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.

Between lovers a little confession is a dangerous thing.

– Helen Rowland

Chapter Soundtrack:

The Secret Life of Daydreams – Pride & Prejudice OST

Cleansing Cream – Brown Eyed Girls

Nocturne – The Second Movement – Part VI

Is this… is this what it feels like?

Is this love?

It was easy to admit that I love Anna, though. I loved my mother and my father; I love Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven even. It was easy to say that I'd do absolutely everything and anything for them.

It is easy to love Jack then – simple even.

Because love is simple – simpler than to fall in love that is. To fall in love is to leave yourself vulnerable and bare to the chaos of passion and grief. It's to cherish and care for a single person so deeply and so profoundly that I would put his life above everything else: above my kingdom, above my family, and above myself.

Falling in love is not holding him close to your heart; it was giving your heart completely to him.

Jack, you have left me with no other choice but to admit it.

Two months had passed since the Flower Festival in Arendelle, Elsa and Kristoff had just arrived in the Western Isles to attend the second meeting of the semi-annual summit of the Alliance Six. Naturally, it should have been Anna who would have attended at Elsa's side, but the Queen of Arendelle insisted that Kristoff join her instead and the Princess stay to maintain order at home. Kristoff was uneasy with the role and responsibility, especially with leaving Sven, but Elsa could tell that he knew why she wanted him to come. If Kristoff wanted to marry Anna, then he needed the experience and knowledge of a royal.

"It's still really cold for May…" Kristoff commented, pulling his dark wool cloak closer over his formal attire.

"The Western Isles known as the Land of the Eternal Winter. It's one of the few countries in the world that snows consistently." Elsa explained, as both she and Kristoff ascended the stairs leading into the palace. "The country will look more or less the same in May as it did back in December."

"It's amazing…" Kristoff murmured glancing back over his shoulder at the picturesque white landscape. Elsa nodded in greeting to the guards at the door as they bowed before pushing open both of the massive double doors. A servant greeted them inside, leading the pair to the throne room.

"Kristoff," she started, pulling back the white fur hood of her travelling cloak and smoothing her braid down, "you think everything and anything to do with winter is amazing."

"Ice my life!"

"You should use that as your motto," Elsa chuckled, straightening up for they arrived at another set of doors.

"Lord King," the attendant started, as the doors to the throne room burst open, "I announce, Her Royal Majesty Queen Elsa of Arendelle and Lord Kristoff Bjorgman, Arendelle Ice Master and Deliverer." King James looked up from a document presented to him by an advisor, a grin lit up his stern features as Elsa and Kristoff walked in.

"Ah, Lady Queen!" he called, strolling up to her and taking her extended hand in his, "Welcome back to the Western Isles."

"It's always a pleasure, Lord King." She replied, dipping into a curtsy as the King kissed the back of her hand. Beside her, Kristoff stood tall and proud, his hands laced behind his back as he waited to be addressed by King James.

"Lord Kristoff," the King greeted as the blonde-haired man bowed, laying his left hand over his heart.

"I thank you, Lord King, for your generous hospitality." Kristoff said, his voice displaying more confidence than it did when he greeted Elsa for the first time all those years ago. Elsa nodded quietly to herself, satisfied with Kristoff's answer. She knew not if Kristoff was actually more confident with social interactions with monarchs, but his ability to feign self-assurance has certain improved.

"It's really no problem," the King replied before turning to converse with both Elsa and Kristoff, "You are the second to arrive from the Alliance, Lady Queen, perhaps you would like to rest from the journey?"

"That would be preferable, Lord King."

"My servants will direct you to your rooms," King James said to the both of them before gesturing for his servants to step forward, "Perhaps you would join us for dinner tonight?"

"It would be our honour."

And with that short exchange, King James turned back to his advisor as two servants walked up and directed Elsa and Kristoff out of the throne room and then down two different wings.

"I'll see you later this evening then, Elsa." Kristoff said with a short bow. Elsa nodded her response and turned around, following the servant in the other direction. The servant led Elsa to a set of spiralling stairs, but just as they were about to ascent, a young girl came sliding down the banister, landing in front of them with obvious practice and grace. Elsa easily recognized the girl with her large doe-like eyes and elegant but childlike beauty.

"Lady Princess!" the servant greeted, taking a step back in surprise before quickly curtsying. The Princess dusted her skirt down and adjusted the sleeves of her dress.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you –" then the Princess looked up to see that the servant had company. "Ah, Elsa! He wasn't expecting you till the day after tomorrow."

