A/N: Hey readers! This chapter is up earlier, and yes, it is shorter, but it is only Anna. It's only her perspective, and it will give you even some more insight to her. I really enjoyed writing this one, even though it's shorter. Just for those of you who are bothered by it, this will be a heavier chapter. I do plan on moving up from this, but it is sad for this one.
Also, did start another story because I couldn't help it, The Silver Tongue, so maybe try it out?
But, you're all here for this story... So, enjoy reading! - Keanan
His slimy voice poisoned her thoughts and she couldn't contain her growl any longer, "Lessons are over for the evening Miss Solnberg." The bite behind Anna's words seemed to make Elsa flinch. Yet, the redheaded man had stood tall again.
"Sir Anders, I've heard much of your skill as of late. I myself have trained in fencing. Perhaps we should spar sometime? For the fun of it?" When Anna stared silently on he continued, "At least let me show Miss Elsa my skill." This brought a bellowing laugh from Anna, and a sinister smirk settled on her face.
"Mister Westergard, perhaps you would like to reconsider that offer. After all, you wouldn't want to embarrass yourself," she watched the pride puff in his chest, and anger flare through his eyes, "Of course, if not, we could spar right now. I believe I know where a spare suit is. Whatever you find suiting, Mr. Westergard."
The emotions played across his face as she watched his hair practically prickle up like a dog's haunches. Of course, he only smoothed out his slick suit and a fake smile betrayed his true feelings, "Perhaps you might find your match today Sir Anders. Where might I find a spare suit to change into, then?"
Unbeknownst to Hans, a mischievous smirk crossed Anna's face, "Please see Mister Kai, he will see to your needs." As Hans nodded and returned upstairs Anna couldn't keep the words from slipping past her lips, "Bastard."
Elsa's presence had been completely forgotten, until Anna turned to return to the mat, and met those piercing blue eyes. They were stone cold, and just like when they'd first met, Anna couldn't read the emotions hidden behind that wall. Those pale arms were tight around her own middle, and Anna couldn't help wishing they were hers. She was so caught up in trying to read those eyes that she almost missed the question that passed those pink lips, "Why'd you call him that? Do you know him?"
Too much. "You could say that. I-I can't talk about it with you. You're his fiancée." Suddenly another thought struck her. What happened to mom? Is… is she alright? Or did he… not her too.
"Then I have one more question for you, Sir Anders." The way her alias slid past Elsa's lips had her stomach churning. When Elsa's eyes flicked over to the bag once more she found fear mounting in her entire body. She felt bile rise in the back of her throat. "Why do you have A-" Anna's hand clamped over her mouth before the question could be finished.
Her own voice dropped to a near silent whisper in the ears of Elsa, "Don't say that name with him here."
Hans stepped back through the door, arrogance emanating from him, and that churning feeling grew. The questions of her mother played over in her head as he approached the mat.
One more stolen glance at Elsa showed the girl staring at her bag. I need to tell her who I am… If that didn't already. I want her to want Anna, not Anders. Er… not Anna either. She's probably not even… I'll ask Kris… Kristoff had been her go to guru when she didn't know what to do. The so-called "love expert" would certainly know how to handle this situation, because it was generous to say Anna was simply a bad liar. She was an awful liar. It was a wonder she'd made it this far in disguise.
The sight of Hans in front of her pulled her from that train of thought. He pulled his "suave" tone out, "Elsa, dear," Anna growled, "would you referee?" She'll never be yours, you sick fuck. You're like 12 years older than her you pig. When all he received was a half-hearted "mm-hmm" Anna couldn't help the satisfied smirk that settled on her face.
A whispered "en garde" from Elsa began the match, and the usually passive stance Anna took was gone. She played by the rules in the dirtiest way, forcing him into a stance that had him falling over as her foil landed. Elsa called the point, and Anna lowered her foil. He never had a chance against "Sir Anders".
In a fit of anger, he pulled his mask off, huffing, "Again. I was ill prepared, but I assure you, the same will not be said for next match." Hans replaced his helmet and Anna's smirk grew beneath her own. She let her emotions carry her through the match. While with most opponents she could be cool to a fault, he'd lit a fire of rage in her, and she'd be sure to let it burn him.
The next round began, and it was as embarrassing as the first, because she forced him to point-in-line, and he was easily provoked. She let his hurt pride hurt it more as he moved to strike, and she sidestepped, allowing him to lose balance and fall forward, her own foil bent against his back.
"You really ought to stop embarrassing yourself, Mr. Westergard. It'd be a pity if your fiancée left you because you never lived up to the huge ego you exude." Anna is chortling at this point. She was enjoying scarring this evil man's pride, and she hoped her comment would push him further. Desperate men are prone to embarrassment, and some part of her wanted him to embarrass himself so much that Elsa would never even consider him. Though, her head reminded her that fencing didn't quite mean as much to Elsa as it did to herself. Elsa had yet to understand what you can learn about a person from a spar, or even watching one if you're perceptive enough. A spar was an intimate experience to Anna. Because regardless of the fake name, she could be Anna with no fear.
