Winter's Echo

Chapter Forty-Two – Hurry Up and Wait

"Beloved citizens of Arendelle, after a month of sadness and mourning I stand before you today not in despair, but in joy and celebration!"

Anna's voice rang out loud and clear from the balcony above the packed courtyard, as hundreds upon hundreds of people stared up at their young monarch and her common-born fiancé with rapt attention. Though respectfully quiet, the courtyard was buzzing with excitement at the official decree of the royal feast to be held after Queen Anna's mysterious announcement. Rumors had been flying through the kingdom over the last two days about the mysterious fire wielder that had slain the traitorous Southern Isles prince at the feet of their beloved Ice Queen only to dispatch her attempted assassin the very next night. Theories ranged wildly in the form of various fantastical tales. Some insisted the fire wielder was an assassin hired by Ulrik himself that had betrayed the traitorous royals upon seeing the beauty of their queen, slaying them in an effort to win her love. Another spoke of a demon born of the spirits that had captured their beloved queen and was guarding her jealously from the rest of the world. As the rumors grew, one wilder than the next, the people were more than eager to hear the truth of what had transpired that chaotic night.

"Since the fateful events in Calabria and the sacrifice of our most beloved ally, Honeymaren Nattura of the Northuldra, our two peoples have wandered in sadness and despair," Anna continued. "Too sharply did we feel the sting of her loss and too long have we walked with stones in our hearts. Today is the day the shroud of darkness is lifted!" Elsa smiled proudly from just inside of the balcony and pressed into her lover, watching her beloved sister address their now cheering people. "She's so good at this," Honeymaren murmured quietly as she watched Anna speak passionately with an eloquence that surprised even the noaide. "It's like she was born for this." Crystalline pools glanced at the dark-haired woman before returning to the redhead on the balcony. "She does seem to be a natural in the spotlight, doesn't she?" Elsa agreed, her eyes twinkling with mirth.

Honeymaren chuckled, turning to look at the blonde curiously. "She turned out to be a wonderful queen, just like her sister. Did you know she would take to this so well on such short notice when you abdicated in the forest?" she asked. Elsa smirked, rolling her eyes slightly. "I think you mean 'tried' to abdicate, darling. She and the council ensured I failed in my attempt to do so, after all. But yes," she answered, looking back at her sister once more with pride. "Never once did I have any doubt in her abilities." A quiet laugh escaped her and she shook her head slightly. "It's funny you mention being born for this because she always considered herself 'the spare'...and look at her now. Though we were groomed our entire lives to bear the weight of a kingdom on our shoulders, you know more than anyone, my love, that great leaders are not simply born – they are made by the trials they face. No one could have faced the trials she did with more grace or heart than my sister," she said proudly. Honeymaren smiled warmly as she felt the immense pride from her lover as she watched her baby sister address their people.

"Citizens, you know well that Honeymaren Nattura, noaide of the Northuldra, is the reason my sister and I draw breath this day. She saved our lives and countless others by selflessly laying down hers. To honor her sacrifice, Ahtohallan, the source of life and nature, has blessed us with a miracle. I stand here, humbled and overjoyed, to announce that with the help of Queen Elsa, our noaide has been returned to us!" Anna shouted exuberantly before stepping aside to allow Elsa and Honeymaren to approach the balcony amidst murmurs of shock and awe. Honeymaren watched in fascination at how easily Elsa's royal mask of graceful elegance slipped into place, a small and polite smile on her lips as the pair stepped into view. Elsa allowed the shocked murmuring to continue for a few short moments before lifting one hand slightly in the air. The crowd instantly calmed and quieted at the small gesture from the elder queen and Honeymaren barely restrained the proud little smirk that began tugging at her lips.

"There are many rumors circulating about the kingdom concerning what transpired at the castle prior to the traitor Ulrik's scheduled execution. I am here to put those rumors to rest," Elsa began, her voice calm and clear as she spoke authoritatively, the image of splendor and beauty in her icy blue gown. Honeymaren watched Elsa relay the story of her time as Revontuli and the events of the past few days curiously from the corner of her eye. This was the first time she had ever heard her lover address the people of Arendelle as their queen and she could tell instantly why the people had been so insistent that both sisters rule together. Though they held the same loving timbre, the sister's voices were born to complement each other. It was abundantly clear to Honeymaren that the people of Arendelle would follow their queens to hell in back. Anna's voice, full of passion and power, would be the rallying battle cry to help them summon their bravery while Elsa's calm confidence and insurmountable intelligence would be the guiding voice that led them to victory. The sisters were a formidable team and Honeymaren doubted the existence of a threat that could not be defeated by the pair as she watched Anna step next to Elsa, the redhead smiling at her sister proudly as she finished her tale.

