Chapter 10
A hush hung over the room as Aaron mulled over his words. All eyes were on him as he stood there but he ignored them, his gaze lost on the table before him as he absentmindedly ran a thumb along the rim of the champagne glass in his hands. To his right, Kristoff and Anna sat patiently, waiting for him to speak as he eventually found the words he was looking for.
"When I was told that as Kristoff's best man I'd have to make a toast I didn't even know where to begin," he said, his voice carrying through the still air of the ballroom as he began to walk around the table. The soft light of candles glinted off his glass as he set it aside. "Obviously I could do the usual thing and talk about the happy couple but I'm guessing none of you came here for that."
A polite chuckle rippled around the room only to fade back into silence as he resumed speaking. "No, if you'll indulge me I thought I'd talk about love. Finding love, to be more specific."
That chuckle was quickly replaced by a nervous whispering, however, the moment he reached out a hand towards the surrounding candles. As he did so they gradually dimmed, leaving the room filled with a thin glow as he came to a halt before Anna and Kristoff. Elsa was seated beside them on the other side but for once she wasn't the center of his attention as he lifted his outstretched hand. The muttering around him was instantly quelled into a stunned silence as a solitary flame fluttered to life above his palm.
With that newfound stillness he spoke. "We're all born alone in this world. Regardless if you're a commoner or a queen, we're left fumbling through the darkness looking for something. No one's quite sure what it is they're searching for and some go their entire lives without finding it. For those luckiest among us, though, they find it in another."
While he spoke the flame continued to sputter above his hand, barely managing to stay lit as it struggled to last. That all changed, though, when Aaron lifted his other hand and a second light blazed into being. Instantly the original flared with a renewed vigor as the two pyres began to drift towards one another, spinning into the beginning of a lazy dance.
Their twin whispers were the only sounds to be heard in the otherwise silent room as Aaron kept his focus on the task at hand, doing his best to disregard that slight pang of uncertainty about what came next. "And when they finally do meet, as these two have..." he continued, allowing the flames to weave around one another faster and faster. "It can be spectacular."
With that the two flames suddenly merged into one, erupting into a towering inferno that howled with glee as it arced overhead. Its blaze clawed greedily towards the ceiling above, its hellish glow illuminating every corner of the room. There were probably cries of panic around him but he couldn't hear any of them, gritting his teeth as he stubbornly bent the flames to his will. Rather than spilling out into the room they quickly began to fold inward until a burning maelstrom hung in the air before him. Wind whipped around him, shadows dancing across the room as it stretched wider until it could grow no larger without setting the castle alight. There it hung awaiting his next command, racing around and around in a snarling iris of flame.
"But even the brightest light can always go out!"
As he shouted to be heard Aaron suddenly brought his hands together in a clap. As he did so the vortex instantly collapsed inward, all that fire and luster racing between his palms only to vanish the moment they met, plugging the room into a sudden darkness. This time the murmurs from the crowd were anything but calm yet Aaron continued to ignore them, slipping his hand into a pocket under the cover of the newfound shadows. As such to the gapping onlookers it must have seemed like he'd forged the glowing shards in one glorious instant as he opened his fingers, their soft orange light spilling out around him, when in reality he'd spent weeks molding them as he offered his hand to the newlyweds.
There, nestled in his palm, lay two intricate yet small flame shards. A craft of his own invention, they appeared to be made of pristine glass except that they were each brimming with a seemingly liquid fire that fluttered and writhed within their translucent confines. Onlookers might have expected them to burn given the blazes within them yet they were little more than warm as Anna gingerly plucked them from his hand and held them aloft for all to see. At first neither appeared to have its own distinct form, until she quickly realized that they could be slotted together to form a single, shimmering lily.
As she did so Aaron quietly gave the happy couple one last toast that only they could hear with all the warmth he could muster. "May these serve as a reminder to never let that flame go out."
Handing the lily off to her husband for him to see, Anna matched Aaron's affectionate tone with her own, replying, "It never will. But thank you, Aaron."
With that Aaron took his leave, offering a long, deep bow, and murmuring, "Your highness," before returning to his seat. Given the range of whispers he could hear as the candles around the room returned to their natural glow he wasn't sure if he'd inspired awe or fear in their guests but he didn't really care. He'd been planning that stunt for so long that he was just glad that it went so well. Besides, it was high time that Arendelle displayed what it could do to the world. Speaking of which, his eyes quickly found Elsa's as he rounded the table.
Aaron had to fight the urge to give into a cocky smirk as she led a polite if stunted applause from the audience. He'd been adamant to speak before her, if only to leave her being the one to follow but she shared none of the astonishment sweeping the crowd around them. If anything she looked distracted, probably by what she was going to say during her turn. Today wasn't about them, after all, although she continued to watch him quietly until he reclaimed his seat beside Kristoff.
