Author Note: Sorry about the delay on this. It should have come out months ago. The only excuse I have is life got in the way (in a good way). More importantly, I'd like to dedicate this chapter and all of A Dance of Frost and Flame to my girlfriend, without whom this story wouldn't exist. Thanks for everything you do, Sugar. This is all for you.

Chapter 4

The trees sped by as Sven's hooves pounded against the snow littered across the path, sending up plumes of frost behind the sled. Normally Aaron would have considered the golden rays piercing the shimmering clouds to be a beautiful sight but he hadn't yet recovered from the previous night's frivolities. There was still a slight pang in his temples and a twinge in his stomach, the parting gifts of a rowdy night, so he didn't much feel like doing much. Fortunately Sven was more than capable of taking them back to Arendelle without his help.

Passed out beside him, Kristoff was letting out a quiet snore as his head lolled back against the seat. He'd drank enough mead during the previous night to kill a horse yet somehow managed to stay on his feet until the dawn's light was just starting to trickle across the horizon before passing out on the floor. After letting him sleep it off for a few hours Aaron had tried to wake him without success so instead he'd simply heaved Kristoff into the sled and taken the reins himself.

Several hours had passed and the sun was venturing down towards the mountains by the time they eventually dropped down into the fjord that sheltered Arendelle. It was a wonder that any sunlight at all was reaching the valley, what with the large pall of clouds that covered the sky. However, the encroaching storm hadn't yet stretched its fingers out towards the western sky so some final rays were skating through, illuminating the tallest spires of the castle in a fiery glow.

A faint rumble of thunder sounded from over the mountains as Aaron gave Kristoff a small shake. "Wake up." When all he got was a muffled moan he gave him a brusque shove and said, "Hey, rise and shine. We're almost back. How are you feeling?"

Letting out another grown, Kristoff cracked open an eye and squinted against the fading light. After giving his head a small shake and instantly regretting it he leaned forward, burying his face in his hands. His voice was muffled as he said, "Like I crawled into a bottle and died. Luckily, it no longer feels like my head is going to explode."

Aaron suppressed a chuckle and cast him a glance. "Now you know what happens when you try to drink an entire keg by yourself."

The sled gave a sudden lurch as it passed over a small bump, jostling both of them and drawing another moan out of Kristoff. Sitting back up, he took several deep breaths before wincing at the light again. "I'm never going to drink again."

"That's what everyone says the first time," Aaron replied, returning his attention to the path ahead. Though he no longer had the urge to laugh he still had a large grin plastered across his face. "Don't worry, you'll live."

"Some best man you turned out to be," complained Kristoff, shooting him a dirty look. "Letting me drink myself half to death."

"Isn't that the best man's job? To help the groom obliterate himself with mead?" he asked, chuckling to himself. "Besides, as you may recall I was right there beside you. In fact I'm pretty sure I had more than you."

"Then why aren't you holding your head as well?"

Shrugging, he replied, "Because I can handle my drink. But try to pull yourself together. We're almost back to Arendelle."

For a moment Kristoff didn't react, simply nodding to himself. Then he gave a sharp start and winced. "What?! You should have woken me up sooner." Looking down at his disheveled clothes, he vainly tried to smooth out his tunic. "I can't let Anna see me like this."

"So you got drunk. What's she going to do, call off the wedding?"

The sleigh gave a jolt as it sped over a tree root and down onto the beach, rounding the last bend towards the city. By now the sun's light had left the castle but still illuminated the mountains behind it. Meanwhile the thunderheads were looming lower and lower, grumbling with the occasional spat of lightning. Not that either of them noticed. Kristoff was too busy glaring at Aaron. "Don't even joke about that sort of thing."

He seemed more than a little perturbed at the comment but Aaron couldn't resist poking a little more fun. "So you're saying I shouldn't tell her about that barmaid that was fawning over you?"

"If I wasn't so queasy I'd sock you just for mentioning that."

"She definitely had a thing for you," he said, ignoring the reply. "Always using any excuse to linger around you and topping off your mug the moment it was empty. I had to pay for all my drinks. What was her name again?"

"Okay, you've made your point. Let's move on to something else."

