A/N: Hi, everyone! So, I'm sorry that I'm a bit late, I wasn't actually at home last week and this week I needed to resettle. But in the process of all that, I re-read chapter 8 and saw that there were some glitches. I've patched them up now if you're interested, and if not, that's still cool. You do you.

Anywho! Here's chapter nine, have a good read!

Disclaimer: I don't own Frozen or the Frozen franchise.

Madolen

"Oh stop fussing over us, Madolen, we'll be fine," tells Ma as she strains a composed face. "I'm as tough as an ox. I just need some rest."

"Ma, I'm getting really worried," I take my mother's hand. Thunder rumbles from outside, causing me to look out the wide window that pours in only darkness from the clouds. "It's bad enough that the people can't celebrate the Cow Train, but now you and Da are so sick that you can't get out of bed."

Ma groans, "We're fine, Madolen," she. "Just a little sore."

I sigh, seated on a stool beside my mother's bed. I take the bowl of soup on her bedside table and offer it to her. "Please eat, Ma. You've been vomiting the whole night."

"Oh, my diamond, I couldn't," says she. "I don't feel at all hungry."

"You must eat something, Ma," I inch the bowl closer to my mother. "You'll starve." Mother's face scrunches with disinterest as she turns her nose up at the dish. I frown at the state of her, curled up in a fetal position, face whiter than fresh snow, eyes dull and breathing irregular. "Maybe later?" I brave a small smile, resisting the tears that I jail.

Ma smiles at me despite the suffering that's painted on her eyebrows. "Mmm, I'll eat a small village later." Her eyes open and she looks at me with concern. "Where's your father, sweets?"

"I bumped into him on my way to see you both. He said he wanted to go for a walk," I shake my head as I set down the green pea soup. "He's taking his rounds in the Ballroom perhaps, or the Gardens."

Ma huffs a minute laugh. "Of course he is. That's your father, a man of movement. Can't sit still for half a second."

"He's still trying very much to rule Casmont in this state," I frown. "I'm sorry I got you both so sick."

Ma laughs. "Blame us for not taking our daily dose of citrus, sweets," she says. "It'll be over before long. It's only been a night after all."

"Yeah," I force a smile. "I still need to tell the kingdom what we're doing about today's event."

"I insist that you proceed as you would've."

I shake my head. "It won't be right if you and Da can't enjoy it."

"We'll both be there, sweets," says Ma. "The whole kingdom has worked so hard for this, and they could use some cheer in the face of such adversity. The storm may not give us a chance to be jolly once it starts, so take this chance now."

I nod, "Okay… I'll alert everybody."

"Good," grins Ma. "Go do that before the sun rises, love. Get ready and go enjoy today. Da and I will be there, but first, I need to sleep."

I grin back at her. "Alright, Ma." I lean over and kiss her forehead before I stand. I leave the room, stopping in the doorway to speak, "Sleep well."

Ma gives me a wink as I shut the door.

I take a spoonful of the soup and console myself with the food as I head down the hall to my bedroom. I step into the dark room and quietly shut the door. I set the dish on the dresser before I stride to the bed and crawl over to my husband. When I woke up this morning, he was still snoozing.

"Morning, amar," I take a pillow and hug it close to me as I cross my legs.

"Godmorgen, Madolen," he grins. "You're up early today."

"I… was visiting my mother," I grin back. "I spoke to her and she says we should still have the Cow Train. I think she's right. We could all use something to pep our spirits."

"Ja, elskede," Hans wipes a hand over his face before he looks up at me. "Are Wiatt and Nancy improving at all?" his voice is low and tired, slow and deep, but still full of concern.

"The doctors say it's just a cold," I hug the pillow tighter. "They should be fine in a few days."

"And what about you?" Hans puts his hand on my kneecap, rubbing his thumb over it. "Are you feeling better?"

"Much better today," I tell. "I wasn't doing too well last night, but I'm great."

