Chapter 7

"I really hate these kinds of events," Aaron muttered as he looked out over the crowd.

"Well tough," Kristoff whispered back, keeping his smile firmly in place. "You wanted to be a lord, then congratulations, you got it. Along with everything that comes with it."

"Yeah, but nobody warned me about all the schmoozing and false smiles I'd have to wade through as a result."

"Oh it's not so bad," Anna interjected, giving the two of them an amused glance before looking back out across the room as she stood beside them. "You know the rules, you just haven't learned to play the game yet."

Glancing over at her, Aaron asked, "And how did you learn?"

Unfortunately, all she did was shrug as she listened to her sister's speech. "I was born into it."

"Thank you, Anna, very helpful."

"I usually just hide out back with Sven until it's all over," Kristoff added with a smirk.

However, his grin quickly faded when his fiance replied, "And once you're a prince we'll be putting an end to that little tradition."

"What? Ah, come on, Anna. I hate talking to aristocrats."

"You wanted to be a prince," Aaron said, getting a scowl in return. They both quickly fell silent, though, when Elsa turned briefly and gestured at the three of them. She was talking joyfully as she looked at her sister but her eyes did meet Aaron's briefly before she turned away again.

They were standing at the head of the great hall with Aaron alone beside the happy couple as Elsa stood before them addressing the crowd. Every new face from today was present as well as plenty of familiar ones as they all patiently listened to his beloved. The shadows of the night were kept at bay beyond the sweeping windows by the merry light of dozens of candles adorning the walls and a chandelier high overhead. Out there a cold spring evening had fallen into place but in here the warm air was rich with frivolity and the enticing aromas wafting from the buffet along the windows.

Everyone in attendance was dressed in their finest attire, in the form of sharp suits for the men and gowns in a myriad of colors for the ladies. Anna had even managed to somehow keep Kristoff in his own suit although he'd adamantly refused to allow her to so much as touch his hair. Aaron meanwhile had simply opted for his usual uniform but he had to admit that the sisters looked particularly stunning that evening. The soft platinum gold of Elsa's hair paired ever so well with her gown's gentle lavender while Anna's burning red combined with a bold aquamarine demanded to be seen.

And yet both he and Kristoff found themselves irritably waiting for it to all be over, Aaron already weary of the visiting nobility and Kristoff just eager to get away from all the scrutiny. Not that that earned either of them any sympathy from Anna as she gave her fiancé a reproachful look. "Kristoff, you do realize this is all for you, right? All these people are very interested to meet you."

"I get that, I'm just still working on the why."

Anna's eyes softened as she placed a loving hand on Kristoff's arm. "Because I find you interesting."

"Aw." Returning the look with one of his own, he then glanced at Aaron and added, "Still working on that one too."

Aaron stifled a laugh as a polite applause rippled through the crowd, signaling that Elsa was done speaking as she fully turned to face them and held out a hand to Anna, asking, "Shall we?"

Anna may have nodded eagerly but Aaron felt like he and Kristoff were going to come down with cramps as they did their best to force smiles, Aaron grunting, "Oh, absolutely."

Rolling her eyes at them, Anna stepped forward and slipped her arm around her sister's, whispering something to her that made Elsa giggle slightly as they moved to mingle with the crowd of well wishers gathering in anticipation.

"What do you think that was all about?" Kristoff muttered as he eyed the pair suspiciously, clearly reluctant to join them.

"Nothing good, I'm sure," Aaron replied before placing a hand on Kristoff's back and pushing him forward. "Now get up there and make nice with the rich people."

That got a panicked start out of Kristoff as he swallowed nervously. "What about you?"

"I'm not getting married, I don't have to talk to anyone."

"So you're going to let me swim with the sharks alone?"

"Obviously." He let the comment linger for a moment before cracking a reassuring if somewhat hesitant smile and slinging an arm around Kristoff's shoulders, forcing himself to walk forward. "I'm kidding, of course. Let's just get this over with."

And thus began one of the longest hours of Aaron's life. He'd been living in the castle for over a year and a half and yet still hadn't found a way to connect with aristocrats. He would be polite and do his best to make conversation for Elsa's sake if nothing else but it would always devolve all the same. There was just so little common ground between him and these people that it would turn into nothing more than idle small talk after a halfhearted attempt to care about court life.

