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 are too generous to trifle with me.

If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once.

My affections and wishes are unchanged;

but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever.

– Fitzwilliam Darcy, Pride and Prejudice

Chapter Soundtrack:

The Secret Life of Daydreams – Pride and Prejudice Soundtrack

Credits – Pride and Prejudice Soundtrack

Nocturne: The First Movement – Part VI

The Queen crossed her legs and leaned her chin against her left palm, sighing before glancing wistfully out the window. She watched as soft flakes of snow drifted down into the courtyard like beautiful, tiny, white flower petals. She longed to be outside, but the Queen of Arendelle was currently in the middle of a conference with the Lords, Counts, and Barons of Arendelle. Though tedious, long and so very dull, Elsa had to unfortunately admit that they were highly informative.

Faint knocking on the door pulled Elsa out of her musings.

"Come in," Elsa called.

A steward slowly pushed open the door, peeking inside.

"Your Majesty, the King and Prince of the Western Isles have arrived."

A spiraling sensation of anticipation and happiness rippled through her. Of course, she knew that they were coming today, but Elsa couldn't help the utter excitement of seeing the Prince of the Western Isles again.

"Thank you, Johannes." Elsa said, including her head while trying to fight a growing smile as she turned to address her audience, "If you would excuse me, gentlemen."

"Of course, Your Majesty," they chorused, bowing as she stood, swept her cape, and walked out the door.

Elsa took a calming breath, trying so hard to reign in the childish squeal in excitement as she nearly sprinted to the grand entrance of the castle and into the courtyard to greet the King and, most importantly, the Prince of the Western Isles.

She was honestly attracted to him – even after only meeting him several times. It wasn't exactly her fault really. Jack carried such a charismatic aura, and it didn't help that he was also exceedingly handsome. But despite Elsa's adoration and affection for Jack, she will not under any circumstances allow her heart to be so easily taken. She won't let what happened to Anna happen to her. But being friends with Jack wouldn't hurt, would it?

Anna would have laughed and teased Elsa to no end of she saw how thrilled the 23 year-old looked to see Jack again.

The Queen of Arendelle slowed to a halt in front of the double doors, stopping only to catch her breath and calm herself down. She clasped her hands in front of her and put on a light smile before nodding at the guards to open the door. The bright sunlight, clear blue skies, and snowy grounds of the courtyard hit her like a ray of happiness.

Before her, the King and Prince of the Western Isles dismounted from their handsome steeds. The King looked as regal as ever, garbed in the colours of his country with a thick dark blue cloak around his shoulders and a gorgeous sword at his side.

Jack looked equally handsome – if not more in Elsa's eyes – in a dark grey vest, a deep blue half-cape draped over his left shoulder and secured under his right arm, and the familiar rapier belted to his waist. Elsa couldn't help it, her smile brightened even further and her eyes gleamed under the light of the sun.

The King and Prince turn when the double doors opened, King James smiled graciously while the Prince beamed at her, showing all of his brilliant white teeth.

Elsa took quick steps over to them, curtsying when she was close though.

"Your Majesty Lord King," she greeted before turning to Jack to do the same, "Lord Prince. I hope your trip was pleasant?" Elsa asked.

"Very much so, Lady Queen," the King replied, "It's an honour to see Arendelle again. It hasn't changed since the regime of the late King and Queen. Your rule is just as mighty and prosperous for your nation as your parents' were, Lady Queen."

Elsa unconsciously pulled her head higher and straightened her back, pride blooming in her heart as she beamed with a delighted smile on her face.

"You honour me with your praise, Lord King."

"Jack!" Anna cried.

The three turned to see the beautiful, now 21-year-old, Princess of Arendelle running through the open doors and leaping into the Prince of the Western Isles' open arms. Jack laughed as he spun the strawberry-blonde girl around in the air. Elsa felt a tinge of jealousy – it was wrong of her, she knew, for Anna already had a suitor. But just for a single second, she wished it was her jumping into Jack's arms. Elsa quickly pushed those thoughts aside. Besides, it wouldn't be appropriate behaviour for a Queen to jump into the arms of someone who isn't her intended love.