"It is my honor to tell you that the reason for the feast today serves a second purpose beyond our joy of our dear friend's return," Anna called out with a broad smile as she took Elsa's hand in hers, squeezing it gently before she held out her other hand to Honeymaren. The dark-haired woman smiled warmly and took the offered hand. "To honor her sacrifice and to forever solidify the bond between Arendelle and the Northuldra, I am proud to officially announce the engagement of my sister, Queen Elsa, to Honeymaren Nattura!" Anna cried joyfully, making a show of placing Elsa's hand in the noaide's to signify her blessing. Honeymaren grinned broadly when the courtyard instantly roared to life in a cacophony of cheers, whistles, and applause. Anna tried to shout out the traditional well-wishes for a life full of happiness and love, but was completely drowned out by the uproar, much to Honeymaren's amusement and Elsa's shock. The stoic queen's face blushed hotly, even as tears of relief and joy at the overwhelming acceptance of her people welled in her eyes. Anna tried to calm the crowd, laughing as it became clear that her efforts seemed only to inflate the cheers of their people, overjoyed at the announcement of their beloved magical queen's betrothal to such a worthy match. Elsa laughed as well in disbelief, turning to hide her face-splitting smile against her lover's shoulder. Honeymaren's grin grew impossibly wider as the blonde's happiness and relief rolled off of her in waves. Unable to stop herself, Honeymaren wrapped her arms around Elsa and pulled her close before leaning in to kiss her softly, much to the never-ending delight of the crowd.

Elsa felt like she was in a fairytale as she kissed her beloved to the cheers of her people, wrapping her arms around her neck and smiling against her lips as the noaide pulled her closer. They broke apart as the song of metal rang through the air, both turning to find Mattias pulling the sword Honeymaren had won him from Davos from its jeweled sheath. The cheers of the crowd fell silent as the general carefully handed the blade to Anna, Kristoff coming to stand at her other side. Elsa bit her lip with slight apprehension, blinking in surprise when she felt Honeymaren pull her closer, bumping her forehead against the blonde's reassuringly. The Northuldran kissed her forehead softly before moving past her and walking slowly to the younger queen. "Are you ready?" Anna asked with a warm smile, standing in her full regal glory with her hands folded gracefully atop the jeweled pommel of the sword and the tip resting against the stone. Honeymaren smiled and nodded, slowly taking a knee before Anna and pressing her right fist against her heart.

"Honeymaren Nattura, noaide of the Northuldra people," Anna began, her voice ringing loud and clear as she lifted the sword, resting the flat of the blade gently on the dark-haired woman's right shoulder. "Do you swear to keep your word and your honor? To defend those who cannot defend themselves and give mercy when asked? To put the needs of others before personal gain and to shun unfairness, cruelty, and deceit?" Honeymaren bowed her head in reverence. "I swear it," she answered in a strong voice. "Do you swear to serve Arendelle, her queens, and her people loyally and true? To live in a way that upholds the knightly traits of bravery, kindness, generosity, chivalry, forgiveness, and honor?" Anna continued, lifting the sword and touching her back carefully, the combined weight of the blade and the redhead's words settling over the Northuldran. "I swear it," she answered again. Her head lifted as she heard Elsa move around her to stand next to her sister and Honeymaren found herself lost in arctic eyes as she gazed upon the picture of elegance and grace that was her goddess. Anna smiled and gently placed the blade on Honeymaren's left shoulder. "Do you swear to protect Queen Elsa with your life? To keep her safe from all that seeks to harm her and put her safety, her well-being, and her happiness above all else as her loyal knight and her spouse?" Honeymaren smiled brightly, her eyes never leaving the crystalline pools of her queen. "I swear it," she said with a voice full of certainty and resolve before looking back at Anna with determination. "None shall harm her while I draw breath."

