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

21. 21 Tour du Prince

AN1: Sorry for the wait. My computer crashed and I couldn't upload until today.

AN 2: One of the readers kind of enjoyed the fluff part. I am not very good at writing fluff but this chapter is dedicated to that reader who kindly appreciated it. And I really want to know if you like the pun jokes, yes or no? (the majority will decide)

AN 3: Thanks for the constant reviews, follows and favouriting this fic.

Disclaimer: Frozen and other Disney characters belongs to Disney Co.

Hint: The title is a parody to the "Tour du France" so when reading the word Prince one most read it in the French pronunciation like prance.

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Chapter 21. Tour de Prince

That afternoon in Arendelle was worth to be captured by a painter. Even though it was the middle of December, that day it hadn't snowed. The different pastel colours of each house in town and shops made Elsa think the roofs could be mistaken by cake frost and the wood could be easily imagined to be made of chocolate bars.

The Winter Festival decorations for the Fair added a nice touch to the scene. Elsa took an internal note to thank Anna and Kristoff for working so hard doing most of the arrangements.

The young royals went here and there not minding much where they were actually going. Part of Elsa's mind was telling her to make a plan of the places they should visit but other part of her (the one that was actually winning) was telling her just to improvise.

They had taken turns deciding the places they would visit. First they went to see the rock with the form of a fat man scratching its butt (which by the way turned out to be quite hilarious although Elsa would not consider it a national treasure).

They admired the remnants of viking ruins near the forest; Elsa was amazed by the botanic gardens; while Derek admired the architecture of the lighthouse; and stopped briefly by the Royal Theatre to listen to the Royal Orchestra rehearsing.

Elsa would never have guessed that Arendelle had that potential as a touristic place. She took an internal note to discuss with her Council a proper program to sponsor tourism in Arendelle.

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"Who would have guessed that the Natural History Museum would have a whole wing dedicated to ice harvesters? I should mention it to Kristoff the next time I see him." the Prince said as they walked by a narrow street.

"Maybe this time he'll be more interested in history." Mentioned Elsa. "Still, I never thought a collection of ice harvesting songs would ever exist."

"I must say, it was kind of weird to see all those lyrics about ice." Derek chuckled.

"What?" the Queen asked turning to look at him.

"Nothing it's just," He said. "I just imagined a choir of big, hairy, smelly manly mountain men moving their deathly saws in tune with the sound of music."

Elsa laughed as the picture he described appeared in her mind. And then something in the scene made her lose it and chuckle too.

"What is it now?" he asked.

"I just imagined what you described only my mind kind of added something else to the scene." She laughed again. "I imagined Kristoff playing his lute as he always does. But I don't know why, but I pictured Sven conducting the choir with a carrot as baton while holding it with his mouth."

The Prince laughed too.

"Oh deer." Derek after he stopped laughing. "I'd pay to see that."

"I don't know why I imagined such thing but I admit it would be fun to watch." She smiled. "Oh, look we are here."

"Where are we exactly?" The Prince said while he looked around the houses.

"Our next tour stop." The blond said.

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The Queen had taken them to the famous clock tower, a symbol of pride for the Arendellians.

Fortunately Anna had mentioned once where the maintenance man hide the other copy of the key of the entrance. As the Queen expected she found the key under the carpet. After she opened the door they were able to sneak inside without any trouble. Derek closed the door behind them just in case.

They went upstairs and then crossed the little door that communicated with the exterior of the clock. The moment Derek saw the little wooden replica of the rulers of Arendelle he couldn't help smirking.

"Well, well." The Prince turned around and look at her. "It was about time you and Anna get their own dolls."

"I actually brought you here to admire the view." The Queen said resting her hip in one of the wooden poles.

"Oh, the view is nice." He said giving a quick glance at the fjord. "But I can't take my eyes from this a-doll-able petite Elsa."

The Queen just pretended to ignore his recent joke and took a step forward next the replica of her sister.

"I must say, the craftsman did a really wood job." he said looking at the wooden Queen as if studying her. "Petit Elsa is so stiff. Just like the original."

"Oh, please."

"Blue dress, chubby checks, and especially small." He continued. "Although this one here might make a better company. You know, because she wouldn't argue back. And also she wouldn't hit me with a snowball every time I say a joke."

Elsa crossed her arms in frustration.

"You really want me to introduce you to Marshmallow when he is in a bad mood don't you?"

"Oh, don't be so mallow-dramatic Your Majesty." he arched his eyebrows as he patted the Elsa doll. "From what has Olaf told me his brother is smore than meets the eye."

"I wouldn't risk it if I were you." She dared as she removed a leaf from Anna's doll hair.

"Fine, fine. My apologies." He smiled. "And just to be clear the view is indeed breathtaking. You can see the docks and castle from here."

"I'm glad you liked it." She said as she took a glance at her castle, which with the effect of the light and her ice resembled a bit to her ice palace.

Looking at her castle and thinking about Marshmallow she couldn't help remember about her ice palace. Maybe if the opportunity ever presented she wouldn't mind taking Derek to the North Mountain.

The Prince took out the map.

"As much as I'd like to remain here, the clock is ticking and there's still so much to see. Where shall…?" but Derek's voice was cut off by a loud noise that caused all the building to tremble. And provoking Elsa's chest to feel pressed making her feel dizzy.

DOOONNNNGGGG!

They covered their ears immediately. Both their bodies trembled with the wave of sound caused by the bell.

"WHY'SISIT…OOO 'AUD?!" Derek yelled.

"WHAT?!"

"I SAID, WHY IS IT TOOOO LOUD?!"

"IT WAS BROKEN, SO THEY CHANGED THE BELL AND SOME GEARS I THINK!" she yelled back.

"WAS HE DEAF OR SOMETHING?!" he asked yelling.

DOOONNNNGGGG!

"I SAID TINKERER NOT CHEF. AND THE BELL WAS TOO OLD AND DAMAGED. SO HE PUT A NEW ONE." She said trying to not to fall.

"TOO BOLD INDEED, TO TURN EVERYONE DEAF!"

"HE REPAIRED IT A BIT TOO MUCH!" Elsa insisted.

"HE AIRED TOO MUCH? WHY WOULD A CLOCK NEED AIR IN THE FIRST PLACE?!" The Prince asked not fully understanding her.

"ABEAR? WHERE I DON'T SEE IT?!"

DOOONNNNGGGG!

"WHAT DID YOU SAY ABOUT MY HAIR?!" he asked trying to hold his hat.

"THE BEAR IS SITTING ON A CHAIR?" she wondered finding his request silly. "DEREK YOU'RE ACTING TOO WEIRD."

"MY HAIRCUT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE A PEAR! IT'S NOT THAT WEIRD OKAY." he answered offended.

"THE BEAR YOU'RE SEEING IS HOLDING A BEER?"

"I SHOULD LET ALL MY HAIR DISSAPEAR? BUT, BUT…"

"DOOONNNNGGGG!

"FORGET ABOUT THE BUTT JOKES!" she yelled starting to lose her temper "THEY'RE NOT FUNNY!"

"NO I WON'T BRUSH MY HAIR WITH HONEY. THAT'S DISGUSTING." The Prince asked also sounding upset. "HONESTLY, I SWEAR YOU'RE OUT OF YOUR MIND."

"I AM NOT THE BLIND HERE. YOU ARE THE ONE WHO'S SEEING A DRUNK BEAR." She said as another wave almost made her loose her balance. "YOU ARE THE ONE WHO I CAN'T UNDESTAND!"

"DOOONNNNGGGG!

"I WON'T CUT MY HAIR LIKE THOSE FROM THAT BUG BAND." he explained as he saw how she almost fell.

"WHAT?! She asked back as another wake shook them both and if it weren't for Derek who grabbed her by the arm she would have fallen.

"WHAT?!"

Elsa covered her ears though the vibration was enough to make her feel dizzy already.

"ELSA…!" it was Derek's voice.

She turned to look at the Prince. He had stopped covering g his ears and was now grabbing her strongly. His lips were moving and it seemed he was also shouting something at her. But she couldn't understand a single word.

DOOONNNNGGGG!

"WHAAATT?!" she yelled.

His lips were moving, but again she didn't understand anything.

"DEREK I CANNOT HEAR YOU!"

Before another wave of sound would shake them both the young Prince pulled her fiercely towards the exit. They didn't stop running until they reached the door at the entrance of the tower.

After they arrived to the floor and closed the door behind them the next and final bell was heard.

"Merlin's pants! I thought my head would explode." He exclaimed as he rested his back in the wall. And let himself sit in the floor.

Elsa joined him at the floor next to him and started to massage her head with a bit of ice. The pleasant effect was almost in an instant.

"Remember me to send a letter to the tinkerer Master later."

"I'll certainly will." He said as he also started to rub his front head. "Oh, now my head feels dizzy."

Elsa hesitated but at the end she found to courage to ask anyways.

"Uhm, do you mind if I try something?"

He turned to look at her.

"Try what?"

"Help with your headache with ice."

"You mean like magic ice?"

She nodded.

"No. I mean. Yes. I ... I mean." He cleared his throat. "Er, I don't mind it. Please be my guest." He raised his eyes to look at her.

"Okay, just keep still. Please."

"Yes, Your Maje…"

She covered his mouth with her left hand.

"Shhh. Someone might hear you." She told him.

"Oh, if it weren't so rare enough that a young woman is about to touch a young man's forehead."

"Touchè." she admitted.

They both turned their heads to see if someone was watching them. There were a few people there. Some children were playing fetch in front of a house; an old couple were sitting in a bench, which Elsa recognized as the owners of the pastries shop Anna loved so much; and quite far three men, sailors probably seemed to be too drunk to even care.

The Queen felt relieved. No one, apparently was paying any attention to them.

"Just tell me if it's too cold." She said as she put gently her right palm over his front head. "I had done this several times with my own head. But never with another person."

"Lucky me then." He smiled. "As you said, you'd done it before. Just relax and do you what you have to do."

Elsa gulped and breathed slowly. She concentrated in her magic and felt again as the cold started to emanate from her right palm and fingers.

"Is it working?" she asked after a minute.

"Incredibly well." He muttered.

She felt herself smile proudly. It was surprising to her that with not so much effort she was capable to control the amount of ice and cold in her palm. Maybe the trolls were right, even a fixer upper like her could be fixed over the time.

"Thanks Elsa. That was very helpful." He whispered.

She removed her eyes from his forehead and met his dark blue ones.

Even if he was wearing a hat and fake ice glasses the way he was looking at her, so intensely made her feel uneasy.

"This new generation," They heard a shrilling voice near them. "They have no respect at all. Being all indecent at mere daylight."

Elsa and Derek turned around. Their eyes spotted two wrinkled old grannies who had stopped near the spot the Queen and Prince were.

"What? You'd never seen two people sitting in the floor?" asked Derek provoking them.

The old women turned their heads again and let out a sound similar to a hiss.

"To do that in a respectable neighborhood. My, my." Said the second old woman. "Did you see where she was putting her hand?"

"I did. And did you see the way he was looking at her?" the other said. "That look is enough to be considered a sin."

Understanding now they were actually referring to Derek and her, Elsa removed her hand from his front head as quickly as possible to avoid any more misunderstanding. She joined her hands and rubbed them. Feeling already the embarrassment take over her. And soon enough the slightest frost invaded the floor they were sitting on.

The old women started to go away which Elsa thanked because they didn't seem to notice the ice below her.

But the young man next to her certainly did notice. And his face was telling Elsa he understood the reason behind the sudden frost.

"Oi!" Derek stood up. The old women turned slightly to glimpse at him.

"Yeah I'm talking to you, wrinkly pair of naphthalene pills!"

