A/N: So I've working on my time management skills and I think it's working because I was able to get this up. So Yay! I don't have school for a whole week now! Unfortunately I still have tons of homework because my teachers are "awesome" like that.
So I want to thank all the amazing people who are still sticking around. You ROCK! And you're AWESOME! And you know WHO YOU ARE!
Excuse all the mistakes you'll find here (I hope you can understand the story even though they're there) and stuff that makes no sense.
Chapter 13: I Really Don't Need This
Elsa POV
"But if you have an unsuccessful ice harvest?", The man asked.
"I can assure you Sir that the kingdom of Arendelle will keep it's end of the arrangement no matter what.", I reassured the man. "So do we have agreement?"
"I will need to discuss with my council before we may come to an agreement.", He said, not giving me a direct answer. I had been spending the past hour or so trying get the King of the Eastern Isles to agree to do trade with Arendelle. The only reason I was doing this was because contract that Weselton had signed with my late father was reaching it's expiration date and I was still debating with myself whether or not I should to renew it. I needed to keep my options open to be able to decide the best for Arendelle. Whether I cut ties with Weselton or not, the Eastern Isles would be a good trade partner none the less.
"Of course. Take all the time you need.", I said politely giving him a small smile.
"Elsa!", I heard Anna behind me calling. Time to end this conservation.
"How about we negotiate more in say two weeks time? Would that be suitable Sir." I asked, it wasn't a question. It was more of a demand and he knew it.
"Two weeks sounds perfect.", He stated, flashing a smile.
"Thank you.", I said, feeling Anna poking my shoulder. I gave him a small curtsey and turned to face Anna. She looked very excited about something. And had apparently forgotten about our little disagreement from earlier and I wasn't complaining. I really didn't like fighting with Anna.
I've had my fair number of disputes with the council members, but I didn't really care for them, so it didn't matter. I once even considered firing them all for telling me to let them do all the work. After the whole Henry fiasco, I supervised everything. Power and money can drastically change people. I bet it could even change me if I wasn't careful. Maybe it already did. Anna was the only one who I ever really truly cared about and wanted to protect. Thus the reason I didn't like fighting with her. It was also for that reason that I avoided her.
"Elsa! I mean Queen. Me again. May I present Prince Hans of the Southern Isles.", She said gesturing to the man next to her. He had a slender form, but seem well built. He had auburn hair that was neatly trimmed, and also had sideburns. I had thought that those were now out of style, guess I was wrong. He's either old fashioned or trying a little too hard to stand out. Judging from his age, it was probably the latter.
"Your Majesty.", Hans bowed. They were standing a little too closed for my taste. I tried not to frown at that, but it did make me wonder why they were so closed together like that.
"Admiral Westergard.", I gave him a polite curtsey. His jaw stiffed a bit when I addressed him that way. But as soon as it was there, it was gone and replaced with a small smile. I had made it my business to know who was coming in when the invitations were sent out.
From what I had gathered, he was the youngest of thirteen brothers. Also that he was the admirable of the Southern Isles Naval Fleet, not because he was a son of the king, though it had helped him quickly climb the ranks. It was because he was a master strategist, his almost flawless winning streak was evidence of it. Unlike his twelve older brothers, he was the only one that showed no interest in courting me. Which was fine by me, if anything I was pleased with it. My only concern was why. Maybe I was over thinking this matter too much. There's still decent people out there, right? Snap! That sudden noise pulled me out of my thoughts.
"Elsa, you zoned out.", Anna had snapped her fingers in my face.
"I apologize for that. What can I do for you?", I asked. Anna had the face she always made before asking for something. I knew at least that much about her. I also always tried to keep the formality between us so she wouldn't get attached to me. Attachment would make her care for me, and I couldn't let that happen. I wanted to, but that would cause her pain later on. The consequences overruled everything.
"We would like-", Anna started
"your blessing-", Westergard said, and they both chuckled at that.
"of-", Anna continued.
"our marriage!", They finished together excitedly, holding each other's hands. I let that sink in. Before I could stop myself, my lips curled into an amused smile. Then the laughter came out. I tried to calm myself down, but it was hard not to. God I can't remember the last time I had a good laugh.
"Oh god Anna, that's a good one.", I wiped a tear from my eye. I shook my head. "For a second there I thought you were actually serious." Her expression however told me otherwise. My eyes widen at that realization, all sense of humor gone and replaced with dread.
"Marriage?", I asked for confirmation, hoping that I had heard her wrong.
"Yes!", She squealed excitedly, oblivious to my disapproving tone.
My brows furrowed together, "I'm sorry, I'm confused."
"Well, we haven't worked out all the details ourselves. We'll need a few days to plan it. Of course we'll have soup, roast, and ice cream and then-", She turned to Westergard. "Wait, will we live here?"
