A/N: Yet again, sorry about the delays. I do intend to release chapters faster than this but as it turns out this story can be harder to write than I thought. Unlike A&SQ I no longer have Frozen to use as a roadmap and while that story had 5 main characters this one has 8, each with a role to play and need to be fit in somewhere. However, I sat down and actually formed a rough plan so hopefully chapters will start coming out more frequently. But thank you for your patience in all this.
Chapter 17
The midmorning air was probably somewhat chilly but all Elsa noticed was how soothing the sun's rays felt when she stepped out into the castle's courtyard. She'd had a restless night without much sleep so when she felt the sunlight's rejuvenating warmth she had to pause, soaking it in. Most people assumed that because she was the Snow Queen she prefered cold weather but if anything it just made her appreciate heat all the more. After all, it wasn't heat she could make with the twitch of a finger so she basked in it for a few moments before looking at the rest of the plaza around her.
It had nearly transformed overnight, with all the wedding adornments having been replaced with decorations for the Blooming Festival. The white and lavender banners had been replaced by other banners instead bearing the green, gold and violet colors of Arendelle and numerous streamers hung from the enclosing walls of the same colors. Most impressive of all, though, were the flowers. They were everywhere, from hanging on sconces around the walls instead of the usual torches to numerous potted plants lining the raised step around the castle. Coming in numerous shapes and shades ranging from bright teals and yellows to darker violets and crimsons, they brought an air of liveliness and excitement to the stone around them, helping to usher in the coming spring.
And if this was how the castle looked Elsa couldn't wait to see the rest of the city for the people of the capital took the festival very seriously. Not only was it a chance to show off to neighboring kingdoms but it was also a chance to show off to the rest of Arendelle. There were celebrations in the other cities, to be sure, except none of them did it anywhere near the grandeur of the capital. Every street would be alight with colors, every house teeming with blossoms. There would be feasts every day and parties every night, ultimately culminating in the Måne Ball which traditionally took place by the light of the full moon and marked the end of the Blooming Festival.
As spectacular as the festival had been in years past, though, Elsa was determined for this one to be even more so. Not only was it her first one officially as queen but it would also be the first one that she attended in years. She could remember going out into the city when she was younger but ever since her isolation she'd stayed away, hiding within the castle's walls for the entirety of the festival, though she would watch some of the festivities from her bedroom window. How she'd longed to join in the celebrations yet couldn't for fear of something happening.
But no more. That was before she met Aaron, before she became queen, before she agreed to lead the people of Arendelle. What would they think if their queen refused to join them, choosing to lock herself away instead. No, the days of fear were gone and it was time to embrace her people wholeheartedly. So she'd hired entertainers, procured fireworks, everything she could think of, and if all went well this would be the greatest Blooming Festival in living memory. That is, assuming they were ready in time.
Seeing how the festival started tomorrow everything had to be in place by the time the sun rose the next day. Still, it all looked to be in order and if there was one man she could count on to get it done it was Kai. Standing a few feet in front of her, he was directing the people around the plaza with various orders and gestures, making sure everything was in its place, and as such didn't even notice Elsa until she was standing right beside.
"Well, Lord Kai, how's everything coming?" she asked as she looked around. "Will we be ready by tomorrow?"
"Indeed, your majesty," he replied after a nod. "Assuming nothing goes horribly wrong everything will be set."
"Let's hope that doesn't happen. Is there anything you need to finish things?"
"No, I should have everything, thank you."
"Then I'll get out of your hair and let you work." Stepping away, she continued to watch the man work as she moved to one side. He certainly had a knack for directing large groups of people and making sure things were in position for when they were needed and she was immeasurably grateful for that. He just made everything so much easier and she wasn't sure how the castle would function if it weren't for Kai.