Both women turned around. They gave him a disapproving look and one even a sound similar to the hiss of a snake.

"Pardon our manners, for we are simply a tourists; she, a delicate lady and me a humble sailor." The Prince said producing a slight bow. But Elsa noticed his closing fists. "But your poisonous babbling is infecting this respectable neighborhood too much, it's also making me sick."

The old grannies hissed again but didn't answered back as other people in the street started laughing at Derek's last comment. Specially the children. But it hadn't been what Derek had told the old women but the way he had said it.

It didn't matter he was wearing commoners' clothes or that he was being daring towards the old women. Everyone, including Elsa had noticed his change in personality. She recognized the tone of voice he normally reserved for diplomatic affairs (just like she also did). For royals it might be normal to speak with a distinctive tone of authority; since ever they are children, they are taught to speak clear and direct; sending the message "My voice is Law." Of course not all the royals acted that way all the time, but they reserved their true selves for their private life.

But Elsa could tell the aura of authority a royal is born to, is not usual among the common folk. For a second later the people who had been able to witness everything, were now giving questioning glimpses at them.

"Um, Mister Sailor," whispered the Queen who was still sitting at the floor "I think your bloodline is showing a little bit too much."

The Prince blinked and then adjusted his hat and arranged his hair.

"Sorry," he whispered at her. Then in calm yet menacing tone he spoke again to the old women. "It would be very kind of you to leave before the trash man comes and takes you both where you really belong."

People who were now fully watching them were now gasping and some even cheering saliently.

Elsa feared more ice would appear after all those looks they were receiving. But surprisingly the ice didn't form. The embarrassment she had been feeling just recently had been transformed into something she couldn't name. It would always be a mystery what Derek's words had triggered inside of her, but they had been efficient enough to thaw the frozen floor.

The old women started to walk away.

"I'm telling you this generation has no limits!"

"Let's get out of here. My bunions are killing me anyway."

"Here, here."

Derek huffed then turned to look at the blond.

"Come on, Your Majesty," he said not caring if someone might be listening. "Our tour awaits us."

Derek offered his hand to help her get up.

She didn't respond since she was still out of words by his sudden actions. But still didn't hesitated to take his hand not caring how formal they might be acting to the others. Then as she took his hand couldn't help feeling more secure of herself.

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After the tower clock incident with the old women, Derek and Elsa kept their sightseeing tour as if nothing had happened.

They went to the "Royal Library of Yen Sid" named after the famous wizard who supposedly lived many eons ago. They took their time there admiring the architecture and checking a Shakespeare first edition collection, a gift from an ally Kingdom. Derek was fascinated especially by the cartography section that one of Elsa's ancestors donated once he retired from his travels around the world.

After leaving the library, they went to the shops area again where Derek bought a new set of poker cards with the coat of arms of Arendelle as decoration. Elsa bought a reindeer plush for Anna and some carrots for Kristoff and Sven. And she got a new box of crayons for Olaf. And taking advantage of the opportunity they agreed to split for a short time so they could privately buy their respective Secret Santa gifts.

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They were leaving "Flora, Fauna and Merrywether's magical fabrics". Not really paying much attention to their surroundings since they were deep in conversation about Derek's recent purchase.

"So you are telling me there's actually a difference?" Said Elsa as they walked over the docks wooden platforms.

"Your Captain of the Royal Guard might be exaggerating a bit too much. But there is an actual difference." Said Derek as he showed her his shirt. "Look, this is a training shirt. Its material is thicker for rough usage and it has less decorations."

"And this one," he said showing her his other purchase. "Is a formal dress shirt. Look how the stitches in the leaves and neck are more elegant. The quality is superior but less flexible. That's why mine became useless after that bloody pig teared it with its snout."

Elsa felt both fabrics with her fingers as Derek taught her.

"I can see your point now," she admitted. "What really surprises me, is that you would be quite an expert in haut couture des hommes. (*)"

"Toujours à la mode, sa Majesté. Toujours à la mode. (**)" He winked at her.

"Who would have guessed you were a follower of fashion trends." The Queen said surprised.

"Not really. I never understood the fashion industry," the Prince admitted. "Those people can be so clothes minded sometimes."

"Sure, and you don't enter into that category after all that thesis in fabric textures and qualities?" The blond said not minding his bad joke this time.

"Oh, I'm in stitches." The Prince laughed.

"That was one of your worst jokes ever Derek."

"Don't worry Elsa, I still have plenty more up my sleeve."

The Queen frowned slightly at him.

"Oh, don't give me that thread-full look Elsa. Someday you'll sew the fun in my jokes," he said as she only rolled her eye.

"Whatever you say Mister Fashion Is My Passion." She said forming a brief grin.

"Oh, look who's talking, Miss I Conjure My Own Ice Dresses Because Why Not" Derek said in the same sarcastic tone of hers.

"Being a dress specialist or not," the Queen said daring. "I still don't think a training shirt would have made a difference with your encounter with Sir Bacon."

The Queen's attention was turned to the shop cart they were passing by. She recognized it. Not many days ago she had had approved a permission to an old lady to put her flower shop cart near the docks. The Queen smiled as she glanced around the flowers and plants glad everything had turned out fine.

The Prince approached her not really paying attention to the flowers.

"I'm afraid you're wrong. If I had been wearing the proper clothes for combat I wouldn't have lost to that bloody pig. Not to mention I wouldn't have acquired that irrational fear to pig ears." He said pointing at his back.

The Queen let out a laugh. "When will you stop blaming that poor animal and accept you are responsible for the decisions you'd made."

"It wasn't my fault we fell to that fountain either." He defended.

"The fountain?" she asked turning to look at him. "I wasn't even referring to that. I was talking about your phobia on pigs' ear. You were the one who decided to bit him."

"Just pig-cause he bit me first."

"And the first counter attack that occurred to you, was to do the same?"

"Well, I would have use a pork chop attack, but it happened that he was all over me." He defended.

"You can be very obstinate when you want to. Did you know that?" she said now forgetting about the flowers she was supposed to be admiring.

"You mean as much as you can be a stubborn?" he replied daring.

"So what? Being stubborn wasn't the cause we ended up making a scene in front of an aged lady." Elsa said crossing her arms.

"First of all, don't let her age deceive you. The Queen of Drama will bury us all, I guarantee you that." Derek said sarcastically. "And secondly, don't try to get free from this. If my mind doesn't fail me, you can also get us into embarrassing situations. If only you would have announced yourself before I opened the door, I wouldn't have ended looking like a fool with no pants."

"Why would I have to announce myself?" she asked. "Last time I checked, you are supposed to attend your guests properly dressed. Are you that blunt or you're just trying to impose a new fashion trend?"

"I thought it was my father not the Her Majesty herself."

"Again with your excuses. What about the time you mistook me for someone else? You could have mistook me for a servant, your father… or even that damn pig! But no, I had to be a burglar."

"You have to admit you were acting a bit suspicious."

"Right, in my own study, with the candles lit." the young Queen added. "You are lucky I didn't scream when you hit me or I would have waken everyone at the castle."

"I just hit you with the pillow."

"The hardest pillow ever it seems. And wat about my desk? It all ended in a mess because of you."

"It was dark. I could not see." The Prince said raising his voice. "And you should be grateful."

"Grateful?" Elsa raised an eyebrow. "What for?"

"Because thanks to that night, you've been resting more. And you're starting to look more animated during breakfast." He said.

"Not that I approve your methods yet," Elsa hesitated as she tried to put aside her pride. Feeling a heat wave cover her stomach and body she finally muttered. "But I think I should acknowledge your help, so…Thanks."

"You're welcome. And not that I agree with you either but…" the Prince said while he scratched his neck and messy hair. "I hope this doesn't affect our agreement."

The Queen sighed.

"I cannot guarantee you the bunch of paperwork will ever decrease."

"We'll have to try and see." He suggested.

"Fine, but only because I know it'll be a waste of time to convince you to change your mind." She complied.

Both royals huffed and turned their backs at each other.

Elsa has never felt such need to punch someone in the face more than ever. Except for Hans, but even at that time Anna took care of it.

"Oh how romantic," said a pitched voice behind them. "It reminds me of my husband and myself when we were young."

Both royals turned around to the source of the voice. An old woman who Elsa recognized as the owner of the shop was walking towards them. She was a small woman and very wrinkled and had that typical warm granny smile.

"I know what flower will be the best to woo your girl young man. I've been in this business for many years, you see? And I got a good eye in my customers."

"Er… maybe your eyesight is not as good as it used to be." mumbled Derek. "We are not…"

"We're just friends." said Elsa, forgetting for a moment her quarrel with the Prince.

The old lady studied them and scratched her chin.

"Mhmm, mhmm…Of course you are." Said the old lady grabbing a white flower. "Well if that's the case this flower will suit you both the best."

The old lady gave Derek a small pot with a white flower inside it.

"Er, thanks?" Elsa said looking at the little flower.

"Uhm, don't mind me asking ma'am but, what in carnation is this called?" he said looking at the small white flower.

The Queen couldn't stop giving him a glare for joking at this moment.

"It's a gardenia flower." the old lady said proudly. "It makes wonders as aromatherapy, relaxation and to de-stress. Also if you mix it with the proper plants works as a great treatment for colds."

"A flower to deal with stress and colds?" he repeated. "Orchidding me?!" asked Derek said turning to look at the Queen. "It seems the old lady has a good eye indeed. Alright ma'am we'll take it."

"Please Derek, just stop it with the flower puns," The Queen took the flower from him.

And gave a better look to it. As been sponsor of the old lady's business she felt the need to help her. And maybe buying the flower would be a perfect opportunity to contribute.

"I won't deny it is a beautiful flower." Elsa said to the other woman.

"It is sweetheart." Said the old lady smiling. "No wonder gardenias are frequently chosen for wedding bouquets. They're simply lovely."

Elsa couldn't help feeling embarrassed at the old lady's last statement.

"Er, the stress remedy will be enough for us thank you." Said Derek also trying to hide his embarrassment in his voice. He took out some golden coins and gave them to her.

"Keep the change." Derek said as he and Elsa started to leave.

The old lady gasped.

"But young man. This is way too much for a single flower. I cannot accept it."

"Please accept it madam. Since we found your flower stand quite pretty." Said Elsa, which she meant.

"But …" said the old lady.

"We insist ma'am. Here let me carry it for you." Derek said to Elsa as he took the flower pot from her.

"Oh, such a Prince Charming you got here sweetheart." Said the old lady in a dreamy state.

"So I've been told." Elsa said rolling her eyes.

"Not to mention he's a candy to the eye." The old lady added.

Elsa laughed nervously and slightly nod to the old lady.

"Thanks for your time ma'am. But now we must leaf." He said as he put the flower pot inside a bag he had been carrying with all their souvenirs.

And then the young man smiled at the shop owner and started to produce a bow. Again!

When Elsa realized he was about to lower his full body, as royal etiquette demanded, the blonde stopped him quickly by grabbing his arm. Only Prince Derek of Rosendelle would bow twice a day when supposed to be disguised as a commoner. Only him.

"How many times do I have to remind you? Commoners don't bow." She whispered giving a warning look at him.

Derek smiled nervously. "Oops." He whispered back.

Then he regained his posture and spoke in the most un-regal possible way.

"Blimey, is that the time already?! Must go 'ome. Me needs to get a good snore and a tasty bite. Aye sir! But not before I get me pint first."

Elsa opened her eyes and gave him a questioning look.

"What are you doing?!" she muttered.

"I am trying to sound more like a commoner. Duh." he muttered back.

"Are you kidding me?" she whispered. "We are supposed to be town's people not pirates."

"Well I'm sorry but the only commoners I know happen to be marines." He whispered back.

