To those who asked on FF, yep, this is cross-posted on AO3 (you can find me as Heathenvampires over there too). I just got very little feedback on FF so I wondered if it was worth no longer posting, but you all really turned out for me!
-IEA-
The words seemed to hang in the air for several minutes, though Elsa was sure it wasn't actually that long before Anna answered, though she did looked stunned silent initially.
"She... you... what now?"
"Nothing actually happened. I can't even be sure that anything almost happened. But, well, she came to see me while I was having my dress and make-up put on this morning" Anna shifted closer, hanging on Elsa's every word "because she said she wanted to make sure she'd remember the event, and that it was easier for her to make a good memory out of it while things were quiet. So I asked the staff to give us a moment, and it was just the two of us."
Anna looked completely enraptured, teal eyes wide and her mouth hanging slightly open as she listened.
"That all sounds pretty... normal, I guess. Oh wait, is this why she seemed kind of tense all day?"
"Maybe. Once we were alone, we sat on the edge of the bed. She touched my face" Elsa reached up and imitated the action on Anna "and told me she was proud of me. And that I was beautiful. Which isn't that unusual for a mother to say to her daughter. But then ... I don't know, I can't be sure what actually happened, but for a second I thought... it seemed like she was looking at my lips. Perhaps even leaned in a little, but I might have imagined it. Then somebody knocked on the door to remind me we had a tight schedule, and mother jumped up and all but ran out of the room. And there hasn't been a moment all day where I could speak to her privately."
Anna blinked several times, mouth open before she raised a hand to her own face.
"Wow, if something really did almost happen I probably didn't help by telling you two to dance together earlier huh? That's just... wow."
"Yes, that was quite an awkward moment. Mother almost looked frightened of me. I couldn't say anything to you sooner, because I could not be sure nobody would overhear."
"No, yeah, I get that. Sorry about kinda shoving you two out together. I just thought mother looked lonely and was missing father, but maybe she was really just freaking out."
Elsa nodded, rubbing her thumb over Anna's cheek.
"You weren't to know."
Anna offered a smile, leaning in to Elsa's touch.
"I see why you made me not pick up my cup, I might have just dropped it all over the bed! But I am gonna drink it now. You want yours?"
Elsa nodded - she wasn't a huge fan of hot drinks, but they did smell good and it seemed a shame to waste it. They drank in silence for a couple of minutes, which Elsa had a feeling was partly Anna wanting her drink and partly her wanting a minute or two to process everything Elsa had said.
It became clear that, as emptied mugs were placed aside and Anna took the opportunity to climb in to Elsa's lap, that the princess had not been turned off by what she'd heard of the day's events. Anna had made it pretty obvious that she was very much looking forward to when the two could be alone for a while, with no expectations of interruptions until morning. Elsa wasn't complaining; she'd missed Anna's presence in her bed the night before, and there had been a simmering anticipation between them for hours that day.
So when Anna kissed her, hands already starting to roam and her mouth warm and sweet against Elsa's own, she let the concerns about their mother fade for a little while. Anna knew everything there was to know for the moment, and there was nothing either of them could do about it, especially not just then. Short of marching in to their mothers room and asking, but that would have been very peculiar and given the hour, Iduna was probably asleep anyway.
"Did you make this?"
Anna asked, fingertips trailing over the shoulder of Elsa's nightdress. In response, Elsa let the material melt away beneath Anna's touch, as though the heat of Anna's hand was enough to thaw Elsa's magic. Well, Anna was the one who taught Elsa how to thaw it in the first place...
"Good. Take it off."
Elsa obliged her sister happily, which delighted the redhead. Anna scrambled out of her lap long enough to wriggle free of her own nightdress, clumsy in her haste. Laughing to herself, Elsa leant over to help when she heard Anna's muffled grumbles as she managed to get a little bit stuck. Once freed, Anna all but jumped straight on top of Elsa again, letting out a familiar sigh as she felt Elsa's cool skin against her own warm body. Any concerns Elsa ever had that the sensation was an issue were soon put to rest when Anna murmured "I love the way you feel" against her ear, the warmth of her breath making Elsa shiver.
After all her eagerness to have them both stripped down to nothing but underwear, Anna slowed a little, burying her hands in Elsa's hair as they kissed. Elsa hummed happily as they turned over, Anna's legs sliding between hers and Elsa's hands stroking over the warm, bare skin of Anna's back. Anna nuzzled and pecked little kisses over Elsa's neck, grinning as she made her older sister giggle.
