Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, yada yada.
A/N: If the previous chapter was a joke, this one's the punch line.
Anna took the steps of the circular staircase in the Keep two at a time; the disapproving voice of Gerda nagging at her within her mind, reminding her that as a princess, she should behave like one and running around in a skirt was inappropriate. Catching sight of the feet of two guards on the next landing, Anna immediately slowed down, ascending demurely in a posture that would make her beloved housekeeper proud. Once she was well out of sight of the guards, Anna resumed her pace, flying up the stairs once again. Just why must Elsa be on the top floor of the damn Keep?! By the time she arrived at the highest landing, the redhead was panting from the exertion. Wheezing her way towards the familiar door, closed as expected, she knocked swiftly on the wood and flung it open without waiting for a response. The door bounced off the adjacent wall, swinging back on its hinges and nearly hitting the redhead in the face had she not kicked it reflectively with a force that sent it ricocheting back. Slipping through the quickly narrowing gap, Anna barely made it into the blonde's office before the door slammed shut.
"Your damn door is trying to kill me." Anna huffed by way of greeting.
"Oddly enough, it looked more like you were trying to kill the door. Or at least you would've if it weren't already dead." Elsa responded wryly, righting an ink bottle that she had knocked over in surprise at the redhead's entrance. Freezing the puddle of black ink before it could permanently damage anything, she manipulated it into the air, returning the ink shard into its liquid form and directing it back into its container.
"Hey, neat trick." Anna commented.
"The woes of paperwork. I've been reduced to using my powers for basic housekeeping. Next thing I know, I'd be employed in the kitchens and designated to maintaining the temperature in the cool room." Elsa retorted.
"You sure are sarcastic today." Anna observed, unable to hide the amused grin on her face. She quite liked this version of Elsa; sarcasm suited the blonde and was a refreshing change from the always composed and diplomatic grand marshal. "Missed out on a chocolate dose?" The redhead teased.
"Ugh. Don't even say that word." Elsa massaged her temples gingerly. "It has been weeks since I've had any. Or was it months? I can't remember."
"Didn't we have some just last week? During our first dinner?" Anna prompted, the memory of their sunset dinner on the roof still fresh in her mind; after all, it was the night she regained her childhood memories, the puzzle pieces finally falling into place.
"You ate them all." Elsa muttered.
"That's not true. I saved you some." Anna crossed her arms over her chest. "It's not my fault you declined my peace offering. If anything, I should be mad at you." The redhead sniffled, feigning infuriation.
"Sorry…" Elsa ducked her head meekly.
"You can make up for it by taking me to the ball."
"What ball?" The blonde raised her head, giving the younger woman a questioning gaze.
Before the redhead could respond, a muffled voice filtered through the door. "Grand Marshal? Orders from the King."
"Guess I'll find out soon." Elsa strode across the room, pulling open the door and accepting the scroll of parchment with the royal seal from a castle guard. Unfurling the thick material, she had skimmed through its contents by the time she returned to her seat.
The message, written in the King's handwriting and bearing his seal was brief. There was no invitation to the ball attached; only details of how her presence will be required and she was to oversee the security for the event that was to take place in a week's time. Anna was to be announced as heir to the throne in a private ball, attended only by the highest officials of neighbouring kingdoms. Even with the limited information that could be safely conveyed through an easily intercepted written message, Elsa knew the event would also serve to show the rest of the world that Arendelle was unperturbed by Weaselton's treachery. Politics was really about bluffs and overt displays of supremacy.
"I'm sorry, Anna. But duty calls. Perhaps you'd consider Kristoff as your escort?"
The look of disappointment on the redhead's face bore through Elsa; the guilt gnawing at the pit of her stomach and causing it to churn uncomfortably. "Save me a dance?" She tried to salvage the situation, knowing full well that she may not deliver on her promise.
xxx
The week passed by in a blur of endless meetings with the chefs and decorators. Everything had to be perfect and in the centre of it all was Elsa, buried beneath mountains of paperwork as she fell behind on her duties as Grand Marshal seeing that the coronation of heir apparent took precedence over everything else.