It was while she watching him that she realized she wasn't the only person observing the controlled chaos. Standing off to her right with his hands clasped behind him was the reclusive Prince of the Southern Isles, Erik. Elsa hadn't actually talked to him much since his introduction other than a few passing comments here and there. It wasn't that he avoided her, he just didn't have much to say. Of course, when she looked over at him she was once again reminded just how much he looked like Hans. Fortunately just because they looked alike didn't mean they were the same person
While they looked very similar their personalities were very different. Whereas Hans had been charismatic and prefered to put himself in the heart of the situation Eric was more withdrawn, electing to keep a safe distance and observe his surroundings before offering an opinion. Also, his brother had made a point of getting to know as many people as possible yet he generally kept to himself, mostly seen alone. As a result Elsa didn't really know anything about him, much less what his intentions for being here were.
But maybe the dissimilarities between him and his brother were for the best. After all, Hans had turned out to be a power hungry malcontent intent on stealing her kingdom from under her and Elsa didn't even want to think about what his intentions for her sister might have been. Ultimately his greed had been his downfall but the last thing she or her kingdom needed was for Erik to follow his younger brother's example. And the only way to find out where his intentions led was through the art of conversation.
She meant to approach quietly but he still must have heard her footsteps, turning towards her. His eyes lit up with recognition when he saw her and he immediately dipped into a shallow yet polite bow. "Greeting, your majesty," Erik said as he straightened up, his expression becoming its usual enigmatic self. "Always a pleasure."
"Good morning, Prince Erik," replied Elsa, acknowledging the bow with a nod as she stopped beside him with a neutral smile. "I trust you are enjoying your stay here in Arendelle?"
Returning her smile with one of his own that was somehow friendly yet didn't reach his eyes, he nodded. "Very much so. You have a very charming country and in a lot of ways it reminds me of home, only with less water."
"Less water?"
"We are called the Kingdom of the Southern Isles, after all. Wouldn't be aptly named if we didn't have an abundance of water."
"Ah, of course." Never one for making small talk, she tried to steer the conversation to more meaningful subjects. "And your family? I trust they are well."
Nodding once more, Erik turned his attention back to the hubbub in the courtyard. "Well enough. My father is as strict and wise a king as he's ever been and my brothers are all in high spirits, considering. I wish I could say the same for my mother but she'll come around."
The following pause was somewhat awkward as Elsa deliberated how to respond. She could either tiptoe around the issue, pretending it wasn't there, or just address it straight on and, ultimately, the latter seemed more productive. So, steeling herself against any rebuttal, she drew a breath before letting it out in the form of a sigh before giving the prince a sober look. "Look, Prince Erik, as one royal to another I just want to say how sorry I am for the fate that befell your brother. Though he did try to kill me on more than one occasion I didn't wish to see him dead and if possible I would have spared his life. It's just that-"
She intended to continue saying how there was nothing she could have done to save him from his own actions but fell silent when Erik turned to regard her once more with a sad smile. It wasn't just the fact that he looked sad that rendered her mute, rather the fact that it was first time he actually revealed a genuine emotion. A deep sorrow rooted within his eyes, it conveyed a mournful ache and a longing to see his brother again yet didn't appear to contain any malice or bitterness towards her. As though he only mourned for the loss of family but didn't blame anyone for it.
"There's nothing to apologize for, your majesty," he replied in a slow, quiet voice. Though his eyes quickly reverted to being expressionless his voice continued to reveal his burden as he spoke. "Hans chose that fate when he did what he did so no one can blame you for what happened. And, though I can't speak for the rest of my family, I bear no animosity towards you or Arendelle. Not even your Lord Aaron, though he was ultimately the one to carry out the deed. I just wish…" Tapering off, a frown etched its way onto his face as he looked away again. It took a moment but eventually he finished the thought with a mutter. "I just wish my brother hadn't been so foolish."
Seeing how emotional the subject threatened to make him, Elsa chose her path carefully and her words tactfully. "As do I. For what it's worth, though, all I want is for those events to be forgotten and for our two kingdoms to continue to coexist peacefully."
