."

As somber as the admission made him feel, though, the exhaustion that appeared on Elsa's face was all he needed to know the weariness was mutual.

"So am I." She'd been about to begin weaving her hair but hesitated to glance at the window behind them. "I keep telling myself that it won't last forever and that tomorrow is a new day. But then every tomorrow is exactly the same as the ones before."

"Exactly." There was something reassuring about hearing her confess to the same qualms he was suffering through but Aaron hadn't come to wallow in their problems, instead sucking in a deep breath before adding, "Like you said, though. It's not forever."

Elsa had become so lost in thought that she didn't appear to hear him, continuing to stare out the window at the world beyond. When she did speak her voice had dropped to a whisper. "For once I wish I could just be me."

"I… what?"

Whatever he'd been expecting her to say it certainly wasn't that, although it didn't take Aaron long to realize that she wasn't talking about only them. The moment he spoke, though, she quickly stirred from her thoughts.

"Nothing," Elsa murmured before rising to her feet. By the time she turned to face him her expression was comported as she hid whatever was bothering her below like always. She also wasn't about to let him ask about it as she took a step forward and gently placed a hand on his chest.

"I know it can be hard, Aaron, but I need you to hang on until you're truly ready. For everything." Her gaze floated back outside as she drifted past him to stand before the window. Clutching her hands together, Elsa looked out over the castle and city beyond. "I'm already under so much pressure as both a woman and a queen. You truly have no idea. So, when the time comes, I need the person beside me to be able to stand on their own."

Her implication actually hurt his pride a little but he still knew his response instantly, considering it was always the same one. If she needed more then he would give her more. "For you, Elsa? Anything."

As if she could read his thoughts when Elsa turned back to him her gaze was sympathetic, apologetic even as she said, "And I do realize what I'm asking isn't fair. You've already sacrificed so much for us and yet here I am always taking more."

The regret in her voice suggested she blamed herself for their position but Aaron rejected the notion immediately, closing the distance between them. "You've never asked for anything that I didn't give willingly. And if waiting a little longer is the price for being with you then I'll pay it. I'd pay any price for you."

That at least got her to smile, even if it was somewhat strained, as she reached up to stroke his cheek. "I know you would. I just wish you didn't have to."

"It is what it is. All that matters is that we have each other."

Once again her gaze drifted out the window only she wasn't looking at the city at all. Instead her eyes lifted above it all towards the vale cradling the capital's fjord in its embrace and the looming peaks beyond. This time when Elsa spoke there was a regretful longing lurking within her voice as she asked, "Do you ever think it was a mistake? Leaving the North Mountain?"

Following her lead, Aaron stared up at the frosted summits and felt a yearning of his own. Somewhere out there, far beyond the decadence of the castle or the cloying grasp of the nobility around them, a frozen paradise called to him. Roosting high atop its heavenly sanctum, the time he'd spent in Elsa's palace had been nothing short of bliss. That was where his old life had ended as his new one came into being around hers, compelling him to follow her unto the very ends of the earth itself if need be. Anything to preserve the prospect of getting to share another day with her.

Not that the North Mountain was the only thing that called to him, however. Even further beyond a quiet lake with a quaint cabin also pawed at his thoughts as his mind drifted into the valley that had been his home for so long. Relics from a tranquil if somewhat mundane existence that became more and more appealing with every passing day spent trudging through the aristocracy. But that life had ended the moment he'd set foot in that palace.

"Honestly?" Aaron finally said, wrapping an arm around Elsa's waist to hold her close as they both continued to stare at the past. "Sometimes. There are even days when I would give anything to go back. You had a duty to your people, though."

She didn't even try to hide her disappointment as she sighed, her gaze falling away from the mountains as she spoke. "True. That doesn't mean I don't miss when it was just you and me."

"Well, who knows. Maybe it will be again one day."

"How?"

"I don't know. But there's no harm in fantasizing."

"If only that were true." That regret continued to linger within her but Aaron quickly forgot all about it when she leaned in to place a gentle kiss on his cheek before nestling into his side, her head coming to rest against his shoulder. "Thank you for coming, Aaron."

Part of him felt compelled to comment on her change of heart yet he stuffed those thoughts away, not wanting to ruin the moment as he simply replied, "Of course."

With that a warm silence took over as they both contented themselves with each other's company. Like all good things, though, it wasn't meant to last forever as Elsa eventually broke away from him. Favoring Aaron with another tender smile, she made her way back to her bedside table and sank into the chair beside it, for now forgetting about their other home far away. He, on the other hand, wasn't quite ready to dismiss it again as he followed her, coming to rest leaning against her table while she worked.

"Speaking of the North Mountain, I wonder if Olaf's made it there yet or not."

Smirking at the thought of the little snowman working his way through the world, Elsa shrugged. "He must have. He left nearly a month ago."

"You know how easily he gets sidetracked."

"True. At least he's indestructible so we don't have to worry about him." With a nod, she added, "I'm sure he and Marshmallow are hanging out right now as we speak."

With that they both fell silent again. Moments like this had been so rare in their lives of late that there was no sense in wasting them by filling the air with talking. Instead it was so much more satisfying in enjoying the presence of the woman beside him. The woman who inspired him every day and for whom he'd changed his entire life. Because he loved her more than anything.

