AN: What's with this 2016? David Bowie and then Alan Rickman? (As a Harry Potter fan I'm sad). Now, I apologize in advance for my French. I added the translations at the end of the chapter. I only wrote few lines but it's been a while since I wrote in French. Also I hope you don't mind my little references to other fandoms.
Special thanks for their reviews: NrDg, Marcz and forever loyal Italian reader.
Disclaimer: Frozen and other Disney characters belongs to Disney Co.
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Chapter 17. Royals, such wonderful creatures
"So Secret Santa is like a ninja?" asked the snowman.
"Hahaha, not really Olaf." Said the King of Corona. "It's more like a game."
"Oh a game. Can I play? What are the rules? Are ninjas involved too?"
"Easy, easy fella." Said the King. "Rules are simple. People's names are written on paper and then sorted out. Then you get the name of the person that you'll give a present for Christmas. It's called Secret Santa because you have to keep it secret until the day presents are given."
After that, Anna's voice made a loud gasp.
"Oh, we are SO playing Secret Santa this year!" she said.
"I'm in." Kristoff said. "Sven as well."
"Can Olaf Jr. play?"
The room was so cheerful and everyone was chatting. Well, not all of them.
Elsa did not mind having loud and lively dinners with Anna and the others.
She always thought the castle was too big for just two royals. But now, apart from the servants the place was filled with visitors, a snowman; a reindeer, an ice harvester; and most recently two Kings and a Prince. Oh, and that pig Anna kind of adopted.
It might get too noisy sometimes, but it actually added more life to the castle.
Besides, thanks to such chaos at the table, it made easier to avoid certain person. Not that it mattered that much. What could they possibly talk about anyway? Books? Done. Chess? Done that too. The weather? Yeah sure. Why his underwear had his initials, D.A., written at the front?
Wait what?
Elsa shook her head slightly and focused once more in her reading.
"I volunteer." She heard him say. Then he sighed.
"Elsa?" it was Anna's voice this time she heard.
"Hmm?" she asked still reading.
"What do you think?" her sister said.
"Yeah, sure." Elsa said quickly while she signed the report at last. "I'll do it, sounds fun." The Secret Santa game was something she always wished to play as a child.
The loud chatting ceased in an instant. Finding it quite strange the Queen raised her eyes curiously.
Something felt weird. Apart from Olaf and the two Kings who remained talking about Christmas presents and stuff, the other people in the table were looking at her in an odd way.
"Look at that!" Said Kristoff in a joking tone. "I never thought you'd say yes so easily."
"What makes you think I would say no Kristoff?"
"So is it a yes then?" Anna asked slowly.
"Of course."
"Good thing I didn't bet with Sven on this one." Kristoff asked raising his eyebrows. "If I had, I would own him a new pair of sleepers by now. Lucky fella!"
Ignoring her urge to ask "why would a reindeer need sleepers?" Elsa spoke once more.
"I said I'll do it. Besides, this would make Anna happy? Right Anna?"
Anna froze for a second or two. Then she stood from her chair and gave Elsa a big hug.
"Oh Elsa, of course it would make me happy. Because it would make you happy too. You deserve some fun."
The Queen never knew that the Secret Santa thing would bring such joy to her sister. Probably Anna's wish for a perfect Christmas was stronger than hers. Elsa took an internal note to do her best to fulfill her sister's wish.
"Then it is settled." said Anna while returning to her sit. "You and Derek can start your dancing lessons this weekend."
It was as if her sister had spoken another language. Of course Elsa had heard every word clearly. Yet, she couldn't understand a thing.
"I'm sorry, what did you just say?" The Queen asked timidly.
"Oh, Olaf will teach you both. Right Olaf?" Said Anna.
"Sure."
Elsa's brain started working in a fast way as she remembered the promise she gave to her sister weeks ago. Her mind started putting some words together of the recent conversation and then it hit her.
She felt a heavy burden over her body as everything started to make sense. Her eyes opened wide and her throat felt dry.
Someone must have mentioned the Winter Ball during the conversation, she thought. Her memory was a little vague, but she now recalled hearing the word "dancing" among other things. And then Anna had asked something to Derek.
I volunteer. That had been his answer.
She understood now. He wasn't volunteering for the Secret Santa game. Anna had asked him to be Elsa's dancing partner. And he had accepted. Well "volunteered" actually. And now she had accepted too.
She thought Derek didn't like to dance. He had told her once when they were children. Still, that had been many years ago.
Her eyes moved slightly to her left. It was the first time she looked at him since dinner had started. Thankfully he wasn't looking at her direction in that moment. His eyes were set in his plate. His right hand was playing with the fork while his left was playing with the knife. Was he out of his mind?!
All day they had managed poorly to stablish a single conversation. And now he was willing to spend hours and hours together under Olaf's lessons?
Elsa put both her hands in her temples, massaging with her cold fingers. A headache was starting to form in her temple for sure.
"Anna, I need to tell you something."
"What is it sis?"
Anna's face full of joy made her stomach shrink.
How could she say no to Anna? Just a few minutes ago she had promised herself to do everything she could to make her sister happy.
"Is something wrong Elsa?"
"I…" Elsa bit her lip. "Could… Could you pass me the salt please?" Elsa said the first thing that came to her mind.
"Is that all?! Um, sure." Anna studying her older sister's expression.
Elsa forced a smile at the Princess. Then she poured some tea in her cup to find something to concentrate on.
"Don't you mean sugar?" said Kristoff still in his joking tone. "I mean, tea normally tastes better with sugar you know."
Elsa felt stupid now. When she looked up she fought all her will to give a cold stare at the ice harvester. Instead she gave a polite nod to him.
"Thank you Kristoff. I meant sugar of course."
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Fine day Friday. In many people's opinion, best day of the week. Why is that you'd wonder?
The answer given would be different from any person. But there was no doubt the majority of the population worshiped Fridays.
And for the Queen of Arendelle it was not an exception either. The week had finally come to an end and so did the Council of the Realms. As protocol demanded, a formal dinner was to be served as a symbol of closure of diplomatic trades between kingdoms. Elsa never thought that being in the same room with so many people could make her feel so at ease.
