Chapter 3 - Taking The Princess To Dinner
Anna slowly sat up in her bed, rubbing her eyes. She crawled out of bed and over to her wardrobe, opening it and reaching for her maid uniform. Three months, she thought. It's been three months, and I still haven't been found out. She never expected her ruse to last this long; her disguise must have been very convincing if it had fooled Elsa.
Stumbling out of bed,, Anna soon had her hair done up in its usual bun, the best hairstyle that her wig could fit over. As she put on her uniform and slid the brown wig over her head, she smiled at herself. She could probably go her entire life as Greta the maid, but then she knew people would wonder why Princess Anna mysteriously kept disappearing.
The past three months had been good for Anna. She'd gotten quite accustomed to her duties as a maid, performing them to the best of her ability, which was arguably now better than the other servant girls in the castle. Gerda had been eying her for a promotion, but Anna didn't want to stand out from the crowd.
No, her only reward for all this would be the chance to speak to Elsa again, her gorgeous sister whom she had been pining for these past few months. Every night would be the same, change Elsa into her nightgown, give her a backrub, chat a little and repeat the next evening.
Elsa was quite a joy to talk to, sharing so many secrets with Anna that quite surprised the young princess, but the one thing Anna could never convince Elsa to talk about was the reason she had shut the world out all these years. That was a close secret that Elsa kept to herself and Anna did not wish to pry any more, not wanting to jeopardise their new friendship.
Other than Elsa, Anna's friendship with her fellow maid Essi had also bloomed considerably. She was starting to consider her like a sister as well, with the two of them often goofing off together and having fun. Whenever they would be free, Anna would always make time to spend with her new friend.
Essi was quite keen on Anna, in a way that made Anna feel special. Essi seemed to know just what to say at all the right times. She was a true friend, but there was only one person in the world who had Anna's heart these days and that was Elsa.
Now though, Anna was wondering how best to further her relationship with Elsa, how she could bring her out of that room, even for just one night. But before she could think about it, there was a knock at her bedroom door and the voice of Gerda calling from behind it.
"Princess! You're going to be late!" She insisted.
"Oh um, coming Gerda!" Anna called out, pulling on her wig and heading to the door. She opened her door and saw the head maid greeting her with a smile. "Sorry, I just overslept a little."
Gerda chuckled. "Well, you shouldn't make a habit of it. I'd hate to see my best maid be late for her duties."
As the two of them walked down the corridor, Anna took on her maid persona, the kind, simple girl who everyone knew as Greta. She was thankful that her wig was the perfect disguise for her true identity. It would have been a nightmare to add an accent to her voice as well or walk differently.
Heading towards the maid's quarters, Anna then came up with an idea for how she could spend time with Elsa again, a perfect idea that simply just popped into her mind.
"Gerda?" Anna inquired as they walked down the hall. "I have a... um, favour to ask of you."
"Oh? And what might that be, Princess?" Gerda wondered, curious to know what Anna had in mind.
"Could you... perhaps tell me when my sister usually has her dinner?" Anna wondered.
"At around 7:30," Gerda explained to her. "Why do you ask Princess? Are you planning something?"
"Well... would it be alright if she has company for once? The company of me in this... new identity of mine?" Anna expressed. "She does seem to trust me quite well and it would likely do her a world of good to get out of that room of hers, at least for one night."
Gerda rubbed her chin in contemplation, considering the princess's words. "I'm not sure. I do agree that some fresh air would be good for her, but..."
"Please, Gerda," Anna begged, pleading with the elder maid. "Let me be with my sister again."
Gerda smiled, shaking her head and accepting Anna's terms. "Oh, all right. I suppose it won't do any harm."
"Yes! Thank you, Gerda!" Anna cheered, hugging the maid tightly with a bright grin on her face. "Could you arrange it for tomorrow night? I wanna go and ask Elsa about it tonight, so she's okay with it."
"Of course, Princess," Gerda accepted, smiling kindly. "But... try not to get too intimate with her. You know she's very delicate."
"I promise," Anna assured the head maid. The two of them then headed into the maid's quarters, where Anna took her place among the other servant girls at the morning register and duty roster was read out for them all to hear.
