Disclaimer: This work of fan fiction uses characters from Rise of the Guardians, The Guardians of Childhood, and Frozen which are trademarked by DreamWorks Animation, William Joyce, and the Walt Disney Company respectively. The author of this story claims no ownership over them. The story the author is telling is of her own invention and it is not purported or believed to be part of the canon storyline. This story is made for entertainment purposes only. The author is not profiting financially from the creation and publication of this story.
You can't just stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you.
You have to go to them sometimes.
– A.A Milne, Winnie the Pooh
Main Theme – Final Fantasy VII OST
Nocturne: First Movement – Part II
Elsa sighed tiredly as her Royal Advisor, Sebastian, read through letters, invitations, and reports from Arendelle's allies and trading partners. Currently, it was a letter from the Southern Isles.
After the fiasco that occurred two years ago, the Southern Isles have been much, much friendlier in order to repay the Kingdom of Arendelle for the crimes committed by Prince Hans. The King even offered several newly built ships in apology, but she declined the gift.
"Lady Queen," Sebastian called, opening another letter, "you have a marriage proposal from the King of Norilona. He wishes to betroth his eldest son, Crown Prince Theodore – who is 20 years of age – to you."
Elsa nearly dropped her head onto her desk as she held back a groan. She was 23 years old now, word of her wintry beauty, eligibility, and Arendelle's wealth traveled far and wide. She had received many letters and advances from potential suitors, most of her advisors are pushing her to find someone to marry soon. They all suggest that she wed another monarch in order to gain a political advantage, but she didn't want to marry for politics. She wanted to find love, like Anna was able to.
"Refuse the proposal, Sebastian. I have no wish to marry a man who is younger than I." Elsa stated calmly, using age as an excuse. Sebastian frowned, obviously displeased with Elsa's decision. But she is queen and he knew her since her birth. He had seen the turmoil that Elsa had gone through, so to him, her happiness comes first above all else. Sebastian placed the letter in the pile of posts he needed to reply to and then went to pick up another. He quickly pealed the wax seal off the envelope and unfolded the thick piece of ivory-coloured paper.
"Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elsa of Arendelle," Sebastian read directly from the letter, "and Her Highness, Princess Anna of Arendelle, have been cordially invited to attend the 25th birthday party of His Highness, Prince Jackson Overland Frost, Duke of Burgess at the court of His Royal Majesty King James Overland Frost of the Western Isles on November 21st."
Elsa sat up, her dark eyebrows furrowing in thought. Prince Jackson Overland Frost, she remembered him from somewhere. Perhaps the Winter Ball that took place last year? Suddenly it came to her: his infectious smile, his silver-white hair, his cool and soft touch.
"Will you attend, My Lady? Or will it be just the Princess again?"
"No, I think I will go to this one, Sebastian."
Anna leaned in towards the window, sighing. "I always loved coming to the Western Isles."
"When was the last time that you went?" Elsa asked.
"For Prince Jack's 24th birthday," Anna replied. "Speaking of which, Elsa, it's rare for you actually attend a birthday party these days." Anna commented as she, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf sat in the carriage on their way to the main city of the Western Isles. They left the ship at the harbour, for the main city was more inland.
"Oh please, Anna. You only say it's rare for Elsa because you like to attend every single party that we get an invitation to." Kristoff joked.
"You do too." Anna snapped.
"Only because you drag me along for every party, seriously, Anna it's detrimental to my ice harvesting business if I constantly need to take time off to go with you to royal parties."
"But you have to admit, you enjoy them considering how much food you eat," Olaf stated innocently.
Elsa laughed at their argument, "Worry not, Kristoff, if you are in need of ice for your business, I can help."
"See!" Anna cried, smacking Kristoff across the shoulder, "there is nothing to worry about. Just enjoy the party." Kristoff rolled his eyes; he bickered with Anna only because they both loved teasing each other. He honestly would put anything and everything aside for the cheery Princess.
"Oh, look!" Olaf cried, staring out the window, "we are here!"
Elsa pulled the curtain back on her side as well, peaking out the window. A smile grew on her face at the beautiful palace of the Western Isles came into view with the snowcap-mountains as a stunning backdrop. The castle had no real defences against enemies other than a massive bastion towers at the four corners, the moat that ran across only the back and the right side of the property and the extraordinary towers running up the castle serve a more decorative purpose than for real defense. It was a beautiful sight to see, with its large and elaborate columns, massive arches along the balconies on every floor, and its extravagant rooftop.
