I know, I know…. I deserve the worst for not updating since forever. Hope this reaches everyone's taste. Comments are the fuel to this story so please share your reviews.
So this Chapter Nightmare Before Christmas is taking so long to write. That is why I decided to divide it in parts. Hope you don't mind reading it that way. But I didn't want to make that chapter just one big monster.
Anyway, let's play a game shall we? For next chapter you may decide what could the story take turn into. (This might be a monarchy fic related but this is a democratic pole.
What would you like to see on next chapter?
A) Fluff B) Angst C) Jealousy D) Comedy E) Other_(name it)
Disclaimer: Frozen and other Disney characters belongs to Disney Co.
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Chapter 24. Nightmare Before Christmas PART I
She couldn't hear the voices from outside anymore; also, the sound of the cracking fire and the ceiling collapsing couldn't be heard either. Only the soft breathing of the baby who had fallen asleep again and the sound of her own heartbeat.
"I'm sorry," she apologized to the sleeping baby. "I'm really…really sorry… Please forgive me…" That last use of her magic had completely drained her. She couldn't even apologize properly and even shed a tear.
She hugged the baby closer as pieces of wood fell over the ice sphere. Elsa closed her eyes.
Slices of her life played in her mind reaching today's.
Faces of her parents, Kristoff, Kai, Gerda, Olaf, Marshmallow and all the snowgies, her relatives in Corona, King Friederik's telling another embarrassing story of her father's youth, then she saw him….
Elsa felt another pain in her chest, this one of a completely different kind. Why did they had to fight just today? Why?
"I'm sorry Derek." She apologized to the air.
And then, the face of Anna.
"Oh, Anna…" she mumbled ignoring the other wooden board falling and hitting the ice sphere.
Happy birthday Elsa…. Anna's voice echoed in her mind. She could see it all clearly now. All the events of today, her birthday, the Winter Festival, all of it playing in her mind.
There was a voice calling her. And was her mind playing her games or had she heard a male's laughter too? Maybe it was all her imagination. Was there a difference? Not really.
Her eyes closed again as her name was heard once again and again.
"Elsa…" it said the voice.
"Elsa…Elsa..." There it was again. More louder now.
A loud sound followed by a strong tremble came from outside the ice bubble. She opened her eyes. This was it. The building was finally collapsing. Everything was on fire, falling and in chaos.
And then it was all black.
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Earlier that day.
There was a knock in the door.
"Come in." The Queen said not even raising her eyes from the documents she was reading. She was in the middle of revising the list of newborn babies from the hospital. It was tradition that every Christmas the royal family would send gifts to the staff and patients of Arendelle Hospital.
"Good evening Your Majesty." Said a male's voice. It sounded like Kai, the Castle's Head Butler, only it sounded he had the flu because it sounded somewhat weird. The door opened making the blond monarch turn her eyes slightly towards the door.
"What can I do for you Ka..." Elsa stopped as she met eyes with the man entering her study. She sighed, and raised questioning eyebrow to him.
"What?" he asked. "What's wrong?"
Either she was starting to read him better or he was failing badly in hiding his smile at the corner of his lips.
"You." She answered shortly.
"Moi?" He pointed at himself. Now he was not even pretending to hide his smile.
"What is it this time?" Elsa asked as she raised her chin to look at him better. "Please tell me you did not cause another mess at the kitchen. I am not covering for you again Derek."
The Prince laughed.
"Actually, I came here on a royal matter Your Majesty." He produced a bow, but kept his body bended as he met her eyes. She knew what he was doing. He was up to something and now, he was playing her.
Oh, but two can play this game.
"A royal matter?" Elsa asked softly as she stood from her chair. She deposited her hands in her desk and stopped when her eyes were at the same level to his. "In that case, His Highness will have to make an appointment like everyone else."
"I would agree with the Queen of Arendelle, but as it happens this matter cannot be ignored for a later date." Derek said in a deeper voice.
"May I know then, what this royal business could be? So important that the Prince of Rosendelle has to be the one to deal with them." She asked also deepening her voice.
"Now who is the eager to discuss royal affairs?" He teased as he also rested his hands in the desk. "There are other this that we could discuss first."
"More important than royalty related?" she asked failing in hiding her small smile.
"Indeed." He nooded.
Like what, if I am able to ask?" She asked not even realizing she was leaning closer to him.
"Like, how this time I am going to beat you in this eye staring contest." Derek whispered. His daring eyes making her feel ticklish in the back of her neck.
"You mean how I will beat you again." She dared to say but it came out also in a whisper.
"You know what day is today right?" he asked.
"I do."
They were speaking in whispers now.
"Then you must be aware of the royal business I am here for."
"You mean today's finally the Winter Ball?"
"What no?" Derek laughed slightly.