To make matters worse it wasn't long before he was separated from Kristoff by the cavalcade of people so eager to meet the future prince, leaving both of them to fend for themselves. Elsa had no way to help him as she was beset upon by a horde of her own keen to speak with the mystical Snow Queen while Anna took to it all like a fish to water. Aaron found himself envying her as she effortlessly flowed from one conversation to the next, occasionally pausing to save Kristoff if she thought he was floundering.

After a while Aaron found himself just standing off to one side, idly sipping from a flute of champagne he'd snagged from a passing tray. Everyone who expressed any interest in speaking with him had done so and now the crowd appeared content with forgetting he existed as the party goers enraptured themselves with one another. Fortunately that suited him just fine as he could use a break from all the monotony. And judging from the look plastered across Kristoff's face as he waded through the sea of people towards Aaron he could use one too.

"What, tired of schmoozing already?" Aaron asked amusedly as his friend came to a halt beside him and heaved a heavy sigh.

Kristoff clearly didn't have the energy for games, shaking his head and replying, "All I want is a minute without someone trying to coerce me. Is that too much to ask?"

Meanwhile Anna tagged along behind him, her own expression amused as she patted him gently on the back. "Always so dramatic."

However, while Anna was trying to be consoling Aaron found that he just couldn't resist a poke. "Sounds like someone doesn't like being the prettiest girl at the ball."

"Ha ha," Kristoff replied with a huff before his shoulders slumped and he took a step towards one of the side halls. Giving Anna a pleading look, he said, "Just give me a moment, okay?"

Anna's smile turned understanding as she waved him off. "Alright. Don't be too long, though."

With that Aaron found himself alone with Anna as they silently surveyed the commotion around them. Not that her presence was in any way unwelcome. Over the course of his relationship with Elsa her sister had been a godsend, always supporting both of them or helping to smooth over any conflicts that emerged. She'd never doubted or questioned Aaron's intentions as he courted Elsa, seemingly content with just watching the two of them so long as they were happy. As a result he'd only grown closer with Anna as well in the time they'd known each other.

Kristoff would always be his closest friend and Elsa was the love of his life but occasionally something would come up that Aaron just couldn't talk to either of them about. In those moments, though, he knew he could always turn to Anna for a comforting word. Making things even better, she would also confide in him if the need arose as they helped each other float through the endless sea of politics. And there was no one Aaron enjoyed sharing a moment of quiet contemplation with more than one of his closest friends.

At the moment, though, she was being a little too quiet as she watched the crowd. Her frantic energy had mellowed somewhat in the time he'd known her but he hadn't expected to see much of her until the revelry was over. So, when she remained silent Aaron said, "At least one of us seems to be having a good time."

Glancing back at him, Anna gave into a broad smile. "Are you kidding? I love parties. There's always so many interesting people to talk to, all with their own personal stories to tell. Not to mention the buffet."

"Well at least that's something we can agree on," Aaron replied, casting a hungry look at the trays of sumptuous treats arrayed across the tables. When she nodded eagerly in agreement he set his doubts aside with a mental shrug. "Although I have to admit I'm somewhat jealous of social butterflies like you on nights like tonight."

"Why's that?" Anna asked casually, her eyes still fixed on the buffet.

"Why? Because I don't know how to talk to these people, that's why. I spent my entire life living in what feels like a completely different world compared to this."

That pulled her attention away from the food as she gave him a sympathetic look. "I know this can all seem like a bit much to men like you and Kristoff. Like you said, you're not used to this sort of thing." Placing a hand on his arm, her smile turned even more comforting. "Just know that we really appreciate you trying."

She always had a knack for knowing what to say and how to say it but tonight as soon as she said 'we' he had to fight back a grimace. Not wanting to ruin her mood, though, he just did his best to hide his discontent. "Yeah."

Unfortunately for him Kristoff wasn't the only one that could tell when something was bothering him. She didn't comment on it right away but Aaron could tell she knew what was wrong by the look in her eye as she took a glass of her own from a passing server. It was only after Anna'd taken an idle sip and let another second pass in silence before she asked, "So where is she?"

"Who?" Aaron replied, doing his best to play dumb.

Not that such a thing would ever work on Anna as she gave him a dubious look. "Like you don't know."