"Maybe that's all they need, Mads," Hans gently squeezes me, "- some rest."

A hopeful smile blossoms on my face. "I orden, i orden, elskede," I mimic Hans.

"Oh? Is that meant to be me," He gives me a sly look.

"I think I captured your likeness," I smirk.

"If that's how I sound, then I gotta tell you how you sound," Hans flutters his lashes. "Meu amar, you look so handsome today! Mon cher, mon fluer, chuchote des mots doux."

"How do you know how to say all of that?" I cock a brow.

"Jasper is a pretty good teacher," Hans tells. "He's started giving me a word a day – sometimes a phrase."

"You should show my parents," I enthuse. "Just… maybe not that set of words." I snicker as I give Hans a peck on the forehead. "I should go get ready for today." I pull back and climb out of bed.

"Ja, you're right," Hans sits up. "We wouldn't want to be late for the cows."

…

"You didn't!" Gala gasps at me as we sip our hot beverages in the streets of Casmont, trafficked high and low by a heavy fog and zealous winds, making it difficult to see very far. We stroll quietly, minding our own business as we await the cattle. The festival itself is relatively calm. Everybody stands at the ready for the herd, zest buzzing off of everyone.

"I did," I giggle before I take a sip of my cocoa. "We climbed the old wall and jumped. Well, I jumped first. It's just like when we were kids." I give a shrug. "It was a little higher than I remember."

"I would've thought that Hans would jump first," Gala pinches and re-adjusts my jade coloured, thick wool scarf that snakes around my shoulders and drapes over the crown of my head.

I shake my head. "The poor man was so mad at me. I don't think he'll ever confess it, but I think he's scared of heights," I whisper to my friend. "After yesterday, though, I'm sure he's well past his fear."

"Who knew our tomfoolery as children would prove useful so many years later?"

We stop at the centre of the kingdom, where the fountain has gathered slight frost crystals. Gala and I take a seat on the edge of the colossal feature and spot Jasper assisting an elderly woman who seems to give him a difficult time.

"Non, non, non, non!" She stomps her foot declaratively. "We need only red flowers on this doorpost. I don't care how you think they look. They're marvellous just as they are right there." She barks up at Japser who shivers atop a wooden ladder, hands trembling and teeth clattering as he shifts the blossoms in the bone biting breeze.

"Ma'am, th-these red flow-wers are w-wilting," He begins, looking down at the impatient woman below. "Please, at l-least c-c-consider my alternative."

"I didn't become this old by not knowing what I was doing, enfant," points she. "I suggest you listen."

Jasper grumbles under his breath as he obeys, tossing aside the purple plants he was going to replace the deflated red flowers with.

Gala and I can't refuse a snicker. "I feel terrible for him," I set down my mug. "Should I say something?"

"No, no," Gala folds one leg over the other. "You heard that woman. She knows what she's doing."

I steal a glance at my smirking friend as she watches Jasper's knees wobble in the wind. "You're enjoying this entirely too much," I laugh.

"Nonsense!" Gala shoves me. "I'm enjoying it the right amount."

"A blind man can see the attraction, Ala," I start. "You're only enjoying this because you want him to be punished for not coming up to you."

"Why would I want that? So he can spin me into a wild romance? I can hardly stand the man," she says, running a hand through her dead straight ebony locks. "The way his laugh is locked in my memory. The way he's so clever and funny without trying. The way he catches all the attention as soon as he enters any room." She tosses a hand at him as he descends. "Look, even when his face is covered with dust and he's scratching his rump, he still looks like a creation of heaven."

I cock a brow. "Are you still trying to disprove that you adore the man?"

"Of course I am! I mean-" Gala gasps. "Oh my goodness," Gala drops her cup on the ground in realization. She gives me a start. "Is this what love feels like?"

"For some I suppose," I kneel down with a grin and begin gathering the shards.