That managed to draw some of the sorrow from him as his sad smile returned. "Then you and I are of a like mind, though I don't think it will be very easy to forget."
"Of course. Some wounds do take time to heal and that's understandable. I just hope that we can all emerge on the far side on good terms with one another."
"And I'm sure we will."He gave her an encouraging look before the curtain descended once more, his expression becoming as expressive as stone. "Now, if your majesty would excuse me, I need to go discuss something with my party. Apparently a letter has arrived from my father that I need to address." With that he gave another bow and made to leave.
Watching him go, Elsa once more returned the bow with a nod while still offering a smile. "Very well, Prince Erik. I look forward to our next meeting and hope you continue to enjoy your stay here."
When he turned away, though, that smile quickly faded as her eyes followed him back towards the castle. Despite her efforts he and his intentions continued to be a mystery and while he had shown some emotion for a moment he'd just clammed back up again afterwards. While she did believe him when he said he gave her no ill will there was still something off about him. Something unsettling. However, she was so caught up in watching him go that she didn't even notice that someone else was watching her. That is, until that person spoke.
"He is an odd one, isn't he?"
Blinking away from her thoughts, Elsa turned to find the source of the voice to find it was none other than Cyrus, who was standing a few feet away. He was wearing his usual grin and his golden hair was tousled in a handsomely roughish way but she didn't smile when she saw him. If anything she frowned, saying an acknowledging, "Prince Cyrus." Instead of waiting for his to reply, though, she added, "What do you mean?"
Apparently unperturbed by her blunt greeting, he stepped up beside her with a goodnatured look. "Just that he can have a bizarre way of talking."
A flash of chagrin went through her but she didn't she show it,just giving him a suspicious look. Listening in, are we? "You weren't eavesdropping on us, were you?"
"Not at all!" he protested with an indignant look, though that didn't last. "I was just walking by and happened to catch some of what you two were saying. And, I must admit, you make a good point."
Despite his denial Elsa didn't buy it for a second, continuing to give him a hard look. However, despite her irritation she found she was curious as to what he meant. "Which is?"
"That we should be attempting to make better relationships while we're here. You know, for the good of our kingdoms."
Though he said it with apparent sincerity she still found herself skeptical of his use of the word relationship. It could just in reference to diplomatic relations but she found herself thinking he meant something a little more personal. After all, he'd never said as much but he may have implied it. Deciding to call him on it, she turned her attention to the plaza. "I'm guessing you say that to all the ladies."
She half expected Cyrus to deny it or grow offended again but what she got was a muffled chuckle followed by, "Alright, you've got me there." And then his voice became serious when he added, "But that is what I wanted to talk to you about."
Puzzled by his response, Elsa glanced back over at him only to be even more perplexed by what she saw. Gone was the confident smirk, along with the cocky gleam in his eye, replaced by a grim look that was undercut by what looked like… modesty? Like he really was being sincere. Befuddled by this new side of him, she found she had no choice but to let him continue. "Go on."
That caused the hint of a grateful smirk begin to appear but his face remained solemn as he said, "I realize I may not have made the best first impression and I just wish to apologize, especially if I offended you in any way. It was not my intention and I am sorry." He then paused before something occurred to him. "However, in my defense let me just add that we tend to be a bit blunt with our speech where I come from rather than beating around the bush."
Though she meant to respond right away Elsa realized she had to think for a moment. Though she knew that she should still be frustrated with him there was just something refreshing in his humility, not to mention that his lame excuse was somewhat amusing to the point that she had to look away again lest he see her smile. Turning back to the courtyard again, she kept her voice steady as she replied, "Now you're just offering excuses for being rude."
"Oh come on! How many men do you know that don't lose the ability to talk when speaking to a beautiful woman like yourself?" Though he was protesting she could still hear the joke in Cyrus's voice, to say nothing of the way he called her beautiful with flirtatious undertones like he genuinely believed it. It was actually kind of flattering. He then became serious again as he said, "But I'm still in the wrong so I humbly ask for your forgiveness."
