Chapter 22

Kresta found herself idly inspecting her nails as she stood off to one side of the entrance hall, just doing her best to stay out of the way of those around her. The vestibule was busy enough as it was without her input as the various nobility took their places along the way, muttering to one another. Yet despite their chit chat she could still hear a mounting murmur creeping in past the closed doors, emanating from the growing crowd of people gathering in the castle's courtyard for whatever reason. When she asked a passing nobleman as to why they were there he simply replied that they were coming to hear what the queen had to say.

That was when she was informed that Queen Elsa was to give a short speech to them, as was apparently traditional for initiating Arendelle's favorite festival, welcoming all her guests and marking the official start to spring. As a result everyone who was anyone was gathering to be in attendance, wearing some of their finest attire. If anything Kresta felt underdressed in her simple dress compared to the pompous outfits around her, but at least she had her flower tiara. Having already received several compliments about it she found herself relieved that she'd agreed to join Anna in making the elegant circlet of crimson blossoms. Even so, despite the compliments she still found that she didn't recognize anyone around her. There was no sign of Anna or Zach yet so she simply contented herself with patiently watching and waiting.

As such she was actually kind of surprised when she heard a honeyed voice behind her say, "Why if it isn't the radiant flower of Maneva. And look, she even found a crown to match." Caught off guard by the familiarity by which the person spoke, Kresta found herself giving a polite smile as she began to turn to see who it was.

But Kresta's smile was short lived, quickly deepening into a frown as her eyes hardened into a frigid stare. Deep within her a dormant loathing sparked to life, fed by a stream of old memories that crossed her mind and the pain that accompanied them for there was only one person she knew with a voice like that. A person who she once fooled herself into thinking she knew but now only inspired disdain in every part of her. However, she kept her mounting contempt to herself, keeping her tone level as she turned and cooly said, "Hello, Cyrus."

Sure enough, there he was. The ever confident prince of Ildonen, wearing his typical smirk as he always did and exuding nothing but charm. However, Kresta developed an immunity to his charms long ago although she did feel as though she could detect a hint of genuine warmth in his cerulean gaze. But then he always has been a master of deception, she thought with a hint of bitter resentment as he cheerfully replied, "Good morning, Kresta. You're looking as lovely as ever. And can I say how nice your flower circlet is? Very appropriate."

As he spoke his friendly demeanor almost suggested Cyrus had forgotten the last time they spoke where they'd parted with what she wouldn't call the kindest of words. To be fair, it had been her who was looking for a fight that day so it wasn't exactly his fault. Even so, that didn't mean for a second that she was about to forgive him for his past sins nor was she in the mood to so much as talk to him.

However, before she could respond she noticed that they were in fact not alone. Lurking just off Cyrus's left shoulder was his ever present bodyguard, the warrioress always keeping a close watch over him. While she did look formidable with her twin sheathed blades there was always something Kresta found very unsettling about the other woman. Probably it was how she always watched Kresta like she was a doe to be stalked or the manic gleam in her amber eyes, like she was walking a fine line between sanity and savagery. Either way, she always looked to be on the verge of snapping into action in a way that was extremely off putting. Especially with the way she was grinning and… Did she just wink at me? It was only a flash at most but she could have sworn she saw one.

Fortunately, Cyrus seemed to sense her uneasiness as he followed her gaze, giving his retainer a silent yet stern look. Instantly the woman's smile vanished, replaced by a shallow bow of the head before taking several steps back. Only when she was just within earshot did Cyrus turn back to Kresta, his own smile returning. "Sorry about that. I often forget how unnerving she can be for other people. She may be one of the best at what she does but she certainly takes some warming up to."

"Yes, I remember. She just seems a little… off."

"The price you pay for having the best, I'm afraid," he replied in a blatant attempt to make small talk.

Except he was the last person Kresta wanted to make small talk with. Returning her attention to the people around them, she decided to cut right to the chase, saying, "What do you want?", though perhaps in a slightly harsher tone than she intended.

Despite this Cyrus remained unperturbed and at ease as he followed her gaze. "Nothing in particular. I just saw you standing on your own over here and thought I'd say hello. After all, we haven't seen much of each other since… well… for a while, at least."

"Did it not occur to you that my avoidance was by design?"

"Delightful as ever." Though his grin remained as relaxed as ever she could have sworn she caught the slightest hint of irritation in his voice. Of course, if it had been there it was gone by the time he spoke again, his voice returning to smooth honey. "You're still upset with me, aren't you?

Now it was her turn to grow annoyed. She never had much patience for rhetorical questions, especially from him of all people. "Picked up on that, did you?" Kresta asked, shooting him a narrowed glance.

