Frozen Forever

by StarFlame7

Being a royal is not easy. Add ice powers, and a peculiar family and you get Queen Elsa's typical normal day. Even with that, Elsa is learning of the perks and downsides of being a royal. But even more, she is learning to be herself. So what happens when an old friend enters her life again and turns her life upside down? And why is her magic behaving strangely? A pun-tastic story

38. 38 Through the eyes of a butler

Chapter 38

And here we are. Next chapter. Leave your comments. They fuel this story after all.

This story is also in AO3 with Illustrations of this story.

I will upload the illustrations from time to time. This is my gift for you. Go check them out if you'd like in DeviantArt

My Instagram is Starflame007 and my deviant art account is Starflame7

Disclaimer: Frozen and other Disney characters belong to Disney Co. This is merely a fanfiction and a bunch of fandom references and puns.

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Chapter 38. Through the eyes of a butler

The dim light coming from the candles, had finally made the trick to ease the atmosphere that, not so long ago, had been filled with noise and people.

Surrounded by ghostly figures of portraits and paintings, a middle aged man crossed the labyrinth of rooms and hallways, commiting no mistakes in his route; evidence of all the years of service, he has given to the Castle.

His impeccable work ethic and professionalism could only be matched with his punctuality.

Indeed. Time was an important factor in this man's life. And time has always been on his side. Always. Yet, today, had been quite a challenge for the poor man. Of course, everything had worked out well in the end, but even this man had to take some time for himself to catch his breath.

The man stopped for a brief moment to take a deep breath and arrange his suit jacket. He passed his hand over his head confirming that not even a single hair would be out of place. Done.

Then, after exactly five seconds later, he continued his walking. From outside anyone would think the man was full of energy and well rested.

But in reality, behind that first impression of the perfect Head of the Royal Staff, the man, named Kai, was feeling the bill of his tired body. After today's social events, who wouldn't?

From managing the staff for Christmas dinner and the Plaza Gathering, to wear the Santa Claus suit, today had been quite a challenge.

And to add the cherry on the top of crazy things if today, the Royal Staff had had to deal with a crisis of Christmas love infestation, caused by a bunch of little snowmen with mistletoe. Just the usual for the Royal Arendelle's staff members.

Kai buffed silently. The mere thought of Olaf's younger brothers had given him shivers.

And then, there were other issues that would hunt his busy mind constantly. Facts that had given him a hard time to enjoy the festivities or simply stay calm ever since the Council of the Realms was inaugurated.

There were so many things that had happened that he had lost count. Some of them would be considered important, others not so much.

And there were others that simply couldn't even be put under any category. Such as the misterious case of the Ghost of Arendelle that turned out to be a pig. Kai sighed again. Had his life become a Dickens story all of a sudden?

But this was real. He reminded himself as by instinct he turned his head to the right and looked through the window. His eyes focused on a small tent that had been left behind on the Castle Grounds. There were no longer medical staff nor patients there. Thanks to the quick actions of the Princess and the Council, they had made arrangements with a kind landlord. The hospital had been relocated, at least temporarily, to an old house big enough to accommodate the patients, medical personnel and equipment. They would stay there while the new hospital was under construction.

He frowned as the tent worked s a trigger of that night.

A fire. Not snow. Fire!

Even for Arendelle standards of random disasters to occur, a fire was not something people would expect to happen.

The local people were getting used to snow in the summer due to their current magical Queen. But fire?! In winter? Was Arendelle that unlucky? That had only caused more gossip around villagers and visitors.

And he was not man of gossip, Frejya may forbid it. But, he was a man of information and facts. And there were facts that were real as clear water. The ones that Kai thought constantly ever so often.

One. Arendelle could be in danger.

According to Mr. Bjorgman and the Princess, the fire had been provoked.

Two. The Royal Family was in the eyes of everyone.

The Royal family, especially the Queen, have been in the eye of the hurricane of all these calamities and Council rendevous. Wether being social, royal or even catastrophy related.

And Three. The Queen has been dealing with a lot.

She literally has been the one carrying with the heaviest burden. Struggling with the resposabilities of ruling, hosting the Council of the Realms and even putting her life at risk now to protect her Kingdom.

Kai and Captain Jorgen had been friends for years, and his old pal had told him the story about that night with detail.

How the Queen had took control of the situation showing her true strength and leadership as she stood on the front line against the flames. Magical or not, she was still young and human.

According to witnesses the Queen almost made it out alive that night by jumping out of a window from a building in flames that had been seconds to collapse. All because, she knew, somehow, a missing baby was still inside the building.

The Captain mentioned the Queen hadn't been the only one crazy enough to get inside the burning building. As if taken out of a made up story – once again, ironically- or the staff's imagination, the Prince of Rosendale himself had also went to find the baby. Making honour to his nickname of being a Rebel Prince.

Apparently, he had arrived along with Princess Anna. Kai didn't know the details of how or why they were there.

But the fact was that they were there, when suddenly, the Prince had ran into the building, dressed as a cow, because that's appararently what happened.

And the rest nobody seems to know. The Princess did try to enter, as she called for her sister and his friend. But Captain Jorgen had stopped her on time, before she risked her life too. Thanks to the old mighty. And then, well, every witness had feared the worst when the building came to its last stand and nobody had come out yet.

But then, right at the last second, the window of the highest floor had broken into million pieces. Revealing something falling from it.

People had gasped in horror as they realized the ones falling to a certain terrible death were the missing royals.

Nobody knew what were the limits or rules of the Queen's powers, but according to the Captain the Queen did shot some ice to the ground. But in the Captain's opinion that wouldn't have been enough to survive the fall.

Until, to everyone's surprise, the royals had been saved by a giant snowman. And if that weren't all, the Queen and the Prince had with them the missing baby. Safe and sound. A true happy ending and a signal of hope and strength, that had become a favourite gossip in all Arendelle and beyond the land. Once again, as if taken out of a fairy tale.

He hadn't had the opportunity to thank the big snowman named Marshmallow. But Kai would always be grateful he came out of knowhere.

And which is why he wouldn't even question the snowman's desition to stay on the Castle grounds like a guardian. And it was not his place to ask about it either.

So, he couldn't care less if it caused a bit of curious eyes or scared another few. If it weren't for the snowman - he feared - he would be wearing black today; instead of the bright red Santa suit.

Kai shook his head slightly. He shouldn't think so dark. It was Christmas for Christ sake. Stress was giving him too much to think about.

Yes, he knew he had to keep his head focused. For the girls. He had to be there for them. For their parents. He owed them.

The Queen and Princess had been always his most important job. Payed or not payed.

And that was it. Kai thought. He could add more facts to his list, but in escence, those three facts were the most important.

Speaking of important, there was still one thing he had to do in his personal list. Kai took a deep breath as he had finally reached his last destination of duties before retiring to the Staff's wing. It had been such a long day. All he wanted to do now was get on his favourite couch and grab a good book. But it was Christmas, which meant he would have to attend dinner and do some social chatting later with the staff.

