Chapter 19: Party with the Queen
The limo pulled up to the Roe mansion and Anna's eyes couldn't believe themselves. Outside the building people milled about, holding their drinks and chatting with one another. How strange it was to see people around the house. Usually it was near empty.
Anna waited for the driver to open the door for her, being used to doing that with Elsa. With a nod of her head to the driver in thanks she crunched her way across the gravel. She smiled at a couple of people standing outside and they waved in return.
She grabbed a white rose from the garden of flowers and ignored the odd looks she got from the people outside. She would need some sort of gift for Elsa.
After tucking it safely in her inside coat pocket she went inside and the entire house seemed different. For one it was darker and low lit. There was actual people all over inside and Anna had to squeeze through a couple of people. After some wandering throughout the house, Anna discovered two different types of parties.
One party was for those who wanted a little more bounce, and inside it was dark except for some bright lights that flashed with the music. The room was mostly filled with fliers and she actually recognized the guys from Aurora's house. Alcohol was found in this room and people were just having a great time in general. Anna actually loved the loud music, she could feel it pounding in her chest.
As much as she wanted to stay and talk with the guys, she knew that Elsa wouldn't be around loud fun people. Because Elsa would probably be somewhere a little more calm and quiet. And probably a little more boring.
Which was the other party. Anna found herself in a massive room that she never even knew existed in the house. Giant columns held this room up. And behind a raised dais where a big throne chair sat, was windows. Wall to ceiling and there were two sets of doors on either side.
The doors led to the garden outside where people were scattered at random. Outside there was food cooked and placed, tables where you could sit. Inside the ballroom was where all the dancing was.
This party had slightly calmer music, low lighting like most of the house, but you had a definite air of class here. People danced with one another, every girl looked like a princess or a royal lady. All the boys would bow and ask for a dance. Masks of all the sorts appeared here.
Some resembled animals such as foxes, cats, and bears. One guy had a pretty cool looking bat mask. In Anna's opinion at least. Others had beautiful patterns or feathers sticking out from them.
Next she eyed the large chandelier hanging high above, wondering how people lit the candles on top of it. Maybe a tall ladder, that or a flier probably had to fly and light it. Then again she was the only flier Elsa owned.
Anna headed over to the snack table first. All she had in her stomach was a cheese stick and a handful of potato chips. Careful to not stain the white gloves she picked up a cracker cheese and slice of turkey. She made herself a mini cracker sandwich.
Not a gourmet dinner but it was better than the slop that she usually ate. And she was starving anyway. After plowing through at least fifteen of those she hunted for punch. She couldn't win Elsa back on low levels energy and a dry throat.
That was her story and she was sticking to it.
The punch was being served by non other than Hubert himself. She nearly walked away but he held out the cup filled with the red drink.
"A drink Miss?" She didn't want to speak and give herself away so she took the cup and smiled to show her thanks.
With that out of the way she let her eyes roam over the many people. She figured Elsa would be at the big throne. And she was.
Elsa wore the most amazing gown Anna had ever seen. It shimmered in the low light, and it was a bright red. Anna wondered why red? Elsa loved blue more than any color. There was a wonderful slit in her dress and with her legs crossed you could see up a pale leg and the start of her thigh.
The dress had see through sleeves that ended in a point on the back of her hand. There was a sparkling see through cape that looked unreal. The dress itself was beautiful maybe a bit sexy. Which surprised Anna. Elsa always dressed in a conservative manner. Or well.. She did but then always ended up looking more hot than she should.
Anna looked at Elsa's hair and it was swept back, braided in a single braid over her left shoulder. A tiny pointed crown rested on her head and she slouched to the right on the chair, resting her head on her palm. Her other hand drummed against the wide arm rest. She didn't have a mask on. Most likely because everyone would know who she was anyway.
Elsa looked bored out of her mind and clearly unhappy and she certainly wasn't hiding that fact.
To her right was presents, and people would walk up to the raised dais she was on to show her they brought her something. She would smile and thank them. They would add it to the ever growing pile of presents. Then she would sigh, slouch again, and watch the crowd.
To the left of Elsa stood a familiar man, wearing a black suit and top hat. His mask was a plain black one that only covered his eyes and nose. He had on black gloves and he looked like he was keeping guard over Elsa. Anna growled. The perfect look for the thief in a gentleman's clothing.