Anna smiled warmly and nodded, lifting the blade and handing it to a proudly grinning Mattias and speaking again. "Then rise, Lady Nattura of Arendelle - rise and claim your bride!" Honeymaren grinned broadly at the redhead and stood, bowing low before the redheaded queen as the people of Arendelle began to cheer once more. "Go on," Anna said teasingly, nodding her head toward her glassy-eyed sister as Kristoff wrapped his arm around her shoulders, smiling broadly at the fire maven. Honeymaren straightened and turned to her love, her smile and eyes softening as the queen fought a losing battle with the happy tears welling in her own. "Maren…" she began quietly, wringing her hands as she struggled to find the words to tell her love how much what she had just done meant to her. The noaide immediately embraced the spirit of winter, smiling warmly when the queen wrapped her arms around her neck and hugged her tightly, burying her face into the crook of her neck. "Thank you, Maren," she whispered tearfully, hugging the dark-haired woman even closer as Anna bid the feast to begin and the castle doors opened to permit the excited citizens into the Great Hall. Honeymaren simply nuzzled against her, murmuring to her quietly. "I meant every word, Elsa - I would not have agreed to anything I wasn't already willing to do. You are my life, now, which means you, Anna, and all of Arendelle are mine to protect. Nothing in this world means more to me than your happiness and I intend to spend the rest of my life doing everything I can do bring joy to yours."

Elsa pulled back to smile brightly at Honeymaren, the fire maven reaching up to brush away a few tears that had managed to fall from her cheek. "I suppose now you are officially Elsa's prince charming, then," the Anna teased, eliciting a laugh and a nod from the emotional queen as she reached up to carefully wipe the remaining tears from her eyes. "Well, technically, you are going to be her princess consort," came Mattias's voice, the happy grin on his dark freckled face clear in his tone. "Princess Honeymaren. It has a nice ring to it, don't you think?" he asked Kristoff teasingly at Honeymaren's wide-eyed look, the mountain man smirking and nodding in agreement, feigning rubbing his chin in thought. "I could get used to it," he agreed with a smirk.

"Wait, wait, wait. No one is calling me 'princess'," Honeymaren retorted with a slight panic in her voice, much to Elsa's amusement. The blonde took pity on her lover and pressed into her side, slipping her arm into Honeymaren's and placing a soft kiss on her cheek. "Don't worry, Pyro," she said with a reassuring smile. "I don't care what you want to be called, so long as I can call you 'mine'," she said sweetly, slipping her arm into the crook of her elbow. "Though, I must admit, Lady Nattura sounds quite dashing," she added with a sly little smile, though she was unable to prevent the light pink dusting on her cheeks which made Honeymaren smirk. "Well, in that case, maybe these blue-blood titles won't be too bad," she said playfully as she placed her other hand atop Elsa's as the party left the balcony.

"So, what happens now?" Honeymaren asked as the servants closed off the doors to the balcony behind them before hurrying down to help with the feast in the Great Hall. Anna grinned at the couple before taking her own fiancé's arm. "Now, we enjoy the evening together as a family," she said with a happy sigh, leaning against the broad frame of the mountain man. Kristoff grinned at Honeymaren, offering her his hand. "Welcome to the madness, friend," he said playfully. Honeymaren grinned back at him and clasped his forearm firmly, nodding her thanks. "I've got to say, I'm not sure what I'm going to do with two reindeer-crazy brothers," she teased before looking at Anna warmly. "But, at least soon I will have a feisty sister to help me keep them in check, right?" Anna straightened her posture and made a triumphant fist. "You know it!" she agreed with a laugh before tugging Kristoff down the hall. "Come on, let's go before all the chocolate is gone!" she called to Elsa, who simply laughed and shook her head, allowing Honeymaren to lead her after them in a much more sedate pace with Mattias.

"I'm proud of you, kid," Mattias said warmly as they walked, smiling down at Honeymaren. "There is no one I would trust more to protect the royal family than you." Honeymaren smiled a bit bashfully before a gentle squeeze from the hand on her arm made her turn to the proudly smiling queen. "Nor I," Elsa agreed quietly. Honeymaren's breath left her at the sheer amount of love she saw in the arctic gaze that shone back at her and it was all she could do to smile back before a polite cough drew her gaze back to Mattias as they approached the doors of the Great Hall. "Your Majesty, if you would please stay here with Lady Nattura," Mattias asked, flashing a wink at Honeymaren. "I will go in and ensure all is well before I let the herald know he can announce you. Elsa covered a giggle with her hand at her lover's blush before nodding in understanding as Mattias snuck into the room and closed the door behind him, leaving the women alone in the hall.