At first he thought about continuing to deflect but Aaron knew there was no use in fighting it as he gave a sigh, his gaze returning to who he'd really been watching the entire time.

She was there across the far side of the room, oblivious to his attention as she kept those around her at bay. Elsa may not have been as gregarious as her sister but she was still perfectly capable of looking after herself at a party. Unfortunately, though, it had only been a matter of time before one of her real suitors latched on to her. He'd expected it to be the golden charmer Cyrus but that didn't make Aaron feel any better as he watched her fend off the other royal suitor, Prince Zachariah, amongst the flock of other men all too eager for her attention.

Following his gaze, Anna let out a small sigh when she spotted them. "Ah. That can't be fun."

"It is what it is," Aaron grumbled, refusing to get caught up in it and returning his attention to his glass. "There's nothing I can do about it anyway."

However, Anna's response only irritated him further. "Of course there is."

"Oh yeah? And what would that be?"

"You can be the man she needs you to be."

Flinching at the unexpected sting of her words, Aaron gave her a surprised look. "Excuse me?"

Realizing what she just said, Anna smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry. That came out a little harshly, didn't it?"

"A bit."

"All I'm saying is that nights like tonight may hurt but they're also a huge opportunity for you."

"How so?"

"Well, think about it," Anna said, gesturing out at the room around them. "Like it or not this is Elsa's world so if you want to be with her then you need to be a part of it. So prove that you want to be a part of it. Play the game and embrace your role."

He knew she meant that in a positive way but that didn't make it any more palatable as he looked at the enigma around him. "That's easy to say but how do I even do it? How do I prove to everyone that I'm good enough for her?"

To his dismay, though, that got him one of the most pitying looks he'd ever seen as Anna slowly shook her head. "Oh Aaron. You don't have to prove it to everyone. You only have to prove it to her."

For some reason those words stung more than any insult she could have said as Aaron let his gaze drop, looking down at the lacquered floor beneath him. "I know."

A fresh silence fell between them as Aaron felt the burn of shame burrow into him and Anna allowed her words to sink in. It wasn't long, though, before he felt her hand on his shoulder and he looked up to see that Anna's sympathy had returned. "And believe it or not I get it. Nothing I can say is ever going to mean that that doesn't hurt. Just remember that my sister loves you. And she's been preparing for nights like tonight her entire life. Trust her, she knows what she's doing."

"I know. But like you said, that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt."

"Hang in there, Aaron. They won't be here forever."

Aaron's agitation slashed back through his shame as his brows descended into a glower, glaring at the men harassing his beloved. "No, but they also won't be the last."

"Well if you want it to stop then I guess there's only one thing you have to do. The only question is if you're man enough to do it."

Her words hung in the air around him, cutting deeper than his shame ever had as his anger gave way to surprise once more as he turned back to her. However, instead of offering sympathy or another apology all Anna did was give him a long, steady look before returning her attention to the party. He couldn't think of a single thing to say in response as his shock gradually faded into a grim acceptance.

It wasn't long, though, before their quiet was interrupted by the return of Kristoff. Oblivious to their conversation, he motioned for his fiancé to join him. "Anna? There's someone who wants to meet us."

Instantly her smile reemerged as Anna gestured for him to lead the way. "Coming, Kristoff." But when he turned away she lingered, her smile vanishing once more as she refused to look at Aaron. "I love you, Aaron, and if I can't wait to call you brother. So I won't lie to you. My sister loves you and if you want her you'll have her. But you can't ask her to wait for you forever without giving her something. Anything. So please just don't wait too long."

Given the way she stayed she was clearly expecting an answer and yet Aaron found he had none to give. He so desperately wanted to just agree and declare that he wouldn't. Aaron would have given anything for it to be so easy. So, when the words refused to come, he lied. "I won't. Thank you, Anna."

Whether or not Anna believed him hardly seemed to matter as she made to leave, but not giving him a stern look. "And remember. Play your role."

Anna let the words linger for a moment before offering him a gentle smile as she turned and followed Kristoff into the crowd.

With that Aaron was alone again, forgotten by the world around him as he stood there in silence. Everything Anna had said was true and he knew the harshness with which she'd said it had come from a place of love. But the fact that it was true only made it hurt more as he looked out at his beloved. There was only one thing that he had to do, after all. In order to do it, though, he had to be more. More than what he was now. And he had absolutely no idea how to be that more.