"It wasn't about that?" she asked in a whisper. "Then what?" Elsa was lost again in that moment where time seemed to be nonexistent. The night at the bridge under moonlight came to her mind again. This time it was about a childish game, but the effect was the same. She was lost in that familiar trance.
"All in good time." he whispered back.
They were inches apart now.
"Hi Elsa!" the door slamed abruptly letting the Princess enter.
Both Queen and Prince separated as far as they could from each other and turned their heads to the source of the yelling new voice.
Princess Anna had entered kicking the door with her foot and carrying an enormous cake with her skinny arms.
"Uhm, Anna." Derek said.
"Anna." Said Elsa trying to regain her voice.
"That's me."
Elsa blinked twice.
"I thought you'd be helping the staff setting the Ball decorations today." Elsa asked putting aside her quill.
"Good afternoon Princess." Derek said sarcastically. "Honestly Elsa where are thou manners towards your own sister."
Elsa rolled her eyes ignoring his obviously not charming salute.
"Pardon my behavior. Please, be kind and enlighten me. What can I do for you?" she insisted calmly.
"Now that's better," he played with her as he took a sit in the corner of his desk. "I couldn't expect less from Her Majesty, my dearest workaholic acquaintance."
Elsa bit her lip. She wanted to answer back but she had better and more important things to do. And from experience she knew how insistent Derek could be. So, she had to be the better person and dismiss him as soon as possible.
"Is there anything I can do for my dearest sister and my dearest annoying acquaintance?" She asked as she joint her hands and look at both royals in front of her.
"Duh, I am here to help you with your Queeny stuff." The Princess said shortly. "Derek just told me that you could use my help."
Elsa opened her eyes. She was not expecting that answer. She gave a quick questioning glance at Derek and he was giving her a knowing look.
He mouthed, "You promised remember?"
Then it hit her. The promise, of course! He had made her promise to let Anna help in the Crown's paperwork.
He was maliciously smiling at her. He could forget an entire dancing lesson but not an opportunity to tease her. Of course, he would remember.
Damn that memory of his.
And damn that smoulder. Added her other inner voice.
"Honestly Elsa, when Derek told me you wanted my help with the paperwork I couldn't believe it. You should have ask me sooner." Explained Anna.
"Oooh, well, you see…" The Queen blinked again. She was out of words. "I couldn't ask you for more work. You are already busy organizing the Winter Ball and the Fair as well. It was much too ask."
Anna and Derek exchanged looks.
"Silly, sister. Of course I don't mind." The Princess grabbed one of the unread files from the nearest pile. "I couldn't love more helping you with...um…"Anna made a pause while she read the title of the file. "Shipment costs of oil and gunpowder taxes?"
Elsa raised a knowing eyebrow at her sister.
Anna laughed nervously. "Yeah, taxes. My favourite thing ever. This is gonna be a piece of cake."
"Riiight." The Queen said sarcastically smiling knowingly.
"If you don't mind, we could exchange our pieces of cake." The young Prince offered.
"What are you saying?" Anna asked turning to him.
"Well, if taxes were a cake, its flavour would taste like…mhmm, let's say walnut cake, which I don't mind eating." Derek explained while taking from the Princess the file she was carrying. But…"
"But?" Asked both sisters at the same time.
"Neither Her Majesty nor I like the taste of caramel, don't we Elsa?"
Elsa caught the double meaning in the wink he quickly made towards her and nodded slightly in respond.
"Indeed." She said calling her sister's attention. "I've just received an enormous cake from the Ministry of Culture and Arts, and it happens it tastes like caramel."
The eyes of the Princess opened widely letting the green blueish orbs shine like little stars.
"A..ah… I don't mind caramel flavour. In fact it's my favourite flavour in the world." Anna asked the Queen. "Well, second favourite. Since chocolate tops everything."
"Couldn't agree more." Elsa said smiling.
"But just one question?" Anna said.
"What is it?" Elsa asked.
"We have a Ministry of Culture and Arts?" asked the Princess causing the Queen to chuckle and the Prince to face palm.
"We do Anna." Answered the Queen.
"Really? Since when?" The Princess asked again. "It must be something new. I've never heard of it."
"Let me see," The Queen thought for a moment. "I believe it's been a hundred years since the Minsitry was founded by our ancestor Queen Ingrid."
"Oh, well. Being old or not, I'll help you anyway." Anna smiled. "I already ask Kai to bring some hot cocoa later."
"You are an angel." Elsa smiled back.
"Honestly what's with you two and chocolate?" Derek asked as he took the tax file for himself and took a sit in his regular place in Elsa's desk facing her.
"We could ask you the same Derek." Elsa intervened. "What's with you and your obsession with cinnamon tea?"
"Obsession you say?" He demanded. "I might better call it, having high flavor standards. Just like your preference for peppermint tea over other tea leaves. You could say, you two are mint to be together."