The Queen of Arendelle stared, a little stunned by the Princess' unexpected appearance but more at her boldness. But Elsa liked it – like brother, like sister.

"He?" she asked.

"Oh, don't deny it Elsa; half the world knows at this point. Ah – wait, got to go through the proper pleasantries first: I'm Princess Emma of the Western Isles – Emma just fine. Of course it is an honour to finally meet me. How are you, Lady Queen? You're well, good – I thought so. I can call you Elsa? Great! Your trip was pleasant – of course, it's almost summer. Now, that's done, I know where Jack is. Come on, I'll take you there."

And with that, the Princess of the Western Isles linked arms with the somewhat speechless Queen of Arendelle and ushered her down the hall and towards the inner courtyards.

"But, Your Grace, the Lady Queen would like to rest and recuperate from her journey!"

The young Princess looked at Elsa, raising an eyebrow before rolling her eyes.

"Well, if you want to, Elsa, you can go rest. You do look terrible with that strand of hair out of place and that little wrinkle in your dress. Jack will be appalled with your appearance because he fell in love with you for your beauty not for your many other charms."

Silence.

"You mean when he saw me freeze my entire kingdom over? That does make for a shocking first impression doesn't it?"

"Good, you can take a joke!" Emma cried, smiling, "Besides, it's Jack! He thinks you're beautiful no matter what."

"I suppose…"

"Then it's settled, to the gardens!"

"Do you love him?"

"Excuse me?"

"Do you love, Jack, Elsa."

"I-I'm sorry, why the sudden question?"

"He can be rash sometimes – actually, Jack's almost always impulsive. He makes decisions based on his heart rather than his head. And can he be cocky, narcissistic even! I know he's good looking – he is my brother afterall – but hasn't he heard of modesty? He revels in the attention. I keep telling him it's because of his white hair and boyish face."

There was a quiet laugh from the Queen and an exasperated sigh from the Princess. But then the impish smile fell into a softer gentler one.

"But he's considerate and kind… and he loves those he cares for to a fault – to his own death even."

"…He told me the story about the lake."

"He….he gave up his life for me and I know that he now alive and well, but…all I want is to see him happy. And the smiles that airhead had when he talks about you, the stupid grins when he reads your letters, and his giddiness leading up to the Flower Festival…. He dodges questions about your relationship with each other, but it's only to tease me. The idiot does love you, Elsa."

"I do too."

"Hm?"

"Love him. I love him too."

The Princess and Queen rounded the corner lined with white-covered fir trees to find the Prince of the Western Isles pacing restlessly in front of a stone bench while a well-built tall man with a stern expression on his face sat. The man had bright green eyes and sun-tanned skin; his ash-coloured hair lay atop his head in a wild but sophisticated disarray. He wore the dark blue, white, and grey military uniform of the Western Isles with a wide collection of metals and ribbons hanging over the left side of the dark, blue blazer.

Elsa was too far to hear, but the pair seemed to be deep in conversation: a topic that troubled both of them. Jack's pacing had worn the snow covered path down to the point where the dark-coloured earth was visible and the older man had his arms crossed stiffly in front of him and his brows were obviously furrowed.

"Jack! Aster! Look who I brought!" Emma called. The Prince snapped his head up when he heard his name being called. His eyes travelled from his approaching younger sister to the Queen strolling along behind her. Elsa watched as the heavy tension in his stance and expression softened and the familiar mischievous grin spread across his handsome features. She felt her own lips rise into a smile, her steps quicken, and her heart flutter.

Jack look casual but large steps towards them, the smile never falling from his face; but, as he approached, Elsa fought with an image that she refused to admit she saw: in the seconds before his smile appeared; did a trace of distress freeze in his eyes? However, she had no more time to dwell on the fact.

"Lady Queen," Jack greeted.

"Lord Prince," she said. He dipped down onto one knee, taking her fingers in his and swept his thumb once over her knuckles – a habit only Jack had – before kissing the back of her hand. The act was so ordinary and mundane, but intimate as it was a moment shared just between the two of them. It eased her worries, that strange feeling she now identified as loss was replaced with pleasant contentment at his presence.

He raised his head, meeting her eyes for a single, brief moment before standing. There was more that she wanted to say – more than the couple letters between the two months could ever convey, but this wasn't the right time to express them.