Right?

Elsa watched as Jack gently put Anna down. The Princess quickly turned to greet the King in a more toned down way before joining Elsa's side.

"I would love to personally show you your rooms, my Lords," Elsa started, "but you caught me at a bad time as I was in a meeting with the aristocrats of Arendelle. My sister, however, would be happy to show you in my stead."

Anna smiled and nodded, leading the way with a polite gesture of her hands.

"Just this way, Lord King."

Jack followed behind, but not before subtly brushing against Elsa's shoulder. She knew it. She was hopelessly attracted to him. No. She cannot allow the 25-year-old prince to steal her judgment. Jack leaned down to whisper in her ear with a smile. An unintentional shiver went down the Queen's spine, not from the cold but from the feeling of Jack's breath and mouth grazing her ear.

"Remember our deal, Elsa."

She smiled, turning her head and murmuring in his ear.

"I could never forget,"

She shouldn't see his expression, for Jack's face was beyond her vision, but she could see his shoulders shake in a quiet chuckle before he straightened and joined his father and Anna.

The summit between the Alliance Six consisted of Arendelle and five of their closest allies: The Western Isles, FayDelle, Newlea, Meres, and Tarvyn.

The ruling monarch of each country sat at a round table, with either their Royal Advisors or most trusted kin standing beside them. Anna standing beside Elsa and Jack beside his father.

Elsa was honestly exhausted before this meeting. There was so much to do: the conference with the Nobles of Arendelle, the open audience with her people, she also had to look over the numerous documents in preparation of this meeting with Anna that evening. Elsa barely got any sleep. Then after this, the tired Queen of Arendelle had to attend a meeting to confirm the decorations for the annual flower festival and finish writing the reports about the repairs done to the castle. Thankfully, the summit was nearly finished. She was drained, so she quietly placed her hands in her lap and crossed her legs over each other before closing her eyes, for just a second.

"Meres is right under budget with our economical spending; there is no concern with our country being in debt."

"Aelvale is requesting monetary aid from us eight in order to start the rebuild of their country after the civil war."

"The Newlea will give 600 thousand with a promise of more supplies."

"FayDelle will provide Aelvale with supplies."

"The Western Isles will give 2 million in monetary aid."

Everyone turned to face the half-dozing Queen as it was her turn to state how much assistance Arendelle will provide the recovering country.

"Lady Queen?" Jack called. Elsa snapped her eyes open and turned her head to him.

"Uh – what?"

"How much will you give to assist Aelvale, Lady Queen?" the white-haired prince asked.

Anna quickly leaned down and whispered to her a suggestion to which Elsa quickly reiterate, trusting her dear sister's judgement.

"Right, Arendelle will provide 1 million as well as a shipment of food and water to Aelvale."

Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw Jack giving her a curious but concerned look. Anna gave her a comforting squeeze on her shoulder. Elsa kept her eyes low out of embarrassment but maintained her concentration on the conversation. She can't believe she dozed off in the middle of such an important conference, especially right in front of Jack. She scowled under her breath; she should be more worried about how she looked in front of the other monarchies not Jack.

"One last thing before we dismiss this meeting: Emperor Hirokazu Maki of Hestia would like to request joining our union."

"It is your call, Queen Elsa. You are the head of this Union." King James said.

Elsa straightened up, determined to save face.

"The addition of Hestia into our union is not sole my decision to make, in the Alliance of Six we are of all equal status, My Lords. We will decide via a democratic vote. However, may I suggest that we determine the economic and political status of Hestia and discuss the advantages and consequences of adding in a new member?" She said.

The Kings agreed, nodding silently to themselves.

"Should we invite the Emperor to join us for a meeting here, Lady Queen?"

"No," Elsa said, "I believe it would be best if we send someone as an ambassador to represent the Alliance of Six to Hestia – as preliminary assessment."

"I volunteer." Jack said, raising his hand. "It would be an honour to represent the Alliance Six."

"Are you sure?" King James turning around to face his son, "You do know that Emperor Hirokazu is blessed with the power of fire, right?"