"Started with an E, didn't it? Elina? Emma?"

"Seriously. Shut it."

Aaron snapped his fingers. "Emily, that's it! She seemed a little disappointed that you neglected to escort her upstairs but we can always turn around-"

He was cut off by Kristoff's fist colliding with his shoulder. Despite the slight sting he felt it was apparently nothing to what Kristoff experienced as he quickly clutched both his hands to his temples and let out an exclamation. "Ahh!"

Watching him writhe for a moment, Aaron just grinned and shook his head. "Oh yeah. Forgot to mention that you shouldn't make any sudden movements when dealing with a hangover. Sorry about that."

Kristoff slowly slumped forward, still holding his throbbing head, and muttered a few words but all Aaron could make out was, "I'm going to get you back for this."

"Sure you are," he replied, patting him on the shoulder. "Now straighten up and try to look presentable, your highness. Can't have you looking bad in the eyes of the public." They were approaching the outskirts of Arendelle and it wouldn't do for the people to see their future prince to be curled in a ball moaning about a headache.

Fortunately he managed to pull himself together before they entered the main street. There were more people out than normal for this time of day but the preparations for the Blooming Festival were nearly complete. As such, the people were out enjoying a final day of peace before the partying began. While the festival was the highlight of the year, it could be exhausting for the residence of the city.

Several people noticed them as they passed, causing calls ripple through the crowds with the people calling out to their future prince. There had been some concern about a commoner marrying the heir to the throne but the people seemed to love Kristoff and even enthusiastic to see him and Anna say their vows. Perhaps they'll accept Elsa and I as well, Aaron thought as he looked out over the people. "Go on, give them a wave," he said to Kristoff, who managed to raise a hand and got an instant cheer. Fortunately they made way for the sled and before long they were in the castle's courtyard.

He hopped down from the sled just as it came to a halt, moving gingerly as his own stomach gave a disgruntled shift, and walked around the side to help Kristoff down. It took some time and slow movements but eventually Kristoff was standing on his own two feet, though he was still complaining about a terrible headache. After saying bye to Sven they made their way into the castle just as the last of the sun left the fjord.

Now I just need to get him back to his chambers without talking to anyone, Aaron thought, escorting him across the great hall.

However, no sooner had he thought this when he heard a voice call out behind them. "My lord!"

Shit.

However, he gave a sigh of relief when he turned to see his second in command, Nicolas hurrying towards them. A good man, if a little over zealous at times, he was placed in charge of the city guard until Aaron returned. Halting in front of them, he gave a short bow. "Lord Aaron. Welcome back."

"Nicolas," he replied with a nod. "Any disturbances in my absence?"

"No, my lord. Nothing out of the ordinary. Stien wants to talk to you about something but I'm sure that can wait."

"Agreed," Aaron replied with a nod. The last thing he wanted to do right now was deal with the crotchety lord. Instead all he wanted was to get Kristoff taken care of and then make sure that nothing had happened in his absence before crashing for a nap. And perhaps paying Elsa a visit later in the evening. "For now I'm going to get the future prince back to his chambers. Let me know if anyone else wants me for something."

Before he could go, though, Nicolas said, "Actually, my lord, the queen requested that I inform you that she wishes to see you as soon as you get back."

"The queen?" What could Elsa want? "You should have mentioned that immediately. Did she say why?"

"No. Just that both of you should see her at the earliest possible convenience."

"And where is the queen?"

"In the library with Princess Anna and Lord Kai, my lord. I believe they're going over the wedding plans one last time and it only seems fitting that the groom and best man would be present for that."

"Thank you, Nicolas. Please inform Lord Stien that I'll deal with him later. After the wedding, perhaps."

"Very good, my lord," he said with another bow before nodding to Kristoff. "Prince Kristoff." With that he turned and made his way towards the western hallway.

"Not a prince yet," Kristoff muttered as they walked away.

"Soon enough. Come on, let's not keep our ladies waiting."

Hurrying down the hall and up the stairs, they made their way towards the library as quickly as possible without causing Kristoff to collapse. Luckily, they didn't run into anyone else other than some maids and a handful of guards, all of whom snapped to attention at their passing, so they got to the door quickly enough. Before going in, though, he turned Kristoff to face him and did his best to make it look like he didn't wake up on an inn floor that morning.

