Chapter 13

"So where's the groom taking you? Somewhere nice? Or somewhere naughty?"

"Kresta!" Anna exclaimed, slapping Kresta's arm playfully.

"What? It's your honeymoon," she replied, completely shameless. "I'm just making sure you'll be properly taken care of."

They were standing alone in a corner of the castle's courtyard, waiting patiently. A cold breeze had them both bundled up against the chill, carrying scents of hay and refuse from the nearby stables. A few others were toiling away at their daily duties but for the most part everyone else remained indoors rather than face the icy spring morning. Kresta was just grateful that Anna had lent her one of her hats as they stood there, watching the castle's northern entrance expectantly.

"Actually we're going to see his family first," Anna said, rubbing her mittened hands together.

"Aw, that's sweet. What are they like?"

"They're wonderful, if a little loud. And there are so many of them but they're the sweetest family you'll ever meet."

"Then it sounds like it'll be a fun trip," Kresta replied before allowing herself a mischievous grin. "Spending some time with your new family before slipping away to find a place where you and your man can get personal."

Anna's cheeks were already flushed from the morning's chill bite yet they somehow managed to burn even redder. "Honestly, Kresta, where do you get these ideas?"

"As if you haven't been fantasizing about it for months."

"I don't know what you're talking about," said Anna hurriedly before trying to switch topics. The lilt in her voice was all Kresta needed to know she was right, though. "But where are Elsa and Aaron? They were supposed to come see us off as well."

Kresta's eyes narrowed as she continued to watch the castle. "Maybe they're getting some private time of their own."

"That'll be the day." Anna dismissed the notion immediately, although there was still some concern in her voice. "It is odd, though. Elsa's normally such a stickler for punctuality. I hope nothing's happened."

"Hey!" The call caught both their attention as they looked over to see Kristoff walking towards them from the side gate. He looked much more comfortable in travel clothes than he had in the formal attire from yesterday but his annoyance was still clear to see as he stumped up beside them. "The sleigh's ready and Sven's raring to go. Where are those two?"

"I'm sure they'll be here shortly," Anna replied, returning her attention to the castle and brightening up when she saw the doors open. "In fact, speak of the devil."

Striding out into the light, Elsa took a moment to scan the courtyard before noticing them and making her way over. She had a thick violet shawl wrapped around her shoulders, although by that point Kresta knew that, unlike the rest of them, it was just for show. A show that had Kresta more and more perplexed.

On the one hand, like the shawl Elsa was deeply concerned with maintaining appearances, although her little incident the night before only served to illustrate just how much was going on under the surface. As to what the cause of all that consternation, however, that remained to be seen. There were certainly clues around to offer hints, but the truth of it all remained hidden.

Not that Kresta had come to Arendelle to uncover all of the queen's secrets. Only some of them.

So, keeping her observations to herself, Kresta stood quietly off to one side as Anna greeted her sister with a hug, saying, "Finally. Where have you been?"

"I know, I'm late," Elsa replied, giving Kresta a smile before adding, "Sorry, it's just that something came up."

"Is everything alright?" asked Anna.

"Of course. Nothing to be concerned about, just a... pleasant surprise. I'll tell you all about it when you get back."

"Oh. Okay. I'm just glad that you made it before we left. But where's Aaron?"

There was the slightest pause as Elsa regarded her sister, a careful selection of words before answering. "I wouldn't know, although I'm sure he'll be along presently. No doubt he's overseeing some of the departures set for today."

Kristoff spoke up, revealing his annoyance as he continued to wait. "Even so, it's not like him to be late."

"Perhaps, but I'm sure you would know better than I," Elsa said dryly before finally addressing Kresta directly. "It's just such a shame that you couldn't get here sooner so that we could spend more time together."

Rather than answering herself, Kresta sidled alongside Anna and looked at her expectantly. Taking the cue, she piped up to say, "Actually, Kresta and I were discussing that before you got here and I suggested that she just wait until I get back."

"Really?" The response didn't upset Elsa but it certainly surprised her as she looked at Kresta. "But aren't you due back in Maneva?"

"For what?" Kresta replied with a shrug, slinging an arm across Anna's shoulders. "Charles has things well in hand and frankly I'm enjoying my little vacation of sorts."

"Is it alright with you if she stays?" Anna asked hopefully.

Smiling, Elsa nodded, "I don't see why not." Then something occurred to her and her smile waned. "What about your brother?"

Fighting back a grin, Kresta did her best to look apologetic. "Sorry. If I'm staying then he'll want to stay too."