It was the morning of the coronation and Elsa hadn't slept a wink, having spent the night going over the lists of attendees and crossing checking again and again just to make sure no one that shouldn't be there had their names on. The ships of their guests should begin docking soon and she still had yet to check on things in the kitchen. She absolutely hated social events. Why was she even tasked to oversee this in the first place when they had a royal planner on payroll? Supervising the blacksmiths as they forged armour and swords to her specifications she can do, but matching tapestries with the colour scheme of the ballroom? She was nowhere near qualified, considering majority of her wardrobe consisted of the boring drab of her officer uniform.
Elsa preferred working on her own but perhaps it was high time she delegate some of her never ending tasks to one of her capable men.
"Elsa!" Olaf skipped into the blonde's office, a huge grin plastered across his face.
The blonde glanced up from her messy desk, the boy's infectious smile causing one to tug on her lips. Just who she needed. "What a pleasant surprise, Olaf." She greeted warmly, returning a one arm hug to the boy who had wrapped his thin arms around her waist.
"The first ship just docked! I think they brought loads of gifts!" He announced excitedly. "Do you think they'd give me some?"
Elsa chuckled. "Maybe you should try asking. But first, could you do me a huge favour?"
"Of course. I am yours to command." Olaf nimbly hopped back, back ramrod straight as he stood at attention.
Elsa affectionately ruffled the boy's messy black hair. "Don't say that. You are your own person. I hope you intend to do something about your hair before the ball, what with first impressions and all." The blonde frowned, combing her fingers through the dark locks.
"I will. Kristoff's going to help me out later." The boy responded sombrely eliciting a deeper frown from the blonde.
"I hardly think he'd fare any better. I wouldn't be surprise if Sven turns out better groomed than either of you." Elsa stated in all seriousness. She made a mental note to send Kristoff to the castle ahead of the ball. Hopefully one of the stewards could tidy up his appearance. If he was to escort the Princess, he had damn well look the part of a dashing knight, or at least not an unkempt one with questionable personal hygiene.
"I wouldn't either." Olaf agreed with a straight face. "What did you need me for?" He asked curiously, remembering the blonde's initial question.
"Ah, yes. Could you head over to the castle's main kitchens on my behalf? Just check if things are running on schedule. Oh, and I've got another favour if you don't mind…" Elsa smiled sheepishly as a thought came to mind.
"Anything for you, Els. Name it and consider it done." Olaf puffed out his chest in a show of reliability.
"You're the best Olaf. Take a couple of days off after this. Enjoy what's left of summer; I know you love the warmth." Elsa chewed on her bottom lip, deciding on how best to phrase her question. "Could you get some chocolate truffles from the kitchens and take them to Anna?"
The second the words were out of her mouth, she immediately regretted it for Olaf was looking at her as if she had grown a second head. It was a cowardly move; asking the squire to deliver a materialistic apology. The gesture was hardly thoughtful let alone sincere and Elsa had no doubt the fiery redhead would march into her office and fling the chocolates in her face upon receiving them. But she hadn't had the nerve to face the younger woman and her window to apologise and make it up to the redhead had long passed. The disappointed look on the redhead's face still haunted Elsa and like the coward she was, she had thrown herself into work.
"Okaaaay." Olaf agreed slowly. He may not know much about the trivial affairs of the heart but he had heard enough from his older comrades; and this was definitely a very bad idea. Nevertheless, he had given his word and he fully intended to keep it. Waving goodbye, he hastened from the room. In his opinion, Elsa's plan was foolish but he would leave it to the princess to knock some sense back into the blonde.
Women are complicated.
xxx
Anna wandered aimlessly through the castle, idly watching as the servants bustled around, busying with last minute decorations or dusting. Gerda had woken her up at the crack of dawn, insistent that she begun preparing herself for the coronation ceremony at noon. By some miracle, Anna was having a relatively good hair day and her auburn locks were braided and pinned on the top of her head in no time, leaving her bangs to fan across her forehead. She had decided against putting on her coronation dress then, choosing instead to don a casual pale blue blouse with a fitted lime bodice and a matching olive skirt for the time being. With her hair all done up, the most time consuming process over, she was free to do whatever she wanted.
Anna peeked into the ballroom, marvelling at the polished floors and how the chandelier above shimmered from the mid-morning light that reflected through the cut crystals to cast spectrum of light over the floorboards.