As he stood there alone, watching his Elsa be courted by another man, he felt a desperate pain needle into his heart. Obviously all he had to do was trust her but what he knew and what he felt were two very different things. And right then he was feeling more than he could bear.

I could really go for some fresh air.

With that Aaron set aside his glass on a passing tray and made for the door. He wasn't sure if Elsa saw him go but he didn't care. He just needed to get out of there, even if it was only for a moment. Briskly stepping out into the hall, he ignored how all the flames atop nearby candles began to bend towards him. Anything to be out of that room and away from the sight of someone else courting his Elsa.

Pacing rapidly down the hall towards the main doors, he shoved them open with a heave and stepped out into the night. Once there he stopped, drawing in several deep breaths and ignoring the guards who shut the door behind him. The fire of their torches curled with his every breath, dancing towards him before straightening with each exhale.

The sun had set hours ago and the moon declined to emerge tonight, relinquishing the night sky to the stars. There were thousands of them, speckled from one horizon to the other in a river of glittering lights. A few houses were high enough along the fjord's wall so that their glow could be seen over the parapets and a handful of torches were scattered around the castle but otherwise the night belonged to the shadows.

The castle, however, seemed impervious to the dark. Its towering keep loomed overhead as its spire sought to pluck the very stars from the sky. Cheerful lights shone from many of its windows but the plaza around it was eerily still, completely abandoned except for the few guards about. Everyone else had retreated inside to escape the cold which suited him just fine. The last thing Aaron wanted to do was talk to someone.

He'd been through this so many times over the last year and yet no matter how many came it never got any easier. Even worse than the courting happening right in front of him, though, was how powerless he felt to do anything about it. All he could do was watch from afar and hope for the best. Anna could say all the things she liked but nothing could change the torment he was forced to endure.

Of course, that wasn't entirely true. There was one thing that he could do. But to do that he would have to overcome the guilt and doubt threatening to swallow him.

Aaron stood there for a moment longer before letting out a sigh. He knew that he shouldn't linger out here too long but he wasn't in a hurry to go back. A little more solitude wouldn't hurt anything.

Slowly walking alone along the side of the castle, his gaze inevitably lifted towards the darkened night sky. Even here there was something comforting about that shimmering blanket of stars shining overhead. No matter how much his life changed or where he went they were always there looking down at him, be it on the shore of the sea, beside a lake or in the heart of a castle. And they would always be there to tie him back to the life he'd left behind.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

The voice shattered the silence around him as Aaron's head snapped around towards its source. He'd just assumed that he was alone but there, next to one of the stone pillars supporting the awning around the castle's base, he could just make out a hidden figure. She was barely visible in the night's dim light but her voice had a familiar ring to it.

Realizing that he was just standing there straining to see who it was, Aaron cleared his throat and asked, "Sorry?"

However, he still couldn't recognize her as she stepped out from under the awning, her darkened face tilted towards the heavens. "I was just commenting on how lovely the night sky is tonight."

"Oh," Aaron replied, not even bothering to look up. It was definitely someone he'd met recently but he'd heard too many new voices lately to know which.

If she'd noticed his scrutiny she was ignoring it, coming to a halt beside him while nodding at the stars. "It's kind of funny, actually. I've been to so many places with so many different people and yet no matter where I go they're always the same."

"Yeah. They are." The sentiment was so familiar it surprised him as he glanced back up at the sky. Back to that portrait of times gone by. But enough was enough.

Shaking those thoughts away, he turned to face her. "I'm sorry, you'll have to forgive me. Your voice sounds familiar but I'm not sure who I'm speaking with." With that Aaron raised a hand and allowed himself to finally relax.

Deep within him, buried in the burning depths of his heart, the walls he held in constant check slipped back to allow the slightest of cracks. Through that crack flowed a familiar warmth that billowed forth, filling his chest and soothing his nerves with its touch. All it took was a thought to channel it along his arm, a stream that coursed through his blood before finally emerging above his outstretched palm in the form of a small yet brilliant flame.

