This is a continuous work which consists of eleven chapters for seven prompts. If you'd like to know more about the event, head to Tumblr: helsa-summer-event. Have a great summer everyone!
The ballroom was crowded. Too crowded, or at least she thought so.
After ten months, the war had finally ended, and when summer rolled in, the people of Arendelle could finally rejoice. Celebration came in the form of the Queen's birthday ball, which was held in late June. The ball, of course, was held for the people and some dignitaries or ambassadors from neighbouring kingdoms, who had been generous enough in helping Arendelle during that time of need.
"The party is too dull for your liking?"
At the familiar voice, she didn't turn. Focusing her eyes on the smiling queen, who was talking to some members of the Royal Council, she half-shrugged.
"On the contrary," Elsa said, "I find it rather grand. It's been a while since the last time I attended this kind of celebration."
"I don't believe that is a reason to not enjoy the party, Your Highness." The man standing beside her added.
She smiled, before shaking her head. "I told you not to call me that, Hans." Feeling a hand resting on the small of her back, she bit her lower lip, before turning to him. "And I told you not to do that."
Hans raised a brow and threw her a look. "What a contradictive order! First you told me not to address you with the title, then you told me not to touch you because we're in public?" He said, before leaning closer to murmur, "Elsa, you need to be specific."
Elsa blushed furiously as she tucked her hair behind her ear. It was obvious that the close proximity did something to her.
"I mean, I don't think the title is necessary." She replied. "I'm just Elsa to everyone."
He stood before her, placing a finger under her chin, certainly ignoring her previous request. "We are now officially courting, and the Councilmen know that." His emerald gaze softened. "Also, you are not just Elsa to me."
Elsa blushed. She hated to admit that she was in love, but she couldn't help the strange sensation in her stomach, as her heart beat a little faster. "Yes, the Councilmen know, but the people don't."
But instead of complying, Hans held out his hand for her. "Would you like to dance, or would you like to go to the balcony to get some fresh air? You look like you can use some."
Exhaling, Elsa knew she had no other choice. "The balcony would be fine." She took his hand.
Once they stepped out to the deserted balcony, thoughts began to run through her mind. Sure, they were officially courting, but what would happen next was uncertain. With Hans still having both his Southern Isles citizenship and his position as an Admiral in the said kingdom, Elsa thought that he would be leaving soon with the last contingent. After all, he was still under his king's direct order, and with the war ended, his service to the Arendellian Navy was no longer in use.
Elsa laid a hand on the railing. She wished she was back in the Enchanted Forest at the moment, even for a brief second, to get a taste of freedom. Deep down, she regretted not agreeing to Honeymaren and Ryder's offer to go back to the Enchanted Forest with them the day before, but she had a birthday ball to attend. Besides, Hans was still needed in Arendelle for the final preparation before the last contingent could leave. The thought of him leaving once again gave her a slight pang in her chest.
"Elsa." He gently called her name.
She didn't turn. From the way he spoke, it was obvious that he was about to tell her something.
"I'm staying."
His words, which she didn't expect to hear, were enough to catch her attention. The faint music from the ballroom was playing in the background, yet his voice was loud and clear in her ear.
"What?" Elsa's blue eyes widened. "But, I thought—"
Hans quickly placed a gloved finger on her lips, silencing her. His emerald pair bore into her blue ones, as he gently rubbed her cheek with his knuckles.
"You really thought I'd leave you here forever, after that confession?"
If she wanted to be honest, yes, she did think so. At this point, anything is possible, since the future is full of possibilities.
"Not forever, though." Elsa sighed, giving into his touch. "It's just, you said you'd go back to the sea, to continue your job as an Admiral."
"Elsa," his tone was gentle, as he tucked a few strands of platinum hair behind her ear. "You do know that my brother only made me an Admiral so that I would die in the battlefield, don't you?"
She nodded slowly, her brows knitted.
"And now that the war is over and I'm still alive, let's say my presence back in the Southern Isles is not wanted. I love my job so much, yes. But something has captured my heart here."
Her heart swelled, as the corner of her lips tugged upwards. "The sea?"
Hans smiled. "Nah, more like someone." He poked her small nose with his finger. "You."
