Author's Note:

Hey guys! This is a new chapter, hope you enjoy! Also, I have another suggestion for a song you can listen to before, while or after you read this chapter. It's called: 'Just Breathe' by Jonny Diaz.

-Diana

Chapter Four: Preparation

Elsa's POV

We sneak into my bedchamber, careful not to alert the guards that stood behind my doors. I hoped they were asleep, but that was very unlikely. Arendelle soldiers are some of the very best in the world.

Everything was the same. My bed sat in the right corner. The sheets were spread neatly and my pillows were fluffed up. A cup of warm hot cocoa sat on the dark oak night table that accompanied my bed. My mirror and closet that sat on the opposite side looked as if I never touched it. It seemed maids have cleaned my room while I was gone. My stomach churns at the idea of what the servants thought after seeing my room in such a disorder after I had my little meltdown and left. Yet I felt grateful, because if Jack saw the mess, he would immediately suspect something is very wrong. Than I would proceed to confess about the forced marriage...

Shaking it away, I quickly checked to see if Jack was looking but he wasn't. He knew I was about to change so he was already out the window. I sigh; even though we've been together for over two years now, me and Jack are cautious about what we do. Letting him see me change is stepping over the line, at least for now. I know it could be more than that; more than the occaisonal kiss, more than the cheek-stroking, more than those short visits. However, it's always that something, that instinct that tells you you're not ready to go that far.

It's a hassle; sometimes the urge is overwhelming, but I stop myself. I bet Jack feels the same. I shake my head slightly, banishing those thoughts away. Soon, it won't matter. Soon, it'll be Prince Leopold and not Jack who will have those privileges.

Sensing that if I don't stop thinking about these things, tears will flow.

So, I turn around and face the mirror. I start to unbutton my dress and let it fall to my feet. I find my blue nightgown and slip it on. I go to the window and let Jack in. I snuggle into bed, waiting for Jack to join. But Jack doesn't. He just scratches the back of his head sheepishly. I look at him, waiting for the answer. Jack acting this way meant something.

"Well?" I ask.

"Well..you see, Snowflake.." Jack starts. "I can't stay. The Guardians need me right now."

"How long will you be gone?" I ask. It saddens me to think that I won't be seeing Jack, but as I had duties as a Princess of Arendelle, he had duties as a Guardian. "I don't know. It could take only a few days to a few months." Says Jack unhappily.

I nod. "Of course. But how did your Guardian friends tell you?" Before Jack could answer, I figured it out already. "An elf whispered it in my ear earlier today." Says Jack.

I can't help it. I feel a tear coming down my face, trickling down slowly. I try to hide it, but Jack already notices. He comes closer and sits on my bed, stroking my cheek, wiping the stray tear away.

"Come back, promise me you will!" My heart cracks, a lump begins to form and my throat clogs up. But how else could I handle it? Handle the fact that Jack might get horribly injured, that he might never return and if that happens, I'll be left alone..forever.

"I will. Don't worry. I always do."

Those words calm me down somewhat. Jack may be immortal, but that didn't mean he couldn't get injured. Jack really never tells me what his missions are; I can tell he doesn't want to, so I don't press him. But it doesn't matter if Jack tells me to not worry, because I do. Jack could be here one day and gone the next. With a heavy heart, I nod, more tears spilling. Jack curves down to give me the slightest hint of a kiss.

Than, he's gone.

Dawn

"Reveille-toi, ma cherie!"

A bright and chirpy voice brings me to the land of the awake."Berna?" I murmur, yawning. Berna is my nickname for my governess, Bernadette.

As you may have already guessed, she is of French origin. I sit up, my eyes blinded by the glare of the sun. Berna must of opened up the curtains.

"Oui, oui, it'z me. Now hurry, get up! Monsieur De Klerk expects you to be in his class right away!" I widen my eyes and get up as quickly as I could. I get dressed by Berna, which confuses me.

When Jack started to visit me in my room, I banned everyone from entering my room while I was in there. I knew Jack was invisible to most people, but we didn't want to take the risk. At first, I thought Berna was here to wake me and leave once I start to dress, but that is certainly not the case.