Dinner was served punctually at eight in the Great Hall. Gerda had outdone herself with the menu. For starter Jill's famous clam soup served in a bowl of bread. As a main course, smoked salmon accompanied with salad and baby carrots. And for dessert, Anna's favourite, chocolate pudding with a big strawberry at the top. Thank God one of the servants had found the missing boxes of chocolate. And Elsa could tell Kai was especially happy today, since there was no chicken to be seen.
Everything was perfect. With Anna's decoration and Elsa's ice touch looked as it came out of a Christmas fairy tale.
During the whole event Elsa and Anna had only received compliments and congratulations for being such wonderful hosts. The guests even seemed to be more relaxed now as if all formalities had been left behind in a meeting room.
Not only was the Queen celebrating the end of a heavy week but also she was internally celebrating for all the trades and negotiations she managed to get into Arendelle's favour.
Even something surprising came out of the week Council. She had come into good terms with King Henrik of the Southern Islands, Hans' oldest brother. In difference with Hans, his brother was more mature and humble. The King had apologized in the name of his family and nation to the royal sisters in private.
But putting aside business and her royal duties, she was thankful the week was over. At last! All she wished now was a hot bath, a pillow and a good book. But of course, that would have to wait; since plenty of paperwork was still waiting for her in her study tonight.
Oh, well. At least I will have more time with Anna for Christmas. The Queen thought.
Elsa took a sip from her wine.
Incredible!
She could taste the grapes and the slight scent of wood added a nice combination of senses. The liquid was dark red and felt soft and delicate in the lips. Once again Gerda had chosen the perfect wine for the perfect occasion.
It might be quite expensive but the Salvatore twins know how to make an excellent wine.
Remembering the twins she raised her eyes. From the corner of her eye she took a glance at the table and guests.
Anna was sitting next to her on her right side. She was trying very hard to keep her manners and not devour her dessert in one big bite. Not very far from Anna were the Salvatore brothers; Ezio was adding what seemed to be tons of pepper into one of the wine glasses in the table.
Elsa put a hand over her mouth and fought hard to hide her giggling. Nico turned to look at her and so did Ezio. Feeling caught she bit her lip and pretended she didn't saw what they did.
But the smirking faces of the twins told her that her acting was not worth it. They knew that she knew. So she raised one of her eyebrows while giving them a knowing look. Both of them winked at her. Then each of them held a finger over their mouths as a sign of silence. They were asking Elsa to keep silent for what she witnessed.
Elsa just rolled her eyes and turned her head to the other side of the table pretending nothing had happened.
If she didn't know better the Salvatore twins, she would certainly stop one of their "innocent acts of friendship" as they called them. But after treating them more she had learnt to let them be. They were for sure, up to no good; but at least their pranks were only meant for those who truly deserved it.
I wonder who'll be the victim this time.
"Mon Dieu! Reine Elsa, le chocolat est très bon." (1) Complimented the French ambassador.
The young Queen put aside her inner thoughts of possible prank victims and returned to the present world.
"Merci, Lord Bonnefoy." Answered the blonde. "Je vais dire à mon mayordome de préparer un paquet avec chocolat du Arendelle pour vous." (2)
Lord Bonnefoy smiled and thanked the young Queen for her gift.
"I don't want to abuse from your generosity dear niece, but can I take also a box of your Arendellian chocolate. I think Rapunzel will love it." Asked King Alexander.
"Oh please uncle, it would be our pleasure." Princess Anna spoke. "Isn't that right Elsa?"
"Indeed it is. I believe we still have some few boxes in inventory. I'll tell Kai to prepare then two boxes with our finest chocolates for Lord Bonnefoy and for our dear cousin in Corona." Said Elsa as she took a sip of her wine.
"Ehem."The King of Rosendelle coughed twice.
"Yes King Frederik?" asked Anna sharing with Elsa a knowing look. The sisters were already guessing what the man wanted.
"I…" he said.
"No need to ask." Said Elsa. "Of course a third box of our finest chocolate is for you King Frederik."
Derek's father made a funny face. "But dear Elsa, weren't you out of stock in the Chocolate department?"
The Queen was taken by surprise by his comment. It seemed King Frederik would pay more attention to details than expected. Behind his absent minded persona there was a sharp mind. It was a pity that his second son had only inherited only the absent minded part.
"Oh, um. I forgot about that." Anna said sadly. The Princess turned to look at her sister for help.
Elsa thought for a second or two. Then a simple idea popped in her mind.
She smiled at her sister then to King Frederik.
"No worries Your Majesty." She said calmly. "You can take a box from our private section."
"Elsa, I mean…Queen Elsa is right." Said Anna happily. "We'll tell Kai to give you one of our own chocolate boxes."
"Oh, well. You shouldn't have. It's from your own storage and…"
"We insist King Frederik." Interrupted him Anna.
"Fine, if you insist I cannot refuse then."
The man might have a strong and scary appearance, but in the inside he was still a child.
Must be also hereditary. The Queen thought.
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Dinner was almost coming to an end. Elsa had tried her best to make her guest as welcome as possible at Arendelle. It had not been easy to deal with so many people but at the same time it felt great to do her best for her people in Arendelle. Even if it came with some boring and endless meetings.
Of course not everything had turned out to be one hundred percent perfect. There were some surprises in the way. She knew that well from her own experience.
There was that ice incident in the meeting; then the inconvenient scene in the East Gardens; and not to mention having to deal with those boring meetings. She never imagined that Prince Robert from Andalasia would make all those meetings so hideous. If she didn't knew better, it would seem that the man would speak so boring and slow in purpose to provoke everyone to lose their minds.
But that was his job, and it was a Queen's job to endure it too. Although she was not to blame for all those incidents. There were others to blame: a man with a creepy smile, a pig and well...a certain Prince with messy dark brown hair and shiny blue eyes.
The last, who by some reason had been involved in most of the incidents.
Why that doesn't surprise me at all?