A reverent hush fell across the hall the moment she rose from her chair, all eyes immediately turning towards the queen. Only it wasn't just respect as they waited patiently for her to speak. Now there was a nearly palpable air of an anticipation after Aaron's antics, an eager yet hesitant expectation for more.
As she stood, Kristoff leaned over to him and whispered, "Quite the light show."
"Thought you might like that," Aaron muttered back, adding, "I'm sure you've both gotten tired of my speeches by this point," before Anna shushed them both, eagerly anticipating what her sister was going to say.
"Well, wasn't that something?" Elsa asked as she quietly rounded the table to stand before them. "For those of you who are unacquainted with our Lord Aaron that must have come as quite a shock, but let me assure you that it was all perfectly safe. Just a little display to liven up the night." Given the looks he was getting Aaron wasn't sure any of them believed her as she added, "And let me also assure you, that was just a taste of what we're capable of here in Arendelle."
All the while a gentle chill emanated from her as her dress shimmered softly in the light. Just as everyone's anticipation was beginning to sneak back in, though, Elsa gestured towards the newlyweds. "Let's not forget why we're here, however. To celebrate a wondrous occasion. And although I know it's already been said so many times, thank you all so much for being here to share in this. A few years ago I wouldn't have been sure such a party would have been possible here and yet here you all are. So thank you for making my sister's day that much more special."
Another respectful applause sounded as she paused, only Elsa's voice heavier when she continued. "In spite of how grand this castle might appear, our childhood wasn't always easy due to certain… complications. As you all know they drove my father to some rash actions that left us stranded from the rest of the world, with no one entering these halls… and no one leaving. And yet Anna was still able to thrive under these conditions, growing until she blossomed into the most amazing woman I've ever known." By that point she was addressing her sister directly as everyone else looked on. "You're unfailingly kind and always so optimistic, even in the darkest of times. Why, if we could all be like you then the world would be a better place for it. But we can't be like you because no one's like you. It's so much easier to lose hope or to give in to fear yet you somehow manage to do the hardest part of all and stay above it. An unwavering example for the rest of us. And I'm just so proud of who you are. If our parents could see you today…"
She let that one trail off as tears began to well in Anna's eyes before Elsa gestured at the man beside her. "And to have found someone who makes you so happy, I couldn't have asked for anything better. So, Kristoff, thank you for all the things you do for my sister and allow me to be the first to welcome you into our little family. I know you'll always do what's best for her and may all the many years you'll share together be blessed." With that she turned back to the sea of attendees and exclaimed, "So would you all join me in congratulating the happy couple, Princess Anna and Prince Kristoff!"
That got a raucous cheer as Anna fought back tears and Kristoff consoled her, both of them beaming up at Elsa as she waited a moment before lifting a hand to still the crowd once more. "All that being said, we mustn't forget something very special." As she spoke Elsa raised her hand even higher, holding it above her head as renewed whispers whipped about. If Aaron didn't know better he would have said a trail of sparkles followed that hand as she patiently waited for silence to resume before giving her fingers a single snap.
Just like that the band struck up from across the room, filling the air with a melodious tune as Elsa swiftly turned towards the newlyweds and beckoned them forward. "The couple's first dance!"
At first there was nothing except the rhythm of the band as her words sank into the room, although Aaron could still hear a few grumbles of disappointment when they realized they weren't going to see another display as everyone joined Elsa in another applause. For her part Anna was quick to react, eagerly seizing Kristoff's hand as she rose from her seat. If she shared any of the attendees' chagrin there wasn't a hint of it beneath her smile as she quickly dragged her new husband around the table.
As they went, though, Elsa caught Aaron's eye long enough to give him a dubious if even mocking look for only a moment. Then just like that her focus was back on the couple, waving them forward with a diplomatic smile. As such no one noticed as Aaron hid a smirk of his own behind his glass, chuckling. So it's like that is it? he thought as he stood to add his own clap to the ovation.
Before they descended to the dance floor, though, Anna paused to ensnare Elsa in another hug, whispering something into her sister's ear as she did so. While the pair muttered back and forth Kristoff waited patiently off to one side, a contented grin plastered on his face as he glanced over at Aaron. They shared a nod before a thought occurred to Aaron, quickly snatching up his glass to raise it towards the groom before proceeding to down it in a single gulp. That got a laugh from Kristoff but before he could respond in kind Anna broke free from her and Elsa's embrace to catch his hand again.
It looked like Kristoff wanted to say something to Elsa before leaving but Anna wasn't waiting any longer, hauling him behind her with a giggle as she rushed out onto the dance floor. As such all he managed was a rushed, "Bye," before he was whisked away yet everything else was clearly forgotten the second he turned to face his new bride.