Elsa frowned – she forgot that the Emperor of Hestia was graced with a power the exact opposite of hers. She was weary of him. But she never exactly feared the man. The 37-year-old Emperor had a reputation for his kindness, generosity, and serenity. The kingdom of Hestia lives in such peace and prosperity under his rule.

"It will be fine, Father." Jack said with a smile, "Emperor Hirokazu has a benevolent heart; he wouldn't even hurt a fly."

"Prince Jackson is a very good candidate, King James. He's charismatic and confident."

"Besides King James, Prince Jackson is your eldest child and heir. He should be given the opportunity to show his worth."

The King of the Western Isles' face was blank with a stern look in his eyes. But he sighed, defeated.

"Alright," he said, "I will let the Alliance decide."

"Alright," Elsa started, standing up and calling for the vote, "All in favour of Prince Jackson of the Western Isles being the ambassador for the Alliance Six in the subject of the addition of Hestia becoming a member, say 'aye.'"

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye."

Four votes in favour, including the somewhat reluctant vote from King of the Western Isles. Elsa herself didn't vote, but even if she voted for or against, the decision was made.

Elsa nodded, "The council has decided, Prince Jackson of the Western Isles is to be the ambassador of the Alliance Six. He will travel to Hestia within the next month to represent our union. The semi-annual summit of the Alliance Six has adjourned."

Elsa walked out of the room with Anna in tow. The Queen of Arendelle sighed tiredly, cracking her neck.

"You look really tired, Elsa." Anna commented.

"All of these governing processes are really taking its toll on me."

"You are the youngest ruling monarch in that room, Sis: probably the youngest in the land."

"But age shouldn't stop me from being a good Queen." Elsa reminded her younger sister.

"You are a good Queen." Anna stated, pulling Elsa to a stop and grabbing both of her hands. "You are an amazing Queen."

Elsa smiled, "With you at my side, how can I not?"

Anna beamed before throwing her arms around her platinum-blonde sister.

"Elsa!" Jack called.

Elsa and Anna broke their hug and turned to face the incoming Prince.

"Are you well?" he asked, his eyebrows upturned in concern. Elsa was surprised by how concerned he was, flattered even. She quickly cast the thought side, rationalizing that the only reason why Jack was so concerned was because he was kind and considerate in nature.

"I'm fine, Jack. Just a little tired." Elsa said with a reassuring smile.

He sighed in relief. "You're overworking yourself."

"I just told her that." Anna shouted.

"I know, I know!" Elsa said, a little bit exasperatedly, "but there is so much that needs to be done, especially around this season."

"You need to take a break." Jack said.

"I know but I need to –"

"Make the final call for decorations for the annual flower festival." Anna finished, "I can do that."

"Exactly," Jack exclaimed.

"But I also need to –"

"I also finished writing the reports for the repairs done to the castle, Elsa." Anna interrupted.

"Anna's got it all under control." Jack said with a casual flip of his hand.

"What about the –"

"Elsa, do you really want to pose for a portrait when there are dark circles under your eyes?"

"I do?" Elsa cried, her hands flying to her face.

"Hmm," Jack murmured, leaning down to take a closer look at Elsa's eyes, "not that I can see…"

"Oh please, Jack. You're a gentleman, your just being polite." Anna said, waving a hand to dismiss the white-haired prince. "You are beautiful, Elsa. We all know that. But dark circles are not a good look for you."

Jack erupted in loud chuckles.

"Just go and take the evening off, Elsa." Anna said before jogging down the hall, "I can take care of things!"

So the strawberry-blonde Princess disappeared around the corner, leaving Elsa to stand stunned and confused beside the amused Prince.

"I'll need to be off too, Elsa. My father wants to discuss my trip to Hestia." He bowed, his right arm on his shoulder and his left crossed behind his back. The silvery-white haired prince turned to leave.

"Wait –" Elsa called.

Jack turned back.

"In the courtyard, at dawn tomorrow?" she asked, "We can go to the Ice Castle."

Jack smiled brilliantly.

"See you there."

"That was embarrassing," Elsa started, as the pair strolled up the scenic mountain path leading to the Ice Castle. Of course they could have taken a carriage up the North Mountain, but both of them preferred the longer and picturesque route through the snow covered forest rather than around it. Besides, if the cold didn't bother them: then why not?