Would this day come to an end soon? He wondered.

The Head Butler opened the door to the great Dining Room and entered with his posture straight and with his chin raised up. As properly etiquette demanded.

"Good evening Your Majesty. Good evening Your Highness." he saluted with a calm tone. Not a single sign of his worries in his voice. As properly etiquette required.

"Evening Kai." replied a serene voice coming from a young woman with a swift smile and a respectful nod. Potent enough to signify authority and soft enough to reveal the monarch's true gentle heart.

"Oh, Merry Almost Christmas Kai. Can I offer you some wine or some hot chocolate?" this time replied another voice. It belonged to the younger of the two royals. Her voice, in contrast to her sister's, was more loud and lively and less serious. Showing warmth in her tone and in her full smile.

"Thank you Your Highness, but I must decline your offer. After tonight events involving the beverage I believe I had had enough for one day. Still, thank you for your kindness." Kai made a small bow with his head. As properly etiquette declared.

He then stood straight again and walked towards the royal sisters to adress them.

"You wanted to see me?" He asked curious.

The Queen, who was sitting at the top of the table, put her glass to rest on her side and nodded in agreement.

"Yes Kai." she replied. "As you may know, this month has been, well, how should I put it?" the Queen look briefly to her side as she had an inner debate with herself. "Challenging."

"Or crazy." Suggested the Princess to her sister.

The Queen blinked and seemed to think about the word selection of her sister.

"Yes. To this point, I believe we can use the word crazy."

"I cannot argue with that your Majesty." Kai had to admit.

The Princess giggled. The Queen shrugged.

"Anyway," the Queen continued. "We wanted to thank the Royal Members of the Staff and you personally, for all the effort you had given us all these crazy days."

"Not even mention it Your Grace. It is our duty and pleasure to serve." He insisted.

"We know." She said with a gentle smile and soft tone. "But what the Staff has been doing not only for the Castle, but for all the people in Arendelle has gone beyond your job description. And you know it well, Kai."

"Like Kai dressing as Santa." a third voice called everyone's attention.

The Butler looked down to the source of the third voice.

"Evening Master Olaf." the Head butler vowed with his head.

"Hello everyone. Happy whatever holiday you prefer." the snowman cheered. Then he went to take a seat next to the Queen, on the right sight of the table; facing the Princess seat.

"Likewise Master Olaf." Kai replied.

"Oh, oh... Elsa did you tell him already?"

This time the Queen smiled tenderly at the snowman.

"Not yet Olaf. We were about to. But if you want to, you can tell him."

"Really?"

"Of course."

"Tell me what?" Kai looked at both sisters and their snowman.

"That you are not working anymore!!!" Olaf exclaimed happily.

"WHAT?!" all three of the humans reacted the same way.

And the stress of weeks that had been kept in a dark corner of his mind finally found a way to lure into his thoughts.

Kai felt himself pale and lose all control of his posture. His most terrible nightmare had come to reality.

"Your...Your Majesty... are you implying I should retire already?" Kai quickly asked.

"No of course not. Listen..." The Queen started to explain. But he didn't listen. It had been such a long day and he was already considering if he should spend his retirement days fishing as others did. He hated fishing. Because he would always end up smelling like fish. He couldn't end his days smelling like that. Perhaps if he tried gardening. But he couldn't stand having dirt on his shoes.

"I cannot leave yet. I don't want to smell like fish. I can't get my shoes either. I have things to do and, and, I cannot leave you two alone yet... and... and..."

"What fish? Dirt? Kai what are you...?"

"Is this because I dropped some chocolate on the Santa Costume?" he asked worriedly.

"No, it's nothing like that, we..."

"I knew it. It is the chocolate."

" No Kai, this is about Christmas and the Royal staff ..."

"Of course. I should have know. This is about what happened today. Even Captain Jorgen and Lady Eleanorwere victims of it."

"Hold on. The mistletoe has nothing to do with..."

"So it's true. You do know about it. I never mentioned the plant. And you definitely know what I was talking about." Kai insisted.

"It is my fault Your Majesty. Maybe you are right. I should retire already if I cannot manage a kissing crisis such as this. It was meant to be handled secretly."

"I don't think it was much of a secret." Olaf intervened.

"I knew it." Kai exclaimed.

"It's not your fault Kai. If we think about it, the fault could actually be mine."

"What?" Princess Anna asked suddenly. 'Wha..what makes you believe that? Also how…? How did you find out?"

"Well, Marshmallow came to Arendelle when he saw the smoke, that night of the fire. And he decided to stay probably because of me."

"So?" Wondered the Princess.

"So," continued the Queen. " It's just a guess but I think the snowgies were missing his older brother, and came to Arendelle to find him."

"Ohh." Olaf said forming a big O with his mouth. "And I thought that they came for…"

"Right, right." Interrupted Princess Anna quickly. "That's a good story sis. That must have happened."

"But what about the mistletoe?" the butler dared to ask.

"It's just a guess, but, perhaps they passed Oaken's place at the woods. And took it from there. That man can be, well, ridiculously festive. If someone had lots of mistletoe stored, it would be him." The Queen explained calmly as ever. "I mean, I've heard he has lots of Christmas decorations."

Kai had heard the same from the staff. They had mentioned Oaken's inn. According to the staff, the man had spent no expense in furniture and decorations.

Now, where had the Queen heard such rumors about the inn? He wouldn't dare to ask. But the Queen was always an informed person. Maybe her Council had mentioned it to her on one of their meetings.

"As for how I found out about the little game of the snowgies." The Queen kept on. "I had just finished the ice demonstration and going back to the Castle with Prince Derek, when all of a sudden, we saw from a far, a couple being chased by them."

"Really?" the Princess asked.

The older sister nodded. "It happened so fast, that we thought we had imagined it. But then we saw one had dropped something. It turned out to be mistletoe."

"And?" the Princess asked intrigued.

"The couple and the snowgies disappeared in a dark alley." The Queen replied calmly. "In our way home, we put two and two together and figured out what has happened earlier with Captain Jorgen and Lady Eleanor. Poor of them."

"Riiight." The Princess simply said. "Poor unfortunate souls."

"Later we saw them again here at the Castle reunited with Marshmallow."

"Wow… that story actually makes, lots of sense." The Princess' blinked. "With the exception where you blame yourself, of course. Don't be ridiculous Elsa."

"The Princess is right." Kai insisted.

"Perhaps." The Queen said. "Still, it doesn't matter now."

"Of course it matters." He insisted. "What if the Royal family got involved in a precaurious situation?"

"Does Kristoff being chased by crazy fangirls count?" Olaf asked.

"Him too?" The Queen asked. "I mean… did he?"

"Yeah. It was hilarious." Olaf added happily.

