Chapter 18

Kresta found herself humming a quiet tune as she cantered back into the cobbled streets of Arendelle. She'd had a permanent smile fixed on her face the entire way from the lake, though she wasn't entirely certain why. It certainly wasn't because she was confident that she would beat Aaron back to the city. She had given up on that idea as soon as she'd realized there was no way her horse could outrun a crow much less the flame lord when he was aloft. No, she had her suspicions as to why she was in such a good mood but quickly discarded them as preposterous. After all, it wasn't like she'd known him for that long…

The city had come alive in her absence, the once empty streets now teeming with people going about their lives. None seemed to recognize her as a princess and very few even bothered to acknowledge as she steered her mount through the crowds. They were all too busy focusing on whatever task was at had in preparing the city for the morrow, be it raising colorful pennants or arranging numerous displays of exotic flowers. Many of these flowers she recognized, clearly imported from Maneva and other southern kingdoms with climates that could support such blossoms, yet there were many she didn't and must have come from Arendelle itself, no doubt harvested from within the interior. A rich mixture of creamy pastels and fervent streaks, the only flower displays Kresta had seen that could even compare to these were in some of Maneva's grandest gardens and even those didn't quite measure up to the city around her. Looks like this festival really will be something to behold, she thought as she broke away from the masses towards the castle.

Her horse's hooves clacked against the flagstone as they trotted across the bridge leading back to the castle on its solitary isle. A mid morning breeze toyed with the bastion's many flags as she passed through the open gates into the courtyard, bringing her horse to a halt. The plaza was much busier than it had been when she left, which only made sense considering she'd left before dawn, with any number of people hurrying to finish adorning it with all manner of decorations. Seeing how they were nearly done hanging multiple banners and scattering flowers about it was beginning to look rather festive, if somewhat muted when compared to the city itself.

Taking a moment to take in the commotion around her, she found that she was still smiling as she leisurely dismounted her steed and stepped down onto the courtyard, giving the mare a pat as she did so. However, that smile didn't last long when she heard a frustrated voice call out to her.

"Where have you been?"

Giving an exasperated sigh, Kresta glanced over her shoulder to give her brother a stern look. Zach was standing several feet behind her, his arms crossed and a clearly disappointed expression etched into his face. While he probably meant for it to be intimidating, though, it only served to irritate her as she turned back to her horse, curtly replying, "Out."

Her lack of a greeting didn't seem to faze him as he silently stepped up beside her, still looking quite frustrated. When she ignored him, continuing to give her horse a pat, she heard him let out a sigh of his own, his voice heavy. "You went into the wilderness on your own again, didn't you?"

Doing her best not to shoot him a glare, she shrugged. Kresta knew exactly where this conversation was going, seeing how they'd had it many times before, but that didn't mean her brother wasn't about to go through the motions again for what must have been the hundredth time. "Maybe. So what if I did?"

"You know Victor and I hate it when you do that,"he replied gruffly, trying to adopt an authoritative stance. Not that that made Kresta pay him any more heed.

"And as I've told you so many times I go where I want, when I want." After giving Zach a hard stare she turned to look around for a moment before spotting what she was searching for. Standing nearby was one of the castle guard, dressed in the livery of a Arendellian soldier, who looked up when she called, "Guard!" Nodding in response, he began to make his way towards her.

Ignoring the guard, Zach let out a vexed hiss under his breath while continuing to scold her. "But you're a princess of Maneva! You can't afford to be so reckless. What are we supposed to do if something happens to you?"

"Like what?"

"I don't know, you get kidnapped by a band of highwaymen or something."

"Highwaymen?" Flashing him an amused look, Kresta cracked a small smirk. "Please, brother. If I can beat you in a dual I think I can handle a few thugs."

It was true that whenever they crossed blades for a short sparring bout she generally came out the winner, though while she liked to fancy it was due to her own prowess it was more likely due to the fact that Zach had never been very adept with a sword. He didn't even bother denying this, instead rolling his eyes before shooting her a glare. "That's not the point. I'm just saying we're in a foreign land and you can't go wandering off on your own."

"Watch me," she sniped back, falling silent and adopting a friendly look as the guard came to a halt before her.

Giving a short bow, he asked, "You require assistance, your highness?"

While she relished in the fact that the guard's presence rendered her brother mute for a moment, she handed the man the reins to her horse. "Yes. If you would be so kind please return this steed to the castle stables with my compliments. And tell them that I might be making a purchase before sailing home."

"Very good, your highness." After offering another bow the guard accepted the mare's reins and guided her away, making for the far side of the plaza.

