I DO NOT OWN THE ROTG AND FROZEN CHARACTERS. THEY BELONG TO THEIR RIGHTFUL OWNERS.
Chapter 6: Repairing Bonds
It's been three days since Jack's mischievous quest and things had been the same time since then. The usual morning call that Jack has been doing for Anna, cleaning some rooms inside the castle, helping Anna in anything she do, serve the royal family, and anything else. Now, Jack is taking a little break with Tooth. It is past noon and the castle is quiet and peaceful, never before that the castle is this quiet so some staff of the castle took the opportunity to rest or chill out. While the two 'care takers' of Anna plays a friendly game of chess at the library.
"I must say Jack, you are quite well in doing your job as a butler." Tooth said while her eyes is on the board and move a piece.
"Thank you, being a butler is like taking care of your little sister." Jack said and just like Tooth, his focus is on the game.
She 'ate' one of the chess pieces of Jack with one of hers making him click his tongue. "I didn't know you have a sister."
" It's because I never you told you I have." Jack said and countered Tooth's move with his own.
Tooth smirk and quickly thought of a way to win. The only thing she needs now is a distraction for Jack while she slowly puts her plan to action.
"So, how was your first 3 days here at the mansion?"
"Well, it is not that bad. My first day of being a butler was to get mistress some troublesome flowers, the next is me covering up for her childish actions, getting scolded by Kai when mistress does something 'fun', having a hard time to prevent mistress on doing something stupid, and I need to watch her 24-7 like some knight guarding a wanted bandit. Speaking of knights, there is this one knight always throwing dagger glares at me like I killed his family or something... so yeah not bad at all." Jack said sarcastically while little by little, losing his focus on the game. Unknown to him that he is falling into Tooth's trap.
Tooth's smirk grew wider when she saw Jack losing focus. "I'm so sorry you have that experience here." She said while faking a pout. "But you know it isn't that bad once you get to know everyone and get the hang of it."
Jack move his piece, trying to form a formation to protect his king. "Yeah I know but I'm only here for three months so I don't mind at all." Now Jack is lost in thought and his faced dropped when he remembers his real purpose here in Arendelle.
Tooth notice this and use the chance to beat Jack on their little game. With an opening,, Tooth move her piece and at last, everything is set. "Cheer up Jack, don't be so gloomy. You know what, why don't we make this game interesting? The winner will have a whole day off while the loser do the job of both his and his opponent. Do we have a deal?"
Jack think carefully on Tooth's offer and see that he is winning, he thought he saw he is winning so he agreed. "Okay , you got yourself a deal."
"Good then." Tooth said and in one swift move, she position her piece that cornered Jack's king. "Checkmate." She smirk.
Jack's eyes widen in shock when he realize he loses. He inspect the chessboard to see if there is a way out but sadly no, there is no way out. His mouth started to open and closes to protest but there is no sound coming from it. Tooth just giggled on Jack's reaction and celebrate her victory in silence.
"That is not fair you were distracting me. Your cheating." Jack finally found his voice.
"It is not cheating, it is a strategy, and it is not my fault you were easily distracted."
Jack just groan in annoyance and sighed in defeat. "Fine, you win"
"Good, then you can start by cleaning up Princess Anna's mess in the hall."
Jack furrowed his brows in confusion. "Princess Anna is in her bedro..." He was cut off by a sound of an armor crashing down to the floor followed by a delightful, girly scream outside the library. He sighed in annoyance and got up to go outside the library and prevent his mistress to do something stupid that will cause harm to them both. Once outside, he sees his mischievous mistress riding a bike around the hall.
Seriously? Riding a bike around the hall this time? He thought.