"Oh, don't mind him. He's fine. Totally." The Princess interrupted quickly. "Apart from that, nothing happened. Right sis?"

The Princess looked at her older sister with a sweet and inocent smile.

"What? Oh right. Yes. I mean no." The Queen replied shortly. "I mean, nothing happened. Just as Anna said."

Kai studied briefly her actions. Had it been his imagination or did the Queen bit her lip slightly for a moment.

It was then that Kai's thoughts were rearranged to give space for a new one.

The Butler remebered the Queen and the Prince leaving together to walk around the Christmas shops. Never to bee seen again, until dinner time.

An unspoken question popped in his mind.

Could it be?

The wild mind of the Butler couldn't even dare to formulate that inner thought.

"Anyway," The Queen suddenly stood from her seat. She had placed her hands on the table as fast as lighting, calling everyone's attention. Her voice had been less serene. Almost flustered. "About the other thing we were discussing."

The young monarch, realizing her sudden reaction, and probably feeling very self aware, pulled her dress shirt and cleared her throat. "I mean, let's forget about that peculiar – and not related event - and focus on the real matter. Shall we?" she said recovering her serenity. As if she hadn't just jumped out of her seat.

Still, that had done the trick on the Head Butler to finally clear his mind of silly ideas and listen to her.

The Queen took a deep breath as she adressed the others looking at her with interest. "So," She lowered her tone of voice even more and took another breath. "What we've all trying to say, is that we want to grant you and the staff, some extra holidays for this season."

"Extra what Your Highness?" He asked even more confused.

The monarch looked to her sister searching her support.

The Princess who had remained quiet, was showing a new kind of smile she hadn't had before. Almost mischevious. But then, as soon as her sister called for her help, the cherry blond royal turned her futures to a more angelic one. Leaving no trace of the calculating eyes from before.

For a moment Kai felt a tingle in the back of his neck. What had been that look on the Princess? He wondered. But it wasn't his place to ask.

"We mean that everyone is getting more days off." The Princess smiled.

"You mean?" Kai insisted. "Yeah! That you are not working anymore." Olaf said cheerfully.

"For the next week only. You are all keeping your jobs of course." The Queen quickly added.

"But Your Majesty, Your Highness..."

"No buts Kai." the Princess insisted. Her voice, tender as always.

"The whole week Your Majesty?"

Kai thought about his list of facts running in his mind over and over.

Fact number One. Arendelle could be in danger.

"What about you and the Princess?"

Fact number Two. The Royal Family was in the eyes of everyone.

"What will the other kingdoms think?"

"Please your Majesty, I cannot take a holiday I ..." he hesistated.

Fact number Three. The Queen has been dealing with a lot.

What about her?

"Listen Kai." The Queen insisted looking at him with the same tenderness as her sister. Both had inherited the same stare of their mother. "It's just a week. Please, for once, just accept it without any argument. You all deserve it. Specially you, Gerda and Jill. In fact, I am considering making it official from now on. And consider them to be full payed days."

A loud whistle suddenly echoed in the dining room calling everyone's attention.

The Queen's eyes rolled giving signal she was familiar with that whistle.

"Now, that's a legacy worth to be remebered for a monarch." A fourth voice resonated the room. "Right mate?"

"Right pal." A fifth voice said this time. "A true Queen should be remebered for the days off she gave to the people."

A sixth sound, more similar to a grunt also echoed in the room. More likely to belong to an animal. "HAppy HOlidAs to All." the sixth voice said, with a weird low tone.

Both men laughed. As in contrast the sisters didn't. The Queen in particular didn't seem amused. Her hands now rested on both her hips, as she raised one eyebrow at them.

Kai didn't need to turn around to recognize the owners of the fourth and fifth voice. Even the sixth voice, was familar.

The first two voices, belonged to two young men. One voice, was slightly deep and educated. According to the staff, it sounded playful and quite melodic.

The other voice, in contrast, was stronger in tone; yet it was softer and friendlier.

And both voices, apparently shared the same teasing tone. Towards the Queen herself nonetheless.

And lastly the third voice, belonged to a reindeer. Or better say, to the second human pretending to be a reindeer. Honestly where did these girls met their aquaintances?

Still he had to give his salutations as etiquette stated. "Evening Your Highness, Mr. Bjorgman, Mr. Sven."

"Hello Kai." saluted the taller one. "I heard what happened with Sven and the hot chocolate. I'm sorry that I wasn't there. I overslept on the afternoon."

The reindeer, who was wearing a tie, lowered his head in sign of apology.

"He says he is sorry."

"No worries Mr. Bjorgman." The butler added quickly. It was a reindeer after all. He couldn't think the animal would take his Santa hat and make him drop his hot chocolate over the suit on purpose.

The butler could never understand how these men could be so audacious to tease the royals of these land with such ease. Not to mention, one of them was actually in direct lienage to the throne of his own land.

This generation honestly. Kai thought.

He kept his calm, as he saw the pair of young men reach the table, to take their seats.

"Good evening Mr. Kai. And Happy Yule to everyone." said the other young man as he shook his cane to the air. Not caring about any etiquette or decor.

The others replied with the tipical happy holidays phrases.

Sometimes he wondered, if the peculiar Prince would do such things on purpose to play with the Butler's nerves. Or was it to bother the Queen instead?

The ice harvester sat next to the Princess, obviously. And on his right side, sat the reindeer. Why? Because he was considered part of the family.

The reindeer had more history, which justified his place at the royal table. While the other... Kai thought. The rebel one, was just a new addition to the table.

At least, the new addition, wouldn't be sitting right next to the Queen. Because, Olaf had taken the seat next to her. Which meant he would be sitting next to the snowman. Thank Father Christmas for the sitting arrangement!

If they kept that distance it was a Good sign, he thought. No material for new gossip. Just like etiquette suggested.

Happy Yule indeed! He smiled content.

"Interesting choice of accessoire Your Highness." The Queen finally spoke directly to the Prince as he came to reach his chair next to Olaf.

It was a mystery to the Butler, why the Queen and the Prince would sometimes mix some French, here and there, among their sentences to each other.

Although, he had come to notice, most of the time, no one seemed to understand their conversations anyway.

The Prince smiled mischeviously, at the Queen. Then he produced a mid vow almost jokingly.

" Tojour à la mode." he replied, as expected, in French. Was this an inner joke or something, Kai wondered?

"Quite cheerful. It does have a Je ne sais quoi style, that fits your style." The Queen responded following the same playful tone.

"How sweet of you to notice." The Prince thanked her, by lowering gently his head towards the monarch. " C'est très elegant, n'est-ce pas?"

The blond royal sighed, then she rested her chin on the back of her hands. Breaking the rules of etiquette by puting not one but both elbows over the table.

"As if it weren't so obvious." The Queen replied shortly but maintaining her teasing tone. " C'est très frappant, comme vous Capitain."