Watching them go, Kresta found herself feeling slightly wistful at the horse's leaving. A swift and dependable mount, she hadn't even had the opportunity to learn the mare's name, but that was probably just as well. If she did end up buying the horse she would most likely end up renaming her anyway. Maybe she should make that purchase before she left.

It was in her momentary pause of reflection that she realized her brother was silently waiting for her to speak, no doubt so he could chastise her some more. However, she was done with that particular conversation as she quietly said, "Don't bother trying to convince me to stay in the city, Zach. You know it won't work. Besides, I have something I wanted to ask you."

Kresta made a point of trying to look like she was observing the plaza around them but when a few seconds slipped by and she didn't get a response she glanced over to see that some of Zach's frustration had faded. In it's place was begrudging sufferance as he met her gaze unblinkingly. However, he didn't hold the look for long before his shoulders slumped slightly and he glanced away. "Which is?"

She waited for a moment to see if he would say anything else and when he remained mute had to suppress a smile. He rarely let up so easily on anything so she wasn't about to press her luck by testing the issue, instead quietly asking, "I don't suppose you've seen Lord Aaron around, have you?"

The question had the desired effect as any frustration on Zach's face quickly fell away as his eyes lifted to the horizon, looking utterly bemused. "As a matter of fact I did," he replied after a pause, as though trying to believe what he saw had been real. "In what was probably the most bizarre thing I've ever seen."

"Don't tell me. He was flying."

"Yeah, he was. That is, he…" Before continuing his voice tapered off and his eyebrows knitted together. Flashing her a questioning look, he said, "Wait. How'd you know that?"

Wearing a benign smile, Kresta shrugged. "Lucky guess. So he is in fact here in the castle?"

Though her smile didn't falter he continued to eye her suspiciously for a moment before slowly answering, nodding back towards the keep as he did so. "He is. After landing in the courtyard he paused to share some brief words with Queen Elsa before heading inside. She followed suit shortly thereafter, in case you were wondering."

Normally she might have noticed the change in Zach's voice when he said Elsa's name but she was too busy getting wrapped in her own thoughts to notice. So he really is powerful,she thought as she stared towards the keep. After all, he really was able to fly all the way here. And that was after what all she'd seen at the lake, though she now had to pause. In a way, Aaron was starting to seem too good to be true. "Huh. So much for that bet," she muttered out loud while looking up at the castle.

Unfortunately, she instantly regretted not keeping the thought to herself when Zach asked, "What bet? What are you talking about?"

Frowning, she shook her head. "Never mind. It doesn't concern you." Her thoughts about Aaron were starting to become somewhat confusing and the last thing she wanted was to discuss them with her brother of all people, and it certainly didn't help that she was starting to feel slightly ravenous. So, before he could say anything else, she turned towards the castle and started walking away. "If you'll excuse me, I have to see to something."

"Now hold on. I'm not done talking to y-"

That was as far as he got as Kresta's patience had reached its end with her turning to fix him with an icy glare. "Enough, Zacharia. Victor is the king, not you. And therefore you don't have any more authority over me than anyone else. Now, if you'll excuse me I'm actually feeling quite hungry so I'm going to go and find some breakfast." With that she broke away, making for the main entrance to the keep.

Though she heard him call after her she didn't stop, sweeping through the doors without so much as a backward glance. Zach was a nice enough person and even a caring brother sometimes but other times he just had a knack for getting under her skin and she wasn't about to let him ruin what had started out as a fairly enjoyable morning, pushing any thoughts of his words aside. Instead she chose to focus on trying to find the kitchens when her stomach suddenly gave a quiet yet audible growl. Perhaps I really do need to eat something, she thought as she walked down the branching hallways.

However, as she did so she quickly realized that she didn't quite know her way around the castle yet. After all, she hadn't really taken the time to familiarize herself with the castle yet and soon found herself right back where she started after somehow having gone in a circle. Luckily no one seemed to notice her as she wandered by, quickly becoming a little too embarrassed to ask for help. It didn't help when she chose a different hallway only to find her way back to the great hall once more. Fortunately, she was about to have a little luck.

It was while she was passing by the main winding staircase in the center of the castle for the third time Kresta paused when she heard a pair of familiar voices and upon hesitating turned to see the newlyweds making their way down towards her. They were walking hand in hand, muttering quietly and smiling fondly at one another as they descended the stairs, looking for all the world like a couple that had been married for years rather than yesterday. Actually Kristoff was looking kind of groggy, his hair tousled and his eyes heavy, while his new bride appeared anything but. If anything Anna seemed energized, ready for whatever the day might bring. It made for a fun contrast, seeing her nearly drag him down the stairs, though despite the difference both still looked blissfully happy.