Elsa rolled her eyes and turned to the old lady.

"You must forgive him madam." The Queen laughed nervously. "He gets delusional when he's hungry."

"Not worries sweetheart. My husband always spoke nonsense too when we started dating." Said the old lady.

"He does speak nonsense, but we are certainly not courting." Said Elsa.

"Whatever you say sweathea…" the old lady stopped talking as something called her attention. Her eyes focused in a banner pending on the post next to Elsa was standing. Then her eyes returned to Elsa and then back to the banner. "Say, don't I know you from somewhere?"

The Queen bit her lip and felt pull from her sleeve this time. Derek was pointing at something with his eyes. He was telling her to give a better look at the banner. Elsa followed his gaze and realization hit her. The old lady was probably joining the dots now that she noticed the profile of the Queen of Arendelle face in the banner.

"I…I don't think so. We're tourists here." Said Derek as he grabbed her arm and pulled her, "Good afternoon ma'am."

After that they left quickly avoiding the calls from the shop seller.

"Wait…I remember now…aren't you the baker's daughter Elise?" they heard the voice of the old lady yell behind. But they didn't looked back until they were out of sight.

"Of all terms to refer to dating you decided to use the word courting?" Derek asked as they stopped to take a break from their fast walking. "Now who is talking all Queenly here?"

"I cannot help it. It is the way I speak." She answered back.

"At least I try harder." He muttered.

"Only if you call trying harder to talk like a tavern drunk." She mumbled but loud enough for him to hear.

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The sound of the bells from the clock tower and the orange sky reminded the Queen the time.

"Maybe we should go back soon." Said Elsa. But none of them moved.

"Let's just wait a little bit longer." Derek suggested. "According to this guide map the sunset is worth watching."

She nodded and they found a place to sit and wait for the Sun to fade at the horizon.

After a while of playing "Guess the Kingdom by the Flag" under the night sky Elsa realized she never thought that sitting in a bench in the docks could make her feel so relaxed. Maybe the gardenia flower was already doing its wonders.

With the town's lights adding a serene view and with the sound of folklore music coming from somewhere near Elsa felt a little bit of envy of the villagers who lived in that area. She breathed into the salty breeze of the sea, mixed with a scent of cinnamon and felt even more at peace. Everything would have been perfect if only the smell of food wouldn't be so tempting to wake her hunger.

"It's late." Derek said finally. "And I'm starving."

"I know." She said taking a glimpse at her silver watch. "If I were not the Queen, Kai and Gerda would probably give me a lecture when I return."

They both smiled understanding they had to move.

Derek got up and pulled her up.

"We are not returning since I say so." He said.

"Why?"

"We had a deal remember? And that food smells delicious." The Prince smirked at her mischievously.

Elsa knew that look.

"Are you implying that we have dinner at a tavern?"

He was grinning madly.

"But what if we do not bend? What if they recognize us? Or worst, what if my powers…" Elsa was starting to worry.

"Elsa, you have to enjoy the moment. Besides the tour map tells wonders about local's restaurants."

The Queen thought what he said. Deep inside her mind she didn't want the day to end yet. Besides the tavern was not that far and the smell of food was actually very tempting.

Elsa sighed as she crossed her arms.

"I hate it when you are right." She said quietly.

"So you must hate me all the time." He joked.

"You really want me to introduce you to Marshmallow in his grumpy mode don't you?"

Derek smirked at her.

"I'll take the risk then. But before that, I'd rather do it with a full stomach."

Elsa just rolled her eyes.

"Also, we must be sure to be well disguised." he said as he arranged his coat and hat hiding his stare. "And her Majesty might need to hide that wild blonde hair of hers."

"Wild hair? Look who's talking the Prince with the hair that looks like a… what was it?"

"What?" he asked.

"The way Queen Violet called your hair. Oh, I remember now. A nest wasn't it?"

Derek grunted and both his hands went to arrange his dark brown mess of hair.

"Shall we then?" she asked as both of them ended arraigning their disguises.

"After you. Your Majesty."

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

When they entered the tavern Derek felt relieved that it was so crowded that nobody seemed to care that two mysteriously dressed customers had just arrived.

He still could not explain why he had suggested to come in the first place. He was staring to doubt what they would do if being recognized. But he did not want to go back yet. Not when Elsa was finally having some free time and the food smelled so well.

They took a sit in a table located in a corner very far from the crowd. It was a tavern but it resembled more a family restaurant. A man playing the piano at one corner. Some people chatting, dancing and others playing cards. Then he saw him. The Captain of the Royal Guard and Elsa's councilor sitting at the bar and giving their back to them. The man was with two other guards and they were ordering their dinner. Elsa must have noticed him too because she had put on the menu on her side to hide her face.

Derek was about to suggest to leave when a man with a big belly, probably in his fifties and who smelled of apple cider and cigar approached their table.

"What are you eating lads?" he asked as he took out a little notebook and a pencil.

Elsa looked at Derek pleadingly.

Derek did not know how she was able to communicate with just one look but he was certain he could understand her completely. She wasn't asking to leave just acting more precautious.

This time, Derek knew she was asking him to talk on behalf of both. It was clever from her, since the guards or Captain Jorgen might recognize their Queen's voice.

"What do you recommend us mate?" Derek said to the man.

"Well, we are famous for our roast beef special. You see lad, the secret is that we cook it with a special sauce. We cook the meat to the vegetables and herbs. It makes the meat absorb all the herbs sauce. The meat is accompanied by baby carrots and 'tatoes."

"Really? That sounds delicious."

"Yes it is lad. The recipe's been in my family for generations." Said the fat mat proudly. "And lad, please call me Lou. We're all friendly folks here."

"Well then, we are taking two of your specials Lou."

"And to drink? I don't think your lass would like a pint would she?"

Derek coughed a little at the mention that the man was calling Elsa his lass.

"Uhm, no. Maybe some wine?" he asked.

"Sorry lad. We're out of wine. Those guys over there just bought the lasts bottles I had."

Derek and Elsa turned to look at the direction Lou was pointing.

At the farther corner of the tavern a group of three men were playing what seemed to be cards. The Prince could tell they were far too drunk. The bigger one had a tattoo of a deformed skull in his neck. He was yelling at the fat one. The third one, who was as skinny as ugly was distracted trying to flirt with one of the waitress.

"Sorry about that lads. Those men are not from here. They have a Southern accent." Said Lou. "We normally have a good atmosphere around here. We might be a tavern but a descent tavern."

Derek wondered since when a tavern did not have some drunk customers.

"Not to worry Lou. Bring us something else instead. I'll let you decide for us."

After several minutes the food arrived and Karl brought them warm glogg to drink.

The man was not exaggerating. The food was delicious.

"This tastes great. I think I'll have to find a way to sneak back here."

"Agreed. And the glogg makes me feel like we are really in Christmas season." Mentioned Elsa as she took a sip from her wooden cup.

"Agreed, I could easily change this glogg instead of my favourite cinnamon tea." He said as he took another sip. "We should go on tour more often." he said taking another bite of meat and sauce.

Elsa left her cup and rested her chin on one of her hands. And turned to look at him.

"This will sound weird coming from me but, I might consider your idea." She looked at his eyes seriously. "Just might." She insisted.

The Prince raised an eyebrow.

"A might coming from you is like saying a sloth is willing to run." He joked gaining a stare from the Queen. "Who are you and what did you did to my workaholic friend?" he joked.

"You just didn't compared me to a sloth." Elsa said frowning but her failed attempt to hide her amused tone told the Prince she didn't mean it.

There it was again. The ghost of the memory of a blond Princess with a sweet smile matching perfectly with the one the Queen in front of him was trying to hide.

"Then why are you acting so philo-slothical then?" he winked at her as he rested his chin on his fist. Maybe another joke would trigger her smile again.

But her face showed quite the opposite of amusement. Even disgust.

"That was one of your worst attempt of jokes ever." She said rolling her eyes.

"I'll try my best next time." he said shrugging. "Just hang in there. You'll see my jokes will sloth-ly grow on you."

"Der…" she paused as noticing she almost said his name out loud. "Please, I am being serious."

"So am I." he said. "Just tell me, are you really accepting to do this again one day?"

"I said I might." The blond insisted.

"Alright, that you might do it again?"

"I admit it. Today I felt, well, normal."

"Elsa, you are normal." He whispered so that nobody would hear him calling her by her real name. "Do you really want me to start a lecture on you right here right now?"

She smiled bitterly at him.

"No thanks, the one's from Anna are enough." She said staring at the candle light as if a memory crossed her mind. "It's just that, today it felt good being just myself. Well, I wished I was not disguising in these clothes and glasses but you get the idea."

Derek understood what she meant. Elsa was not referring about her powers this time, she was talking about something also bothered him constantly.

"I understand what you mean. No title, no status, not expected to be the one everyone expects you to be." Today he wasn't a Prince; not even a sailor. He was just him. "Today, we are just we aren't we?"

Elsa's eyes shone a bright blue under the candle light and a sweet smiled appeared in her features. It was a different kind of smile, a more mature one and with deep meaning. Again that weird silence reigned between them. Derek wondered if he was just exaggerating and maybe time didn't actually paused.

To break the strange trance he decided he might say something else.

"Then it's settled. Next time the opportunity appears we might consider continuing our tour. But let's avoid battling adorable hares in the process, shall we?"

Elsa laughed at the mention of the hare.

"Deal." She said as she raised her cup.

Derek raised his as well. "Deal."

And they both clashed their wooden cups in symbol of agreement.

"So I'd never seen you around," came the voice of the waiter next to them "you lads are tourists or something?"

"Aye, we are." Answered Derek taking a sip of his drink.

The waiter turned towards Elsa.

"And you lass, don't talk much do you? Gonna leave your man to speak for ya?"

Derek coughed and almost drowned with his drink. As the waiter called him Elsa's man.

Elsa tried not to laugh at Derek's reaction and spoke to the man in a weak tone.

"I'm sorry," she faked a cough. "But last day I fell into a fountain and I got a cold." And she faked a sneeze. "That's why I don't talk too much."

"Oh, I'm sorry lass. But now curiosity is bugging me. How come you ended up falling into a fountain?"

"That'd be his fault." Elsa said pointing at Derek. "He was chasing a pig then bumped into me…." She coughed again. "Then we both slipped and… cof cof."

"Don't tell me! You two fell into the water." Interrupted Lou the waiter smiling widely showing his missing tooth in the right corner.

Derek's mouth was wide open in disbelief. He couldn't believe Elsa was actually telling a complete stranger the embarrassing story of the fountain and the pig.

The waiter laughed.

"I'll tell you I don't laugh very easily and you got from me a full smile. For that story I'll bring you desert. On the house!" And he left.

"Why did you tell him that?" asked Derek confused.

Elsa smirked at him.

"Because I wanted free desert of course." She said jokingly. "And also because it's the only thing that came to my mind."

The Prince rolled his eyes. He couldn't get her sometimes.

A few moments later, Lou returned with one plate with a big slice of Fyrstekake (the local desert) and two little spoons.

They shared the pie. The moment he put the spoon on his mouth the cake started to melt in his tongue leaving all kinds of sweet flavours in his mouth and craving for more.

"No wonder they called this the Royal Cake. It deserves a crown of its own." he said licking his spoon.

Elsa agreed with her head as she took another bite.

"Who would have thought the best food in Arendelle is served in a tavern by the docks?" commented Elsa once they finished their cake.

"Aye." Derek said. "It deserves an honorary mention within the national treasures of Arendelle, alongside the rock formation of a man scratching his bottom."

Elsa just laughed.

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

After dinner, Derek and Elsa decided it was time to finally put an end to their tour and return to the castle.