As he was straightening his tunic, though, it appeared that Kristoff was still slightly more enibriated than he thought as he said, "You know I didn't mean what I said about regretting making you my best man, right? I don't know if I could have made it through all this without you."

Shaking his head, Aaron replied, "Nonsense. You would fight through all the circles of hell for Anna so I think you can handle a simple wedding. Now shut up and keep your thoughts to yourself. And try not to wobble when you walk."

With that he spun him around and pushed him through the door. Inside a small fire flickered in the fireplace as the sun's fading light could be seen through the window. The sisters were standing next to the fire, talking about something having to do with the wedding but they fell silent when they entered. Anna's face instantly lit and she darted forward catch Kristoff in a hug, who, to his credit, managed to stay upright. Elsa, on the other hand, simply gave Aaron a warm smile when she saw him.

Aaron instinctually wanted to wrap her in a hug of his own and give her a lingering kiss before saying how much he missed her, but before he could he noticed Kai standing off to one side. So, despite his disappointment at seeing the other lord, he simply gave Elsa a bow and said, "My queen. Your lord protector and the groom have returned."

"Welcome back, Lord Aaron," she replied with a cordial nod. "It's good that you've returned safely. You could have done so in a more timely fashion, though."

Anyone else might have taken this as a slight but he could detect a hint of the tone she used when teasing him, so he gave a small grin. "My apologies."

Meanwhile, Anna was letting Kristoff loosen her hug so that she was no longer crushing him. "Welcome back, honey. I missed you." Then she looked at his face and saw the weariness in his eyes. "Are you okay?"

"Just… tired is all," he replied with a smile. "A long night."

That seemed to aliviate her concerns as she instead adopted a suspicious look. "I hope you didn't get into too much trouble."

"Of course not."

"Emily," Aaron coughed under his breath, causing Kristoff to flash him a glower.

"Sorry, Aaron. Did you say something?" asked Anna, missing the exchange.

"Not at all, princess," he replied, doing his best not to laugh at Kristoff's vexed expression. "Just had a frog in my throat. Now, please continue with where you were before we arrived."

"Oh, that." Leaning over, she muttered so only he could hear him, "We're trying to convince Elsa to dance at my wedding."

That got Aaron's attention, causing his amusement to quickly fade as Kai spoke up. "After all, your majesty, it is tradition."

Turning her attention back to him, Elsa replied coolly, "That may be so, but I don't recall anyone mentioning that."

"No, but it is customary for the best man and maid of honor to lead the patrons onto the dance floor after the newlyweds' first dance." Pausing, he glanced at Aaron. "That is, you and Lord Aaron will share a dance."

A dance with Elsa? Aaron thought with an inadvertent smile. Gladly. Elsa, however, didn't seem to share his enthusiasm and gave Kai a harsh glance. "You know I don't dance, Kai."

"Yes, your majesty. But, seeing as this is Princess Anna's wedding, I thought it might be prudent if we go by her discretion."

Silence reigned for a moment as she gave Kai a long look before letting out a weary sigh and turning to Anna, who was giving her an excited look. Though she looked resigned to already knowing the answer, Elsa said, "Very well. What do you think, Anna?"

"Come on, Elsa. Do you even need to ask?" she replied, shaking her head. "There is no way you're not dancing at my wedding."

After looking like she was debating her options for a moment, she let out "Fine. But only one dance." She gave Aaron a brief glance, and while to "Hopefully Lord Aaron proves to not be a clumsy partner."

Hopefully?! It was all he could do to bight back a retort. Normally he gladly would have replied with a poke of his own but it wouldn't do to insult the queen in front of Kai. "I shall try my very best, my queen," he replied with a short bow, trying to keep a straight face.

It seemed she was also fighting back a grin but she managed to return to the matter at hand. "So then they cut the cake, you two leave for the evening's… frivolities." As she said this she cast a glance at the couple. Anna's cheeks instantly flashed scarlet and her eyes flashed to the floor, a smile tugging at her lips. Kristoff, however, didn't seem to notice her smile as he had suddenly developed a keen fascination with the ceiling. It was all Aaron could do not to laugh at the pair's reaction to Elsa's insinuation, covering up his brief chuckle with a cough. Well, they will be married after all.