The look of resigned annoyance that crossed Elsa's face only made her want to laugh more as Anna joined in on the mirth, saying, "That's wonderful. I'm sure he'll be more than willing to help you pass the time."

Before either of them could tease her further, however, Kristoff spoke again from off to the side. "Finally. There he is."

Turning, they all saw that the doors had opened once more to reveal the Lord Protector of Arendelle. Back in his uniform even though his sword was missing, he hadn't even bothered with a cloak or gloves. Instead he just looked distracted, walking towards them with his eyes fixed on some unseen dilema.

Kresta wasn't the only one who noticed his unease as Kristoff commented, "Does he look alright to you?"

"He does seem a little stressed but I'm sure he's fine," Anna replied, also eager to be underway.

Before reaching them, Aaron came back to his senses enough to remember tact. Offering a bow, he said, "Your highnesses. My queen. Please pardon my tardiness. The time got away from me, I'm afraid."

Kristoff was the first to reply, forgoing any sense of decorum as he chided, "Took you long enough. A few more minutes and I was about to come find you myself." Even so, he had a good humored look about him.

Shrugging sheepishly, Aaron replied, "Yeah, well, you know me. Just couldn't tear myself from my work."

"Still, a little heads up would have been nice," Kristoff said, growing serious. "I was hoping to be out of the fjord by noon."

Not wanting to get bogged down in blame, Anna intervened. "But you're here now and that's all that matters. We just wanted to see everyone before we left."

With that Aaron and Kristoff silently agreed to drop it as they all turned towards the happy couple. Given how familiarly they all spoke with one another Kresta nearly felt out of place as Elsa took the lead, gesturing towards the three of them as she said, "Well, I'm sure I speak for all of us when we say we're going to miss you. Both of you."

"Us too," Anna replied, smiling at all of them. As she spoke Kristoff stood beside her, wrapping an arm around his new wife's waist. "But it's not like we're going to be gone that long. Back before you know it."

"Or, you know, not," Kristoff muttered mischievously.

Ignoring him, Anna added, "Just try to not let the kingdom fall apart while we're gone."

"No promises," Elsa replied playfully before they were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps.

They all looked to see a guard marching towards their little group. Upon arrival he snapped to attention, dipping into a deep bow while saying, "Begging your pardon, your majesty." As he straightened up the man gave Aaron a small nod as Elsa heaved a tired sigh.

"Duty always calls, I'm afraid," she murmured to them before turning to address him properly. "Yes, what is it?"

"Lord Kai bade me to inform you that the emissaries from Stein are departing soon and have humbly requested an audience with your majesty first."

"Very well. Please inform Lord Kai I shall hear them in the throne room." As the guard left to belay her message, she turned back to Anna with an apologetic look. "I'm really sorry."

This had clearly happened many times before as Anna waved her off with a smirk. "Oh, go on already. Go be a queen."

They then shared a hug, whispering to one another. Kresta couldn't make out much, other than the expected farewells, but there was a slight hesitation on Elsa's part when they broke apart as Anna gave her a comforting smile. She then gave Kristoff a smaller hug before turning back towards the castle.

As she did so, though, Kresta could have sworn Elsa flashed the briefest of looks towards Aaron. It was barely for an instant, hardly even a glance, but then he gave the tiniest of nods in response, confirming Kresta's suspicion that something was happening elsewhere. Something they both knew about yet didn't want to concern the bride and groom with. She declined to comment on it, however, instead contenting herself to wait as the queen departed and they offered their own goodbyes.

While she and Anna shared an embrace, Kresta kept an ear cocked towards the other pair to hear Kristoff mutter, "Are you alright?"

"Of course," Aaron replied quietly, brushing off his friend's concern. "Don't worry about me, just focus on your honeymoon. You two go and enjoy yourselves."

With that the pairs parted, with her and Anna exchanging happy yet reluctant farewells while the men looked on. After that Anna and Kristoff made their way to the gate, pausing to give them a final wave before vanishing through to the other side on an adventure all their own.

Just like that the morning felt all the more still with their absence. Anna was always such a whirlwind of commotion, to the point that Kresta wasn't entirely sure what she was going to do without her. Elsa clearly had her hands full with managerial minutia, although she was sure there would still be chances for them to talk. And it wasn't like Kresta was incapable of entertaining herself. In the meantime, however, there was someone else who warranted investigating.

Tilting towards her last remaining companion, Kresta jested, "And there they go. I'm not sure who's naivete I'm more concerned about, his or hers."

Aaron was clearly not in a joking mood, though, as he brusquely replied, "They'll be okay so long as they have each other. But if you'll excuse me."