The sudden flash of light banished the surrounding shadows, driving them away to reveal the princess from Maneva, her vibrant emerald eyes wide in astonishment. She immediately retreated with a gasp, clutching a fist to her chest as she shied away from and yet seemed entirely captivated by that flame.

Realizing that he'd probably just scared her beyond belief, Aaron quickly offered another apology. "Oh, Princess Kresta. Forgive me for startling you."

When all she did was continue to stare he wasn't sure if she'd heard him but eventually she stirred enough for her green gaze to slide to him for a moment. But only for a moment as she said, "That's alright," before returning her attention back to the fire. "I guess the stories didn't prepare me as well as I thought they did."

Despite the turmoil still boiling within him Aaron's curiosity was piqued enough for him to ask, "You've heard of me?"

It took some time before Kresta was able to pull away from the flickering flame, drawing in a breath with a blink. As she did so her trepidation was replaced by a practiced calm as she faced him. "I'm sure everyone has heard of you by this point, Lord Aaron. You're quite famous."

"What do they say?"

There was something so odd about talking with someone he knew virtually nothing about yet clearly knew about him as a wistful look crept into Kresta's eye. "Only the most fantastical tales about the fabled snow queen." The corner of her mouth then lifted into the slightest smirk. "And her minion of course."

"Minion?"

"Sorry. Most people tend not to paint you in a favorable light."

Well that's fair, Aaron thought grimly as he looked at the flame hovering over his hand. He could only imagine what it must be like for the average person, to learn that there were such things as magic and sorcerers in the world. For some it must have been absolutely terrifying and he honestly couldn't blame them if they let their imaginations run wild.

"And you, your highness?"

"Me?"

Apparently she hadn't expected him to ask her opinion but Aaron didn't let that dissuade him. "What do you think of me, now that you've seen for yourself?"

Even so, Kresta appeared to choose her words carefully, her response measured and precise. "I think you and Queen Elsa have extraordinary talents that not everyone understands."

"That's an eloquent way of putting it." Elsa probably would have liked it too if she'd heard it. At least there was someone out there who wasn't inherently terrified of them.

Not that that changed anything. As nice a distraction as it was, he really was not in the mood for a prolonged chat. "But I won't take up any more of your time, your highness," he said, giving her a small bow before turning to leave.

To his disappointment, though, Kresta shared no such sentiment. "That's quite alright, Lord Aaron. Right now I wouldn't mind the company." Holding a hand out towards his flame's warmth, she added, "And your gifts are actually quite handy at the moment."

It was only then that Aaron noticed the woven shawl she had wrapped around her shoulders. A slight shiver suggested she wasn't accustomed to the cold, providing him with his out. "You look like you're freezing. Why don't you go back inside where it's warm?"

"I could say the same to you."

"The cold never bothered me."

"Well that figures." However, despite the chilly night Kresta refused to budge. "But I did actually come out here for a reason."

It took great effort not to sigh as Aaron fought back his mounting annoyance. She just wouldn't take the hint but maybe she would give him an excuse. "And what would that be? If you don't mind me asking, your highness."

Drawing her shawl tighter, she cast a weary glance back at the castle. "Because I'm here to see old friends, not waste time with aristocrats." That look only sharpened as she muttered, "And I certainly didn't come here to watch my brother fight over Elsa like she's a piece of meat."

He was prepared to seize onto anything but her words caught him off guard. Whilst watching another man harass Elsa made him sick he certainly hadn't expected anyone else to share his sentiment. Especially not the prince's own sister. Why would she disapprove?

Aaron probably should have just left the matter alone and made his escape but now she had his attention. For a moment he even forgot about his agitation and despair as he eyed her subtly. "Isn't that a good thing, though?"

His question drew Kresta's focus back to him as she forced out a smile. "Of course. I'm thrilled for my brother. And Elsa." Even as she spoke, though, her expression soured as she looked out over the courtyard.

And just like that Aaron actually found himself taking a liking to this Kresta. At the very least there was something that they could agree on. If they were going to talk, though, he would probably need to address her tremor.

"Then allow me to raise the heat a little," he said, allowing the fire to flare brightly.

"Ooh, that's much better," Kresta replied appreciatively, gravitating towards the warmth. "Turns out you're handy after all."

Aaron snorted sarcastically. "Thank you, your highness."