Kai almost fainted as he felt his level of sugar drop. This was exactly the cause of the influence of the Rebel Prince. First came the escapades, now elbows on the table. What was coming next? Eating on a dirty tavern?

"Excuse me. But I don't speak baguette. What's so obvious?" The ice harvester asked as he looked from the Queen to the Prince.

"I think they're talking about an accessory Derek chose to wear for tonight's dinner." The Princess explained with amusement in her voice. "Am I right sis?"

"Correct." The Queen nodded at her younger sister.

Kai looked quickly at the Prince. What was so obvious? Why was the Queen the only one that noticed?

She was observant of course. Not like she must have been paying additional attention to the Prince.

"Soo…you like it?" the Royal Prince asked her.

"For this occasion I believe it might pass almost as an acceptable fashion design."

"I knew it." The Prince smiled trumphantly.

"I said almost." the Queen insisted. "But I wouldn't recomend to use it at formal events. As it's Christmas Eve and it's just us, you may get a pass Your Highness."

"Maybe Her Majesty would like to join in the cheer and change the crown for something more adequate to the season. Perhaps a red hat, just like Santa's?" The Prince looked at the Queen with a teasing look.

"You'd wish that wouldn't you? Unfortunately for you, and lucky for me, I don't wear a crown." she replied with the same tone of tease.

Kai would look from one royal to the other. What in Asgard where they talking about? But at least something was a fact. Kai recalled the reaction the Queen had just had about minutes ago and compared it to this one. It would seem nothing really had happened between them. Probably it had been just the influence of the Royal staff and their hunger to see things that actually weren't. He felt better with himself. There was nothing new apparently. Their weirdness, at least, seemed normal. On their standards of weirdness of course.

The others seemed as lost as him, but less surprised. Apparently this sort of interaction was a common thing to happen at dinner.

" Touché." the Prince raised his cane in singal of respect and saluted her.

The Queen raised her glass to him in a teasing manner. " Avec plaisir." She smiled.

"Wait…" This time the ice harvester reacted. "Is that…?"

And that's when Kai saw it. What the Queen must have been refering to. The accessory she and the Prince were just teasing each other about.

In utter horror right at the Prince's hand. His cane. He had changed it. THE CANE!

THE CANE WAS A, A…!

"A candy cane!" exclaimed Olaf happily surprised.

"WOW! It looks so real. Wait. Is it real?" the Princess jumped from her seat to have a better look. "Can I eat it?"

"Perhaps but you woodn't like the taste." the Prince replied smiling. "Get it?"

"What?" the Princess sounded confused.

"He means the cane is actually made of wood. Don't mind his poor try of a joke." The Queen explained to her sister.

"Ow, what a shame. It looks delicious." The Princess returned to her seat.

"Why wood Her Majesty wound me like that?"

"Just ignore him." The Queen insisted to her sister.

"So, what happened to the other cane?" Mr. Bjorgman asked.

"Long story mate. I was doing an errand. The other one broke into pieces." the Prince said. He gave a quick glance at the window.

"But honestly pal. What kind of errand did you do?" The ice harvester wondered. "Your other cane was made of fine wood, wasn't it? It would take lots of pressure to break it. Like a big fall, or even Marshmallow strength." he joked.

The Queen, who was casually taking a sip from her drink, suddenly started to cough.

Kai turned his head surprised. That was definitely not a common reaction of the Queen.

"Your Majesty, is everything alright with your drink?"

Everyone was suddenly looking at the Queen with curiosity.

"Yes," She replied with a hoarse voice. "Forgive me." She apologized as she cleared her throat. "I must have drank too much…err…" she looked at the content of her glass. "Water?" She said shortly.

"Huh?" The Ice Haverster exclaimed confused.

"I slipped!" The Prince suddenly said calling everyone's attention. Making them forget about the Queen's sudden coughing. "That's what happened. It wasn't the Big Ice Guy. I broke my cane because I was at the kitchen and...err… trying to… reach-the-upper-cabinet-to-steal-cookies."

"You fell?" the Princess.

HE DID WHAT?!! Kai almost hurt his neck by moving so fast towards the Prince direction. The young man had spoken so fast that he had just the opportunity to catch some random words. But, nothing good could come out of mixing the words stealing, kitchen and cookies.

"Anyway, I slipped and broke the cane."

"Ow, that must have hurt." Olaf said.

"Jeez pal. Next time just tell me and I'll grab something for you." Mr. Bjorgman said sympathetic.

The Queen was the only one who remained as perplexed as Kai was. She just blinked and looked at the man on the other side of the table with a blank stare.

Kai couldn't blame her. Here the man was openly admiting he had tried to steal some of the Crowns finest cookies. Poor girl. To find out one of her friends would behave in such manners.

At least that way she'd finally see the true colours of the Rebel Prince. Such a bad influence, he could be.

"I can't believe it". The Princess said.

Kai nodded in silent agreement.

"Derek you broke your promise." The cherry blond added. "If you had asked, I would have given you cookies from my own stock. But don't worry. Since it's Christmas your punishment will be just one spoon full of reindeer tonic."

"Please no." The Prince paled. "I am fine. Only the cane suffered. No need to stick with this. Honestly."

Kai almost felt sick in the stomach. That joke had been kindly unnecessary. He feared he might get indigestion if he stayed even more time. Probably it would be better to leave the family and friends alone. For their sake. And for his stomach's sake.

"Ehem, if I may Your Highness." he cleared his voice to call the royals attention.

"Of course you may." The Princess replied. Forgetting the moment about this particular remedy known as reindeer tonic.

He nodded to the young royal, as he addressed to both sisters. "I was just going to say, that dinner is about to be served in a few minutes. Once it is served, may I ask for an early leave? So I can inform the news to the royal staff."

The Queen smiled gently. "Pardon our manners Kai. It was us who summoned you in the first place. You may go and enjoy with the others. And that is an actual order. Also, I apologize in His Highness behalf for his lack of humor. As you may see, this case serves as a perfect example of why you deserve a compensation. To anyone who has to endure His Highness' bad jokes deserves a holiday. I know I do."

"Hey." The Prince exclaimed crossing his arms. "My jokes are not bad, they're just ahead of their time."

"Maybe too ahead. Perhaps in another time zone." The Queen suggested. "But not here."

The Princess giggled.

Snow Queen 1. Rebel Prince 0. Kai though.

"It is always time for a good laugh. Perhaps the lack of sleeping has affected your track of time. Need to borrow my watch, Your Majesty?" The Prince insisted not giving up.

"Ooohh." Both Olaf and Mr. Bjorgman exclaimed as they looked from the Prince to the Queen.

Snow Queen 1. Rebel Prince 1. Kai had to play partial.

"Not to worry, it happens I carry mine today. Let's find out shall we?" The Queen said. Then, without losing her calmness, she took out of her dress' pocket, a small silver watch. Then she opened the lid.

The blond royal made a pause as she inspected her watch.