How to win Elsa's hand? She couldn't just waltz up and say "Look its me Anna!" Because bozo was right next to her. Anna went over a few scenarios and in the end decided to try and make her way over and just hope that Elsa would figure it out herself.
But on the way she was stopped by a girl who she ended up reluctantly dancing with. Anna danced around the ballroom with a different black haired girl with a rather nice feathered mask. But Anna's eyes were always watching Elsa.
Around her fourth dance with a girl Elsa seemed to notice the stranger in red who was always watching her. And blue eyes constantly watched for the familiar teal eyes that seemed to be always on her.
After a sixth dance Anna had to start telling the girls no, which got her pout-y looks. Elsa sat up straighter as Anna walked her way over. She stepped up tiny set of stairs so she could stand even with Elsa and ignored the look Samson gave her.
She bowed to Elsa, one arm behind her back. "My good Queen." Elsa heard her voice and she looked so relieved and happy when she knew it was Anna and then her face went back into its bored look. Anna reached for her hand and she placed a kiss to pale knuckles, eyes on Samson. His gloved fists were clenched tightly.
That's right you bastard. You don't know me, but know Elsa is mine. You can't have her. Not ever.
"A beautiful rose for a beautiful woman. Sorry but it is all I could afford." Anna said and pulled the rose from inside her jacket. Elsa took it and pressed it softly to her lips to hide her smile.
"A most generous gift. Thank you." Samson scoffed and stepped closer to Elsa.
"But what of my gift to you? It is most expensive and worth more than a rose that will wilt with time." Elsa glared at him and set the rose on the arm rest beside her.
"This rose is worth more than all the money could buy. I can see the thought behind it. This dress is.. lovely Samson. But money cannot please us all. We all know I have plenty to roll in. I find it charming one of lower birth thought to give me a gift. Not so over the top."
Anna wanted to laugh at the embarrassed look on Samson's face. She could see the flush on his cheeks. But the mention that it was Samson who bought Elsa this dress. She wanted to tear it off and put something else on her.
Instead she opted for retreat. "I best be going. Have a lovely birthday Miss Roe." Anna turned and maybe she was being petty. But she knew Elsa would follow her and she wanted Samson to see it. To know that Elsa would chase her and not him.
"No!" Elsa rose from her seat and she looked a little embarrassed about her outburst. Anna was smiling on the inside. "I mean.. dance with me." Anna beamed up at the blonde and she took her arm in hers.
Samson stepped forward like he wanted to intervene but Anna was pulling Elsa out to the dance floor. Of course her brain decided to panic right then. Anna had so far bluffed her way dancing with those other girls. No one noticed if she messed up, but she was with Elsa. The fucking birthday girl. Who didn't want to dance with anyone until now.
Who was this stranger who got her to smile, to look happy and no longer pout? They didn't know.
So all eyes watched as she led Elsa in a waltz. She gave herself credit for not messing up hardly at all so far. One two three right? It was crazy for Anna to dance with Elsa. Elsa giggled when she did mess up a step. Near the end she had fun and spun Elsa around and even dipped her over her arm.
And the song ended and Anna held her there, her gloved hand caressed Elsa's cheek. She leaned in to kiss Elsa because she couldn't help it. Elsa didn't seem to mind because she closed her eyes and waited. And in that moment Anna happened to look up. There was Stone and Lovdahl, talking to Mrs. Roe. In her surprise she let Elsa drop to the ground with a thud.
A collective gasp through the crowd, all eyes on them. Elsa sat up and rubbed the back of her head. "Ah.. shit Elsa I'm sorry. So sorry. Meet me where the real party is." She whispered hastily and then she practically ran from the dance floor.
Damn. When she wanted to sweep Elsa off her feet, that didn't mean she wanted to drop her to the ground.
XxXxXxXx
Elsa watched as Anna ran from the dance floor. "Okay." She whispered. She wasn't sure how she felt about being dropped like a sack of potatoes.
Samson appeared at her side, holding his hand out to her. "Are you okay?" She nodded and she took his hand. He helped her stand then he bent over and picked up her crown from the ground, placing back onto her head.
Elsa watched Anna take off and she wondered why she took off so suddenly. What hat spooked her?
"Would you like to d-" Samson started with a smile.