She didn't hear him, though. Her attention had already riveted back onto the blaze hovering over his hand. There was still some trepidation in her eyes as she watched the flame but now there was also wonder. A shy awe as she watched it flicker before her.

That look vanished, however, when Kresta noticed him watching, replaced by a guarded ambivalence. But that didn't mean she wasn't curious. "How are you doing that, by the way?"

"Doing what? This?" Aaron asked, gesturing his hand and the fire shifting with him.

"Yes. That."

It was the one question that everyone who recognized him was dying to ask, although not all were brave enough to ask, and yet all he could give was the only answer he had. "To tell the truth, your highness, I have no idea. It just comes naturally."

Not everyone looked as disappointed at that response as she did, though. "But surely there must be something more to it."

"Like what?"

"I don't know, something. Did you have help? Were you taught by someone?"

"No. Who could possibly have taught me?" As if such a person existed.

"So you just figured it out on your own?"

"I'm afraid so. It took a while but I was gradually able to learn bit by bit to get where I am now," Aaron replied, his initial apprehension fading at her curiosity and dissatisfaction. Why did she care so much if at all? "Is there something wrong with that?"

Realizing that he was studying her in return, Kresta quickly stuffed her questions away as she looked back at the stars irritably. "What? No. Just… not what I wanted to hear."

Whatever that was supposed to mean. Aaron considered letting her stew on it but that would mean him returning to the party. Back to the ambivalence and pain. "So what brings you to Arendelle, your highness?"

Stirring from her annoyance, she shrugged as her expression returned to its practiced guard. "Why is anyone here? To attend Princess Anna's wedding. It's just nice to see her and Elsa again after all these years."

"I'd heard the three of you used to be close."

"And where did you hear that?"

"From them."

He regretted those words the moment they left his mouth, having gone a step too far as Kresta's interest roused. "Really? I didn't realize you were so close to the royal family."

Trying to remain casual, Aaron distanced himself from the comment. "I don't know if I'd say close but I am going to be the best man at Princess Anna's wedding."

Not that that stopped her from giving him a shrewd look. "On account of your friendship with her fiancé."

"Exactly."

"Only you didn't meet him first."

"No, I didn't." Wait. "How do you know that? Your highness."

Having pierced his indifference, Kresta gave a smirk. "How did you learn about me?"

It only took him a thought to know who she was referring to. "Anna?"

"Anna." She then gave him another thoughtful look. "Although for not being close you do seem to be on a first name basis with her."

Mentally scolding himself for another gaffe, Aaron quickly rushed out an answer. "Oh, that. Again, I wouldn't-"

Before he could continue, though, Kresta cut him off with a raised hand. "Relax. It makes no difference to me who you're friends with. I just find it odd that a new lord would already be so close to royalty."

Now choosing his words much more carefully, Aaron found himself enjoying their conversation considerably less as she deftly pulled him apart one layer at a time. Perhaps he was out of his depth after all, talking to someone like her. "What makes you think I'm new?"

Given her demeanor the last thing he expected was for her to laugh as she gave him an amused look. "Please. You reek of it. As if I couldn't smell it on you the moment I met you."

"What makes me so obvious?" asked Aaron, daring to risk another question only to have her spin it back at him again.

"Well for one there's your lack of etiquette."

Instantly he felt the urge to squirm. "I'm sorry if I somehow offended you, your-"

Once more she cut him off, this time it was with another laugh. "Again, relax. My, you're wound awfully tight, aren't you?"

With that he found that he had to stop, resisting the urge to huff. Maybe Elsa was right. Maybe he wasn't ready for the attention of being her partner, considering how easily Kresta was playing with him. It certainly didn't help that she was clearly enjoying it, her careful manner having relaxed into a leisurely smile as she waited for his response.

Swallowing his frustration, Aaron gave a careful reply. "I guess I have been a little tense lately. So if you wouldn't mind not toying with me."

To his relief after some thought Kresta relented. "Okay, okay. Maybe I was being a little mean so I apologize." That mischievous gleam still lingered in her eye, though, as she added, "But I can't promise anything for later."

That warning probably should have compelled him to leave and yet Aaron still felt inclined to stay. Even though Kresta had been batting him about like a cat with a ball of yarn even he could tell she was holding back. She could have dug in at any point and yet she allowed him to squirm free. At the very least he could learn a thing or two from her before he ran into someone who wouldn't be so gentle.