Anna winced at the bad joke but Elsa kept her cool. No pun intended.
"Since when you've became all gourmet Captain?" the Queen wondered in a light tone. "I thought you'd be happier with a simple meal at a local bar."
"Ice see what you are hinting." He said approaching getting their inner joke. "But if we are talking about sweets, why all of a sudden her Majesty is acting so…" he made a long pause "so salty towards me?"
Anna chocked and bit her mouth hiding her laugh. Elsa kept her peace the most she could. She had work to do and not even him will distraught her from her duties.
"Well at least I'm not the one acting all nuts here." Elsa shrugged as she returned to her paperwork. She intentionally waited to make a long pause. "That walnut cake must be affecting you more that it should."
"Are implying that I am nuts?"
"I am nut saying anything." The Queen said clearly meaning the other.
Derek was left with his mouth open.
This time Anna covered her mouth with both her hands. She was failing badly hiding her laughter now. Although Elsa could not tell if her sister was laughing at her joke or at her and Derek's interaction.
"Nice try Elsa, but to reach my level of puns you'll need years of practice." The Prince said. "Dough I must admit that was a good one for a beginner. Even bitter."
The Queen rolled her eyes as he took her things from her in a childish manner.
"Can I have my quill now?"
"No need to be so sour Elsa. You could ask nicely." He laughed.
"Fine, can I have my quill and ink please?" The Queen said half upset, the other half already used to his usual childish behavior.
"Berry good Your Majesty. You can be a sweet pie if you try harder. Here you go." Derek said letting her the parchment.
"Much obliged you Your Highness. You really are a treat to bear."
"You're welcome Your Majesty. You know how much I loaf to be at your service."
"With my sister's assistance will be more than enough thank you."
"Don't be modest; I know how much help you knead." He insisted.
Elsa winced this time. He smiled proudly.
"Uh, don't mind me but," the voice of Anna called their attention. "Are we still comparing paperwork with cakes right?"
Both the Queen and Prince blinked at the Princess not sure how to respond.
"You know what, just forget it. It wouldn't be the first time I get lost at your weird conversations." Anna said shrugging.
Great, now Anna thinks I hold weird conversations with him. Thanks a lot Derek.
He was beaming proudly.
Again, with that damn smile.
Elsa turned away ignoring him.
"I just need to know which ones are the caramel files." Anna insisted. "And then I'll leave you continue with your bread theme conversation."
"They are the ones kept in the blue carpet." Elsa pointed out. "I'll ask Kai if he can bring an extra chair for you Anna."
"Not worries, Your Majesty." Derek said leaving the study. Some minutes later he returned carrying a fancy chair. "Anna and I came prepared of course."
"You do realize Kai will hang you for taking that chair from the Ball Room right?" Elsa said already imagining her butler scolding all the staff for losing a pair of chairs.
Anna and Derek exchanged looks and shared a guilty smile.
"Kai's already after us so…" Anna whispered taking a sit at the second desk next to the Queen's desk. The Prince took a sit in his usual spot.
Catching what her sister had said, Elsa raised her head again looking at the Prince. "What did she mean by Kai's already after you?"
The Prince took a file and started to read in silence.
"Care to explain Captain?" she whispered at him again.
Derek pretended to be fully interested in his file.
She kept looking at him, but he kept his eyes and nose buried behind a book. Elsa waited but his face kept hidden behind the book.
"Coward." She whispered enough for him to hear.
He did not even flinch as he turned the page of the book. However, she would not buy it. Elsa would bet her ice castle that he was hiding a full smirk behind that book. It was not the first time he had played innocent in front of her.
Oh, you think this is funny, don't you? Asked her inner voice.
"Fine." The blonde said returning to her own file. Two could play this game.
He finally left the book down and started writing something in the tax book. It was faint but she noticed it. She had learnt to read him by now. He could act all regal and serious, but there were a few flaws here and there. Like the twitch in his lips; or the way his back would get stiff all of a sudden; and of course his eyes. She searched in those eyes any kind of hint.
He had such a deep stare. But if she focused deeper, she could clearly see that hidden mischievous stare that would get on her nerve every time. Yet, that was all she could read, she wondered what else his eyes could hide if she kept looking deeper. So dark blue and alive, like the ocean. She could drown in that ocean.
"Um Elsa?"
The Queen jumped slightly by feeling a hand over her shoulder. Aa slight breeze of air popped out from under feet.
The Queen cleared her thoughts and made a quick inspection for ice. None. Good. She sighed in relief.
"Eye...I mean I …Erm…Yes?" she asked her sister who had been the one to touch her. She never saw Anna leave her desk and approach her.
"Sorry to interrupt you. I just wanted to ask you where I should put the finished files. You seemed so lost in thought. I never thought the presents' budget for the hospital members could be so complicated." Anna said as she read Elsa's file title.