"Don't worry your majesty, I'll handle it," Jasper turns his head at the sound of the clatter of clay. "Gala you need to be more careful." Jasper excuses himself from the older woman and helps me pick up the cup. He rises once we finish and glances at the frozen Gala. His face is a work of confusion as he whispers a question to me. "Is something wrong with her?"

"Oui! Actually, she wanted to take a walk down to the gallery to see some of your papa's art," I start, drawing up my friend and taking the shattered glass from Jasper. "I was going to go with her but someone needs to dispose of all this." I make a display of the cup.

"The gallery?" Gala raises a brow at me, almost confused.

"Well… if you'd like I can show you my first portrait," Jasper speaks up. "I'm not as good at this as my papa, but be gave me some pointers."

"I'd like that," Gala seems (for the first time ever) bashful and quiet. And Jasper the one with initiative. "I mean, if you're comfortable showing me."

Jasper strokes his flying, curly hair once. "I don't mind at all. In fact, I want you to see it. Come."

As they stroll away, Gala gives me a look of thanks and I throw a wink, satisfied and proud of my work. I watch them shrink as they wind down to Jasper's family gallery when a pair of warm hands cover my eyes – totally blinding me.

"Guess who."

"Hmm," I place a hand on the strong wrist of my surprise guest, travelling down his hair strewn arm, free of any goosebumps until I stop at the rolled up sleeve. "I can think of only one man with such a resistance to cold."

"Does that man have a name?" the man kisses the top of my head.

"He does in fact! But his name escapes me," I turn to face my husband and loop my arms around his neck. He's slicked his hair back again for this occasion, and wears a heavy wool purple scarf around his neck. Save for the purple scarf, his garb is all black and close to his skin. "Oh no," I begin. "I can't let my husband see me with you. He'd be green with envy."

Hans smirks at me. "I'm not letting anyone or anything keep me from you."

I bite back a grin, though it slips effortlessly through the cracks. "Me neither."

"Les vaches! Ils arrivent!" comes the voice of a young man, he rings his handbell loudly in notification. "The cows are here! They're coming!" the bouncy haired fair skinned boy runs through the kingdom with the same message we've all been waiting for.

"I think that means the cows are on their way. Come on," Hans takes my hand and we hurry to see the train of cattle. We end up at the entrance where the cows will trickle through just in time to see the first glossy back coloured bull strut through, giving a bellowing moo.

The people around us cheer and toss flower petals at the clunking cattle, whistling and whooping. Out of the corner of my eye I note Gala and Jasper standing together and celebrating the arrival of the herd. The beams on their faces put a warm smile to my face and I release a content sigh. "Hmm."

Hans bumps his arm into me, almost mowing me down. "They look good together."

"They do," I say, my eyes still honed on Gala'a bright smile and the look of whimsy on Jasper as he observes her admirably.

Hans leans down to whisper in my ear whilst still clapping, "But not as good as us." I laugh loudly, my attention now fully on my husband. "Shh. It's our secret." Hans uprights himself and we watch the cows until the last flower crown, copper bell wearing cow has clunked past the entrance. "What a show."

"Yeah, now the party starts."

Hans

The day has drawn on, and by now it's late afternoon or early evening. Food is good, company is better. There are a few painted faces from the start of powdered paint throwing, but I've yet to catch my wife. She's been gone for a good moment. So I've occupied myself with the plentiful food and making my rounds as the new prince.

"Hey, could I buy some powder from you?" I approach a young girl with a basket full of coloured powder. I crouch down to her eyelevel. "How much will it be?" I check my pockets.

She beams brightly and thrusts a packet of orange paint towards me. "It's free for the prince of Casmont."

I huff a laugh and slowly shake my head. "No, I couldn't." I extend a hand full of gold coins. "I'm sure that'll cover the costs and more."

"Thank you!" she blushes as she takes the money and hurries off.

"Now where's that wife of mine?" I turn around, mumbling. Just as I do, I get a whack of purple powder to the face. I double over, and give into a very convincingfake coughing fit.