It took them nearly a month to travel across the ocean from Arendelle to reach the kingdom of Western Isles. However they were only going to say at the palace of the King for five days before taking off again – just to restock their ship.
They all got off the carriage. Elsa glanced up at the clear blue sky, breathing in the fresh wintery air. When she had stepped out from the carriage, Olaf was the one who offered her his hand to step down, for Anna had already taken off into the courtyard, pulling Kristoff along with her. Elsa smiled, beside her an older grey-haired man bowed and greeted her.
"Lady Queen," he address, "I do hope that you, the Princess, and your companions had a safe trip."
"We certainly did," Elsa responded, "the weather gave us no trouble."
"Good. Your rooms have been prepared, Lady Queen, may I have the honour of showing you were they are?"
Elsa glanced over at her sister who had started a snowball fight in the middle of the courtyard against Kristoff and Sven with Olaf as her sidekick. Elsa returned to look at the attendant, wincing slightly at her sister's behaviour. The old man chuckled, knowing exactly what she was thinking.
"It's quiet alright, Lady Queen. The court of the Western Isles is used to this kind of behaviour; the children of our Lord King are also very mischievous and playful."
"Children?" Elsa asked.
"Indeed, Lady Queen. Prince Jackson is known for causing so much trouble in the court and Princess Emma is quickly following in suit."
Elsa glanced back at her younger siblings, if they were already here, might as well have a little fun right?
"Actually, we will stay here in the courtyard for now."
The attendant smiled softly, "Of course, when you'd like to see your rooms, just call for a servant, My Lady."
"Thank you for your kind hospitality."
Elsa suddenly marched over to Anna, her cool and brooded aura stopped Anna dead in her tracks. She turned around. Elsa placed her hands on her hips.
"Anna, you should know better than to start a snowball fight at the courtyard of another monarch! What kind of impression does that make?!" Elsa hissed. Anna put the snowball down, her face crestfallen at Elsa's scolding. "You cannot demonstrate this kind of behaviour, Anna," Elsa said, setting her hands in front of her, holding her head regally high.
"I'm sorry, Elsa…" Anna muttered. The Snow Queen couldn't keep her smile contained anymore as playful smirk emerged on her lips.
"Especially if you don't invite me!" Elsa yelled before forming a snowball with her powers and shoving it down the back of her sister's dress.
Anna shrieked before dashing off giggling, bending down to scoop up a handful of snow to roll into a ball to throw at her blonde-haired sibling.
"Two against three snowball fight!" Kristoff cried.
Elsa swung her arms up, raising a wave of snow to form two fortresses. One was to serve as her own shelter with Olaf, and one for Kristoff, Anna and Sven – just to make the game fair, they were up against the Snow Queen, after all.
Kristoff flew behind the shelter and began throwing an array of snowballs at the retreating Snow Queen. Sven contributed by digging like a dog, sending snow flying up into the sky which ended up fall gently back to the ground. The Queen of Snow laughed as a brilliant smile formed on her face.
Olaf stayed behind Elsa, yelling military-like words of encouragement.
"Release the ammunition!" he cried when she formed nearly two dozen snowballs to pelt at her siblings and friends.
Anna threw a fast ball that went wildly astray. Then suddenly, they heard a cry of dismay that didn't belong to anyone of the participants. Everyone froze and slowly and hesitantly turned around. Anna's snowball had hit someone right in the face: someone wearing a deep blue cape with white fur trim and a thin platinum crown with jewels on the tips.
Elsa gasped.
Kristoff winced.
Olaf's jaw dropped.
Anna covered her mouth in shock.
Her snowball had hit the King of the Western Isles right in the face.
The King slowly and deliberately wiped the snow off of his face and brushed it off of his heavy blue-furred cape. Elsa felt her mouth move as her mind struggled to articulate words to form an apology. She released all her magic, the levitating snowballs falling to the ground with a dull thud as she hastily made her way over to the King, opening her mouth as an apology was formulating on her tongue.