For a moment all they did was stare into each other's eyes before Anna took the smallest of steps back, dipping into a deep curtsey before looking at Kristoff expectantly. That managed to jog him from his stupor as he gave a start and rushed into a bow. He looked embarrassed by the lapse in front of everyone but all she did was giggle as she stepped closer to take his hand in hers, wrapping his other snuggly around her waist. Aaron suspected even the furthest attendees could see the deep breath Kristoff took before they set off and then they were drifting along to the music.
To both of their credit, they'd both managed to get through the day without any major hitches, rolling through the ceremony with ease. That is, until Anna started to break down into sobs as she fought her way through her vows. Fortunately, however, she'd somehow found the strength to soldier on until they were finally wed. From there it was just a matter of holding on through the raucous race that was the rest of their day with Aaron bobbing along in their wake until they finally arrived at the feast and he could just relax. After all, with the toast his duties were done for the day. That is, all except one.
A tender hush had fallen over the crowd as everyone watched the happy couple dance. However, Aaron found his attention slipping elsewhere. It was a wonder he was able to think about anything else considering what he knew was coming next. He'd never been one for customs but that had changed the moment he learned that Arendellians had this wonderful tradition of the best man and maid of honor leading the rest of the guests onto the floor after the first dance. As a result it was all he could do to just stand there and wait until finally, blissfully, that first song ended and a new one began.
Perhaps he should have been nervous but all Aaron felt was anticipation as he glanced over at the only other person at the head table. Well, no time like the present.
His heart was beating excitedly in his chest as he silently crossed the few steps between them until he was standing beside her. All the while she continued watching the newlyweds. As he approached, though, her gaze shifted ever so slightly until he was beside her before looking up at him expectantly, the ghost of a smile gracing her lips.
Doing his best to appear professional, Aaron bowed forward slightly before offering his hand to her. "My queen," he purred quietly so that only she could hear. "Might I have the honor of this dance?"
She seemed to consider his request for a moment before giving the slightest of nods as her cool hand came to rest in his. "You may."
A thrill coursed through him at her touch but his expression remained steady as he maintained a respectful distance, falling into step beside as they descended onto the dance floor themselves. Aaron could feel all eyes turn onto them as they did so but he didn't care. He'd dreamed about putting his arm around Elsa in public for so long that now that it was actually happening it made him overjoyed beyond what words could describe. It didn't matter that he couldn't hold her closer and she couldn't rest her head against him. This was enough.
For a while neither of them spoke, simply enjoying the music and each other's presence as they floated along in tandem with the other couple. They couldn't stare into each other's eyes as he might have liked, contenting themselves with staring off into the middle distance, but it didn't mean that he wasn't brimming with joy. As he glanced over at the others, though, it was abundantly clear who the happiest people in the room were. Kristoff looked so ensnared by the moment that he was on another world and Aaron caught Anna flashing a look of pure bliss to her sister from the arms of her lover.
He didn't see Elsa's response but he did feel her shift ever so slightly closer before looking up at him. Her face gave away nothing, a flawless facade as far as anyone else was concerned, but Aaron knew better. All he had to see was the wondrous gleam in her eye and feel her gentle touch against him to know exactly where he belonged.
By then other couples had begun to filter onto the floor so that they were no longer alone but between the music and a hushed tone one could easily have a private conversation without fearing eavesdroppers. With that in mind he found that he just couldn't remain silent any longer, taking care to make sure that only she could hear him. "Enjoying the party, my queen?"
Small as it may have been there was nothing that he enjoyed more than her smile as Elsa took in the room around them, replying, "It's alright. I've seen better."
"Don't let Anna hear you say that."
"So what if she did? What could she possibly do to me?"
"I don't think either of us wants to know the answer to that question."
Given her pause, though, Elsa wasn't in a playful mood as she continued to look elsewhere. Almost as though she was deliberately avoiding eye contact. If anything she even seemed a little nervous as she eventually said, "Alright, I'll admit this is quite nice."
Taking in her mood, Aaron opted to let her make the next move as they continued to dance, nodding slightly. "Right? Anna really outdid herself when it comes to planning this reception."
He didn't have to wait long before she took a small if deep breath. "She really did. But that's not what I was referring to."
"I know it wasn't."
With that she gave into a sigh as she finally conceded what was bothering her. "I can't begin to tell you how much I want this."
Those words were all it took to bring Aaron's excitement back to a raucous boil, although it was quickly tempered by the anxiety she was clearly feeling. To hear her admit that she craved exactly what he did was… exhilarating as he fought the urge to hold her closer. To feel just how close he was to everything he wanted. Hanging over all of it, though, was that puzzling doubt as to what had her so afraid.
Doubt or no doubt, however, there was no way that he couldn't at least try again one more time. "Then take it."
Every fiber of his being was screaming for her to say yes, consequences be damned, but even so he wasn't surprised when his words drew a sad smile out of her. "If only I could," she muttered. Then, before he could push harder she steeled her resolve and asked a simple question. "You're sure it wasn't a mistake for us to leave the North Mountain?"