She cut him off. "I'll be right back." He scowled at her back, and he squared his jaw.
On her way to follow Anna, her mother stopped her. "Elsa come here. I want you to meet Doctor Stone and Professor Lovdahl. He's the man who makes all the amazing things happen in our company." Meaning he was the reason they could bathe in money so speak to him and impress him.
Elsa gave the door Anna ran through one last glance. She sighed and headed over to her mother, smiling at the Doctor Stone.
"Quite the drop you took there Miss Roe. Are you alright? Your dance partner took off pretty quick." Stone said, smiling but it didn't quite reach his eyes. Elsa felt an arm snake around her waist. Samson had followed her. Elsa didn't want to deal with Samson, or Doctor Stone. Both men were in the way of finding Anna.
"Oh I am fine. My dance partner felt a nosebleed come on so she panicked and dropped me. She apologized profusely but she didn't want to strain my dress." Her mother, Stone and Samson all chuckled and Lovdahl wouldn't stop looking at the door that Anna ran off through.
"Where did your dance partner go? She looked rather familiar." Lovdahl asked, still looking at the door. Elsa paled and she tried to think of something to say. Was Lovdahl someone who made Anna in the lab? Anna had mentioned she came from the lab, and that a lady said she was 'free'. Was this her? Stone didn't seem to care for Anna, he was back to talking with her mother.
"She mentioned something about a bathroom to clean up and going to the other party a minute. Probably embarrassed that she dropped me." She tried to pull away from Samson but he only tightened his grip.
"Speaking of restrooms where are they?" Lovdahl asked, glancing at the group of people. Elsa saw her chance and she took it. There was no other way to get away without being rude. Plus she could get away from Samson.
"I can take you. I have to go myself." Elsa finally was able to detach herself from Samson and she led Lovdahl away from the group. Once they were out of earshot of anyone Lovdahl let out a sigh of relief.
"Oh thank God. I don't know how much longer I could have talked with your Mother. I mean no offense, but she is not my favorite person." Elsa couldn't stop the grin that came to her face. Lovdahl could get in line. Elsa herself was beginning to hate her mother's presence. There was nothing she could do about it though.
Elsa stopped at the bathroom door and they together they waited. "Don't you have to go?" Elsa asked and Lovdahl shook her head.
"No. I want to go check on something." Then Lovdahl was walking away and Elsa wondered if Lovdahl wanted to find Anna.
"'Meet me where the real party is'. Where is that? Does my house have two parties?" Elsa tapped her chin in thought, then she slowly walked in the direction that Lovdahl went.
XxXxXxXxX
Anna didn't ever want to try alcohol ever again. But after seeing Doctor Stone and Lovdahl so close to her. She went and took a shot. It burned down her throat, but the bartender said it would make her feel better.
He was a damn liar.
She crossed her arms and leaned against the wall in the corner of the room, watching people dance and grind on one another. How strange it was that there was a quieter party just across the house. It seemed to Anna that this was for the poor and the loud. Fine by her. She could fit in.
This was probably the party that everyone loved, it had arcade games, ping pong and so much more. There was even a pool outside. Did Mrs. Roe just have this all built for the party or did Anna really need to explore more often? How in the hell did she pull this off so quickly.
Lovdahl walked into the room, and she did look rather beautiful in her purple floor length dress. She already felt a purr rumbling through her. Anna couldn't help it, the woman was someone special to her. Lovdahl seemed to sense where she was and their gazes locked.
Anna nodded towards the doors that led outside. The two of them went outside where it was cooler and quieter. They stopped near the treeline and Anna stared at Lovdahl a moment.
"Is it really you A117?" Lovdahl reached for the mask on her face, pulling it off. She smiled widely at Anna who frowned a little at the use of her old name.
"Yes. But its Anna now. What are you doing here?" Anna pulled Lovdahl into a hug, still beyond happy to see her. This meant that Lovdahl was okay. Right?
"You tell me why you are here first." The brunette woman buried her nose in the fliers hair, knowing this might be her only chance to see Anna for a while yet.
It wasn't a command, but to Anna it sounded like one. Oh the life of being trained to listen to any scientist. Anna smiled against Lovdahl's throat and she toyed with the cross that was always on the scientists neck. Except this time it made her fingers tingle, a small sting, and she let it drop back on Lovdahl's neck.
