Note: Hi everyone! I'd really like it, if you're enjoying this (or not), if you could review this fiction, so I know what I'm doing wrong or doing right. That's all I guess… Enjoy, and have a fantastic day!
Chapter 12: The Ally
Four days after Jack and Elsa had seen exactly what Katie had tried to tell Elsa, they were no more advanced on finding out which prince could maybe be on their side. The only way to know, they'd decided with Anna and Kristoff, would be to ask the Queen herself, or have her followed, which Elsa had decided that they would only do if the Queen refused to tell them anything.
But it seemed that the Queen was never alone. She seemed to always be surrounded by guards, Elsa had told Jack the previous night, with no chance at all to talk to her alone.
Before they'd realized it however, it was the day before Christmas Eve, and Anna and Kristoff's wedding was imminent. The palace was swarmed with servants, preparing for tomorrow, when all the inhabitants of Arendelle's capital city would come to witness the ceremony. Elsa felt as if she hadn't completely realized that her sister was getting married, what with everything going on, and felt a little guilty that she hadn't spent as much time helping Anna prepare for the wedding as she should have. So, after another horribly silent dinner with the Southern Isles royals, Elsa directed her steps towards Anna's bedroom, telling Jack that she wouldn't be long, and knocked on her door.
"Yes?" answered Anna, opening the door almost immediately. "Oh, hi, Elsa. Come in, I'm just making my final decision on the wedding dress."
"You're doing that on the eve of your wedding?" she asked, smiling as she entered the softly-lit room. Snow was swirling outside the window, and a roaring fire heated the room. It was extremely cosy.
"Yes, well, I'm just happy they're here. You won't believe how much I had to pay extra for the short-notice," Anna said, before turning back to the three wedding dresses that dressed three black, Anna-shaped, mannequins.
"Wow Anna," Elsa said in disbelief. "They're beautiful."
The dresses were all white, contrasting with the mannequin's colour, and all superb. One had a heart-shaped corset, with skirts that billowed from the waistline, but transparent intricate lacework covered the sleeves and the upper part of the chest, stopping a little underneath the base of the neck. A glittering belt was around the mannequin's waist, and the veil was equally beautiful, training long behind the dress' end. The second one was more décolleté, but also with lace, and had more or less the same form as the first one; the last one was a simple, elegant dress that fell loosely over the mannequin's form. Elsa found it especially breath-taking, and it even had a matching silver tiara.
"I love this one," she breathed but Anna had only eyes for the first one.
"Too simple. Where's the fun? I want to be elegant."
"It is elegant," Elsa protested, but not with much conviction. She knew Anna enough that she knew she would want to go all out on her wedding day, and anyway, the first one would suit her perfectly.
"You're going to be beautiful," smiled Elsa, as Anna fiddled with the veil.
"You really think so?" she said in a small voice.
"I know so."
Anna's hands paused as she looked up at her sister.
"You don't think I'm making a mistake?"
"What?" said Elsa, bewildered.
"Do you think I'm making a mistake?"
"Oh Anna," Elsa sighed, striding over to her sister, and pulling her by a hand to the bed, where they sat. "Is this because I said you were too young?"
"No!" said Anna, but at Elsa's look she added, "Well, maybe a little."
"I do think you're a little young for what you're launching yourself into," started Elsa, "but I also know you love Kristoff. And he loves you. I think you're doing something that will change your life for the better, though you started a little early, that's it."
When Anna didn't answer, Elsa exhaled.
I'm really bad at this.
"Look, I don't know much about love," she tried again. "But I do know what it's supposed to look like. I saw it with Father and Mother, and I see it with you and Kristoff. It's normal to have cold feet, but I'm sure you're going to be very happy with him."
"Are you sure?"
"Very. It's normal to be nervous. If you really want us to postpone the wedding, I can make up an excuse so Kristoff won't know-"
"No," said Anna, "I know I want to marry him. It's just- if we were allowed to be with each other tonight, I wouldn't have any doubts at all. Not that I have doubts-"
"I know. For what it's worth, I think Kristoff is nervous too."