"How interesting." She said as she inspected the time. "It's quarter past fool. Pity, but the time for bad jokes has already ended. Need to watch on your own watch, Captain?"

The Prince had just remained there with his mouth slightly open, and his hand pending in the air ready to respond. But clearly his mind had been caught off guard. He had been played in his own game.

Ha! Check mate! Kai almost exclaimed loudly.

Snow Queen 2. Rebel Prince 1. Kai smiled proudly. It was clear who had won.

The Princess laughed freely after that interaction. But the ice harvester who happened to be drinking from his cup at the same time had lost it hard.

He had suddenly stole the spotlight as he spat his drink, and spilled the rest over the table; failing miserably to control his laughter. The red liquid had even reached the snowman and his ice body now had some red spots that had been absorbed.

"Oh look, I'm bleeding." Olaf mentioned as he looked at his red stains. He seemed to be enjoying it.

This had caused everyone to laugh freely. Except for the reindeer who had took the opportunity to grab a napking and start munching it.

The Princess' dress got a stain on her side but she didn't seem to mind at all, while the ice harvester tried miserably to clean the the stains with his napkin.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the table, the Queen had stood up to help the snowman.

With a move of her hand, the Snow Queen removed Olaf's fake blood. The Rebel Prince also stood up, and kneeled next to the snowman to help him with his bow tie.

"Thank you." The Queen said. "I can make ice castles but when it's about bow ties they always end up upside down."

She crossed her arms as she studied the Prince arranging the bowtie tie with interest.

"Not worries. I'm a bowties expert remember?" The Prince said as he tried to stood up with that atrocious candy cane.

Kai blinked. Weren't they arguing just five minutes ago? And now they were sharing a mature and friendly conversation. Just like that.

The Prince held into a chair for support. It seemed he could walk better now, but for some tasks his leg still needed healing.

"Here, let me help you." The Queen offered the young man her hand when he finished arranging the bowtie. She had said that so naturally.

'Thanks." He said as he took her hand.

The Queen pulled him up with a trained movement and the Prince finally stood on his feet. Maybe too trained. Kai though.

It was until then, he came to realize they had unintentionally ended so close facing each other.

But not only the butler, but also the pair of royals had come to realize the sudden proximity. Only separated by a gap the size of a snowman between them.

In a blink of an eye, the confidence that was shown just a few minutes ago, had been turned into awkwardness. As they met each other, all they could manage was a shy smile between them, that seemed almost forced. There was a mysterious aura surrounding them.

Kai felt almost like an intruder for been the only witness in that room for that quick, yet very personal interaction.

The Prince and the Queen let go of their hands in a more awkward movement. The Prince used his free hand to arrange his collar while the Queen turned around quickly as she held one of her arms. As if they were avoiding each other. Kai blinked again.

What had just happened?

For a moment, before they separated, he thought he saw…oh, never mind.

His mind must have been playing with him foolish games and crazy scenarios again.

The Prince returned to his seat while the Queen, who had still being standing, took the opportunity to walk towards the butler.

Her face was no longer showing any kind of emotion as she addressed the older man. She was back to her normal Queen persona.

Kai couldn't be sure what could be happening between the Queen and her Rebel aquaintance of a friend.

Perhaps it had been all of his imagination. They seemed to be the same as always.

Well, not the same as always, but still. There was no normal measure when refering to that pair.

Although, the Queen had been more openly sharp against the Prince tonight than others. As if she was making him pay for something he might have done. And something told Kai, it had nothing to do with stealing cookies.

But could Kai judge her actions? Of course not. The Prince most probably deserved it. How could the Queen be still sane after all those bad jokes? She was indeed a force of nature to be aquainted.

She really had inherited her parents strength. The man thought.

"By the way Kai."

The man turned as his name was called by the monarch herself. "Please send our regards and Happy Wishes to the Royal Staff Members." She continued using her normal soft tone. As if she were immune to the noises of laughs and chatting on the table.

"Of course your Majesty." Kai vowed as proper ettiquete declared and began to retire. "I will ask for dinner to be served then I shall retire."

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"So, what's for dinner?" asked the Royal Master of Ice. Who had finally recovered from his laughter. "Another tiny meal? A weird coloured puree? Or don't tell me… Is it actually pork this time?"

"For tonight's dinner we will be serving Chicken, Mr. Bjorgman." Intervened the Butler with a sigh. To serve simple chicken to the Royal Family at the Christmas dinner. He only wished this gossip wouldn't reach the ears of Corona's Royal Staff. He wouldn't survive the humiliation. What a day indeed.

"Now we can eat chicken?" the Ice Harvester wondered surprised.

"Hope you like it Kristoff. I spoke with Jill the cook, that you have been struggling this last days with fancy food so, as a gratitude act for supporting all these last weeks, we had agreed dinner would be more simple. This is all of our Christmas present for you." The Queen explained as she returned to her sit. "I believe you and Sven will be most pleased with the addition of carrots as sides."

"Finally! Some good freaking food." Mr. Bjorgman exhaled pleased.

As the food was served and the footmen left. The room was filled with the sound of cutlery clashing softly and chatting.

The butler silently vowed and proceeded to leave the room. It had been such a long day. The chicken had been the last straw.

"This chicken is everything. Thanks Elsa."

"You should thanks Jill's apprentice here." The Queen said referring to the Prince.

"You? His apprentice? Yeah sure."

The Princess and Queen giggled.

"I chick you not mate. She's caught me so much on the kitchen that we've become good friends. " The Prince added playfully with a lame joke.

Kai stopped to take a brief moment for himself. Since when did Jill become friends with his Royal Highness?

He wished they would only talk about food and not anything related to gossip material for the staff.

"You should wait for tomorrow's Christmas breakfast. Not to spoil anything but I think you'll all find it quite egg-selent."

Everyone grunted. Even Kai who had already reached the door.

"Derek please." The butler heard the Queen's voice from behind. She had called the Prince by his name now that they were among family and friends. "Not again with the chicken puns."

" Egg-cuse me I don't know what you are talking about Elsa."

Kai's stomach rumbled in response for that one. He reached the door handle and opened the door slowly. Such a bad election of a joke. The one that deserved a holiday was the Queen for having to deal those lame jokes all day.

"Yeah, or else you'll be on Santa's naughty list." said the Princess jokingly. She seemed a bit more cheerful today than usual. What could be making her so happy? No one could tell, as this was Princess Anna herself. Yet it was Christmas so perhaps that was it.

"Ohhh. You mean Santa is making a list and CHICKEN it twice?" the Prince chanted back.

Everyone cringed. Even Kai had to stop closing the door as he felt shivers on his neck for that bad pun. It had been so bad that he felt the need to reopen the door just a bit and check the room. Just to confirm if the Princess and the Queen hadn't got sick on the stomach after that one. Not because he liked to glimpse or gossip. But for the sake of their own sanity.