"Anna!"
Elsa batted her away playfully, but Anna was undeterred and continued, only relenting when Elsa fought back by digging her fingers in to Anna's sides until Anna was fighting her off, squealing with laughter.
"No fair!"
Still chuckling, Elsa ceased her 'attack' and leant over Anna to enjoy the sight of her flushed face.
"Well then, don't tickle me!"
Anna pouted, but even her fake annoyance was soon gone when Elsa leant down and kissed her again, Anna's hand curling around the back of Elsa's neck as though she needed encouragement to stay in place. They stayed that way for a little while, Anna growing increasingly flushed and squirmy beneath Elsa before she pulled away all of a sudden, panting and pouting.
"Are you alright?"
"Yep. Just noticed you were on top and that, my dear sister, is a problem."
Bemused, Elsa quirked an eyebrow and tried to focus on Anna's face - her ragged breaths were causing interesting sights lower down.
"It is?"
"Yep!" Anna leant forward and tapped Elsa on the tip of her nose, giggling before she pushed gently at Elsa's shoulders "because I have been meaning to pledge my allegiance to the new Queen of Arendelle all day!"
Elsa was still laughing at her ridiculous sister when Anna reclaimed her mouth, half-connecting kisses exchanged between giggles until Anna had other things on her mind, starting with removing Elsa's final article of clothing to leave her completely nude.
"Is this how you plan to offer allegiance to all sovereigns?"
Anna winked.
"Only the special ones with ice magic."
As her body had grown hotter with arousal by then, the kisses Anna trailed down Elsa's neck and peppered along her collarbones were warm, encouraging a flush to rise to Elsa's pale skin. The lips that sealed around Elsa's nipple almost felt like they could burn her, tingles of pleasure rolling through Elsa's body and settling low in her belly. She'd have been lying to deny a little more of a thrill, falling in to bed with Anna when their castle was packed full of dozens of people that could never know what went on behind closed doors. Elsa knew that was quite foolhardy of her to take such delight in, but she couldn't help herself.
By the time Anna had reached her goal, breath hot against Elsa's inner thigh before her tongue was greedily teasing and tasting, Elsa was far from the dignified monarch she'd been earlier. Breathless, needy, twitching with every stroke of Anna's tongue, gasping when Anna's fingers filled her, the pressure against all of Elsa's most sensitive spots all at once more than enough to erase most thoughts from her mind other than more, yes, please...
Elsa bucked when Anna sealed her mouth around pale skin, leaving a fresh bruise on Elsa's inner thigh. A private reminder that she was still going to have the next day, while entertaining their visiting guests. Anna kissed it as though to soothe the pain, lips that were wet with Elsa leaving a damp patch cooling on her skin. Elsa's magic often made itself known in (usually) small ways when they were intimate, Anna's breath visible on the air before she buried her face between quivering thighs again and a few snowflakes fluttered down from the ceiling. Elsa dared not wind her fingers through Anna's hair, ice crystals forming under Elsa's hands where she grabbed handfuls of the sheets beneath her.
Anna brought her to climax with hard-earned skill, refusing to stop until Elsa was trembling and whimpering, scarcely able to draw breath until Anna finally ceased pushing her to what felt like her absolute limit of pleasure. It took everything Elsa had not to simply scream her sisters name, biting her lip so hard it almost split to keep from waking half the castle. Anna straightened up, smug and smirking as she took in the state of Elsa, brushing snowflakes from her skin as they continued to fall from above.
"I always know it's a good one when there's snow all over the room, not just the bed."
She chuckled, indicating the room. Elsa blinked a few times to try and clear the coloured lights from her vision, but she was too blissed out to even consider feeling embarrassed about her lack of control when she saw the dusting of sparkling snow over their bedroom. Anna licked her lips, still looking very pleased with herself as Elsa managed to pull herself together a bit, waving her hand to vanish the snow before it melted over everything.
"Well, I suppose that is one way to earn favour with your monarch."
Anna grinned.
"Luckily, I happen to be the Queen's special favourite."
Smiling, Elsa held her arms out. Anna willingly responded, letting Elsa come down from her high with the reassuring warmth and weight of Anna in her arms. Anna sighed happily when Elsa stroked her hair, her eyes lighting up when Elsa rolled them so Anna was beneath her. Elsa let her fingers run up along Anna's thigh, enjoying the little goosebumps that rose in her wake.