The Queen bit her tongue.
"Well, you know, I like to give a double thought to everything." Elsa said trying to sound calm. "Some eye caught me…wait no…I caught some eye…" She bit her lip. "I mean, something caught my eye. Yes. Something." She bit her tongue again. "What was your question again?"
Anna was looking at her as she had grown a third eye or something.
Elsa made a second check around the room, searching for any sign of ice. She thanked God when she saw none again.
What was wrong with her?! She was muttering for heaven's sake. Muttering. All those speech lessons and proper language wasted. Elsa apologized to her mother for failing at something both worked so hard in accomplishing.
Instead of repeating her question, the Princess turned to the Prince who was still deep in his work. He on contrary of Anna did not seem impressed with Elsa's reaction.
"Now I get it when you said she mumbles nonsense when she's working." Anna said to him.
"I told you." He said looking at them briefly before he resumed to his writing once again.
"I don't mumble." Elsa defended herself.
"Yes you do." Derek said still focusing on his file. "And you also speak to yourself all the time. It's distracting."
The Queen bit her lip. She knew that last part was a bit true, but she would not give him the pleasure to see her agreeing.
"Well, you know what else is distracting?" Elsa said. "Every time you arrange your hair. If it's a bother why don't you just cut it?"
"I do not arrange my hair all the time!" He exclaimed upset.
"Yes you do."
"Do not!"
"Do too!"
"Yeah, well Elsa hums." The Prince accused the blond with Anna while pointing at the Queen.
"I certainly do not." The Queen huffed.
"You kind of do." The Princess interrupted. "You normally do it when you are alone and focused in something."
"What?" This was new information for Elsa about herself.
"Ha! You see. Even your sister is on my side."
"I never said that." Anna corrected but Derek did not seem to care. He was smiling proudly at the Queen.
"Well, at least I don't hide a plush toy in my trunk." Elsa said in the same proud tone as his. She did not want to waste that information she knew about him yet, but it was the first idea that came to her.
His smile was gone as soon as it came.
"Wait, you sleep with a plush toy?" Anna said cracking a laugh.
"I don't sleep with him." Derek defended himself quickly.
"But you don't deny you have it either." Anna said now fully smiling.
The Prince grunted and turned at the Queen. Then he sighed.
"What else did my father told you?"
Elsa smirked at him.
"Oh, nothing much. Only that you and Cuddles have been inseparable ever since it was given to you as a baby. And that you always take your plushie toy with you wherever you go." said Elsa failing in hiding her teasing tone.
"Captain." Derek said shortly as he arranged his hair miserably, proving Elsa´s point.
"I'm sorry?" Elsa asked raising an eyebrow slightly.
"His name is Captain Cuddles." He added as he stood up. "He happens to be the bravest plush bear to ever cross the seas."
"Or the only one ever." Anna mumbled to Elsa. Causing both sisters to giggle under their breaths.
"Now if you'd excuse me ladies, I need to have a word with my father about some important business." He said as he stood up.
"You are excused of course." Elsa said under her smile.
"Is this important business related by any chance with Captain Cuddles?" Anna asked between her giggles. Elsa giggled too. Derek kept his calm and spoke.
"Not really no. I need to discuss with my father about the supplies we are taking on our return to Rosendelle. We were planning to leave a day or two after the Winter Ball so you must understand it's very important that I speak to him."
"Of course it is." Elsa said trying to hide her giggles. Oh, yes she could also play his game.
"And just to be clear," Derek said as he reached the door. "I don't sleep with a plushie bear. Captain Cuddles his own pillow and blanket."
That was it. Anna snorted while Elsa covered her mouth to hide her giggling.
Still Derek insisted in keeping his serious act by turning around but failed miserably by tripping in the carpet. He stood quickly arranging his jacket.
"Good afternoon ladies." He said giving a small vow and leaving at a quick pace.
"Oh, Derek, don't forget about the rehearsal later today." Anna yelled quickly for the Prince to hear.
Elsa knew what her sister meant. Today they had a dancing rehearsal in a few hours. Anna and Olaf had arranged a final rehearsal for both couples (Anna with Kristoff and Elsa with Derek) to adjust final mistakes and be prepared for the opening Ball. Elsa would say it was a good idea, if it were not for teeny-tiny little detail. Today was the Winter Ball too. So, in reality they had just one hour to rehearse, correct mistakes and then change themselves with the proper dress code. Just as Kristoff had said earlier today: "This Christmas couldn't be merrier". Elsa could not agree more with the ice harvester.
"Don't worry, I'll be there. I, in difference of a snickering acquaintance I know, was raised with manners of a gentleman." The Prince turned around and took a step. He tripped again causing him to land with his butt facing the door.
It did not take long for the sisters to hold their stomach's and their laughter fill the room; piles of paperwork long forgotten.