The query settled down between them as Aaron felt his brows furrow. This again? Elsa hadn't expressed an ounce of regret in over a year and yet now she'd brought it up twice in as many days. Why? Not that it changed his answer, unfortunately. There could only ever be one answer to that particular question.
"Of course not. Arendelle needed its queen."
Elsa ignored the response, however. Growing bolder by the minute, she replied, "But what if I wasn't the queen? We could be there right now. Just the two of us. No distractions, no obligations, no expectations." With that her eyes finally found his again, only it was a look unlike any she'd ever given him. In that brief moment all the poise fell away, laying bare the roiling turmoil writhing within her. And at its core, a fervid yearning that burned into him as her voice dripped heavily. "Just you. And me."
With that Aaron was completely transfixed. It was a wonder that he somehow remembered to keep dancing as her voice speared through him and her eyes seized hold of his. Even when they were alone Elsa had never shown him a fraction of what she was displaying now so to see the woman he loved and craved so much mirroring his desires right back nearly set him ablaze. Why, if they were anywhere else he wouldn't even hesitate to pull her into a fierce and ravenous kiss.
And yet, through all the chaos she was stoking within him one notion continued to buoy upon the rising tide. A nagging reality that he just couldn't shake no matter how hard he tried. So it was with a bitter reluctance that Aaron forced away from what he wanted and what was. "But you are the queen."
To no one's surprise the moment those words left his mouth all those tantalizing desires she was showing him evaporated, draining away just as fast as they had come as Elsa heaved a sigh and dropped her gaze. "So that's all I am to you. A queen."
"Of course not," he replied quickly whilst refusing to forfeit his point. "But so long as you are the queen you'll always have a duty to these people."
"I know that," Elsa said quietly, although he could feel her growing more distant by the second.
Part of him was still scrambling to get his point across, although by then it was a vein gesture. "I am proud of that duty, though. I mean, what wouldn't you do for Arendelle?"
"Nothing, I suppose."
With that Elsa fell silent, her expression enigmatic as their dance drew to a close. All the while Aaron felt like he was grasping at straws. Clearly he'd missed something there but what? How could he not have told the truth?
A polite clapping from the other attendees drew his attention to the fact that the song had ended as he reluctantly released his love to add his own. She, on the other hand, barely clapped at all before turning back to her seat.
Before she could, though, Aaron gave one final offer. "Another?"
Shaking her head, she offered a gentle decline. "Actually I think I'm going to go sit. I've been standing in these shoes all day and my feet are starting to ache." However, as she was about to leave, Elsa thought better of it to turn long enough to place a hand on his arm with a soft if fragile smile. "But thank you."
"The pleasure was mine… my queen," Aaron muttered back, watching her go before retreating from the floor himself.
To any onlookers he would have appeared to be content as he waited for the bride and groom to make their way past him but in reality all he was was confused. The entire conversation had hinged around a single question and obviously he'd gotten it wrong.
But that wasn't a serious offer, right? Right?
Before he could dwell on it any longer the newlyweds staggered off the dance floor, oblivious to his conundrum as they laughed with one another. As they approached, though, Anna looked over at him and found something missing. "Where did Elsa go?"
Not wanting to spoil their fun, Aaron merely gestured towards the head table. "To sit, I think. She said her heels were hurting her."
"Oh. Okay. I should probably go check on her," Anna replied with a hint of concern. But before she left she quickly planted a kiss on Kristoff while Aaron looked elsewhere. "As long as that's okay with you, husband."
"Of course, wife," Kristoff replied with a grin and a nuzzle. "Just don't take too long."
With that the lovers parted, Anna making her way through a throng of well wishers as Kristoff let out a long, content sigh. In the time that Aaron had known him he'd never seen the man so enthralled yet Kristoff had been able to rise to the challenges of the day. Now he got to reap the rewards.
"You look happy," Aaron said, stuffing his concerns away. Now, during someone else's wedding, was not the time to be dwelling on such things.
"I can't even begin to describe it," Kristoff breathed, his eyes never leaving Anna's retreating back for an instant. "Today has been so amazing from start to finish and I'm just grateful that everything has gone so well."
"Me too." With that Aaron found himself lost for words, his worries and doubts straining to break back into the forefront of his mind.
He wasn't sure if Kristoff noticed his lapse when he leaned over and muttered, "Although I'm sure I'm not the only one who got an awesome dance."
"Oh. Yeah. That was great," Aaron murmured, struggling to not distract Kristoff with his own problems.
Obviously that didn't work as Kristoff gave him a concerned glance. "Is everything alright between you two?"
He probably should have continued to deflect but instead Aaron found himself blurting out, "It was. Then out of nowhere she just got... distracted." He then noticed Kristoff giving him a skeptical look. "What?"
"What'd you say?"
"Nothing."
"Aaron."
"What?"
"She's a woman. If there's something wrong it's always something that we said."
Scoffing, Aaron smirked. "I guess that's true."