She was extremely happy. Finally, she was going to be seeing Elsa, talking to Elsa, for the first time out of Elsa's room in three months. It was essentially a first date, one that Anna was excited for beyond any sort of possible measure.
Noticing Anna's cheery face, Essi nudged her arm as the register was taken, smirking. "What's got you in such a good mood today, Greta?"
"Something big, I'll tell you later," Anna responded, her face glowing with excitement. Finally, she was going to date a princess and she knew it would be a night she would probably never forget.
xXx
Later that evening, Anna approached the door to Elsa's bedroom, reaching up and knocking three times. It was difficult to not do her usual shave-and-a-haircut rhythm, but she was getting it under control. Besides, she'd learned her lesson not to barge in on Elsa when she wanted to. After all, the last thing Elsa wanted was her favourite made turning into a blushing mess.
"Princess? It's me, Greta," Anna whispered. "May I come in? It's time for our usual little thing."
"Oh yes, of course, Greta, please come in," Elsa greeted her, in her usual kind and soothing voice.
Opening the door, Anna walked inside, finding Elsa already removing her gloves and taking off her blue jacket, preparing herself for bed. The Princess then walked over to her bed and lay down on her back, allowing for Anna to begin her usual massage.
Smiling, Anna took great care in feeling and massaging Elsa's flesh, soothing her in the usual manner that she had become very accustomed to by now, hearing Elsa's sighs of relief and relaxation underneath her warm, soft palms, pressing on her back.
Once the massage was over, Elsa turned over and Anna slipped on her nightgown, but before Elsa could climb into bed, Anna decided it would be best to inform Elsa of her little plan for the following evening. After all, this was the perfect chance.
"Um, Princess?" Anna wondered. "Could I suggest something to you for a moment? It's just something that's been on my mind today."
"Oh?" Elsa raised an eyebrow. "What is it, Greta?"
"Well... it's just I've been thinking that we've gotten to know each other quite a bit by now," Anna spoke. "And you spend a lot of time in this room, so I was wondering if you would like to have dinner with me... tomorrow night, just the two of us."
Elsa was quite surprised by this sudden offer. "Are you... Are you inviting me on a date, Greta? Because that's what that sounds like to me."
"Well, I wouldn't call it that, even if I must admit I have been having feelings for you of late," Anna expressed. "I would prefer to think of it as you getting the opportunity to get out of this room and enjoy my company at a time other than before you sleep."
Thinking a little more, Elsa felt a little unsure. "I... I don't know what to say, Greta. It's true that I do have feelings for you as well, but I spend so much time here... and I haven't spent any time like that with anyone in so many years."
Anna sighed. "I know I'm no replacement for your sister, but I am here for you Elsa and I am giving you the chance to get out of this room. You did tell me you were starting to get sick of this place. This is your chance to break free."
"Yes, that part is true," Elsa responded. "But this is just a little too sudden for me. I don't know if... if I would be a good dinner companion. Perhaps you could ask my sister to dinner instead? She's been very lonely lately and I'm sure she deserves the company more than me."
"Yes, but I am your maid, Elsa, not hers," Anna reminded the princess. "And I care about you. I've already made the arrangements with Gerda and it will just be you and me, no one else will be there. You can even pretend I'm not there, I don't care, I just want you to be comfortable."
Looking away, Elsa thought for a few more moments, before she spoke again. "This would be just between us, correct?"
"Yes, just you and me. A quiet evening together," Anna insisted. "No one else will disturb us at all."
Elsa sighed, but then she smiled. "Alright... I suppose you make a fair point. Very well, Greta, I will come to dinner with you tomorrow night."
Anna's mouth split into an enormous smile of pure elation. "Wonderful!" she exclaimed. "I look forward to it. Shall I meet you here, or in the dining room?"
"Meet me here," Elsa responded. "We'll go down together and we'll... have a good time as I think the kids say these days... they do say that right?"
Giggling, Anna nodded. "Yes, they do and thank you... I'll be sure to wear a nice dress for you, Princess." She smiled and turned to the door. "I'll see you tomorrow night, Elsa."
"Take care, Greta," Elsa replied, smiling kindly as Anna closed the door behind her.