Jack released her hand and turned to gesture to the green-eyed man standing behind him.

"Elsa, this is Lord E. Aster Bunnymund, Imperial General of the Western Islandian Armies and my dearest friend."

Aster placed his hand over the left side of his chest and bowed as Elsa nodded her head.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Queen."

"Elsa would be fine, Lord Aster," she replied, a kind smile gracing her lips, "And the pleasure is all mine."

"How was your trip?" Jack asked.

"Pleasant, the weather was calm." she replied.

"...Well, this was anticlimactic." Emma suddenly shot in.

"What do you mean, anticlimactic?" Jack asked, shooting his sister a suspicious glance.

"Aren't you supposed to run to Elsa and sweep her off her feet, and spin her around, and then declare how much you missed her?"

"...You have been reading too many romantic novels, Emma."

"No! I see the problem - there are too many people here. You're embarrassed!"

"What? I never said –"

"Don't worry, brother dearest, Aster and I will leave if you want us to. So you and Elsa can get some time alone to rekindle the dying flame from being months apart!"

"Emma, stop being so overdramatic –"

"Come on, Aster; let us leave the young couple."

"Good afternoon, Jack."

"Aster, no –"

But despite Jack's protests, both Emma and Aster set out down the path lined with snow-white trees, disappearing around a corner marked by a stone pillar. Jack grumbled under his breath, before turning around to face Elsa. A huff of a laugh escaped his mouth and his lips turned up into a smile.

"Sorry…about that…." He said, mumbling the last part with weak chuckle.

"There is nothing to be sorry about," Elsa replied, walking to the bench and sitting down on the stone bench with an elegant flip of her cape, "I quite enjoyed the quarrel between the two of you."

He chuckled, sitting down beside her with a strangely tired sigh. She tucked her legs under the bench, folding her hands neatly in her lap as he swept a hand through his hair. Elsa expected the next meeting between them after the events in Arendelle to be awkward…tense at best, but there was only calm, even after Emma's suggestive teasing. Jack angled torso towards her, as if intending to start a conversation, but instead he only gazed at her. She felt no embarrassment, no need to fill the silence with petty chatter about the weather. A grin pulled on her lips and he looked away, snickering coyly.

But in the moment before he turned away Elsa saw something….worrisome. He had dark circles and his eyes lacked that usual sharp and playful glint. He seemed much older than when they first met, more worn down by stress and strain. Her brows furrowed in worry as she watched him reached up with both hands and massaged his temples.

"Is something wrong?" She asked, placing a hand gently on his upper arm. "You don't look very well, Jack." He glanced at her, exhaling, before leaning back with both his palms on the back of the stone bench.

"Nothing really," he replies, "I've just been getting these splitting headaches…they've been getting worse, to be honest."

"Have you talked to the healers about a remedy?"

"Yes," he snorted, turning his head slightly to meet her eyes, he made a face, as if remembering something repulsive. "They gave me the most disgusting concoction I have ever tasted."

Despite her worry, Elsa couldn't help but smile."Has it helped?"

He opened his mouth, nodding his head only once before freezing completely, as if he was reconsidering his thoughts. A sigh escaped his parted lips. He closed his eyes, leaning forward again and placing his clasped fingers in his lap. He was anxious, seeming as though he was about to confess a dark secret.

"Not exactly," Jack murmured, glancing at her out the corner of his eye before turning his attention to his hands. "But I am sure it will pass. Don't tell my sister though – Emma worries about me more than my father and mother combined."

Elsa thought back to the brilliant and saucy Princess. Though Emma thoroughly enjoyed teasing and bickering with Jack, it was obvious just how much she loved her older brother.

"Is it because of the incident?" Elsa asked softly.

Jack hummed an affirmation. He raised his head, his gaze resting on the ashen-trees though far-off in thought.

"She… blamed herself for it." He said, his voice growing softer with each word that he spoke, "After the accident, Emma and I fought for years – not squabbling, but truly screaming and yelling at each other. I grew angrier rather than trying to understand her. I had no idea why she was being so hostile and in my stupidity, I never asked. Until one day she broke down in tears and told me to just go away."

He paused, shifting his eyes back to his fidgeting fingers.