"How are you feeling, Snowflake?" Honeymaren asked gently, resisting the urge to immediately pull the queen into her arms. Elsa seemed to be fighting a similar battle as she leaned into her love, turning her head to smile at her. "Honestly, I can barely believe it's real," the queen admitted, shaking her head slightly. "I keep thinking I'm going to wake up and everything will have been a dream." Honeymaren smiled and nodded in understanding. "I know the feeling," she said simply before leaning over and bumping her forehead playfully against Elsa's temple. "I've felt like that every day since you came into my life," she whispered into her ear, chuckling as she kissed the blush that immediately pinked the queen's cheeks. Elsa rolled her eyes in playful exasperation, shaking her head once more. "May the Gods have mercy on the innocent nobles of the court, for they are not prepared for you," she joked. "I just know that silver tongue of yours is going to cause quite the stir." Honeymaren grinned broadly, about to suggest a much more entertaining use for her tongue when a loud voice rang out from just inside the doors to the Great Hall.

"Presenting her Royal Majesty Queen Elsa of Arendelle and her betrothed, Lady Honeymaren Nattura of the Northuldra!"

Elsa faced forward once more and took a deep, centering breath as fanfare began to play, schooling her features into calm and poised neutrality when Honeymaren's hand gently cupped her cheek. The queen blinked in surprise and turned her head to look at her noaide, feeling a deep and comforting warmth blossoming in her chest at the sweet, loving smile on her lover's face. "It's okay to be happy, you know," Honeymaren murmured gently before kissing Elsa softly, eliciting a quiet sigh of contentment from the queen. The fire maven pulled away just as the doors opened, a triumphant little grin on her face as the people of Arendelle were treated to the rare view of a happily dazed look on the reserved queen's beautiful features.

Elsa was roused back to cognizance by the cheers and applause of her people, blushing brightly at having been caught unawares in a room filled with hundreds of people. What appeared to be every citizen of Arendelle stood in respect of the queen next to seats at one of the dozen or so long tables that filled the giant room, each stacked high with copious amounts of food. The queen's fingers tightened anxiously on Honeymaren's arm as the familiar fear of showing anything but perfection and poise in public began to creep into her heart until the dark-haired woman's warm hand covered her own. Elsa looked back at her love, instantly feeling herself calm under her loving gaze. "Let your people see you, Elsa. You've nothing to fear here," she said gently as she began to lead the winter spirit through the huge room toward the head table where Anna, Kristoff, and Mattias stood waiting, moving as though the crowd didn't exist.

Elsa took a deep breath and tried to follow the advice that felt so foreign to her, walking with slow, graceful steps down the middle of the room when a little redheaded girl no older than four years of age crawled out from beneath one of the tables and into their path. The queen blinked in clear surprise, glancing about for the child's parents when she felt a gentle, but insistent tug on her icy gown. She blinked once more and looked down at the freckled face of the mysterious little girl who gazed shyly back up at her with light blue eyes and was suddenly struck by how similar this little girl looked to Anna when she was that age.

Honeymaren smiled softly at the frozen queen and knelt on one knee next to the little girl. "Hey there, little one. Do you need help?" she asked gently, a curious murmur beginning to rumble through the crowd. The girl grew shy as she realized how many eyes were on her and mumbled something to Honeymaren, her gaze locked on the ground as she fidgeted with something in her hand behind her back. The dark-haired woman brought her head closer so the child could whisper in her ear before pulling back with a grin and nodding. "I think she would really like that," she said, playfully tugging on the little girl's earlobe and eliciting a giggle from her. Elsa tilted her head curiously when the noaide looked up at her and made a beckoning gesture. The queen hesitated for a moment before kneeling gracefully before the bashful child, her icy gown pooling elegantly around her as the crowd watched on curiously.

The little redheaded child fidgeted nervously in front of the queen before slowly pulling her hand out from behind her back, adorably chubby fingers wrapped tightly around the stem of a beautiful flower with soft white petals that turned ice blue in the center – a winter breath. Elsa's eyes widened in surprise before softening and gazing back at the shy child who looked so much like her baby sister. "Is that for me?" she asked softly, smiling at the child reassuringly. The little girl nodded, her shoulder-length red curls bouncing as she did. "'Cause..'cause, itsa really pretty flower a-and you're a really pretty lady," she mumbled quietly, still not meeting the queen's gaze. Elsa looked up as movement from behind Honeymaren and the child caught her eye to see what must have been the little girl's mother fidgeting nervously in the center aisle, gazing apologetically at her sovereign. The queen smiled and held up a placating hand to indicate that all was well before turning her attention back to the little girl. "It's beautiful, thank you, little one. What's your name?" The little girl leaned back into Honeymaren bashfully, resuming her fidgeting. "Kaya," she mumbled in response. "Such a pretty name for a pretty girl. Would you mind helping me? I think your flower might make me almost as pretty as you," she said gently, smiling encouragingly when the child finally raised light blue eyes to look at the queen in wonder.

