Chapter 29.
Hey there dear readers. So, here we are once again.
Another day, another chapter, another read. Thanks to those who rewied last chapter. To be honest only few people reviewing was a bit disappointing. But Ces't la vie n'est pa?
Anyway, I am writing this chapter as I listen to the Frozen II soundtrack nonstop. Who got the Wicked and Les Miserables vibes? "Show Yourself" is my favourite one. And All is Found is beautiful.
Happy Holidays and happy new year.
Disclaimer: Frozen and other Disney characters belong to Disney Co. This is merely a fanfiction and a bunch of fandom references and puns.
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Chapter 29. The heart and it's ridiculous forms
While in other circumstances Elsa would have been at ease attending at the Arendellians, the man in front of her was really putting her patience into the test.
"For the last time, Mr Butcher," the Queen said as calmly and respectful as possible. "the Pig belongs legally to your son."
"But that is not possible." He demanded. "That animal is mine."
Elsa sighed as she exchanged glances with her sister. Anna had been assisting most of the royal duties while Elsa recovered from her injuries. But there were some things only the Queen could attend to, and this one was one that involved both sisters. Besides, it was a case Elsa had personally taken as the happiness of a child was a stake; and not to mention the life of a poor animal too.
"Don't worry. I got this." Anna mumbled to her sister.
"Look Mr. Butcher." Anna said approaching the man." Ever since you came to my sister asking for the pig in return we had made a profound research and interviewed both of your sons and you separately. And as my sister was explaining before you, erm, yelled back, we had discovered the pig is actually not yours."
"What?! That doesn't make any sense." He demanded as his face turned pinker and pinker. Like a pig. Ironically."I don't understand. Ask my son again. He said he sold the pig but instead he set it free. He lied."
He was retelling the story that by now, both sisters knew by heart.
"Not quite." Elsa intervened. "Your son, did sell the pig. Do you remember he gave you the money from the sale?"
"I do. But that money was a trick. It was his money." the man said angrier. "And ..."
"And when you took the money, you closed the sale. Your son bought the pig from you." Elsa said with a more firm voice. "By Arendellian law, the animal belongs to him now."
The man stopped talking as he considered what the Queen had said.
"Wait," he said scratching his head. "No. That can't be."
Elsa sighed. "You accepted the money didn't you?"
"Aye I did. Because he told me it was the money for of the sale." the man said almost to himself.
"Then, you accepted the sale." Anna continued. "The pig is now his."
"But I cannot have a pig as a pet! I. AM. A. BUTCHER." the man raised his voice once again. "I'll be the laughing stock of all Arendelle."
"But you are also a father." Elsa said as she approached the bulky man. Her tone less cold than before. "Family should always come first."
"Urg, Alright, alright. I get it family and stuff." the butcher said with a more calm tone. "But you cannot order me to keep the animal at my house."
"I already spoke to both of your sons." Anna said giving the man a more friendly look than Elsa's. "Sir Bacon, erm, the pig, can stay in the royal stables until your eldest son finds a better home for him."
"You would do that?" the man asked. "Free of charge?"
Anna nodded.
"Well," Anna explained."Your youngest son agreed to take care of the animal and help clean the stables in return. He can visit and learn to take care of a friendly pet. That way, he'll learn the value of work and to take care of his pet friend."
The man seemed more convinced now. Thanks to Anna of course. Elsa thanked her sister and her talent with dealing with people. With her it was so much easier.
"Thank you Your Highness, Your Majesty." The butcher said to both.
"Your welcome." Anna said. "We already have a reindeer living with us, having a friendly pig for a while won't be a bother."
Elsa nodded in silence. Although she did question if the pig was as friendly as Sven. The incident in the fountain was something she would never forget. Thanks to that "friendly" pig.
Probably, if a certain rebel Prince were also with them he would strongly disagree with the pig being called "friendly". And he would also add some nasty puns to it. Elsa just could imagine him, arriving all confident to the room. Arranging his messy hair and then saying something like "Hey, N-ice to meat you Mr. Butcher." Or somehting like that. Yeah, he would totally do that. Elsa rolled her eyes as she imagined that.
"Have a good day sir." Elsa heard Anna's voice and blinked. Her mind once again being returned to Earth at least for a moment. Elsa nodded silently to the butcher and as Anna talked to Kai, the Queen let her mind wander in her thoughts one more.
She couldn't help it. She had so much in her mind like thinking about her powers acting strange sometimes. Could it be just the result of stress? She hadn't sleep that well after all.
And last night, instead of going to bed, she had went for a walk and then met Derek by the beach. Neadless to say they didn't return to their chambers until sunrise. Not very wise indeed, as both were still recovering from their injuries. And he was meant to return to his Kingdom in a few hours. What a pair of sturbon royals they were.
"Till we meet again … Adele Dazeem." He had said teasingly as they reached Elsa's room. He had lowered his head in a mid vow to her as he rested his body in his cane. Elsa couldn't avoid rolling her eyes, but also couldn't avoid the small smile that had been forming in her lips. Then she had produced a courtesy to him and replied in return, "Until we meet again …. Derry." His grunt had been priceless. She had a smirk in her face now. "I know that I said you could call me Derry anytime you wanted but… urgh." Elsa had let escape a silent laugh as he shrugged and laughed with her. Both had let the bitter sweet moment engulf them as they replayed their same goodbyes when they were children. Only this time they had been able to say that face to face, as the door was wide open this time. Then silence had ruled again between them and before anyone could say anything else the sound of the town's clock bad made them snap out of their trance. Derek and Elsa both, had took a step back from each other and has produced a nervous smile. "Goodbye then." He had finally said. "Goodbye." She had said too and as he walked away, Elsa had closed the door and went to bed. Needless to say, she couldn't sleep any better after that.