During most of the walk home was silent. Elsa had lost track of time plenty hours ago but seeing that most of the streets were empty and the market was already close she guessed it must be quite late already.

Neither of the Prince or she seemed to be in a real hurry. No words were exchanged when both of them decided to take the long route through the park and in a silent agreement they were both walking next to each other a slow pace.

They were crossing the bridge over the lake at the park when finally the Queen decided to say something. It was getting a bit too awkward to find herself trapped over and over again in those weird silences with him.

Arendelle looked so different at night without the loud crowds at the market or children playing in the gardens. The only sounds coming from their own footsteps and an orchestra of crickets in the background; being them the only audience to a particular night concert. Elsa allowed for once the music of the night to soothe her.

"You know," she started looking at her feet "I've been thinking about what you said at the pub." Mentioned Elsa as she admired the yellowish light from the lanterns.

He didn't say anything but did slightly glanced at her to let her know he was paying attention.

"Um," The Queen bit her lip as her right hand rubbed her left arm. "Maybe it's not a bad idea to do tours around Arendelle."

This time Derek stopped his walk.

"So your consideration of might go on another tour is becoming in a will?" he asked her.

"Not really. I have work to do." The Queen said also ceasing her walk.

"I can help you with that."

"I know," she insisted. "What I mean is different but you actually gave the idea."

"Moi?!" he asked pointing at himself a bit too exaggerated.

She nodded in agreement.

"In fact I was going to ask you if you could help me with it."

"Count me on, Your Majesty." He played a slight reverence. "Tell me what is on your mind?"

"It's just a thought but, I was thinking that Arendelle has more potential that my ancestors and I included thought. I believe it can become more that a country known for its natural resources or the one being ruled by the Snow Queen. I want Arendelle to be a touristic place too. It could help with the economy of the villagers and their business and also generate better trades with other countries in the future."

"No matter what you'll never stop working right?" the Prince nodded. We spent the whole day trying to clear your mind of royal duties and not much later, you want to put the rock formation scratching its butt in the map."

"I knew it was a silly idea." She admitted.

"You're kidding right?" the Prince laughed. "I think it's perfect."

"So you'll help me to cover a plan for it?"

"Err," The Prince hesitated.

"I understand." Elsa said feeling a little bit disappointed. She was not expecting a no for an answer to be honest. Derek looked distracted even a bit uncomfortable.

"Don't get me wrong Elsa" Derek said quickly. "I am more than flattered with the offer but, I don't think I am suitable for such task actually. You see, I am new to this tourist area. I don't think that being in a ship with only but water around you counts as going out."

"You?" She turned to look at him surprised. "But ever since we were children you always enjoyed planning tours around the castle, not to mention a certain one you convinced me to do outside the castle grounds. After all this years, I thought you'd become into an expert in leisure plans."

"You'd be surprised. I'm just an amateur." He said calmly as walked with his hands in his back. "Not that the idea never came to my mind before but, um," he hesitated again. "I, always ended aborting the idea of exploring out and went to the library instead. Or sometimes I rather ended at the rooftop of the school dormitories when I was at the Academy."

"But ever since we met," Elsa said as she remembered "You've always had that that thing…oh, how I should call it?" she was mumbling with her words.

"What thing?" he asked confused.

"You know," she insisted. "That thing, that… that spark in your eyes that said you were up to no good. Heavens you even show it now and then. In fact, that's how I recognized you after all this years."

Derek stopped walking and now looked surprised.

"Up to no good?" he asked amused. "That's really how you recognized me?"

Elsa bit her lip and turned her head slightly. She didn't mean to say that last thing out loud.

"Anyway," she said trying to return to the main subject. "Back then, you were always talking about exploring and such. Moreover, your thrill was so contagious that I found myself infected with your virus ever since."

"I'm afraid there's no cure to that." He said smiling shortly.

"Exactly my point." Elsa returned the simple smile. "If you still got it, because I know you do. Then I don't understand…"

Derek raised his chin and interrupted her just by giving her his characteristic deep glance.

"Why I changed? Perhaps," he said. His tone almost a whisper. "What should I say? I am constantly reminded of something that stops me every time."

Elsa felt a pinch in her back. There was something in the air that felt like a déjà vu.

"Back at the Academy," Derek said as he rested his back on the bridge railing. "I had so many chances to leave and mess around in the grounds of Corona. But instead I developed a habit of finding myself a good spot at the roof of the dormitories and just spend the rest of the day watching the sea."

Elsa wanted to ask something but still lost in her words couldn't.

Derek stared at her.

"I know that look." He said pointing at her. "Her Majesty is not satisfied with my answer isn't she?"

She simply nodded as she also rested her back to the other bridge railing, facing him.

"Isn't it curious?" he said. "That we royals are magnets to drama? And that most of the children's fairy tales are about Princesses and Princes like us pursuing their happily ever after?" Derek laughed. "Although we don't battle dragons, face the wrath of an evil stepmothers or receive a pumpkin carriage from our fairy godmother, right? We deal with the real things, just like everyone else."

The way he had said it. Elsa didn't know if he was being sarcastic or joking but knowing her own story and plenty of others she had heard from royals around the world she found the truth and irony in Derek's words. Rapunzel and herself being live examples to the point.

"Indeed." She finally said. Wondering if she were the character of a story, how she would be portrayed. The villain possibly and Anna would be the savior.

"Now I'm speaking nonsense." The Prince laughed at himself.

"No you are not. Although life is not always drama or a comedy," Elsa said truthfully. "We face tragedy far too often. I know because… because mine ended when Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven became my happily ever after."

Derek looked puzzled at her. As if he couldn't read her this time. And Elsa knew why. He might be aware of the Great Freeze of Arendelle she caused the day of her coronation. He was aware of her powers know, and to some extent he knew she was conservative about letting them lose. But Elsa had never told him about the reason her father kept the gates closed; or why she never wrote back to his only letter to him when children; or why she had freaked out earlier that day when she thought she had hit his chest with her powers.

"Elsa?" he muttered.

The Queen didn't want him to ask her about her own scars from the past. Not now when he was starting to reach something. It would be selfish to talk about herself without listening to him first. She would never forgive herself. It was a luxury to talk to his honest and serious side, since most of the time he would evade everything with his jokes or simply change the subject. But this time, something was different about him, he was not evading it.

"Forget about me." She said quickly. "This is you we are talking about."

He sighed and simply crossed his arms.

"Please." She said looking briefly at him then at her hands. She looked at him again. Derek's concern didn't fade but he didn't looked offended either.

"I swear I won't make any joke, if you ever you feel like talking." he simply said surprising her. "I shall not insist then." Elsa had expected him to answer back at her but instead Derek had decided to respect her wishes at the first attempt. In his unique way, but still.

Wow, now that's a first. Said her inner voice.

The blonde made a simple nod, partly thanking him for his respect towards her own demons and also to let him know she was not forcing him to speak either.

The young Prince took of his bunat hat and rubbed his hair.

"That thing you said I have," It was dark but not enough to hide the subtle change of his voice and the sudden lack of light in his sapphire blue eyes. "I might have seen it before in my mother's eyes. I must have inherited it from her."

That gloom smile. His serious tone and those damned eyes.

He's hurt.

Elsa didn't need magical powers to sense she was dealing with mined territory. She wondered if this was a good idea; after all she was –as Kristoff's said- a fixer upper herself.

"Mama was kind of a revel you know," Derek said surprising again the Queen by recovering his usual tone of voice. "She was a free spirit; like riding, fencing and especially liked to pretend to be a villager just for fun. I always wanted to join her, but she would always tell me she'd take me until I became much older."

By the tone he had said the last part, Elsa guessed the wish to join her mother in her adventures never came to reality.

"Funny how memory likes to mess with you." Derek smiled bitterly as he dropped a little stone to the lake machining it pounce three times. Then he continued.

"Every time I felt like exploring; every time I wished I could follow her steps, disguise myself and feel treated like a regular guy with no royal title; every single time I went back home for the holidays; all those times I would be reminded of her, which is good I think. But then the other memories would follow. Those strong enough to change your mood; those powerful enough to hunt you down until you feel like drowning in a dense atmosphere. Those haunting memories that wouldn't let you sleep or live. The kind of ghosts that cannot be hunted. The ghosts of your own past."

Elsa felt her throat dry. She could relate to that feeling so well she had to concentrate harder not to sympathize with her emotions to the level of covering the bridge with ice.

She sensed disturbance in his voice but he kept it to a minimum. His arms and face had tensed and she could tell he was taking deep breaths in order to keep talking normally. This might be the first she had seen him like that. And she didn't like it.

Elsa didn't know the details about the late Queen of Rosendelle death, but she did remember the day her parents received the letter containing the bad news. After learning the news herself, she had locked herself in her room feeling sad for the boy she once called a friend. Her mother had suggested her to write a letter to that boy, but young Elsa never did knowing that she would bring only but more suffering. The white strand in Anna's hair being the constant reminder of that.

Only years later, she would understand in flesh the same agony of losing a parent.

Form her own experience Elsa knew how difficult this topic could be she decided not to force him to say anything. The young Queen just nodded at him hoping he would understand she would still listen if he decided to continue.

For a moment he didn't say anything else but then his frown disappeared and he sighed relaxing his elbows and glance.

"After she passed away, my father became more passionate about everything. Maybe trying to follow my mom's example and to never take anything too seriously. That's why he is always telling what he says and tries to see the good side on things. Later after he learnt about what happened to your parents his yearning for the good old days and carefree behavior only increased with the years."

Elsa felt sorry for the King of Rosendelle. She understood too well the feeling of grief and the fear of losing family.

"After that, my father concentrated in training my brother to become the next King of course. Haunted by the current memories the castle would bring and also not wanting to be just a spare Prince I enlisted to the Naval Academy in Corona a few months after she died."

"What about your sister?" Elsa asked fearing the youngest member of the Andersen lineage would have suffered a similar lonely fate as Anna did.

"She stayed at the castle taking care of papa. They're always been very close." Derek laughed. "It's funny. She is just a child but she is the one who always takes care of Franz and my father."

"I can relate. Sometimes I feel Anna is the one taking care of both us." Elsa admitted.

"Such big role models we are, aren't we?" he asked in his normal joking tone.

"Not the best siblings to look up to, I'm afraid." She smiled softly sensing the normal Derek once again.. But then remembering something else she looked at him in the eyes. Wondering if he would answer to her question or evade it.

"Derek?"

"Mmm?"

"Earlier today, when I found you, or I rather say, when you found me. You mentioned you were hiding from Kai because of the kitchen incident." she sighed as she rubbed one arm of awkwardness. "But, was that the only reason?"

"You're learning to observe not only to see. Good job Your Majesty." The Prince shrugged giving her a thumbs up.

She shrugged as well.

"You are right." He nodded. "I saw something today that reminded me too much of her." He replied as he looked towards the lake behind of Elsa. His gaze fixed at three little ducks swimming behind her mother. Elsa followed the duck family with her eyes until they left the water and ran to their home inside a tree hole.

Derek sighed and spoke again when the ducks were not visible anymore. "I went to your study to leave the transport reports you asked me to check. Since you weren't there I took the liberty to leave them inside the green folder you always keep behind your desk. And then I saw it, right there next to the window. I have been inside your study plenty of times but never actually seen it carefully. But today I did, and I knew right away it was the same replica I also have back at home. Mine was a birthday present from her."

"You mean the ship model?" Elsa asked in order to confirm her guess. "The Wassen?"

Elsa's father had collected plenty of ship models when he was alive and now all of them were part of the decoration all around the castle. But still she knew which model Derek was referring too. It had been one of her papa's favourites, hence her father kept in his study, and so now did Elsa to remember him.