She predicted right, as he rose, nearly growling, and demanding another round. If she could pity him, she'd have wished he stayed on the floor. Because Anna, she would not lose. His stance grew much too sloppy, and a quick glance told her the even Elsa could see that. The en garde hadn't even been called before he lunged at her. Her body responded before her mind did as she parried the strike, and feigning a direct riposte, going instead for the side he'd leave open in his attempt to parry.
"Mr. Westergard, I assure you, this is no damage to your pride," Liar. "You were simply ill prepared to spar with me. Perhaps another time?" Her laughter was barely contained as he pulled himself up, puffing his chest out. Watching the way he pulled off his helmet to reveal a red face and messy hair, which he promptly pulled out a comb to fix, instigated her snort.
"Sir Anders, it has been a pleasure. I can't wait to spar with you once more, when I have prepared myself. Miss Elsa, perhaps you'd like to join me for a walk in town?"
An icy voice chipped in, "No, Mr. Westergard, I would not enjoy that. I have a lesson to finish with Sir Anders, and it would do you well not to interrupt that." Surprise was written across the other two faces. Even Sir Anders never received that tone,which led her to wonder just why Elsa was so icy towards the man she just met. Was it because of what I said? But surely she doesn't trust my opinion so much… Even with no solid answer from the girl, the look on the red headed man's face was too good to pass up.
"O-of course, Miss Els-"
"Miss Solnberg to you." Icy tone still laced through her short, crisp words.
"Ah… Yes, Miss Solnberg. Well, I will just remind you I will be staying in town. The penthouse suite of the Solnberg Hotel. It's truly a magnificently beautiful place." Anna rolled her eyes, knowing just how well Elsa hated the building. He was preaching to the wrong crowd. Elsa of course didn't let it show, but Anna knew she'd hear about it, if Sir Alden wouldn't.
Dread settled in the pit of her stomach as she watched Hans leave. The realization that she'd be confronted very soon edged its way into the forefront of her thoughts. Her posture slackened, and she dearly wanted nothing more to run, but Elsa had cemented her there. Purposefully. The front door closed, signalling his complete departure from the house.
Out of the corner of her eye, she watched Elsa stare at the duffel bag that suggested more. She knew it loomed bad, either Anna was lying or Anna just wasn't telling her something. Either way, it just didn't look good, but as Anna opened her mouth to explain, those piercing eyes seemed to find her own, mask in the way or not. Questions rolled behind those eyes, and Anna wished she could answer them. As she tried to find some sort of lie to cover up her true identity, Elsa piped up, just barely a whisper, "I-I won't ask you about her… because I'm not sure I'm ready to know, and I can't put A- her in danger. But… Sir Anders, I will find out the truth eventually. Until then, whatever your relationship to her may be, I will not ask." Anna was awestruck at the regal tone Elsa's soft voice had taken. The only time Anna had ever caught the edge of that tone was when they first met, and although it hadn't been a significant amount of time, Elsa had warmed up to her, much more than her current tone let on. Though, what surprised Anna most was that it seemed like Elsa was almost protective of the girl behind the mask. Anna's surprise led her to nod stiffly at her counterpart.
As soon as she had nodded, Elsa just turned and left. Her pace was brisk and cool, which sent an icy chill down Anna's spine. She was left to her own devices in the suddenly freezing cold basement, and for some reason, she couldn't find it in herself to move. Images of Hans flashed before her eyes, and she choked on the sb that threatened to emerge from her mouth. HIs slimy voice tormented her thoughts, but still she held strong. She wouldn't ever give him power over her like that. Never again. However, when Elsa's soft voice pierced her with that question, Anna broke. Sobs wracked her body as she brought herself to the floor, knees to her chest, arms holding them tightly against her, face buried into her knees. Tears soaked the interior of her mask, and the only thing that kept Anna from ripping it off was the protection it gave her. No one could see her break behind this mask. No one would ever know the real her.
She remembered the soothing voice of her mother in her ears. She was six again. Her mother was singing a quiet lullaby, rocking her back and forth. More memories flashed before her eyes.
"Mama! Mama! I wanna sing! Play something! I wanna sing!" Anna was seen now, bouncing excitedly around her mother in their manor. When her mother's laughter crinkled the edges of her eyes, Anna giggled. Her mother popped in her daughter's favorite album into the CD player. The redhead had an unusual love for the alternative band, but she would oblige the sweet smile on her face. Especially when the girl began to absolutely lose herself in the music. Even as a seven year old, she knew how to sing.
"How dare you say that my behavior is unacceptable
So condescending unnecessarily critical
I have the tendency of getting very physical
So watch your step 'cause if I do you'll need a miracle!" The song continued and so did Anna as she relished in the music. Her mother laughed at her, but it was something they'd always done.
Her dad stepped into the room, voice booming in the pause between songs, "What is this tomfoolery I hear? Who's been showing you this heathen music? I'll have you know this music is entirely unbefitting of my beloved princess." Anna laughed and wrapped her small arms around her father as he picked her up and spun her around.