He also notice that Anna is making her way down the stairs. So rushes to catch up to Anna to prevent her to hurt herself. By the time Jack catch up to her, Anna only just realize on where she was headed. Panicking, she tried to pull the brakes but it is already too late. She is starting to fall down the stairs, she closed her eyes and grip the handle hard and prepare herself for a ride of her life. But it never happen, she is expecting to be tumbling down the stairs but Jack just came in time. He is able to catch the bike and Anna before they fully run down the stairs, he then slowly pull up the bike and Anna to a safe place. Once up, Jack rushes to Anna to check if she has injuries.
"Are you okay mistress? Are you hurt?" Jack worryingly asked her while he checks for any signs of injuries.
"Hey hey... It's okay, I'm fine." Anna reassured her butler.
"Good then" Jack exhale heavily and proceed with a serious face. "Now what do you think you were doing?!" The once worried butler becomes a scolding big brother.
"If you may, Jackson, leave the lecturing to me." An deep and respective voice came from behind the two. Jack and Anna quickly turn to their backs and see the King standing in front of them. Jack immediately bowed in respect while Anna is shaking in fear. "Anna, in my room, now." The King commanded and Anna immediately obeyed leaving Jack by the stairs.
Once alone, Jack started to clean the mess Anna made. He assembled the statue, brush the floor, and deliver Anna's bike back to her room. Since his mistress is being scolded by his father, he uses this time once again to relax and chill. He mindlessly wanders the castle and still amazes him on how huge the place is despite staying there for almost three days. Reflecting back, he thought of his experience working inside the castle is a job well done. Maybe if he keeps up the good work he will be rewarded handsomely. While walking, he cross paths with Princess Elsa and bowed his head. He then lifted his head up and greeted Princess Elsa with a smile, Elsa smiled back at Jack. She then notice that Jack is once again alone and only assume that Anna is in trouble.
"Let me guess... In my parents room being scolded right now." Elsa guess
Jack eyes widen in amazement in the Princess assumption. "Wow, you're good." He chuckled.
"Just one of my many talents." Elsa proudly said. "Since you're not doing anything, can you assist me on something?"
"Sure your majesty."
Elsa nodded and proceed to lead the way with Jack following her from behind. This is the first time Elsa ask Jack for assistance and he thought it will be just fine unlike the favors Anna wants him to do. He then notice the many difference she have with her sister. Besides on how they act, he also notice the difference on how they move. Anna is clumsy and inelegant while her sister is graceful and flawless. They have so many differences despite being sisters making Jack having double thoughts if they are really are sisters or not.
The older Princess senses her sister's butler checking her out making her extremely uncomfortable and causing her to blush faintly. Elsa halted, still her back facing Jack then she cleared her throat to get Jack's attention.
"Jack you pervert, stop staring at me like that." Elsa said now turning around to face him.
Jack blushes furiously when he was caught in action. "I...I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry... " is all Jack can say when he has nothing to explain himself.
Elsa pouted and furrowed her brows. "Nope, Unforgivable."
The butler's mouth dropped in shocked because of the Princess response then his face straightened when he realize something. Okay, now she's just teasing. But I will play along. he smirk at the thought. "Then what can I do to make it up to you?"
The princess looks up and taps her chin with her index finger, trying to think of something. Jack find this action cute and fits the well matured Princess well. Elsa thought of something and proceeded to tell Jack. "Since Anna is still being disciplined, be my butler until then."
"I will be honored to be your temporary butler." Jack bowed with his right hand in his chest and rises up with a smile. Elsa smiled back and continue to walk to their destination.
Jack followed Elsa and continue their little walk towards who-knows-where. He then realize that the sisters do have something in common. After that little act Elsa throw at him, he saw they have the same pout, the same furrowed eyebrows, and the same way of teasing him. Their little walk has come to an end when Jack saw that he is once again back at the library. Elsa went inside and Jack followed him thinking of the possibilities on what Elsa needs him of his assistance.
"Now, my butler, I need you to assist me on finding books about the history of Arendelle. In preparation for the incoming festival."
"History book? Festival?" Jack asked in confusion.
