Frozen does not belong to me. This is pure fanfiction.
First of all, I AM DEEPLY SORRY. I wanted to update since August but I am full of work. But more followers were added and that does encourages me to go on.
As always your reviews are very much welcomed.
Chapter 13. Meet and greet are parts of the treat
Mondays had never seemed to be the worst day of the week for the Queen of Arendelle. But since today, her opinion about Mondays would change forever. Ever since she woke up punctually at five in the morning she knew her day would be exhausting. After taking a quick shower and eating some toast for breakfast her day had been full with work.
She thought she was prepared for the moment, but as soon as she had to salute every single one of the diplomats invited to the Council of the Realms she understood how wrong she was.
She'd never imagined so many people willing to talk to her at the same time. It was suffocating. Greeting diplomats, talking about politics and even pretending to not notice the constant glances of many of the attendants towards her, especially from men. Today had become a real challenge for her to control her powers.
This is your first time participating in a Council such as this. So be ready for anything dear Elsa. Ever wondered why humans prefer to do war? Because, anyone can hold a sword, but a nice conversation, only a few can. Had told her earlier Uncle Alex.
Elsa took a deep breath. At least she was not alone, having her uncle and King Frederik giving her advices made her feel as if her mama and papa were alongside with her. And later Anna would also join her at lunch, so at the end of the day she would be able to spend some quality time with her sister.
….
At least every meeting had been arranged perfectly so that Elsa would only attend the ones Arendelle was directly involved for doing business. She would have to thank Lady Iris later for her impeccable effort for arranging the schedule for every day. She thought she might send her a box of chocolates as a token of gratitude; or perhaps the old lady would be much happier with a bottle of brandy instead.
Elsa had already memorized the whole program by heart. And for today, the first day of the meeting, Lady Iris had prepared a massive lunch in the gardens; a meet and greet event so to speak. Elsa sighed. She was no fan of those kind of events. If someone would ask her, she would prefer to start doing business since the first day. But even business must follow protocol.
Lunch was being served in the West Gardens. For Elsa it was still hard to understand how a simple lunch could be substantial for business but Lady Eleanor had insisted: "Oh Your Majesty, the best way to reach a man's heart is by his stomach. That applies too when doing negotiations sweetie. Never forget that." the beautiful woman had said as she winked at Elsa.
So, here she was, standing in the gardens near a tree. Anna had disappeared looking for some chocolate leaving Elsa alone with the King of Corona.
"So, sweet niece." Her uncle started, then he took a sip from his cider. "How are you feeling? I remember the time Corona hosted the Council of the Realms?" he laughed "I didn't sleep for a month."
Elsa's stare had been kept at her untouched food for a while. A petit saumon sandwich with a simple olive in the top. For some reason she was not feeling that much hungry. The moment she raised eyes, a servant was passing by and without thinking she quickly left her canapé in his tray. Oskar-she though his name was- glanced at her for a second confused by the Queen's action, but soon he regained himself and bowed at her and continued his waiter routine. "I appreciate your concern Uncle but thanks to everyone's help and support I think I will manage." She said forcing a small smile.
"You sure dear?"
Elsa bit her lip. The truth was she was scared to death for the upcoming meetings. Not many months ago she froze the entire country for single ball; this time she was hosting dignitaries from a whole week.
King Alexander must have sensed what was troubling Elsa that he simply smiled at her tenderly.
"Well, just take care of yourself dear."
Before Elsa could assure her uncle she was fine, someone grabbed her by the arm and hid behind her.
"Anna? What are you doing?" inquired Elsa.
"What does it look like? I'm hiding."
"Anna this is definitely not time for playing, we are in a formal event."
Elsa turned to look at her sister, whose face told her she was not playing games this time. "Tell me what happened?"
Her sister hid behind the tree before answering.
"I met some weird guys by the dessert table. At first I thought we shared the same taste in deserts but when I decided to go the ladies room and then returned to the gardens they were standing outside the entrance. I think they are following me. It's creeping me out, but I think I finally lost them and…" the Princess eyes opened wide. "Oh, great here they come. Please, send them away."