It was the replica of the Wassen Ship (*), a war ship that existed many centuries ago. Her father had told her the story of the war ship once. The ruler from that Kingdom had been too ambitious and on its first trip added too much cargo. The load of course had surpassed its capacity. And when the strong wind hit the sails, the ship sank almost immediately after it sailed from harbour. King Agdar would tell his daughters the Wassen's story as moral to always formulate a plan before acting foolishly.

"I see you also know about some ships history Your Majesty. It was a-boat time you showed your skills in observing too." Derek nodded in agreement while Elsa let pass his bad joke for this time. "Ever since I read about the ship I kind of became obsessed with ships and sailing. And…"

He made a pause, as his arms and frown tensed again. "Never mind, this is all nonsense anyway." He said as he turned around showing her his back. Elsa could see his face but did saw his hands pressing over bridge's banister. His gaze lost at his own distorted reflection of the lake. "It's not worth to be bored with my-"

"Then I dare you to bore me to death." She interrupted him while joining his side at the banister. She wasn't looking at him but at his reflection next to hers. Elsa tried to give him an encouraging smile. His reflection returned the small smile after a moment or two.

"Fine, get bored then. To be brief," he started. "It was kind of my fault my mom died."

Elsa fought hard to remain still instead of jumping startled. She was not expecting that kind of answer. She wanted to tell him almost immediately it couldn't be his fault and that he was probably being too dramatic. But the feeling of déjà vu once again tingling inside of her, made her stop her demanding. Instead she nodded at his reflection again and remained silent.

"Mama knew how much I liked to read about ships and sailing. So when she learnt about a place in Enchancia that built ships replicas in miniature she couldn't resist herself and secretly ordered one for me on my thirteen birthday."

"How sweet." The Queen muttered. Feeling nostalgic about her own mother.

"She was so excited that she even invited some relatives and organized a little party for me; my father would be the only one not attending since he being the King, had to attend some errands at the corner of our borders. I remember it all quite clear." He said pausing for a moment. "It had been as if Thor and Zeus had engaged into a fight of who had better beard."

Elsa knew he was only joking in order to keep the mood not that tense as before. Yet, she could tell he was struggling to keep his jokes to come as normal as usual.

"What happened?" she asked in a low voice.

"What had started like a swift rain had turned into a cyclone in mere minutes. Mom's present delivery had only made it to the nearest town but the post wouldn't dare to send someone to the castle because of the roads being damaged. The party didn't end well too. Since it had been organized at the outside gardens everything was ruined in seconds with the strong winds and my birthday cake became one with in the mud. And none of the invited guest made it due to the storm. So all in all, the birthday party she had planned turned out a mess. And then, me being the insensible brat I was, told her I just didn't care anymore and just excused myself to my room. If I hadn't say that …she wouldn't have felt so guilty… I was so stupid…I never thought she would've left to seek it herself…I, she… I should have stop her Elsa…I was so stupid!"

"I…I…" he tried to say something else but his voiced cracked making the Queen's chest feel pressed and her stomach shrink.

Not even knowing what she was doing, Elsa moved her hand briefly; her pinky finger just barely brushing his. It was almost imperceptible but he must have sensed it as a sign of support.

He cleared his throat and spoke again.

"Not caring about the warnings of the staff, she grabbed a horse and rode to the next town to fetch the present." He explained. "But the rain got worse. It became a full hail storm that damaged all the crops and floods in the valley. It became the worst harvest year for Rosendelle in years, but for us meant something even worse. My brother even if he was just a teenager, reacted first and took charge; sending every guard in her search."

"An... and then?" Elsa asked almost in a whisper, fearing the worst.

"A family of farmers found her and brought her to the castle. Her horse had slipped in the road while running and she suffered a heavy fall to a ravine. The horse had to be sacrificed. When they found her, she was still alive. In her bag they found a box containing my birthday present."

Elsa felt her blood fade away already sensing the end of the story was near.

"The doctor treated her and asked us to leave. But we could tell something was wrong when a man left in a horse in the search of our father. My brother and I with my baby sister in my arms refused to leave her side. The rest of the night she would come and go due to the high fever. The last time she opened her eyes she seemed to recognize us but wasn't able to speak or move. She looked so tired Elsa, so tired and yet…her eyes never stopped showing that, that tingling, that thing; how did you call it?"

"A spark?" She guessed feeling her own voice cracking.

He agreed silently with his head. "Then she managed a smile. I can tell she used all her remaining strength after that smile because…she never woke up again."

Elsa felt as his hand was slightly brushing towards hers. It might be minimum but she was surprised by her own actions when instead of backing away she tentatively stretched her finger and even more surprising when he stretched his as well; turning out with their pinky fingers pressed to each other.

"You know what her last words were to me before she left the castle?" He said turning to look at Elsa instead of her reflection. The Queen was also looking at him now. "She said, Derek honey, please be happy it's your birthday after all." He said almost in the tone of a sob or a laugh. "You might think I'm some kind of monster for not crying a single tear right now. But the thing is, I drained myself all I had for a lifetime that night."

It was then she saw the white snowflakes in his and hers clothing. It was a small area where the snow was falling, almost a circumference rounding them. Recognizing her magic, Elsa wondered if it would be safer to pull away her finger from his but as he closed the distance between them slightly she decided to let the snowflakes fall since no one was watching. And she decided to better concentrate in not letting her hand release any piece of ice and hurt him.

"On your birthday?" The Queen said in a hoarse voice. Feeling how his hand was shaking slightly, or was it her hand the one shaking? She couldn't tell the difference. To lose someone dear was sad; but to lose that person the same day of your birthday was –as Derek had mentioned it before – like a fairy tale with a dramatic plot twist.

"At least you know why I am not so fond of any kind of celebration." He said smiling bitterly. "I don't want anyone to pity me or my bad luck. As the years passed I became the reserved and annoying brat you are looking at. So now, the least I can do for her is try to enjoy life like she wanted me to. But never too much attached on things, or people because as you have experienced yourself, I am a magnet to trouble. Hence, whenever something gets too serious or boring I evade it with a good laugh."

He was smiling now. Normally Elsa liked to solve puzzles and had a talent with them. But Derek, was an enigma. After that experience how could someone turn out to be so…well so Derekable?

"I guess that's why you always have a joke for everything." She said trying to ease the mood.

"What is life without a good joke?" He said in a laugh. "A good pun is its own reword, Elsa."

He didn't look sad or distant anymore. Just relaxed and to her own surprise she felt the same. Causing the snow to fade away.

She had met his joking side; faced his competitive side and even discussed with the intellectual side. But this was the first she encountered with the sincere and maybe even vulnerable side of Derek; sharing his insecurities and past with her.

Thinking about her own parent's death and how she still blamed herself for not being able to convince them to not go to that trip filled her mind. She saw part of herself in him now. Never would she ever imagine that someone apart from her sister, would trust her to that level.

Derek let out another laugh.

"Seeing you're not yawning yet I guess I wasn't that boring. I guess." He said as he looked at their reflection on the lake. He didn't seemed to care about the snow covering his clothes and hair.

Elsa kept her eyes focused in the real Derek this time.

"Derek?" She muttered.

He raised his head and his eyes met hers.

Elsa took a deep breath and spoke calmly.

"Listen. I must be the least appropriate person to tell you this. But…"

"I don't need you to feel sorry for me. Or tell me it wasn't partly my fault because…"

The blond held her hand at him. He stopped talking.

"I won't." She said trying to find the right words. "Because, I trust you are smart enough to know your mother loved you dearly and that you carry no guilt. If not, I must have misjudged your intelligence."

Derek opened his mouth to say something else but couldn't as Elsa pressed slightly her finger on his.

"Please," she insisted "Just let me say this."

He remained quiet and nodded at her.

"I know your mother wouldn't like to see you hiding or running away every time you feel you're too much like her. It's in your blood. I am no one to tell you what you should or should not do but…"Elsa looked down. "I do know one thing or two about the consequences of isolating and hiding and what can bring to you and those around you. And if it were a story of the Crimm bothers it wouldn't end with a happily ever after." she made a pause as her stare became lost in her own thoughts. Then she looked up at him again. "Next time you feel that spark inside of you, don't commit the same mistake I did and give yourself an opportunity to be only you."

He looked at her.

"What if I don't?" he dared to ask.

"Please Derek, no jokes." She insisted.

"I was not joking." He said deepening his voice. "What if I already did?"

He took out something out from their souvenir bag. And she followed his gaze towards the object in his hand.

It was a small figurine. A replica of the rock formation they visited earlier. The rock had the shape of a man with a belly with his left hand scratching its rear.

The Queen couldn't hide her small laugh. This was so like him she couldn't hide her amusement.

"When did you buy this?" she asked as she took a touched the souvenir with a finger.

"When you were busy reading the sign." He explained. "Seriously what was so interesting in that description that took all that time from you?"

"I was reading about the sediments of the rock formation." She said as she passed her fingers over the souvenir doll to feel the rocky surface. "If I was going to visit the rock formation the least I could do was learn more about it."

He chuckled.

"Aww, to have such appreciation towards a rock man scratching his bottom. You'll make me go sedimental, Your Majesty." He joked as his hand also grabbed the toy. His fingers brushing slightly hers.

They most have look awkward to anyone passing by, luckily they were alone. Two shadows in the middle of the night, joining hands while holding a rock with an engraved butt and face as if it were the most interesting thing in the world. Not to mention their matching ice glasses, the circle of snow beneath their feet. And more and more as the two dark silhouettes began to form only one shadow little by little.

Strange indeed. But being all alone and in disguise she couldn't care less what others might say or think. Also thanks to the semidarkness her other senses could identify clearly all her surroundings. Something Elsa almost never let happen.

She let her lungs be filled with the fresh pine tree aroma. And as she did also the scent of cinnamon and salty water from the docks tickled her in the nose.

They might be alone but it that didn't meant everything was silence. The cricket's orchestra and ocean waves from afar playing only surpassing the sound of her own heart beating.

Suddenly she became aware of her lips and throat being so dry. Could he be feeling as thirsty as she was?

It is ironic how the mind works. As soon as some of her senses became more aware; others seemed to be turned upside down.

Not even knowing when or how did it happen - but fully aware that it did - Elsa found herself trapped in that recurrent and familiar trance.

Her sense of time must have been altered, or maybe she was feeling tired already, who knows? But the thing is that she couldn't say for how long they had stayed there just staring at each other while holding a joke of a souvenir.

In terms of measurement it felt irrelevant and yet still important. How long had they been like that? Minutes? Hours? Or maybe barley seconds? Will it end sometime soon? She wished it would, and yet a small voice in her brain agreed if it couldn't be that bad if it were forever.

Another sense that was malfunctioning in the moment was her fear itself. All her life she would have thought that fear was a negative emotion, or even maybe the result of evolution for warning of danger. That, was Elsa's dictionary and empirical definition of the emotion.

At least until now, because her fear at the moment was different from any past experiences. Whatever she was fearing about right now it was not of something harmful or negative. It felt almost the opposite. As in expectance of something. It was like fearing that something might happen. But at the same time fearing it would never happen. Her mind was a mess indeed. Maybe her body was too tired after all.

And finally there was that remaining functioning part of her brain, the one she could never shut down even if she wanted, that voice of reason or instinct or a mixture of both. That little voice that was actually screaming at her in alarm now. Forcing her to open her eyes to the sound of laugher and heavy footsteps from behind her.

Wait laughter?

The Queen opened abruptly her eyes and jumped startled to the source of it.

Derek had also opened his eyes and since his reflexes were far better than hers his body language was already in a defensive position.

"Well, well…look what the tide brought." Said a voice in a singing tone.

