Author's Note:

Hey guys! This is another chapter to 'Forbidden Love'. I reread my story and saw some writing mistakes. I'll make sure there won't be any mistakes from now on. I also warn that from now on, you will also see why I rated this story T.

But without further ado, start reading!

Chapter Six: A Time For Firsts

Elsa's POV

Prince Leopold.

He's here.

My heart is beating out of control now. I feel the sharp hit of shock and confusion slap me across the face. Why? He isn't due for another two days! I think. Was it planned or was it by coincidence? I wonder, glancing at my father, who was currently speaking with Prince Leopold. It didn't matter because the two men have stopped their talking and looked at me.

By the look on my father's eyes, I knew he approved of my appearance. I look down on the ground and feel heat rise in my cheeks as the Prince studied me. I look up again, determined to not appear shy or soft-spoken. Just as he was contemplating me, I was doing so with him.

He looked as if he was just starting in his twenties. He had the greenest of eyes, like the ocean. A murky green, really. His hair was dark brown, wavy and neat. He was fairly tall and built, but no body builder. A grand golden crown sat proudly on his head. His vest was pure white with crimson shoulder pads. His pants were the same bloody colour as the shoulder pads and a golden sash crossed his body. I notice his sheath, holding a hidden sword.

I hate to admit it, but he is very handsome.

"It's an honor to finally meet you, Princess Elsa." He says with a Gardenian accent. In one swift motion, the Prince gracefully bows and takes my hand, giving it a light kiss. His voice is rich, filled with authority. "Likewise." I answer and dip into a curtsy. I blush, embarrassed. It is custom that one of lower rank greet higher authority first. In this situation, since I am a Princess and he is a King, I must be the one who greets him first.

I almost apologize when I remember something about Gardenian ways. When a Prince is crowned, he cannot be addressed as 'King' until three months have gone by. It is supposed to bring good luck to the new ruler. I make a mental note to thank my teachers, or I would've made a fool of myself in front of Prince Leopold.

At that moment, my father joins in. "I want you two to spend every spare moment together. Our beloved guest has all but two weeks with us."

Prince Leopold nods. "Yes, it is a shame. I would've jumped at the opportunity to spend more time with my exquisitely beautiful future wife." He glances at me, his gaze filled with apology. I barely notice; I'm too occupied being absolutely horrified.

Two weeks?

Is that all?

Is it really possible to get to know a stranger in just fourteen days?

To discover all their secrets?

To reveal their deepest regrets and sins?

I gulp.

To fall in love?

Immediately, I feel guilty. What kind of thoughts am I thinking? These thoughts start to make me doubt myself about my affection for Jack. Do I really love Jack? Am I willing to fight for the survival of our affection? Am I willing to fight for Jack?

I shake these thoughts away and an unexplained determination surges through me. No matter what, I will always love Jack, despite this forced marriage, despite my father and despite Prince Leopold. Not to mention the horrible consequences that will follow through if any of them discover my relationship with Jack.

"Elsa?"

My father's slightly exasperated voice cuts through my thoughts. I look up and see Prince Leopold and my father staring at me. "Forgive me. I was preoccupied with my thoughts." I say, dipping into a clumsy bow. Ignoring me, my father keeps going.

"We will make the arrangements, however, you of course will choose what to do and where to go." My father smiles, obviously excited. Prince Leopold nods, looking at me. "What are we talking about?" I ask, evidently confused. "We're discussing the royal dates you and Prince Leopold will go on, Elsa. Really, you should listen more closely!" My father glares at me, vexed.

I can't help it, I think. How can one focus when they're being forced into marriage and expected to be happy about it?

"I think she's just thinking about our dates, Your Highness," says Leopold. "She can't wait to start, and neither can I," I nod quickly, hoping that my face looks eager enough. My father's expression changes from anger to tolerance. "Ah, well that's perfectly understandable." He claps his hands. "Well then, I'll leave you two lovebirds to get to know each other. The midday meal will commence shortly, so don't take too long," He smiles and leaves us in the Throne Room.

"Shall we stroll in the gardens?" Prince Leopold asks, his arm gesturing to the entrance of the palace, leading into the enclosure of cultivated plants and flowers. I nod, taking his hand. Silently, we exit the Throne Room and into the courtyard.

Arendelle is obviously not known for tropical weather or spectacular wildlife. We're known for the breathtaking Northern Mountains, our constant frigid weather and fishing. The courtyard is frostbitten; snow ornamented the hedges and the trees held an array of icicles of unique size. The sky was permeated with thin grey clouds, casting a sort of gloomy sense over Arendelle. Before I met Jack, every day was a gloomy one. There were a few fountains; before Arendelle was hit with cold weather, the fountains were actually pretty warm. But now, due to the cold, the water is always cold.

Snow edged the sides of the pathways, sparkling in the weak sun's rays. We walk along the palace walls, cracked and worn down by the blizzards they have endured. I try to think of something to say, to start a conversation but nothing comes up. I silently beg for my companion to start speaking but the more I mentally plead, the more obvious it becomes that he won't be the one starting the discussions. Suddenly, Prince Leopold starts to speak and I'm totally unprepared to what he is about to say.

"Elsa, I can tell you are...unfamiliar with me. I can see that you don't particularly favour me right now, but all I'm asking is..." He pauses, giving me a second to process exactly what he said.

It surprises me that Prince Leopold was being so straightforward. Does this mean I have to be true to my words as well? The question is left nagging me at the back of my head as I hear Prince Leopold speak.

"Since this is a time for firsts, I would love it if you would consider the two of us being friends, if not a couple." His voice had that unexpected taint of hope. I turn to face him, surprise written all over my face. A time for firsts? I can only think he refers to our first meeting, or my first time learning about Gardenia. A flurry of thoughts cross my mind, and it's hard to come up with an answer. I realize that if we can't love as a couple, we can love as friends. I look straight into his eyes.

"Yes. Yes, I think we can manage that." I smile a genuine smile. I realize we've stopped, just in front of the Palace Gates. Prince Leopold smiles back. He slips his arm around me waist, pulling me closer.

Before I could do anything, he tips my chin up, leans in, and our lips meet.