Once again she tried to suppress a smile upon hearing his apparent modesty only this time she failed, grinning openly. Like she could refuse him when someone as proud as Cyrus actually admitted to being at fault and asked to be forgiven. At least he's not totally conceited, she thought before saying, "Very well, Prince Cyrus. You are forgiven."
"Thank you, your majesty." There was that sincerity in his voice yet again and when she looked at him he looked genuinely relieved. Like he actually had been worried he might have offended her. However, as she watched that sly smirk crept back into view and his eyes retained their cocky gleam, almost like slipping on a glove. Like he was playing a game. "Though I do have to wonder if you really were offended by my words… or if you appreciated them."
In reality it was probably a minor pause, only a moment or two, but to her it felt like an eon as Elsa found that she didn't know what to make of the comment, which was mostly due to the fact that she really wasn't sure what to do with Cyrus. On the one hand he was a prince from a neighboring kingdom and if she ever wanted things to be pleasant between the two nations she would have to play nice. But on the other he was very clearly trying to woo her despite the fact that she was already committed to someone else, even though Cyrus didn't know that, so there was no way for his courting to actually work.
...And yet, if she was being completely honest with herself… she kind of liked his flirting. There was no denying that he was incredibly handsome, which made his attempts all the more flattering when he could probably have any woman he wanted, and when compared to the attempts made by Kresta's bumbling brother Zacharia Cyrus was somewhat good at flirting. Every time he flashed her a wink or slipped in a subtle compliment something stirred within her. Like her body wanted her to like him regardless of what she thought, which was just aggravatingly confusing. After all, she already had someone in her life so why would she want another?... But still, Cyrus was rather nice to look at...
No, enough of that, she thought harshly, clamping down on those thoughts. Things were already complicated enough between her and Aaron without that sort of thinking. However, at the same time it wasn't like she could just ignore Cyrus entirely for a week without him catching on or growing offended and the last she could afford to do was to offend a foreign dignitary, especially someone of his stature. Ultimately, regardless of her thoughts or feelings on the matter, she would have to walk a fine line with Cyrus between vague interest and loose detachment. Which meant that she would have to play the game.
Flashing him a coy smile, she held his gaze for a moment before breaking eye contact again, saying, "I guess that's something you'll just never know." With that she switched gears, trying to drive the conversation towards less coquettish topics. Giving a gesture to the plaza around them, she asked, "Anyway, while we're talking I wanted to ask you if your country has any holidays or festivities like this. I'm afraid my knowledge on Ildonen is somewhat lacking."
Once again there was a brief pause in which Cyrus didn't answer right away and when she glanced at him she found him giving her an odd look. Like he was trying to size up a challenge and whether it was worth the effort or not. When she turned her attention on him, though, the look faded into one of relaxed amiability like he was just having a friendly conversation with no ulterior motives. Like that's the case. "Of course we do," he replied before nodding at the decorated courtyard. "Maybe not as grand as all this but we do have our own customs that we follow."
"Such as?"
"Well, Elsa…" That was when he stopped abruptly, hesitating as though unsure if he'd just stepped out of line. Clearing his throat, he added, "Excuse me. May I call you Elsa?"
There was briefest of moments where she considered granting his request, seeing how he was trying to be cordial, but that idea was quickly brushed aside. After all, she had to keep him at an arm's length somehow so she adopted her most regal tone and held her head high, giving him a stern look. "No, you may not. You may refer to me as 'your majesty' or 'Queen Elsa'. Nothing more."
"Assertive. I like that." Once again his response was not what she was expecting. Elsa'd thought he would apologize or back off only to have the seductive rouge nearly resurface. But then he instantly flipped back into his friendly demeanor, almost like she'd imagined the beckoning in his voice. "It's good for a queen to be assertive. Otherwise people might try to manipulate you."