"Papa! You did, you silly goose! Only you know the best music!" A bellowing laugh erupted from the large man and he agreed with his daughter. After a few spins, he set her down and sidled up to his wife, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips.
"Welcome home dear," she held onto his lapels gently, gazing lovingly into his eyes. Their short moment was interrupted by gagging sounds from their daughter, drawing laughs from both parents. "She's your daughter. Definitely yours."
"And you love every bit of it."
A picture perfect moment. The two parents, arms around each other as they gazed upon their grinning daughter.
"I miss you, Papa…" she rasped. Her tears had dried, and a sad smile sat upon her face as she stared at the inner detailing of her mask. Shakily, she brought herself to her feet, stumbling to the stairs. With a vice grip on the railing, she dragged herself up the stairs. The day had drained her physically and mentally. She didn't think she could handle anymore. She noticed Kai and Gerda on the main floor, both of whom had given her sympathetic smiles. She attempted to return them, but after realizing they wouldn't even be able to see it, she quit, giving them a weak nod instead.
She trudged up the stairs, and stopped at Elsa's door when she heard the pale blonde's voice.
"...Yes, I met Mr. Westergard today...I don't know father, something seems off with him. I don't know if we can trust him… if you say I can then I must agree…"
A pit dropped in Anna's stomach and she felt nausea begin to set in.
"...Yes, father…As you wish, sir… I will try to love him Father…"
With that, Anna's heart dropped like a stone, all the way into her stomach. She couldn't even control it as memories flashed before her eyes of the man with sideburns. Her feet took her to her room, where she practically tor her suit off. Panting, she yanked on her ripped up converse, and she grabbed a flannel out of her old stuff, before tearing open her window, and scaling down the wall. She ran. Not thinking, and let her feet take her away from the small house. The last time she ran like this is when she left the orphanage. She left the orphanage 3 months in. They almost found out her true identity. It was too dangerous to stay there. Now, just like then, it was too dangerous. He would be there for Elsa. She didn't need to be.
She slowed to a jog, then a trot, and finally a simple walk as she stepped into a small mart. Picking up the biggest, cheapest liquor she could find, vodka, she brought herself to the front counter, ordering a pack of cigarettes too. She pulled her small wallet out of her pocket, sliding her money to the cashier. Taking her bag of relief substances, Anna dragged herself to the back of Oaken's, mindlessly climbing onto the roof. She took refuge by the heat pump, where her pile of cigarette butts already lay. Sliding down the unit, she took her lighter from her pocket, lighting up one of her fresh cigarettes. Holding the cigarette between her lips, she took the large bottle and twisted the cap off. With one hand, she took the cigarette from her mouth, exhaling a puff of smoke. With the other, she wrapped her fingers around the neck of the bottle, taking a swig of vodka. Memories plagued her mind again.
"You're smart. You don't believe that your sweet dad killed himself. You don't believe that he didn't love you… well at least you'll believe that your mother doesn't love you. In fact she hates you. You wanna know why? You're just like him. She hates him now. She believes that he killed himself, you know that? She's actually stupid enough to believe it." He laughed, "Isn't it ironic that her idiot of a daughter knew the man better than her? He fought until the end to get back to you guys. Too bad he wasn't strong enough… I guess he's paying for it now. Watching me defile his beautiful wife." His lips curved into a vicious snarl.
She took another long drag, and then a swig. A different memory.
She spit on the well dressed man as they delivered the news of their marriage. He held a sickeningly sweet smile on his face, "Now what's that for? We're going to be family." Her mother didn't notice the evil glint in his eyes.
"Sweetie. He's right. You shouldn't disrespect your new father like tha-"
"He will NEVER BE MY FATHER!" The nine and a half year old stormed out of the room.
Anna took another swig as she wondered about her mother's fate. She hardly noticed the tears streaming down her face as she recalled opening the door to him the first time.
"Hello little one, I'm here to see your mother, is she in?" Something wrong settled in her stomach as she stared at the man. There's something to be said about a child's intuition. When a child can notice the evil in someone, there's something terrifying about that. But when Anna's mother stepped forward with a timid smile on her face, confliction filled the redhead.
"Mr. Westergard! I didn't expect to see you here." He stepped into the house. Uninvited! Anna's mind screamed.
"Ah, I came to offer my sincerest condolences, I heard about what happened." Sobs overtook her mother, and the redheaded man stepped in, wrapping his arms around the small woman. Anna's eyes bulged out of her head, and fire burned her insides. She glared into the green eyes that met hers. His slimy evil intentions clear from the beginning.
"How did you not see it, Mama?" She asked to no one in particular. She finished her cigarette, and took a few more swigs from the vodka, it finally taking effect on her. Haziness filled her mind and body, and she held the bottle close as her eyes slid closed, and her body slumped against the unit. The remnants of her cigarette burned out on the rooftop as her consciousness slipped.
Reviewer Responses:
Guest: I am so glad to hear that you love it! I hope I can keep you interested!
Joann (Guest): Glad you're enjoying it! I will keep writing!
BlossomCharms: I'm glad that my story has caught your interest! Hopefully you like how this chapter gives a little more info on her past. This is gonna be a crazy ride!