However, a masculine, playful laugh suddenly filled the air, interrupting her line of thought as it grew louder and louder. Everyone turned around to see a white-haired, well-dressed, handsome young man sitting on the first floor balcony, dangling his long, lanky legs precariously off the edge.
His smile was brilliantly bright, his stance was utterly relaxed.
Prince Jackson Overland Frost, Duke of Burgess.
"Jack!" Anna cried, smiling as she waved to the white-haired Prince. He waved back and jumped off the balcony, landing effortless and gracefully in the snow.
"Nice shot there, Anna!" he said as he pointed to her before walking over to his father and helping him to wipe off the snow.
Prince Jackson Overland Frost was the near splitting image of his father with their vibrant blue eyes, sharp jawline, fair skin, and lean build. The only thing that would distinguish between father and son is Jack's silver-white hair and his lack of wrinkles.
"Woah, you got a face full of snow there, Father." Jack commented, giving his father an infectious and innocent smile.
The King James Overland Frost scowled for only a second before smiling back, for no one, not even the King, can resist the bright charm of the Prince of the Western Isles. Elsa stood straighter, then, placing her hands in front of herself, she walked up to the King. Kristoff, Anna, Sven, and Olaf followed closely behind her, keeping their eyes to the ground and their heads low.
"I deeply apologize for our rash and brunt behaviour, Lord King, I – "
"No, no, Lady Queen," the King said, with a chuckle, "it's alright, my son here has done much, much worse."
Jack smiled innocently.
"And it's an honour to have the beautiful Queen of Arendelle finally grace the court of the Western Isles."
"The honour is truly mine, Lord King. The Western Isles is a stunningly beautiful country."
"I trust your journey here was pleasant?" the king asked.
"Very much so, Lord King." Elsa said.
Suddenly, one of the king's advisors popped up from behind his shoulder, whispering something into his ear. The king nodded slowly before turning to address the young queen.
"I would love to personally welcome you to the court, Lady Queen, but there are some important matters that I much deal with."
"No, Lord King, that is of no concern." Elsa said, pleasantly. The king offered his hand to her, to which Elsa obligatorily gave him. She tried to keep her face relaxed as his hands burned hers and as he quickly kissed her knuckles and let go. He turned to do the same to Anna, and then the king turned away with a ceremonious sweep of his cape. Jack bowed while placing his right hand over his left shoulder in respect as his father left. The king's advisors and servants did the same as the king passed by.
As soon as the king was out of sight, Jack turned around, a mischievous glint in his eye as he winked at the Queen of Arendelle.
"Elsa" Jack stated, bowing to her and offering his palm. She placed her fingers in his palm again.
Soft and gentle.
Cool and kind.
His lips pressed against the back of her hands. A flush of excitement and joy rushed through her as she smiled tenderly as Anna watched with a surprised but pleased smile at the short but expressive exchange.
Jack slowly let go of Elsa's hand, his eyes never leaving hers as he straightened to his full height, only then did he break contact to turn to Anna to do the same.
"Anna, still causing trouble I see."
"You're the one to talk, Jack."
The white-haired Prince turned to Kristoff, chuckling all the way. Kristoff gave in a respectable bow before the two shook hands.
"How is that ice business of yours?"
"Doing well, Prince Jack, it is not without the help of Queen Elsa." Kristoff casually said.
Jack then turned to greet Olaf and Sven.
"Ah, it is an honour to meet you, Lord Prince." Olaf cried as he bowed at his second heap of snow and pulled off one of his stick hands to hold with the other in order to shake hands with the tall prince. Jack laughed before shaking hands cheerfully.
He stood to address the entire Arendelle party.
"Well, I can't help but notice that you guys were having a snowball fight." He stated nonchalantly.
They all smiled sheepishly. Jack's smile widened playfully, "Mind if I join in?"
When Elsa and Anna walked in their rooms, their hair was dishevelled and their clothes was dripping wet with cold water. They both were giggling and laughing contently as the maids brought them towels and hot mugs of melted chocolate. Anna took just the mug, sighing blissfully as the warmth bloomed in her stomach. Elsa started with the towel, patting her face and hands dry before taking the mug, careful to grab it only by the handle and then used her powers to cool the drink down to a temperature she was comfortable with – which was ice cold.
The sisters requested that they stay together in the same bedroom – like they did when they were children before the accident. Sven had to stay in the stables, unfortunately, and Kristoff and Olaf shared a room across the hall.