It wasn't until they had nearly reached the bottom of the stairs that Anna finally noticed her patiently waiting for them and gave her an enthusiastic smile. "Hi, Kresta," she said brightly with a small wave. "How are you today?"

"I'm good." Though she found Anna's chipperness a bit odd Kresta had to admit her enthusiasm was infectious as she found herself also smiling when she replied, "Not as good as you, apparently."

Shrugging, she didn't bother denying it as she flashed her husband a cheery look. "What can I say? I just feel good today. You know?"

That nearly drew a chuckle from Kresta, seeing how there was likely only one source of Anna's 'feeling good', but she was able to retain her composure and simply answered with a brief, "Uh huh." Turning to Kristoff, she then said, "And you, Kristoff? I have to say, you're looking a little tired this morning. Didn't sleep well?"

"Oh no, I slept fine," he replied with a smirk, exchanging a glance with Anna. "Had a… late night is all."

Though she was clearly trying to look nonchalant Anna's cheeks still burned red at the comment and she quickly glanced away, letting an embarrassed silence fall that was only broken when Kresta said, "Is that so." Before the awkward moment could drag on any longer she added, "Well, I'm trying to find something to eat. You two have probably already eaten but if you're not busy I wouldn't mind the company. And maybe a little help."

Gratefully grasping onto the new conversation thread, Anna nodded. "Of course we'll join you. Kristoff and I only woke up a little while ago so we haven't eaten yet either."

"'A little while ago?'" Giving them an incredulous look, her eyes flicked to a nearby window to see that the sun was well beyond the halfway mark in its climb, meaning that it was probably already past ten. They just got up? Late night indeed. Casting the confusion aside, she shrugged. "Just as well. I don't really know where the kitchen is anyway."

"That's okay. We'd be happy to show you. Right, Kristoff?"

Anna turned to look at him expectantly but what she got was an apologetic smile as he shook his head. "Actually, Anna, I was going to go check up on Sven. Don't worry, I won't be long and I'll join you both in a bit."

"Oh sure. That's what you said a couple days ago and look how that turned out," quipped Anna, giving him a chastising look. Despite the remark, though, her smile instantly returned as she said, "I'm kidding of course. Take as much time as you need, love. Just don't take too long."

Returning the smile, he leaned in to plant a kiss on her cheek. "Love you," he whispered to her before looking at Kresta to say, "Bye Kresta." With that he turned and headed down the hall, making for the main entrance.

They both watched him go in silence for a moment before she looked back at Anna and was about to speak but hesitated when Kresta saw how happy she looked. Her face was beyond blissful as she watched her man walk away like she was the happiest newly married woman ever, which she very well could be. The last thing Kresta wanted to do was intrude on whatever merry thoughts were going through her head but then her stomach gave another subtle growl and she found she had no choice. "Looks like it's just the two of us then."

The words sprung Anna from her thoughts as she looked away from the retreating Kristoff, still smiling. "Yeah. But that's okay. I like spending time with you."

"And I you." Taking a step closer and twining her arm around Anna's, Kresta looked at the surrounding halls. "Now, which way to food?"

"This way, follow me."

With that Anna started to guide her through the castle. As they went they quickly fell into a friendly banter, briefly discussing what they hoped for breakfast. Kresta was bent on finding herself some fresh fruit if she could while Anna was craving something with chocolate this morning for some reason, though she had to admit that did sound pretty good. However, as they went she noticed that there was still some awkwardness hanging around them from earlier. It wasn't much, just in how Anna talked and the way her cheeks seemed permanently rosy, but it was clear that there was something on her mind and before long Kresta found that she couldn't resist giving a poke.

They were meandering down a cheerfully lit hallway with many tall windows along one side to let in the sun and a likely looking entryway at the far end when she leaned in close and dropped her voice to a secretive mutter. "So I have to ask, how was last night?" When all she got was a bemused look she decided just to go for it, adding, "Big boy like him, must have been fun."

The look of horror that crossed Anna's face was more than anything she could have hoped for, a priceless combination of sudden shock mixed with pure embarrassment as her cheeks went from a light pink to scarlet in less than a second. "Kresta!" she protested with a hiss, jerking back.

It didn't help her sheepishness when Kresta laughed out loud, shaking her head at the younger woman's consternation. "Relax, Anna, I'm only joking. It's just that you looked like you had something on your mind that you wanted to talk about."

"Well, you were mistaken."

"Alright, suit yourself," replied Kresta, feigning defeat and looking down the hall. Despite that, though, they'd only gone a few steps before she slyly added, "Still. Inquiring minds do want to know."