Elsa sighed. She was getting way to distracted for her own good. Her kingdoma and her duties should be on her mind as top priorities. She looked at Arendelle through the wide window deep in thought. There was so much to work for after the fire. She knew that. And yet, her eyes couldn't move from the town's plaza towards the docks. She sighed as she didn't see the wolf in a silver and blue flag among the ships.
… …. ….
"Right," Anna said as she stretched her arms and cracked her neck. As she was about to run a marathon. "Kai, what's next on the list."
Elsa blinked again as she forced her mind to focus on her duties and put aside those thoughts about her powers and uhm, some other thoughts.
The silent Butler cleared his throat and spoke. "A meeting with the Prince Robert of Andalasya. He wants to confirm that Arendelle can fullfill all the contracts made at the Council of the Realms, after being affected from the fire. Starting with Rosendelle wood shipments."
Elsa and Anna both rolled her eyes. This would take ages.
"Prince Boring it is." Elsa muttered out loud even before she realized her own words. Which made Kai raise both eyebrows and Anna to open her mouth in disbelief.
"Prince Boring Your Majesty?" he asked trying to keep his calm, but clearly surprised.
Elsa made a shy smile and cleared her throat.
"Erm, I mean," she said trying to sound as regal as possible but Anna's smug smile told Elsa she was not buying it. Great! "Please tell Prince Robert we will meet him shortly."
"Of course You Majesty." Kai vowed and left still looking quite shocked.
As he left, Elsa could have sworn the bulter was mumbling something like "that Adonis rebel again" and "and his rebel ways". This only caused Elsa to feel even more embarrassed making the ice in the floor draw some swirling shapes. She immediately opened her hands and made the ice vanish in small flakes.
She pressed her forehead with a hand. Maybe she needed to go to bed after all. Kai was right. Thinking about a certain Adonis rebel Prince would be her doom.
When Kai left, it was turn of Ana to burst out laughing.
"Oh my … oh my God." Anna said grabbing her stomach. "I can't believe you just said that."
Elsa grabbed her temple and sighed. Even if was far, far away he would bring her trouble somehow.
Damn that Cow man!
"Im just tired. " she partially admitted. Tired of getting distracted. Thinking about her powers, the fire, Arendelle, a pig and ...
No one. She told herself.
Anna stopped laughing and cleared a tear from her eye. "Oh Elsa, you are just too pure sometimes. " she said grabbing her arm tenderly. "Come on. Let's meet Prince Boring, as Derek would say, and then I'll deal with the rest of the agenda. You, then will go get some rest."
"But..."Elsa said but was stopped by her sister's stare. It was similar to their mother's serious face but with the slight twitch of the nose that their father also did. Anna was the perfect mix of both and Elsa for a moment felt both their parents were also stopping her to push herself even more.
"Ah, ah. " Anna said. "Princess' orders. Then you go to get some rest or something. You look so tired. Did you even sleep?"
Err," Elsa looked away avoiding Anna's eyes.
"Elsa?" her sister insisted. But Elsa kept walking.
"Come on." The Queen said walking fast.
"You didn't sleep did you?"
"Prince Boring…I mean, Robert awaits."
"Elsa. Hey?" Anna kept asking from behind.
Elsa walked even faster. Anna rolled her eyes.
"I know what you are doing." Anna said. "Did you do paperwork last night?"
"No, of course not." Elsa said automatically. "I just went for a walk."
"So you admit you didn't sleep."
Oops. Elsa thought.
"You couldn't have walked all night with those injuries. What else did you…?"
"Here we are." Elsa said quickly as she opened the door to the meeting room.
She could hear Anna follow behind her but the Princess didn't continue the interrogation to Elsa as they were not alone anymore.
Her eyes spotted Prince Robert of Andalasia standing in the corner of the table. His eyes, hiding behind the glasses, fixed on the Queen. The academic Prince looking as boring and shy as always.
"Good… good day Queen Elsa." He mumbled as he vowed. Showing his typical shyness around the Queen. "Same to you Your Highness."
"Good day Your Highness." Elsa replied as she entered the meeting room. "I hope you didn't have to wait too long."
"Oh, not at all." the man vowed "I was hoping to meet you. So I arrived earlier."
"Is something wrong?" Elsa started but the Prince denied with his head.
"Oh no. I just wanted to congratulate you on your recent birthday. And before we engage into formalities and business and I lose my courage, may say how beautiful you booked, I mean, looked during the ball. It is a shame, our nice conversation had to be interrupted. I was looking forward for a…a dance with you. Maybe another, erm time?"
Anna dropped her jaw as her eyes opened wide.
Oh right. Elsa thought.
After all that happened with the fire, Elsa had completely forgotten the apparent "admiration" Prince Robert had towards her. Although he might be imagining about them having a nice conversation. If Elsa remembered correctly, which she did, he had been among those insistent royals trying to flirt with her. And then he had spoken only once until he was left forgotten by Derek's and Lord Dracula exchange of menacing words. So yeah, a nice conversation with the Prince Boring was quite an exaggeration from his part.
Anna, with her mouth still open looked at the man as if he had grown a second nose. Then she looked at Elsa even more confused when Elsa didn't seem that very much surprised by his actions or words.
Elsa looked at her sister in signal that she could handle it. Anna closed her mouth and nooded as she got the message, but she still kept giving glances at the Prince.
"Erm," Elsa started not really sure what else to say. She forced a small smile. "Thank you Your Highness. I am flattered, but I don't dance."
At least not with anybody. Her mind added.
"Oh, but I thought … rumors said you were supposed to open the ball." The Prince said.
"As you said. They were just rumors." Elsa answered shortly.
"Oh." Prince Robert said as his shyness returned.
Anna kept giving her sister a questioning look.