She was glad he didn't sit near her that night. Ever since she saw him improperly dressed it had been almost impossible to talk to him. Well, only the regular "good morning" and "good night" had been exchanged between them; but nothing more. And no, a torn wet shirt and underclothes could never count as proper dress code. Never!
Her eyes spotted him five sits far from her, where Queen Violet was deep in conversation with her "new friend".
At first Elsa was afraid the Queen of Genovia would break political relationships with Arendelle or Rosendelle for what happened in the gardens. But the old Queen seemed to have other plans in her mind.
Ever since that day, the old lady had tried to socialize with the Prince the most. And tonight it had been not surprise when the old lady almost dragged the Prince to sit next to her. Of course, he obliged politely. But his eyes told a different story. Ever since Derek had taught her to play poker the blond Queen had learnt to read his facial expressions more and more. And tonight she was plenty sure, that behind that unreadable façade hid a young man waiting the right moment to escape his captor.
Elsa tried again not laugh when she saw his face of pure resignation. The seventy year old woman – who, by the way, was already on her fourth glass of wine - was now trying to touch his some strands of his hair.
"Dearie, has anyone…hip…Has anyone told you your hair looks like a nest?" Elsa heard the old lady say.
"No, they haven't Your Majesty." Derek said in the most formal way possible while he tried in vain to remove the Queen's gloved hand over his hair.
The old Queen drank from her glass again. All her cheeks were reddened.
"Such a wild one…I mean your hair of course." The old woman giggled.
"Uhh…I... I beg your pardon?" he asked.
As much as Elsa was enjoying seeing the Captain suffering, she was also hosting a formal dinner with many royals. And her amusement was not worth the risk of a drunk old Queen to make a scene with a member of Rosendelle's royal family.
Oh well. She thought.
The Queen of Arendelle stood up. As she did, almost all the guests also stood up. It didn´t passed unnoticed by Elsa that the first to stand was Derek.
For a slight moment they locked eyes. She could tell he was silently thanking her for freeing him from the Queen of Genovia's hands.
Then they both broke the eye contact. That was when Elsa returned to Queen mode and spoke to her guests.
"Before we retire to rest, allow me to thank all of you for your attendance to the Council of the Realms. For the ones returning tomorrow to your lands I wish you the best in your trip back home. And for the ones that will be staying yet a few more days, you are all very welcome to attend to the Winter Ball and enjoy the Winter Fair as well. The doors of Arendelle shall always be open for you."
"Cheers!" yelled the Salvatore twins raising their wine glasses.
"Cheers" said everyone else joining the toast.
"CHEERS! …."yelled the Queen of Genovia five seconds late after a hiccup.
"PTFFFFFFFSSSS! MERLIN MUSHROOMS! WHAT WAS IN THAT WINE?!"
Everyone turned to look at the yelling man. He spit all his wine over the table and over the man next to him. He was so angry that he tried to kick the little tray of food behind him but instead the tray fell over him making a disaster of food all over the floor. The man was Lord Deuce Wagen of Dull, the newest Salvatore's victim.
How many times I have to tell you Elsa? His real name is Lord Dracula of the Creepy Smile remember? It's Lord Dracula!
Elsa rolled her eyes as the annoying voice of a certain Prince corrected her own thoughts.
Fine. Lord Dracula it is.
The other man who had been spat on by Lord Dracula was Prince Robert of Andalasia.
"Argh, my glasses! I can't see a thing." screamed Prince Robert. The man dropped his own glass of wine and took some steps away from Lord Dull or Dracula, whatever.
Because Prince Robert couldn't see, he bumped into some chairs and then to someone else. One of the chairs fell over the Ambassador of Enchancia's foot. The poor man started to hop in pain. Finally Ambasador Cedric of Enchancia took a sit on his chair massaging his foot.
Seeing the commotion that actually the Salvatore brothers had caused, Elsa blamed herself for letting the brothers do their prank. As much as the Lord of Dull deserved it, a formal dinner with royals was no place to do such prank.
Elsa wanted to run or scream or freeze everything. She pressed her teeth and concentrated hard on her powers.
Control yourself. Think of something nice.
Elsa felt a warm hand over her shoulder. It was Anna's. Her touch did the trick.
Oh well, nothing worst can happen now. Said her inner voice.
But she thought so fast.
Lord Dracula tried to stand up. As he did the little tray of food was pushed aside.
In slow motion the little tray of food rolled and rolled until it hit Queen Violet of Genovia. Why her and not anyone else? Because that's how bad luck works.
It had to be exactly the seventy year old lady who happened to be drinking more that she could process.
After being pushed the old Queen dropped her cane in a dramatic movement and let herself fall.
"Oh my goodness!" she yelled in the most dramatic tone ever. The lady saw her chance and took it. Elsa could tell by know the old woman was an ace in acting. Instead of falling to the ground she danced and deposited herself over Prince Derek. She grabbed his neck with both arms and whined in agony. A performance worth for a Shakespeare's approval. Poor Prince Charming, victim of the drama Queen, had no other choice than to grab her.
After that moment all the solemnly and seriousness of the dinner had been lost. Everyone was laughing now. Seriously laughing. Some of them were laughing at Prince Robert wet face but most of them were laughing at Lord Wagen. And most of the women (plus Derek's father) were laughing at the poor Prince of Rosendelle (especially his father).
Please tell me this is just a dream. Wished Elsa.
Don't you mean a nightmare? Added her inner voice.
Kai and some other footmen approached to aid everyone.
"Master Cedric are you all right?" asked Petyr, one of Kai's best footmen.
"I'm fine thank you. And it's Cedric not Cedric."
"Please sir, allow Petyr to escort you to clean yourself up."
"Lord Wagen please let us help you."
"Take your hands of me! I can stand myself."
"Oh, my own Prince Charming. My savior. Have I told you, you smell of cinnamon? I love cinnamon." The old lady hiccupped again. "It's so spicy."
"Prince Robert let me help you." Said Kai. "I believe these are your glasses."
"Indeed they are. Tha...thank you." Said timidly the Prince of Andalasia.
Now that's what I call a dinner worth to remember. Said her inner voice. Elsa tried to ignore her own thoughts.