"After the trolls revived me, my hair turned white and my skin ice cold, Emma thought that the ghost of her older brother had returned from the grave to haunt her." He chuckled feebly, his laughter muted by the dark memory, "I was still her older brother yet not. Emma never told our mother or father of her fears because she thought that they'd think her mad. She didn't believe that I could have actually survived the fall. She was only seven then. Emma thought that eventually, I'll disappear, that I'll go away. So, she tried distance herself from me so she wouldn't get attached and so she wouldn't get hurt. It took ages to convince her that I wasn't a ghost and even longer to prove that accident was never, ever, her fault."

Minutes of silence between them, he turned to her then, with a lopsided grin on his face.

"I know that Emma isn't convinced though, she still believes that the accident was her fault. I can see it when she thinks that our parents and I aren't looking. But she's trying; she's trying so hard for our parent's sake – for my sake. That's why I won't tell her about the headaches; because with every little thing that happens to me she fusses and worries. I don't want younger sister to have to worry about me. I don't want her to fear that I'll leave her." He exhaled, closing his eyes for a few seconds as he ruffled his stark white hair, "I should be the one worrying about her… because I'm her guardian."

She smiled and he returned her grin, but it was weak – it never reached his eyes, not like it usually does.

"You'll do anything for her, wouldn't you?" She murmured.

"But… I am nothing compared to you, Elsa." Jack whispered meeting her eyes with serious expression, "For your sister, for your people and country you put on a brave face – to pretend that you are always that strong and confident leader. But… four years isn't enough to forget, now is it, Elsa? Anna told me what happened – it's been nearly four years, hasn't it?"

He took a pause, only for breath before continuing.

"I've seen the damage that fear can do, Hell; I was terrified of a frozen lake for years after nearly dying in one. But those are external fears, things that we can avoid. Emma could avoid me and I can easily avoid stepping onto a frozen lake, but you, Elsa? You cannot avoid yourself. You are scared, aren't you, Elsa? Perhaps it isn't as predominant as before but it's still there. Yes, you can control your powers better now, and yes, you know how to reverse the magic. But you are still wary of showing them. You would never exploit such formidable abilities – why can't he see that –"

He cut himself off, as if realizing he had said far too much. He froze, staring at her in shock of his own words and worry of her reaction. He took a deep breath, his words now coming out slower but no less thoughtful.

"What… I wanted to say was that; you don't have to be strong in front of me. I don't want you to hide your fears from me, Elsa. Because I won't hide mine from you."

There was a calm yet tense silence between them, interrupted only by the gentle wind rustling through the snow and the song of the winter birds.

"I am scared." she started in a whisper, "I am scared. Sometimes, I have dreams where I've killed Anna and froze Arendelle, but then I wake up to realize that it already happened. My guilt has not diminished in the last four years, it was my fault and nothing anyone says will ever change that. But I'm trying to move on, it has helped reinforce my resolve, to ensure that I am a ruler who is just and kind to her people and will never use such powers for her own gain."

"You are already that kind of queen, Elsa."

She reached up; tenderly brushing away strands white hair falling into his face before pressing her hand against his cheek. He closed his eyes, leaning into her soft touch with a melancholy smile. She leaned in, resting her forehead against his, closing her eyes as she felt him clutched her free hand tightly in both of his.

"…You are wrong about one thing though, Jack." She whispered, "You're doing it right now. You're trying to look brave. Your hiding something from me, aren't you? Hiding underneath that mischievous grin you are so good at putting on. There is something wrong, something much bigger than a headache. But you won't tell Emma, you won't tell Aster, and you won't tell me."

He scoffed before murmured, "You can read me like a book."

"I'm only on chapter one."

"…I missed you."

"And I, you."

She felt him lean closer now, their noses brushing against each other. She dropped her hand from his cheek, wrapping it around his neck just as he caught her lips in his in a soft kiss.

Jack's mischievous smile made its triumphant return at the dinner table shared with his family, Aster, Elsa, and Kristoff.

It was odd experience to say the least; Emma immediately started teasing Jack the moment that he entered the room, asking Elsa sly questions in-between her brother's protests.

The King and Queen made no comment at their children's behaviour, being far too used to it. Elsa herself knows how chaotic the table can be after dining with Kristoff, Anna, and Olaf in the same room. But she enjoyed it. It was a great reprieve from a long day. Perhaps that is how King James saw it.

The siblings continued their bickering throughout the meal snapping and insulting each other with quick and practiced remarks. Aster too joined in on some occasions, playing more of the practiced referee than an actual participant.

