Hi everyone ! It's been quite a long time, once again. This chapter is a lot shorter than the previous ones, but I just had to make it this short. Maybe you'll understand my choice after reading it !
I hope you will enjoy reading it anyway, and see you soon for chapter 14 !
Chapter 13
The night after the fight, everyone was celebrating. The seamen and the warriors were all drinking, dancing and singing, some men recreating the most epic moments of the battle in a parodic manner. The public was laughing out loud, cheering for the improvised actors. Even the four injured men were taking part in this joyful turmoil. Anna and Kristoff were dancing together under the applause of a excited Olaf and the energic melody of the captain's violin. Maria and Gutjaeger, who were already drunk from all the beer they had been gulping, were chatting and giggling like teenagers. Tobert and Zerald were showing off their party skills – putting sticks in their noses, dancing and jumping and drinking at the same time... - making everyone else forget about their disappearance during the fight. Zyga was sitting quietly in the middle of this human whirlwind of crazyness, desperately trying to knit something, but obviously failing every attempt because of this energy that was impossible to contain. She didn't want to take part to this party in the first place, anyway, but the captain had given clear orders : everyone had to celebrate, whether they liked it or not !
Elsa liked this atmosphere. The ceremonies they had in the castle were not even close to be as savage, as free or as crazy as this one. She was tired because of the clash with the dragon squad, so she was just watching everyone, back to the guardrail, smiling and drinking a very little dose of rum. She didn't want to get dizzy, though : she just wanted to taste something new. And the sweet flavour of this alcohol was obviously refreshing and comforting. But she was aware that taking more than a sip would be unworthy of a queen. It could even be dangerous !
Henry came by her side while she was putting her glass, still almost full, on top of a close barrel.
- Hi, he said simply.
- Hi, she replied with a smile.
Henry smiled back at her, then put his elbows on the railguard and looked at the dark ocean.
- Nice party, heh ? he said.
- Yes. I can't get enough of this. Seeing my sister laughing and dancing, full of grace and life... Even though she was not supposed to be here, I'm glad I can see this tonight.
- Sister safe with you.
Henry and Elsa looked at each other.
- You think so ? she asked with a soft, unsure voice.
- Yes, he replied, with a firm voice. You strong. You brave.
Elsa's eyes were shining.
- You're stronger than me, she said.
Henry's eyes were adamant. But he looked back at the see, and said :
- No.
- Why do you say that ? You saved me. You were cursed, but you manage to control your powers like I never could.
- Fiora dead. Because of me.
Elsa put her hand on Henry's shoulder.
- You were a kid, she said. You can't blame yourself for what happened.
- Should have protected her with what she taught me.
- You were outnumbered...
- Should have done anything.
He looked back at Elsa. Tears were veiling his eyes.
- Now, when I look at the sea, the only thing I notice is my failure. Fiora's deadbody is there, somewhere, on board of a ghost ship, struck by the waves and the salt, about to break and to sink into the dark and cold depths of the ocean.
Elsa couldn't believe what she was hearing. Henry was speaking a perfect english. Not only that, but he had also finally opened his heart, revealing his true feelings without fear, the tears in his eyes eventually falling on his cheeks while he looked at her. Elsa felt like a vice was compressing her chest as she was looking deep into Henry's eyes. The breeze of the night went to caress her hair, gently, apeasing her mind and her soul for a moment.
Henry slowly approached his left hand from Elsa's and held it between his fingers. Then, he put his right hand on Elsa's cheek and began to caress it with his thumb. Elsa didn't know what to do. She just blushed and remained silent, eyes wide open, lips trembling and hands shaking. Henry was handsome. He was gentle. He was brave. He was caring. He was everything.
- I have never seen a queen as wonderful as you, he whispered.
Elsa was shivering. Henry's head moved closer. And closer.
Their lips joined. They closed their eyes.
They forgot about the clamours of the party. They forgot about the dragons. About their powers. About everything.
This night was their night.