Elsa was about to explain she couldn't just send her own guests away when she felt her Uncle tipping her elbow. She turned.
"What is it Uncle?"
He didn't respond he was looking ahead. The young Queen followed his gaze. As soon as she looked ahead she saw two young men approaching towards them. They seemed to be looking for something, or better saying someone.
"It's them." Came a whisper from Anna, who was still hidden behind the tree.
Soon they stopped in front of Elsa and King Alexander.
They bowed at the same time. But that wasn't what made the blond blink several times. The two of them were identical twins. Except for the clothing. Both were wearing matching brown suits and white shirts. The only thing that looked different in them was that one was wearing a red cravat while the other brother a green one. Their hair was light brown and short; and both have light blue eyes. They also had a single curl over their heads. They looked in their early twenties such as Elsa.
"Salve Queen Elsa" said the red one in a charming voice.
"What an honour" continued the green one in a similar tone of voice.
"Please, allow us to introduce ourselves" they both said same in unison.
"Name's Ezio," said the red one.
"And I'm Nico." said the green one.
"We are the Salvatore brothers from Bologna. At your service." They said at the same time.
Elsa started to feel uneasy by the way they were looking at her. More than just looking at her they were studying her from head toes. And they were grinning in a mischievous way.
Salvatore? She didn't know any royal family with that surname. But she was sure she had heard of that name before.
As if her uncle had read her mind he spoke.
"Queen Elsa, may I introduce you to the heirs of the Salvatore Delicatessen Industries. They export the finest pasta and olive oil in the whole continent."
"And wine too Your Majesties" added Nico.
"Just ask and we will provide" said both smiling, "that's our motto."
Now Elsa knew where she had heard that name before. She had approved a petition of their red wine by Gerda's request. It was quite expensive, now that she remembered.
"Gentlemen, it's a pleasure to meet you. But, I presume you didn't came to greet the King of Corona and myself just to present your credentials."
The red one, Ezio, smiled.
"Clever you are Your Majesty." He said.
"E Bella too!" added Nico as he rested his arm over his twin brother.
"Well, in what can we help you gentlemen?" she asked.
"You see, there are two things we love the most." Said the Ezio showing two fingers.
"Food and women" explained his brother.
"So it happens we were at the food table, when a girl called our attention." Ezio started to explain.
As Elsa guessed Nico finished the sentence.
"Lucky we are, a pretty lady and delicious food in one single day. But she disappeared the moment we tried to talk to her." said happily the green one.
Elsa raised slightly one of her eyebrows. She wasn't too happy to see people trying to flirt with her sister. But she kept her pose.
"So we were wondering if you happen to know who she is." They both finished giving her a pleading look.
"Uhm, you'll have to excuse me. I need to find King Frederik." Said suddenly the King of Corona.
The Queen noticed as King Alexander was shaking when he was leaving. At first she thought he was feeling unwell but then she realized he was actually trying very hard to hide his laughter.
Thanks for the help uncle.
She sighed.
"Certainly gentlemen, I'll try to aide you in your predicament." She spoke calmly.
"Wha..!" yelled Anna's voice. "I mean… squeak, squeak."
Elsa rolled her eyes as she heard the worst imitation of an animal made by her sister.
"Did you heard something Ezio?"
"I think it sounded like a…"
"Squirrel!" Interrupted Elsa. "We have many of them in the gardens. So gentlemen, care to describe me this lady you are looking for. "
"Oh yes, she was wearing a nice Arendellian green dress." Said Nico. "Her hair was cherry-blond and collected in a bun."
"And I think she had had blue eyes, very similar to yours Your Majesty. She was pretty, though not as beautiful as…" They stopped abruptly and took a step forward towards the Queen.
The twins looked at her from head to toes again. More intensely this time.
"Never mind. Queen Elsa, has anyone told you how bellissima you are." said Ezio.
"Wait what?"
"What my chero fratello meant, was if her Majesty has any plans for today's afternoon?" asked Nico raising his eyebrows.