"Why?" she said nervously.
"I saw him talking to Sven again," laughed Elsa, and Anna giggled.
"I'm sure Sven is more than capable of giving Kristoff relationship advice. I wouldn't worry," grinned Elsa, and her sister laughed again, before resting her head on her sister's shoulder.
"I'm just being stupid," said Anna.
"Loveably stupid," added Elsa and Anna slapped her wrist playfully. She jumped up from the bed and began to examine the first wedding dress again.
"Enough about me. You have to give me details on that Frost guy," she said quickly, and Elsa rolled her eyes.
"There are no details, Anna!" though she knew it was a lie as she said it. In the past few days, Jack had been present more than ever, though giving her space to think when she'd needed it. And despite of everything going on, Anna's wedding, the Queen, the Southern Isles, that Pitch guy who sounded like a dangerous psychopath, they'd spent nearly every waking hour together, doing research and coming up with plans to thwart the Southern Isles… but even though she was more focused than ever in those moments, he managed to distract her. Sometimes, it was totally on purpose; he flirted and taunted, making her laugh and blush; other times, he wasn't even aware of it. The way he held his staff carelessly when he was thinking, the look he gave her when she said something, the amused grin that seemed to be permanently there, both annoying and deeply seductive- and the looks, always the looks that he gave her as he watched her when he thought she wasn't looking…
"No details huh?" Anna grinned, and Elsa couldn't help but smile back.
"Well, maybe a little."
…
Elsa had told him that she would be gone for less than fifteen minutes, and it had been twenty since she'd left him in her chambers. Of course, Jack wouldn't have worried more than that- she could do whatever she liked, it's not like they had a date or anything (though he secretly wished that they did have one)- but with Katie's killers still on the loose, and hostile snob royals everywhere, he couldn't help but feel a little worried.
He fidgeted for a whole quarter of an hour more before finally making his decision, and going to look for her. Elsa had mentioned something about Anna and the wedding, and though he knew roughly where Anna's chambers were, he didn't know where they were located exactly in the castle. He thought it would be a waste of time to just knock on every door, so he decided to investigate the way he liked best.
He flew out of Elsa's window, and past dozens of windows at least, trying to hear or see Anna or Elsa.
Finally, he saw the familiar mop of blond hair, and skidded to a stop in mid-air. It was indeed Anna, and Elsa. Elsa was seated on Anna's bed, her back to the window, and Anna was standing next to a mannequin wearing a stunning wedding dress, looking at Elsa with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Well, she's safe.
Jack was just preparing to fly back to Elsa's room, when Anna's words reached his ears.
"You have to give me details on that Frost guy," she was saying and Jack edged closer to the window, carefully keeping out of sight. He'd thought the window had been closed, but it was open a tiny crack, explaining how he'd heard Anna.
"There are no details Anna." There was a pause, then Anna grinned.
"No details huh?"
"Well, maybe a little."
I really shouldn't be listening to this, he thought, but made no effort to move away.
"Tell me everything!" he heard Anna squeal.
"Well-"
"Okay first, we are in agreement that the guy is absolutely gorgeous," he heard Anna say, and Elsa laughed.
"Are we in agreement?" Anna said in a falsely bossy voice.
"Anna-" she started.
"Oh Elsa, I've seen how you stare at him-"
"I don't stare at him-"
"Maybe not stare, but you definitely look-"
"So?"
"So we are in agreement."
Jack heard Elsa sigh in exasperation.
"Fine," she gave in, "We are in agreement."
Jack grinned. She thought he was gorgeous.
You're not too shabby yourself, Snowflake.
"And what is he like?" Anna asked, and there was a pause so long that Jack wondered if his ears had suddenly stopped working.
"He's…" started Elsa, and Jack leaned closer to the window, not wanting to miss a word she said. "He's brilliant."