Come on Elsa! You have to say something…Anything…think...think…
Okay on the count of three…One…
"So," Anna's voice echoed in the room. Everyone turned their heads to look at the Princess "Why don't we all go outside? Els…I mean, her Majesty, the Queen and I had prepared a demonstration of snow magic under the stars as a symbol of gratitude. Right Elsa?"
Elsa opened her eyes wide in astonishment. Now every eye was set on her. Except Queen's Violet who had "passed" out in Prince Derek's arms. Even Prince Robert without his glasses was looking at her with interest. Lord Dracula was also staring but less interested.
Then she felt his eyes on her again.
For a moment their eyes met once again. It could have been Elsa's imagination but it seemed that Derek was giving her a support look, or maybe he was pleading her to free him from the old Queen. Maybe both. Most probably the second option.
But the image of him in white trousers forced her immediately to break eye contact.
She decided to better focus in more important things.
She took a deep, deep, breath. "Eh… Yes? " she gulped. She had say that more like a question than an affirmation.
Thanks Anna for the warning I really appreciate it. And thanks Derek for…whatever you always do. That was a lot of help. Really! Said her inner voice sarcastically.
"A magic demonstration?" asked King Henrik, Han's older brother.
Great, not only Hans but now his brother will think I'm a kind of an ice freak now.
"That's wonderful! I hope we can skate!" King Henrik yelled. "I love skating!"
"Wait what?" Anna said while her mouth opened widely.
"Moi aussi! (3) I've been wishing all week to see Queen Elsa's powers. I've heard they are magnifique!"
"Queen Elsa, is the perfect host." Said Nico.
"Si! Keeping the best for the last!" Ezio added. "What a Queen!"
"I'll admit I came to this land wishing to see Her Majesty's powers at least once." Said timidly Prince Robert.
"Me too!"
"Me three!"
Soon everyone was chatting anxiously and Elsa's powers were the main topic.
Elsa looked at one of the twins. The one with the green cravat. He winked at her and turned to the other royals. He whistled loudly making everyone quit talking and turn their heads to him.
"Everyone listen up! Let's go outside!" Nico said.
"Last one is a rotten cheese!" yelled Ezio.
And soon every royal, ambassador, and guest had left the room as an avalanche. The room had been emptied in less than a minute. Even the elder ones looked like children's in Christmas morning.
After the avalanche of people came the silence.
Only few people remained in the room now: Elsa, Anna, Kai, a footman and Prince Derek still holding a passed out Queen Violet on his arms.
"What in Asgard did just happened?" wondered Kai as he arranged his collar.
"The Salvatore brothers happened" Said Elsa as she approached her sister. "Anna, listen to me I need…"
"I'm so, so, SO, sorry Elsa." The Princess started to say quickly. "I didn't know what to do, and I'd never imagined that this…" her sister paused showing all the chairs, food and plates in the floor "well, this disaster would happen. I know you wanted all to be perfect. And I know you are still worried about your magic but that's the first think that came to my mind. I know I should have asked you first and…"
"Anna, Anna! Calm down." Elsa said as she rested one of her hands over her little sister's shoulder. Just as the other one did earlier. "Don't worry. I know you were just trying to help me. It was actually a great idea. Now, could you do me a favour, please?"
"No need to ask. Just name it sis."
"There is a bunch of royals outside the castle now and they are probably waiting for us. Would you be so kind to go and tell them I'll be there in a moment?"
"Sure. But why don't you come with me already?"
Elsa smiled. "Just buy me sometime while I'll come up with something safe I can make with my magic. I promise I won't take long."
"Alright see you there."
Anna gave Elsa a quick hug and ran towards the main hall that lead to the main doors.
After she saw her sister leave Elsa turned to speak to Kai.
"Kai, Petyr would you be so kind to prepare the chariot? After that make two guards to come with you. You are going to escort Her Majesty Queen Violet to her hotel. Oh, and before Her Majesty leaves tell Gerda to prepare for her some of her special herbs tea. Something tells me Her Majesty's head will need it soon."
Kai and the footman lowered their heads at her as an act of reverence.
"Right on Your Majesty."
Then the footman and head butler took Queen Violet from Derek's already slept arms. She woke up and they escorted the sleepy woman to her chambers.
That left with something she didn't see coming. Elsa was left alone in the room with Derek in the Dining Room.
Great now what?!
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For a moment none of them spoke. Elsa felt stupid now. She was hugging herself not knowing if what to do. If she leave now it might be considered rude, but if she didn't what could she possibly say to him?
Oh you could start by asking him if he needs an ice comb for that mess of hair. Or you could start by apologizing for seeing him in his underwear. You chose.
Elsa frowned.
She had been so worried about Queen Violet's state that she completely forgot about him. Well, that was not completely true. In fact, she's been trying so hard to avoid thinking about him and his preference for cotton underwear that at the end she had ended been thinking about that, more than she wanted.
How does he dare! Said her inner voice. This time Elsa agreed with her inner self.
"Thanks about that." he said while arranging his hair the better he could. "And also… I'm sorry about…you know." He whispered.
Elsa turned to look at him. He was looking through the window. Elsa followed his gaze and saw the royal guests already playing with the snow outside. It was actually a funny view; Kings, Queens, Princesses and Princes, lords and ambassadors acting like children. Elsa smiled a bit thinking her father and mother would laugh at the funny scene. Derek's father was leading the elders against the youngest in a snow battle.
But right now she had to act like an adult. Elsa could tell Derek had been honest in his apology this time. So she took a deep breath as she approached the window next to him.
"You don't need to apologize. It is me who needs to apologize."
"What?" he turned to look at her.
"I'm sorry I yelled at you that day we fell in the fountain. Sometimes I still forget you are still a Prince and my guest…"
"You know I could care less about my title…"
"Please let me finish."
"S...sorry. Please continue." He apologized.
"As I was saying sometimes I forget that you are a guest in my home, but what's more. Sometimes I still forget you are my friend too."
Derek opened his mouth but no sound was made. So Elsa saw this a sign that she could continue speaking before he would interrupt her again.