The Princess was covering her face in shame with her napking, while Mr. Bjorgman had dropped this time the entire jar of water and was under the table trying to recover it. Clumsy as ever, but Kai would let it pass. The effects of that joke had no limits.

Sven clearly unaffected took the opportunity to start eating the table cloth. While the snowman, also unaffected, seemed too occupied licking the Prince's fake candy cane.

Maybe the bad jokes only had an effect on humans. The Head Butler studied the room from the corner of the door.

From a far distance, the image reminded Kai of a renaissance painting. Where many things would take place at the same time. Almost frozen in time.

And then he saw it. Just like in a painting, a scene worth to capture. Happening in the middle of chaos.

It had been just like before. Meaning, last time it hadn't been his imagination.

While everyone seemed too busy or still recovering from the bad joke, in the centre of the dinner table, remained two characters. The only ones that, just like in portraits, seem to tell a deeper story. Apparently not affected by the lamest chicken joke ever to exist. Perhaps some humans were capable to resist enough bad jokes.

Staying on their seats, and in the middle of chaos they had found each others gazes. Once again by mere coincidence, or perhaps this time slightly on purpose. In contrast from last time, they didn't avoid each other's gaze.

As this time, maybe feeling more brave, as no one seemed to be watching, the shy royals shared another awkward smile. But this one seemed more sincere.

There was a complicity in their silent interaction. As if they were partners of a crime no one, but them, knew about.

Oh no.

There was no doubt. Kai had always had a fascination for the arts such as painting. The Head of the Staff had recognized it. The one and only thing just a few artists had mastered to reflect on a canvas.

The most rarest and purest emotion, artists dreamed of. And he, a simple butler, had been the only witness of it.

It was right at that moment, the poor man understood he might need even more than a week of holidays to give his mind a rest.

Fact number One. Arendelle could be in danger.

Fact number Two. The Royal Family was in the eyes of everyone.

Fact number Three. The Queen has been dealing with a lot.

And… Fact number Four…

Kai sighed tiredly as he added a new fact to the list.

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As dessert was served the members of the Royal Staff had already opened a bottle of wine and the mood had turned to be more cheerful and relaxing. Thanks to the kind heart of the Queen and Princess they were having the whole week off. They'll be able to see their families and rest. This called for a toast or two at least.

People were chatting, eating and enjoying themselves after all that heavy work. Normally Kai would ask for more formality during dinner. But after all that has happened, he would let it pass.

Then, his peacefulness was interrupted by the thing he loathed the most. Kai's ears tingled in alarm as one topic in particular had been chosen among the table.

He was about to speak when Gerda took his arm smoothly and gave him a serene yet serious look.

"Leave them." she said. "Better here than outside the walls of the castle."

"She's right." Jill added as she continued to grab another slice of cake. The cook and Gerda were sitting together next to Kai who was at the top of the table.

He sighed. He hated it, but they did have a point. After the recent crazy events at the plaza where mistletoe had conquered the streets, it would be expected for people to talk about it. Especially the castle staff.

The mere image of what he witnessed just a few hours ago in the Royal Dining Room still haunted his mind.

"Fine." he mubled as he served himself a slice of cake and more tea.

Kai kept adding sugar to his tiny tea with distracted eyes, as he kept stealing glances at the side of the table. While with his trained ear he listened secretly to the conversation. For the sake of the Crown of course. Not for personal, and unprofessional reasons.

"Wait. You mean you saw...?"

"Our favorite pair of royals? Yes we did."

Everyone left their other conversations and focused on the young man speaking.

"How lucky."

"Yeah."

"Soooo?"

"So what?"

"You know what. Tell us."

"Yeah. Spill the beans."

"All right, all right. We'll tell ya."

Kai just glimpsed at the other side of the table. Trying to ignore them. Yet his ears almost widened enough to listen to every word exchanged.

"Where did you see them?"

"At the plaza. During the Christmas gathering."

As soon as the footman said that everyone sighed disappointed.

"That's all? We all know they attended. They organized it. Duh."

"Yeah. Where is the substance in that? No evidence of roman…"

Kai cleared his throat as a silent warning. He would protect the Queen from this at all costs.

The other cook gulped. "Well you know."

The other footmen smiled.

"Oh, we are not talking about the inauguration." One mentioned excited. "But after that."

"Wait, you mean...?"

Both footmen nodded.

"We spotted them." The other said. "Walking around town. Together."

"Together?" asked a maid.

"Yep."

"As together, together?"

"Together, together."

"In public?" asked another maid.

"Just the two of them. And they called quite the attention I must admit." Added with amusement the footman. "With no chaperone as the royals would say."

Kai almost spilled his tea as he heard the last. Causing Jill and Gerda to giggle at his reaction. He just wished no one had seen anything else but that.

The girls squealed with excitement.

"Alright who had a stroll by the town in their bet?"

"Leave the bet for later. We want details. Details!" said one maid.

"Fine. Fine." The second footman spoke this time. "We are not sure what they were doing, but they seemed to be actually on a royal duty. You know how responsible the Queen can be. Always working."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, they were visiting the shops and the Queen seemed to be talking to the owners of the shops. They talked for a while, seen the products and then passed to the next shop and so on."

"And on and on." Added the other footman. "They were quite formal, so no one could tell what they doing from a distance."

"So, it wasn't a date, date?"

The footmen shrugged. "Who knows? But they didn't seem to mind it either."

Kai turned this time his head towards the group of staff with clear surprise. That had been enough conjecture about their ruler.

"A date?" Kai clenched his teeth. Calling everyone's attention. "A date?"

"Yes Kai a date. D-A-T-E." Intervened Jill. "You see a date is when two people go out and do things together. They can be romantic too. Should I bring paper and pencil and explain it to you with drawings?"

The man buffed.

"I am aware of the courting vocabulary the youth uses Jill. And I also know for a fact they were not doing that." He said explaining the others. "Her Majesty and His Highness were actually working on an important project they have. And they were doing some research among the business people of Arendelle. I was present when the idea to gather more information was suggested by Princess Anna herself."

There. Just facts. No one could argue against true events. Whatever happened afterwards it was none of their business. And that was Kai's whole purpose. To protect that privacy.

"So it was the Princess idea?" Gerda spoke this time. "Well, now that's interesting."

"What do you mean?" Kai asked her.

"Oh nothing." Gerda smiled. "Just realizing how clever the Princess can really be when determined."

"You mean for the recent Christmas plans?"

"You could say that. Yes."

"Leave it Kai." Jill said. "You would need more than a drawing to get it."

"Aww. I wish I had seen them, but I was on the kitchen." Said one cook. "I bet it must've caused intrigue among the villagers."

"You guessed right. Coz it did."

Great. Kai thought. Now he had to worry about the outside of the castle too.

"And not only from locals, but also from visitors from other kingdoms. We spotted groups of people following them around town. Some were mostly intrigued about the man accompanying Her Majesty. Others, probably intrigued what was their relationship status."