His heart skipped a beat. This was really not something he was supposed to overhear, he decided, but before he could fly back to Elsa's room, the queen started talking again, words now spilling fast from her mouth, as if now that she'd started talking, she didn't want to stop.
"He's so different, from anyone I've ever met before. I don't know how to describe it- he's so sincere, so real. I know I probably shouldn't trust anyone except you, especially right now, but I can't help it. I already trust him. I think I've trusted him since we've met, as incredible as it sounds."
Well, a little after we met, Jack thought, smiling. You did think I wanted to kill you, Snowflake.
"Elsa," said Anna, so low that Jack barely heard her. "You shouldn't be afraid of trusting him."
"But what if- what if he's just playing me-"
"You can't just think that everyone's trying to play you all the time, El." Anna said, and Jack could hear a smile in her voice. "What if I thought that everyone was like Hans? I would never have been able to fall in love with Kristoff, and look what I'd be missing!"
"That's different."
"How is it different, Elsa?"
"I have to be careful. I have Arendelle to think about."
"Arendelle want its Queen to be happy." said Anna softly, and Jack decided that he had heard enough.
What am I playing at?
He pushed himself away from the wall, trying to propel himself in the direction of Elsa's room, when he accidentally pushed his hand against the window, that closed with a slam.
Shit.
Before he could do as much as move, the window slammed open to reveal Elsa, looking down at him, positively glowering.
"How long have you been here?" she asked accusingly.
"Not long," he said sheepishly.
"Have you been following me?" she questioned, her tone suspicious.
Great, he thought. Now she'll think I'm actually a spy after her blood.
"I haven't been following you," he said defensively, "I was worried of where you were."
"And you thought that listening to private conversations would ensure my safety?" she retorted, and though her face was filled with anger, Jack detected a hint of embarrassment.
"I wasn't there long," he mumbled, "I heard some of it- but a really small part, I swear."
"You swear, do you?" she said in a higher voice than usual.
"Look, Elsa, it's no big deal, I didn't listen on purpose-"
"Sure you didn't."
"- Okay, maybe I did, but you didn't really say anything and I wasn't there for long-"
A strangled cry of outrage escaped Elsa, and he looked up.
"For the record, I think you're gorgeous too," he said quickly, hoping that the words would have a calming effect on Elsa.
They had the opposite.
"I could slap you right now!" she screamed. "As if it wasn't already embarrassing-"
"What's embarrassing?!" shouted Jack loud enough to interrupt her. "That you think I can be trusted? That you think I'm someone who has miraculously a little of decency? That for once, you could let go of your fears, and just do what you want?"
"This conversation is over," she snapped, and before Jack could say anything more, she'd slammed the window shut in his face.
…
Jack had drifted in the wind, laying on his back and staring at the full moon above him. He hadn't dared go back to Elsa's room after their… disagreement.
He didn't want to call it a fight.
He muttered a curse under his breath, fidgeting with his staff. If only he had been smart enough to just leave-
Jack looked up at the Moon, irritated.
"What?" he snapped.
He stared up, and snorted.
"I don't need you to give me a lesson, Manny, I know I was an idiot, and she hates me now."
Another pause.
"Yeah, she does. Did you even see how she shouted at me?"
Another silence, and Jack snorted again, though there was no real amusement in the sound.
"I'm glad you found it amusing, because I certainly didn't."
The complete silence of the night sky surrounded him again.
"What do you mean have I apologized?! Of course I have-"
Jack righted himself in the air, switching his staff to his left hand.
"Are you sure I didn't?" he asked to the Moon. At Manny's negative answer, Jack groaned.
"She must think I'm such a jerk."
The wind whispered around him, carrying his answer.
"Go back?" he said. "She'll just throw me out."
But at the same time the words left his mouth, Jack knew that he would go back even if she did throw him out. And anyway, it was already the middle of the night, close to three o'clock in the morning. There was a chance that she was asleep, and that would postpone the moment where he would have to pluck up the courage to talk to her.
