Elsa

In the morning, I woke with a groan, despising how cool the sheets were around me. I could hear Eleanor tapping on my door with her withered knuckle. "Elsa dear, can I come in?"

Quickly realizing my still naked state from the previous night, I sighed. "Ah, no thank you Eleanor. Will you just prepare a bath for me? I don't need any other help this morning."

"Yes ma'am, I will have it ready right away," I could hear her feet trampling away as I curled onto my side. Pulling the sheets close to my chest and under my nose, I breathed in the sent that lingered from Serephina. Falling into the liberating aroma, I wished more and more that the source was here, right now. One day it wouldn't have to be this day, and every morning she would be here to wake up with me. I could hardly wait for that day.

So I drug my tired queenly butt out of my oversized bed. But before I picked up my rob and headed for the door, I paused in front of the full body mirror set up in one of the corners of my room. Plenty of natural light filled the room from the curtains that were for once left open all night long. The sunlight seemed to make me glow this morning, and normally that never happened. I looked over my gentle curves in my reflection. The entire time, I couldn't stop smiling.

All over my skin were scattered light red marks, left by none other than Serephina. My fingers paused along them, my collar bone, left side of my rib cage, outside of my right thigh. They seemed to only add to the beauty I saw in myself and sparked memories of the night before. In the heat of the moment, Serephina had me gasping for air and clawing at the sheets. My soundless screams and heavy pants filled the bedroom as she continued to make me feel electrified. Then tenderly, she made her way back to look me in the eye.

"You're shaking," she smiled with the sweetest smile. Her hands ran the length of my arms till they released my grip from the sheets. Intertwining with her fingers, my hands held something much better above my head.

"I'm just happy," I breathed out easily, staring into her fiery eyes. Then, they almost seemed to be made of gold. She then kissed me, only gently and romantically. Something that was far more real and sentimental than anything forceful. Serephina's touch was not filled with lust, but devotion and affection. She was everything I needed.

I broke my gaze from the mirror. My image wasn't the same without her standing beside me. I was ready to face the day again, and even a little excited to do it. Plucking my robe from the bench at the foot of my bed, I slid it on easily. Pulling the straps around my waist into a tight knot, I left for the bathroom, humming softly.

Serephina

Today it felt right to stay around the castle. Something in the air made me want to stay as close as possible to Elsa's side, though that didn't mean as close as I really wanted to be. I freshened up as much as possible wearing my usual more masculine fashion. It was just easier to get around this way than messing with a heavy dress and heels. Though, a few nights I did find a gown laid out for me in my borrowed bedroom. No doubt the help trying to direct me in the direction they saw best. I did make use of the last one left with me. Tearing off a section of black ribbon, I pulled my dread locks back into a loose and messy bun before tying on my worn red bandanna.

Snatching an apple from the fruit basket also left to me a few nights ago, I was out the door. Biting a large, juicy portion of the red fruit, I speed through the hallway. Elsa's door was slightly open, with no one behind. She probably was already at breakfast with the others. Naturally I was probably just too late to take part in the culinary masterpiece that was what her cooks put together every morning. Didn't mean that I would be too late to catch my beautiful queen glowing like she always did to me.

Still biting into the sweet, white meat of the apple, I sat on the railing of the stairs and slid down to the bottom. Passing a surprised chamber maid along the way, I raised the remaining core of the fruit in my left hand. She just shook her head, disapproving of my behavior. Right before reaching the raised, ornate end of the banister, I jumped up and landed on the main floor.

My feet automatically took the familiar path to the dining room of the impressive castle. Growing closer, I could make out a serious argument coming from the breakfast hall. Words flowed in harsh tones between two people. I could immediately tell that one was Elsa's. I entered the space with a stern look across my face. Sure enough, Antoine starred down at Elsa angrily, arms fluttering about as if his point would be clearer. Elsa just looked exhausted, probably having heard the argument several times.

"Is there a problem?" I called out into the open space. Both turned their attention towards me. Elsa's expression was filled with a controlled relief while his glare only intensified. I continued to meet his eyes as I entered the space the rest of the way. I narrowed my gaze more as I rounded the grand table separating me from them to stand beside Elsa. It was difficult to distance myself from her, especially when we were close to begin with. I starred him down, making sure to step slightly in front of the queen.