"Perhaps I should show you how I treat my special favourites."
There were few things Iduna would have liked more than to stay locked up in her room, avoiding masses of people and the awkwardness of facing her daughters. Still, she made herself rise for the day, dressing and grooming herself before she unlocked her door with gritted teeth, stepping out in to the hall with a carefully schooled smile.
Yesterday had been awkward enough, but as she walked the halls, Iduna couldn't help thinking of how there was very little chance Elsa had taken time to elaborate on the previous day to Anna. Which probably meant things would be even more awkward. If such a thing was possible. Though on the plus side, with the castle still teeming with guests, there wasn't going to be any time for her daughters to try and talk to her about... all of that. Delaying the inevitable, perhaps, but given how panicked the thought of acknowledging what had almost happened made her, Iduna was happy to take 'delay' now and figure out what to actually do later.
When she saw them, Iduna knew immediately that her daughters had spent the night together, sitting a little closer, behaving more affectionately. And Anna seemed incapable of stopping herself from smiling. She was always quite a bright presence, but satisfaction and contentment seemed to radiate from her that morning.
Some of the guests offered jovial greetings to Iduna as she made her way to her seat, heart thumping harder the closer she got to Elsa and Anna. They exchanged a silent look, but both offered her smiles and cordial "good morning" greetings. Her stomach protested the idea of breakfast, but she managed to maintain appearances and consume a small meal. Once everybody had eaten something, there was very little attention on her as mingling resumed, Elsa kept busy by her duties of hosting and bidding farewell to any of their guests that didn't have much time to hang around.
"I must confess, I had my reservations about attending this re-do, but you really pulled this whole event off flawlessly Your Majesty."
She overheard someone saying to Elsa, and Iduna did find herself smiling despite everything - she knew how much Elsa had fretted, and as nobody else knew what had almost happened in Elsa's bedroom on the morning of the Coronation re-do, all the visitors in attendance had simply seen a wonderful day going off without a single hitch. So far, it seemed the idea of building over bad memories of the previous attempt had been a complete success.
"Are you alright?"
Iduna looked up, finding a familiar face. Kristoff was looking at her, a warm smile on his face.
"Yes, yes, I'm fine. Why do you ask?"
"Oh, I just remember you left early last night, wanted to make sure you weren't ill."
"I appreciate your concern, but no need. I'm fine."
Kristoff nodded, still smiling.
"I'm just off to take Sven some breakfast, since he can't come in to the big fancy rooms. Catch you later. Come on Olaf!"
"Let's go!"
Though she'd thought it rather undignified early on, Iduna realised as Kristoff spoke that she did in fact miss their informal, cosy meal times.
Her day passed in a strange mix of worry and joy, thoughts wandering over to the conversation Iduna was sure was coming, but otherwise she did her best to simply focus on how well things were going for Elsa. Even the weather was feeling incredibly co-operative, sun sparkling on Elsa's crown when they ventured out to the docks for a round of farewells as a few guests boarded their ships.
The second evening demanded less of Elsa's attentions than the first - so long as she attended dinner, and gave some of her time, the visitors were understanding that Elsa probably did have other things to be doing. A little worn out herself from juggling emotions and keeping up appearances all day, Iduna excused herself shortly after dinner, and did her best not to think too much about why both of her daughters might have disappeared, though admittedly Iduna hadn't seen them leave together.
It felt a bit too early to go right to bed, so Iduna walked for a little while before deciding to head up to the library, intending to order a drink and choose a book to take to bed with her that evening until she felt ready to sleep. Given the limits on where guests were permitted to roam at such a late hour (to avoid anybody who had over-indulged on wine all day making a terrible mess of any art or books), she didn't expect to find somebody else already in there.
"Oh. I didn't realise... I'll leave you in peace."
Elsa looked up from where she was sitting, combing her hair with her fingers where it sat loose over one shoulder. Her crown sat on a table, twinkling in the light of a few candles.
"You live here mother, you are welcome to come in."
Heart pounding with nerves again, Iduna strongly considered bolting, but she pushed the door closed behind her and stepped further in to the room.
"I just... wanted to find a book. What are you doing?"
Elsa shrugged, then nodded up at the largest portrait on the wall, one of Agnarr's coronation.