"I'm going," he said firmly, before lifting his eyes towards the Moon again. "Thanks." he grinned at the wish of good luck the Moon had sent his way.
The wind picked up, and propelled him towards the castle.
…
Elsa hadn't been able to fall asleep. Her thoughts kept flitting back to that moment when she'd crossed Anna's bedroom, slamming the window open, to find Jack hover below her. She'd believed him when he'd said that he'd just wanted to check on her, but she also knew that he had purposely listened in to Anna and her, and the thought made her flush with a mixture of anger and embarrassment.
She'd come back to her chambers preparing herself for another screaming match, but… he hadn't been there.
She'd slumped into bed, and she didn't know how long now she'd been laying, staring up at the canopy of her bed. At one point, without really knowing why, she'd walked to her window and had lurched it open, before going back to her bed.
It was still open, but nobody had come through it.
She sighed and turned to find a comfortable position in her bed. Had she overreacted?
But he shouldn't have been listening in. Especially on that conversation-
His voice echoed in her ears.
What's embarrassing? That you think I can be trusted? That you think I'm someone who has miraculously a little of decency? That for once, you could let go of your fears, and just do what you want?
She shivered, but not from cold. She sat up, curling her knees against her and resting her chin on them, staring at the window from the bed.
Would he come back?
Please come back.
Though if he did, he'd better have a good apology.
She turned a second, to look at the clock- three fifteen already?!- and when she turned back to the window-
Jack was on the windowsill, looking at her with a sheepish expression on his face.
Handsome as ever, she thought, and felt instantly annoyed at herself.
His white hair was ruffled by the winter wind, and his blue eyes pierced her. He held his staff tightly, his knuckles white, a sign that he was nervous.
"Do you still want to slap me?" he asked, attempting a teasing voice, but it came out rough and low.
"A little," she said, still looking at him. She didn't dare imagine what she must look like, her hair free and tangled around her shoulders, a tired look on her face, sitting up like she'd been waiting for him.
Though Jack didn't seem to notice in the slightest as he took her in, his eyes roaming for a second- just one- to her body only covered by a very thin silk nightgown.
He stepped down from the windowsill and into her room. The moonlight poured in, the only source of light.
"I'm sorry."
The words were like a release, snapping the invisible cord that had tied her to the bed. She stood up, the covers sliding from her legs, and walked towards Jack.
"Are you going to slap me?" he asked nervously.
She was so close now, he could see every blue speck in his eyes.
"No," she breathed, and saw that his eyes dipped down to her mouth.
"Good," he whispered, and she felt his breath on her cheeks. He leant forward, pulling her against him, and she closed her eyes, tilting her head backwards, a hand on his chest…
The window slammed shut, and they jumped apart. Jack laughed.
"That was really bad timing," he said, grinning at her. She was breathless, her heart was racing. A second more, and-
"It's okay," said Jack, and before she'd realized it, he had grasped her hand.
"Jack-" she started, not knowing what she was going to say- tell him to stop, or continue. Before she could say anything however, he'd bent, giving her a kiss on the cheek. A mixture of relief and disappointment coursed through her.
"When I kiss you," he whispered in her ear, and she shivered, "You'll be ready."
She stared at him, and saw that his gaze was flitting from her eyes, to her lips, and back again. It was as if he was exerting all his self-control to not pull her to him.
"So," he said, his voice back to normal volume as he stepped back from her, "Am I forgiven?"
She burst out laughing.
"Was that your way to earn forgiveness?"
He grinned, and winked. Her heart skipped a beat, and it hadn't even slowed down yet.
"Well, Spirit of Winter," she said in a falsely-haughty voice, "You are forgiven."
…
The following day passed in a blur. Elsa had woken up to find Jack still sleeping, and had looked at him sleep for a full quarter of an hour before she'd summoned the courage to get up.