"A couple nay?" Said another with a harsh voice. "I hope these ones have much gold that the others today."

"Oh, look brotha'! A baby duck." Came a third voice.

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Derek opened his eyes abruptly. His nose almost touching Elsa's.

At other circumstances he would feel completely embarrassed and foolish, but right now his instinct told him that this was no time to worry about…

Nothing! Focus Derek!

He avoided immediately eye contact with Elsa and turned quickly at the source of the first voice.

Behind them there was a skinny man wearing an eye patch who was holding a knife. Derek immediately recognize him as one of the drunk men that were in the tavern.

He felt as Elsa pulled his coat. He turned his head and saw she was not looking at him but at their front. Her eyes were not afraid, but deadly serious. She understood too well their current situation, he figured.

In front of them there stood the other two drunk men from the tavern. The man with the skull tattoo was the scariest and possibly also the leader of the gang. The big man didn't had a knife but his muscular arms told Derek he didn't need them to crush someone to death.

The third man was fat and most of his teeth were gone. He was carrying a sac and his weapon was:

A wooden spoon?

Derek noticed they were trapped in the middle of the bridge. He had to turn on his brain for once and get them out of there as soon as he could.

Okay we have two lads in the front and one in the back. He thought.

He had to obtain all the information fast if they wanted to leave in one piece.

Thug number 1. Muscular yet small in height. Fights with bare hands. Possible leader. Prefers to brag and fights in short distance.

Thug number 2. Fat. Weapon of choice a spoon. Doesn't seem so clever and is not interested in robbing or fighting but big enough to block the exit.

Thug number 3. Thin to the bones. Right handed with kitchen knife as weapon. One eye patch on the left side which means he is vulnerable in his left side. One good eye still fixed on Elsa indicates he gets easily distracted and that he is a disgusting living being.

All in all, thug number 1 is the main threat. While number 2 deserves another patch on the other eye. Number 3 need to be taken out of the way.

"Brutus look they haf a bag. Maybe the money is thef!" yelled the fat one.

The tattooed man hit the fat guy in the back of his head.

"Shut up Karl! I told ya to not say my name when we are robbing!"

"I'm soffy brothef." Said the fat one.

"Say why don't you take that coat off lassie? I bet you'd look better without it. We can play to remove it, if you'd like." Said the skinny man behind them.

"I play with her first!"

"Can Karl play wif the ducks?"

"Shut up Karl!" yelled the other two.

"I'm soffy brotherfs". Apologized the fat brother with the spoon. Which didn't seemed too smart actually.

Derek felt his head boil the moment he heard the brother's intention with Elsa. Very slowly his hand went to his belt looking for his sword. But then remembered he had left it at the castle. And the baguette was also gone.

This is the las time I leave without my sword!

"Can you fight?" He whispered at her pointing at her hands.

"I can try." She whispered back putting the rock souvenir back at the bag he was carrying. "Although last time I did, it didn't turn out very well."

Elsa didn't sound so sure of herself by using her powers as a weapon. Derek wondered if it was related to what she almost spoke of today or not.

He shook his thoughts.

It doesn't matter now.

"We can't risk it." He whispered. "No ice for the moment."

"Then what do you suggest genius?" The Queen asked not amused. "That we improvise and run for our lives then?"

"Guess you can read my mind too." He told her.

"Hey! Stop talking and gives us all your money." shouted thug number 1 the leader.

"And jewels and rings!" said the second thug. "Or you can leave the lass!"

That's it!

He looked at Elsa and both nodded.

"Uhm, listen mates," Derek started. "We are don't have much. We are travelers and earn very few just enough to eat twice a day."

"Maybe they areth poor as usth." Said the one who seemed more interested in his spoon that in the actual robbery.

"Shut up Karl!" said his brothers.

Thug number 3, whose name seemed to be Karl looked down and started to play with his wooden spoon.

"I don't like games. Gives us the money! And if you lend us da girl we won't kill. We promise after we end playing with 'er you can have 'er back." said the leader.

"Yeah, but she will no longer be useful when that happens." Said the thug number 2.

Derek tensed but tried to keep his calm for Elsa's sake.

"We don't have much money." The Prince said trying to buy sometime to his brain to come up with some idea. "We work on the streets doing tricks and stuff."

"Ohh, canF you do magif?" aked Karl the not so smart brother.

"Yes magic! We are hex-cellent magicians. But not the typical cheap folk." Derek said taking out his silver watch. "We are among the circle of Sirfred and Ray or Danny Silverfield. Who do you think you are dealing with? Eh?! We were apprentices of Larry Hoodini himself!"

"You have to be kidding me?" Elsa turned to look at him raising an eyebrow.

"What?" he asked her. "Should I'd said cabbage sellers instead?"

"You forgot Benn and Seller." Muttered Elsa giving him the slightest tone of tease.

"Did you just-?" he muttered at her.

"I don't know if you have a plan or not but," she added quickly "We better work together if we want to get rid of these."

"I dunno Brutus, maybe we should go. I don't trust magicians." Said the skinny number 2, as he backed up a bit. "Those guys can take out a rabbit out of a hat. That give me the creeps, man."

"Karl don't wanna be a wabbit!"

"Shut up Karl!" yelled their older brother. "They're lying."

"We are certainly not!" Said Elsa loudly. "We are very powerful sorcerers and if you do not leave us alone, you shall feel our wrath!"

All men, including Derek turned their attention to her. It was inevitable when she used her Queen voice at someone. It spread power and pride. And in order to razzle dazzle them, a bit of show off was exactly what they needed.

"Shut up witch!" said thug number 1.

"Oh you asked for it mate!" Derek said as he pulled the sleeves from his coat and jacket. But he was stopped by the grab of the young Queen next to him.

"Hold on. I might have an idea." She whispered.

"Not so brave now gurl?" yelled the leader. "See, I told you they're just a bunch of liars!"

"Really? Well then…You at back." she pointed at thug number 3.

"Whof me?" asked the fat one.

"Yes you. Look at my watch now." Elsa said as she took out her silver watch. "I know you are the youngest of three brothers." Elsa held her own silver watch as she began to move it as a pendulum.

"Howth do you know?" asked Karl, thug number 3.

"She is guessing you fool!" yelled the leader of the brothers.

"I dunno man, she is freakin' me out." Mumbled the second brother.

"She is not." Said Derek, wishing Elsa had a plan. "She's the Wickedly talented Adele Dazem and I'm his partner er…" he thought for a name. "Glom Gazingo."

"I can read in your mind that you come from the South too." Said Elsa in a deep mysterious voice while holding the watch in one hand and putting the other in her fronthead.

"She is a witch! She knows we're from the South!" said in a scared tone the thug number 2.

"She is not! She … she can't be!" said the leader of the brothers but his tone told Derek he was starting to doubt his own judgment.

"Look at the watch Karl and listen to my voice only. Concentrate in my voice and nothing else. I put a spell on you, and now you are mine." Said Elsa in the sweetest yet chanting voice she could muster.

Even Derek had the urge to listen to her enchanting voice.

Is that one of her talents now? He wondered.

She turned to look at him and mouthed with her lips the words "your turn".

Derek nodded and took out the deck of Poker cards he had bought earlier. And looked at her again.

"I put a spell on you and now you're sleepy." Elsa's voice could be heard. "very, veeery sleeeepy".

"Karl is sleepyf."

"Man let's get out of here!" yelled the thig number 2.

"I won't leave without my money!" claimed the leader.

While the other brothers were yelling at each other thug number 3 was fighting badly to remain awake to everyone's surprise and possibly even Elsa's.

"Ptss..Derek," She called him while keeping her eyes in the sleepy brother. "Maybe you could use your brilliant brain now?" she whispered as she looked at the Prince.

"I'm on it." he said. "On my signal, we run."

She nodded and he winked at her.

"When I count to three you'll become a rabbit. Rabbits love carrots". The Queen continued.

"Me a wabbit. Il loaf carroths." The fat thug repeated.

Derek took out his deck of cards he bought today earlier and a bit of dirt from the flower pot. Then he approached the tattooed brother and leader of the gang.

"What are ya up to boy?!" said the ugly man.

Derek tried to keep still since the man's breath was more like a dragon's breath.

"I cannot let my partner to show the best of her tricks and make me look like a fool. I must show my talents to the crowd too." Derek said moving his hands like a presenter and taking of his hat in order to salute the invisible crowd. "Thank you, thank you."

"I don't like this." Said the second brother, the one who was blocking the bridge on the other side. "I.. I… wanna go."

"Shut up!" yelled again the leader.

"Remember on my count you'll be a rabbit." Elsa's voice was heard. "One."

Derek put on his hat again and approached the end of the bridge. He stood right in front of thug number 1. Their main threat.

"For my next trick, I'll need a volunteer." The Prince asked imitating the best he could a circus presenter. "Your sir, the gorilla, look like the good lad who will ape-preciate a good magic trick. Thank you for volunteering-"

"Stop your stupid tricks! Give us the money or I'll punch you!" the man yelled at the Prince.

"You wouldn't hit a man in glasses would you?" said Derek while he tried to arrange the cards in his hand.

Then to Derek surprise, Bor took off the ice glasses from his nose and hit him hard in the face with them.

"Ow, ow, ow!" the Prince winced in pain. "Now, now. We don't want you to go all bananas. At least not yet."

For a moment Elsa stopped what she was doing and turned to look at Derek with a worried look. He gave her quick assuring smirk and turned again to the gorilla man.

"You hit a man who wears glasses with his glasses, I'm not even mad, I'm actually impressed. Good job Mr Fresh Breath." He added deciding to stop with the monkey jokes for the time being.

"Shut up already! Giv' me the money!" the man yelled.

Then an idea popped into Derek's mind.

"Money? Good guess sir. For my next trick I'll make money appear." Said Derek as he mixed the cards and made many hand gestures.

Suddenly the leader seemed to be now interested in his magic trick.

"Two…" Elsa's voice could be heard. Though she kept giving worried glances at the Prince.

"Wabbit…Carroths...wabbit…carroths…"

Derek knew he didn't have much time before they realized Elsa wasn't actually hypnotizing the stupid brother, and that he wasn't making any money appear soon.

"Money? Can you make money appear?" The big brother asked. "Show me!"

"Aye, I can Mr. Piano Teeth!" Derek as confident as he could. "Please pick a card." He said as he showed him the deck.

"Let's forget da money. They are scary folks." The voice of brother number 2 said.

"Shut up Karl!" said thug number 1.

"I am not Karl!" demanded thug number 2.

"I'm a wabbit no Karl."

"Shut up Karl!" yelled the other brothers.

"Wabbit. I'm wabbit!"

"That's right Karl. Rabbits love carrots." Chanted Elsa in a deep and sweet voice.

"Carroths!"

Derek was amazed for a moment. Had actually Elsa been able to hypnotize the fat one?

Is there anything she can't do? He thought.

"I took da card! Where's da money!?" yelled the scary bother pushing Derek with his hand.

Derek stepped back to balance himself and took a deep breath. He made a silent prayer to the almighty hoping his idea would actually work.

"Just wait. Don't start monkeying around yet." The Prince said as he exchanged glances with Elsa. "Now put the card back and imagine all the money you want."

"Ha! That's easy. A trizillion bunch!" Yelled the leader happily.

The Prince fought the urge to respond to the man that such sum didn't even existed but he managed to keep his act.

Derek mixed the cards again and started to chant words he had read once in a children's book.

"Sala-gadoola-menchicka-boo-la, Bibbidi-bobbidi,…." Derek made a pause as he moved his hands faking an enchantment.

He turned to look at Elsa who was also looking fully at him waiting for his signal. They nodded at each other.