"Here?", I was still confused. I did my best not to scratch my head.
"Absolutely!", He replied to her. Wow, this is actually happening.
"Anna-", I tried to stop her.
"Oh, we can invite all twelve of your brothers to stay with us-"
"What? No, no, no, no." I didn't think she heard me. Since when does she do the ignoring? My imagination suddenly whipping up an image of twelve men having a rowdy celebration on the dining table.
"Of course we have the room. I don't know. Some of them must-"
"Wait! Slow down.", I made my voice louder and she finally seemed to notice. "No one's brothers are staying here. No one is getting married." I asserted my decision.
"Wait, what?" She looked surprised at what I said and that irritated me. Didn't think it was gonna be easy, did you?
"Can I talk to you please.", I looked at Westergard who hadn't said anything. "Alone."
She just stared at me, as if debating on what to say. "No.", She replied with stubbornness.
"Excuse me?", I said crossing my arms. No one ever straight up defied me like that, especially Anna.
"Whatever you have to say.", She put her arm around Westergard, which got on my nerves. A lot. Westerguard looked somewhat satisfied that Anna was against me. "You can say to both of us."
I took a deep breath, "Anna, I would rather for the sake of Mr. Westergard's feelings, that we speak in private.", I tried to keep it my voice neutral. It was hard not to glare at him. Seriously, what was he thinking purposing to my sister without my consent? And what was Anna thinking accepting it. Unless...
I looked at Anna's eyes. The pupils weren't dilated in any way. They weren't out of focus either. So far, besides her usual rambling and over excitedness, her speech pattern was normal. She didn't look like she was going to fall at any moment. She looked as sober as ever. Not one sign of intoxication. But then again.
"Anna quick, how many fingers am I holding up?", I held up four. She looked insulted by this.
"I'm not drunk!", She said angrily. Okay mood swing, maybe some of that opium I've been hearing so much about. She seemed to read my mind.
"I'm cleaned Elsa!", She huffed in annoyance. "I'm not on anything.", I didn't say anything, still waiting for her answer.
She stood there not saying anything for half a minute. She sighed in defeat. "Four, you are holding up four fingers.", She answered.
"Anna-", I started, but was rudely interrupted.
"Elsa, just spit it out already.", She cut me off with a hint of attitude.
"Anna, I really think we should speak in private. Please.", Anna was being a little rebellious right now, so having a quite conservation with her in front of these people was out of question. The last thing I wanted was a scene in front of all these people. I wasn't in the mood to become the gossip of the kingdom. Being a new monarch, I was already the subject of most conversations. She just crossed her arms with a determined face. I really don't need this.
"Fine. You can't marry a man you just met.", I started with the obvious. I had more reasons, but this should do. This isn't some romance novel where the protagonist falls in love and lives happily ever after.
"You can if it's true love.", She countered. Or maybe it won't. I mentally sighed.
"Anna, what do you know about true love?", I took a quick glance at Westergard. He had a worried expression. Probably worried that I would get Anna to see reason.
"More than you. All you know is how to shut people out.", Her tone was very accusing. I found myself flinching and ice almost shot out of my hands. Just because I've just never experienced love myself, doesn't mean I don't know what it is, I thought to myself. It took me a second to realize that I had said that out loud.
"Oh really, then enlighten me.", She challenged, with her stubborn attitude.
"I don't have to explain myself.", I said. She smirked in victory, irritating me even more. You little...
"Elsa just give us your blessing already.", She said impatiently. That's it! I wanted to yell at her for being so stupid. How naïve can you possibly be?
"This is real life Anna, you can't just go around and marry a man you just met! For all we know, he could be a sociopath.", I said averting my eyes from his. Anna's mouth hang open in shock at what I just said. My little outburst surprised me as well. I never insulting anyone in front of them, or even behind their backs. I can't be here anymore. My emotions are not only showing, but they're also affecting me. With the storm inside of me, I couldn't do this anymore.
I took a deep breath, she going to hate me after today. "You asked for my blessing, but my answer is no.", I used my discussion is over tone.
"Elsa-", Anna started.
"Now, excuse me.", I needed to get away now. My power was building inside again. I wasn't confident that my gloves would be able to keep them inside.
"Your Majesty, if I may ease your-" Westergard started, but I cut him off by raising my hand. His concern seemed genuine, but I wasn't buying it. People aren't nice for the sake of being nice. They always want something and right now, he wants my little sister for unknown reasons. I'll make sure he doesn't get her. I narrowed my eyes at him. You poser. The edges of his lips curved a little bit upwards.
"No you may not. And I think you should go.", I was getting tired of his phony persona. As I was walking away, the Captain of the guards was passing by. His uniform was different from the others in the sense that he had a metal declaring his ranking and was dark navy blue, as opposed to forest green. I had forgotten that he was to be nearby for protection.