Then it hit her. Of course Anna was surprised. After all, she never told Anna about what happened during the ball. Because, if she did, she would have to tell her about everything from that night. And many things happened that night. Like the royal men openly trying to flirt with her, including Prince Robert. Which, by the way felt so, so uncomfortable. Then Lord Dracula's appearance and then Derek's. And that would lead to Derek's "friendly" threat to Lord Dracula. Which would lead to her fight with Derek. And…. that would lead to Anna's interminable questions. So, in conclusion Anna was in the dark because Elsa might have ommited some details in her story. Just some.
The Queen returned to face the Prince.
"So," She said clearing her voice. "Can I offer you some tea?"
"Tea would be n-ice." Said a deep voice behind Elsa that finally made her lose her serious face to a really surprised one.
"If it's not too much to ask, cinammon tea would be perfect." The voice added. "You know, to make themeeting less boring."
Elsa turned slowly trying to seem at ease and not show her sudden confusion.
Her arms hugged her notes to her chest as she saw him right there, standing at the entrance. Was the depravation of sleep doing this?
He seemed so real. Elsa blinked as she tried to register if she was imagining things now. He was wearing his usual black vest and pants. A brand new Arendellian training shirt showing under his usual a navy blue jacket. The clothes that could never fit a marine because they were too fancy but would never be considered too royal for a Prince either. And yet, fitting him so well. The emblem of the wolf hanging in his side. And a slight bundle hiding something behind his shirt. The bundle probably being his ice crystal collar with permaforst treatment included. Wild dark brown hair, extremely ridiculous perfect white teeth, sharp nose and deep dark blue eyes with a spark of up to no good.
"Hi." He said with a distinctive soft baritone's voice.
"Wait what?!" Anna's cheerful voice echoed in the room as she ran back to the entrance, breaking all protocol.
Elsa blinked. If Anna was seeing him too then…
Another voice cleared it's throat.
"Ehem." It was Kai's. He was standing behind the young royal. "His Highness, Prince Derek of Rosendelle has returned Your Majesty, Your Highness. He insisted he had to attend this meeting as it was related to his Kingdom's resources. Now, if you excuse me I will prepare a room for His Highness as I believe you will insist again he stays in the castle. Especially now that he uses a cane he wouldn't be that comfortable in Arendelle's Inn."
"Thanks Kai. Good thinking." Anna said. "I still can't believe you decided to stay."
"I'll bring the tea then." The Head Butler said as he vowed and sighed. He gave a quick glance at the Prince Rebel then to Elsa. Then he closed the door.
"I changed my mind as soon as I stepped in the ship." Derek admitted as he smiled at Anna. "Sorry to be a bother again." The Prince rugged his hair messing it more.
"Nonsense!" Anna said smiling.
"I am sorry but I don't get it. Whith all due respect, why did you stay your Highness?" It was Prince Robert the one that spoke this time. "The trades we are going to revise between Arendelle and Rosendelle are mere standard revisions. Prince Derek, I believe your intentions are well, but there was really no need for you to abandon your ship. This is just to check on the schedules."
Prince Robert was right, Elsa thought. Derek's father and Elsa had already adjusted their trade to match Arendelle's urgency of the first shipment of wood to help build the new hospital. But that was all. Prince Robert would only give a double check to the contract so that all clauses would comply both nations regulations.
Derek looked at the other Prince and laughed.
"Maybe." Derek started. "But you know, someone told me once that, whenever I felt that spark inside me to do as I feel, I should do it. And I feel to stay is a better way of helping than just sending cargos of wood as gifts of help." He looked at Elsa from the corner of his eyes.
Elsa pressed her notes more close to her chest as he made quick eye contact with her. Not only was Derek referring to that time at the gardens when they argued about sending gifts was pointless and actions were more meaningful. But also, he was reminiscing that night at the bridge, where Elsa asked him to follow his spark and be himself. He might be talking to Prince Robert, but the message had been meant for her only to understand.
"I see." Prince Robert said as he arranged his glasses and studied the Rebel Prince with his sharp eyes. "To have such commitment to your work. I respect that Prince Derek."
The other royal looked at the village outside the window in thought, then back to the other Prince. "Not quite. I am not doing this just because it's my job." he simply said. Then his eyes moved slightly towards Elsa, who once again felt he was still talking only to her. "You see, there are plenty of things here that I actually care about, and are worth staying a bit longer."
Elsa pressed her notes to her chest maybe a little too hard this time, that she almost ruined them with a slip of her magic.
She had to focus on her job. She knew he was talking about wood trades, construction plans and work on general. And yet, why did it still sounded way more personal? The fact that he had said that last thing while catching her eye didn't help to put her mind and heart at ease.
"What about your Father?" she forced herself ro ask as her mind tried to keep her thoughts on the rational side. She knew how Derek worried about his Father's well being. Derek rolled his eyes as he arranged his hair as he always did when thinking.
"My Father laughed when I told him at the ship I was considering staying. He then admitted my luggage actually never left the castle. He plotted with some of your staff and they hid my things in the stables. He was just waiting for the right moment to kick me off the ship in case I decided to go with him anyways. Oh,and guess what? In case I argued back he assigned me with the royal duty to assit Arendelle in any need in Representation of Rosendelle. So I am here actually by duty too."
"So you are like a delegate or something?" Anna asked.
"Pardon to interrupt. Prince Derek still carries the Prince title." Prince Robert interrupted in his academic tone. "So an Ambassador Prince would be more suitable."
"Or," Derek said as he shrugged again. "Just ignore all that title stuff and call me Derek."
"That would break protocol Your Highness." Prince Robert said. "Titles define status, and status is control. And control is power. And power is …"
"Good thing the only power I care about is the power of my own hunger. Which reminds me I hope this ends soon. I'm starving." Derek interrupted the man. Elsa could easily read the silent message "Shut up already Prince Boring."
She also didn't agree with the other Prince. People who believed status gave them power and that power was everything were blind. She had powers and and royal status. And she would give everything for having her parents back. Prince Robert just stood there confused if he had been heard or not. Clearly Derek had ingnored him.
Both sister's exchanged looks.