With that he made to leave, only to have her bring him to a halt. Continuing to watch the gate, she called out, "Lord Aaron."

Pausing, she heard his boots shift on the stone brickwork as he hesitated. "Yes, your highness?"

"A word, if you wouldn't mind."

"Now?"

There was audible frustration in his voice but Kresta didn't let that deter her. "Yes. Now."

With that she turned to face him, taking in his agitation. Up to that point he hadn't quite been what she'd expected. For the most part Aaron had been a polite gentleman, if a bit naive, although if she was being blunt with him she'd have said that he was probably too honest for his own good. Not that she was going to hold that against him, of course. That honesty was what made him so tolerable in the first place, even if he wasn't everything she'd hoped for. The root of that honesty, however, was all too familiar to her. Not just ignorance, but also a cavalier hubris that only came with power.

Only now something was different. Whereas before his eyes had been clear and bright, now there was a haunted brooding lurking within them, his normally easy manner twisted into a grim countenance. Just last night he'd been perfectly amicable, even if he thought she hadn't noticed his wandering eye, but now that was gone. Meaning whatever was amiss had happened that morning. And whatever it was, it was plain to see it was gutting him inside.

So, dropping any act, Kresta just approached him directly. "Are you alright?"

Concern hadn't been what he was expecting as Aaron opened his mouth to respond only to falter, managing a hesitant, "Excuse me?"

"Are you alright?"

"Of course. Why do you ask?"

"Because you look like you've seen a ghost."

She must have not been that far off the mark as his eyes went distant and he frowned, muttering, "Something like that."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Furrowing his brow, Aaron gave her a wary look. "Um, I don't mean to offend your highness, but what do you care about how I'm feeling?"

He wasn't the only one who could be candid, though, as Kresta met his gaze steadily. "Because I like you, Aaron. You seem like a good person and you're fun to talk to." Realizing how a man might take that, she rolled her eyes and added, "And please don't read into that. If I were interested you would know."

Aaron, however, only continued to look at her blankly as he replied, "I wasn't reading into anything."

"Oh. Well alright then." Huh. "So do you want to talk?"

For a moment it looked like he was going to, only to clam back up while giving a forced smile. "I appreciate what you're doing, Kresta, but I'm okay. But thanks anyway."

With that he turned to leave again, except Kresta wasn't done with him quite yet, idly saying, "Alright. I figured I would offer since it appears that your best friend just left and everyone else is busy."

That brought him up short once more, only he didn't face her this time. Instead he simply bowed his head as his hands slowly closed into fists, his shoulders stiffening as he silently wrestled with her offer. He so obviously didn't want to but whatever it was, it wasn't something he could contain for long and she'd made a good point.

So, after a long pause as Kresta patiently allowed him to fume, Aaron's stance eventually relaxed as he looked up at the looming castle. He stared at it a while longer before slowly saying, "Do you remember me mentioning that I have a sister I haven't seen in a while?"

Sister? He had said something about that before, hadn't he? Only briefly before making it abundantly clear that was off limits. "At one point, yes."

"She's here."

"As in here in Arendelle…?"

"As in here in this castle."

"Oh. Wow." That surprised her as she began to fit the pieces together. "Wait, is that why you were late?"

Aaron's voice was hollow as he continued to stare at the castle. "I just saw her for the first time in over a decade."

Somebody's overjoyed, Kresta thought dryly as she watched him. Hardly the reaction she would expect from a happy reunion, although something peculiar stood out. "That's fantastic. But why was Elsa there?"

Ordinarily he probably would have stuttered out some denial or tried to deflect but Aaron was too distracted to even try. Instead all he said was, "She was gracious enough to help with reuniting us. Apparently Helena spoke with her last night."

Hm. Questions within questions. "That was kind of her. Why, though? Why didn't your sister just approach you directly?"

"She wasn't sure how to find me."

"Ah." How can that be? That little display of his last night was quite the calling card. Rather than continuing to voice her doubts, however, Kresta opted to let it drop. Aaron clearly needed sympathy more than questions at the moment and it wasn't like she needed to know every last detail. She wasn't home, after all. So, switching tracks, she began to meander across the courtyard. "I hope that at the very least it went well."

As expected, he reflexively fell into step beside her as his eyes continued to drift off towards the horizon. "About as well as can be expected, I suppose."

When he didn't speak further she gave a small prod. "I don't mean to be rude but shouldn't you be thrilled about her finding you?"

That stirred Aaron enough for him to look at her as he nodded, replying, "Oh I am. You have no idea how much it means to me, seeing her again." He tried to smile while he said it but try as she might she couldn't stop him from sliding back into his daze.

"But something's bothering you."

