A/N: Decided to delete my little rant from earlier - sorry, I was really stressed about life in general (tests, projects, personal crap, la la la) and I guess I kind of let it get the better of me. So. The shorter (and saner) version. I like reviews. They make me happy. I won't always ask for them, because I know I sometimes find it annoying. But, especially if I'm asking questions, please consider reviewing if you have an opinion - I've never done the whole actually publishing stuff thing before so mostly I'm asking because I don't want to do anything to chase you all away. So, without further ado,
If I say so, if its from Frozen, if its from Tangled, or if it seriously resembles something Tamora Pierce does, it isn't mine. (I'm not fully in control of the Tamora Pierce stuff; I've read those books so many times I think both plots and elements of her style are burned into my head. She's the best no infringement intended)
Prince Alvred paced the deck of the ship as they approached the Isles. Though they had exchanged frequent letters over the past three months, he ached to see Susanna again. Because of the winter, which lasted nearly until summer, it had been nearly two years since their last meeting. I mustn't rush her he reminded himself. Just because Julius gave me permission doesn't mean I have her father's. Besides, he thought ruefully maybe things won't work out. We think we know each other well, but do we really? His thoughts continued in this vein as he continued to pace, as angry sailors ushered their prince politely but determinedly back to his cabin so he wouldn't be underfoot.
Unfortunately, there was to be no time to talk properly for nearly a week after his arrival. There were contractors to introduce, contracts to confirm, businesses to placate, nearly every waking moment. Although he was glad that the carpentry and architecture venture was doing so well, Alvred almost wished he had never thought of it, customers and carpenters seemed to feel the need to come to him with complaints and compliments both. Finally, on the eighth day since his arrival, Alvred found the opportunity to speak with the Lord Ambassador alone. Even so, the business-like man chattered on about minutiae until he thought he would scream.
"My Lord Ambassador, it so happens I have come to speak to you about a private matter." He declared, palms sweating, interrupting the man in the middle of a sentence when it became clear no end was in sight.
"I am at your service, your Highness, though I cannot imagine what the matter might be. Have I displeased you? Does his Majesty seek to replace me? I know I lean on Lady Susanna more than is proper, but she has such a gift, and my health is not what it was. I had hoped His Majesty might allow her to continue in my place one day, for a time."
"No, no good man, my brother the king is pleased as ever with your work, and that of your daughter. In this, I am not your prince, nor a representative of your king; I come to you as any other man. NO!" he stopped the man as he began to protest. "Hear me out. In this you must consider yourself my better; I am yours to command. Every man is the king of his own household. I come to you as a supplicant. With your leave, I would like to court your daughter. And do not fear I am trifling with her my lord" he added before the man could begin to reply. "Given your blessing and her own, His Majesty has given me his blessing on our marriage." The lord ambassador was speechless.
"I-I- of course your Highness! It is an honor! Truly, I had considered a southern match for Susanna, but I know she prefers Arendelle, of course I never even dreamed…" he stopped, speechless again.
That evening, on a private beach, Susanna and Alvred giggled over her father's response. "Imagine, the Lord Ambassador, chief negotiator with one of our more difficult partners, speechless!" Susanna giggled until she could hardly breathe. As she did, a lock of hair came loose from her coronet. Tentatively, almost so softly she couldn't feel it, Alvred tucked it behind her ear, brushing her cheek as he returned his hand to his side.
Susanna blushed, heart pounding. Grinning, she shook her head; three or more locks replaced the one he had tamed. Alvred patiently and tenderly put them back in order, then drew close and brought his mouth to hers.
A/N: PS- Susanna's father's reaction really makes me giggle. Also, if anyone is annoyed by the shortness of these, I apologize. Once I get past what is already written, I'm planning on trying to make longer posts. This retrospective cutting of material is making me unhappy. Read on!