"Oh that's right, you're new." Elsa whispered to herself. "Well, there will be an incoming town festival in a week. It will celebrate the foundation of Arendelle and the Royal family must be present at the festival. So in preparation, I will be here for the next days to review Arendelle's history."
Jack now understand and nodded his head. "Then that means you don't know the history of your kingdom yet." He teases.
"Of course not...it's just...well..." Elsa cannot find the right words to tell to Jack.
Jack shook his head and click his tongue to annoy more the Princess. "A soon-to-be-Queen does not know the history of her kingdom. Shame on you." Jack tease while faking a pout.
"Really now? Like you know your homeland's history. I'm not perfect Jack, I only act like I am." Elsa said in a serious tone. The butler then realize he has gone too far on his joke and did not say a word anymore.
"I'm sorry your majes... I mean mistress." He apologizes with a smile hoping that the Princess will understand that he is just kidding.
The Princess just nodded her head. "Well kidding aside, Will you please start to find those books that I request." Jack bowed and search the library for history books together with Elsa helping him and helping herself.
The castle's library is one of the largest room inside. It has tall bookshelves that need the use of ladder to get the books from the top. Right now, Elsa is using the said ladder while reaching for a certain book at the top of the shelf with Jack holding the ladder tightly to prevent his current mistress from falling. Elsa desperately tries to get the book that is out of reach and now is in danger of falling. Elsa finally get the book but the price is her balance on the ladder. She now finds herself falling and can only called and rely on Jack to save her. Of course a butler is a one to not let any harm come to their master or mistress so Jack reacted immediately and catch the falling Princess into his arms, catching her bridal style.
"Are you okay, mistress?" Jack asked in a smooth and soothing voice.
Elsa is caught in the moment before she responded. "Uhm...I... I'm fine. Thank you." She then cleared her throat. "Could you please put me down now." She commanded while trying to hide her blush.
Jack obeyed and set her down. "I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable or violated."
"No don't worry, it's fine. Besides it would be more unforgivable if you didn't catch me." Elsa reassured her 'butler'. "Now I got all I need. Come, I want you to help me to review." She then goes to her usual spot with Jack following her.
The following hours were boring for Jack while educational for Elsa. The bored butler has been standing and thinking of a way to entertain himself or else, he'll die in boredom. Studying is not on Jack's interest list but playing with books is. So he started to gather random books and tried to form a tall tower using them.
Meanwhile, Elsa is getting distracted on Jack's ridiculous and childish way of killing time. He is supposed to help her study not distract her. Despite the distraction her 'butler' is doing, she maintain her cool and focus more on what is important. She returned to her books with the hope to learn more of Arendelle.
While she is doing that, Jack is near on finishing his book tower. Only a few more touches and assembling, and finally the tower is complete. He step back carefully to observe his creation and smirk to himself on his job well done. Now a tower is just the first step on his mischievous plans. He made sure the foundation is sturdy and well built, enough to be climbed by a person like a him. So without a second thought, he climb his book tower and pretended to be a huge gorilla that crushes everything in his path.
Elsa can no longer concentrate, so she had enough of her 'butler's play time, she close her book and stand up and approach Jack to smack that childish behavior out of him. She is annoyed on how Jack sounded like a monkey and pounding his chest to imitate it well. She stood in front of the book tower where Jack climbs up, she simply pulls out a book in the tower and the tower came crumbling down together with Jack.
The butler is now buried in books and squirm himself up to 'resurface' only to be welcomed by an annoyed, hands-on-hips, and possibly mad Princess. All he can do is smile in pity for himself and proceed to stand straight and prepare for a scolding that will be given by his 'mistress'.
"You are supposed to help me." Elsa said while giving Jack a glare.
"AH yes, help you. The problem is, 'mistress', that I don't know exactly on how would I help you. You seem to be fine in reviewing on your own."
Elsa sighed. "You don't get it, do you? I need you to stand guard and wait for me to finish reviewing. Once I'm done, I need someone to question me and correct me if my answers are wrong."