"I am also…" she bit her lip. " I'm sorry about the time I …well… you know…"
"It's alright," he said after a while. "I was so busy trying to find a decent shirt that I never realized that I was not properly dressed. And just to be clear, that was not your fault. You were just trying to help me, even when I didn't deserved more of your help. But you did. The Queen of Arendelle herself brought me clean towels and boots. Besides…"
He made little giving her time to look at him. "I bet Her Majesty doesn't do this so frequently." He joked.
"Well," she said.
"I know, I know. Not every day you have to deal with me. You must not apologize for something that I did. The only thing you committed wrong was actually a silly one."
Elsa turned to look at him. He was making his typical half smile.
"What do you mean by silly one?"
"The boots you brought me." He said letting out a small laugh. "The one's you got me were at least one size bigger you know?"
"Oh, I didn't…"
"Where did you get them anyway?" he interrupted her. "Stole them from a giant perhaps?" he was teasing her now.
Elsa understood what he was trying to do. In order to return to their normal selves he was starting a foolish conversation about boot sizes.
"I told you" she said trying to follow his play "Kai got them from me."
"So there's a possibility that he got them from a giant."
"Maybe he did." She added more relaxed.
"Do I sense a bit of sarcasm in that voice?"
"You are impossible." she said but a slight smile appeared also in her face. She was surprised how easily it had turned to speak to him in a normal way again. Some might say arguing about nonsense was far from normal, but for them it was perfectly normal.
"Nothing's impossible."
"Your hair might be."
The Prince removed at once some hairs strands from his front head.
"Since I owe you one, I'll pretend I didn't hear that Your Majesty." He said.
Derek stopped looking at her and turned to the window in front of them. "Instead, you should worry about more serious things. I think Anna won't be able to handle those many spoiled royals and Ambassadors at once."
"I just hope a war has not been declared yet." She joked.
"Ummm, maybe you are already late for that. Look."
Elsa looked through the window again and saw as the Ambassador of Spain and Lord Bonnefoy were preparing to throw a big snow ball to the battle field. A snow ball in the shape of Olaf's head.
"Oh, my!" she said commanding her feet to move fast to the hallway. "I better give them their skating field as soon as possible."
Derek followed behind her.
"So a skating field it is?"
"Seems like it."
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They reached the entrance. One of the guards opened the main door to let them pass.
"Thank you."
"Your Welcome Your Grace."
"Do you skate?" Derek asked her when they reached the Front Gardens.
"Well for me it comes natural I guess." She answered as they descended the stairs.
Elsa saw Anna trying to recover Olaf's head from afar.
He tried to hide his laughing under some fake coughing. She noticed his mischievous smile again.
"What?" she asked.
"Oh, nothing. Just something I realized. That's all."
"Derek what is it?"
"Well, you don't have about fifty pairs of ice skates by any chances? You know for the skating and all."
Elsa couldn't help it when she laughed too.
He crossed his arms and raised one eyebrow while looking at her.
"You CAN'T be serious Elsa. Don't tell me you really have them?"
"Well, yes and no." she answered.
"That is not an answer Your Majesty."
"Yes it is Your Highness. You'll see."
"Elsa! Great. What took you so long? Oh, never mind. I'm glad you're here." Anna said running towards her older sister. She was holding a big white bundle in her arms.
"Hi Elsa. Hello Derek." Said the small bundle of snow.
"Hello, little fella. Say, where's the rest of your body?" asked the Prince.
"Oh last time I saw it, a man with broken glasses had it."
"You mean Prince Boring of Tediouslasia perhaps?"
"Derek!" scolded him Elsa.
"What?" he asked with an innocent smile. "I only called Prince Robert of Andalasia by his other name, that's all."
"I think he was kind of examining my butt." Explained the snowman's head.
"That," said Derek "Sounded very wrong."
"Very wrong indeed." Added Elsa.
"I tried to find the remaining pieces but with so many snowballs I can't cross the field." Explained Anna.
They all looked around, where a battlefield, held by the higher heads of many kingdoms, was taking its place right in front of them.
It was impossible to find the rest of Olaf's body.
"Hold on buddy, I'll go find your body." The Prince said.
"Wait." She grabbed his coat making him stop.
"What is it Elsa?" Asked Anna.
"Let me try something first. I'll need to concentrate."
"Okay?" Said the Princess.
Elsa closed her eyes and concentrated in Olaf. This was nothing new for her. Many times she had summoned Olaf's body parts with her powers, yet all those time she'd been aware where the other body part was. This was the first time she would try it without knowing where Olaf's body was.
"What is she…?"
"Shhh you're distracting her."
"I just…"
"Shhhh."
Elsa tried to ignore Anna and Derek and focused in her surroundings.
She could feel Olaf. He was being held next to her. It was as if she could sense his presence. For some reason, her magic snow had always felt different from regular snow. She almost felt attracted to it. Or maybe it was the other way round.
"There." She muttered.
"There what?" Derek Asked.
"Shhh. You're making so much noise!"
"Look who's talking Anna."
"Guys, guys, shhhh."
"Sorry Olaf." Said both royals.
Elsa opened her eyes.
"There's no need. I think I found it."
"You did?" asked the Princess.
Elsa nodded and raised her hands. She moved her left arm towards a bunch of royals who were preparing snow ammunitions in their snow fort.
She pulled her left arm and then Olaf's middle body came out like a cannon. The movement called the attention of all the royals that were there.
After a second, the middle part of Olaf's body was standing right next to her.
She took another breath and concentrated once more. This time it took her less time to find the other body part.
She raised both her hands and made all the snow that was on the middle of the battlefield to raise at once, leaving the stoned floor exposed and all the royals without their forts or ammunitions.
Several gasps were heard as she pulled with her right hand Olaf's bottom and arm sticks from the floor.
After that, she made a quick swirl with her fingers, and the little snowman was as good as new.
"Great! Thanks Elsa." He started jumping happily.
"You are welcome Olaf."
"Uhm, Elsa?"
"What is it Derek?"
"Aren't you forgetting something?"
Elsa shrugged.
"Oh thanks for the reminder."