Honeymaren chuckled and reached forward to help the stunned child, gently holding the chubby hand that grasped the flower. Elsa ducked her head down as Honeymaren helped her place it carefully in the winter spirit's white-gold locks by her ear. Elsa smiled and lifted her head again, gently touching the soft white petals with a single finger before beaming at the child. "I love it. Thank you, Kaya." Elsa glanced up at Honeymaren to find the dark-haired woman smiling reassuringly at the queen and nodding in encouragement. The spirit of winter took a deep breath before addressing the little girl again. "Well, Kaya, I think you would look very pretty with flowers in your hair, too - flowers fit for a queen," Elsa said sweetly before lifting one hand, a soft blue glow emanating from her fingertips. With a few graceful twirls of her fingers, a beautiful crown of frost flowers formed in the air above her head. Kaya looked up and gasped in delighted excitement as the flower crown slowly fell to nestle into the little girl's fiery curls. "There," Elsa said, releasing the breath she hadn't realized she had been holding before smiling warmly. "Now we can be pretty queens together. How does that sound?"

Kaya bounced on the balls of her little feet for a split second before throwing herself at the queen, wrapping her tiny little arms around Elsa's neck tightly in a bear hug. "Thank you, miss Elsa ma'am," Kaya whispered into the queen's ear as she squeezed her excitedly. Elsa blinked in shock, her arms hovering in awkward uncertainty for a brief moment before her long-suppressed instincts took over. She wrapped her arms around the little redhead, pulling her close and pressing her face against the red curls. Anna watched the events unfold from the dais, surreptitiously wiping away the tears she couldn't quite hold back. She knew that it wasn't little Kaya Elsa was cradling in her arms at that moment, but her younger self. Here, in the same room of that tragic moment sop long ago that had defined their lives, Elsa had found forgiveness, acceptance, and, finally, peace.

Elsa glanced up to see her lover's proud smile, returning it with a disbelieving one of her own before standing with Kaya still wrapped up in her arms. Honeymaren stood as well, walking with her lover to Kaya's mother who took the little girl in her arms, curtseying low to the queen. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she intoned respectfully, smiling brightly at her sovereign. Elsa nodded before smiling warmly at Kaya and adjusting the frost flower crown on her head. "Thank you again for my beautiful flower, Kaya. I will cherish it always," she said, placing a sweet kiss on her forehead before allowing Honeymaren to lead her away, her smile growing brighter when Kaya waved goodbye enthusiastically.

Crystalline pools turned to her lover only to find a knowing smile on her pretty, sun-kissed features. She could almost hear the 'I told you so' in the noaide's twilight-flecked eyes that peeked at her in a sideways glance. "Shut up," the queen mumbled good-naturedly, even as she pressed closer to her lover. Honeymaren grinned wider, shrugging her shoulders innocently as she led her around the head table to her seat next to an older, just as broadly grinning redhead. Anna winked at Honeymaren before turning to address the room. "Let the feast begin!" she announced joyfully, eliciting another round of cheers from the crowd as servants appears with pitchers of mead, wine, and fruit juices. As soon as the crowd's attention was away from them, Anna immediately walked over to her sister and wrapped her arms around her tightly. "I love you so much, Elsa," she whispered into her ear. "And I'm so incredibly proud of you." Elsa closed her eyes against the touched tears that welled in her eyes, hugging her sister back fiercely. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Anna," she mumbled back, pulling back just enough to gaze into sparkling teal eyes that had been her reason for living for so many years. "You'll never have to find out, Els," Anna replied with a smile before the new family sat down to their first meal together.