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"Unbelievable." Said the Princess while she stopped dancing with Kristoff. "How did they become better than us?"
"I'm telling you it is witchcraft." Muttered Kristoff to her.
"They are not human." Anna nodded as they both glanced at the dancing pair in front of them.
"And here I thought I had a chance to look less ridiculous with them dancing two." Her boyfriend exclaimed.
"We saw one of their rehearsals. And they were awful." Anna continued. "How did they improved that much?"
"That's Elsa and Derek for you."
"The proudest and probably most stubborn persons I've ever met." The Princess agreed with her boyfriend.
"Elsa your moves have turned more natural, good." They heard King Frederik yell to the other pair. He was playing a waltz in the piano. "And son, congrats on your work with the feet. Your posture doesn't look like a statue anymore, although it does remind me of a drunk monkey but still."
"Thank you father." Derek muttered as he and the Queen danced near the piano. "I saw that laugh Elsa; yours too Kristoff."
"I'm not laughing." Elsa said quickly as she shared a smile with the King of Rosendelle.
"I am." Kristoff said as he and Anna returned to their dancing.
"You taught them good little fella." Derek's father said to Olaf who was sitting next to him in the piano chair.
"I know!" Said the snowman "I must be the best teacher in the world!"
Elsa laughed. "Of course you are Olaf. Since you managed to teach Kristoff."
"I heard that." Said the blonde man.
"Now it's my turn to laugh." Derek said to the ice harvester.
"But seriously," intervened the Princess. "You two improved so much in such a shorter time than Kristoff and I had."
"Leave it Anna." Said Kristoff. "Those two think and function different than normal people."
"Couldn't agree more ice man." Said King Frederik smiling. "Sweet Elsa reminds me of her father. Always a perfectionist old Agdy was. And my cub Derek, well, he's always been too proud for its own good."
"No wonder they disagreed with each other most of the times during rehearsals." Kristoff muttered under his breath.
"And yet they are way better than us." Anna said feeling a bit upset.
"Jealous, Princess?" Said Prince Derek's voice coming from the other side of the music room.
Anna jumped, by being caught by the same person she was talking about. She turned around.
"You heard that from that far?" Kristoff asked looking also surprised.
Derek directed Elsa to the center of the music room slowing their dancing movements until they stopped. When they reached them, the Prince sent a knowing look at her and Kristoff.
Before Anna could ask if the Prince was only teasing or not Elsa spoke first.
"Don't mind him, Derek likes to gossip." The Queen explained shortly. "He has an amazing hearing sense among his plenty unnecessary talents."
"Unnecessary?" Kristoff Asked confused.
"Long story." Said Elsa shortly.
"It's not gossip my dearest exaggerated acquaintance." Interrupted Derek turning to look at his dancing partner. "It's called researching."
"If you say so, my dearest egocentric acquaintance." The Queen answered in a slight sarcastic tone.
"Dearest exaggerated acquaintance. Dearest egocentric acquaintance?" Kristoff asked Anna as he rubbed his head in confusion.
"It's their new game apparently."
"They are so weird." He whispered.
"As much as I don't like my sister to be called weird." Anna whispered. "There are now words to describe those two and their special friendship?"
"You'd be surprised how this special friendship as you call it, has existed since the beginning of human existence. Maybe even before." Said King Frederick to Anna.
"Uhm, sorry we didn't mean your son was weird or something." Anna said quickly. "AS I said my sister is not…"
"Easy sweat Anna. I know exactly what you mean. You young folks still need to learn so radiant, so full of ideas, hunger and yet so naïve."
Kristoff faked a cough.
"Uhm, so, Your Majesty, King Frederick, Derek's Dad?"
"Yes son?"
"Uhm, I see you also have good hearing." Kristoff said casually, trying to change the subject.
"Oh yes, we from Rosendelle come from a tough lineage of vikings. We have developed good survivor's senses. My mother, Derek's grandma, for instance, she has inherited not only good hearing but also a good sense of orientation."
"So among your talents was a dancer hidden right?" asked Anna. "Maybe Derek inherited it too."
"Not in the least." Derek answered from afar. "I was as good as my dear two left feet acquaintance was."
"That bad huh?" Kristoff asked.
"Good one mate."
Both men sharing a laugh.
Soon, two small snowballs appeared out of nowhere next to the Queen with a menacing smile. Before Anna could ask what her sister was planning to do, the pair of snowballs began spinning.
The spinning snowballs hovered until they stopped inches to the faces of the young men.
"You were saying gentlemen?" Asked calmly Elsa resting both hands on her hips; showing as Kristoff secretly called it, her "bossy pose".
The Ice harvester gulped but the Prince did not seem to be bothered by the magical snowball inches from his nose. Anna wondered just how many times he had pushed her sister's bottoms to get used to the snowball's threat.