His eyes screamed hate for me, but quickly he tried to reconstruct his suave image. A gloved hand smoothed back freed pieces of sandy hair. Clearing his throat he bowed to the two of us, something that must have been a painful feat for him. "Of course not, I would never have a problem with the queen. A discussion simply turned sour, and you have my apologies, my lady."

Him uttering those two words really made me see red. My hand rolled into a fist while the other came to rest on my hip where I hoped my dagger had been waiting. Unfortunately, I had left it in my room. Elsa seemed to sense the tension building in me and was quick to speak. "Thank you for your apology, Antoine. Now, if you would excuse us. Serephina and I have our own business to discuss. My sister and soon to be brother-in-law are waiting for us just like Nikolas is waiting for you, if I am not mistaken."

"You are not, Queen Elsa. Enjoy your day, I will see you this evening," he bowed once more and turned on his heels. The French dignitary left the room but not before sending me a cruel smirk with a distasteful curl of his lip.

Once alone, I crossed my arms over my chest, "I don't trust that man. He has a look in his eye that worries me."

"You worry too much," Elsa laid a light hand on the small of my back. She smelt fresh and clean. Her skin was lightly touched with the scent of rose water. "He is harmless, just stubborn. Nothing that I can't handle."

"Hmmph," I let out roughly, still glaring at the direction he left.

In the corner of my eye, I could see her raising herself up onto her toes. Her nose barely touched the top of my ear, and the braid swung over her shoulder tickled my chin, "Thank you for coming to my rescue. It was very, romantic."

My scowl loosened as I looked down at her once more glowing face. Her dress today was styled so it came in a straight line across her chest and off her shoulders. The fabric was a simple shade of light blue. Not to fancy, and with a simple straight skirt. She was stunning. "It was wasn't it?"

She swatted my shoulder, but didn't stop grinning. "Come on, I wasn't lying about my sister waiting."

"And what exactly are we doing today?" My face was dangerously close to her now. Her eyes shut slightly with an engrossed expression. That gentle smile I loved was beginning to transform into something a little more sensual. In the privacy of the empty dining hall, I let myself lower my guard to mirror the look. At the very last second she pulled her face back and let loose another ecstatic smile. I raised an eyebrow as she spun around to walk away.

"My sister wants to get to know you better. Can you really blame her?" Elsa didn't even look over her shoulder with the last comment. I couldn't help but find myself watch the way her hips swayed back and forth in the perfectly tailored gown. I rolled my eyes and followed my goddess of a woman who just now was deciding to play hard to get.

"I'm really in deep now," I muttered to myself, hurrying slightly to catch up. The front doors to the castle were already open and waiting for us in the entrance were Kristoff and Anna. Anna was quick to give her elder sister a hug while I nodded to Kristoff. Waiting for us all outside was an open topped carriage pulled by two flawless white horses.

"Alright, what are you making me do today?" I sighed, folding my arms again.

"There are a few places off the castle grounds that I want to show you. Besides, this is a great opportunity for me to be out and visiting my people." Elsa laughed again, but I was filled with unease. Meeting with the people of a kingdom was great, if you were their perfect, proper queen. But for me, it was only another opportunity for me to be gawked at and whispered about later.

"We have it all planned out. It'll be a great time, Serephina!" Anna grabbed my hand cheerfully, bouncing slightly. I smiled and nodded and the other two began towards the carriage. Elsa and I, we took our time.

"Elsa, you know I try to avoid being seen. This isn't a good idea. People are only going to stare, and point, and—"

Elsa cut off my whispering voice with a look over her shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll be there to guard you too. We are going to have a good time today. I think you'll be happily surprised by the people of Arendell."

She climbed into the carriage ahead of me. Still feeling extremely cautious about the outing, I put on a happy face for her. It was only made a little stronger when she tripped on the bottom of her dress, and I had the excuse to hold her waist till she steadied. Climbing in after her, we took one side while Anna and Kristoff had the other. The horses began to trot. While Anna and her fiancé were briefly distracted, I whispered into Elsa's ear, "Already one person in particular can't stop surprising me."