"Party is over, close the gates.", I murmured, walking pass him.
"Yes your Majesty.", The black haired man saluted and hurried away to fulfill his duty.
"What? Elsa, no wait!", I felt Anna's hand around my own. I gasped pulled away, but she held on. I pulled harder, but resulted in her pulling my glove off. I tried to keep my composure, but it was a real struggle. Nothing's holding me back anymore. Conceal it. Control it.
"Hey! Give me my glove.", I reached for it, but she held it away from me. Don't panic, don't panic. My hand was now shaking. I turned it into a fist, it helped a little.
"Elsa please. Please. I can't live like this anymore.", She said desperately on the verge of tears. She's marrying him because of me, I realized. I knew she was hurting, but I didn't know she was hurting this much. Enough to marry a complete stranger. This was all my fault, but still, she didn't have to be so reckless.
"Then leave.", It killed me to say those two words. Anna deserved better. Wish I could tell her I didn't mean it, but it wasn't for me to decide. I wanted her with me, but she'll get hurt if I allow that.
Her face was too much for me, I could feel the ice on my hands. I turned my back on her and start rushing toward the door. I need to get away. Conceal it. Conceal it. Conceal it, don't feel it. Don't it show. Don't let it show. Those words started rushing in my head all at once. Ice was on my hand now. I could also feel it inside my gloved hand.
"What did I ever do to you?!", Anna called louder. Nothing. If somebody wasn't listening, they definitely were now. The whole room was quiet. So quiet in fact that I could hear the fabric moving on the guest's bodies, I could even hear my own racing heartbeat. Great, nice going Anna.
"Enough Anna.", I said. I really did not need a scene. It was bad enough already. Anna didn't back off though. Since when was she this persistent? I kept walking away, but Anna wouldn't shut up.
"No!", She yelled. I turned my head to see her angry face. Anna has obviously had enough of me. I ended up making eye contact with Westergard. He wore a blank face to hide what he thought of the predicament he put us in. Interesting that he hadn't done anything to stop Anna. Well, it's sometimes best to stay out of family feuds.
"Why? Why do you shut me out!?", She was yelling at me. I tried to tune her out, only I couldn't this time. I really don't need this. "Why do you shut the world out!?" I felt a headache coming on. I really don't need this. "What are you so afraid of!?" My bare hand was now glowing. I really don't need this.
"I said, Enough!", I angrily swung my hand at her, but then aimed it at the ground at the last second. Ice shot from my hand and landed on the floor. Instead of just staying there, the ice grew. It grew spikes, all pointing away me toward the guest. Many cry out in shock and backed off. All looking at me like the monster I was. I ran a trembling hand on the side of my head. I almost shot Anna. I could have shot Anna. I would have shot Anna. I wanted to shoot Anna. Bile started working itself up my throat, but I swallowed it down with a loud gulp.
All this happened in less than a thirty seconds. The spikes didn't touch Anna at all or anyone who was within range. But what if? What if she was a few inches closer to me. An imaged of Anna standing on a large pool of her own red blood with an ice spear running through her heart flickered though my mind. Soon, the standing icicles started melting down to a smaller size. I saw the Duke of Weselton hiding behind two of his men.
"Sorcery, I knew something dubious going on here.", He said with a low voice. Yeah right! I thought angrily. They all started looking at me strangely. They were putting the pieces together. I can't stay here no more. They'll have my head if I stay. I kept backing off and felt the door on my back. They started murmuring along themselves. I didn't need to listen closing to know what they were talking about it.
"Elsa?", Anna whispered with a face full of regret. "I'm so sor..."
I opened the door behind me and run out. I didn't want to hear Anna's apology. Or anyone for that matter. I started running faster out the hall. Running pass whoever was loitering around. Passing the portraits of the rulers before me. I'm such a disgrace. No wonder Father and Mother kept my hidden in my room. I was the embarrassment of the family. Can't control myself, not even for one day! I ran passed the suits of armor that used to scare me when I was younger. I could hear footsteps behind me chasing. How I could I let Anna get under my skin? I'm better than that! From the sounds of it, it was more than one person. Once I got there, I bursted through without a slight hesitation.
I stood in the doorway frozen in place at the sight of all the townspeople that came to my coronation. They all seemed surprised the queen was there with them. Shoot, I had forgotten about them. Mostly because I didn't think they would show up, since I didn't consider myself important. I knew I wouldn't have shown up to my coronation, had I been walking in their shoes.
"Queen Elsa! Come drink with us!", Someone happily shouted in the back. Soon they were all applauding and cheering me on. I really couldn't move. Too much attention. Someone called behind me again, reminding me why I was out here in the first place. I held on to my bare hand to hopefully keep the ice in and run into the crowd. I ducked under a lot of them and kept moving.