Nodding sagely, Kristoff shook the notion aside as he snagged a pair of champagne glasses from a nearby table, handing one to Aaron. "Well, whatever it was, I'm sure she'll forgive you before too long. But forget all that. This is my wedding so I'm going to tell you what we're gonna do. We're going to do is pound these back, go find our ladies and-"
"Prince Kristoff! That was a beautiful ceremony."
A twinge of irritation appeared on Kristoff's face at the interruption but he instantly deflated when they both looked down to see a diminutive elderly woman beaming up at him. "And commune with the guests apparently," he muttered to Aaron before addressing her. "Thank you? Um, and you are again…?"
Aaron genuinely couldn't tell if she didn't hear him or if she simply didn't care as she took Kristoff's hand and began towing him off into the crowd. "Come, come. There are some people over here that you simply must meet."
"Uh, wait. Okay, I guess this is a thing that's happening now." Whatever confidence Kristoff had was now gone as he gave Aaron an apologetic look. "Hang in there, Aaron. I'll be back soon, I promise." After the dame gave him a tug he quickly added, "Maybe," before he was lost to the throng.
"Right. Thanks."
With that Aaron was alone again, left to survey the party on his own. To Anna's credit, she'd managed to throw quite the soiree. He didn't want to think about how much it would all cost in the end but in the meantime everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Everyone except him, that is.
Still, he wasn't about to let himself pout or hide in a corner. He owed it to Kristoff and Anna to at least try to have a good time, despite whatever was going on between him and Elsa. And whatever it was he was sure they could figure it out together, just not right then. He wasn't about to let anything come between their love that easily. Even with that in mind, however, he still felt his blood churn the second he glanced over at the head table and saw that someone else had joined them.
Elsa couldn't have been sitting there for two minutes and yet she'd already drawn the attention of that insufferable Prince Zachariah once more. To make things worse, he'd even had the gall to take Aaron's chair for his own, dragging it around the table so that he was now sitting beside her. Meanwhile she looked more than a little irritated to have him there as she tried to say something to Anna, who had also reclaimed her seat at the center of the party. She was too busy tending to the trail of attendees wishing to speak with her to be much help, though, leaving Elsa to fend for herself.
The sight of the man trying yet again, either genuinely ignorant or willfully so to how uncomfortable he was making her, started to pique Aaron's anger again. As such he wasn't paying much attention when he heard a voice say over his shoulder. "He really can't take a hint, can he?"
"I know, right?" Aaron muttered back automatically, glancing at the speaker. A jolt of shock ripped through him when he saw who it was.
Princess Kresta had somehow sidled up behind him without being noticed and was now watching him with a look of amusement as she took a sip from the champagne flute in her hand.
"Kresta!" he blurted out, quickly turning to face her before remembering who he was talking to. "I mean, your highness. My apologies, I… I didn't see you there."
Ignoring his faux pas, she stepped alongside him as she looked out over the dance floor. "That's alright. I wouldn't be focusing either if I'd just had a dance like that."
"Dance? Oh, that." Given his anxiety that was all it took to put him on the defensive before coming to his senses. "That was nothing. Just participating in the old customs. Not that it wasn't a pleasure to dance with the queen aaand you're toying with me again, aren't you?"
Annoyance shot through him as her face slid into a grin and she gave a soft giggle, hiding her smile behind a hand. "My god, will you ever be not so easy to ruffle?"
"I really wish you would stop doing that," he grumbled. Did she really have to do this now?
"I know, Aaron, but you just make it so easy," Kresta replied with another snicker before attempting to become serious again in the face of his growing vexation. "You're right, I'm sorry. I'll be on my best behavior from now on. Promise." He might have believed her if she didn't immediately flash him a quick wink and a grin before idly taking another sip of her champagne, glancing out at the people around them.
Just like that he wasn't alone anymore as Aaron stood there, unsure of what to do. On the one hand he could certainly use a distraction from what was happening on the other side of the room but he also wasn't sure how Elsa would react to seeing him chatting with another woman. He was nothing short of loyal to her, after all, but still didn't want to give the wrong impression. Even so, they were both adults perfectly capable of speaking with whomever they liked and if she was talking to one of the royal twins from Maneva then what harm was there in conversing with the other? It didn't hurt that his conversation with Kresta last night had ended up being kind of fun. Just relax, alright?
Besides, Kresta did look quite content when he glanced down at her. Her attention was still focused around them so she didn't seem to notice his gaze, her expression set in an easy smile as she watched the dancers twirl along to the music. Previously she'd been so guarded that it was nice seeing her just enjoying herself and, judging by the amount of effort she must have put into her appearance, a fun night was exactly what she was hoping for.