He was devilishly smiling at the Queen. Elsa was giving him a questioning look.
"You won't hit me this time." The Prince said sounding convinced.
"And what makes you think I won't?" The Queen asked making disappear Kristoff's snowball and leaving Derek's hovering in front of him, as if sending a message.
"You are just bluffing Elsa." Derek insisted forming a bigger smirk.
"This is not Poker Derek," Elsa returned the smirk. "You sure you still want to play?"
"I have the better hand," Derek insisted not even flinching. "You wouldn't like a dancing partner with a red nose at the ball tonight wouldn't you Elsa?"
Elsa sighed making her smile disappear. She swirled her hand making the snowball disappear.
"You are right Derek." She admitted gaining a proud smile from the young man in front of her.
Anna wondered again that day since when Derek and Elsa spoke to each other so teasingly. In fact, has Elsa ever spoke like that to anyone ever? More and more she had started to notice a change of tune between those two. It was like a dance itself. One would guide and the other would move accordingly.
Was this was one of those occasions when Anna discovered another side of Elsa's personality. It could be, since they were still reconnecting after so many years.
"But," Elsa's voice was calm yet Anna could recognize that proud tone anywhere. It was the tone of voice her sister used when she was about to turn things in her favour.
Derek must have recognized that tone too because his smile was completely gone.
"But what?" The Prince dared to ask.
"Even without the red nose, it doesn't mean you can't be Rudolph this Chrismtas." The Queen made a half smile, similar to the mischievous one Derek had just a seconds before.
"Rudolph?" asked everyone in the room.
"Indeed." Elsa raised her arm, and in a delicate movement, similar to a ballerina's, she swirled her fingers. In a beat, on Derek's head popped out of nowhere a pair of small icy antlers.
Derek did not see them of course, but clearly knew something was wrong with his hair as soon as everyone started laughing.
"Say, sweetheart," asked King Frederik between his laugher. "You wouldn't mind adding the red nose too? Please?"
"My apologies, Your Majesty, but I'm afraid your son made a point. I cannot let every guest see him with a red nose."
"We could paint it," Olaf suggested. "Derek would you mind some red paint on your nose?"
"What are you talking about?!" asked the Prince as his hands felt the cold structure over his head. "Elsa? What did you do to me Elsa?!"
"I kind of want a pair now." Kristoff muttered to Anna.
"Maybe next time." The Princess held softly his arm. It was enough for Kristoff to speak and smell of reindeer. What would it be like if he had a pair of antlers too? Anna shivered at the thought.
Derek ran to one of the big mirrors of the wall and stared in disbelief at his reflection.
"You made me look like Sven!" he said as he touched his fake antlers. "I have antlers. Antlers!"
"No need to point out the obvious my dearest joking acquaintance." The Queen said in a calm tone. But Anna knew her sister was fully enjoying the moment. Her eyes shone brightly.
"You might have win this battle," He said muttering looking at the Queen's reflection on the mirror. "But war is not over Your Majesty."
"Your move Your Highness." Elsa said calmly as she made the antlers turn into snow dust and vanish them.
"Oh, it is my move." Derek said. "Brace yourself, because you are about to be pun-ished for your crimes. And I won't stop until you surrender."
"He's joking right?" Anna asked Elsa.
The Queen shook her head as answer, and then she took a deep breath. "He takes these things seriously, but I won't let him win so easily."
Yep, definitely Anna still had much to learn about her sister. So much to learn.
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Elsa knocked at Anna's door.
"Who is it?"
"It's me."
"Oh, come in Elsa." Said her sister's voice. "I was about to go to your room and ask you a little favour."
"Oh, please name it." The Queen said entering the room.
"I was wondering if…Wow!" Anna stopped mid-sentence as she stared at the blond.
"What? What's wrong?" Elsa asked looking at her almost statue sister.
"You." Anna answered recovering her movements.
Elsa was worried now. Nothing could go wrong tonight. After the Coronation fiasco she caused this Ball was her opportunity to show another image of her kingdom apart from the ice freak's home.
"Me? What's wrong with me?" Elsa looked around. Maybe her nerves were finally betraying her and the floor was iced or the walls were growing ice peaks.
Ever since that incident at the meeting when she almost hurt Derek and Prince Robert from Enchancia she's been secretly worrying about her powers. Only Kai knew about the instability she had experienced that day, probably caused by the anger she felt when Lord Deuce Wagen insulted Olaf and her.
After that, she had even considered wearing the gloves that day but that would alarm Anna. And deep inside Elsa feared if she wore them, she might go back to her old self.
"Am… am I making the room too cold?" She said almost in a whisper. "I really cannot tell if it's too cold."
"You mean because of your ice dress?" Anna made a weird questioning look. "No of course not. What made you think that?"