The very moment the door closed behind her, Anna clapped her hands excitedly. "Yay! I get to be with Elsa!" She whispered excitedly to herself. For the first time in forever, Anna's dream of being with Elsa had finally come true. Everything was going to be perfect.
Now all Anna needed to decide was what she was going to wear on her very first date.
xXx
The next morning, Anna was walking through the corridors of the castle, in her usual appearance for once. Gerda had given her the day off to prepare for her date with the princess and for this Anna was thankful. It had been too long since Anna had been able to wear her natural hair and her usual green dress.
It was a bit much for the princess, walking through the halls like this. Whenever she saw one of the maids in the hall, she had to do her best not to say hello and drag too much attention that she was secretly one of them. It was particularly hard for her not to say hello to Essi, who had come to make her bed that morning.
But Anna knew it would be back to normal the next day, but being back in her normal appearance did make her wonder a little bit. If things were going to go as they were, Anna would be spending more time as Greta and less time as herself.
She wondered that if she and Elsa were truly feeling the same for one another, their relationship could deepen. What if one day they got fully together as a couple and rumours were spreading of her true identity? After all, someone was bound to figure it out eventually. Anna knew such a scandal could devastate Elsa.
Perhaps one day soon, once Elsa was fully comfortable being out of her room again, she'd confess the truth to her sister, that she and Greta were one and the same. Would Elsa be comfortable with that? She'd probably realise that Anna was only doing it for the good of Elsa's health.
Anna knew she shouldn't worry about that sort of thing though. Tonight, she was taking her sister to dinner and that was all she ever needed to look forward to.
As Anna turned the next corner, she wasn't really looking where she was going. Her mind was lost in the thought of Elsa again, which didn't help when she accidentally bumped into someone and fell down on the floor in a heap, grunting in pain.
"Ooof!" Anna expressed, rubbing her head. "Sorry, I wasn't lo-" Anna's jaw then dropped as she saw the person she had in fact bumped into, her heart skipping a few soft beats.
Standing above Anna, in her usual jacket and gloves and holding a book close to her chest, with a timid expression on her face was none other than her sister Elsa. The Princess seemed very surprised to see Anna, but Anna was much more surprised.
"E-Elsa?" Anna spoke, getting to her feet. "W-What are you doing here?"
"I-I was um... getting this book from the library," Elsa stuttered, the shy girl looking away. "I-I'm sorry, I'll just get out of your way."
Just as Elsa started to walk away, Anna reached out and grabbed her arm, not wanting to let her sister out of her sight again. It had been too long since they had spoken, with Anna actually being herself for once. "Hey, don't go. It's been so long since we talked. I've missed you."
Elsa sighed. "I... I don't think we should, Anna. Please."
"No, I've been hearing so many wonderful things about you, Elsa," Anna replied. "Your maid Greta has been telling me all about you."
Pausing for a moment, Elsa turned to look at Anna, very curious. "So... you have spoken to Greta?"
Anna nodded. "Yes, she's become one of my new friends here in the castle. I've been dying to speak to you after all the wonderful things she's said."
Smiling softly, Elsa felt slightly relieved. She had indeed heard many things about Anna from Greta as well. Perhaps this could be the first step to rebuilding what they once had. After all, if she could talk to a maid every night about her feelings, then her sister would be no issue.
Looking back at Anna, Elsa reached out and took the younger girl's hands. "Then... perhaps we should talk. It has been so long."
"I would want nothing more, my dear sister," Anna responded, looking directly into Elsa's gorgeous blue eyes. God, Elsa was beautiful.
The two of them then headed into a small room on the side of the corridor, taking a seat on a nearby sofa and relaxing together. Elsa kept to herself on one side of the chair, something that Anna was respectful for. She was just grateful to have this moment.
Just then, Elsa put down the book she was carrying and Anna could see what the book was about. From the title of the book, it was a guide on dinner etiquette, about how one should conduct themselves on a date with their significant other.
"You're going on a date?" Anna assumed.
"Sort of," Elsa expressed. "Greta has invited me to have dinner with her tonight and I want to make sure I don't disappoint her." She smiled. "She means a lot to me. No one has cared for me like she has done in so many years."