The butler furrowed his brows in confusion. "What?."
"Just...stay there and don't leave." Elsa sternly said to Jack and resume her reviewing.
Honestly, even Elsa doesn't exactly know why she needs Jack to help her. She just feel the need of his presence. Elsa shiver at the thought, realizing that her actions are weird and so not like her.
Why am I acting like this? Jack says make sense that I don't need help but why am I asking him to stay? What's wrong with me? she thought. Elsa is now frustrated not because of the studying she's doing but because of her rash actions. She just shook the feeling off and resume in studying with her 'butler' guarding her.
"I think my mistress is done being disciplined." Jack said out of the blue.
"Nope she is still not, if she is then you will be summoned by Tooth or Kai." Elsa said while reading her books.
"You really want me to stay?" Jack asked
"Yes" she replied then her eyes wide in realization. "No... I mean I NEED you to stay not...wahhhh." she bump her head on top of the table in frustration and embarrassment.
Jack silently chuckled on the Princess sudden confession. "You know, you could just tell me to simply stay than command strictly." then the teasing continues. "Wait, do you like me?"
Elsa rose up immediately with a blush on her face. "I...IDIOT!, Of course not."
"Woah... I'm kidding. Don't get so worked up on a joke." He said while raising his arms in defeat.
"Well it is not funny." Elsa madly replied with a pout and still blushing. She then receive a laugh from Jack making her scoff in annoyance. "You're unbelievable."
"And you are so serious, why can't you be your sister and lighten up?" Jack said.
"Hmm let see, maybe because of me becoming Queen... yeah I think it is." Elsa replied sarcastically.
"Now I know why my mistress acts like a child." The young butler sighed. "May I ask, your majesty, when did Princess Anna started to have a butler?" He asked
"Hmm let's see..." She then look up to try to remember when. "I think it is when she turned 10 yrs. old. I was 13 back then." Elsa replied now facing Jack again.
"I see. Then how many butlers did she had?"
"I think it was about 23. Making you her 24th butler." Elsa said.
"Alright. And what is their reason why they leave?"
"Well they all quit because of Anna's mischievous and immature behavior and unlimited energy." Elsa replied annoyingly. "What's with this questions anyway?"
"I think my mistress is craving for attention." Jack deducted.
"Gee... you think?" She said sarcastically "News flash Jack, we already know that."
"What I meant is craving attention from you." He said in a serious voice and face. Elsa dropped the sarcasm and face Jack with a serious face of her own. "I think the reason why she keep having a butler is because she is lonely and alone that your parents keeps hiring someone to keep her occupied. I think she misses you. I don't know what happened but I think something happened in the past that drifted you two apart." The atmosphere around them suddenly became serious and tense.
"Please stop... I don't want to talk about it." Elsa said now raising her hand to stop Jack and proceed to hug herself for comfort.
"Well, based on your action I can say that something really did happen...but I won't push it to know what it is." Jack said now getting nearer to Elsa and place his right hand on her left shoulder. Elsa tensed a little bit and look up to Jack. "But shutting out your sister is not a solution, your majesty. You should spend time with her too, remake your broken bond, and be happy with her."
"Things can't be the same way Jack, I have the responsibility of becoming a Queen someday and I won't let anything gets in my way."
"Even Anna?" Jack asked while withdrawing his hand, leaving Elsa speechless. "No offense, your majesty, but I don't think you will be a good Queen."
The Princess gasped in shock on Jack's opinion. "Why?" She asked with a hint of anger.
"Well...How can you serve your people of you don't serve your own sister? You're setting your concerns on strangers instead of your own relative. You are worried you will not be a great ruler that you do anything to change that and ended up letting go of those what's important to you. You will be a Queen to your people but you will be a stranger to your sister." Jack said. "Tell me, your majesty, is it worth it that all the power in the world will fall in your hands at the cost of your own family or even a part of your family?" Elsa said nothing and let the words of Jack sink into her thoughts.