"You were about to say something when you stopped all of a sudden." Elsa started explaining. "I just assumed that…"
"That you turned my room into an igloo?" Anna asked in a joking tone. "Don't be silly Elsa, I was just stunned by you."
"Me? What did I do?"
"Being you of course. Just look yourself at the mirror." Anna took Elsa by the arms and made her face her full body mirror.
Elsa met her reflection.
Hair put on her typical braid with the distinctive for the occasion, that she had added a small snowflake to pin the hair at the bottom. Check.
No ice in the floor. Check.
She was wearing a new ice dress. Most of the shape and style looked similar to her typical one. Only that this was a darker blue colour. She did not add a cape since it would get in the way while dancing. And she had added the Arendelle royal crocus in the top of her dress since she was hosting a formal event. Check.
No ice in the walls. Check.
Finally her footwear. She had conjured the right tall high heels. She and Derek had worked an entire afternoon coming to a proper design that would allow them dance without the risk of stepping on him or Derek's height affecting Elsa's balance. The shoes were the same blue ice as the dress. Check.
No ice in the furniture. Check.
"Soooo? What am I supposed to see?" The Queen asked her sister.
"You really don't realize it do you?" Anna laughed.
"Realize what?"
"How beautiful you look of course." The Princess said as she hugged her sister from the right arm. "Well, you are beautiful all the time but this time you are stunning."
"Oohh…Ohhhh...I mean, thank you." Elsa said feeling relieved. Maybe Kai was right, she was worrying too much for a single slip of her powers, probably caused by the lack of sleep.
It was then that she took a better look at her sister.
"Anna you look so beautiful tonight." Elsa admitted.
It was the truth. Anna was wearing different shades of green dress with Christmas details in the ends. It had been a gift from their uncle Alexander and their cousin Rapunzel. And her hair was tied in a fancy bun. Kristoff was probably going to have trouble focusing tonight, Elsa thought.
"Thanks sis. Hey, are you all right?" her sister asked, "You kind of spaced out for a moment."
"What? Uhm, no I'm fine. Just a bit anxious about the ball and everything." Elsa shook her head slightly as she turned to face her sister.
"Yeah, me too." Anna smiled.
Elsa smiled back. "So you mentioned a favour you wanted to ask?"
"Oh right," Anna said. "I was wondering if you already have the present for you Secret Santa chosen."
"I do." Elsa answered to her sister's weird question. "It took me a while to find something for him but I finally pick one gift."
"So it is a him!" Anna smiled. "That means you didn't get my name." Then her smile fainted. "Ohm but you already got a present so it won't work."
"I am sorry Anna but why are talking about this Secret Santa thing?" the Queen asked.
"Well," Anna played with her fingers in a shy manner. "I was about to ask you if you could exchange the Secret Santa person you got with mine? But you already have a present for yours and all."
"Of course I have a present; we are supposed to make the gift exchange tomorrow." Elsa said. "Don't tell me you haven't got one for yours."
"Weeeelll….you seeeee…"
"Anna!"
Her sister exhaled in frustration.
"It's just it was so hard to find something for Derek. I couldn't figure out anything for him." The Princess said while letting herself fall backwards to her bed.
"You do realize it's called Secret Santa don't you?" Elsa hinted as she took a sit at the bed's corner. "Because you are not supposed to tell whose name you got."
"But, but…he is soooo hard to find a Christmas present." Anna said in a tired voice. "So care to exchange?"
Elsa denied with her head.
"But you know him better than I do." The Princess snorted.
"I know him the same as you do." The Queen clarified.
"That's not true." Anna stood from the bed taking sit next to the Queen. "You two know each other in a different level."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean like most of the times nobody but you and him know what you are talking about. It's like you spoke in code or something."
"Don't be silly Anna." Elsa laughed. "Besides, it can't be that hard to find him a present. I have seen him go mad about a rock souvenir with a butt. Trust me."
"A what?"
"Er, never mind. It's a long story." Elsa bit her lip. "Anyway have you come up with any ideas yet?"
"Well," Anna thought for a moment. "So far I thought that because he is a sailor he might like a toy ship. How's that?"
"Maybe you should try another thing." The blond said quickly.
"Why?"
"It's kind of a long story." Elsa grabbed the icy fabric of her dress unconsciously. To give a toy ship to Derek was a delicate issue.
"You see, that's exactly my point!" The Princess said as she put on her shoes. "There's always a long story between you two. Please Elsa, please. I'll do anything in return."
"He is kind of an enigma." Elsa admitted. Derek was so good at pretending he was fine, she herself had had trouble reading him sometimes.
"So it's a yes?" Anna insisted. "Please say yes."
The Queen torn her dress more. She felt Anna's soft hand over hers. Elsa met her sister's eyes.
Whatever you do, do not fall for the puppy eyes. She told herself.
You are the Queen. You are the older sister. Be strong.