"Oh my gosh, that was so much fun!" Anna cried, pulling the ties out of her pig-tailed braids and shaking her wet hair like a dog. The maids around her cringed as the ice cold water hit their skin. Elsa did the same but in a more elegant manner, removing the tie and shaking free the snowflake pins. Her platinum blonde hair fell in soft loose waves around her face as she ran her fingers through it in order to comb it down before sitting down on one of the two beds. Anna joined her, curling up on her stomach beside her older sibling.
"It's been a long time since I had this much fun." Elsa agreed, taking a sip of her ice-cold chocolate. "I'm certain that Jack never had such an extreme snowball fight either."
"Jack got you good." Anna commented, giggling at the thought.
Elsa laughed, remembering how the Western Isles Prince managed to sneak past her fortress and slam her with a face full of snow.
She remembered falling backwards into the heap of snowballs that Olaf was making, blinking her eyes in dazed surprise.
Jack burst out in laughter, doubling over and clutching his stomach with one hand while trying to stifle his laughter with the other. His eyes were closed with the force of his chuckles and despite the embarrassment from falling flat on her bottom, Elsa couldn't even manage to try to be angry. There was something about Jack: his appearance, his charisma, or maybe it was just his presence that made it impossible to feel anything other than happiness and joy.
Elsa remembered the Prince staggering towards her, wiping a tear from his eye before he reached down to offer her a hand up. Elsa looked at the hand, before reaching up confidently as he pulled her to her feet.
"I'm sorry, Elsa. I didn't think you would have fallen back, no hard feelings?" he asked with a sweet smile.
Elsa didn't move; her fingers were still curled inside Jack's larger palm. An impish smile stated to form on her lips. Jack's laughter stopped abruptly as his eyes widened in surprise.
"Elsa – " he tried to get out before suddenly a mass of huge snowballs formed and levitated around him. Elsa's grip on his hand tightened as her smile grew wider.
"No hard feelings," she said kindly, "After this."
"Uh oh."
When the duke had walked out from behind the fortress, Kristoff's mouth fell open in surprise and Anna chocked in laughter for Jack was covered from head to toe in a thick layer of snow, the only thing truly visible were his wide and surprised eyes.
"Speaking of Jack, when did you meet the Prince of the Western Isles?" Anna asked, breaking Elsa away from the memory. She took a sip of her drink.
"I met him at the Winter Ball back home last year."
Anna nodded her head, slowly in consideration, "What do you think of him?
Elsa froze in the middle of lifting the mug to her lips.
"What do you mean?"
"What do you mean, 'what do I mean?' I asked if you liked him, Elsa."
"Anna, I hope you aren't trying to set me up with him."
"No, no. I would never. It's just that…. It's just that." Anna looked down slowly, her demeanour suddenly becoming more serious and less teasing, though she still retained that affectionate smile.
"I've never seen you so relaxed around a man. You gave your hand to Jack with so little hesitation and stiffness compared to when you gave it to the King – I notice these things, Sis. And the way that you look at him and the way that he looks at you, there was so much compassion, and kindness, and tenderness." Anna continued, her eyes gazing off into the distance, as the memory of that sincere event played through her mind.
"You looked happy, Elsa, and he's relaxed in your company too."
Elsa sighed, considering it – it's too soon to say whether her attraction to the silver-haired Prince is more than just her curiosity.
Anna saw Elsa's hesitation. After years of shutting others out of her life, Elsa still finds it difficult to let people in.
"At the very least, don't shut him out, Elsa. Jack is a great friend to have."
Elsa nodded, smiling softly as she thought about the white-haired prince, "I won't, Anna."
Author's Note: Oh my gosh, 46 followers, 32 favourites, and 10 reviews? Thank you so much guys! I hope you enjoyed this chapter too!
Thank you to: DarkbladerX666, SunDropxx, GUEST, Guest, LuffyxRuby, QuillOwl, Olive Tree Hugger, Poeta Senza Faccia, BlueStar'sFire, and Panthermonspartner for reviewing.
I based the palace of the Western Isles off of the Chateau de Chambord in France. Also, I was considering turning Nocturne into a full blown story, what do you guys think?
Please favourite, follow, and review!
Cordially,
EireneHarmonia