"So, shall we begin?" Anna called everyone's attention trying to ease the mood.
Elsa took a deep breath and sat next to Anna. She looked at her notes that she had ruined a moment before.
Great. Now she would need to rewrite all those notes for later. At least she didn't froze them completely. She was not sure if her powers didn't show fully because she was able to control them or the opposite and they were acting weird again.
Elsa put a book over the sheets of paper and hid the evidence of her erratic magic before anyone would notice.
Not now. She thought as she tried to think of happy memories. The smile of her mother would calm her down.
"Of course Your Highness." Prince Robert said as he also sat. "I suggest we revise every wood clause between Arendelle and Rosendelle."
What?! Elsa and Anna exchanged glances. That would take hours.
"Is that really necessary?" Anna asked.
"It is. I am here to check every detail does not compromise any agreement." Prince Robert said.
Derek sat in the other corner next to Elsa and closed his carpet. "Save it Your Highness. This meeting shall be quick. Arendelle will get the shipment they need as soon as possible. Rosendelle is wood to go."
"And Arendelle is the best disposition." Anna said quickly thanking Derek with a glance. He winked back at the Princess.
Thank God. Thought Elsa. With a representative of Rosendelle itself, this meeting could end sooner than expected, even with Prince Boring. Then she would be able to find a way to go to find an empty room or sneak to the woods and test her magic before they parted to their next appointment in the mountains.
Prince Robert produced a clear face of discomfort as he heard Ambassador Derek's intentional bad joke. Derek malicious smile appeared when seeing the discomfort in Prince Robert's face.
Elsa took a deep, deep breath and composed herself. There was nothing to worry about.
Yet. Added her mind.
No. Elsa told herself. I'll worry about my powers later.
She would stay at the meeting and then worry about her powers acting weird once again.
"So," Derek interrupted Prince Robert monologue once again. "Wood you go straight to the point Your Highness? I believe, both Kingdoms had already made it clear we are so on board to proceed with the wood shipment."
Prince Boring, ehem, Prince Robert sighed and just arranged his glasses again.
"Very well." He responded shortly making Derek smile mischievously.
"At least the meeting will be less boring." Anna whispered to Elsa.
The Queen nodded in agreement.
Or should they say, At least they wouldn't get board.
Elsa opened her eyes as her own mind betrayed her by thinking in puns. She shook her head and focused again on her slightly frozen notes. It was no time for puns or to even think Derek was back all of a sudden. No time for to think about any of them at all.
Yet. Added her mind again in a teasing tone.
Elsa couldn't believe it, once again she would need to ignore that tiny voice in her mind.
She decided there and then. Any thoughts about her magic acting strangely or any slightly though related to the Rebel Prince that would not involve work, would not be considered.
Elsa just sighed and forced herself back to the meeting. Not before staring at her damaged notes then giving a glance to the young man next to her.
"Yet." She mumbled to herself.
… … … …
"Holy shirt, that guy was sooo boring!" The cherry blonde princess exclaimed as she threw herself to the sofa and removed her shoes.
"Anna! Language." Elsa said quickly to her younger sister.
"What?" Anna shrugged innocently. " I said holy SHIRT not shi…"
The serious glance the Queen gave to her sister was enough for the Princess to stop.
"Hehe," Anna smiled. "Just kidding sis."
"But your sister has a point." Derek said as he stood next to Elsa. "Dear Bobby could be beaten by a sloth for sure."
"I disagree. Sloths are cute. He is not." Anna added.
"He was a challenge indeed." Elsa agreed. "Anyway, Kai is the carriage ready for our next appointment?"
"Oh, right." Anna said. "What was it?"
The bulter who had been walking behind them cleared his throat.
"A meeting with the ice harvesters at their headquarters in the borders. Master Bjorman and Master Olaf will be meeting us there." The butler explained. "If I may Your Majesty, I believe Princess Anna insisted that you should rest for the rest of the day. I can accompany and assist Her Highness for the rest of the tasks ahead. I also encourage the motion. It is evident you need might be pushing yourself too hard. It is at least one hour in carriage and we'll probably have to stay the night."
Elsa felt surprised. She didn't expect for Kai to betray her.
Anna jumped from the sofa at once with sudden new energy.
"Thank you Kai for reminding me." She said smiling. "Now, you might be the Queen Elsa but also my sister. So please, be a good girl and stay here. No paperwork allowed. I'll be fine with Kristoff and Olaf there."
"But…" Elsa started but then she remembered about her idea to check on her powers. This could be the perfect chance to do so without Anna noticing. "Fine." She finally said.
Derek wistled. "Well, well." He turned to look at Elsa. "Look whose been a naughty girl this Christmas. Stayed awake all night perhaps?"
Elsa gifted the Prince a not so friendly glare.
"Look whose talking bad boy." She whsipered for only him to hear.
He winked at her then gifted her a smug smile.
"You get coal from Santa only if you get caught naughty girl." He whispered back.
"Derek, you said earlier that you were willing to help right?" Anna asked approaching the other royals.
"Aye Captain, my Captain." He saluted. "Do you need help with paperwork? To scort you perhaps? Cook? What can this man of unnecessary talents be of assistance?"
Anna looked at the Prince with deep thought.
"Actually I was thinking about something else." The Princess said. A mischievous smile forming on her face.
… …. …..
"Baby sitting." Derek said out loud as he paced in circles in the living room. His cane making a deaf sound over the carpet. "All those years in the Academy... completely wasted." The Prince whined in an exagerated tone. "What did I do wrong?"
"You are the one complaining?" Elsa said standing in the middle of the furniture as she watched him pace. Her voice revealed the same tone of annoyance as his. "I don't need a baby sitter. I have things to do. Besides I don't have time to serve as your baby sitter."
"Me?" he said dramatically offended. "If I remember correctly Anna asked me to keep an eye on you not the other way."
"Dont you see it?" She looked at him with clear annoyance.