"Oh, she got you there, mate," he'd say, "Sorry, Emma, but your brother won that one."

"You're such a snowflake," Emma said, in an insulting tone.

"Really, is that the best you can do?"

"I actually really like that," Elsa mused, "snowflake."

Jack glared at her in mock frustration before a soft smile and sigh smoothed his features.

"If you'll excuse me," he murmured. Elsa watched as he placed his utensils down onto the plate before standing up, silently walking to the door and slipping out quietly.

"So, Elsa," Emma called, forcing the Queen of Arendelle's attention back to the table. "I heard about the events that Arendelle's Flower Festival; can you give me more details?"

Elsa grinned; Jack told her in his letter that Aster had tried to pry details about their relationship, specifically about the events occurring at the festival. But Jack hasn't said anything specific – not because he was ashamed – but because he enjoyed teasing his best friend. And Elsa could tell now, despite his best efforts to look indifferent to their conversation, Aster's interest was piped as his subtly leaned in.

Elsa laughed, there was no harm in humouring the young princess was there?

"Well –"

A loud crash from outside interrupted her.

Then the sound of something shattering.

"Lord Prince!"

Several seconds of silence.

Emma was the first out of her seat, sprinting towards the door before hurtling into it. The King and Queen stood, watching as their daughter race to her brother's aid. What could have happened? Jack was infamous for his pranks, it could have been just another of his schemes. Or perhaps he rounded a corner too quickly, startling a maid and she dropped some dishes.

But where were his amused chuckles or his quick apology?

"Jack!" came Emma's distressed cry.

Aster was on his feet then, holding the door open as the King and Queen stormed through. Elsa and Kristoff were not far behind. Her heart thumped wildly in her chest and there was an agonizing pain in the pit of her stomach: she knew something was terribly wrong.

And there he was.

Down the hall, lying still on the floor and surrounded by broken porcelain with a frantic Emma hovering over him.

"Jack! Can you hear me? Jack, come on! Open your eyes!" Emma yelled, shaking his shoulder, "Jack? Jack!"

Jack.

Fin

Nocturne: The Second Movement

Author's Note: Hey! So this chapter was updated faster than the last couple ones, that's good news right? So I got a comment from someone (thanks, UsuiXayuzawa!) telling me that I should clarify when and where a song should be played. I am not sure how I should necessary go about it. I don't think page breaks or line breaks would work because it signifies time skips and sometimes (most of the time) the song doesn't match with the time skip. Suggestions, anyone? I want to make reading this to be an enjoyable experience for you guys.

And to the dearest Amaya of ObsidianTheatre: what would I do without you?

Thank you to:

DarkbladerX666 (I got it right, this time, right!?), SunriseImagination, Bleep Bloop1, Guest #1, rissapup, Flamin'Sky, Guest #2, Guest #3, UsuiXayuzawa, Guest #4, DeniseAgron, corde amare, I am Nikita Daughter of Apollo, Shimmer Shine, Pianopanda, , Guest #5, crazyeights4ever, ThatJackFrostTho, and ElsaTheSnowQueen2

For reviewing this chapter!

Guest #1: I totally modeled Emperor Hirokazu after the Emperor of China in Mulan – appearance wise that is… not sure about his personality… ahaha. Maybe the Fire Lord from Avatar? There are reasons behind Emperor Hirokazu's severity. It will come to light soon. Thank you so much for reading and commenting! Your excitement fuels my passion to write!

Guest #2: Pitch is always up to something, the question is not what did he do, it's what did he not do. Thank you so much for your review!

Guest #3: Things are just starting to heat up (oh my gosh, terrible pun). It'll get more intense, hopefully, I like my melodrama. Thank you so much for your review, your enthusiasm always brightens my day!

Guest #4: I am so glad you enjoyed Chapter 14! I hope Chapter 15 was just as good!

Shimmer Shine: Thank you so much for your love! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Pianopanda: Thank you so much for your review!

Guest #5: The sappy romantic in me wants both of them to throw everything away for love too. But that wouldn't make much of a dramatic and intense story would it? Pitch's plot will be revealed soon… or will it? I'll definitely be writing more one-shots in addition to continuing Nocturne! Thank you so much for your review and enthusiasm for Ouvertüre in Snow! Your interest fills me with gusto to write!

ThatJackFrostTho: Thank you so much for your love, praise, and review!

Until next time!

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Cordially,

EireneHarmonia