"THREE!" yelled Elsa as she snapped her fingers.

"BOO!" yelled Derek as he threw all the cards at the man's face and also a bunch dirt from the flower pot into his eyes.

"Arg! I can't see!" the leader of the gang screamed as he took several steps back.

"I'M A WABBIT NOW. I NEED CARROTHS!" the voice of the stupid brother was heard next to them.

"Look, your brothers are now carrots! Go get them!" said Elsa as she reached where Derek was.

"Carroths!" cried the hypnotized brother. He passed Derek and Elsa and jumped over the brother behind them. Their path was finally free.

"Get off! Karl get off! OW! Don't bite me!" yelled thug number 2.

"Let's go!" said Derek he said to her.

"Not so fast! The money! NOW!" said the very irritated leader of the brothers. He could barely see with all the dirt in his red eyes. But still all those muscles looked quite deathly.

Derek didn't think twice and kicked the man in the gut making him fall in pain.

The Prince took the Queen's hand and their bag of shopping. He pulled her and Elsa didn't need to be told to also start running. They started running as fast as they could.

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Behind them they could hear the voice of three brothers. But none of them dared to even give a glimpse back.

"I'm gonna kill him!"

"Stop biting me! I'm not a carrot!"

"Carroths!"

"Wa…wait!" she panted "I got an idea." Said Elsa as they kept running.

Trusting the Queen of Arendelle to have a better knowledge of their whereabouts, Derek nodded at her and let her guide them. They gave many turns. Left. Right. Right. Across an alley. Left. Turn. Another turn. She never hesitated as he pulled him around the buildings and alleys.

Until she made them stop at the front docks; not very far from where the larger ships anchored.

Elsa took off her coat and shawl revealing her already messy platinum blond hair fixed in a bun.

"Take off your coat and hat. Quick!" She ordered in a hoarse voice.

Not even having a time to take a rest Derek did as she requested not daring to ask why.

Suddenly she made appear out of nowhere two human size ice figures who resembled them. The ice sculptures looked exactly like the disguised version of them. Except that they were rather blue and transparent.

"Help me dress them up." She said as she was already taking off her shawl and coat.

He did as she asked and helped her cover the sculptures with their coats, hat and shawl.

When they did Derek asked.

"Now what?"

"We hide and then we run as fast as we can." She explained.

They found a spot behind some barrels that contained sugar and waited.

Derek still had no idea what was Elsa pretending to do with two ice clones of them, but he had learnt to trust her.

"There they are!" said the leader of the brother's voice.

"Let's get 'em!" yelled a very angry second brother.

"Carroths!"

"Shut up Karl!" yelled the elder brothers.

Suddenly as they ran fast towards the ice sculptures Derek saw as Elsa shot a blast of ice at the wood planks. Turning the floor slippery.

Then she seemed to push something invisible to the eye with both hands, but the Prince felt the wind to blow weirdly in their direction. The three thugs pushed by an invisible force, slipped and …

"Whooaa!"

"Carroths!"

"ARGHH!"

Their faces met solid ice causing a loud CRASH! Followed with a big SPLASH!

"ARGH I can't swim!"

"The water is freezing! I can't feel my…"

"Carroth!"

Elsa and Derek raised their heads and laughed under their breaths as they witnessed the hilarious scene before them. He bit his tongue while she covered her mouth to hide their laugher. They exchanged looks and before he could say anything to her, the sound of footsteps coming from the guards' post made Derek realize they still had to return home.

"We need to leave before the guards see us." Said Elsa as she made all the ice disappear in an instant with a wave of her left hand.

"Couldn't agree more." Derek said as he crossed the bag of souvenirs over his chest and took her hand out of instinct. "Come on."

Once again they ran as fast as they could. This time, both of them knew their destination and didn't stopped running until they made it safe and sound. Without the coats it was easier to move and they managed to arrive to the castle soon.

The two guards who were standing at the gates gave them curious looks but remained in their posts still. For once, Derek thanked Elsa and his royal titles to not attacked with an interrogatory.

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The moment the footman entered the kitchen to report about the Queen's arrival, Kai stood up from his chair and left his half sandwich and book unattended at the dinner table.

"You," the man called one of the maids that had already finished her dinner. "Prepare a tray of tea and meet me at the end of the hallway. Come on hurry!"

As soon as the maid joined him he ordered to follow her.

"Sir? Why did you asked for two types of tea?" the girl asked.

The butler's only answer to that question was a disapproving look making the maid understand it was none of her business to ask about their employers tea flavours preferences.

"But sir," she insisted. "The Queen always drinks peppermint."

Kai ignored her the moment he spotted a platinum blonde hair reaching the stairs.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness." the butler called loudly enough for the young royals to hear. The Queen and Prince stopped when the man approached. The Prince almost falling as his name was heard.

He bowed at them not even trying to hide his typical frowned expression. She didn't need to notice the relief in his voice either as soon as he saw her. But behind that mask he had been more than concerned when the Queen and her acquaintance of a Prince had not yet returned from their horse riding; an activity in fact not quite expected from the ruler.

Of course she was the Royal Majesty and rightful ruler which meant she had every right to keep her private life in private. In fact, she more than anyone deserved - just as Princess Anna had clearly stated before she left- some free time. Not to mention she was a responsible and intelligent young adult capable enough to take care of herself.

Yet, to Kai's eyes, no matter how many years would pass, Elsa would always be to him that little girl with tender smile and beautiful eyes. She was still, the little girl that would ask for his help to cover up the sister's mess after a game session. She was still the Princess that would sneak out all those nights to check on Anna's sleeping and then go back to her room. She was still that clever girl he knew ever since she was born.

"Goo…ehem," The Queen coughed "I mean, good evening Kai."

"Good eve…" Derek coughed as he placed a hand over his chest. "Eve..." he took a deep breath. "What…what she said."

Evening? The main butler thought. He glanced at the grandfather clock resting in the wall behind the Prince. It was passed midnight, but he decided to leave that information to himself.

Kai looked at the Queen more carefully now. Her hair was a mess and her face looked flustered and a slight blush covered her cheeks. He noticed her irregular breathing with her chest raising up and down. Had she been running?

Kai's eyes opened as big as plates when he saw the dress she was wearing. Those common rugs could never belong to a monarch's wardrobe. So lame and simple. Her Majesty deserved only the best fabrics from the best designers. Why would she wear something like that when with a swirl the Queen could conjure her own attire?

A cough from the other royal in the room called his attention now.

The man turned to the Prince who looked all red in the cheeks as the Queen. He was also wearing civilian clothes but not a coat, which Kai found quite stupid since they were in the middle of winter. The Queen might not need one, but last time he checked the Prince of Rosendelle didn't have any cold tolerance.

And that hair! The butler wished he had a brush and some scissors right now. With a quick cut here and there, he could put an end that rebellious abomination of hair. It is commonly known that a respected man only fashions short hair. But this youth nowadays, with no sense of chivalry or dignity!

The Head Butler would never understand the Prince's rebellious strands reaching his collar bone. So much hair covering part of ears and front head. What was he willing to attempt? It was far to become a mane but still…Only lions were meant to have manes. And not to mention the absence of sideburns.

Such anarchy. The butler thought.

"Water…I need water." The young Prince coughed again and before anyone else could say anything, he grabbed one of the cups the maid was carrying and poured some water in it. Kai didn't hide his disapproving glace at how rude and uncivilized he was acting.

"Derek wait!" The Queen said the moment she realized his intentions. But it was too late, the moment the young man's lips touched the liquid he dropped the cup and cried in agony.

Great, the butler buffed unamused. Now the one hundred collection of ceramic cups is to be named the ninety nine collection.

The man wondered if he could refer to it as the one hundred minus one collection instead. He never liked uneven numbers.

"Owth! It's hoth!" The Prince said in a weird voice. His lips looked red and his words sounded weird due to the burn in his tongue."Hoth!"

"And what did you expect silly?" the Queen said as she covered her front head with her palm. "It's water for tea. It is supposed to be hot." She continued while giving the young man a look of disapproval.

"I wasth thirsthty." The Prince said as he fanned his tongue with his hand.

"What's the use of having a brain if you don't use it then?" Elsa muttered as she took the other cup from the tray and poured some more water. She made a quick swirl with her index finger and soon the hot water stopped steaming. While the cup obtained a slight cover of frost.

"Here," The young Queen said offering gently the cold liquid to the pouting Prince. He took it with no hesitation and drank in slowly this time. "Just, be careful, it might be too cold."

"I'm not thath stupid. Ow..ow.."

"Told you."

"Sothy, my bad."

"You sound funny." She giggled.

"Yeah? Well youth hair looks funnyth tooth."

"Look who's talking?"

"My hair isth divergent. It canth not be controlledth."

The Queen rested her hands in her hips.

"Neither you are."

"Oh, just brush ith off Your Majestyth."

"Please don't…" The Queen rolled her eyes.

"What?" The Prince smirked. "You didn't seeth that comb-ing?"

"Stop with the hair jokes."

"Oh come on, ith can't be that hair-rible?"

"It sounds even worst now with your tongue being hurt."

"I moustache you a question. Do you have a mane problem with my hairth or noth?"

"Derek." She warned him letting a small snowball form in her hand.

"Fine, I'll shave ith for later." He smirked again.

"You better be." The Queen said moving her fingers in quick swirl making the snowball dissapear.

"Sir?" the voice of the maid came into a whisper. "I think they forgot we're still here."

Then maid was looking at the butler with a questioning look, probably wondering if he was going to interrupt the young royals or not. Kai, turned at her and formed a frown at her.

I realize that. He thought.

Maybe it would be for the best to excuse themselves and leave them alone with their, whatever they were doing. Joking? Playing? Arguing? Chatting?

But as much as he would like to, duty came first.

He knew Queen Elsa, and as much as she acted carefree she would never forget her duties. She was so like her father in that way. So, deciding it was the best thing to do, Kai cleared his throat loudly enough to be noticed.

Both the Queen and Prince stopped their peculiar interaction of words and gestures the moment they heard him. By the way they were looking at him with puzzled looks it was clear they had both assumed they had been left alone for a while.

"Your Majesty," Kai said in his usual formal voice. As if pretending him and the maid had witnessed nothing out of the ordinary. "I thought you would like to know that after the third meeting no appointment was presented for today. Although while you were in your rendezvous His Highness Prince of Andalasia made an appearance at the Castle grounds."

"Prince Robert?" asked the Queen surprised. "I don't remember he appointed a meeting."

"Maybe heth just wanted to askth you forth a dance at the Winterth Ball." Mentioned the Prince.

"He what?!" asked the young Queen looking at Derek.

"Oh, didn't Ith tell you?" Derek said crossing his arms. "According to the Queen ofth Drama Prince Boring isth quite interested in you. He asked her lots of questions aboth you and the Ballth. Queen Violeth, said he was all shy. She says you got yourselfth an admirer everth since you postponed thath meeting and shut Lord Dracula big fath mouth."

"Great." The Queen said. "And I thought the rock statue with a butt would be the weirdest thing of the day."

The Prince laughed. "Couldn't agreeth more." He said.

The maid let out a small snort at the election of words of the Queen. Which gained the maid another disapproving glance from the Head butler.

Fighting the urge to remind the Queen that there were other ways to refer to a person's backside he cleared his throat again.

"Er, actually Your Majesty, Your Highness," He said waiting for the royals to pay attention to him once more. "His Highness Prince Robert visit was with other intentions."

"See?" said the Queen to the Prince. "His visit was for business not, not…" she made a pause as she rubbed her hands together "Not that…"

"Courting?" suggested the maid innocently.