As a result she caught the brief look of disappointment that crossed his face. It only lingered for a moment but his grin wasn't as strong as it had been after it left. "You know, Kresta, I can only apologize so many times in one lifetime," he replied slowly, giving her a long look. It was actually that look that made Kresta pause in her response for the last thing she expected to see was regret and yet that's what she saw. A sincerity that Cyrus very rarely showed. But then amusement pushed it aside as he added, "However, if you like I can apologize again right now."

And just like that Kresta felt her vexation return. Considering all that had happened between them she half expected for him to be remorseful yet when he treated it like a joke it only served to feed her anger. "Oh, is that it then?" she snapped in a hushed voice. "That just makes everything better does it?"

Instantly Cyrus's smile vanished, clearly not expecting that reaction. "I never said it would," he replied after a pause, inwardly backpedaling. Rather than resuming his charming exterior this time he remained solemn as he gazed at her for a long breath. Eventually, though, he could no longer hold her eye as he dropped his, staring at the ground as he quietly said, "But you seem determined to blame me for events that were out of my control."

"And now you're not to blame? Oh yes, you were totally innocent in all of it." Giving an irritated huff, Kresta turned away again with a shake of her head. Just being around him for so long was causing her anger to grow and it certainly didn't help that she found him so confusing. Once upon a time she could have looked into those azure eyes and known exactly what he was thinking and now… now he was an enigma.

Her words apparently stung as he didn't hesitate to answer, his own voice growing heated. "Again, I never…"

And then Cyrus stopped. What Kresta had been expecting was more denial, followed by a prelude to a fight. After all, that was how so many of their conversations ended these days so she was surprised when she heard him give a weary sigh. "Yes. I made a mistake. I screwed up. I was faced with a decision and clearly I chose wrong. And I know I'll never be able to make it up to you. That said, I… I am sorry."

For a while she said nothing, just staring out ahead of her, uncertain how to respond. She wanted to be angry with him, she wanted to hate him… but she just couldn't. Despite her efforts she could still feel his words leeching away her irritance, leaving behind nothing except a hollow emptiness. A gaping void within her bereft of any emotion and it was when she stared into this abyss that she saw the last thing she wanted to see. Hope. That he could mean what he said. That Cyrus could have changed somehow and… No. The single thought rang out through her, stiffening her resolve and drawing a frown across her. This is all a ploy. It has to be. I know you, Lion of the North… or at least I thought I did.

Still not looking at him, she let out a sigh that was considerably shakier than she expected before quietly speaking. "Look. Regardless of all that's happened between us or how I used to… feel about you, the past is the past. And nothing you say will ever change that. So just… leave me alone."

… "Kresta…"

Squeezing her eyes shut, she did her best to block out his voice. "Goodbye, Cyrus."

For a while nothing happened. She could still hear all the people around her but Kresta still refused to open her eyes until she heard Cyrus leave. And yet she never heard any footsteps. Despite having her eyes closed she could still sense him beside her, an unmovable statue that was reluctant to leave. A minute ticked by with neither of them speaking and she could feel her frustration returning at his reluctance to leave but before she could tell him to leave again he spoke. It was little more than a whisper yet she could still make out every word. "I know you loathe me, and you have every right to… But."

Even though his voice was barely audible the lone word echoed through her ears so loudly she just had to open her eyes to see that Cyrus was watching her closely. Except there was no grin. No charm, no pride, nothing but an aching shame. Only when she actually looked at him did he continue, murmuring, "For what it's worth I never intended for you to… I never meant to-"

A wave of excited yammering billowed up just as he was about to finish, blocking out his words as everyone around them suddenly began talking to each other loudly. Biting back a frustrated hiss, Kresta glared around to try and find the source of the commotion only to have her anger fade once again. There, at the far end of the hall, stood the queen. Wearing a flower tiara much like her own, Elsa gazed down the hallway with a soft smile, nodding to the people calling out her name. Standing by her side with his elbow out as her escort was Aaron, a stoic look of benign indifference on his face. Except when he spied her, giving way to a small smile.

Instantly adoration bloomed within her as she found herself inadvertently smiling back, her heart giving a small jolt for whatever reason. However, that was when Kresta remembered she was not alone, only when she looked back at Cyrus she saw his moment of vulnerability was over. Like slipping on a mask his cocky grin and prideful demeanor returned as soon as he saw Elsa. There was still a lingering weariness in his eyes but after a quick blink even that vanished and just like that he was the charming prince she'd learned to loathe over the last few years. Not the man she once…

Cyrus's abrupt shifts left her in a whirl of confusion, uncertain what to think or how to feel. Angry, hurt, hopeful, all fought for supremacy as she did her best to levy her own mask of indifference. It certainly didn't help her dubiety when Kresta turned to see Aaron and Elsa were now making their way towards them, still arminarm. Normally she would have been happy to see Aaron but at that moment it only served to unstable her further.