She'd checked that he was still sleeping, and had hastily pulled on the dress that she was to wear for her sister's wedding. It was a chiffon deeply purple dress, with a slight décolleté.
"Someone's beautiful," she'd heard Jack say, and had spun around from the mirror she'd been observing herself in.
After that, she'd rushed all over the castle, assuring herself that everything was perfect for Anna's wedding, Jack following her.
Too soon, they'd eaten a quick lunch, and, quite suddenly, she was in Anna's room. She'd told Jack to wait for her inside the chapel where the ceremony would take place.
"It's time!" she chanted as she entered her sister's room. Anna was sitting before her dresser, staring at her reflection. At the sound of Elsa's voice, she turned towards her, grinning.
"Careful, your Highness!" said a servant in a panicked voice, "You'll rip your veil off!"
"Geez Anna," inhaled Elsa, "You look stunning."
And she truly did. Her red hair was loose from her usual braids, and it had been curled to form beautiful loose locks, that surrounded her face. The vibrant colour of her blue-green eyes was underlined by a little of kohl. Her cheeks were flushed, her freckles standing out on her cheeks and nose in a beautiful pattern. The dress suited her perfectly, the veil surrounding her hair.
"You look quite good yourself," laughed Anna. "Jack listening in this time?"
"I don't think so," she said, flashing a smile.
"You two have made up then?"
"Yes," Elsa grinned despite herself.
"Good." Anna said, and she stood up, reaching for Elsa. She wobbled a little.
"These high heels are hell," she groaned, "I don't know how you do it. I'm sure I'm going to trip."
"No you won't." said Elsa reassuringly.
"Elsa- I was actually hoping that- that you'd walk me down the aisle." said Anna.
"That- that I-"
"Yes. Who better to do it?" she said, gazing right at her sister. Elsa thought that she wouldn't be able to answer, her throat constricting so much.
"Anna. Of course I will. I'd love to."
…
Jack had been seated in the chapel for over two hours now. He was distracting himself by spreading beautiful frost patterns on the walls, but small enough not to be noticed. He was tempted to go look for Elsa, but he'd learned his lesson the previous night.
It was already the end of the afternoon when, finally, people began entering the chapel. Benches began to fill with people, everyone mixed; he was actually pleased to see that the King of the Southern Isles was seated next to a couple of giggling servant girls, and seemed thoroughly insulted and displeased. But Anna had insisted that on this day at least, everyone would be mixed, regardless of rank.
He liked Elsa's sister more and more with each passing day.
Kristoff entered, looking a little pale, and walked over to the end of the aisle, stopping near the altar. A stern but kind looking priest was waiting, and bowed down to Kristoff. This seemed to make him even more nervous. Kristoff's gaze flitted to the ceiling of the chapel to find Jack there, giving him a thumbs-up.
Kristoff threw him a look that clearly meant, A thumbs-up? Seriously?
Jack shrugged and grinned, and was pleased to see that a little colour had come back to Kristoff's cheeks.
Trumpets sounded, and the huge double doors of the chapel opened again. Everyone turned around, watching.
The first to enter was a small girl, holding a bouquet of flowers. She was followed by two other girls walking side-by-side, and throwing petals on the aisle from a basket.
And behind them-
Anna and Elsa walked slowly up the aisle. Anna was gripping Elsa's hand so hard, that her knuckles were white.
When they reached the end of the aisle, Elsa gave Anna's hand to Kristoff, who grasped it. Jack was pleased to see that he wasn't trembling anymore, as if the nerves he'd had had evaporated as soon as Anna had walked into the chapel.
Elsa strode to a free space on the bench who was closest to her sister, and glanced around. He swooped down to stand next to her, leaning against his staff.
"Looking for me?" he asked mischievously, and he saw her lips perk up. Jack turned his attention to the priest, who had started talking.
"Citizens and guests of Arendelle," he said, in a raspy voice, "We are gathered here today to witness the marriage of Princess Anna of Arendelle and Sir Kristoff Bjorgman. Say your vows."