"I have to attend my masters party do I not?" Lovdahl stiffened and jerked away looking at Anna.
"You belong to..to her? Tell me you at least found the Guardians Anna? Did you show them the mark?" Lovdahl gestured to the arm that held her A117 tattoo. Anna felt a bitter taste. Whether it was the alcohol or the mention of Guardians. She didn't know.
"The Guardians found me. They know I belong to Elsa and they want me spying for more information since their contact inside the labs went silent. They figure that Elsa's house has more information and they think that maybe I can find my way into the lab to get concrete info. They do not know that I am A117. I am not that flier anymore. I am Anna now." Anna stuffed her hands into her jacket pockets, looking at the ground.
"Go back to them. Tell them Anna. You are the key-" Anna shook her head and she felt an anger bubble up inside her. She knew she should listen. Put aside her anger, but.. she couldn't. Like something inside was egging her on.
"How? How am I the key? Tell me Lovdahl! They all speak of me like I am some gift from above that will save them! What power do I have? I am nothing special. I actually think I am losing my mind. I hear whispers! They ask me to help them. What are they? And a voice. It tells me things.. What's wrong with me?" Anna realized she was crying and she wiped away her tears with her sleeve.
"Forget about that voice you hear. Don't listen to it. You used to hear it as a child but I put a stop to it. Ignore it. If it tries to talk to you. Make it leave. I can't explain the whispers. I could never get those to stop when you were a child, not without pills. I guess they came back without the pills." Lovdahl gripped her shoulders tightly looking worried and scared all at once.
As if the Voice knew it was being talked about, it appeared inside her head. Speaking low and quiet. As if Lovdahl could hear it if it spoke too loudly. Anna closed her eyes and listened to what it had to say.
I am friend. Friend to you. Don't listen to her. She is the bad one. She wants you to go the Guardians. The people who caused problems for you. Don't you just want to stay with Elsa? Forever? She wants to tear you away from Elsa.
Anna opened her eyes, glaring at the woman before her. "No. The Voice is my friend. Its been very good to me. To me! Better than any Guardian. I can't trust the Guardians right now. Left and right they have done wrong in some way. I can't leave Elsa behind either. I need to stay here. To get information. Its what the Guardians want isn't it? Once they get their precious information. I am done. I belong with Elsa. I will take her away from here, as soon as I get what those damn Guardians want."
Lovdahl looked shocked and for a moment she was silent. "Anna… the Guardians.. they need you. You have the power. You just need to unlock it. I don't know how either. But please. Just trust me. I know you have a higher purpose."
Trust her? She gave you pictures of the 'wonderful world' and what did you find when you were free? You found yourself in a world that was completely different. A world where you are just a dog. She was lying to you about this world. I haven't lied once. Listen to me tiny creature. Listen.
Anna growled at the scientist. "You don't even know how I am special. This is all a joke. Leave Lovdahl. Get out of here. I thought I was happy to see you.. But now I don't know. You're telling me the same bullshit the Guardians do. I have had enough for now." Anna took her mask back and after putting it on, she left Lovdahl standing there.
She didn't notice how Lovdahl started crying after she walked away. She didn't hear her whisper, "Please my baby.. don't listen to it."
But Anna could only hear the Voice.
Very good girl. You are stronger than they are. They need you. Not the other way around. You make sure they always remember that.
She purred loudly at its words. She was a good girl.
XxXxXxXx
Anna had just stepped inside the room full of people and she found Elsa surrounded by drunkards. They looked like they were trying to get her to dance. Anna growled and stormed her way over. Already her argument with Lovdahl was at the back of her mind. Elsa was most important to her.
"I'm terribly sorry. I was just looking for my friend here. If you would please step back." Elsa sounded stern but Anna could hear the fear in her voice. She could see the way she shook a little, being surrounded by drunk men and women.
Show them who she belongs to.
With snarl she shoved the nearest one away and Elsa looked relieved to see her. The crowd scattered slightly but the man she shoved away looked pissed. And embarrassed that it was a small woman who shoved him over.
"What the fuck? I was only trying to get Miss Roe to dance with us." He tried getting to his feet, but he was drunk so it was more of a struggle.