Anna smirked, liking the fact that Elsa was praising her and not actually knowing it. She looked at Elsa, grinning. "Well, I'm sure she'll be extremely grateful that you've gone to all this effort for her. I think she'll be proud of you too."
Elsa sighed. "But... I know it doesn't feel right. I should be spending more time with you, not her. I... I'm sorry, Anna, for shutting you out of my life. I won't say why Mama, Papa and I did what we did, but rest assured, I'll explain in due time."
Cuddling Elsa, Anna was thankful. "It's okay, Elsa. I was never mad at you or angry. I'm just happy for you, and nothing will change that for me."
Blushing softly, Elsa smiled and looked at her sister. "Perhaps we should do this more often. You and me, just talking, like old times."
"I'd like that," Anna agreed.
"And perhaps Greta could come along as well. I'd love to see how you two are with each other."
Anna then rubbed the back of her head. "Ummm... maybe not. I don't wanna seem like a third wheel between the pair of you or anything." In truth, it would be because such an encounter would be impossible to pull off without giving her secret away.
Nodding, Elsa smiled. "Very well then." She sighed and stood up. "I suppose I should go and get ready for tonight. I'll... try and catch up with you soon Anna."
"Bye, Elsa," Anna bid her sister farewell. "See you soon."
As she walked out of the room, Elsa felt happy, for the first time in so many years she was happy. It was one small step, but she knew it would go a long way for her and Anna to rebuild their lives.
xXx
That evening, Anna was in the maid's quarters, dressing up for her date with Elsa. Her wig was on her head, disguising her identity and enforcing her persona as Greta the maid. She was still a little nervous about this, but was hopeful that all would be well.
She was wearing a gorgeous looking green dress, one that she had kept ready for when the castle would hold any royal balls. Sadly, due to Elsa's isolation, no parties had been held in the palace for many years, but Anna was thankful that she was going to wear the dress tonight.
The dress had a wide skirt, with stripes of different shades of green. There was shoulder straps on her arms, which exposed her shoulders. Hbodice was black and the whole dress was highlighted with gold. It looked quite dazzling to the eyes.
Helping Anna get ready was her friend Essi, who was currently adjusting the bodice of her dress. She had been more than happy to help Anna get ready, although Anna could sense there was something off about her, something that just wasn't quite right.
But Anna could brush it over. She was just probably concerned for her, but Anna would assure Essi that there was nothing to worry about.
Looking over Anna one last time, Essi smiled. "How do you feel, Greta? Ready for your big date with the princess?"
"I was born ready," Anna chirped, giggling. "Do I look good? Do you think Elsa will like my dress?"
"Well... you certainly look amazing Greta. I think you're going to knock Elsa dead." She smiled, hugging Anna from behind. "Where did you get such an amazing dress anyway?"
"Princess Anna lent it to me," Anna explained, making up a cover story. "She spoke to her sister today, for the first time in a long time and heard about our date. She then met up with me and offered to give me this dress. She really wants this night to be special for her sister."
Essi felt happy hearing those words. "How sweet of her. I'm glad you've been able to bring them back together. I just hope that... whatever is between you and Elsa doesn't jeopardise their relationship."
"It won't," Anna assured her friend. She then hugged Essi tightly, smiling. "Thanks for helping me, Essi. You've been a good friend to me."
"Yes... a friend," Essi spoke, hugging Anna back. In truth, sadness was actually filling Essi's heart, but she wouldn't tell Anna that. "Well, you better be going. Wouldn't want the Princess to kept waiting all night, would we?"
"No," Anna agreed. "We wouldn't." She then started to walk out of the room, smiling as she looked at Essi over her shoulder. "I'll... see you later."
As Anna left the room, Essi sighed deeply. She pondered calling Anna back, to confess how she felt, but it was pointless now. "Oh, Greta... if you only you truly knew."
Feeling confident in herself, Anna then walked through the halls of the castle, feeling more like a princess than a maid, yet still hiding her identity. She knew that whatever happened tonight, Elsa deserved to be happy and Anna would be the one to bring her that happiness.