Kristoff turned to face Anna, taking both of her hands in his.
"Princess Anna," he said, loud enough for the whole room to hear. Then, he exhaled, grinning, shaking his head. "Anna."
Anna looked up at him, smiling too, barely able to keep immobile.
"I promise," Kristoff started again, staring right at Anna, "I promise to be your lover, companion, and friend. I promise to be your partner in parenthood, your ally in conflict, your greatest fan and your toughest adversary."
Anna laughed quietly, and Jack saw Kristoff mutter 'Shut up, I'm trying to get this out'. She rolled her eyes.
"I promise to be your comrade in adventure, your student and your teacher, your consolation in disappointment and your accomplice in mischief."
Jack saw that Elsa's eyes were shining unnaturally, as if tears were going to spill down her cheeks any second now.
"That is my sacred vow to you, my equal in all things," Kristoff finished. The room was quiet again.
"Kristoff," Anna said, coughing to clear her throat. "I, Princess Anna, choose you, Kristoff Bjorgman, to be my companion in life. I promise to be the guardian of your dreams, the guardian of your hope, the guardian of your memories, the guardian of your fun, the guardian of your wonder and freedom as you have been mine. I will love you forever and a day, and that is my sacred vow to you, my equal in all things."
The little girl ran forward, holding a cushion upon which were two rings; one, a white gold simple band, and the other a white gold ring with a small, golden snowflake, encrusted with tiny blue diamonds. Kristoff took the one with the snowflake as Anna took the band, and each put the ring on the other's finger.
"You may kiss the bride," said the priest formally, and Kristoff pulled Anna to him, positioning a hand on her cheek, and kissed her.
…
The feast had carried on for hours, and when it was finally time to open the ball, Elsa could see Anna bursting with anticipation. As the music started playing, she pulled Kristoff to the dance floor, as they opened the ball.
Jack, who had stayed at Elsa's side during the feast, suddenly leapt into the air and hang upside down, his eyes scrutinising into Elsa's face.
"What are you doing?" she laughed quietly, though everyone's attention was focused on Kristoff and Anna.
"I wish I could dance with you," he said softly, "right now, in front of everybody."
"I'd like that," smiled Elsa.
"Queen Elsa?"
Elsa's smile vanished as she turned.
"Yes?" she said icily to the Southern Isle prince who had approached her.
"I am Prince Gregory," he introduced himself.
"Ah yes," she said, "The one who could teach me a lot about military tactics."
The prince flashed her a smile, and she was so taken by surprise that she nearly smiled back.
Nearly.
"I ask your forgiveness for that. My father can be very disrespectful without knowing that he is."
"I think he knew exactly what he was saying, your Highness." she retorted.
"Yes, well, between us, I think he did too," he answered in a conspiratorial tone, a glint in his eyes.
This prince was startling her more and more with every second that passed.
"May I have this dance?" he asked, and Elsa glanced at Jack. Though he seemed far from happy, and pretty tense, eyeing the prince with a glare she'd never seen him with before, he mouthed to her that he'd wait for her here. She nodded with an almost imperceptible shake of the head, and turned back to the Prince.
"It would be my honour," she said, curtsying, and placed her hand in his offered palm. He led her to the dance floor, and placed his hand on her waist as she placed hers on his shoulder. They started moving in time with the music, and Elsa couldn't help but notice that no blush was creeping up her cheeks. No shyness seeped through her, no flutter of her heart, no wonderful feeling of protection… that was what she'd felt when she'd danced with Jack. She risked another glance in his direction, and she saw that he was watching her. He winked. She bit down her answering smile.
"May I offer my sincerest condolences, your Majesty," said the prince. Her gaze snapped back to his face.
"Your condolences?" she asked.
"For your servant." he explained.
"Oh." she said in a quiet voice. Then, a horrible suspicion struck her. "Did you know her?"