Tonight was going to be spectacular, Anna just knew it. If only Elsa could be with her through it all. The thought left her smiling bitterly and Anna pushed the heavy door shut gently. She hadn't seen the blonde all week. She knew the blonde was probably busy with the preparations but she could not quite shake the feeling that the blonde was avoiding her. It felt like Elsa a repeat of their first dinner barely two weeks ago, and the feelings of hurt and abandonment made Anna's stomach churn violently.
"Anna~" The familiar singsong voice jolted the redhead from her reverie and she turned to see a beaming Olaf bounding down the hallway.
Anna winced as the boy weaved his way through a line of servants with their arms laden with towering stacks of plates, narrowly avoiding a collision. Hopping into place before the redhead, the boy peered up with gleaming eyes.
"Hi Anna!" He greeted casually, earning a few disapproving looks from a pair of servants passing them. "I mean, Your Highness." He corrected with a chortle.
"Hey Olaf. What are you doing on this side of the bridge." Anna smiled down at the boy, grateful to have some company. She was getting bored wandering around the halls, trying to stay out of the servants' way.
"Oh, Elsa sent me on an errand." Olaf explained, turning back to speak as he started down the hallway with Anna tagging along.
"Oh." If Anna did not have her suspicions of the blonde avoiding her, she would now. There was no other reason, the blonde loathe relinquishing control.
"That reminds me." Olaf pulled out a slim package wrapped in wax paper from an inner pocket of his tunic. "Here. Elsa told me to give you this."
"She couldn't give it to me herself?" Anna asked as she accepted the parcel, carefully peeling back the wrapper to reveal three rows of neatly arranged dark chocolate truffles.
Olaf shrugged. "She was busy I guess. I think she meant it as an apology."
"I see. Well, thank you, Olaf." Anna murmured distractedly. The gesture was thoughtful and Anna appreciated it, although she wished the blonde could have given it to her in person. At least Elsa tried and Anna was willing to overlook the blonde's poor execution of an apology. She missed Elsa and she really didn't want to make things any worse than they already were.
xxx
Kristoff had never felt more out of place than standing amidst the line of knights along the chapel's perimeter, decked in their finest clothing and polished plate armour and chainmail that literally gleamed. Standing at attention beneath his stuffy attire in a crowded chapel only made him hate ceremonial events even more. At least he could take some relief in the fact that it wasn't the middle of summer. From the corner of his eye, he could see Elsa in her ceremonial uniform standing at a respectable distance behind the King and Queen and to their left. A flood of envy washed through the hulking blond at the grand marshal's significantly lighter and thinner uniform. Although he did have to hold back a snicker at her utter discomfort, clear from her hunched shoulders and her thinly pursed lips, at having to be at the front of the chapel with more than a hundred pairs of eyes staring in her general direction.
The chaplain in his ceremonial dress was droning on and on about responsibilities the crown heir will be charged with and Kristoff promptly shut out the wizened man's monologue, choosing instead to focus on the strawberry blonde standing one step below the King at the altar, her head bowed in respect and her posture perfectly poised as was expected of her status.
Anna was absolutely stunning in a teal dress with black sleeves and a sweetheart bodice laced with bronze trim and her auburn locks pulled into a French braided crown twist bun. The clumsy and awkward redhead that Kristoff had met in the barracks was gone, replaced by a woman that exuded elegance and grace, the embodiment of a true princess. The look suited her, Kristoff decided, realising that he had never quite thought of the redhead as a woman what with her crass behaviour as she mucked around with the men in the barracks. His impression of her had certainly changed and he was acutely aware of just how beautiful the princess was.
Kristoff felt his cheeks heating up and he nervously averted his gaze from the redhead, his brown eyes darting around the chapel, fervently hoping no one had noticed. His face fell as he paned over the second row, his gaze landing on a man with auburn hair, fairly impressive sideburns whose eyes were currently fixated on Kristoff's,. The hulking blond subtly squared his shoulders, his face hardening into an impassive mask.
A knowing smirk stretched across the auburn haired man's angular face before he turned back to face the altar. Raising his white gloved hands, he clapped politely, joining in with the rest of the audience as they rose to their feet to congratulate the royal family. Kristoff casted the man a sidelong glance, already hating the stranger right down to his impeccably tailored white suit with its polished gold epaulettes.
xxx
"Your Highness."