She took a deep breath, focusing her thoughts. She was still a little nervous, yes, who wouldn't be nervous on their first date, but she wanted to give Elsa the impression that all would be well that evening, that they would have their date very much in peace.
Arriving at Elsa's bedroom, Anna reached out with her hand and knocked upon the door, a wide smile on her face. Time to show her darling sister her idea of a good first date. "Elsa are you there?"
The door soon opened, revealing the beautiful figure of Elsa, wearing her usual jacket and dress. She hadn't bothered changing her look, but Anna didn't mind. Elsa was beautiful no matter what she wore.
Elsa looked at Anna, blushing softly at her appearance. "Wow... You look beautiful, Greta. I see you didn't hold back on impressing me. That dress is just gorgeous."
"Thanks," Anna replied, blushing too. "Your sister lent it to me. She said she hoped for us to have a good first date." She then held out her hand. "Shall we go down, your highness? Our dinner awaits."
Smiling, Elsa took Anna's hand, her gloved palm touching Anna's flesh. "We shall. Please lead the way, my dear."
Doing as Elsa requested, Anna led the pair of them down to the dining hall, smiling with utter pride. Finally, she was having a date with her gorgeous sister and there was nothing that could go against them. Elsa seemed very happy too, even if a little bit shy.
Blushing softly, Elsa clung to Anna's arm, sighing softly. Finally, she was out of her room, with someone whom she cared deeply for. It wasn't Anna, but the princess's words earlier had boosted Elsa's confidence greatly. She was more than happy to be around Greta.
Of course, she couldn't deny the fact that Gerta was clearly the most beautiful out of their pair of them. The dress suited her so perfectly, too perfectly. Like, even though it was supposed to be Anna's, it fitted the maid surprisingly well.
Finally, the two of them arrived in the dining hall and they took their places at the table, sitting quite far apart from one another, but not far enough that they couldn't touch each other or hold hands. It was quite an intimate setting.
Speaking of things setting, there was a beautiful sunset out of the large windows next to them, illuminating the room in a warm orange glow. The two then started their meal, Elsa eating her food respectfully, while slightly giggling at Anna scoffing her food down.
Anna was only trying her best to be a good date for Elsa. Her dorky antics seemed to put a smile on the princess's face. Everything was going very smoothly for them both tonight. She was also enjoying the meal greatly, especially the soup and the steak.
Reaching her hand over, Anna held Elsa's hand tightly, feeling the slight cold sensation of Elsa's hands. For whatever reason, Elsa's hands were always the coldest part of her body. Maybe that was why she wore the gloves?
Looking back at Anna as her hand was held, Elsa admired the young girl she only knew as Greta. This was the perfect evening for her and this wonderful meal had only added to the joy-filled company that being with the maid gave her.
She couldn't stop looking at how utterly stunning Anna's dress was, how it still looked just perfect on her. Perhaps it was a sign, a sign that one day, Greta might be more than just a maid in Elsa's eyes and instead be a princess too, ruling Arendelle at her side. The dress paled in comparison to Elsa's own attire, her usual blue jacket.
But Greta had taken a liking to Elsa's attire, perhaps wishing Elsa never changed out of it, except for the times they spent together in Elsa's room.
"Are you alright, your highness?" Anna wondered. "I hope you didn't mind me having dinner with you. I mean, it was a lot for you to understand I know but… I hope you have really enjoyed tonight." She smiled, giving Elsa an expression filled with love.
Elsa blushed softly, stroking her cheek. "Well... I must admit it is rather endearing of you to go all this way for me. Tell you the truth, no one has ever been this kind to me, or this generous. Most people just go on about their duties around me, but you... you've changed that."
"I only wish to serve you, Princess," Anna responded, grinning and sipping her water. "You're my princess, it is my duty to ensure that you are cared for. I'd be a terrible servant if I didn't look after you."
Giggling at her date's little joke, Elsa smiled. "Yes... your loyalty is unquestionable, Greta. I only hope you continue to serve, as you do now."
"Speaking of me serving you, look to your left," Anna hinted. "There's something for you."
Staring down to the left of her plate, Elsa smiled as she saw a few pieces of chocolate had been left for her, milk chocolate, her favourite. Taking one of the pieces and chewing it, she sighed, relaxed by the delicious sweet treat in her mouth.