"Thank you. But that doesn't explain how you know I'm new, your highness."

Now it was her turn to scoff as her brow furrowed. "How could I not know? I've been dealing with nobles my entire life. They're all so shifty and conniving. Always trying to take more than they give." She then gave him another piercing look. "You, on the other hand, are too direct. Too honest. You haven't learned how to exploit yet."

"Apologies, your highness. I shall endeavor to be less of a rube."

That got a disappointed sigh. "Please don't. Then you'll be just as dull as the rest of them."

"Is that why you're out here, your highness? To escape the dullards?"

"Besides my brother's antics? Precisely." Like before, though, Kresta quickly turned the questions back on him. "But why are you out here?"

For a moment he'd actually managed to forget about his problems but her question was all it took to bring them bubbling back. "I thought we already established that I'm new to all of this."

"In which case shouldn't you be in there learning what you can?"

"Of course." Beneath that agitation, though, there was something else. A familiar unease that sometimes nearly amounted to a disquiet that he could hardly describe. "It's just that I… I'm not… I don't fit in there."

"That's good. It means you still have a soul."

Kresta was probably trying to make a joke but Aaron hardly even heard her. From the moment he'd left the mountains it had been difficult for him. This new life was the price he had to pay to be with Elsa and he was more than willing to pay it, he just hadn't expected it to be so hard. It wasn't even the job. Arendelle was such a peaceful kingdom mostly ignored by the rest of the world to the point that it practically took care of itself, not to mention people like Reynard helping him along. It was the fact that he'd left everything he knew behind for a world that was apathetic towards him at best.

It all resulted in a mounting frustration that welled so great he couldn't stop a hint of it from leaking through. "I don't know anything about this world," he said softly, his eyes distant. "It's all so alien that I'm not even sure I belong here."

"Then quit."

The response was so swift and frank it tore him from his thoughts as he looked at Kresta. "What?"

She didn't even shrug, however, as she replied, "Just go back to where you think you belong, then. Nothing's stopping you."

It must have seemed like such an obvious solution from the outside but Aaron had never considered it to be an option, rejecting it immediately. "I can't do that."

"Why not?"

With that he realized he was saying too much again, quickly withdrawing back within himself. Why was he being so cavalier with a stranger? "Because. I have an obligation," he said bluntly, offering anything to ward Kresta off.

However if anything his retreat only seemed to reawaken her predatory curiosity as she smirked. "To who? The people? I'm pretty sure they were doing just fine before you came along."

"No. I was asked to serve so I serve."

Her smirk still lingered but now a bored edge entered her gaze as Kresta replied, "Ah. So you're here for Elsa."

One of the perks of being with someone like Elsa was that he had plenty of opportunities to learn how to conceal his emotions like she did as Aaron forced himself to remain calm as Kresta wound closer to the truth. "In a manner of speaking. She is my queen, after all."

"How noble of you." She didn't even bother to hide the skepticism in her voice as she looked out over the courtyard. "It is odd, though, don't you think? That she would choose someone with no prior prestige or pedigree for such a position."

"My natural talents make me uniquely suited for it."

"Undoubtedly. And it certainly doesn't hurt to have friends in high places."

"Again, I wouldn't say friends." Before she could respond, though, Aaron quickly forced the conversation elsewhere. There was no way that he was comfortable talking about something like this without Elsa. And perhaps it was time to flip the tables. "But what about you, your highness?"

At first he wasn't sure if Kresta was going to let him change the subject. To his relief, though, she relented once more by asking, "What about me?"

She said it with such indifference he nearly hesitated to continue but Aaron deserved to get at least something back in this conversation, didn't he? "I've been blathering on about myself without giving you a chance to talk."

However, to his disappointment Kresta instantly began to grow distant, her guard returning as she idly turned to stroll down the side of the castle. "Oh. I'm afraid there's not much to tell."

"I find that hard to believe," Aaron replied as he fell into step beside her. After she'd dug so much out of him he wasn't going to let her get away that easily.

"How so?"

"Well you are a princess, after all. Don't all princesses live lives full of magic and whimsy?"

"I'm afraid magic and whimsy have been in short supply around me."

"How can that be?"