Anna regarded the auburn haired man who had approached the podium where she stood alone, engaging in the occasional congratulatory conversations with approaching guests. Kristoff had been called away minutes after he had escorted her into the ballroom for some duty or other and her parents had abandoned her shortly after to mingle with royals from some faraway kingdom. That had left her here, standing alone like an idiot in a ball thrown in her name.
Her eyes took in his attire; pristine cream jacket over a yellow shirt and a red sash that ran from his left shoulder to right hip tucked into tight fitting, matching cream pants. Her eyes raked upwards, finally landing on his face and meeting his sincere green eyes. Anna's lips parted to speak but another voice interrupted.
Like a shadow, Elsa had slinked through the crowded ballroom buzzing with idle chatter as the many guests danced to appear by the redhead's shoulder. Deftly stepping forward, the blonde put herself between Anna and the auburn haired man; using her body as a human shield. Her left hand gripped the scabbard hanging from her hip, her thumb pushing against the guard of her sword, unsheathing the blade by an inch. The action was meant to intimidate, but the man merely raised a quizzical eyebrow at the threat.
"I do not believe we've had the pleasure of making your acquaintance." Elsa's tone was cold, her face impassive even though she held the man in a calculating gaze.
Anna had to do a double take just to ascertain Elsa was really standing before her. If they had been alone, Anna would have grilled the blonde about her whereabouts all week. Really, who did the blonde think she was? They were finally in each other's lives again; did the blonde not understand that shutting her out was no longer an option? Did Elsa really think they could go back to living separate lives after the time they had spent together?
Recovering from the initial surprise of the blonde's appearance, Anna's eyes flickered between the two, noting the tension in the blonde's body and the protective manner in which she had positioned her body. From Elsa's body language, Anna immediately understood that the blonde was suspicious of the man with expertly coifed copper-brown locks matched with a pair of remarkable sideburns.
"Forgive my lack of manners, Grand Marshal, Your Highness." The man bowed to each woman in turn with practised ease. "I am Prince Hans of the Southern Isles. It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, Princess Anna, Grand Marshal."
Elsa's eyes narrowed, her body radiating her tension. Nevertheless, she kept her tone neutral. "My apologies, Prince Hans. I was not made aware of your attendance." Elsa released the pressure on her sword, letting the blade slip back into the sheath soundlessly.
"No offense taken. My brothers were…regretfully unavailable and I've come in their stead to offer our congratulations to Princess Anna on her coronation as crowned heir." Hans bowed deeply again.
"Thank you. On behalf of Arendelle, I wish you a pleasant stay." Anna automatically responded, the words leaving her mouth with nary a thought for she had been repeating them all evening. She stole a sidelong glance at Elsa who had shifted to hover just a step behind her left shoulder; the blonde barely concealing her distrust.
"I am certain Arendelle would not fail to disappoint. If I may be so bold, Your Highness, may I have this dance?" Hans offered his right hand, his other arm held behind his back.
Anna hesitated, stealing another glance back at Elsa. Wondering as she did so why she felt the need to seek permission in the first place. The blonde gave an imperceptible nod though her lips pursed into a thin line.
Taking Hans hand, Anna allowed the man to lead her to the centre of the dance floor; the masses of swaying bodies parting to allow them easy passage. As she walked, she could feel a certain pair of cerulean eyes boring into her back.
xxx
Anna had absolutely no idea why Elsa was so paranoid about Hans. The man was a perfect gentleman; easing her into idle conversation as he twirled her around the dance floor. The band had struck up a quick waltz, the music barely audible over the chatter of dancing guests in their finest attires on the dance floor.
Anna had quickly learnt that the prince was the youngest of twelve very much older brothers that he spoke highly of and he attained a rank of commissioned officer by the age of fifteen; the only time he had divulged any information about himself. Their conversations all evening had mostly been focused on Anna; the food she likes, her favourite hobbies, her childhood exploits. It had been a while since a relative stranger had been interested in boring old Anna that she couldn't help but enjoy the attention.