With another swirl of her left hand she made appear exactly fifty pairs of skates standing in line not very far from them.
"Better now?" she asked him.
"Don't get me wrong, that was incredible. But I was referring to the gigantic mass of snow that is suspending in the air."
Elsa raised her head.
"Oops." She had completely forgot about that.
She raised her hands and joined them. Following her movements the snow turned into light ice (almost frost) and took the shape of a big snowflake. It was very small in comparison with the ice snowflake she made that day she thawed the fjord.
Elsa clapped her hands making the ice broke into smaller snowflakes that began falling softly over the castle grounds.
It was then that some clapping and cheering startled the Queen.
"I love it when she does that." Anna muttered to the Prince.
Derek remained silent yet his face seemed as marveled as Anna's.
All the other royals ran towards them at once.
"Queen Elsa that was great!"
"Wow!"
"Many snowflakes!"
"So beautiful!"
"Much power!"
"Such magic!"
"Very beautifuller!"
Everyone was trying get a better look at her.
She was flattered but it would seem everyone wanted to touch her now. And that, was way too much for her.
"All right, all right that's enough!" that had been King's Frederik's voice. "You all look like some kids in a candy store for Neptune's sake!"
He was holding a tree branch as a sword in a menacing pose.
Everyone took at least two or three steps back.
Then Derek's father smiled. "Now that's better, you fancy folks!"
"Sorry dear, you'll have to forgive our manners. Or lack of. You see, this might be the funniest meeting we ever had ever." Said Queen Renalia from Zaria.
"Really?" asked Anna standing behind Elsa.
Most of the royals said yes or simply nodded.
Elsa felt her shoulders relax. At least no war had been declared yet.
"But what about the ice rink?" asked a woman from the crowd.
Then all of a sudden everyone was talking again but now about skating and games. Hans' oldest brother looked the most excited of them all.
"Listen up everyone." Said Anna. "Els…I mean. The Queen is going to make an ice rink now. So if all of you'd be so kind to take a pair of skates and wait pelase. And by the way you can keep them as a gift."
"Last one is a double rotten cheese!" yelled one of the Salvatore twins.
And once again, the human avalanche ran to the place the skates were held. There another war began: "who would be the fastest to get their pair skates?"
"And these people rule countries." Derek said crossing his arms.
Elsa sighed in relief.
"You okay sis?"
"I believe so, yes." She raised her eyes to see her sister. Derek and Olaf were there too.
"You're not joining them?" she asked him.
"I better wait until everyone grabs a pair and then I'll go." Said Derek looking at all the royals sitting in the floor and putting on their skates. "I'm afraid if I go there now, I might never get out alive."
"You could always bite back." Elsa joked.
"Hahaha." He laughed sarcastically. "So funny Your Majesty."
Anna stared at the two of them and just rolled her eyes.
The Princess then turned to Queen.
"So, ready to make an ice rink?"
Elsa nodded and smiled.
"Ready."
She lifted her green dress a bit and kicked with her talon the floor. In an instant the stoned floor was covered in a thick layer of blue ice.
"I also love it when she does that." Anna told Derek.
"I just hope this is enough." Elsa said while turning to look at the other two.
"For me it is!" said happily the snowman. He slid gracefully until he reached the center of the ice rink.
"Just look at them." Derek said to Elsa in a joking tone. "Such wonderful creatures, the royals. They are already skating."
The three of them looked around. Elsa looked around. Almost everyone was enjoying the experience. Although, she didn't spot the Lord of Dull. Probably so much "witchcraft" had scared him.
"Is that The King of the Southern Islands doing some ballet moves?" asked Anna with her moth fully open.
"Now that's something worth seeing." Derek laughed.
All three of them started laughing.
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"So, should we join them?" asked Elsa after a while.
"Yes please." Anna said happily. The Princess started walking to the crown that was still in the pile of skates.
"Allow me, Anna." The Queen said.
Elsa smiled at her sister and conjured a pair of skates for Anna. Then she made another pair appear on Derek's feet.
He whistled.
"Thanks. And look at that! They are my size." He said smirking. "In my opinion, that's been the best trick of the night."
"Oh my Gosh! That's Kristoff over there!" she yelled pointing at the mentioned man entering the gates. No need to say the expression of the Royal Ice Master full of surprise was priceless.
"Elsa could you, you know. For him."
The blond conjured a big pair of skates and gave them to Anna.
"Thanks. I totally forgot we would see each other after dinner. I'll invite him to join us instead."
Anna gave Elsa a quick hug and slid her feet the best she could towards her boyfriend.
"Where does she get that energy?" Elsa heard the Prince ask.
"Who knows?" She answered turning to him. "So, do you need skating lessons or you'll be fine?"
"No need Your Majesty. Didn't I tell you? I used to skate in our lake all winters back at Rosendelle." He said as he started skating in a circle around her.
Elsa smirked at him. "Planning to show your best ballet moves then Your Highness?"
"Jealous?" he said, ignoring her joke. "Maybe you're the one that needs lessons." He made a turn and started skating backwards. "Last time I checked ice skates are needed to skate."
Elsa laughed and started to slide one feet after another on the ice. She joined his side. She did a turn blocking his way. And stood in front of him.
He almost lost his balance but managed to keep his stance.
"Hey!" he claimed.
She smirked at him and started skating backwards moving away from him.
"Oh, didn't I tell you?" she said copying his tone. "A Queen of Snow doesn't need skates."
He rushed behind her. She kept skating backwards while he followed her.
"That much I can understand. But just explain me something."
He jumped and gave a quick turn blocking her way this time.
She tensed up her body and stopped.
She rested one of her hands in her hip.
"Be my guest."
"High heels?" he said pointing at her ice made shoes. "Really?!"
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God I'm tired! My feet hurt!
Well if you hadn't been so stubborn and maybe stopped skating an hour ago your feet wouldn't hurt so badly! Said her annoying self-proclaimed "voice of reason".
Oh do shut up! No one challenges the Snow Queen to a skate contest and gets away with it. Not even him.
Touché. Said her inner voice. But you have to admit he was pretty good.