He could only guess at how long it'd taken Kresta to apply the dark, violet shadows adorning her eyes, heightening the emerald gleam within them, or the subtle twists hiding within her hair but he couldn't deny how successful the final effect was. Why, if she wanted to, she could probably twist any man in the room around her finger with just a look, and that was without even considering the jade gown adorning her frame. Whatever the fabric was, it flowed over her as a soft, verdant river to a black hemline while coursing around the ebon wedge cut from her shoulders to nearly her waist, revealing the tanned curve of her back beneath, and it was only then that Aaron noticed how snuggly it clung to her form in certain places...
Feeling the sharp stab of shame claw into his cheeks, Aaron immediately diverted his stare elsewhere and took a strong swig from his glass. Anywhere else as he felt a prickling warmth burn into his face and a billowing urge to slap himself. What the hell was that?! he chided as he fought back a frown. Keep your eyes to yourself. As embarrassed as he felt, though, he quickly found that he couldn't just stand there in a silence that had suddenly become uncomfortably intolerable.
So, clearing his throat and swallowing his guilt, he forced himself to speak. "You seem to be in a good mood tonight."
At the very least Kresta hadn't noticed his brief lack of decorum, or if she had she wasn't acknowledging it as she looked up at him. "Well we are at a wedding, after all. Shouldn't we all be thrilled for the happy couple? Besides, this is the first excuse that I've had in a while where I can just cut loose and relax."
"From your busy schedule of looking after your brother?"
"Exactly."
With that another silence fell and Aaron fought the urge to fidget nervously but luckily he didn't have to wait long before she spoke up again. "So what's wrong with this picture?"
As grateful as he was for the distraction of conversation, though, Aaron found himself puzzled as his brows furrowed. "I don't follow."
That bewilderment quickly morphed into unease when Kresta casually asked, "You mean to tell me that you stand here, the best man of a wedding, and you're not with anyone tonight? Were all the ladies taken?"
"I don't know, probably," he replied brusquely, doing his best to seem disinterested.
And of course Kresta wasn't buying it as she gave him a shrewd look. "Mhm. Well I'm looking around and I see plenty of available ladies and yet you have not made a single effort to talk to any of them. And I'm sure any effort would be welcomed."
"Have you been spying on me or something?"
"Maybe," she said with a brazen shrug. "The sisters are understandably busy and my brother's caught up with delusions of grandeur so I've decided that I'm making you my little project for the evening."
"Delightful," Aaron muttered, already beginning to regret getting tied up in another conversation with Kresta.
"Isn't it? So what's your reason?"
"My reason for what?" he replied irritably, hoping for an excuse to escape.
Not that she was going to allow such a thing. "For moping over here all alone."
"I'm not moping."
"Actually you seem pretty mopy."
Accepting that he had to give her something to fend her off, Aaron threw out a weak excuse. "I've just been... very busy lately. You know, what with preparing for the wedding and all that."
That only got an exasperated eye roll, though, as Kresta shook her head. "Please. There's not a man alive who's so busy that they never have time for a little female companionship." She then gave him an inquisitive glance. "You do like women, don't you?"
"Of course I do."
A look of relief washed over her as she nodded. "Oh, good. I was pretty sure you did. Why else did I catch you staring at my ass last night?"
Instantly the shame came rushing back, accompanied by the unwelcome image of what he'd accidentally spied a few minutes earlier as he quickly exclaimed, "I did no such thing!"
However, as embarrassed as he felt, all Kresta did was break into uncontrollable laughter as a few people looked up at his shout. She ignored them entirely as she shook with mirth, her free hand catching his shoulder for balance. "I know, I know, I'm sorry. Last one, I promise," she managed between the giggles before eventually calming enough to right herself, carefully wiping away a tear from the corner of her eye while muttering, "Oh lord," under her breath.
Unfortunately for him it wasn't long before she was back on the hunt, her gaze sharpening again as Kresta asked, "But if that's true then why are you alone tonight?"
Desperate to avoid further outbursts, Aaron threw out another excuse. "I guess I just haven't found the right woman."
He would regret those words the moment Kresta responded as she turned back to the crowd, her eyes growing thoughtful as she toyed with her champagne glass. "Haven't found the right woman, huh…" she mumbled quietly before something occurred to her and she faced him again. "What about me?"
In the short time he'd known Kresta she'd managed to drive him from acute embarrassment to something akin to admiration, but for the first time he felt the icy hook of dread slide into him as he stammered out a response. "I'm sorry?"
That dread only got worse when she placed a hand on her chest, looking up at him through her sultry lashes. "Could I be the right woman?"
Fighting the urge to panic, Aaron mentally scrambled for a response. What the hell do I say? "You?" It wasn't long, though, before it all clicked together and his eyes narrowed. "Wait. Is this another one of your games?"
"Oh, she's positively full of those."
A sense of relief rushed through him at the intervention of another male voice but that relief was short-lived when he turned to see who it was. Standing beside them in a burgundy suit nearly as resplendent as Anna's wedding dress was none other than the king of Ildonen, Cyrus. Given the emotional ride that the night had been thus far it was all Aaron could do to keep a look of disgust from escaping across his face as he quickly straightened himself and gave a respectful nod.