"See what?" He finally stopped walking to face her.
Elsa massaged one of her temples and sighed.
"Honestly Derek, I think the only one who hasn't realized that you are using a cane is you." Her hand pointed at his injured leg.
"I don't get it." The Prince looked down at his feet confused.
"Look," she took a deep breath and spoke more calm. "Anna would never be at ease knowing I would stay in the castle supposedly recovering and resting."
"She knows you too well." Derek nodded. "But what about me?"
"You happen to also need rest. So Anna came up with the perfect plan. She knows I would never let you do something daring and hurt your leg. Because I won't. And she knows you wouldn't let me go back to work and probably faint again."
"And she is right." He commented. "I wouldn't let you."
"You see what I mean now?" she arked an eyebrow.
The Prince opened his mouth. "Ooohhh. So we are both each other's baby sitters?"
"In a ridiculous way, yes." She nodded.
"This is so embarrassing."
"Tell me about it." Elsa sighed.
"Well, let's make a deal." He said. "I promise to behave if you do. None of us does work, or does something risky or tiring. Deal?"
"Uhm…" Elsa hesitated.
"Wait," he said. "Don't tell me you actually want to do paperwork right now."
Elsa looked down at her hands avoiding his eyes in case he might read too much on her own.
"Uhm, not exactly." She added shortly. "I… I just need to … do something."
"And that something involves risk or you getting tired?" he asked in a lower tone. Probably in case some guard or staff member might be evesdropping.
She raised her head to look at him finally.
"Both then." He simply said. "I get it."
"Elsa?" Derek's tone changed suddenly to a more concerned one. " Are you feeling okay?"
"I'm fine." She reassured him. "It's just…" she stopped. Should she tell him? He already knew about her powers acting weird after all. And she trusted him.
Elsa turned around to the coffee table and grabbed her notes. She gave them to Derek.
The Prince took them and studied them with care.
"Your powers." He simply deducted. "I've seen you take care of your notes with the most care. So this," he pointed out at the frozen layer." Was not intentional right?"
"Right." She simply nodded.
"I understand." He said giving back the notes to her. "Rest can wait for both of us."
He said in a more encouraging tone that made her feel more calm than before.
"Tell me, what do you need?" he asked with that classical determined tone of his.
She looked at her hands and thought.
"I need to find a secluded place. Where no one can get hurt as I test my powers."
"You mean like the library?"
Elsa thought about it. The library or any part of the castle could get damaged if her powers lose control like that time during the fire.
"I know that look." he said. "You need something more safe don't you. Something even far from the castle grounds. Do you know what Anna will do when she finds out?"
"So you are not going to stop me?"
"Stop you? Elsa, I am coming with you." He said as if her question had been a silly one.
"What? No."
*Ah, ah, ah. Don't you dare contradict you baby sitter naughty girl." He said in a playful way."I an coming and that's final."
She sighed.
"Fine." Elsa gave up. "But where could we go that would be private and lonely?"
Derek scratched his chin deep in thought.
*Aha!" he said with a smirk."I might have seen a place in Arendelle's map. It's not so far so we can walk there. But far enough to be hidden in the forest, so no one will be near."
"Where?"
…. …. …
"Hoo, hoo!" said the big bulky man in front of them. "Welcome to Oaken's Romantic Cabins where love can be found in the commodity of a three stars hotel and breakfast included ya?"
"Derek are you sure this is the right place?" Elsa muttered to the Prince next to him.
"I am sure. The map said it was the best place for privacy. I never thought it meant that kind of privacy."
"Ya. Privacy yes. Right now you are very lucky. You would be the only guests so no one would bother you. And your registration would also be kept under an alias of course. So, will you take the cabin?"
"Uhm, give us a minute mate." Derek said as he and Elsa approached to each other to whisper.
"What do we do?" Elsa whispered."We cannot stay here. Even if all remains private and vunder alias, he knows who we are."
"I know. I know. But, here at forest you can test your magic with no interruptions. We're are not that far from the castle in case you need to return."
"Are you actually okay with this?" she asked surprised.
"No. I feel beyond embarrassed." He admitted. "But if this place let's you do magic and rest then I'll swallow my pride for that and stay in this ridiculous creepy place."
Elsa looked at her hands practice in the forest would be safe.
"Fine."
"Great!" Oaken exclaimed happily. " Here's you key. I will give you discount after you two saved that baby from the fire."
"Only five percent discount?" Derek asked as he read the receipt. "Geez."
"Ya. It's best deal. And here's a gift from the house. Matching pijamas."
"Oh, uhm. We won't be needing this. Thank you."Elsa said feeling the warm of her blush reach her ears.
"Not a problem." Oaken said joining his fingers joyfully. " Most of the guests never take them too. They say they won't need any pijamas anyway."
"We'll take them!"/ "We'll take them!" yelled both royals immediately taking from the desk the little package.
"Great! So here's your key. " the man showed them. "Enjoy your stay ya!"
Derek and Elsa exchanged a look. Of course the key would be in the shape of a heart.
… … …
Elsa and Derek didn't go to their cabin first as expected. They marched directly to the woods behind it. It was a clear space for Elsa to test her magic.
By the Queen's insistance Derek had to keep a distance. He found a spot near a tree and sat on an old log. His cane was left resting next to him.
Elsa took a last glance at her hands then at the Prince.
"You sure you want to stay here? You could wait in the cabin." She asked him.
"And miss the show?" he asked jokingly. "N-ice try Your Majesty."
She nodded.
"Okay." She told herself.
… …. ….
At first she began with small swirls of her hand. The first ones came out fine, but the last one didn't came out as strong as before. Then she tried again with more focus. This time it worked.
"Okay that's weird." Derek said from behind her.
"I don't get it. " she said.
"How about the pain you felt before?"
"Gone." She noticed. "Maybe if I try with something bigger."
"You sure?"
She nooded.