Great. Just great!

"Ha! Fools. Only we, the Royal staff have the privilege to have first row seats for that."

Kai coughed on his extremely sweet tea as those words were caught by his trained ear.

"First row seats? Is that what this has become? An entertainment?" he mumbled behind his cup. "Her Majesty's private life is not a theater's play for everyone to enjoy ."

Jill laughed. Gerda just gave him a silent look asking him to keep his opinion to himself.

"I feel the same Kai, but we might as well let them speak here and not beyond this room. We need to know the situation outside the castle. Even if it is by using the eyes of the staff." She said.

Kai turned this time. This sort of things couldn't be good for the proper image of the Crown. But Gerda did had a point. A machiavellian strategy but still.

"So, what did you saw?" he heard a footman insist.

"Well, we were helping out to place a tent for one of the shops, when we saw them by the ice sculptures stand." Said the first footman.

"And then what happened?" asked another maid.

"They wandered through the shops and spoke to the owners." Said the second footman.

"But wasn't the Prince injured in his leg? Could he really walk all that much?"

"And the Queen is also supposed to be recovering. All that walking most have been unpleasant for both."

"Well …" said the teller with a playful smile as he dranked from his glass."If you ask me, …" he made a pause for the hungry audience.

"What? What did they do?"

"Nothing really. They even kept a space between them. But, for us with the trained eye, we saw little gesstures."

"Little gesstures?" asked Daisy the youngest of the maids. "Don't tell me they held hands!"

Kai pulled his collar. This was getting ridiculous. But he restrained himself to not interrupt.

"Not even once. They acted most professional if you ask me. Yet, they did seem too considerate of the other. His Highness would always be careful to stand on the side her Majesty got hurt. He would shield her from people passing by and open room for her to walk secure." Told the other footman.

"What a gentleman." Declared one of the old cooks dreamily.

"And even from that far, I could swear the Queen was walking slower than normal, to stay on his side. And she would pay attention to the route, so he could pass with his cane easily."

"Awwwwww! So cute!"

So, even if it wasn't an official date. Do you think they had a good time at least?" asked another maid. "They've been through a lot."

"And almost lost their lives." Added another cook.

"And after all those rehearsals, they never had their dance." Said Daisy sadly.

Everyone nodded.

Kai couldn't know what surprised him the most. The fact of how much they kept track of their ruler and employer's private life. Or the fact that they cared so much for her to the point of being creepy.

"Guys, guys, relax. Of course they must have enjoyed themselves. They must have. Right?"

"Was there at least a smile?" Asked with hope a cook.

Both footmen, who had been witnesses of their favourite royals, meet their gazes. They nodded in agreement with each other before their reply.

"Actually, we never saw them truly smiling."

"What?!"

"For real?"

"Nope."

"How about a gaze? A rush of the fingers? Not even a wink? This cannot be all."

"Sorry lads, but on that part they both stayed quite professional. As we said, they were mostly focused in their duties towards the shop owners and such."

The staff sighed seemingly disappointed with this information. It was clear they were eager for more substantial news.

Kai smiled content. At last some common sense. He had to give the Queen and the Prince some credit on that. They could play the royal mask so well in public. They must have felt no one was watching when Kai saw them by accident earlier.

"But…" it was the second footman who spoke this time.

"But?" asked intrigued the maid called Daisy.

"For being royals with a busy schedule, and with injuries they did took their time as they visited every single shop. Not to mention, they could have chosen shorter routes but still decided to take the longer ones. On Christmas Eve nonetheless."

"Did they, huh?" this time Jill the cook asked the ton of the staff.

"Yes ma'am." Said the second footman.

"Well, well. How committed to their duties they must be. Don't you think Kai?"

Kai just grunted behind his third cup of tea and second slice of cake. No matter what, sugar was not going to sweeten up his mood.

Gerda and Jill giggled.

"And guess what? The Prince bought something for the Queen. I bet that wasn't part of their duties either."

"What did he buy her?"

"We never had the chance to see it." The man explained. "Just at that moment, one crazy shop owner decided to give away all his Santa hats. Totally free."

"And suddenly, we found ourselves trapped in a crowd."

"And then what?'

"Well, since we were already there, we got ourselves our own Santa hats."

Santa hats? Curious. Didn't the Prince joked about that earlier with the Queen. Could they be refering to that? Kai wondered.

"Not that silly, we mean about the Queen and Prince?"

"Oh, we lost sight of them when that happened. And never saw them again."

At last!!! Kai cheered inside. This called for a cup of something stronger than tea. They had lost them!

Whatever could had happened, nobody would ever know.

No witnesses, meant no gossip.

And no gossip, meant no scandal.

Kai bit his lip, as he fought to hide his triumphant smile.

"Oh well." The maid sighed dreamily. "I would like to imagine they somehow managed to escape the crowd. Then they found themselves alone in an empty alley. And then, they look up and above them magically appears mistletoe and then …dot, dot, dot." she sighed. "Can you imagine? Wouldn't it be wonderful?"

Many of the female population sighed. "Yeeahh." They replied dreamily as they all let themselves be lost in their fantasy.

Suddenly the memory of the Queen's real reaction at the mention of mistletoe came to Kai's mind. He had to stop this before it become any more dangerous gossip.

Kai cleared his voice. "Easy now Daisy." he said with a serious tone.

Correction. No witnesses could also mean fake gossip.

And fake gossip could also mean more fake scandal. But still very dangerous.

"Sorry sir. I forgot you were still here sir." The maid apologized quickly as her cheeks redden with embarrassment. It was clear she had forgotten her boss was still there at the table.

"Remember what we talked about the other day Daisy?"

"That for each cup of rice, we should add two cups of water sir?"

"Daisy?" he insisted.

"Oh, you mean that we should always stand to facts sir?"

"Correct." He answered proudly. "Facts. Evidence."

"Right sir. Forgive me sir. I got carried away."

The butler nooded. Everyone laughed at their interaction. Daisy always tended to get lost at her own world.

"Uhm, sir?" she insisted.

"Yes Daisy?" Kai tried to be polite and patient.

"Facts are supposed to be things with prove that they happened. Is that correct sir?"

"That is correct Daisy."

"So, if that is true. Would it be also a fact that we cannot prove something did or didn't happen, sir?"

"Err…in a way yes." The butler responded a bit confused by the sudden analysis of the maid.

Daisy the maid smiled happily. "Oh I get it now. We would just need to get more evidence to get real facts. See everyone? We just need to pay more attention to them and we'll get what we want."

Everyone agreed and murmurs began to arise.

Kai's tea was spilled over his pants.

"Sir are you fine?"

Jill bursted a laugh. "Well, well. It is a fact your own rules got back to you Kai."

"That's it. I'm off to bed." he stood up. He needed a holiday after all. A rest from all this nonsense. Jill kept laughing. And Gerda giggled silently behind her novel.