Many toasts were made as the feast wore on, merriment ringing through the halls of Castle Arendelle. Eventually, the celebration spilled out into the courtyard once more where the citizens had set up decorations, games, and tables to hold the various refreshments and desserts. After a few gentle reminders and subtle squeezes of her hand, Honeymaren helped Elsa relax her rigid public persona enough that she was actually able to enjoy herself. She even joined Anna on the designated dance floor in the courtyard for a traditional folk dance, much to the redhead's delight as well as that of the citizens thrilled to see the royal siblings so happy. Suffice it to say, the people of Arendelle were more than pleased with the Ice Queen's betrothed, for it was clear she had a wonderful effect she had on their beloved queen. The younger of the queens had even made a friend in the smaller redhead that had stolen a piece of Elsa's heart, dancing around with Kaya playfully as her treasured frost-flower crown glimmered in the late-afternoon sun.

Honeymaren kept a watchful eye on the queen as the festivities continued, noticing the blonde's movements becoming a bit more reserved and sluggish as time went on. She smiled warmly when she heard the monarch ask a passing servant for a cup of strong tea, walking over to intercept her before she was able to take a sip. Just as Elsa lifted the cup to her lips, Honeymaren slipped her arms around the queen's waist, pulling her close and nuzzling her neck. The blonde gasped in mild surprise before smiling and instinctively leaning back into the warmth behind her. "There you are," Elsa said with a smile, glancing at her lover over her shoulder. "I thought you would have been off pilfering that cinnamon lefse you love so much," she teased lightly as she lifted the cup to her lips, blinking when Honeymaren gently snatched the cup from her hand. The dark-haired woman set the cup on the table before grasping Elsa's hand and tugging her to a secluded corner of the courtyard away from the crowd. She slipped an arm around the queen's waist and began to sway with her gently to the slow, soothing music the musicians were playing in the Great Hall.

Elsa smiled and leaned into Honeymaren, allowing the noaide to pull her closer and closing her eyes as she rested her head against hers. "Do you have something against me drinking my tea, darling?" she asked teasingly, breathing deeply of the scent of a crisp wind through the trees that was unmistakably her lover and allowing it to relax her. Honeymaren smiled as she felt the blonde melt into her arms a little more, murmuring softly against her hair. "You don't need it," she said simply. "Because I'm going to take you to bed so you can relax for the rest of the night." Elsa laughed lightly, pulling back a bit to fix Honeymaren with an amused eyebrow. "You think so, do you?" she asked skeptically. "I'm sorry to break it to you, my darling Pyro, but one of the downsides of a 'blue blood' title, as you so charmingly refer to your new occupation as my knight, is that we cannot simply leave whenever we want. We have public obligations." Honeymaren nodded confidently, grinning mischievously. "Nope," she answered before glancing over the queen's shoulder. "Because I was smart enough to tell Anna beforehand that you were getting tired and now if you stay she won't let you live it down."

Elsa blinked and followed her lover's twilight-flecked gaze across the courtyard to find her sister smirking knowingly, her arms crossed over her chest and her hip cocked to the side as she stared at the couple expectantly. Honeymaren grinned and feigned a helpless shrug, causing the redhead to frown and make a shooing motion with her hands. Elsa turned to fix the Northuldran with a disapproving glare. "That's just low," Elsa murmured, though the amusement in her voice was clear. The fire maven simply shrugged and stepped aside, offering her arm to the queen. Elsa rolled her eyes good-naturedly and slipped her hand into the crook of her arm, unable to help the small smile that spread across her face. "I think I may have doomed myself by allowing the two of you to become close," Elsa teased as Honeymaren playfully waved goodbye to Anna before leading the queen away and through a different door into the castle.

"Hey, I promised only a few hours ago to take care of you to the best of my ability. Preventing my bride from exhaustion is very much within the confines of that oath," the noaide defended, smiling warmly at her love. "If you are tired, you should sleep – not drink something to silence your body's needs." Elsa chuckled and rested her head against Honeymaren's shoulder as they walked down the empty hall toward her room. "You know as well as I, noaide, that one cannot simply cater to their every need while they are responsible for the needs of others," Elsa countered. Honeymaren smirked and touched her lips gently to the queen's head, humming in acknowledgment. "True," she conceded before grinning playfully against silken, white-gold tresses. "But I guess that's the benefit of having an obstinate fiancé who is willing to drag you kicking and screaming to your bed."

"And here I thought your intention was for me to do the screaming in bed."