"I'll be careful." She turned to look at him.
He nooded in response.
Elsa walked to the middle of the clear and thought of that time at the meeting where it happened for the first time. She had been tired of course. That could be part of the cause. But also something else happened.
She had been also been angry. Lord Dracula, erm, Lord of Dull had disrespected Olaf and herself. Could that be a trigger? And yet the ice peaks didn't went after him but right in front of her. Where Derek had been injured instead.
She shot an ice blast and instantly a chair was formed.
She walked to the chair and tried to remember that same moment. Nothing happened. No ice peaks nothing. She made another swirl and the chair turned into Lord of Dull's figure.
"Say, before you destroy that one can you let me use it as throwing target?"Derek said from behind.
She rolled her eyes. Then thought again about that time. No ice peaks either. She didn't feel threatened at all.
"Its not working." She said.
"What?"
"I am trying to replay the first time my powers acted strange but nothing happens." She explained.
"Wait." Derek stood up and walked to her. "When was this?"
"Uhm," she didn't want to say it, but her knew he deserved to know. She took a deep breath and explained in detail what happened that time at the Council meeting.
"What?" Derek said. "Does Anna know?"
"She does."
"Elsa why didn't you tell me? You looked so worried that time and pale. I thought it was for work. But you were really struggling."
"I am sorry." She hugged herself. "I know I must have told you. Especially since you got hurt because of me. I understand you must feel angry."
Derek held her arms gently so that she would look at him.
"I am not angry. Well just a bit, but not at you." He said softly. "I am angry with myself. I should have noticed something was wrong."
"i don't even know what's wrong." She admitted letting lose of his grip and moving her hands. Swirls of ice magic circling around them.
He looked up to her doing.
"We'll figure it out." He said decided. "Now, when was the other time that this happened?"
Elsa bit her lip and looked at the snow in the grass.
"Remember our fight?" she whispered.
"Oh," he simply said.
She sighed. "That time we got covered in snow."
"And was that normal or?"
She turned around to face him.
"My magic is somehow connected to my emotions." She explained. "If you had an element attached to your feelings would that time reflect a slight snow fall?"
He looked down at his feet.
"No ir wouldn't." He admitted to her. "It wouldn't in the slightest."
Elsa felt her heart make a beat at his answer.
"So," he said raising his head to look at her. "There goes three times I was somehow involved in these events."
"What?" she was confused. "Waht do you mean?"
"It might be just coincidence, but that time at the meeting, then that time at the gardens and today during our meeting with Prince Boring. I had been there all those times your magic worked differently."
Elsa suddenly remembered her nightmares.
"No." she said firmly.
"Elsa, you have to at least consider I might be part of the equation. All this time you were afraid to hurt me, while maybe you should have considered I could be hurting you." He took a step back.
"No Derek," she walked at him with determination. "You might be many things. A Rebel Prince that is too much of an egocentric, fashion critic, bad loser, joker and good looking for it's own good. Even a walking headache sometimes. But you are also, generous, brave, intelligent, funny, supportive and a good listener. You would never. Ever. Be a dangerous threat to me or my family."
"You think I'm good looking?" he dared to say in a teasing tone.
She covered face with her hands. A mix of embarrassment and annoyance could be heard in her voice. She grunted. Why did she had to say that.
"Maybe not that of a good listener." She muttered at him. "If that's what all you heard."
He laughed.
"I get it." He said. "But if my presence is not making your magic behave strangely then what could be."
Elsa removed her hands from her face and sighed tiringly. "I don't know. Maybe, I am curse after all and this is just showing slices of it."
"Now whose speaking nonsense?" he said to her.
"It is possible." She assured him. "I might have been born with magic, but it is a mystery of why."
"Something as beautiful as your magic could never be a curse." He said to her.
"Then maybe something is wrong with me." She thought out loud.
"Didn't you say it yourself? Your maigc reflect your emotions." He dared to approach to her even more. "So, it means to be as beautiful as they are, the person that uses them can only be as beautiful too."
Elsa felt her heart make another beat.
Derek cleared his throat.
"So, no. I don't believe something is wrong with you either." He said with a hoarse voice.
And as soon as it happened the moment was gone. Which she silently thanked.
"Thanks." She simply said. "If you don't mind I will try some of my magic before it gets too dark."
"Right. Right." He said. "I guess I'll go back to the log then and freeze my butt."
"Uhm," Elsa hesitated for second or two. "You can stay here if you like. As long as you stay right next to me. Somehow, I feel more confident now."
"First seats view, huh?" He smiled excited. "That would be nice. Thank you."
Elsa smiled back and with a new warm energy in her chest she dared to shot a big blast to the sky leting lose beautiful and intricate swirls of many colours.
"Now that's a show." He said looking up. "Ehat Elsa can you do?"
Elsa cringed at his bad joke but decided to show him what she could do.
She made the swirls dance and come into shapes. She moved her feet and in a sort of a dance conjured a small replica of Arendelle's castle. Then her ice palce, then her family and even a small miniature of Derek being chased by a pig.
"I-ce what you did there." He mentioned. "Ha,ha so funny."
"Fine." She made another swirl and made the shapes change. The miniature pig was set apart in the stables and with another swirl made a ship appear next to Arendelle's replica. On the mast of the ship tiny Derek looked to the horizon.
"What a nice looking guy." He teased.
She laughed. Then made everything dissappear with another move of her hands. It was turn to make things a little bit bigger.
Not a single issue has happened. Her magic acting normal again. Maybe even little bit too eager. Perhaps because she had a witness to show.
"Hold still." She said as his free hand held to her arm.
She stomped her foot and the floor was marked with a snowflake. Then forming an icy floor.
"Wow." He whistled.
She raised her hands and pillars of shining nice raised on her command. She didn't conjure a celing but did made a decorative fence to surround them joining the pillars.
"This is awesome Elsa."Derek said. "But did you say to hold …whoah."