The plump Frenchwoman makes me wear a long, poofy peach dress, decorated with black designs allover the lower part of the dress. Berna tightens my bodice and creates a perfect bun in my hair, completed with a pink topaz-studded tiara and a light apply of makeup to my face. Berna tells me to hurry, for I will be late, after we're done. I make my way to Mr. De Klerk, my Latin history teacher. He's an old man, a very educated and gifted scholar, with much knowledge to share. He teaches me the splendors of history and how to fluently speak Latin. "Salutem, Your Highness." Mr. De Klerk greeted me with a bow once I entered his class. I recalled salutemmeant 'greetings' in Latin. "Salutem, Mr. De Klerk." I answer politely and take my place at my desk.

Two hours later, my brain is filled with information about the history of Gardenia. Apparently, it evolved from a small clan called the McHalister. It went through a fair number of conflict and oppression, but now, because of their newly crowned King Leopold the Second, it's thriving more than ever.

King Leopold sure does make a name for himself. You'd almost think he's a god. I think with sarcasm. Good thing he's coming in three days.

Finally, the class is over. I thank the elderly scholar and rush out that blasted class.

For the next four hours, I had to endure two more classes; one about Gardenian etiquette with Mrs. Tremain and another class regarding mostly of trying to act like a proper lady and princess. The classes were all more intense than ever; all my teachers looked more strained than usual. I was also draped in fatigue. It really is tiring, being a princess. But I'm used to it, besides, I've been doing these things for years.

Hastily, I make my way to the royal dining room. I was aware that I was late, and by the look on my father's face, he wasn't pleased at all.

"You are late." He remarked, eyeing me as I sat down on the opposite side of the long, narrow table. His voice echoed through the vast chamber.

"Forgive me, my King. It will not happen again."

"It better not."

There's silence, because we both are waiting the most anticipated arrivals of the food. Than my father starts to speak.

I get about half of what he wants to say, than I loose interest. One, because he was rambling on about how glorious King Leopold was, how much it would help Arendelle and so on.

I pretend to seem involved, but really, I'm just trying to look busy by examining the multiple spoons, forks and knives that lay before me. I notice the three forks of different heights; each used for a specific dish, sitting nicely on my left, accompanied by a folded napkin. Three knives of unique height also sat on my right, each having a distinct use, accompanied by a small spoon. A small dessert plate sat slightly to my left, a somewhat smaller knife resting on it. One fork and spoon lay in front of me, also used for dessert. Let's not forget the two empty glasses sitting nicely on my top right-

"Elsa? Are you even listening?" My father's voice cut through my thoughts. I look up, eyes wide. "Of course, Sire." I answer. The King stares at me with disbelieving eyes. I gulp, knowing he sensed that I lied. He hates it when I lie.

The King sighs. "You are dismissed." I bow my head and nod. I know my father is disappointed in me when he dismisses me early at meals. In this case, before we have even started the meal. I don't question it; I'll just ask Berna if she can have one of the maids fetch me a meal before I retire. So I get up silently and leave the room.

Later

I close the door, hearing Berna shuffle away to the kitchens, getting my dinner ready and to be served in my room. I heave a burdened sigh. I was tired. So tired in fact, that I almost fell asleep in my dress. Grumbling, I slip off my dress and loosen my hair from the tight hairdo. I wash the makeup from my face and look at myself in the mirror. I don't know why, but I just stare at myself for a few minutes. Questions regarding of who am I, rush through my head and for a moment I'm wondering of who I am.

A future bride?

A cursed daughter?

A neglected family member?

A princess?

No. Elsa. Elsa of Arendelle.

I sigh again, not satisfied. But before I could think any further, a knock came from my door. Berna.

Quickly, I put on a dark blue night robe over my body and hurry to open the door. It wasn't Berna, but it was what I asked for.

Dinner.

A maid bowed down before giving to me the tray of deliciousness and left. I didn't hesitate to start wolfing down the platter of lamb, onion, rice and carrots. I gulped down my dessert, which was a bowl of chocolaty delight: chocolate pudding. The cocoa melts in my tongue as soon as I make contact.

A nice warm cup of water also waited patiently for my attention, but I paid no heed until I was done my platter. Not liking the warm water, I put a frosty hand around the cup and it instantly turned into a refreshing cold glass of water.

Once I was done, I put the tray of empty dishes aside and lay down.

It didn't take long, courtesy to a full belly and warm sheets. I closed my eyes and fell soundly asleep.