Elsa seemed to be the only one who held her composure, turning back to Kai without batting an eye. "I give a short speech thanking everyone for attending on behalf of the happy couple and everyone retires for the night. Is that all?"

He'd also been suppressing a laugh but instantly straightened up when she looked at him, nodding. "More or less, your majesty."

"Very well. Then, if you don't mind, I'd like to have a word with the soon to be married couple. I'm sure there's plenty for you to do to make ready for the guests arriving tomorrow."

"Of course. If you'll excuse me, I'll go see to those matters right away. Queen Elsa." He gave her a deep bow before looking back at her sister and giving her a smaller bow. "Princess Anna."

"Bye, Kai," Anna mumbled, her face still beet red as she fought to hide a small grin.

They all waited until the door had closed behind him before letting out a collective sigh. Both Anna and Kristoff still seemed awfully flustered, looking at each other and laughing nervously before whispering things that he couldn't hear to each other. They instantly seemed to forget about him and Elsa, caught up in each other, and he had to admit it was tempting to tease them over their sudden trepidation. But first, he had a bone to pick. Wheeling to give Elsa a dirty look, he growled, "Hopefully I'll be good enough?"

Returning his glare with an impish grin, she said, "We both know you have all the dancing grace of a drunken sailor."

"Oh really?" Before she could reply his hand shot out, catching hers and pulling her into a strong embrace. The sudden move caught Elsa off-guard as her playful grin faltered and she gave him a guarded look, watching him closely. Aaron allowed a broad smile to cross his face, leaning in to whisper, "I seem to recall you liking my dancing once."

Cocking an eyebrow, she did nothing until he was an inch away but instead of letting him have the kiss she tilted her head back and asked, "When would that have ever happened?"

Need a reminder, huh? When her expression remained stoic he did the one thing he knew would break that stern face. Taking her hand again, he twirled her so that she faced away and enwrapped his arms around her belly. Twirling always seemed to cause her to laugh and this was no exception as a quite giggle escaped her, an amused smile decorating her lips. That smile quickly faded, though, when she turned her head and saw the intense stare Aaron was giving her. "You remember," he murmured, allowing his face to drift closer to hers.

Though her expression became enigmatic her breath betrayed her excitement, hastening as he slowly leaned in. Her eyes widened slightly and her lips parted in a silent sigh but otherwise she remained motionless in his arms, her azure eyes fixed on his. Then her eyes flicked down to his lips. It was only for a second before they darted back to his but her desire was clear. A desire he was all too eager to satisfy.

However, just before he could press his lips to hers she flashed him a wink and turned her head away, saying, "Sorry. Doesn't seem familiar."

Faltering, Aaron blinked a few times before giving a groan. She played me again! She's getting pretty good at that. Clever minx. But he had his own games he could play. Placing a hand on her side where he knew she was particularly ticklish, he gently drew a single finger across her, replying, "Not even slightly?"

"Ah!" A sharp jolt shot through her but his other arm kept her firmly in place so instead of pulling away she gave him a harsh scowl, though he could see the mirth in her eyes. "Don't do that!"

"You're wish is my command, my queen," he said with a roguish wink and a wolfish grin. "But it's your funeral after I'm done stomping all over your toes with my clumsy feet."

Her irritated gaze quickly mollified and she relaxed again, a smiling creeping into view. "I could have you thrown in the dungeons for such a comment."

"I'd like to see you try."

"I don't know how you two do it."

The comment caught Aaron completely by surprise, as he had completely forgotten about Anna and Kristoff. Turning his head, he saw that they were both watching them with amused smirks. A small blush bled into Elsa's cheeks as she also remembered that they were there but Aaron didn't so much as blink, instead replying to Anna's question. "Do what?"

"Keep your relationship a secret. I think I would go mad if Kristoff and I did that."

Looking back at Elsa, he saw that she was once more watching him with a beckoning gleam in her eyes. "Mad. Yeah." He leaned over and gave her neck a brief kiss, causing a tremor to rock through her. "But we make it work."