Elsa stomped again her foot as Derek spoke. And made the platform raise until it was over the level of the trees.
Derek held on her so that he wouldn't slip with his cane.
Then she stopped. Remnants of her magic still circling around her.
"Incredible." He said as he looked at her."You made that without a sweat. I believe you have more under your sleeve your Majesty."
She laughed. "If you think that was incredible then I suggest you to look around."
Derek looked around them, then back at her again.
"Wow." He simply said as he rested his arms on the railing.
"I know." She said as she joined his side. "This is the real magic."
They both stared at the fjord. Arendelle on one side. The castle reflecting ice on the other side. Then at the inmense sea. The stars and the northern lights dancing giving enough light.
"So glad this wasnt another tourist trap." He winked at her.
She simply rolled her eyes and breathed into the fresh air of the mountains.
… …. ….
A few hours later Elsa and Derek decided it was getting late and they actually needed to rest. So, Elsa lowered the platform and after they got off it she made it vanish.
They walked tired to the cabins until they found theirs.
As soon as they reached the door they found a note pinched to it.
"What is that?" Derek asked as he approached the door.
Elsa walked next to him and examined it.
"It looks like a poem or a riddle." She said.
Then she read it out loud.
Hoo hoo!
Welcome to your cabin dear guests.
May the holiday season bring you joy at this love nest.
Following tradition, a kiss is on due,
For Christmas weed rests upon you.
"Christmas weed?" Elsa read again. "What is that?"
"Oh, that would be how some Marines and town's folk refer to the common parasite plant from the Santalacea family."
"The what?" Elsa looked at him in disbelief."Since when you are an expert in botanics?"
"I took a course on first aids remember?" Derek explained. "I had to learn botanics."
"Another one of your unnecessary talents?"
He laughed.
"Perhaps."
"So what about this plant anyway?" she said still confused.
"Well if I remember correctly, the ancient Druids used to hang it in their doors." Derek explained casually. "The plant comes by a more known name, coming form the anglo saxon words "Mistel" , that means dung or drop and "tan" that can be translated to a wooden twig or stick. Both words forming the one commonly word known as…"
"Mistletoe?" Elsa guessed suddenly with her eyes opening wide.
"Exactly." Derek said proud. "Wait."
Both looked at each other then over their heads. And there it was. The nasty little Christmas parasite. The infamous Christmas weed. Mistletoe.
Elsa felt the embarrassment take form of a slight blush on her cheeks. Derek on the other hand dropped the key in surprise.
In response, both went down to pick up the key just to hit their heads with each other.
"Ow!" / "Ow!" they both yelled.
"Sorry." / "Sorry." They apologized at the same time.
Then they both reached the key making their hands touch each other.
"Sorry." / "Sorry." They repeated still avoiding to look in the eye.
Elsa removed her hand first letting Derek take the key.
He grabbed it and in both stood up quickly.
Derek opened the door in a quick move and both entered quickly.
… …. ….
As they closed the door behind them they dared to look at each other.
"So," he cleared his throat. "Funny guy that Oaken. Such a prankster."
He laughed nervously.
"Yes." Elsa joined in with a nervous laugh too. "We better get some rest."
"Couldn't agree more."
Then they turned around and sighed in disbelief.
"Why didn't occur to me this is how a Romantic cabin wouldlook like?" Derek asked with a tone of annoyance and sarcasm.
Elsa and Derek walked through the cabin admiring the taste of the owner.
Oaken had clearly given them a suite or something. It had a cozzy fireplace with a plate of marshmallows plate in the tiny coffee table (in the shape of a heart nonetheless).
Christmas decorations and even a small Christmas tree at the corner. Instead of a star at the top of the tree a cupid had been placed pointing with a bow and a heart shape arrow.
In the other corner was the bathroom, which by the way, had no door. That, even for couples was a very, very, open way of thinking. And inside the bathroom, a bathtub big enough for two to fit could be aeen. Small aromatic candles that were making Elsa's stomach feel sick for how strong the aroma of roses were.
Then on the other room. Which again had no door either, was the master's bedroom.
Of course it was just one King size bed. No surprise.
And to top it all this ridiculousness, the white sheets were covered with red flower petals. Forming that ridiculous shape of a heart. More aromatic candles that were making her dizzy. And chocolates and wine resting in one corner with two glasses. Each glass with a red ribbon.
"I know this was part of my idea. But please don't be mad."
Elsa just gave him an annoying look.
"Next time, I pick the place." She simply said.
… …. ….
"I'll take the couch."/ "I'll take the couch." Both said immediately.
"You take the bed." / "You take the bed."
"No, you take the bed." /"No you take the bed."
"Elsa," Derek sighed. "Come on. Your are still recovering from your injuries."
"And so are you Derek." She pointed at his cane.
He huffed. She sighed.
"This is going nowhere." He admitted sitting in the couch.
"Agreed." She sat next to him. "If Okaen handn't asked to use my powers only on the outside of the cabin, die to the carpet, I would had conjured a bed already. And if I'm bring honest, I would rather sleep on the floor than in the master's bedroom."
"Me too." He admitted.
"You too?"
"Yeah." Derek scratched his hair. "Those petals over the bed. Just give me the creeps you know."
Elsa laughed.
"What?"
"It's just, I was feeling the same. That bed…" she shivered. "All these heart shape ornament they are ugh… jus too much."
It was Derek's time to laugh.
"So, no bed then." He declared.
"No bed." She confirmed.
"That solves it then." The Prince said as he took a marshmallow and threw it to the air then caught it with his mouth.
"It does." The Queen.
"You take the couch." / "You take the couch."
"I'll take the floor." / "I'll take the floor."
"No you take couch." / "No you take the couch."
Both sighed. This would take forever.
…. ….. …..
It took a while, and after some more arguing the stubborn guests were able to come to an agreement to where they would sleep. No one would use the bed. And no one would use the couch. So the the last option became the best one.