"Oh, so you are like Elsa then." Anna commented, immediately seeing the similarities between the two. The prince had a confidence that could rival the blonde although his personality was significantly warmer; unlike Elsa who needed ample time before she lowered her guard.
"Elsa? As in Elsa Frost the Grand Marshal?" Hans clarified as he released the redhead in a twirl that caused her to giggle abashedly.
"Yes. Elsa joined the army really young too and she's really good with a sword. We should organise a match between you two someday."
"A tourney, if I may suggest? If the Princess holds the Grand Marshal's skills in such high esteem, I'd love the opportunity to cross swords with her."
"A tourney. Father would like that, I'm sure." Anna nodded to herself in approval.
Hans smiled disarmingly, showing perfectly white teeth and the redhead felt herself swoon. Who would have thought there were still princes her age? She dreaded the day she would have to find or arrange marriage with a suitable mate to rule with on the throne but if it was Hans, perhaps it wouldn't be too bad. He's intelligent, charming, handsome; and seeing that he was a ranking officer in the Southern Isle's army, he must be courageous too. Perfect traits for a perfect prince. Also helped that he was a very good conversationalist; Anna felt as if she had known him for years.
"Let's ask him now!" Smiling brightly, Anna dragged the prince by the wrist through the crowd. Steadily making her way towards where she had spotted her father's tall frame and his gleaming crown peeking above the crowd.
xxx
Elsa flipped through another page of the thick wad of leather bound parchment containing the names of the guests in her hands, her brows furrowing deeper with each name her eyes skimmed across. Arriving at the last name, she slammed the stack on the desk in frustration and stalked out of the study adjacent to the ballroom.
Slipping through a cleverly concealed side door hidden behind a maroon tapestry, she bumped straight into the broad frame of Kristoff.
"There you are. I've been looking for you." The hulking blond hissed in a low whisper.
"What do you need me for? And why are we hiding behind the tapestry?" Elsa whispered back as the man dragged her further behind the dangling, heavy velvet.
"It should be you out there." Kristoff pulled back the fabric, indicating with an incline of his head towards the centre of the ballroom where Anna was giggling as she was being twirled by Hans. "Not 'sleazy Sideburns'" He muttered darkly.
Elsa quirked an eyebrow at the coined nickname. "Sleazy Sideburns?" She repeated in amusement, earning an irritated glare from the knight.
"You know nothing about men, do you?" Elsa shrugged in response. "Lesson number one, never trust a man with sideburns like that. They always turn out to be pretentious."
"And why's that?" Elsa cocked her head to the side, regarding the blond seriously.
"Because it's just not possible to grow sideburns that perfectly. Trust me, I'm a man." Kristoff puffed out his chest indignantly.
"I'll take your word for it. Although you are behaving like a jilted suitor. Not that I know much about the topic, but jealously really doesn't suit you." Elsa commented dryly.
Kristoff sputtered. "W – what? Me? Jealous? Of him? NO!" A tinge of red flooded his cheeks as he blushed.
"Sshhh. Keep your voice down!" Elsa hissed, her eyes darting surreptitiously towards a couple standing nearby. Chancing another quick glance past the tapestry and satisfied that no one had heard her companion's outburst, she led them out onto a balcony.
"I don't blame you though. Anna's…wonderful, for lack of a better term. It's hard not to be attracted to her. She's so vibrant and full of life." Elsa glanced back through the closed glass doors of the balcony, her eyes quickly finding the laughing redhead amongst the crowd.
"I so do not like her." Kristoff huffed.
"Keep telling yourself that."
"I just hate that she's with sleazy sideburns. Who the heck does he think he is anyway? Waltzing in there and sweeping her off her feet like a prince charming." Kristoff glared in the man's direction.
"As a matter of fact, he is indeed a prince."
Kristoff made a face of disgust at that statement. "You are kidding me."
"Prince Hans of the Southern Isles." Elsa added.
"What's the southern bastard doing here?" Kristoff muttered angrily.