Elsa rolled her eyes. She didn't want to continue arguing with herself. There was no doubt who would win the argument at the end.
But, she had to admit it. She almost lose to him today. It was not all bluffing when he said he was good. In fact he was incredibly talented. He moved so free and calm that it was contagious. Still, not good enough to bet her.
Do you think he'll be that good at dancing too?
Enough! I need to sign these papers for tomorrow.
Elsa opened the big accounting book. She put some ink into her quill and resumed in her sums.
As much as she wanted to throw herself to bed and sleep for the rest of the winter the Queen of Arendelle never had free time. And now she was doing some of the paperwork she had left unattended due to the Council meeting.
The castle was quiet and peaceful at night. So at least that allowed her work to run efficiently without interruptions.
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After a while, she had already finished checking the financial expenses for the mahogany sleights and the Winter Fair. Maybe she could call it a night for today.
Elsa took a glance at her silver watch. It was one in the morning.
"I still got some time. Maybe I could give a quick check to the shipment of silk from Genovia."
She grabbed some papers from her desk and started reading.
After giving her signature of approval she gathered the papers all together in order to save them in a folder.
Then she saw a little paper fall from the paper sheets.
She noticed it was a little envelope. It called her attention at once when she recognized the royal seal of Genovia on the back.
Elsa left aside her paperwork at once. She took the little envelope that remained in the corner of her desk. When she opened it, she saw a beautiful feminine handwriting. Yet, they were just a few words in the piece of parchment.
The message read:
To Her Majesty the Queen Elsa of Arendelle.
My dearest,
I believe the weather is doing wonders with my health. I decided to remain a few more days in your precious land. For I had found the view very interesting. So wild and charming. If you know what I mean.
Yours sincerely,
Her Majesty the Queen Violet Renaldi of Genovia
Elsa had to read it twice to understand what Queen Violet really meant.
When she realized the Prince of Rosendelle would be the most unfortunate for this she couldn't hide her smile.
Imagining him running away from his fan, doesn't count as actual work you know?
Fine. Elsa threw aside the letter and rested her head on her hands.
Hey, I didn't say we should stop. I bet his expression will be priceless.
Oh for God's sake!
She took a sip from her tea. She closed her eyes for a moment and breathed deep. Her study smelled of fresh snow, parchment, old books and peppermint tea. The ticking noise of her watch and the sound of the water coming out of the fountain outside were the only to be heard.
If it hadn´t been for that pig.
Once again, the memory of that day in the East Gardens repeated itself in her mind.
The meeting didn't took that long, since Elsa's specialty was ice after all. So the trades she got for Arendelle looked promising and she knew it would please her Council once she made her report to them.
She took a deep breath. The smell of pines and peppermint tea could always made her feel at ease. It was a pretty day to be outside. And the autumn leaves spread all over the grass added a nice touch to the Gardens. It hadn't snowed for days and it was warm enough to be enjoy tea outside.
The Queen of Genovia, a third age lady, had requested Elsa to give her some company after the meeting. The old lady had explained Elsa she suffered of rheumatism and the physician had recommended her to take at least one hour of sunlight per day.
"Thank you for coming dearie." Said the older Queen. "Normally my granddaughter would be the one giving me some company but you see she is back home. You kind of remember me of her, she must be a bit older than you though."
"It is my pleasure, Queen Violet." Said Elsa as she took a sip from her tea. "I also needed fresh air and a bit of Sun."
"I can tell. You look a bit pale. That can't be good." She said.
Elsa nodded but didn't say anything. She was already used to be called pale. It wasn't her fault her skin was that tone of colour.
After some time in silence the older Queen spoke again.
"Such delicious tea by the way."
"Thank you."
Say, dearie don't you have something stronger to add to my tea."
Elsa's eyes opened. "I beg your pardon?"
The old lady laughed. "Oh, just kidding girl. But I wouldn't mind something stronger. You know for medical purposes. Some schnapps maybe?"
Elsa's eyebrows raised. Did the Queen of Genovia was asking her for some alcohol?
"Medical purposes?" the blonde Queen repeated questionably.
"Yes. Well, you know to get warmer. For an old lady with such delicate bones like mine the cold is not recommended."
"I see. Well, I'm afraid we only have wine." Said Elsa.
At the mention of the word "wine" Queen Violet's purplish eyes opened very wide. Elsa guessed the old lady used ethanol for medical purposes more times than the doctor would recommend.
"But…"the blonde made a pause "The wine is reserved for Friday's dinner I'm afraid. Since that day is the Closure of the Council of the Realms."
"Of course, of course. Still a shame." Said the old lady with a little disappointment in her voice. "I guess I'm just craving for something else. You know, something spicy."
"Err…spicy Your Majesty?"
"Yeah, like a wild experience. Something lively. Spicy!"
"You mean like cinnamon tea?"
"Cinnamon tea you say?!" The old Queen giggled behind her hand. "Oh, child. You are a sweet. I simply adore you."
"So, would you like me to ask the servant to bring cinnamon tea?"
"Thank you dear, but no. Yet, I won't object if you want some."
"Oh, thank you." Said Elsa. "I am fonder of peppermint tea."
"I see." Queen Violet sighed. "You see the spicy I seek cannot be found in a cup of tea."
Not having a clue of what to say Elsa decided to pour more tea in her cup.
"Say dearie. Aren't you cold in that satin dress?" The old lady shivered slightly but Elsa could tell she was exaggerating.
Leaving her cup aside Elsa looked at her own dress. It was a navy blue attire with no cape attached, and she had added some snowflakes for decoration. She wore long leaves of a lighter tone of blue. The dress had been Anna's gift.
"Oh, the cold really doesn't bother me." Excused herself the young royal.
"Being the Snow Queen can come handy sometimes doesn't it?" the lady asked.
But before Elsa could respond, movement and sound from the bushes behind them made Elsa jump startled.
Suddenly a loud grunt came out of the bushes of roses.
Out of instinct, Elsa stood up from her chair and put her hands ready to summon any ice.
"My Goodness dearie! Could all those rumors be true? Is the Ghost of Arendelle coming to take our lives?!"