Honeymaren sputtered in shock at the queen's sudden cheekiness, looking at the blonde with wide eyes as a blush rampaged across her heart-shaped face to see a pleased little smirk on Elsa's pretty features and a sly, crystalline gaze peeking at her from beneath thick, dark lashes. Honeymaren laughed and shook her head. "You're right. I'm a bad influence on you," the noaide admitted with a grin before opening Elsa's bedroom door for her and stepping back to allow the queen to enter. Elsa smiled and sat on the edge of the bed, crossing one leg daintily over the other and leaning back slightly on her hands as she watched the dark-haired woman close the door and head over to the wardrobe. Blue eyes watched with growing hunger as the Northuldran quickly untied the knot of her leather belt, hanging it in the wardrobe before pulling her tunic over her head and hanging that up as well, leaving her in her airy white undershirt and tan breeches.

"I think 'bad' is a relative term," Elsa commented in a low voice, causing Honeymaren to turn around. When she did, the noaide's mouth went slack as she stared at the beautiful goddess watching her with bedroom eyes from across the room. "I've been quite happy with your manner of…influencing," Elsa said with an innocent smile, making a show of casually smoothing the wrinkles from her ice gown and 'accidentally' drawing the long slit of her dress higher to reveal the pale, creamy skin of her thigh.

Honeymaren smirked at the playfully challenging glint in the queen's arctic gaze, slowly advancing on her and grinning inwardly as Elsa's 'innocent' smile grew wider with every step closer the fire maven took. Elsa craned her neck upward to look at her lover as Honeymaren hovered over her, looking down at the queen with a sexy little smirk on her lips that the winter spirit found far too enticing. "Are you trying to seduce me out of making you take the rest of the night off?" Honeymaren asked with mirth as she placed her hands on the bed on either side of the queen, forcing her to lie back as strong arms boxed her in. Elsa laughed breathily as Honeymaren's lips brushed against her neck, craning her head back to give her lover more access. "M-Maybe I just found a better way to s-spend it," she whispered huskily. Honeymaren grinned against her neck and groaned softly before pulling away slowly, cupping Elsa's cheek with one hand and guiding the blonde's gaze to hers. "Except that it is the opposite of resting, my love. Which is something that, and I know I'm going to regret this, I am going to insist on for two reasons," she said sweetly before capturing the queen's lips in a gentle, soft kiss to cut off the argument she knew Elsa was about to give.

"First, and most importantly, I can feel how tired you are, Snowflake. A night or two of rest, when followed by incredibly active and emotionally charged days, does not make up for the month of neglect you have been through," she explained when she pulled away, standing to kick off her boots. Elsa sat up with a small sigh, immediately feeling the loss – it was odd for the Queen of Ice and Snow to detest the cold, but it was the only word to describe how she felt when her noaide left her arms. Honeymaren chuckled, making the queen look back up at her and blush at the knowing look on her lover's face. "There's no need to pout, Your Majesty," she teased playfully before leaning over to scoop Elsa into her arms, causing the queen to yelp in delighted surprise and giggling as Honeymaren crawled to the middle of the large bed. The Northuldran laid back against the pillows, settling the blonde between her legs so Elsa's back rested against her. Honeymaren wrapped one arm across Elsa's chest, the other guiding the queen's head to lie back against her shoulder as she kissed her, slowly and sweetly. Elsa sighed softly in contentment and closed her eyes, melting into the sweet embrace and the gentle, unhurried love of her cherished one.

When Honeymaren pulled away, Elsa hummed and breathed deeply of her love's comforting scent, reaching out to idly toy with the noaide's icy ring. "And the second?" she inquired curiously, unable to help the smile that grew on her face every time she saw her ring upon the fire maven's finger. "Well," Honeymaren began slowly as she searched for the right words to explain her mind. "It's actually a valued tradition of my people to refrain from making love until the wedding night. Normally, the couple getting married will not make love for the whole month preceding the wedding," she explained. Elsa furrowed her brow in confusion, leaning away just enough to search her love's doe eyes. "I thought you said there weren't any taboos about what we did before we were married!" she said worriedly with a slight tone of accusation in her voice. Honeymaren blinked before the concern in her lover's eyes made her laugh, earning her an unamused glare from the queen. "I'm sorry, Elsa, I'm sorry, I don't mean to laugh," she apologized, holding the queen close and nuzzling her apologetically. "I swear I didn't trick you into 'stealing my innocence' or anything," she promised before she grinned and mumbled playfully against her ear. "Though I apparently stole all of yours." Elsa made a dignified huffing sound before leaning back against her lover once more, not bothering to hide the small smile on her face. Honeymaren smiled back and laced her fingers with Elsa's, squeezing her hands gently. "In our culture, there is nothing wrong with making love to someone you care deeply for before you are married – the Northuldra believe all love should be cherished and celebrated. We abstain from lovemaking before a wedding to create…anticipation, I suppose you could say," she explained.