Elsa's eyes opened. Was her mind playing her games or were the Salvatore brothers actually openly flirting with her.
"I, I, beg your pardon?" she whispered. She was glad it was December. So no one would see that the grass was frosted more than normal.
"Maybe we can go someplace. You, the other girl and us." Said Nico.
"Yeah, we could all play pranks to that Duke Weasel. That'd be fun!"
"Squeak?" the bad imitation of a squirrel made another sound.
Elsa was interested now. "You, you have met the Duke of Weselton?"
"Si! We knew that peacock with the face of a monkey. He used to be one of our trading partners but one day we caught him trying to steal our nonna's secret recipe for the pomodoro sauce." Said the red brother.
"And that was the end of the story. You better be careful Queen Elsa. He is a treacherous weasel!" said Nico.
Elsa smiled slightly. The Salvatore brothers might be quite a weird pair but maybe they weren't so bad after all.
"Well gentlemen, it happens we share the same opinion about the Duke. Just a few months ago the man wanted to bring an end to my life. So, as you can expect he was not invited to the Summit."
The brothers opened their eyes and mouth. Elsa almost laughed when each brother closed the jaw of the other at the same time.
"He did what?" Ezio looked angry now.
"That weasel!" yelled Nico.
"Easy, gentlemen he can do no harm now. And before you say something else. I'm obliged to enlighten you both on something."
"What is it?" the brothers asked.
"The girl you were looking, she happens to be my sister, Princess Anna."
"She is your sister?" Nico asked.
"I must have guessed. You two share the same kind of beauty."
"I'm flattered by your compliments gentlemen. But there is also another thing you deserve to know." The Queen said.
She took a pause.
"My sister Anna, she is being courted by a fine gentlemen who I personally approve, so…"
"Say no more Queen Elsa." Interrupted her Ezio in a serious tone.
"If this man is personally approved by her Majesty herself then he must be the proper man for Principessa Anna." Nico said happily.
Elsa smiled as well. Maybe they are not so bad after all.
"But Queen Elsa, how about you?" Ezio asked her.
"Me? I'm sorry I'm confused."
"We understand Principessa Anna is not available for courting. But you did not say anything about yourself." Explained Ezio.
Suddenly Elsa was taken by surprise by the sudden personal question.
"If her Majesty is available then …" they both said moving their eyebrows up and down in a funny but creepy way.
"No!" said Elsa suddenly in a louder tone than she intended.
The twins blinked at the same time and smiled.
"No? Then there must be a reason" Said Ezio smiling mischievously.
"Or a someone" Added Nico.
"What…what are you implying?" The Queen asked, wishing they were still talking about Weaselton.
"Has her Majesty found her Romeo already?" asked both smirking at her.
"Wait what, er, I mean…squeak, squeak, squeaken."
Elsa was left speechless by such a personal question. "Uhm, I, er…"
"Ah, Your Majesty I was not expecting to meet you here so far from the crowd." Everyone turned their head to the source of the voice. Even the head of Anna popped out of the tree to look at the stranger's voice.
A young man was coming to them. He was wearing a navy blue suit and black pants. His hair was brushed to the back. Elsa couldn't recognize him at first.
It was until the Sun's light was covered by a cloud the young man's face was possible to see.
"Der…uhm…Gentlemen. Allow me to introduce you to his Highness Prince Derek of Rosendelle. Prince Derek, these are Master Ezio and Master Nico Salvatore from Bologna."
Derek bowed his head at the brothers and made a full bow at her.
"An honour to meet you." He said. "Gentlemen, would you allow me to have a private word with her Majesty the Queen. I was hoping to discuss with Her Majesty about some wood business until tomorrow, but since I already found the opportunity right now…"
...
The moment Anna heard Prince Derek voice she had the urge to give a glimpse a bit. Luckily the tree was old and big. Although she was no longer worried about the Salvatore brothers intentions she was curious to what Elsa would say when they asked if she had found her Romeo.
Ezio and Nico were looking from Elsa to Derek. Their heads moving very fast. Then they turned to look at each other. They nodded to each other.