Anna stood behind Elsa placing her hands on her hips. She slowly rocked her hips and used to her hands to guide blonde woman to move with her. "Seems I already am dancing with her. Now leave."
Anna wasn't sure why she felt the sudden need to make it clear that Elsa was hers. Had to be Samson. The thought of him near Elsa had her holding onto the girl tighter. Anna was sort of scaring herself. She shouldn't be like that. Elsa wasn't an object that she could hide away in her dragon hoard. But she sure as hell would try to keep men and women like Samson away. She got bad vibes from him.
"Miss Roe! Have a drink with us lesser folk!" Elsa opened her eyes and she glanced back at Anna.
Get her to drink. Show her how fun it can be. It was fun being drunk with those four guys. Don't you remember?
Anna honestly couldn't remember. She thought it was bad from what she could remember. A shift in her memory and she only saw herself smiling when she was drinking with Boss. Voice said it was fun. She trusted it's judgement. Anna grinned at Elsa and dragged her over tot he people.
"Anna we.. I shouldn't drink. It's not good for our health." Elsa sat on the stool looking at the shot glass. She looked on the edge of trying it and the edge of saying no completely.
"It's your birthday. Have fun with me. I'm probably dead meat tomorrow anyway. I wasn't exactly let go to join the party." Anna nudged her with her elbow and Elsa still looked at the drink nervously.
Again.
Anna leaned in, trying again with a whisper. "Please? This is my only chance to be human. To hang out with you and no one will call me an animal. Or a pet. Be a dumb teenager with me." It felt a little wrong to use that against Elsa. But Elsa nodded this time and picked up the glass and drank it all. She coughed and squeezed her eyes shut. Someone patted her on the back.
She gave the thumbs up that she was fine and the group cheered around her and wanted another round. Anna knew it was bad. Somewhere in the back of her mind she knew it was bad to be drinking. Voice. It overpowered her real thoughts. But Voice was her thoughts wasn't it?
XxXxXxX
It wasn't long before Elsa was flushed, drunk and giggling at every little thing. How long had they been sitting there drinking? Anna couldn't remember. Couldn't remember much anymore.
She danced with Elsa to the fast paced music. It was harder drunk, but it didn't matter. It was fun to just have fun and not care. Neither wanted to think about their actions.
She was dancing to the cheesy slow song with Elsa now. Both of them leaned on one another for support. Elsa dropped her head against Anna's pressing a soft kiss to her nose, which was still covered by the mask.
The song changed and Anna was pressing Elsa against the wall. Too drunk to care for whistles, and the ruckus around her while she made out with Elsa. Too drunk to notice the camera flash. She didn't care for anyone when she pulled away only for Elsa to drag her from the room.
Didn't notice the questioning looks from the two different types of party goers when Elsa and her stumbled by. Didn't hear the whispers and see the pointing.
What is Miss Roe doing? Who is that girl with her? Are they drunk? How scandalous. Does her mother know? Are they going to a room together? Where is Mrs. Roe? Someone tell her.
All Anna could hear was the lock clicking into place.
Couldn't hear the pounding on the door or the angry scream outside of it. You come out of that room this instant Elsa!
She could hear the rustle of clothing. Heard the creak of the bed. Heard Elsa moan for more.
How dare you do this! Who is the stranger? Is it that damn animal? People are talking Elsa! Unacceptable!
Felt the sting of nails on her back, the wonderful squeeze of legs around her hips and she reveled in the cry that followed.
She listened as Elsa hummed her a song afterwards, running pale fingers through her hair.
She laughed against Elsa's stomach.
The fingers stopped. "What?"
"We're so dead tomorrow."
And they laughed together because they were drunk and stupidly in love. They just didn't know it.
An: It's a shame these things have consequences. On a good note, Anna totally won Elsa's hand. Bad note, everybody sort of saw them stumbling around and kissing. Better note. No one actually knows it was Anna. Well except the mom because.. She knows that's the only person Elsa would sleep with.
And since I can't explain clothing too well.. (I can't english very well) Elsa basically wore her ice dress but in red. A gift from Samson for her birthday.
*Gasp* What will Samson think about the drunken night?
^ Do we really care?
Holy I had to reread this quite a few times to make sure it was decent. More fixing problems. More Samson. More angry old hag.
I will see you in the NEXT CHAPTER. Bye.