"Well, Admiral Westergaard," she began, "I think you deserve a reward for that."
"Tell me, Fifth Spirit," he pulled her closer by the waist, "what would the reward be?"
Her gaze fell from his eyes to a pair of lips that looked ripe for her to capture.
Leaning in, she murmured, "a kiss."
Pulling him in by his cravat, Elsa pressed her lips against his. She smiled to the kiss as she combed her fingers through his auburn hair, before settling on the back of his head. His hand settled on the small of her back as he pulled her closer, deepening the kiss. Warmth spread on his chest, as he, too, was smiling to the kiss.
Once they pulled away breathlessly, Elsa stared up at him. She rested her forehead against his, smiling ear to ear. Her blue eyes were still closed, as she breathed in his familiar scent.
"Are you really staying, Hans?"
Her eyes fluttered open when she felt him moving. "Kaere," the nickname had always succeeded in making her blush, "I am." Hans tenderly cradled her face, as he pressed a small kiss on her nose. "At least for the entire summer."
She let out a giggle. "Okay."
At least having him stay for the summer was better than him leaving soon. Elsa decided that they should make the most of the time they had, but what he said next was something she didn't expect.
"The other day, you said that you need to go back to the Enchanted Forest to check on the spirits and Ahtohallan." He paused, taking both of her hands in his. "What do you say to a trip starting tomorrow?"
"Hans, what?" Her mouth was agape, as her brows knitted in confusion.
Hans placed one hand on her waist, while the other was still holding her face. "You see, I'd love to spend more time with you. This summer is the perfect opportunity for us, and I think we should travel north tomorrow, after breakfast if possible."
Elsa was too stunned, but travelling with Hans? She had never thought that she would end up with him as a significant other, let alone adventuring together. Of course, she would love to! But before she could answer, footsteps came approaching. From behind the door, Queen Anna walked out.
"Admiral Westergaard—oh, Elsa!" Anna blinked, but the corner of her lips tugged upwards. With narrowed eyes, she asked, "I hope I didn't interrupt anything."
Elsa smiled. "No, actually." She then turned to the Admiral. "We were just talking."
He bowed. "Your Majesty, is there anything you need?"
Anna quickly composed herself as she cleared her throat. "Yes, actually, Admiral. I remember you wanted to talk to me about the arrangement?" For a moment, Hans blinked in confusion, as if he tried to remember. "The arrangement regarding the last contingent, Admiral."
"Oh, forgive me, Your Majesty! It seems like I have had too much champagne tonight." He smiled sheepishly, still holding a smiling Elsa.
The blonde glanced between her sister and the Admiral, and wondered what they were actually up to. She opened her mouth to speak, when Anna came approaching with a smile.
"Alright, then." The queen said. "Oh, and Elsa, it's good to have you here." She kissed her sister's cheek, ruffling her hair slightly.
"It's your birthday ball, Anna, of course I'm here." Elsa let go of Hans' hand and returned the gesture with a quick hug.
Anna beamed. "Well, I guess I should leave you both to it. See you in the morning, sis." Turning to the former prince, she added, "I'll be in my office with Prince Kristoff, Admiral."
"Your Majesty." He bowed.
The queen, not forgetting to wink at her big sister, then made her way towards the door, before disappearing into the dim hallway. Once her footsteps faded, the couple was finally left in silence. It seemed like the party had ended, and people began to retire.
"Hans?" The blonde said, reaching out for his hand. She smiled gently when she saw the look of worry on his face. "I'd love to travel with you. I need to check on the forest and Ahtohallan too, so yeah, we can leave after breakfast."
"Really?" Gone was any trace of worry, as Hans beamed in excitement. "I mean, sure! That's great!" He exhaled in relief, before leaning in to press his lips against her forehead. "I love you, Kaere."
Elsa closed her eyes, enjoying the warmth that was slowly engulfing her. "And I love you too."
As he rested his forehead against hers, she opened her eyes and stared into his emerald ones. Never did she think that she would end up with him. The history they shared wasn't exactly pleasant, and sometimes they were still reminded of the past, especially being in Arendelle. But the past year has taught them so much. Love did save, after all.