As such she decided just to remain silent as the pair came to a halt before them. Cyrus was the first to speak, his voice as rich as ever as he said, "So good of you to join us, your majesty."

Nodding, Elsa gave a shrug in response. "Sorry about the delay. I just had some… important matters to deal with."

"No need to apologize, your majesty. Who knows what hardships you must endure in order to run this fine kingdom of yours, though I must say I've never seen someone rule a kingdom with as much tact and grace as you do." Having gotten a faint embarrassed smile from her Cyrus then turn to her escort with a challenging grin. "And you, Lord Aaron. You're looking particularly docile."

Aaron had been wearing a polite smile but that instantly vanished at the prince's words, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Docile? What's that supposed to mean?

"Relax, Lord Aaron," Cyrus replied with a laugh. "I was just poking a little fun. I hope you're not still harboring a little resentment against me after our first encounter."

"None whatsoever."

"Well that's a relief. I'll be able to sleep soundly again."

The sarcastic quip only caused Aaron to look more irritated but before he could offer a retort he was cut off by the sudden arrival of Lord Kai, the plump administrator of Arendelle. Wearing a cheerful smile, he gave her and Cyrus a nod before turning to the other two. "Ah, your majesty, Lord Aaron. How fortuitous that I found you both at the same time."

Exchanging a brief glance with Aaron, Elsa shot him a worried look. "What is it, Lord Kai? Is something wrong?"

"Not at all, your majesty. There was just something that I was asked to run by you," he replied, shaking his head.

"Which is?"

Pausing to clear his throat, Kai nodded before continuing. "As you know the Blooming Festival comes to an end with the Måne Ball in a weeks time. However, much of the entertainment we hired for the previous night have fallen through due to some bad weather to the south preventing some ships from sailing north."

"Oh, that's a shame," said Elsa with a frown, giving Aaron a discouraged glance.

Fortunately, Kai apparently came with good news as he continued. "Yes, well apparently some of our citizens had an idea for a suitable replacement. And from what I've been told this idea is quite popular amongst the people."

"That's good. So what is this replacement?"

"Well, to put it bluntly, you, your majesty."

… "Excuse me?"

Now all of them were glancing around with confusion as they waited for the Lord to continue, now gesturing at Aaron as well. "That is, you and Lord Aaron here. Some thought it might be nice if you both put on a little demonstration of your abilities for the people that evening. Show them what you can do. Might even be able to show up some of the neighboring kingdoms. No offence, your highnesses," he added, nodding at her and Cyrus.

"None taken," Cyrus replied with a shrug, still grinning. "I actually relish the opportunity to see these fabled powers I've heard so much about."

"Very good, your highness." Returning his attention to Elsa, Kai asked, "So how about it? Would the two of you be interested in performing?"

For a moment neither replied, instead giving each other a quick look. They quickly came to an unspoken agreement, though, before Elsa looked back him with a nod. "Why not? If the people want it then who am I to refuse them."

"I'm in as well. Sounds like it could be fun," Aaron added.

"Excellent. In that case I'll start to spread the word that everyone can expect some demonstrations that evening. Say, in the castle courtyard?"

"Sounds good to me."

Clearly delighted by the turn of events, Kai clapped his hands together with a broad smile and turned towards the doors to the courtyard, where Kresta could still hear the awaiting crowd. "Now that we have that matter taken care of, your majesty, I do believe it's time for you to begin this festival with the inaugural speech."

"Of course. Wouldn't want to keep the people waiting," Elsa replied, her attention also turning to the doors. However, before she said anything else, she gave Aaron another look, slowly pulling her arm from his. They shared a brief smile before she turned to her and Cyrus, offering, "If you two like, you can come along and listen as well."

For a brief moment Kresta hesitated, still trying to come to terms with how she was feeling, only to feel a flash of anger when Cyrus said, "We'd love to. Lead the way, your majesty."

I can speak for myself, thank you very much, she thought as she flashed him a glare. Rather than protesting, though, she simply gave a nod. Content with the response, Elsa then began to make her way down the hall with the three of them falling in behind her. At first both Cyrus and Aaron made way to give Kresta the right of way only to pause when she passed, giving each other tight stares. Eventually Aaron was the one to give, taking a begrudging step back and waiting until Cyrus moved, before bringing up the rear.

As soon as Elsa reached the doors they swung open for her, two guards pulling them inward to let in the sun's light and the excited murmur of the people. That murmur quickly grew to applause as soon as their queen stepped into sight, everyone turning towards the doors. The applause in turn became a cheer when she raised a hand to wave out to them as Kresta and the two men stood behind her, looking on as she stepped to the edge of the raised step before the doors. From there she could look out over her subjects as they looked back with a mixture of respect and adoration, the applause lingering for several minutes.