"My favourite," Elsa stated. "I'm glad you remember my tastes so well, Greta. You probably know me better than my parents did."
You have no clue, Princess, Anna remarked in her thoughts.
Once their meal was finished, Elsa then stood up, preparing to walk out of the room, only for Anna to stop her and hold her hand. Looking into Elsa's eyes, she smiled softly and caressed Elsa's hands, staring at her with love and adoration.
Shyly blushing, Elsa turned away. "Um... what are you doing, Greta?" she asked, slightly nervous. She felt very unsure of what was going on.
Reaching her hands around Elsa's waist, Anna smiled. "My dear Princess Elsa... would you like to dance with me?"
"D-Dance?" Elsa stuttered. "I don't know... we don't even have any music playing that we could even dance to..."
Anna smiled. "We don't need any music to play for us to dance, my princess. We should dance to the music that is in our hearts and souls, let that guide us." Wrapping her arms around Elsa's waist, she smiled and touched foreheads.
"Well... Alright," Elsa gave in. She knew Greta was only trying her best to impress her. Closing her eyes she imagined a beautiful melody playing in the room and started to waltz with Anna to it, softly and calmly, with love in her heart.
The two moved to in front of the windows, with Elsa embracing Anna as they danced. She felt like she was going to cry soft tears of joy. This moment, this being with her true love was so happy to her, tears were streaming down her cheeks.
Holding Elsa close, Anna guided her sister happily. This was the perfect way to end an evening, dancing with one's soulmate after having a beautiful meal. Staring into Elsa's eyes, she smiled and could feel the cosmic force of the universe flow between them.
Breathing easily, Elsa let Anna lead their waltz, imagining that they were indeed in the middle of a royal ball and Anna was the lucky girl who was able to sweep Elsa right off her feet. Smiling, she cupped Anna's cheeks as they continued to twirl slowly.
Keeping Elsa in their dance, Anna softly waltzed with the princess across the room, keeping her gaze locked upon Elsa's beautiful face. "I always heard rumours that you didn't dance, your highness," she remarked. "Clearly they were wrong."
"Not in public," Elsa replied. "But in private and in... intimate company, dancing is quite pleasant for me to do... and speaking of things to do, there is something I want to do, Greta... if that is alright with you."
"What do you want, Elsa?" Anna asked her, politely and with a smile on her face.
"I want... I want to kiss you, Greta. I... want to show you how much I love you." She held Anna close. "May I kiss you?"
Nodding, Anna agreed. "You may, Princess." She then closed her eyes and puckered her lips, awaiting Elsa's kiss upon them.
Gulping, Elsa held Anna's shoulder with one hand and reached her other hand behind Anna's head. She then closed her own eyes and leaned ever closer, soon feeling the warm, tender touch of Anna's lips pressing her own cold ones. Sighing, Elsa deepened the kiss, pulling Anna closer.
Giving in, Anna let their kiss deepen, opening her mouth slightly as they passionately embraced one another, their lips tightly pressed together. She breathed through her nose as she wrapped her arms around Elsa's waist. Her first ever kiss... and it had certainly been one to remember.
As she was kissing Anna, however, Elsa's hand reached up her lover's hair and found something strange. It was a part of her hair that didn't seem to meet, almost like it was... no. Pulling away, Elsa gasped. "Gerta, what is this?" She asked.
Realising what Elsa was pulling on, Anna tried to get Elsa to let go. "Your Highness, please don't do that-"
But it was already too late. The wig was now on the floor and Elsa was met with the familiar face of her sister Anna, strawberry blonde hair and white streak in all its glory. Her eyes wide with shock, Elsa couldn't find the words.
"A-Anna..."
Realising her cover was blown, Anna stepped back and sighed. "Elsa, I'm sorry. I didn't want you to find out this way. I'm so so sorry."
"You... I..." Elsa turned away. "Please... I need some time alone." She then ran out of the room, Anna hearing the sound of her sister sobbing.
Holding her wig close to her chest, Anna cried too. "Oh god... what have I done?" She then felt her heartbreak as her future with her sister was now in complete tatters.