Practically mumbling through his words, Aaron's gaze dragged along the cobblestones beneath them. "It was just… such a shock."

"I can only imagine what it's like to rediscover your family after so long apart. Honestly, it sounds overwhelming."

"No. I mean, yes, it is, but that's not why I'm shocked."

No? "Then why?"

"She's-"

With that Aaron suddenly came back to his senses, cutting himself off mid sentence. He obviously wanted to profess what was truly haunting him but for whatever reason he stopped, his eyes snapping to her before drifting away. And for the first time since she'd met him Kresta smelled a deliberate lie as he muttered, "I mean, I… just wasn't prepared is all."

Her every instinct screamed to dissect that lie but once again she restrained herself. Interrogation probably wasn't the best way to make friends and besides, it wouldn't help him to have the truth dragged out. If she wanted him to trust her she would have to be more patient. "I'm sure. After all, it's not like you had any prior warning."

"Exactly," he agreed, visibly relaxing when she let it go.

Even so, Aaron still looked troubled so she asked, "So what are you going to do now?"

"Honestly? I have no idea," he replied, gazing back at the castle. "I'd always hoped she would come back into my life somehow but after so many years I never actually expected it to happen. And to find out that she's… I don't know."

Realizing that he was done talking, Kresta offered what struck her as the most obvious answer. "Sounds to me like you've been given a second chance."

"To do what?"

"To be a family. Isn't that what you want?"

There was a faint glimmer of hope in his eye when he looked at her but also doubt as he responded, "Of course, but I spent half of my life alone. I'm not even sure I remember how to be a part of a family."

Having finally begun to drive Aaron in the right direction, Kresta continued to push him forward. "Then take it from someone with three siblings. Just spend time with her and if you really are blood then a connection will emerge." Then she noticed she was getting ahead of herself and added, "That is why she's here, right? To reconnect with you."

"I think so." The wheels were beginning to turn in his head as he considered things. "And I might actually have something that we both remember."

"Well there you go. Start with that and just see where it leads."

"I'm not so sure it'll work but I suppose I have to try something."

With that Aaron wandered to a halt, his head falling back as he stared at the sky and took a long, deep breath. Rather than continuing to speak, Kresta allowed him to have the moment of silence as they stood alone before the castle's gates. All she did was place a reassuring hand on his shoulder, letting it linger for a moment before taking a respectful step back.

Once again she found herself taking a liking to him as she waited. He so obviously cared deeply for his sister and if there was one thing Kresta could appreciate, it was family. It didn't hurt that there was something charming about a man who put such things first. Not that she was the kind of woman to fall for things like charm. But just because she was here for a reason, that didn't mean that she couldn't make a few friends along the way.

Eventually Aaron breathed that breath back out in the form of a sigh as his shoulders dropped and he said, "Thank you, Kresta. I realize we don't know each other very well but without Kristoff or… without Kristoff I don't really have anyone else to talk to about these sorts of things."

Finding herself inadvertently smiling at his gratitude, she replied, "Believe me, I get it. Sometimes something happens and you just have to talk about it. I've certainly been there before."

Smirking, Aaron glanced down at her. "Why, did you also rediscover a long lost sibling?"

It was surprisingly difficult to keep melancholy from seeping into her voice as she shook her head. "No, but I do know what it's like to lose someone you care about."

"Don't we all," he muttered before clearing his throat. "But really, thank you. Now I feel kind of bad, laying my worries on you when you probably have problems of your own."

"That's alright. Just glad I could help." Striving to end their conversation on a more cheerful note, Kresta playfully added, "Although you do realize you owe me now, right?"

Chuckling, he nodded. "Obviously." His amusement failed to last as he faced towards the gates and steeled himself. "Well, if you'll excuse me, I… I guess there's something that I have to do."

Stepping aside, she replied, "By all means, Lord Aaron. And good luck."

As he made to leave, Aaron glanced down at her long enough to smile and respectfully say, "Your highness," although there was genuine gratitude behind his decorum. Then he was off, marching back into the halls in search of his sister.

Kresta stood there and watched him go until he turned out of sight before allowing herself a sigh of her own as she glanced around the courtyard. Suddenly alone, she pondered what to do with herself with her newfound freedom. There was so much she wanted to do but these things took time and it wasn't like she was in a rush. Still, she did feel a sense of satisfaction as she loitered there for having helped Aaron. Perhaps there was more for her here in Arendelle than just what she'd come for.

In the meantime, a slight shiver soon drove her indoors as she sought to escape from the cold. As important as those matters were, for now she could content herself with tracking down a nice hot cup of tea.