"No problem Your Highness, we were already leaving, weren't we Nico?"
"Si, si. Come on Ezio, I still haven't tasted the chocolate."
The twins turned to look at Elsa and bowed.
"It's been an honour to meet you Regina Elsa. And remember you've got a friend in us. The enemy of our enemy is our friend. Remember our motto: Just ask and we will provide. Ciao!"
They grinned one more time and left.
After a moment of silence the Prince spoke.
"What was that about?" Derek asked as he followed the twins with his gaze.
"Don't ask." Said Elsa as she rolled her eyes and sighed.
"You're welcome by the way." He said.
"For what?"
"For making those weird mates leave." He said crossing his arms and looking down at her.
She turned to look at him as she rested her hands in her hips. "You did not do anything. And I do not remember requesting for your help."
Anna rolled her eyes. Here we go again.
"I told you I was just passing by. But not to worry it will not happen again." He said.
"Then you are free to leave now." Responded Elsa.
"I would but it happens I enjoy the shadow this tree casts." He blurted out.
"There are other trees in the garden."
"But I happen to like this tree more than the others. Maybe Her Majesty would like to go to another tree."
"I appreciate the offer your Highness but I happen to be content with this tree in particular."
"In that case we will have no other choice than to share it. At least this time we have plenty of space; it's not under a sofa at least." Derek buffed.
"So it seems." Elsa said.
"Fine."
"Fine."
Anna took another glimpse. She almost laughed. Elsa and Derek were standing giving each other's back. Anna was starting to wonder who was supposed to be the older sister now.
After some minutes of silence the Prince finally turned around and spoke.
"By the way, why did you do it?"
"Did what?"
"You know exactly what I mean Your Maj… Elsa."
Elsa sighed turned to look at him folding her hands together.
"I'm sorry, I'm confused." Her sister no longer sounded upset. She actually sounded a bit nervous.
"I just wanted to ask you why?" he said. His hand was messing his hair completely destroying his recent hairstyle (brushed back).
"Derek, I'm afraid you will have to be more specific."
"Why did you sent the ice cargo?"
Elsa looked down. "So you already know."
"I received a letter from my brother this morning. Elsa, that mahogany cargo was a gift from my father. I took care of the shipment myself. It was a gift Elsa. A gift. There was no need to pay for it."
"So it was you. I had the feeling that the mysterious man that convinced the King for such action was you." She said. "For that, in the name of my Kingdom I thank you but you should not have."
"If you guessed it was already me, then why did you sent something in return? You are aware of the meaning of the word gift are you not?"
"Of course I do!"
"Then tell me. Why did you do it?"
"Derek, you know the reason why your father chose to send some wood and no other thing instead?"
"Uhm…Because we have lots of wood."
Elsa laughed and raised her head. "Do not try to play the fool with me. I know you are smarter than you look."
The Prince sighed and looked at her.
"Arendelle's wood resources reduced considerably when people needed to warm themselves when…"
"When I froze the entire Kingdom. Yes."
"But, even before that we were still planning to send a gift or something for you for becoming the new Queen. And I…" he rubbed his hair one more time.
"I will not change my mind Derek. I am flattered by Rosendalle generosity, but as dear Gerda would say, when someone shares his food with you, one shall invite the other to his house and cook for him the best of meals."
"But then when would the act of generosity would come to an end?" he asked.
"Never. I do not seek for an endless wood supply for Arendelle, and I presume your land does not wishes for a ship full of ice to arrive every month without request."
"I think I see what you mean now Elsa. Without physical prove both kingdoms know that they can count on each other." He let out a laugh. "That skinny lady with the creepy voice is certainly wise."
"How many times do I have to tell you Derek? Gerda is not skinny, she is slim. And she has not a creepy voice. She just caught cold that's all."
"Whatever you say."
And they became quiet again staring at the people chatting and eating.
Then they both sighed at the same time.
"Bored at your own party Your Majesty?"
"You wish. Just a little tired. Though I do admit that I would have preferred skating instead of eating and talking nonsense."