"What was?" Jack questioned, pulling back the hood of the long, dark blue cape draped over his shoulders. "Did I miss some sort of epic moment?"

Elsa scoffed, throwing the white furred-rimmed hood off her head. "No, you were there. It was during the summit. I can't believe I fell asleep."

"Oh, that." Jack said, "That's nothing, Elsa. I've done so much worse to humiliate myself."

"Really?" Elsa said, "Do tell."

"Oh no." Jack said with a chuckle, "I am not telling you the stories myself. If you want to hear stories about the things I did, you'll have to talk to Emma: she'll love to tell you everything."

"The next time I see Emma then." Elsa said, a teasing tone in her voice.

Jack turned to her with mock horror, "What have I done?"

Comfortable silence, as they strolled up the mountainside. It was a calm day in the middle of the wintery season, the snow beneath their feet crunched under their weight.

"It was my first time attending the summit of the Alliance Six." Jack started, musing over yesterday's conference, "My mother always attended at my father's side."

"No wonder we never met before."

"That and Arendelle's doors were closed for so long. The summit was always held in another country. It's amazing how much progress was made in the past two years, Elsa. You are really a great queen."

The queen in question looked away, shy because of the compliment.

"Thank you."

"Woah…" Jack murmured when they reached the Ice Castle. "This is magnificent…"

Elsa watched as Jack's jaw dropped, his eyes growing wide with excitement. He raced forward, laughing as he turned around only to beckon her with a waving arm. Elsa grinned, hitching her skirt up to dash up the stairs after the Duke of Burgess. He paused at the grand entrance, waiting for Elsa.

"After you, Your Highness." He said, gesturing towards the door. She laughed before pushing the grand doors open, revealing the brilliant, bright, and beautiful castle of her exile.

Jack's jaw dropped as an amazed laugh erupted from him. Elsa took one step into the hall before stepping aside for the white-haired prince to walk through in a daze. His eyes glimmered with exhilaration as he spun around, taking in the splendour of the castle.

"Wow." He repeated, breathlessly.

"Come on, there is more to see." Elsa said, gesturing to the spiral staircase. Jack joined her shortly, still dazzled by the icy palace. She led him through the grand hall before throwing open the doors to the balcony. The white-haired prince sighed in astonishment, a disbelieving half-smile appearing on his lips. Together they walked out onto the balcony. Elsa smiled lightly as she placed her hand on the railing and looked down upon Arendelle. Jack turned, leaning on the railing as he stared at the castle made of ice.

"This is such a glorious place, do you come out here much?" Jack asked.

"Not really." Elsa replied, turning around and sitting on the railing. "It doesn't exactly belong to me anymore."

Jack froze, slightly confused as he turned to face her. His eyebrows were raised in confusion. "What? What do you mean? I thought that you created this castle on the night of your coronation, whom else would this castle belong to?"

The Queen of Arendelle didn't reply as she met Jack's perplexed gaze calmly and coolly. Suddenly, a loud and looming roar erupted from inside the castle. The prince quickly spun around, his hand flying to the hilt of his sword as he dropped into a fighting stance.

The ice beneath their feet started to quake, but showed no signs of faltering. Still, the cautious prince refused to take any chances. He wanted stable grounds to face whatever was coming. So he reached down and grabbed the somehow-still-very-composed-queen's hand and pulled her through the doors of the balcony and into the great hall, hoping that they would make it down the staircase before confronting the threat. Elsa followed, easily keeping pace with the nervous prince beside her.

But it was too late; the menacing thumping was coming up the stairs. Jack's grip on Elsa's hand tightened as he unconsciously pulled her behind him. The anxious prince swiftly removed his sword, holding it ready at his side.

"Is there another route out of the castle?" Jack hissed.

But before Elsa could answer, a massive muscular beast of snow with sharp fangs and claws made of ice came stomping up the stairs, its steps pounding on the ground and shaking the entire structure. Jack swiftly fell into a defensive stance, a tense but determined look in his eyes.