"Good evening, your grace."
It was only then that he realized that Cyrus hadn't been looking at Aaron at all as he pulled his attention from Kresta long enough to appraise him. "Good evening…?" he replied before dropping off. As if he had no idea who Aaron was in spite of his display earlier.
"Lord Aaron of Arendelle."
"Charmed, I'm sure," Cyrus replied before proceeding to forget that Aaron even existed as his entire focus shifted to his companion. "Fancy running into you here, Princess Kresta."
"Cyrus," she answered curtly, any and all enjoyment having drained from her expression the moment he arrived.
Cyrus then proceeded to speak in a language that Aaron couldn't even begin to comprehend but what he could only assume was Manevan considering Kresta seemed to understand what he was saying and even offered a short response. As much as Aaron disliked Cyrus, though, that was nothing compared to the look on Kresta's face as he spoke, staring at the man with a combination of contempt and disgust as though she'd just discovered a spoiled fish in her bed. This didn't seem to dissuade him at all, though, as he said something else before offering his elbow as if to escort her.
However, it was her response that made Aaron's stomach clench.
"Ordinarily you know I would love to," she said, switching back to Arendellian, whilst taking Aaron's glass from his hand and placing both his and hers on a passing server's tray before slipping her arm around his. Wait, what's happening here? he thought in growing alarm as Kresta gave Cyrus an apologetic smile. "But unfortunately Lord Aaron here was just asking me to dance. Weren't you, my lord?"
Realizing that that last remark was directed at him and that Cyrus's sharp eyes were now on him, Aaron quickly blurted out the first words that came to mind. "Wait, what?" A sharp elbow to the ribs later and he added, "I mean, of course. If you'd do me the honor, your highness."
Lame as it may have been, his response appeared to be sufficient as Kresta rewarded him with a bright smile and began steering him towards the dance floor. "I'd be delighted to. Farewell, King Cyrus. Another time perhaps," she added over her shoulder to the abandoned king who was watching them go with a slightly vexed expression on his face.
"Another time, then," he replied, but he was already forgotten, lost in the crowd behind them as she swept Aaron away.
The next thing he knew they were on the dance floor with Kresta standing in front of him, moving him into position while placing his hand on her slim waist and then they were waltzing. Whereas his dance with Elsa had been euphoric this was anything but. It was unnerving and oddly panic inducing as they glided between the other couples, his gaze fixed firmly somewhere above her head.
In spite of his stiffness and what just happened, though, Kresta immediately thawed back into a subdued demeanor as she gave him a patient smile. "Relax, Aaron. It's just a dance."
Relaxing felt like the last thing he should be doing if it weren't for Anna's words echoing in his head. Look the part. Play your role. All he had to do was blend in until all of this was over and if that involved one dance with another woman then that was alright, wasn't it? Even if it was a woman that he'd inadvertently… So, drawing in a deep breath, he did his best to set aside his unease and give Kresta a small smile. "Sorry."
"That's alright," she replied amiably as they lazily spun along to the music. "See? I don't bite."
"Well that's a relief." But what about-
"And for someone who doesn't think they belong here you're doing surprisingly well at this."
"What, dancing?" Aaron replied, feeling a hint of resentment and yet inadvertently smirking. "Did you think I'd just be a hapless mess out here?"
"More or less," Kresta said with a shrug, returning the smile.
"Well I could say the same about you."
"Me?" Now it was her turn to look offended, although a defiant challenge shined through. "I'll have you know I'm a princess of Maneva. I've been learning to dance since before I could walk."
With that she drove them into motion. Whereas earlier he'd just been idly leading Kresta now took full control. It was all Aaron could do to keep up as she guided him through a series of spins and twists, flowing effortlessly to the music as she dominated his every motion. Meanwhile he didn't even have time to doubt or worry, straining what skills he had to match her and failing miserably. Fortunately Kresta had skill enough for the both of them as she drove him on. She even somehow managed to induce a dip out of him and that was when he managed to come back to his senses as the song came to an end.
Realizing that he was holding her lithe body in his arms and that she was giving him a look of smug satisfaction between her hastened breaths, Aaron quietly cleared his throat while setting Kresta back on her feet. As the applause for the band faded, though, rather than moving to step from the floor she instead slid her hand back into his like before and just like that they were back to a casual waltz as a new song began. All the while she was watching him expectantly.
Rather than giving her the pleasure, though, he stuffed away his awe and simply said, "I guess you're not so bad either."
Scoffing, Kresta shook her head and replied, "Said the amateur to the poet."
With that they continued their dance, chatting quietly about this and that. As fun as it had been, though, there was just something off about her after the outburst of movement. When it had just been the two of them talking she'd been relaxed and at ease. Now there was a nearly undetectable tension in her and given the way that Kresta kept glancing out at the crowd that dance may not have been for him.