But Elsa ignored the old Queen as she readied herself for an assault of the intruder in the Castle.
"Be careful Queen Violet." She warned her.
The other woman stood up from her chair and started walking towards Elsa. She was lifting her cane ready to give a punch to anyone.
But before the old Queen would reach Elsa something came out of the bushes. It was small and full of dirt. It passed so fast through them that it was impossible to see what it was.
In the process the creature pushed the older Queen. The old woman almost lost her balance if it hadn't been for Elsa who managed to reach her arm and hold her.
"Thank you dearest. But, what in the name of Rum Cognac was that?!"
"I don't know, but it was certainly not a ghos..."
"COME HERE YOU FAT PIG!"
The voice came out of the bushes. Whoever had called her a fat pig was now embracing Elsa with its strong arms.
Feeling suffocated she tried to free herself from her captor. She felt herself take some steps behind carrying the weight of the stranger in the process.
Elsa couldn't see a thing and everything was happening so fast. She felt something get stuck between her feet and legs.
She pushed her captor while both of them kept walking in circles. In the meantime something was getting tangled between their legs.
The man, finally stopped pressing her and deposited his hands over her shoulders.
"ELSA?!"She heard him say.
She looked up in an instant.
"What?!" His dark blue eyes shown nothing but surprise. "Derek, what on Earth are you …? Whoa!"
But she was not able to finish her sentence since her feet began to lose balance at once. Both of them had tried to walk, but they were tangled together with a blanket. Where did that thing come from in the first place? Who knows?
The only thing she knew, it was he was going to pay for this.
Next thing they were slipping with the blanket itself and traces of mud Derek had left in the ground. Elsa's hand reached by instinct to grab into something. And that something had been Derek's shirt.
What she didn't know until later, was that he was wearing an old shirt the Prince uses for training (which by the way, was already mostly destroyed). The fabric broke in an instant making her go backwards and making them both fall.
The last thing she remembered was feeling his arms round her before the …
SPLASH!
She opened her eyes and saw everything blurry. She knew they were underwater.
The sudden lack of oxygen in her lungs made her incorporated herself.
She removed her hair from her face and coughed. Somehow the fall had freed them from the blanket. The hideous piece of cloth was floating in front of them.
She was now sitting in the fountain gasping for air. More water was falling in her head from the fountain as she spit and coughed uncontrollably.
Next to her, Derek was also coughing and removing a leaf from his hair.
Derek spit in the form of an arc of water and looked at the water.
"I am in trouble right?"
"What do you think?" she said as a wave of her hand turned the water falling above them into a beautiful formation of ice.
He stood first and offered her his hand.
She took it and stood up.
They were totally wet from head to toes. No need to tell her dress was ruined. Her heir was a mess, and Derek well, he looked the worst. Where the hell had he been? A cave with a bear inside?
When they got out of the water she unfroze the water from the fountain.
They were walking towards the coffee table when someone ran towards them.
"Oh my…Oh my…" the voice of Queen Violet was the next thing Elsa heard.
The young blond had completely forgot about the old lady.
"Oh my goodness!" yelled the old lady as she started to faint.
Elsa was about to summon a mountain of snow to avoid her fall when Derek caught the old Queen.
"Gotcha!" he said.
The Queen of Genovia opened her eyes and grabbed the Prince by his wet shirt.
"Oh my…such strong arms…what a man…I mean a gentle-man." And she closed her eyes. "Oh lord thank you! Thank you!"
"What do we do?" the Prince asked Elsa in a scared tone.
"We probably should call a doctor to check on her." Suggested Elsa.
At the mention of the word "doctor" the Queen of Genovia opened abruptly her eyes and composed herself, as if nothing had happened.
"No need for a Doctor dearies. I'm totally fine now. In fact, I've never been better."
The Prince mouth opened but nothing came out.
Elsa spoke instead.
"Queen Violet we need to be sure you are fine of health."
"Nonsense dearie. If you must excuse me I need to retire to my hotel. If only Prince Derek would escort me. That certainly would make me feel better."
By hearing his name the Prince finally spoke. "Um, it would be an honour, Your Majesty. But, I am not properly dressed I'm afraid."
"Oh, you look perfectly fine to me dearie." She said as she winked at Derek.
Then she turned to look at a confused Elsa "Isn't he the perfect Prince Charming?"
"Eh…" was the only thing Elsa could muster.
"Oh you two are such cuties. Oh well, see you later your Queen Elsa, Prince Charming." And the old lady left them walking completely normal while still carrying her cane as a weapon.
"What the hell did just happen?" asked the Prince.
"Curious. I was about to ask you the same, Prince Charming." Elsa said looking questionably at the Prince, as she pointed at him and muddy clothes.
"Ohh, right".
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"Elsa… pstss…Elsa"
The blonde opened her eyes and saw that the candle she had lit earlier that night was all consumed.
She then met a pair of big black eyes.
"Olaf?" she yawned. "What are you doing awake so late at night?"
"What do you mean Elsa? It's already morning. I just woke up. I saw you here and I got worried."
"What?" Elsa grabbed her silver watch and confirmed that it was actually six thirty in the morning.
"Are you okay Elsa?"
"I'm fine Olaf. It's just that I fell asleep." Again. And she yawned for a second time.
"You need any help?" the snowman asked worriedly.
"It's okay. I just need a quick shower and arrange myself." And the Queen of Arendelle stood up from her sit in the desk. "See you later." She said as she patted the snowman's head. "Oh, and please don't tell Anna I slept again in the study."
"Okay. But …"
"See you at breakfast Olaf." She said rushing to the stairs.
"Okay but, don't forget we begin the dancing lessons today."
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Translation (1) My God, Queen Elsa the chocolate is very good.
Translation (2) Thank you Lord Bonnefoy. I'll tell my butler to prepare a package with chocolate of Arendelle for you.
Translation (3) Me too!
Answering to a question I received. This story won't have such that kind of quick romantic development that some might expect. Why? Because it wouldn't fit Elsa if it did. And also because it isn't all centered in the ship. It is more Elsa centered, and the people around her. More like a daily life fanfiction.