Elsa couldn't hold it in any longer as she started laughing; clutching her stomach before pointing at her companion's freaked out expression, who now looked adorably confused.

"I'm sorry, Jack. I knew that Marshmallow was coming, I just really, really wanted to see your expression." She explained.

The prince didn't move, still frozen in utter confusion as he flipped his head between the gigantic ice monster called 'Marshmallow' and the Queen herself.

"This is Marshmallow." Elsa introduced, gesturing at beast, "This is who the castle belongs to."

Silence.

"He was the Ice Castle's guard during the days of my exile." Elsa clarified. "He protected me from the soldiers sent to bring me back. After I returned to Arendelle, Marshmallow took residence here and called it his home."

"There is probably some really crazy story behind why this gigantic, menacing snowman is called 'Marshmallow', right?"

She burst out in laughter. Marshmallow bowed to the weary prince before retreating back into the depths of the palace. After she recovered from her bout, Elsa suddenly realized that Jack was preoccupied with something – something that was between them. She glanced down, following the silent and troubled prince's gaze to find that the reason behind his silence were their intertwined hands.

Elsa didn't even notice. Perhaps it was because she was comfortable with the Prince of the Western Isles. Perhaps it was because his temperature didn't bother her. No matter, the Queen of Arendelle felt her internal temperature rising and her face heat up in a flush. She glanced up at Jack to see a range of emotions flickering on his face: contentment, confusion, apprehension, and then submission.

He let go of her hand, slowly but firmly. Her hand fell limply to her side, a mixed feeling of hurt and confusion swirling in her chest.

"Elsa…" Jack started, his eyes focusing intently on the icy designs on the floor. "Elsa… I-I haven't been fully honest with you."

Her heart stopped and a sinking feeling erupted from her chest.

"What do you mean?" she breathed.

"I didn't want to be just your friend, Elsa." He whispered.

Elsa took a step back, visions of the villagers scorn and disappointment dancing behind her eyes.

"What are you implying?"

"It wasn't my original intention –"

"What, you didn't want us to be friends, Jack? I'm – "

"No, no! I want us to be friends, it just wasn't my – though I guess my original intentions had to start with us becoming friends –"

"Jack, I don't understand – were you – were you trying to use to me –"

Elsa could see it now: Hans's face. How foolish was she to trust him, to let him hurt Anna that way? And now, even after seeing how deceitful a handsome face can be, she falls for one herself.

"No, Elsa! I would never – "

"Are you trying to get my crown?" Elsa snapped.

"No, let me explain – "

"I shouldn't have trust you! I shouldn't have –"

"No, Elsa! I wanted to court you!" Jack yelled.

Elsa froze, speechless by his screaming confession.

"W-what?"

"I wanted to court you" he repeated, softly this time. "If – if you would allow me to."

He looked away, taking a shuddering breath before meeting her eyes again.

"This isn't how I wanted to confess my intentions…" he said.

"You are just like the rest of them." Elsa whispered, stunned.

"What, what are you saying –"

"You are the Crown Prince, Jack. You are next in line for the throne and your father fully intends to give it to you. The Western Isles is a wealthy nation – just as wealthy as Arendelle is. You have nothing to gain by marrying me." Elsa cried, the words spilling from her lips urgently and carelessly.

"No, Elsa, that isn't why I wanted to –"

"Then why? Why?! If it is for my beauty, Jack. It is all that I have. My heart is colder than you think and it won't be melted by just your charm."

"No, Elsa no!" Jack quickly took steps towards her. She took one step back. "I want to court you because I was there at your coronation."

"I don't – I don't understand." Elsa whispered, breathless after her frantic and painful rant.

"I wanted to court you – to be your friend at the very least – because…" he took a pause. His eyes flickered around and he worked his jaw up and down, trying to formulate his thoughts. "Because on the night of your coronation I saw the happiness and joy on your face when you talked and laughed with Anna. But then, only minutes later, I saw the fear and the pain and the… the shame when you revealed your powers."

Jack slowed down, his tone becoming less desperate, "It made me think, it made me want to be someone who could make you smile and laugh that way again. It made me want to be the person who could stop all of that terror, because you have nothing to fear and nothing to be ashamed of."

