257
Creak!
Dust billowed towards Marie's face, causing her to cough. She was in the schoolhouse cracking open a dusty wooden door that laid flat against the ceiling. Marie often found herself staring at it during school hours, wondering what lay above. Now, as her blue eyes swept the darkness, her curiosity was increasing.
I can see in the dark now, she thought to herself, taking a step up and pushing the latch all the way open. Every tone was died down; the darkness did not reflect color the way light did. It must be the same way that the cold doesn't bother Elsa, she thought to herself.To her surprise, a double sized bed and brand-new furniture lay waiting, neatly polished and clean. She set the door down and climbed inside.
Marie walked over to one of the grey windows and tore a sheet down that hung over it. Immediately, light punctured the small room, igniting the colors that darkness could not. She grimaced, the sudden light causing her head to pound. The loft was around the size of a medium sized dormitory, or a small studio apartment. As her eyes scanned the few boxes that lined the back wall, Marie noted that the loft was about the size of her apartment in her world. She sat down gingerly on the end of the bed. She did not mind. Marie grew up having a smaller room, so small spaces were a comfort to her. She slowly slid down and leaned back on her elbows and looked up at the bed canopy. It was mahogany-colored wood for the four-poster frame. White and purple linens draped over the top and shielded the bed. Marie laid her head down, her body more than happy to meet the soft mattress.
Everything is so nice, she thought to herself. Her body relaxed, and her face soon fell as the stillness crept around her. She would never see her family again. Marie covered her eyes with her forearm as tears swelled behind her eyelids. Anna had simply held her as Marie had cried earlier. She rolled on her side. I've been shown so much kindness by everyone here, she thought. Even the guards in the castle hallways and a couple of townspeople had stopped Marie and asked her how she was doing as she was leaving the castle only a few minutes prior. Marie felt herself sink into the new mattress below her, her body finally able to release some of the tension she was carrying around. I may never see them again… She gripped the comforter below her. So why do I feel a sense of…relief? Her eyelids slunk shut, and sleep overtook her.
Marie stood in the town square. She blinked and shielded her eyes, even though it was dusk. A familiar dark form stood in front of her. She took a step forward, her fists clenching. "Is it true?" she yelled out, her voice echoing. "Is it really over?" The darkness stood still, seemingly watching her. Suddenly it cupped its palms together and spread them apart. Marie felt the earth rumble as the rift formed from its hands. She was knocked to her feet but braced herself on the ground. "No!"
It was too late. The rift pulled everything nearby into itself. She gritted her teeth and lashed out with her dark power, conjuring a dark whip, and slashed the black hole. It shrunk. She regained her balance and let out a proud chuckle. The dark form spread its hands out farther, and the rift grew. Wordlessly, the darkness launched the rift towards Marie. She could only let out a scream as it overcame her.
She woke with a jolt. Marie shook her head and blinked sleepily. A thud! sounded on the window that she had uncovered. Marie pushed herself up when she recognized the sound, and she could not help but snicker as another snowball was thrown against the glass. Marie rose and went over to the window. She opened it and stuck her head out. "I'll be right d-" A snowball hit her in the face.
Elsa gasped below her. "I am so sorry! Are you alright?" she called.
Marie wiped her face off and playfully tossed down some snow that had stuck to the window at Elsa. They both laughed. Marie gazed down at her, her heart fluttering. "Have you been waiting long?" Marie asked.
Elsa brushed a loose strand of her light blonde hair behind her ear as a soft summer breeze blew passed her. Marie could not help but stare as the wind caused the light grey dress Elsa was wearing to press against the royal's long legs. "I only just arrived," Elsa answered, an air of shyness to her voice. Marie looked away quickly, her face turning beet red. Elsa tightly gripped a basket in her hands. "I brought your things."
"I'll be right down," Marie said, quickly withdrawing back into the loft. Despite being sore, Marie made her way down to the schoolhouse's front door within seconds. She opened the door.