Word had it that Hans's birth mother was a common whore that the Southern King had bedded one drunken night after a particularly successful hunting trip out in the country. Nine months later, the woman had brought baby Hans to the castle, refusing to leave and making a huge scene. Rumours of the King's bastard child spread like wildfire throughout the kingdom and in an attempt to placate the woman lest she further damage his reputation, the King had offered a hefty sum of money in compensation for her to leave town and stay well out of his life. The very next day, the woman was gone; but the child, barely a month old had been left by the castle gates. It was only due to the Queen's maternal instincts and generosity that baby Hans was taken in, fed and clothed and even given a title as Prince. Twenty odd years had passed in a blink but Prince Hans true heritage would always be whispered and speculated about even amongst the royals.
"I haven't the faintest clue. He claims he came in place of his brothers. But I hardly doubt they would willingly agree to him representing the Southern Isles considering his… background. Not that I am one to talk, seeing that mysterious circumstances surrounds mine." Elsa tapped her chin wistfully.
"You are nothing like him." Kristoff stated bluntly. His eyes drifted back to the interior of the ballroom. "I don't like the way he's acting around her. Call it a gut feeling but I don't trust him."
"That makes two of us then." Elsa followed his line of sight, watching as a beaming Anna dragged the auburn haired prince through the crowd.
xxx
"Pappa, Mama!"
The King turned at the sound of his daughter's voice, catching sight of the redhead waving wildly a few feet away. The corners of his eyes crinkled in suppressed amusement and he turned back to the elderly dignitary he was speaking to.
"Excuse us." The dignitary bowed slightly and left to mingle with other guests.
"Pappa, Mama!" Anna squealed, skidding to a stop before her parents who shook their head at her behaviour.
"Allow me to introduce, Prince Hans of the Southern Isles." Anna announced, pulling the man forward.
"Your Majesties. It is an honour to be in your presence." Hans lowered his torso in a deep bow.
The King glanced at his wife who promptly pinched the inside of his elbow, the motion so barely discernible with her hand nestling in the crook of his arm. They had heard the rumours but had far more tack than to participate in baseless gossip. Biting back a wince in pain, the King smiled benignly at his daughter and her companion.
"I trust you are enjoying your stay thus far, Prince Hans."
"Yes, very much, Your Majesty. I am highly tempted to extend my stay." Hans affectionately patted Anna's hand wrapped around his elbow. "Her Highness is delightful company." He grinned boyishly at the redhead who blushed at the attention.
"Pappa, we were wondering –"
"Princess Anna and I would like to suggest –"
The pair stopped abruptly, glancing at each other as they had begun speaking at the same instance. Hans inclined his head, indicating for Anna to continue.
"We were thinking we should organise a tourney." Anna gushed, holding her breath as she awaited her father's reaction.
"A tourney?" The King repeated thoughtfully.
"I believe it would be in the interest of Arendelle and the Southern Isles to hold a joint tourney, all in the name of friendly competition considering the close proximity of our kingdoms." Hans elaborated. "And perhaps also in celebration." He added, almost as an afterthought.
"To what occasion would the tourney be held for?" The King studied the man closely, curious as to his intent.
"Aside from participating in the festivities of the Princess's coronation, I do have another purpose for my visit." Hans admitted, glancing shyly at the redhead. Inhaling deeply, he continued. "I'd like to ask Your Majesty for Princess Anna's hand in marriage."
Anna gasped, her hands flying to her opened mouth as her eyes widened.
"Marriage?" The King echoed, turning to his surprised wife for confirmation as to what he had heard.
"If I may ease your worries, Your Majesties, joining Arendelle and the Southern Isles in a marital bond would only serve to strengthen our ties." It was a veiled threat, deliberately highlighting the growing hostilities between the two biggest territories on this side of the world.
"Furthermore, I believe Princess Anna and I have a…connection." Hans smiled charmingly at the blushing redhead.
"Anna?" The King directed his attention to his daughter. He would not force his only child into an arranged marriage. This concerned her happiness and he would rather she made the decision on her own. On one hand, he was leaning towards the idea of dismissing it entirely, but on the other, he was curious as to his daughter's thoughts on the matter.
"I…I'm truly flattered, Prince Hans." Anna ducked her head, her cheeks reddening as she continued in a small voice. "A – And I'm not opposed to the idea…"
A/N:
*Puts on armour and prepares to be pelted with hate mail*
I hope you've enjoyed the fluff in previous chapters because its all going downhill from this point forth.
You didn't actually think there'd be a happily ever after, did you?