Still playing the game, huh? Well, so can I. Dropping her voice down a notch and giving him a deep stare, she asked, "And would you? Try to manipulate me, that is."
And yet again, much to her annoyance, he didn't react in a way she expected, instead wearing a benign look. "Of course not. Besides, someone with a will like yours, I don't think they can be manipulated. Now as I was saying about Ildonen, we do have our own customs. For example..."
Cyrus then went on to describe an event to her that took place in the heart of the country in the autumn but Elsa was too perplexed to catch most of it. She was just thrown by his odd responses. When you react in a way that makes sense? However, in her confusion she did catch two words that were familiar. The Misty Isle. I know I've heard that but where?... Oh, of course. After waiting for a pause she quickly interjected. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to go off course but I heard you say the Misty Isles. Wasn't that one of your 'titles'? Champion of the Misty Isles or something like that?"
"Indeed," he replied, nodding and apparently unperturbed by the interruption. "That's actually where my ancestors originated from. A small clan on a cluster of islands off the western coast of Ildonen. We actually control those islands to this day so my father is the Lord of the Misty Isles and when he passes on that title will fall to me, along with the crown of Ildonen."
She was going to say how that made sense in a way when a thought passed by and she instead had to stifle a smirk. "Are you sure about that? After all, as I recall you already have many superfluous titles. Do you really need to add any more?"
While Elsa tried to hide her grin Cyrus did nothing of the sort, smiling openly as he quipped, "First of all, I didn't give myself any of those titles. They were all given to me by other people. And secondly, like you don't have any ridiculous titles, Ms. Snow Queen."
"Ridiculous? At least it makes sense, Lion of the North…. Come to think of it, how did you come by that title anyway?"
Cyrus was clearly ready with a rebuttal but he faltered when she asked that, finally giving a response she predicted in the form of embarrassment. "Oh. That. Well,it was actually coined by some of the men serving under my command and it just sort of stuck. I like to think it's because I share the qualities of a lion, with my strength and pride. Heck, I even have the golden mane of a lion. However, something tells me it's for something else."
Despite her correct prediction Elsa wasn't able to take advantage of it as something he said caught her ear. Something she actually found quite surprising. "Wait. 'Under your command'? You've led men into battle?"
At first he didn't notice the shocked tone in her voice, a distant look entering his eye. "I've seen my share, yes." However, that didn't last long when he gave her a keen look. "You sound surprised."
Instantly regretting her disbelieving tone, now it was Elsa's turn to backpeddle. "No no. It's just that you never struck me as an officer." Really? He's seen battles? I don't mean to be offensive but he doesn't look like the sort.
Despite that kind of thinking Cyrus's friendly demeanor fell away slightly, revealing a worn weariness that had seen some of the darker side of man. His voice became slow as he said, "Someone has to protect the people of Ildonen from the threats of the world and that task just so happens to fall to me." Just as quickly as before, though, the walls flew back up as he looked over at her with a grin. "And who better? I'd do anything to protect the peace and prosperity of my people."
"Spoken like a true soldier."
That actually got a laugh as he shook his head and looked past her to the world beyond. "I'm no soldier, those it's flattering for you to think of me as one. No, the real soldiers are the ones who are willing to leave their homes and families in order to… to…" He tried to continue speaking but his words trailed off, his eyes focusing in on something and his brow furrowing as though he couldn't make sense of what he saw. "What is that?"
Following his gaze, Elsa turned to see what had his attention and at first didn't see anything. Then her eyes picked out a low flying object soaring through the air towards the city. Maybe there could have been some doubt as to what it was but that was instantly given away by the massive pair of flaming wings keeping it aloft. As a result she recognized it the moment she caught sight of it, her lips turning up in an inadvertent smile as she said, "That, Prince Cyrus, is the man who protects Arendelle from the threats of the world."