"No. She used to prepare the rooms of one of my brothers, though."
"Which one?" she asked sharply.
"I think it was Kyle's one, your Majesty. Why?"
"Just curious," she mumbled, though she noted the name somewhere in the back of her mind.
Prince Kyle.
Was he the one that had raped her? There wasn't a clear face in Katie's memories, but Elsa was still determined to find the prince that had committed that unforgivable crime.
The music ended, and she immediately let go of the prince. He bowed to her, and she curtsied.
"Elsa!" she heard Anna call, and she turned around. "Elsa, could you play music for us?"
"What?" she said, bewildered, but understanding dawned on her as Anna was running towards her with a violin. "Oh Anna- I haven't played in ages-"
"Come on, Elsa," said Anna, jumping up and down with the violin. Her happiness was contagious, and Elsa grinned.
"Anna, I'm going to mess up-"
"You play?" asked an impressed voice from behind her, and she saw Jack had flown to her.
"I used to, but I haven't practiced since my coronation-" she stammered.
"Come on, Elsa, please."
When Elsa continued to look hesitant, Anna took her hand.
"For me. You know the tune I love. You play it so perfectly."
"Oh, Anna," she sighed, closing her eyes. "Fine."
She took the violin, feeling the instrument under her fingers. She'd loved playing the violin, before, but it had been so long-
"What if I mess it up?" she whispered in Jack's direction. Anna had already grabbed Kristoff again, running to the centre of the dance floor.
"You won't." he whispered back.
She raised the violin to her cheek, took the bowstring that Anna had left in a nearby servant's hands, and raised it to touch the strings.
She exhaled.
Then, she played.
…
The minute Elsa played the first note of that violin, Jack could have sworn that the whole hall had stopped breathing. Everyone's eyes were on her… and his was too.
The music filled the ballroom, and it was a beautiful, passionate tune, the kind you couldn't resist dancing to. Though the beginning was hesitant, Elsa became more confident of what she was doing as the song carried on. The minute the orchestra realized what song she was playing, slowly they joined in. Drums and pianos sounded, but the tune of the violin dominated them all.
And Jack watched.
The Queen closed her eyes as her fingers moved faster and faster, the bowstring moving in graceful movements.
She began to move in time with the music, and the people around her started dancing. Jack laughed in exhilaration.
She became the music, and the drums, and the bright, beautiful being dancing as she played, her feet following a pattern that only she knew.
Okay, I'm impressed.
She opened her eyes, and stared right at him. She was grinning from ear-to-ear, and Jack clapped his hands in time with the music. She danced and twirled around him, as he turned so that she would still be in his eye-sight. She threw him a look from underneath her lashes that awakened his senses, and he felt his heart beat faster.
She's going to be the death of me.
She jerked her feet, and suddenly her heels were gone, and she was barefooted. Her feet moved so fast they were a blur. Jack's mind flashed back to the previous night, in that room- it had taken everything he had not to kiss her, because he'd felt that though she wouldn't refuse him, she still had reservations. And now, it took everything he had not to put that violin away and drag her into a corner, kissing her against the wall…
Then, the music ended. Elsa, flushed and breathless was looking at him, the ballroom applauding.
Another tune started, but Jack flew to Elsa and grabbed her hand. He pulled her away from the middle of the ballroom, out the open doors that led to the gardens.
"You are amazing," he said breathlessly. She smiled.
Then, without warning, she grabbed a handful of his hoodie and pulled her to him. He was a mere inch from her mouth. He put a hand to keep his balance on the column beside her, trapping her as he did so between his arms.
"You like torturing me, don't you?" he asked, and she smiled up at him. He raised a hand, and gently stroked her lips with his thumb. She licked her lips in anticipation, not breaking his gaze.
"Stop following me, Gregory, are you completely mad?" they heard a voice close to them, and Jack groaned.
"Is this going to happen every time?" he grumbled. Elsa, though, was looking deadly serious, and lifted a finger to her mouth, to tell him to be silent.