The coffee table had been removed from the centre of the living room and some pillows and blankets had been put on the carpet floor instead.
Elsa looked up at the celing as the flames caused different shadows that seemed to be alive. Just like her magic.
"Are you still awake?" she heard Derek call her from her left side.
He was the one nearer to the fireplace as Elsa didn't mind the cold.
She blinked as turned her head to meet his. He was looking at her. His head resting over his crossed arms. His hair as always looking a bit messy.
"Just thinking." She answered.
"About your powers?" he guessed.
She nodded at him.
"Back there at the forest." She started. "For a moment they seemed to not answer to me. And then, everything went back to normal. Maybe even stronger than other times."
"Is it normal that they get stronger?" he asked.
"I think so." She answered. "I can feel it somehow as they have grown through the years. Take Olaf for example. When Anna and I were kids we built plenty of snowmen. But only when I became older I was able to make a living snowman."
"Mhmm," he looked up at the ceiling then I thought. Then back at her. "I might not be any expert, but I still believe something, that is not you, is causing it."
"Like what?"
"Like a threat or something." He suggested. "You mentioned that your powers had protected you before. And during the fire, inside the hospital, your magic literally made a shield to save our lives. Remember?"
"So you are saying, my magic could be responding to a threat."
"It is a possibility."
"It could be." She accepted his idea. "But what I don't understand is why it shows sometimes poorly or sometimes too strong."
He nooded. "And there is the issue of you getting pain sometimes too."
"I had only felt pain during our escape in the hospital." She added. "And hadn't been like physical pain like a cut or wound. It had felt more like I had being drained from energy all of a sudden. And every time I tried to conjure magic it hurt inside."
"Inside where?"
Elsa bit her lip and looked at him. "Everywhere." She admitted.
Derek turned his whole body to his side to face Elsa. His eyes full of concern and shock.
"I know that look." She said as turned her body to face him.
"What look?"
"The one you always make when you get worried or upset." Elsa explained with a calm tone.
"I am not… It's just…"
"I know." She said with a small smile. "Don't worry. It hasn't hurt since the fire."
Hia eyes still showed concern but his voice came out more calm. "So what now?"
"Kristoff suggested a visit to Grand Pabbie." She said.
"Who?"
"He is the leader of the trolls."
"Kristoff's family?"
"Yes."
"The one's made of stone."
"Yes."
"And this Grand Pansy …"
"Pabbie" she corrected him.
"Right, Pabbie." He nodded. "He can help you?"
"He knows about magic, maybe he will have a clue about what's happening to me."
Derek's stare relaxed at her last comment.
"Then to the trolls it is." He simply said.
"Derek, they live in the mountains." She tried to say.
"I know what you are implying Elsa, that I might hurt my leg and blah, blah, blah."
"You might."
"I'm coming."
"But..."
"Who else is going to baby sit you if it's not me, naughty girl?" he teased changing the mood to a less serious one.
He could be imposible sometimes. Elsa knew she had to insist but she was too tired.
"Fine. But just because I am too tired to argue with a bad boy like you." She answered, slightly teasing back.
"Good." He smirked triumphantly. "We'll figure this out." He said then determined.
Elsa wished she had at least one bit of that determination. He reminded her of Anna in that way.
Anna. If only she knew where Elsa was.
"There's the smile." The Prince said calling her attention. "What's so funny?"
Elsa shrugged. "I was just thinking, how would Anna or anybody react if they knew where we are."
Derek couldn't hide his laugh.
"It would be priceless for sure." He said. "I mean the whole idea of us being here sounds ridiculous."
"That this place exists is ridiculous." She added laughing too.
"Right?" he said excited. "I mean, that cupid in the tree is just mere bad taste."
"And the heart's shape is everywhere. Like, the cushions or the windows."
"Or the toilet." He added.
They laughed again.
It might sound ridiculous, but this moment was actually easing her troubling mind.
"Let's see, what else is ridiculous here?"
"The matching pijamas for sure." Elsa suggested as she looked down at her clothes.
"Oh right," Derek looked down at his. "Although, you have to admit they are kind of cozzy."
Beating their better judgement they had agreed to wear them as Elsa didn't trust to conjure herself her an ice gown and her powers fail during the night and melt, with Derek near. No thank you. And Derek's clothes had gotten wet with the snow outside, so they were getting dry by the fireplace.
Elsa had to give Oaken the credit for at least making them soft and, as Derek said, kind of cozzy.
But as everything else in the room, they were utterly ridiculous. Both were long sleeve shirts with lose pants. Elsa and Derek had matching sky blue colours each of their clothes had a different sewed inscription.
His read The one that thinks is in charge, while hers read The one that is really in charge.
"At least he got that right." He joked. "You are clearly the bossy one."
"Now you are the one being ridiculous." She answered back flustered making laugh. "It's getting late. We better go to sleep."
"Yes boss."
She tossed a cushion to him but the angle made her throw it too far on his back hitting the tree and making the cupid fall on the carpet.
"I cannot believe it that you missed me." He was laughing hard. "I am literally right in front of you and you still missed me." He laughed even harder making her roll her eyes.
"Just go to sleep already Derry." She said trying to sound annoyed but his contagious laugher was actually making it hard to keep a serious face.
He winced at that name.
"Fine, fine. I deserved that." He said with a half smile. "I'll stop being a bad boy. You are right. We better get some rest."
He yawned then making Elsa to also yawn in reflection.
Elsa made a quick swirl of her hand and the fireplace was put down with snow, only leaving the warm room in full dark.
"Good night Elsa." He finally said. She couldn't see him fully now, but she could tell he had given her a drowsy smile.
"Good night Derek." She said also smiling back at him.
Then, with no further words, she closed her eyes letting the power of Morpheus fall upon her.
…. …. ….. …. … …
And that's it for now. I hope you liked it.
Let me know what you think in the comments.