He was so lost in thought that he almost didn't notice when a distinct knock sounded from the door. Panic flashed through him but before he could step away from Elsa it opened and a friendly face framed by bright red locks poked around the edge. "Is it safe?" she asked innocently even though her eyes glinted mischievously.

Elsa hadn't even glanced up at the knock, continuing to focus on her reflection, although she smirked as she said, "Yes, Anna, it's safe."

"Oh. Well that's a relief," Anna replied brightly as she bounced into the room. "Wouldn't want to walk in on you two like that again."

"Enough, Anna," Elsa groaned, giving her an irritated if playful look through the mirror.

"Uh oh. Somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed," chidded Anna with a good natured smile. No matter her older sister's attitude she always managed to remain positive as she waved him a small hello. "Hi, Aaron."

"Morning, Anna. Nervous at all?" he asked, glancing at Elsa to see that she'd gone back to her morning routine before relaxing against the table once more.

"Nervous?" Anna said with a quizzical look as she plopped down on the bed beside them, although there was the slightest hint of hesitation. "Why would I be nervous?"

"I don't know, maybe it's because you're getting married tomorrow?"

Rather than answering right away, she leaned back with a dreamy look in her eye. "I really am, aren't I?" She then laughed lightly before shaking her head. "No, I'm not nervous. How could I be? I'm marrying the man of my dreams."

"Well that's a relief. What about your husband-to-be?"

"I'm doing okay."

Looking up at the voice Aaron saw that his best friend had also come through the door. Unlike his bride-to-be Kristoff looked like he was on the verge of becoming a nervous wreck, wringing his hands and looking at them all fretfully.

His anxious fussing made him look so, well, cute that Aaron felt himself give a smirk. "Only okay? I thought you couldn't wait to marry Anna," he teased.

Kristoff gave him a cross look. "Of course I can't wait to marry Anna. It's just this whole… marriage business."

"Still nervous about the crowds?"

"Maybe."

"Oh you," Anna cut in, giving them both a mocking glance before rising to wrap her arms around her fiance. "He was up all last night worrying. Are all men such babies about marriage?"

That got Aaron to laugh out loud, nodding. "Pretty much, yeah." His smile faded, however, as he remembered the conversation he'd just had. "Not that I would know, of course."

Rather than acknowledging his moodiness, though, Anna waved the comment away. "Oh please. Soon it'll be your turn and we'll be cheering for you and Elsa up there."

Kristfoff may not have noticed but he was sure that Anna had when Elsa stiffened slightly at the statement. It was a subtle movement, barely perceivable, but they both knew her well enough to know that she was waiting for them to change the subject so Aaron simply shrugged and said, "Yeah. Soon."

Anna didn't respond at first, giving her sister a sage look before slipping back into her enthusiastic demeanor as quickly as she'd slipped out. "I can't wait to see all the new faces that will be here soon," she exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "It's always so exciting to have a party if it means you get to meet someone new."

"How many will there be again?" Kristoff asked quietly, looking a little nauseous.

"Well the chapel can easily fit a hundred or so, and then there's when we'll present ourselves to the people. There could easily be numbers in the thousands for that."

"I certainly hope not. Just imagine trying to police a crowd that big," Aaron groaned, trying to change the subject for Kristoff's sake before he became sick.

That got him an exasperated look from Anna as she rolled her eyes. "Typical Aaron, always worrying about his job first and everything else second."

"First of all, being so thorough with my job is to your benefit, you know. Someone has to protect you from all the crazies of the world. Secondly, I resent the notion that I could care about anything more than Elsa... or the two of you. Obviously."

"Good save."

"Thank you."

"You know I didn't really mean that."

"I know."

"Ahem."

Anna and Aaron looked up from their banter to see that Elsa was watching them quizzically. "If you two are quite finished I need to get dressed. Meaning that the boys have to get out."

"Oh. Of course," Kristoff replied, looking embarrassed and making for the door.

But before he could go Anna caught him by the sleeve, regarding Elsa cautiously. "Are you alright?"

Elsa clearly didn't expect that response as she blinked in surprise. "Of course. Why do you ask?"

"Like I don't know when something's bothering you, Elsa," Anna replied before smiling again. "Brighten up. I'm getting married tomorrow, aren't you excited for me?"

For a moment it looked like Elsa was going to argue with her before laughing lightly and shaking her head. "Of course I'm excited. It's not every day your little sister gets married." She then gave a pained expression. "I'm sorry. I'm being difficult, aren't I?"

"Of course not," Aaron replied quickly as Anna nodded and Kristoff looked elsewhere.

After smiling at their conflicting answers Elsa gave a sigh and repeated herself. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to be. I've just been so stressed lately and not getting enough sleep isn't helping."

"Maybe you'd sleep better if you weren't sleeping alone," Anna teased while glancing at Aaron before wisely growing serious again as Elsa stared daggers at her. "But why are you so stressed?"

That seemed to be a loaded question as her face grew worried but that only lingered briefly before she shrugged. "So many people are coming here for the wedding, I'm just nervous that things are going to change in the coming days. How do we know all those changes will be for the better?"

Anna's smile instantly returned as she wrapped an arm around her shoulders and gave her a hug, looking up at Aaron and Kristoff. "I think you worry too much. So long as the four of us are together how much could things really change?"