Not only had the maid received a disapproving look from the butler but even from the Prince as well. The Queen jumped a little while her eyes were set suddenly in her shoes as she rubbed her hands even more.

"Er, not quite Your Majesty," said the butler quickly. "When I spotted him near the entrance he claimed he was actually looking for Master Olaf."

"Olaf?" asked the Queen forgetting about the maid's improper behavior.

Kai nodded. "Indeed. According to Prince Robert, they were friends and since Master Olaf has been missing for the recent days he wondered if something bad had occurred him."

"Ith remember nowth. Olaf said he made a newth friend." said the Prince. "Who would have thought ith was Princeth Boring all along."

"Derek don't call him that."

"Fine, Princeth Lame is it."

The young Queen ignored him and turned to the butler once more.

"Kai, what did you told Prince Robert about Olaf whereabouts?"

The head butler arranged smiled gently at the Queen.

"I told him, he was away visiting some friends. Nothing about Mister Bjorgman's family or the place he was staying of course." he explained noticing the relief in the Queen's and even in the Prince's faces.

"Speaking of Iceman, don't youth think heth and the others should be backth already?" The Prince asked the Queen.

"According to Anna's letter they should be back tomorrow." Answered the Queen.

"Well, the partyth must have rocked to taketh two days to be celebrated." He smirked mischievously at the Queen.

"I'll add that to one of top ten of your worst jokes ever, honestly." The Queen said crossing her arms.

"Aw, come onth, you have to admith that was a good one." The Prince said to her. "I'm doing the asbestos Ith can. Some jokes just fluorite out of my head. Youth could say it's a pyrite life for me."

"That's it. I'm leaving." The Queen said giving her back at the Price. "Kai, Daisy you are dismissed. Good night everyone."

"Good night Your Majesty." Said both the butler and the maid while giving the right bow and curtsy.

"Fine Ith won't boulder anymore." The Prince said loud enough for the Queen to hear upstairs. "That was the last oneth. Ith swear."

Seeing the Queen didn't answered back the Prince turned around and met the butler and maid. He just shrugged giving them a slight smirk.

"Sothy about the cup," apologized the Prince as collected the pieces from the floor. "I'll get a newth one forth Elthsa."

"There's no need your Highness." Said Kai recognizing the Queen would insist it was worthless to make a fuss over ninety nine cups instead of one hundred when only two royals lived in the castle.

"I haveth to get her a birthday present anywayth." Insisted Prince Derek "Anna told me ith was on the twentyth one."

"It is Your Highness. If would like, I could give you the reference to a ceramic shop. You can get her a fine collection of tea cups with jars and …"

"Thank you. But you see I got a cupon from thisth guy Oaken. Maybe he can show me goodth stuff." The Prince said shrugging. "Oh, let me carryth that forth you miss. Daisy isn't ith?"

"It is Your Highness." The maid flushed while a wide and almost creepy smile appeared on her face. And had it been Kai's imagination or did the maid sniffed at the Prince when he took the tray from her.

He should have called the maid's attention but his mind was already busy with the last comment the Prince had made. To buy Queen Elsa's birthday present at Oaken's; and not shameful enough with a coupon nonetheless.

Has he lost his mind? She is a Queen you cheap fool! Kai didn't feel so pleased. Of course the young Prince obviously had good intentions and all. The butler would always be thankful for him saving Princess Anna when they were children. And for that reason, the Queen trusted him to the extent to tell him about the trolls.

Yet his carefree personality was probably the cause of the Queen escapade today not to mention his buccaneer vocabulary was starting to be a bad influence of the poor innocent Elsa.

"Oaken's, For real?" he muttered to himself the moment the Prince said his goodbyes and ran behind the Queen. Honestly I don't understand why Queen Elsa has him like a friend. At least Mr. Bjorgman and the reindeer are more civilized.

"So you were waitingth forth me. I am flattered Your Majestyth," the voice of the Prince came from upstairs. "Care for some teath before sleep?"

"Teeth?" sounded the voice of the Queen. "Don't you mean tea?"

"Thaths what Ith say. Teath."

A single laugh from the Queen with her voice saying "Alright." were heard.

"So," the distant voice of the Prince was heard again. "You think ath the troll partyth they all end stoned by the mushroom consumption."

"Ow my nothe!"

"You asked for it."

"Yeah Ith deserved that."

Another snort from the maid made the butler leave his attention to the Queen and cheap Prince for once.

"Daisy," he said menacing "What have I told you about eavesdropping on other's people conversations?"

"I'm sorry sir," the girl apologized. "It's just they're so fun to watch. I think I've never seen the Her Majesty act like that. You think the handsome lad will stay for the holidays?"

Kai gave her another disapproving look.

"You shall always refer to him as His Highness not handsome and not ever lad. And what Her Majesty likes to do in her private life is not to be a gossip matter is that clear. Pity his jokes are so bad. The Queen deserves a medal for dealing with them."

"Yes sir," the girl looked embarrassed. "But you gotta admit he is a candy to the eyes."

"In your opinion maybe."

"Not only me sir," the maid defended. "Almost all the girls think the same. Even Gerda has agreed to it."

"I do not care if he is the Adonis of our era, rules are rules and you shall refer to him as His Highness."

"What's an Adonis?" the maid asked.

"Am I being clear?" Kai said in a firm tone.

"Yes sir. I'm sorry sir." The maid apologized again. "Changing subject, did you hear it sir? When the Queen said butt? I almost burst out laughing. Oh, I can't wait to tell the girls everything about…!"

The maid stopped her squealing the moment Kai gave her the sternest look he could master.

"Er… I mean. I can't wait to get to bed."

"Not after you clean the carpet."

"But it's just water that was spilled." The maid said. "And it's already dry."

"It is dry. But I need an excuse to keep you busy until the rest of the staff go to sleep and you can't tell them any gossip."

"Oh, they'll wait for me anyways." The maid said quickly.

The main butler cleared his throat in a menacing tone.

"But I won't because gossip is bad, isn't it?" she added trying to avoid looking at him in the eyes.

"Indeed it is." He said rubbing his temple. "Alright, you are dismissed."

"Thank you sir." And the maid left with a suspicious giggle.

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After climbing the long spiral stairs they walked directly towards the library, where they knew no one would bother them.

Derek set the fire in the chimney and then let himself fell over the couch next to a very also tired Elsa. Both of them took a moment to remain silent and drink their teas. Luckily Elsa kept an extra cup in the library.

She turned to look at him. And her eyes went to instant shock.

"Oh my, Derek you are bleeding." she said a bit alarmed.

"Whath? Whereth? Howth?" Derek was asking surprised.

"Probably when that giant man hit you with the ice glasses. You have a thin cut in your left cheek."

"Don't worry, it doesn't hurt."

"Don't be ridiculous, we need to attend that wound before it gets infected. I can't believe I didn't notice the blood before. Wait here." She commanded him. "And I mean it."

"I can't moveth anyways. I am beaten forth todayth." He answered.

Elsa just ignored his exaggerate voice and then stood up from the couch and ran fast to the kitchen to fetch some alcohol and bandages.

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"Ow..ow..ow…ith burns!" Derek said as another piece of cloth stained with alcohol was pressed over his skin.

"Don't be such a cry baby. Heavens, with your burnt tongue you even sound like one." She said as she removed the cloth from his cheek. "There, I finished."

"Thath thing stings asth hell." He said. "You would be crying tooth if ith happened to you."

The Queen rolled her eyes.

"I won't say anything this time since your magic trick with the cards was actually pretty clever." Elsa admitted.

"You areth kidding right? My trick was nothing inth comparisthon to your hypnosis enchantmenth. I almosth thought you had realth magic powers."

"I do have magic powers, although of different sort." She laughed.

"And thath thing you did with the iceth sculptures was brillianth. Honestly Elsa, howth did you came up with such a good ideath."

"I don't know, I guess the urge to avoid getting us to be killed helped a lot."

"Pointh taken." He admitted. "And did you see howth that skinny guy was so scared. Ith bet he'll need new trousers now."

"Yes, I did notice." She laughed. "And that big tattooed guy he made a funny face the moment he fell into the water."

"Who the gorilla?" he asked as she nodded. "He started yelling, Helf helf, I can't swim…Mommy Helf"

By the Prince excellent imitation of the leader of the band the mood turned really good between the two of them. Suddenly they were chatting freely.

It was odd, today Derek had told her about her mother's death and how he blamed himself. Something he had never spoke with anyone ever. And yet he didn't remembered the time where he hadn't had so much fun in a single day.

They talked about their day and agreeing that at least tonight Elsa would not go to her study to do her paperwork. And their night dance rehearsal was also cancelled.

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Maybe it was the tea, or cozy atmosphere but the tiredness started to grow on them. The heat from the fireplace was very pleasant. And the sound of the sea waves were working as a lullaby to Derek's ears. The sea had always help him to ease his soul and mind.

"I'm sorry about your cards. I was hoping I would beat you with your own deck." She said as she stared at the white gardenia flower that now rested over the coffee table. The Queen's voice suddenly seemed sweeter and far more pleasant than the sea waves though. Maybe she did have a way to hypnotize with her voice.

The Prince smiled at her comment.

"Never mind. Ath least the rock souvenir is safe and sound."

She smiled shortly at his comment.

"Ith was thinking about your hypnosis trick." He said not noticing that his voice disability was almost gone. "Maybe you should open your own business asth a divinatory. You could call yourself the wickedly talented and oneth and only Adele Dazeem."

Elsa turned to look at him slightly frowning and slightly amused. She looked tired but her eyes had a thing that made them shine anyway.

"Only if my good partner Glom Gazingo is there to entertain the audience with his bad jokes."

"ICY you're praising my good senseth of humour nowth." He added.

He was hit with a little cushion.

"No snowball hith this time?" he asked her.

She smirked tiredly. "If I weren't as exhausted as I am I would conjure a whole mountain of snow over your head right now."

He chuckled sleepy at her.

"No need to tell me Your Majesty. Just some minutes ago I sawth what you are capable of with a wave of yourth hand." He took a pause as he remembered something. "By the way, you did improve a loth."

"What do you mean?" she said as she tried to hide a yawn miserably with one of her hands.

Derek also yawned.

"Remember thath time? When we wonth the snowman contest. Ith mentioned you should try someday with iceth sculptures. It seems you outdone yourself."

Elsa smirked at him. Her eyes were starting to close.

"I cannot believe you remember that. And if you want to see ice sculptures you should see my ice palace." She said almost between a yawn.

"I'm sure Ith like to see thath." said Derek as he yawned again and tried to keep his eyes open.

"I'll take you there someday." Elsa's voice was heard far away in the distant.

"Let's add ith to our tourth guide then." His body started to feel as heavy as his eyelids.

"So you'll do it?" she asked in a mumble.

"Do whath?" he asked.

"Help me turn Arendelle in a touristic place?"

"Only if you let Anna help you with the paperwork too." He said. "You know she wants to help too."

After a while she nodded.

"Fine you win." Elsa said with another yawn.

He felt himself smiling.

He felt as his body dropped to one side but bumped into something soft never fully landing horizontally. Then, he felt as a light weight fitted between his and right shoulder.

"I really want to see your ice palace." Derek mumbled with his eyes closed. "Promise to take me?"

His head also feeling heavy finally fell and found its place over the light weight. His nose landed in something soft that had the scent of mint and reminded him of cold air of the mountains. The warm atmosphere drowning him to a pleasant state instantly.

"Pro..mise." Said the Elsa's voice in his dream.

"Mhmm?" he tried to ask but couldn't.

"Mhmm." She mumbled back.

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AN: If you are into plants meaning you can search for the gardenia flowers.

(*) The Wassen or Vassen ship was a real ship. You can look it up if you are interested in a bit of history.