It was all she could do not to laugh again at the fresh wave of embarrassment that was crossing Anna's face, her cheeks now a rich burgundy, which was only made all the funnier when she tried to appear dignified, holding her head high. However, even though she was clearly uncomfortable with the subject matter there looked to be some part of her that secretly wanted to talk about it as she mumbled, "It was… fine."

"Just fine? Oh sweetie, I'm so sorry!"

"Hush," Anna scolded, only her smile was creeping back into sight. She then did her best to appear formal again, adding, "If you must know it was a little more than fine." However, that look barely lasted few a seconds before she cracked, her smile returning in full form at the memory of the previous night. "Oh who am I kidding, it was amazing!"

"I'm glad to hear you enjoyed yourself," she replied softly, pleased to see that Anna was able to push past some of her apprehension for the subject yet fell silent again in the hopes that this would encourage her to continue talking. And she was even more pleased when it had that exact effect.

"Yeah. But not for the reason you might expect. Don't get me wrong, it was great. I just... felt like I was connecting with Kristoff on a completely different level. Like, we always loved each other but now it's like we have this… primal link between us, allowing us to express our love in new ways like never before."Her eyes grew thoughtful as she spoke, slowing to a halt and giving Kresta a glance. " I… I can't really explain it but now I just feel closer to him than ever."

Offering an encouraging smile, Kresta gave her hand a pat. "Don't worry, I think I understand. And I'm pretty sure that's normal." It was only after Anna returned the smile that they resumed walking, with her electing to try and lighten the mood a bit. "Just think, though. Now you get to do that every night. In fact, I think it's encouraged."

As she hoped it got a nervous titter from the redhead, as well as what almost looked like a hopeful look in her eye for a moment, before her mounting embarrassment became too much to handle. "Can we… can we change the subject? Not that I mind telling you these things, I'm not really comfortable talking about… it."

"Okay." Anna clearly didn't really know the first thing about this sort of stuff so Kresta did her best to appear comforting and was fully prepared to drop it, though she did feel she needed to offer a passing thought. "You should know, though, that 'it' is perfectly natural and just another part of life. Nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about." Once again her words had the desired effect by causing a small smile to form on Anna's lips, only this time she started casting glances over at Kresta. "What is it?"

"Nothing," she said at first, shaking her head. But after a few steps while staring down at the floor she gingerly asked, "I was just wondering if you've ever… you know."

"Anna, are you asking me if I've ever, shall we say, 'met' a boy?"

Casting her a nervous glance, Anna nodded. "Yeah. So have you?"

At first she seemed encouraged by Kresta's smile, but then that smile faded as she looked down the hall. "Well, I'd be lying if I said I hadn't."

"And… was it true love?" asked Anna quietly, sounding uncertain by the shift in her mood.

Several moments rolled by as they continued to walk along before she answered, carefully deliberating how to answer. Eventually, though, she just settled on the truth. "No, it was bad judgement mixed with some drinking when I really shouldn't have been… and, let's face it, he was pretty hot." That last part caused her to smirk, except now the smile was only temporary.

"You don't regret it, do you?"

Apparently Kresta was letting on more than she intended to because when she glanced over Anna now had a nervous expression on her face, so she did her best to show a reassuring smile. "If you mean the act, no. It was fabulous... the parts I can remember, anyway." Chuckling at the gaps in her memory, she shook her head. Guess I drank more than I thought. One again, though her smile drifted away when she continued. "As far the man is concerned… let's just say that whenever I see him I want nothing more than to give him a loving tap in a certain place, if you know what I mean."

There was considerably more venom in her voice than she intended when she uttered that last part, enough to now give Anna a slightly worried look. "Wow. Sounds like you kind of hate him."

Revealing a sad smile, she shook her head. "Hate's a strong word, though waking up alone and half naked in a barn after being wooed all night certainly does leave a mark."

"Aww, Kresta, I'm sorry."

Appreciating the sentiment, Kresta's smile returned as she gave Anna a nudge. "Don't be. Wounds heal and I got over it. Especially after I found out what an inconsiderate ass he really was." That at least got Anna to smile a little bit again, though it was slightly fleeting. She clearly had questions but Kresta had had enough of that particular part of her past for now. "But enough talking about the past. I'd rather focus on the future, particularly on the part where you finally show me where this breakfast is."

Laughing lightly, Anna nodded to a door to their left. "Relax, it's right through here. You can have all the food you want."

"Good, because I was getting kind of desperate there. Might have had to resort to eating the curtains instead." Tittering like a pair of chambermaids, the pair walk through the door and followed the inticing smells within, with Kresta doing her best to forget about the man from Ildonen.