Anna made the puppy eyes. And since today she looked prettier that added a more cute look to her.
Elsa sighed.
"Alright." She said rubbing her temple.
"YAY!"
WEAK! Scolded her inner voice.
"But on one condition!" Elsa said as soon as her sister's face brightened.
"Whatever you say sis! Of course."
"About that secret birthday party I am not supposed to know about," Elsa said winking at her sister.
"Oh, oh." The Princess said. "You now about that?"
"It's hard to keep the Queen's birthday party a secret when all the staff loves to gossip. It was an accident actually. I was going to return some books to the library when I heard some of the maids mention it from the hallway." Elsa said in a joking tone. "And about it, I know you want to make it especial and everything but, don't you think it's too extravagant even for a Monarch's standards?"
"Kai told you about the clowns didn't he?" Anna said. "Don't worry he got rid of them a soon as he saw the orange haired folks."
"He didn't. Well, at least not in person." Elsa said. "He just made sure I received by mistake an approval of budget for a human size chocolate fountain, a receipt for a clown company among other extravagant things. Honestly I never imagined cup holders with my face could be a thing."
"Oh, but Elsa dolls are adorable. Oaken is opening a new line of products that is literally all about us." Anna smiled guilty. "The Elsa dolls are actually a favourite among kids."
"I am not sure how to process that." Elsa admitted. "You know how I feel about being the centre of attention."
"Okay, I might have gotten a little carried away with your birthday party." Anna said as she made a guilty smile.
"Don't feel guilty Anna." The Queen smiled back. "If I remember correctly, I got myself a cold for exceeding in making your birthday party perfect."
"Yes, you kind of did." Anna said smiling fully now at the memory. "Here's an idea. How about you take the day free tomorrow and then we have a nice meal with some chocolate cake just family and friends invited."
"That sounds perfect." Elsa squished her sister's hand.
"So you'll be Derek's Secret Santa then?" Anna insisted not forgetting to use the puppy eyes.
"I will." Elsa accepted. "In fact, you can use the gift I got for Sven if you'd like."
"Thanks. Wait what? You didn't get Kristoff?"
"No, I got Sven."
Soon Anna's face look a bit disappointed.
"I was hoping I'd get Kristoff."
Elsa laughed.
"Isn't that the point of Secret Santa? That it is random and secret?"
"I guess you are right." Anna rubbed her neck. "But are you sure I can take the present you got for Sven? Isn't that cheating?"
"And exchanging Secret Santa's isn't?" The Queen asked raising an accusing eyebrow.
"Touché." The Princess laughed guilty again. "So what are you giving to Derek anyway?"
"I don't know really. I was notified just now that I am his new Secret Santa." Elsa said in a joking tone.
"Well you need to think fast, since the exchange is tomorrow." Anna urged.
"I am aware, Anna." Elsa said. "That's the reason you asked me to exchange in the first place, remember?"
"He, he, he." The Princess blushed. "Oh, right sorry."
"Don't be." Elsa smiled tenderly. "I'll figure out something to give him. Don't worry."
Two knocks made the sisters turn around towards the closed door.
"Yes?" Asked Anna.
"Your Highness is Majesty with you?"
"I am Gerda, is it time now?"
"It is Your Majesty." Said the woman's voice from the other side. "The guests are all gathering at the entrance, shall we let them come inside the Main Hall?"
"You shall Gerda, thank you." Answered the Queen. "And make sure Queen Violet is served anything but wine."
"Kai has given the proper instructions to the footmen Your Majesty. All is set."
"Thank you Gerda."
"Gerda, is Kristoff ready yet?" The Princess asked.
"By Her Majesty's, instructions his clothes were properly tailored and cleaned." Gerda explained. "At this moment he is chatting with His Highness of Rosendelle at the stairs. They are waiting to escort you."
"Thank you Gerda, tell them we'll join them soon." Elsa thanked the lady.
"Of course Your Majesty." They heard the lady leave.
"Kristoff waiting to escort doesn't sound like him." Anna said to Elsa. "He is not fond of that fancy royal stuff we do. You think Kai's behind this?"
"That's probably Derek's doing." Elsa explained. "I asked him to give Kristoff a quick explanation of royal protocols and aid him in the art of pretending. I pity Kristoff, he's about to learn how boring royal's conversations can be."
"I could take some lessons in that matter myself." Anna joked causing both sister to giggle. "Oh, and Elsa?"
"Yes?" The older sister looked at her sister with a tender smile.
"I know it's still a few hours until midnight and everything but I just wanted to be the first one to say it."
"Say what Anna?" Elsa smiled even wider.
"Happy birthday Elsa!" the Princess said surprising the blond with a bear hug that made all Elsa's worries melt in that warm embrace.
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And that's it for Part II. Stay tunned for Part III which is in process already.
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