Elsa blinked before blushing as realization dawned on her. "O-oh…" she commented blankly, glaring once more when Honeymaren chuckled at the blonde. The queen folded her arms across her chest, turning her head away from the Northuldran. "Keep up this attitude and you will be waiting longer than a week, noaide," she warned, though the playful lilt of her voice was undeniable. Honeymaren smirked, raising an amused eyebrow. "Oh? You think it's that easy, do you?" Elsa shot her a smug smile, before turning a dignified nose up at her. "I am a well-raised, intelligent woman of reason. I am not ruled by my carnal desires and can easily avoid being swayed by your seductive wiles for a short week." The dark-haired woman grinned mischievously. "If you think it so easy a task, would you care to make a wager?" she asked, raising a challenging eyebrow at the queen. Elsa peeked at her from the corner of her eye, an amused smile tugging at her lips. "I'm listening," she said, tilting her head in interest.

Honeymaren pressed her lips close, whispering huskily in Elsa's ear. "I wager you won't last ten minutes in our marital bed without screaming my name and begging me for more," she whispered, eliciting a delicious shiver and a gasp from Elsa, the blonde's fingers digging into Honeymaren's thighs. "If you scream for me, beg for me, then you are forbidden from leaving our bed for the entire next day." Elsa blinked her wide blue eyes, a dark blush setting her face aflame. "W-what?!" she asked incredulously. Honeymaren simply grinned, dragging her lips across the sensitive skin of the queen's neck. "You heard me, Your Majesty. If it turns out you cannot so easily avoid being 'swayed by my seductive wiles', you will not leave our marital bed for the entirety of the next day. You are mine to pamper, to serve, to worship…mine to claim again and again until the dawn of your second morning as my wife. Over and over I will bring you to the highest heavens, ravishing you day and night, for I know how difficult keeping myself from taking you for an entire week is going to be...and 'anticipation' couldn't begin to describe how I will feel that night."

Elsa swallowed thickly as shivers ran up and down her spine at her lover's whispered promises, her hips twitching in obedient anticipation for the noaide. "A-And what happens if I don't?" Elsa bravely countered, despite pressing closer into the dark-haired minx. "W-what do I get?" Honeymaren smirked, nibbling on Elsa's earlobe teasingly. "Name it and it shall be yours, my goddess," she murmured. Elsa tried to think, a nearly impossible feat with her lover being as distracting as she was before an idea struck her. "One night," she gasped out as Honeymaren's soft lips found her pulse point, a devious smile tugging sexily at the corners of Elsa's mouth. "One night where you are all mine without you…distracting me. One night where you touch only what I tell you that you may touch, if I let you touch. We shall see who shall be at the mercy of whom." Honeymaren smirked against the queen's neck. "Now that's just cruel," she teased, chuckling against the sensitive skin. Elsa grinned and gazed at her noaide seductively through half-lidded eyes. "Well, if you're scared…" she teased, reaching behind her to bury her fingers in Honeymaren's thick, dark tresses. The Northuldran chuckled again, wrapping her arms around the goddess of winter lovingly and ceasing her teasing for the moment. "You're on, Snowflake," she said with a smile before leaning over to kiss her softly.

They spent the next hour watching the sunset through the balcony windows of the queen's room, talking of random wedding experiences and traditions while Honeymaren alternated between idly playing with the winter spirit's fingers to lovingly running her own through silky, white-gold tresses or tracing them across beautiful, pale features. Soon, Honeymaren began to lightly run the tip of her pinky finger from the crown of Elsa's head to the tip of her nose again and again in an old Northuldran technique, smiling lovingly as the queen's eyes became heavier and heavier with each pass. "Sleep, my love," she cooed softly to her, pulling the warm duvet up and over them before resuming her ministrations. "I'll be here when you wake. For the rest of our lives, I will be right here," she promised, a small, happy smile following the queen as she drifted to sleep.

AN:

...*waves*...

*scampers back to work*

LOVE YOU GUYS!

Also, still hoping someone is/knows an artist who would be willing to create a cover image for this story. HELP!

-Volchise