So, even with a slight unease Aaron still felt compelled to say something. "So should I… should I not ask about what happened?"
"Not sure I know what you mean," Kresta replied contentedly, although there was now an edge of something else hiding within her tone.
Not that Aaron was smart enough to flee while he could as he spoke cautiously. "I realize it may not be my place nor do I know how much help I'll be but I just have to ask. Are you alright?"
Now her smile was clearly being forced to stay in place as her gaze sharpened. "I'm fine. Why do you ask?"
"Just wanted to make sure. And to let you know if you wanted to talk about it I could lend an ear."
"As I said, I'm fine," she replied coolly, letting her gaze drift away from him as she gave up on the smile. When she continued there was now a formal rigidness to her words as Kresta moved him to a distance. "But you are correct in one regard, Lord Aaron. It's not your place to ask and I'd thank you to remember that in the future."
He knew that what she said was true and that he had no right to be offended but that didn't mean Aaron didn't feel some affront at the sudden frigidness in her voice. Fine. I offered. "Apologies, your highness. I forgot myself."
With that they both fell silent and even though they continued to waltz the dance's warmth had been lost. Before he could comment further, however, Kresta heaved a heavy sigh and gave him an apologetic look.
"I'm sorry," she said quietly, her tone regretful. "I shouldn't get angry with you just for asking. Unfortunately King Cyrus is a bit of a sore spot for me that I'd really rather not get into tonight. Especially not whilst I'm having such a good time."
He probably should have stayed somewhat miffed with her but the admission that Kresta enjoyed his company managed to thaw at least some of Aaron's indignation as he opted to meet her halfway. "I'm sorry that I pried."
"You weren't prying, you were just concerned. It was cute, but can we please talk about anything else?" The haste with which she spoke and the pain in her eyes made it clear that the subject was closed before it could even be opened, although there was still a hint of gratitude in her voice as she looked out at the surrounding room.
"Of course."
With that they fell silent once more, although this silence wasn't as cold as the one before. Even so it didn't last long before Kresta spoke up again. "So. What was it like standing up there with the happy couple?"
There was still some discomfort in her expression, suggesting she was just looking for a distraction but he was willing to oblige. After all, she'd done the same for him. "It was wonderful. I'm just glad those two have finally tied the knot."
"Sounds like you know them pretty well."
"You could say that. Given our similar backgrounds Kristoff and I have had to rely on one another quite a lot since coming to the capital."
"How did you two meet?"
"I thought Anna already told you my entire life story."
"She did, but I still wouldn't mind hearing it from the source."
"Let's just say it was by way of a mutual friend."
Kresta's eyes brightened at that as she glanced around them. "A mutual friend? Is he here?"
Laughing slightly, Aaron shook his head. "No no. He couldn't make it, unfortunately."
"That's too bad. What's he like?"
Pausing, he did his best to think of a way to describe the wayward member of their group. "Well, he has a nasty habit of losing his head and he always seems to be in a flurry. But while he may be a bit cold on the outside, on the inside he's the most loyal friend one could have."
"He sounds lovely. Shame I couldn't meet him."
"Oh, he would have loved you. He loves meeting new people, especially the nice ones."
That got a titter out of her as she gave him an amused look. "I'm nice, am I? Ah, my mother would always tell me such stories of the day that a man would call me nice."
"You know what I mean."
He thought she was going to retort with some witty remark but now it was Kresta's turn to grow pensive as she reflected on their exchange. Eventually she said, "About my question earlier. Before he interrupted."
"What question?" While at first he was genuinely confused it didn't take long for Aaron to realize what she was getting at, his unease returning in a flash. "Oh. Well, uh, you see the thing is-"
Rather than letting him fumble for another excuse, though, this time Kresta cut him off with an understanding smile. "It's alright, Aaron, you don't have to answer. I know men don't like being put on the spot like that. And just so you know, yes, I was toying with you. You're just so innocent and naive it's irresistible."
"What am I, a fawn to you?"
"Essentially. It's just so nice to talk to a man who's not obsessing over my status or trying to get me into bed." Her eyes grew irritated for a moment as she added, "Usually both," before continuing. "I was serious when I said that you genuinely are a breath of fresh air."
Caught off guard by her bluntness and sincerity, Aaron didn't know what to say so he simply shrugged and told the truth. "I just think that I should treat you with the respect you deserve."
That coaxed an even broader smile from her as Kresta nodded in response. "Well thank you. It's greatly appreciated. So you were telling me about your other friend?"
"Oh, right. Well, how do you feel about snow?"
And on they went, dancing slowly to the music and talking amiably. As they did so Aaron noticed that he was no longer nervous. Kresta had gotten him to relax once more and he found that he was actually even kind of enjoying himself. What he didn't notice was that someone else was watching them while they danced.