"Happy Holidays sir." Daisy the maid said cheerfully.

"Yes. Yes. Happy Holidays I suppose." He said and closed the door leaving the gossip behind. For his own sanity.

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Before retiring to bed, Kai decided he could give one last errand around the Castle hallways just to see everything would be in order. After all, they were given the days off by the Queen and Princess insistence.

He wouldn't mind taking some days. But, was this really a good moment to rest? There was a fire for Odin's sake. Was Kai really ready to leave the Queen and Princess on the Castle?

Mr. Bjorman was going to be there of course. And the guards. Not to mention the giant snowman, a normal size snowman, tiny snowmen and a reindeer.

And of course. His Royal Highness himself. The master of mischief and someone trustable enough for the Royal family. Wether Kai liked it or not. He knew the Prince had proveed he would do anything for the royal family. Especially for one member in particular.

The Head Butler kept giving quick inspections here and there, as his head kept him busy with other thoughts. He was no fool after all. Nor blind. And cleary the staff had come to notice at least bits of it.

No one knew for sure what must have happened when the Queen and Prince disappeared at the Christmas event. But it was certain something minimum must have occurred at least. Which is why the staff was hungry for gossip.

Something was different. Slight but still different. And the Butler knew it was just in part due to the most infamous royals and their unknown relationship status.

There was also evidence that the Queen had been acting different. Signals on her behavior that the ones closer to her must have notice.

The staff seemed blank on the matter. But the Butler was not. As Kai knew what others didn't. The Queen had been struggling with her magic for a while now. He had witnessed the accident that time during one of the Council of the Realms meetings. And she had trusted him to keep everything between them.

During that day, she had looked pale and worried as her older self. And he couldn't do anything to help her. The Queen wouldn't reveal this to his family nor her friends until later. Which is why, they had recently made a visit to Mr. Bjorman's family.

But that was all that Kai knew. The Queen had told him just that. Yet, nothing more. And he could only imagine what else she had kept to herself. Still, he had noticed her being more careful with the use of her magic.

He hadn't seen her use it to the fullest after the fire either. The royal Butler was not blind of her injuries and the fact that the ruler had fainted. In front of many witnesses. Which had been very unfortunate for the image of the Crown already.

No wonder the Queen looked tired. Her position could be such a burden.

It would seem the light of the Snow Queen had come to lose its brightness and Kai had come to fear the worst.

And yet, just a few hours ago, right on Christmas Eve he had seen it. The proof he needed to be certain his little girl, would be alright.

It has happened when the band was playing at the plaza. Couples were dancing and the attendants were enjoying themselves. Trying to erase the bad memories of the fire, and replace them with more happier ones.

Kai had just finished giving the last toys to the children when he had seen it. Right above the night sky. A demonstration of her true powers. Almost in synchrony with the waltz playing from afar.

Such a beautiful show that had made everyone look up and admire the ruler of this land. He wasn't sure what must have changed on the Queen. But that something, must have work as a trigger inside her.

He had been witness of the magic shows Her Majesty had previously performed. Nevertheless, this one in particular had a different feeling.

Kai couldn't name why it felt different from the other times. Even so, it was clear something new, was influencing the magic.

If he had to describe it, perhaps he would choose the words pure and even free. Most of the other times, the Queen had orchestrated a planned and measured demonstration, while the one from tonight had felt more improvised and full with energy. Not to sound poetic, but Kai could only compare those colorful fireworks, made of ice, to flowers in bloom. And those shiny big waves, made of tiny bits of snow, would only remind him of the ocean itself. Strong and vulnerable at the same time. Serene and passionate. As if the magic had a life of its own. A mystical dance, happening right above of mere mortals.

Even when the music stopped, the ice demonstration continued for a few more minutes. Until it decided to end right abruptly. As fast as it had appeared, it was gone.

Not a great ending or anything. The Queen liked to add great endings and this one had just ended suddenly. Leaving everyone wishing for more, actually. And also, at least for Kai, feeling more admiration for her.

With that power, the Queen could conquer any nation if she wished for. But her good heart would never allow her to cause any damage to anyone with her magic. It was clear now that she was capable of much more.

Everyone guessed it had been part of the Royal Sisters to give a magic demonstration for the festivities. And later of course the Queen didn't deny it, revealing it had been a planned gift for the Arendellians.

But he knew better. That demonstration hadn't been on the Queen's plan on the slightest.

Proof of that, had been the surprised faces of the Princess and Mr. Bjorman, who had stopped dancing; and like everyone else, looked up to watch the magic in the sky. Confirming they hadn't been aware of any plans of the Queen. They had been as surprised as he was. Although, the Princess didn't push the matter on her sister later; as Kai would have expected. Instead the young Princess seemed to had aquire a good mood ever since then.

The Queen of course, had declared later it had been all part of her own secret plan. She had revealed to the Prince until later that she needed to attend some place. But she wouldn't tell why. The young man had said he just accompanied her, but he didn't know the Queen would do a magical surprise.

A welcomed surprise of course. One that everyone had appreciated and loved. With all those awes and wows among the crowd, the young monarch hadn't even realized the effect of her magic towards the people.

She had made a statement. The infamous Snow Queen of Arendelle was not only a pretty face. She was powerful. Literally speaking.

Elsa of Arendelle had made every questioning royal of other realm realize she was a strength to be considered. That she belonged to a kingdom to be aquainted for. And her young age and gender meant the opposite of liability. She was a living strength worthy to be admired.

If she could produce such grand and beautiful performance, while recovering from her recent injuries, the message had been quite clear. Arendelle couldn't be in better hands under the care of both sisters.

Kai felt himself smiling. As he enlisted once again the top facts that circled his mind.

Fact number One. Arendelle could be in danger.

But the people were stronger.

Fact number Two. The Royal Family was in the eyes of everyone.

And they were showing their true value and being recognized for it.

Fact number Three. The Queen has been dealing with a lot.

But she wasn't alone. She had her family and friends and all of Arendelle's support. And now she had, well…someone else in her life.

Kai found himself jumping to the fourth fact that had been just added. This time, however, he would dare to enounce it in his mind for the first time ever.

The fact, that after so much evidence it couldn't be denied anymore. The one about the world's most infamous royals ever to exist.

Fact number Four. The Snow Queen and the Rebel Prince were in love.

And most ironically, they were so oblivious about it. But they did seem to balance each other. Or should he say, they challenged each other?

It would seem the Queen had found an opponent worthy enough to let her true self start to show. And when that had happened, she had been the best version of herself. Which led to the fifth and newest fact.

Fact Number Five. No matter what, the Queen could handle anything.

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Tadaaa! So what do you think? Sorry it took so long. I have been editing this chapter over and over. Until I almost rewrote all of it again. And that is a fact. For You guys. So, do you have facts that are important in your life?

Leave your thoughts and reviews.