"Oh, Hans! I'm sorry," I hear Madolen rush over to my side and pat my back as I hack purple powder. "I shouldn't have snuck up on you like that. I-"

"Ha!" I sweep grab Madolen's wrists and splash my own powder on her.

"You cheated," Madolen laughs, coughing with a face flavoured orange.

"War is never fair is it, my love?" I release her wrists, caressing her plum cheek. "I'm sure you'll forgive me."

"How could I not?" she grins. A band in the centre of the kingdom begins playing a relaxed rhythm. "Dance with me?"

"Always," I put a hand to her waist and take the one of her hands in mine. We begin moving to the slow, smooth music. "Where were you hiding? I couldn't find you for a while."

Madolen smiles, "I was just checking on my parents."

"Haven't they shown up yet?" I glance around the kingdom centre, looking for the couple of mention.

"Not yet," Madolen looks downcast, obviously thinking the worst. "They don't look like they're in good enough condition."

Our dance slows as I lift Madolen's face to mine. "Madolen-"

"They're strong," she cuts, forcing a smile. "They'll be fine. Just fine."

"You don't have to pretend around me," I tell, stopping the dance completely. "I know they'll be fine. They're tougher than you might give them credit for. But if you feel otherwise tell me."

"I'm… sorry. It's just that," Madolen gives an unsure smile. "I'm worried. I have this, this feeling. A gut feeling."

"I feel it too," I tell. "But even so, I know they'll rise above it. We only have a few house of the festival remaining then, we can go see them." My voice grows low. "I just have to figure out a way to distract you until then."

Madolen looks away to hide a smile. "You must think you're so suave, oui? " she looks back up at me with a grin. "That you have me wrapped around your finger and I'm at totally enthralled by you?"

"Aren't you?"

"The jury's still out on that one," Madolen starts. She presses onto her toes to kiss my chin. "But you're winning me over more and more."

Madolen rests her head on my chest as I begin the dance again. We waltz about for a moment, before I spot a well dressed couple waving at groups of thrilled men and women of Casmont. The couple is clearly the king and queen, and their spirits look better than ever. "Don't look now, Madolen, but your day's about to be brightened." Madolen looks up from her rested position and sees her glowing parents as they approach us. They shoot us both grins and Madolen lights up. "What did I tell you?" I smirk. "Look at them. They look brand new."

"Okay, okay," Madolen grins up at me. "You were right. They do look so much better."

The sky grows darker, and even as the thunder reminds us of the storm's nearness, everything feels right. All feels as it should be. I find myself glancing down at Madolen, fixated on her for one reason or the other. "Do you think we'll be like your parents?" she cocks a brow at me. "Complimentary and contradictory."

"Do you wanna be like them?"

"I want any future with you in it," I say. "Whether we're at each other's throats, or always touching."

"Isn't that selfish?" Madolen presses closer to me. "If we were always arguing, we shouldn't be stranded with each other. We should be free to pursue what we really want."

"I've never been one to give up on what I really want," I say. I run my hand up and down Madolen's back. "And I really want you."

Madolen and I lock eyes intensely. "How much?"

"So much," I tell.

Madolen smiles. "Then, I really want you so much more." She leans in towards me, but is stopped by the sudden, heavy fall of rain. "This storm has great timing." Grumbles she.

All round me, people are befuddled or disappointed. I clear my throat before addressing the,. "Everybody get to your homes as soon as you can," I order. "If we predicted right, we have only a few hours before the chaos begins. You'll receive further orders from us later."

Echoes of agreement are a response as I take Madolen's hand and head up the hill. "It was good while it lasted." Jokes she. "Now the games begin."

I smile at Madolen. "Don't worry, elskede. I'll do all I can to help Casmont." I tighten my grip on her hand. "On my honour."

A/N: Alrighty folks. I did say that these few chapters just need to be out of the way, and they are officially out of the way. The wheels start turning in the next chapter! Take care!