Eventually, though, Elsa raised her hand once more, calling for silence this time rather than waving. Almost immediately a hushed quiet fell over the courtyard as they watched expectantly for their queen to speak. She remained silent for a little while longer, content to continue looking out over them before speaking aloud, her voice ringing out across the plaza.

"Thank you! So good of all of you to be here for the beginning of our beloved Blooming Festival. From our gracious neighbors from across the sea to all you people who call this extraordinary kingdom home I'd like to personally welcome you to our beautiful capital and to thank you for joining in on the fun." Gesturing at the snow covered mountains looming over the walls, she added, "The snows of winter are receding, heralding the dawn of a new year brimming with fresh hope and promises of prosperity for all. After all, that is why we are here. To enjoy this blossoming of spring after the long, dark nights have gone as we look to the future."

Pausing for a moment, she grew thoughtful before continuing. "However, let us not forget the necessity of the winter for if there were no trials to overcome then we wouldn't appreciate the beauty before us. If there were no winter storms then what would be special about the spring flowers? If there were no bad times then what purpose would there be in savoring the good? So give thanks to the cold, bleak gales, the dark and gloomy nights, the ever present snow, for they are what allow us to see the flourish of life unfolding before us. And of course we in Arendelle know the inner beauty that winter brings with it each year."

"But we're not here to celebrate the winter, are we?!" Everyone had been listening with bated breath but just like that the cheering commenced anew, the people showering her with applause. Instead of waiting for them to fade again this time Elsa spoke over them, calling out, "We're here to usher in the spring, with all its warmth, beauty and light! So please join me in savoring this bounty of life around us and enjoying all that Arendelle has to offer us, from its lands to its customs to, most importantly, its people! And with that, I declare this year's Blooming Festival to have officially begun!"

With that she clapped her hands together over her head, sending a bolt of frosty rime arcing high into the sky. The shimmering trail lingered for a moment before it was joined by a flurry of colorful blasts as fireworks began to launch over the castle. The cheering only escalated as the crowd stared up at the fiery spectacle and though it didn't last for more than a few minutes their applause continued unabated with several people calling out to Elsa, everyone continuing to gaze at her affectionately. They really love their queen, don't they?

Eventually, though, the applause began to fade as the crowd turned and started to move through the gates, making their way back to the city where no doubt countless celebrations were beginning to break out. It was only once they were leaving that Elsa turned back towards Kresta and the others, a broad smile across her face. As soon as she did so Aaron was the first to act, stepping forward to speak only to be cut off by Cyrus, who was giving her a polite clap.

"Very impressive, you majesty. You certainly have a way with words," he said, stepping past Aaron and ignoring the daggers the lord was staring at him. "The people certainly appear to adore you."

Even though she gave Aaron a quick glance Elsa replied with a smile, saying, "Thank you, Prince Cyrus. I just try to do whatever is best for them."

"Well ruling seems to come to quite naturally." With that Cyrus stepped beside her, offering his arm. "Now I don't know about you but I'm eager to see some of this festival of yours. May I give you an escort?"

Once again Elsa looked at Aaron for brief pause, looking somewhat reluctant, but that reluctance quickly gave way to a gracious smile as she nodded and accepted his gesture. "Certainly, Prince Cyrus. Let us go experience what Arendelle has to offer."

With that the pair made their way down the step and crossed the courtyard, Cyrus's retainer and a small contingent of guards falling in step behind them, leaving just her and Aaron behind. And yet when she turned to him Aaron was glowering after Cyrus, a look of pure contempt etched into his face. Like he wanted nothing more than to run the prince through with his blade. Not that Kresta blamed him. There were days she wanted to kill Cyrus too.

When he didn't stir for a few seconds, though, she took a step towards him and asked, "Aaron?"

Her voice instantly snapped him from his reprieve, his anger subsiding slightly as he glanced over at her. "Yes?"

"Are you alright?"

As she hoped the question caused the rest of his rage to give way to a smile as he nodded. "I'm fine, Kresta, but thanks for asking. Just a little… steamed." After shooting another look at the retreating pair he then shook his head and turned back to her. "Anyway, you should be out there enjoying the festival."

Sidling a step closer, she slipped her arm around his. "Only if you give me an escort."

… "Of course, your highness."

As they too made their way across the plaza Kresta found herself actually feeling quite content. Being on Aaron's arm was strangely pleasing for her, especially when faced with the prospect of spending the day with him. If anything it would help her to forget about her conversation with Cyrus. There was just one thing. "The only reason I asked was you looked really angry. Like you hated Prince Cyrus or something."

"What? No, of course not," Aaron replied with a grin. "Like I said, I was just steamed about something else. I actually kind of like the man."