"Maybe it will be over soon." Suggested Derek. "At what time is it meant to finish the Lunch Party?"
"At one o'clock." The Queen said.
Elsa took out something from one of her pockets.
"There is still thirty minutes left of the Lunch Party." She explained as she looked at the object in her hand.
He raised an eyebrow.
"Her Majesty is indeed full of surprises. I've never seen a dress with purses and even more I've never imagined what she would be carrying in one of them."
"I got the idea from Anna actually." Elsa laughed. "She used to say purses were very handy, and I decided to add one to my dress too."
His hand went to his own pocket and took a shiny objet from it.
It was turn to Elsa to look amazed but she hid it with a simple smile.
"So his Highness can be full of surprises as well." She teased.
They both let out a single laugh.
Anna cursed internally. She couldn't see what did they both took out from their respective pockets and curiosity was killing her.
"After all this time?" he asked.
"It comes very handy when you are the Queen." She replied. "How about you?"
"For the same reason I guess. And before you say it Elsa, not because I'm a Queen. You know what I mean."
"I was not going to tease you about that."
"Really?" he said turning to look at her.
"Fine, maybe the though crossed my mind." Elsa admitted trying hard to hide a smile.
They put their mysterious objects inside their pockets for Anna's disappointment.
"No offense Your Majesty, but this party is as boring as my tutor used to be."
Elsa turned to look at him angrily but when she spoke her tone was in fact the contrary of angry.
"It is not boring your Highness…"she started.
"Oh, no. Here comes the lecture." The Prince muttered.
"…it is extremely boring."
"I know, I know... Wait what?!" he said turning to look at her. He was examining her as she were a stranger.
"I admit it. I do not fancy this social events. I know there are protocols to be followed but some of them simply are just boring as your tutor."
"How can you tell? You'd never met my tutor."
"There's no need. I remember mine. You know, sometimes I used to freeze his tea: most of the time by accident. But still when it happened the class would be less boring for at least five minutes."
"Queen Elsa freezing her tutor's tea? Wearing a dress with purses and admitting this party is boring? By the Old Gods you have changed. But just for the record, you have been changed for good."
"Just don't start teasing about that Derek. I bet you are enjoying that I actually admitted I hate this party."
"I wish I could tell you otherwise, but nope. I am enjoying it. Not every day the Queen of Arendelle accepts defeat."
"I wouldn't count that as defeat." Elsa blurted out.
"For you perhaps." He said smiling proudly.
Elsa rolled her eyes and sighed.
Anna raised both her eyebrows. She couldn't believe what had happened. First they were arguing about some wood and ice, but now…
They sound content.
"So, care to play a game while we wait for Lunch time to end?" he said.
"Why not? But only if it does not involve getting us into trouble."
"Not this time." He smirked at her. "I point out a person and you have to guess who or she is. And then my turn and so on."
"Sounds fun."
Fun? That's sounds even more boring than an Ancient Runes Lecture.
"Great. Let's see if her Majesty did her homework."
"As a matter of fact I did. You should worry for yourself Captain."
The young Princess rolled her eyes. It seemed that Elsa had completely forgotten that Anna was still hiding behind the tree. She wished Kristoff were here, but he was probably with Sven selling ice somewhere in the city.
"Let's see that old lady over there, the one drinking wine. Sitting by the corner."
Anna heard Derek voice.
"That one is very easy. She is Queen Violet of Genovia." Said Elsa in a confident tone.
Anna decided she was not willing to stay and listen to such a dull game.
Kai must be too busy in the tables to notice my absence. And Elsa is busy having "fun". I can go visit Kristoff and Sven now.
And so the Princess tiptoed quietly until she reached the back entrance, only used by the servants. She took a last glance at her sister.
Elsa was pointing at someone in the crowd, Derek was frowning and probably guessing. The Queen of Arendelle was denying with her head.
Oh well at least she is having a bit of "fun" now. She's been looking all tired and bored since the day began. For the first time in the whole day Elsa was not faking a smile.