"They can't hear me anyway, Snowflake," he reminded her, but still shut up at the dark look she threw his way.
"It's Queen Eleanor's voice," she whispered.
"The Queen of the Southern Isles?!" he asked, and Elsa nodded. He threw a glance behind the column and saw that indeed, there was a red-headed girl, rather pretty, who was scolding the prince Elsa had danced with earlier.
"She's with that Gregory guy," he muttered to Elsa, who couldn't twist around to see what was going on without risking being seen.
"Are there guards?" she whispered, and Jack shook his head.
"Not that I can see."
"Eleanor, nobody can see us here," Gregory was saying.
"The King knows. I'm sure of it." The Queen answered him.
"He can't know."
"Trust me, he does. He's forced me to bed him for three nights in a row."
"What else did he do to you?" Gregory said, and though Elsa couldn't see him, she heard the anger in his voice as surely as Jack did.
"Nothing." she said quickly.
"Don't lie to me," Gregory said softly. "Please don't."
"There's nothing you can do about it!" Eleanor said, and Jack saw that her eyes were glistening in the lights of the ballroom. Gregory grabbed her wrist, and pulled back the long sleeve of her dress.
Jack gasped.
"What? What is it?" Elsa whispered urgently.
"She's got an enormous bruise on her arm," Jack said to Elsa. "It's- it's really bad."
"I'll kill him," they heard Gregory mutter. Eleanor was shaking her head, silently crying. Gregory looked at her, and Jack saw his anguish. He took Eleanor in his arms, hugging her against him, stroking her hair, whispering softly words that Jack couldn't hear.
"They really love each other." he said to Elsa.
Gregory kissed Eleanor on her forehead, and then her mouth. The kiss wasn't deep, but filled with tenderness.
"We'll escape. I swear to you that you will be free," they heard Gregory say.
"I want to be free with you," Eleanor wept. "I'm so afraid to be away from you."
"Oh my love, that will never happen." Gregory rested his head on her red curls.
"Never."
…
Elsa stayed perfectly immobile, listening, Jack describing to her what was happening when they weren't talking. This was the prince that was in love with Eleanor.
And now that she saw them together, her heart broke for them. But as she listened to Gregory reassuring Eleanor, her eyes noticed something behind Jack.
It was the King. Eleanor's husband.
Walking straight this way.
"Jack," she whispered urgently. "The King is behind you."
"Shit," he exhaled, turning to look. And sure enough, there he was, strolling right to where they were.
"He's looking for Eleanor," said Elsa.
And he's going to find her in the arms of her lover.
She had to do something.
Pushing Jack off her, she walked around the column. When Gregory and Eleanor saw her running towards them, they sprung apart.
"Queen Elsa!" gasped Eleanor.
"Don't worry, I mean you no harm." she said quickly. "Trust me."
Elsa intertwined the queen's arm around her own, at the same precise instant the King appeared from behind the column.
"Your majesty," Elsa said graciously. "How pleasant of you to join us."
"Queen Elsa," the King said, surprised. "I was looking for my wife."
"I'm so sorry, I'm afraid I pulled her away from the festivities," said Elsa. "I wanted to take a walk, and asked if she would accompany me. We met Prince Gregory here, and were just talking about… about…"
"About the princess," intervened Eleanor, her voice surprisingly steady. "She's beautiful, isn't she?"
"Very." said the King, a hint of impatience in his voice. "May I ask that the Queen and my son go back to enjoying the festivities, your Majesty?"
"Of course. I didn't mean to keep her to myself all evening." Elsa agreed, and watched as Eleanor joined her husband, who seized her arm.
As they walked away, Eleanor looked back at Elsa, and nodded.
Thank you.
"Do you think he suspected anything?" she asked Jack.
"I think," he said, his eyes laughing, "that you're a brilliant actress."
She smiled, and Jack added: "And that you've just made yourself a new ally."