"Just thinking about father. Hoping he'd be prouder of yesterday than the first time around. And I had to take my hair down, but I wasn't sure I could deal with three or four ladies fighting over my head to help."
The simple actions of removing her crown and taking down her hair seemed to have taken a couple of years off of Elsa, leaving her looking younger and more relaxed as she sat down. Even so, Iduna could feel the tension, knew Elsa was considering taking the opportunity of them being alone to ask questions she wasn't sure how to answer.
"Your father would be very proud. As am I."
Her heart pounded, but her voice came out quite even. Elsa smiled softly.
"Is it cold in here for you? I can have someone come and light the fire."
Iduna knew there was more to Elsa's words than a simple offer to warm the room. She was asking if her mother wanted them not to be alone. It was definitely tempting, but she shook her head, not quite believing it herself. Elsa looked a little surprised too, though she mastered her expression quickly.
"Alright then."
She said simply before falling silent. Iduna turned to look at the bookshelves, all interest in reading completely gone. She gave up after a minute, aware Elsa's attentions were fixed on her the entire time.
"Elsa."
"Yes, mother?"
"I... I think I owe you an apology."
Elsa raised an eyebrow, lips quirking up in thought and it took more effort than she cared to admit to for Iduna not to look at her mouth.
Why do I feel like this?
"An apology? For what?"
Drawing in a deep breath, Iduna made herself move closer so she could keep her voice lower - there were staff in the halls, possibly even visitors who had gone roaming.
"For my behaviour yesterday morning. I... I am not sure what came over me."
Elsa swallowed, then turned her head and nodded to the empty spot next to her. Heart thrumming anxiously in her chest, Iduna went, lowering herself in to the offered seat and wedging her hands at her sides so Elsa did not see them shake.
"I'm not upset. I am confused. What was going through your mind?"
Perhaps leaving was a wiser choice, Iduna mused to herself as she tried to formulate a reply. Sitting for relaxation, with her hair down and her expression gentle, Elsa had never seemed less threatening and yet Iduna wasn't sure she'd ever felt more terrified.
"I don't know. I... I've been... feeling things I don't understand. Things I don't want to feel, and yet I can't seem to make them stop."
She could barely believe she'd said anything, desire to run mounting as Elsa thought on her words.
"About... me?"
Iduna looked away, unable to truly say it to Elsa's face as she mumbled her answer.
"And Anna."
Elsa was silent, and when she couldn't take it another second, Iduna made herself look at Elsa. There was none of the distress or disgust she'd expected, no horrified revulsion. All those things she was trying to make herself feel.
Elsa shifted. It was small, but she definitely moved a little closer.
"And now? How do you feel now?"
The cold that surrounded Elsa was tangible, but it did nothing to cool the strange flush climbing up Iduna's face. She almost looked to see if the fire had somehow been lit without her noticing.
"Scared."
The word left her in a rush of breath, and immediately Elsa moved away. The sensation Iduna got in her chest watching Elsa shrink back wasn't one she could put a name to, but she knew she didn't like it. Before Elsa could actually get up, Iduna found herself reaching out, closing her fingers around Elsa's slender wrist. Even through the fabric of her sleeve, she could feel the coolness of Elsa's snow-white skin, looking up in to confused blue eyes.
"What?"
"Don't... I don't want you to go."
Elsa settled back in her seat, but she still looked confused.
"What do you want?"
She wasn't sure she could put it in to words. Elsa looked at her, really looked, and seemed to see whatever it was she needed for encouragement. Even in limited candle light, Iduna could see the flush that stained pale cheeks as Elsa leant closer. She stilled, though she was close enough for Iduna to count the light freckles on her cheeks and nose.
"Tell me to stop."
Elsa spoke so softly, barely a whisper but then her words weren't meant for anybody else. Her heart felt like it was going to leap out of her chest, and her voice had abandoned her entirely, but Iduna managed to meet her daughters gaze and shake her head.
Her lips were soft and cool and gentle, barely exerting any pressure at all but there was absolutely no denying it was happening. Elsa was kissing her.
-IEA-
Is this better or worse than last chapters lil cliffie?
Also... this is absolutely my slowest burn ever. I guess a glacial build is appropriate, since Elsa is in it.
I know Anna wasn't there, but I 100% pictured her sat in a nearby chair with popcorn, cheering.