Shrugging, Kresta looked nearly bored talking about herself. That being said, he still caught the briefest of glances cast towards him as she spoke. "My brother and I are the youngest of four siblings. My eldest brother presides as king whilst my sister is married to a crown prince. After them there's not much whimsy to be had."

"So then what do you do all day, if nothing interesting is happening?"

"I find ways to pass the time. Usually keeping my twin out of trouble, which can be a real ordeal. Have any siblings?"

Just like that Aaron's frustration began to return. She'd given him nothing he couldn't learn elsewhere before almost immediately trying to regain the upper hand. In spite of her stubborn opacity she even perked up the moment she turned the conversation back on him, watching him out of the corner of her eye. Not that that particular subject was something he felt like getting into tonight. Or any night for that matter.

"One. My sister."

"Then I'm sure you can sympathize."

"Not really. I haven't seen her in a long time."

"Why not?"

His tone made it clear he wasn't looking to talk about that but she continued to soldier on anyway, oblivious to what she was walking into. Meanwhile in the back of his mind old memories were beginning to stir. The roaring flames. The mocking shadows. The tears running down her cheeks…

The shame that came with those thoughts were unbearable on top of everything else that night as he steadily grew quieter and quieter. "Let's just say we went our separate ways."

"I'm sorry to hear that. I may say things about them but I don't know what I would do without my brothers and sister."

"Must be nice," Aaron muttered back, his brows furrowed.

..."So what happened to her?"

That was a question too far as Kresta's curiosity took her a step too far and Aaron gave a sigh. He was hardly willing to talk about that with Elsa, much less anyone else, as he came to a halt. "I hate to be rude, your highness, but I'd really rather not get into it." After a pause he added, "We didn't part in the best of ways."

Given her evasive behavior throughout their entire conversation Kresta undoubtedly wanted to pry further only she didn't. Instead she regarded him quietly before giving a sigh of her own. "I'm sorry. Sometimes I can be a little insensitive to others. I'm just so used to having to claw things out of people that talking to you is kind of fun. I hope you're not offended."

Perhaps he should have been offended but all Aaron noticed was that was the most sincere she'd been all night, offering a brief yet open answer. At the very least she wasn't completely obstinate as he forced himself away from the mire of the past. "That's alright. I'm sure you also have memories you'd prefer not to think about."

Rather than instantly returning to her guard Kresta gave another honest response, her gaze turning heavy as she looked up at the castle and muttered, "Don't we all."

Following her gaze, though, he was surprised to see that they were standing outside the front entrance to the castle. Somehow they'd wandered back without him even noticing, not to mention the fact that he'd even forgotten about what was happening behind those doors. The moment he noticed where they were those problems began to ooze back in but the respite was appreciated, no matter how short it was.

So, clearing his throat, he turned back to face her, saying "That being said, I feel like I should be thanking you, Princess Kresta."

That pulled her own attention away from the castle as she gave him a quizzical look. "How so?"

At first he considered being vague but honesty was just who he was, even if that made him ill suited for court life. "I can't get into it but suffice it to say days like these are hard for me. It's just nice to have my mind taken off… things."

His honesty was rewarded, though, when Kresta gave into the first genuine smile she'd shown since their conversation began. "Then I suppose it's only fair that I thank you in turn. Your sincerity is… refreshing." She was about to say something else when her gaze drifted past him and her lips parted in awe, softly adding "Oh my…"

Looking up, he instantly saw what had her so mesmerised. "What? Oh."

There, high overhead, the stars were no longer alone in the night. Drifting across the sky in dancing streams of light, the Aurora Borealis had opted to make an appearance after all. Swirling ribbons of magenta and emerald waved through the black void as they brought a rare glimpse of color to the world.

Watching the lights sway, Aaron felt his smile return. "Beautiful, isn't it?"

Kresta's response was almost breathless as she quitey said, "I've dreamed of seeing the Aurora since I was a little girl."

Glancing back down at her, Aaron saw that she had become enraptured by the display that she'd nearly forgotten to be cold, holding her shawl loosely as she gazed skyward. After such a cagey talk now it was his turn to be refreshed by her wonder. "Then welcome to Arendelle, Princess Kresta."

With that he contented himself with also watching the Aurora as they stood alone in the night.