"Your Majesty.", Some man bowed. But it was hard to keep moving. They all had me surrounded in a circle with me in the middle. They started closing in, and I back off, with my hands behind me, so I wouldn't blast them.
A woman with a happy infant in her hands must have been the only one to see my anxiety. "Your Majesty, are you alright?", She asked with concern in her voice. A thousand times no.
The last thing I wanted was to hurt her happy child, so I backed off even more. My hand touched the fountain I had forgotten was behind me. By instinct, my hand grabbed the edge. All the townspeople started gasping in both stock and fear. I turned around in time to see the whole fountain cover in ice. The water freezing into sharp spikes aiming to the people behind me.
"There she is! Stop her!", The Duke of Weselton yelled pointing his finger at me. His two men were on either side of him. I started backing off. Everyone was backing away from me with fear in the their eyes. Weselton and his came down the step with determination in their faces.
"Please, just stay away from me. Stay away.", I held my hands up in surrender. Only that backfired. Literally. Ice accidentally shot out of my hand toward the Duke and his two bodyguards. Thankfully it didn't hit them. It hit the stairs they were on. The stairs were now covered in ice and all three of them slipped. I honestly didn't feel guilty at that sight.
"Monster...Monster!", The Duke yelled accusingly, pointing at me. My heart started aching again. No one had ever said those words to me before. I remembered saying those ugly words to myself, but my late parents would always told me otherwise in the last three years they were alive. His words really put in into perspective. Here I was freezing everything around me, with everyone looking at me like a monster. I looked down at my pale hand and gritted my teeth at the sight of them. I am a monster.
I felt everyone around me panicking. All backing off and giving my space. Their loyally changed rather quickly. Now that they all knew what I was, my own kingdom now also officially hates me. I heard the infant cry and the mother shielding him from me. I felt the snow around me falling. I wanted to stop it, but why bother? They've all chosen to see me as a monster. No matter what I do from now on, that won't ever change. Deciding I was no longer welcomed here, I started running out the castle gates. Who knew I was quick on my feet? I kept going until I reached the fjord. Now what? I can't walk on water. I hear Anna behind me calling my name. I turned to see her running to me with Westergard at her heels. They were still far away, trying not to slip on the ice trail I left behind.
"Elsa!", She called desperately. I looked down and saw that the water was ice. I slowly raised my hands up and reached for my tiara. I slowly took it off and looked at it. It was a beautiful. It wasn't the same as the one my late mother had, but I could feel that it was made from the same material. They also looked so similar. A wave of disappointment suddenly overcame me. I never admitted it to anyone, not even to myself, but a tiny part of me was actually excited about being queen. I remembered the days before that terrible night, when I used to look forward to it. I was told my whole life I would be this and that. And my late father would always go on about how all the great things I would do during his last three years. All that praise and training... all of it was all for nothing. All that hard work for nothing. All the pressure of holding my power in for nothing. In the end, it was a huge waste of time. I knew this would someday come, but still didn't stop the feeling of loathing. All that blood, sweat, tears, and pain... and for what? To step down that same night. For god's sake, not even a full day! All because of what the stupid trolls told my parents! Knowledge was power, but ignorance can be a blessing. I clutched the tiara in my two hands. For the first time in forever, I felt like crying, only I wasn't capable of that anymore.
Time seemed to stand still for me. I looked angrily to where my replacement was coming down, calling my name. She looked like she was running in slow motion. I took a deep breath and looked my symbol of power one last time. I bent down and gently set it on the ground for Anna to find. All hail Queen Anna. I smiled bitterly at it. Has a nice ring to it. I turned around and stepped on the water and it turned solid. Trusting the ice would never turn on me, I began running on the water as fast I could. The water turning solid the second my foot touched it. I felt the air cold against my skin and enjoyed the feeling of it.
"Elsa!", I heard behind me. I didn't turn. When I reached the other side, I kept going. I didn't know where I was going nor where I wanted to be. But I would know when I get there. I didn't stop when I tripped and hurt myself, I didn't stop when I run into someone. I didn't stop, even when my lungs were ready to die on me nor when my legs felt like lead. I kept myself going. I really don't need this, but it's not like I was given a choice to begin with.
A/N: I should have the next one up soon. So yeah, Anna seemed little OOC... Okay a lot, by my standards anyway. Hope I didn't make you guys hate her, she was just being an annoying little sister. I deal with those everyday *Sigh
Anyway, a good friend of mine of suggested I do the review response thing, so I thought I might give it try starting now and see how it works out. I'm not too sure about this but whatever, I'm an open minded person. So um yeah, that's that.
Aggregate Dragon: Wouldn't be Anna if she didn't fall for it:D I also fell for it during the movie, when he didn't kiss Anna, I was like "No Freakin Way!" Thank you for your continued support! :)