He looked away, now very embarrassed of his sudden confession.

Elsa released a shuddering breath. Her eyes wide with astonishment and disbelief as her heart thumped painfully loud in her chest.

"I, I don't know what to say – I am not sure that this…"

"Elsa, I am not asking for your hand in marriage. I would never expect you to say yes to someone who you have only met several times. All I want is an opportunity."

She let her emotions get the best of her, for snow was falling forlornly inside the grand room. Jack didn't even notice – and even if he did, he probably didn't even care. Elsa turned on her heels, pacing out the balcony once again. She placed her hands on the railing, using it as support as she tried to clear her thoughts and formulate her words. She felt Jack following her, but he kept a respectable distance.

She still couldn't believe what happened. Jack's confession stunned her to the point where the young Queen could no longer think straight. She admitted: she was attracted to him – drawn to his charm, charisma, and tender personality. But she never once considered him as a suitor; it was an idyllic thought – a far-away fantasy that she refused to let cross her mind. She kept her heart closed from the world for so long that the thought of exposing it….frightened her.

"But I am not someone who can be loved – Jack," she whispered, knowing well enough that he can hear. She pulled her hands to her chest as if trying to protect herself. "I don't think that I… that I can give my heart away."

She heard his slow and careful footsteps coming towards her. She turned to face him, waiting for his reply. Jack slowly took one of her hands in both of his, wrapping his long and lanky fingers around her's before pulling it to his chest. He met her eyes then: a stormy ocean meeting a calm sky. He smiled, tenderly and softly.

"Then…" he whispered, his tone so sure and so confident that he found the answer, "then I'll give you mine."

Someone once told me that everyone's heart is like a snowflake: delicate, unique, beautiful, and easily melted by love. Perhaps Jack will teach me to love. Perhaps he will melt my hardened and frozen snowflake to reveal a beautiful and warm heart. And perhaps I will let him.

Fin

Nocturne: The First Movement

Author's Note: It took a long time for me to post this chapter, and I know that I said that I would write a Christmas Special, but for the love of me, no matter how hard I try I cannot come up with an acceptable ending to that story. I am not satisfied with the results of the one-shot that I have written so I refuse to post something half-heartedly.

Thus I took the time to write a fairly long chapter of Nocturne. This marks the ending of the First Movement of Nocturne; however, it isn't the end of the story. Nocturne will be a story-arc that will consist of three to four movements. I will also take this time to thank you Amaya of ObsidianTheatre for all her help in not only editing every single chapter but also helping me flush out Elsa's emotions and the dialogue for this chapter. Without her, I am nothing.

Thank you to:

AyameKistune, Miki Fubuki, sakura-fai, DarkbladerX666, Hawky, rokusan23, Dragowolf, harrypotter1998, DeniseArgon, I' . , Guest, MissMariiF, HiWorldItsHinata, JoPoGirlsKickAss, Nikumareyaku, PriscilaOrglene, CocoVanillaMilk, MahawayTheArcher, .fangirl, Guest (#2), Jabamaca Guest, lethalshikaino, Allanna Stone, Obsidiantheatre, Guest FTG, and KiTeLLe360

For reviewing the previous chapter! I can't believe I have reached 103 reviews for this story already, you guys are truly amazing and I hope you have enjoyed the journey thus far. Honestly. I'm serious when I say how happy and thankful I am when you guys review.

DarkbladerX666: Unfortunately, you are right. Jack won't have any of his normal powers in this verse.

rokusan23: Ahaha! That is awesome! Frozen: bringing couples together since December 2013.

Dragowolf: Don't worry, things will be explained in due time when it comes to Jack's condition. How did you like their next meeting though?

HiWorldItsHinata: With Anna's hair, according to Frozen's Wikipedia site, her hair is strawberry blonde. And Wikipedia is a very reliable source….not really… nope. But I'll go with it. If Disney creates a profile that will state Anna's true hair colour, then I will go back and change everything. But for now, I think I am going to keep it at strawberry blonde. And for Pitch's appearance, fear not: he is coming to ruin everything very, very soon.

Until next time!

Cordially,

EireneHarmonia