"No it isn't" Elsa replied in a soft voice realizing on where the conversation will lead.
"You see what I mean. It's okay to have heavy responsibilities, just don't forget your priorities. Set a goal but whatever you do, don't lose sight on what's important to you the most. Be a Queen for your sister, then for your people." The young butler finishes his little speech with a smile. Elsa can't help but smile back. The same smile she gave Jack when he gave the flowers.
Thanks to Jack, Elsa realize her wrong doings and promise to herself to be a better sister for Anna from now on. Yet still if she will be, it has to be in her own terms because knowing Anna, there won't be any limitations in their bonding. Now all that's left to Elsa is properly thank the butler that gave him the reality check she needed. So she grab Jack's hands to hers and gave him a sweet smile.
"Thank you Jack, that means a lot to me." Elsa said.
"It is okay, your majesty, it is my job after all as a butler." Jack calmly said but deep inside, he is freaking out.
Damn Jackson you are one lucky bastard. The most beautiful Princess gave you that smile again and now she's holding your hands. Okay keep cool...don't freak out...show her your 'gentlemen' side. But hot damn her hands is so soft, I don't want to let go...I don't want to let go...Please don't let go... the exact words that is now running his thoughts.
But to his disappointment, Elsa let go and withdraw her hands.
The doors to the library opened and Kai walked in, informing Jack that Anna needs him. Jack nodded and ask Elsa for his leave which Elsa granted if she can come with him. So the two walk together to Anna's room to tease Anna how the scolding was. A way of Elsa to start repairing their broken bond but the idea came from Jack. They reach Anna's room and is about to knock the door when the door suddenly open and revealed an Anna whom once again riding a bike, only for the two to assume the she will try to ride again around the hall.
"It is not what you think. I will be using this outside the castle." Anna blurted out to avoid confusion.
The two can only nod. "I forbid you, Anna, to ride that bike." Elsa said formally.
"What? but why?" Anna asked
"You almost got yourself killed the last time you rode that, so to prevent such tragedies I will ride with you."
"But that was around the hall, this time I wi..." She said frustratingly then it clicked her. "Wait, you want to ride a bike with me?" Anna asked with a confuse but happy look.
"Yes Anna, I want to." The older sister said that causes the little sister to squeal in delight. "Now go to the other seat, I'm driving."
Anna is more than happy to oblige and once everything is set, the two royal daughters rode pass through Jack and around the hall to go outside the castle. Laughter and squeals can be heard on the sister's bonding. Elsa don't know on how much happy is Anna when she decided to spend time with her.
The once quiet castle is now filled with giggling, the staff thought that once again Anna is being immature but to their shock, they saw the respected, matured, and well-mannered Princess Elsa is the one that causes the commotion. The staff's jaws dropped when Elsa and Anna passed through them making the two sisters laugh more on the staff's priceless looks. They so wrapped up to the fun that they don't care where to go. Not only Anna misses their bonding but Elsa misses it too. They wish this fun would last long with no one restricting them and slowing them down.
5 minutes later...
"Disappointed, I'm very, very, very, very, disappointed on the both of you, especially on you Elsa. I expect much from you. As an older sister, you are suppose to control your sister, not join her..." and the royal father's scolding go on and on. The sisters find themselves kneeling in front of their father inside their parent's room.
At the same time, in Kai's room...
"A disappointment and a disgrace you are, Jackson. You should be guarding her, leading, her, teach her, and keep an eye on her but no, you let her do what she wish. You did not only dishonor your name but also mine as your mentor here in this castle..." and the head butler's scolding go on and on. Jack now finds himself kneeling in front of his mentor.
Despite being scolded, Jack, Elsa and Anna is trying hard to fight a smile that is forming in their lips. For in their minds, the young adults that is being lectured right now thought that the fun they all had and the scolding they all share is worth it, totally worth it.
AN: Chapter 6 is done folks.
Hope you like this one too...
Read and enjoy!