Elsa turned her body to face Marie. "Hi."
"Just a bad dream."
Marie froze for a second. "H-hi."
A soft smile swept across Elsa's lips, and she tilted her head in a gesture of fondness. "How are you feeling?" Elsa asked.
"I'm alright. Just woke up from a nap," Marie said, fighting back a yawn. Elsa smiled back, looking her in the eyes. Elsa had an air of intensity about her wherever she went. Her eye contact was always steady, her smile always waiting. Whenever Elsa set her eyes upon Marie, the foreigner could not help but think of a heavy comforter laying over her, or a guiding light within the dark. Lately, an all-encompassing shiver ran throughout Marie whenever Elsa was close. Perhaps it was this feeling that compelled Marie to let her shoulders drop, to let herself drop the façade. "I'm not sure how I am," Marie said quietly. She opened the door a little farther. "Come in." Elsa entered, and as soon as Marie shut the door, darkness clung to the walls of the schoolhouse, despite the sunlight shining in through the windows. Marie tore her gaze to the floor. "I can't quite hold it all in right now," she admitted softly.
To her surprise, Elsa reached out a hand and lightly touched a strand of darkness that was slithering up the wall. Her hand emitted a slight tendril of ice, encompassing the dark. "It feels…sad," Elsa said gently, her fingers seemingly caressing the darkness. "Lost, even." She looked at Marie, lowering her hand. "I can't imagine what you're going through right now."
"Want to see upstairs?" Marie pointed to the latch and turned around, not waiting for an answer. "I'm not sure how it got there, but there's a new bed and furniture and stuff," Marie rambled. Elsa followed silently as Marie opened the latch. "Like, seriously, how did they get this stuff up here? I'll have to ask Anna the next time I see her."
A quiet chuckle escaped Elsa. She climbed into the loft, taking Marie's hand when it was offered to her. Marie closed the latch behind Elsa, avoiding eye contact with her while doing so. Elsa set down the basket she was holding on a dresser. "I've been thinking about what Pabbie said," she ventured, her back turned towards Marie. "What if we went to Ahtohallan to find some answers?" Elsa squeezed Marie's jacket that lay folded neatly within the basket. "That seems to be the place in this world where the rift appears. We could go there…" Elsa grew quiet for a moment. "To see if you can find your way back…"
Marie took a step toward Elsa, her heart lurching within her chest. "Do you really think it is there?" she asked, her voice rising in pitch.
What felt like a ball tightened in Elsa's throat as she nodded. "The rift has been there before. Perhaps it will be there again." She blinked, her gaze falling to the floor momentarily. "If that is what you wish…I can take you there."
What felt like minutes of silence screamed between them. Elsa sucked in a breath, waiting for Marie's response. A songbird flew by one of the windows, its chirp echoing within the loft. Marie tilted her head, casting a glance at the basket Elsa had brought with her. "I see you brought my jacket," Marie said. Elsa nodded and stepped to the side as Marie approached. The royal watched as Marie's hands slid under the fabric, reaching for the side pockets. She pulled out a small pink slip barely larger than her palm and opened it. "These pictures are a year old: I was meaning to ask my sister for newer ones." Elsa watched as Marie pulled out several photographs. The images were extremely clear and in color, something Elsa was not used to but still amazed by. "But here they are. The kids." Marie flipped through the photos, starting with an image of a handsome teenage boy. "Jack was born when I was twelve. He was helping my brother and I look for Layla. And here's Kayla, my god daughter. Meghan reminds me of her." Marie continued, flipping through a total of six photos. Elsa listened as her voice grew increasingly soft yet loving and watched as Marie's facial expressions followed suit. The dark tendrils that were creeping along the walls began to subside as Marie continued to talk about them.
Elsa lightly touched Marie's elbow and motioned with her head to the walls. A look of surprise covered Marie's face, causing Elsa to chuckle. "Love thaws," Elsa said quietly. She looked down at the photographs in Marie's hands. "And I can tell you love them very much."
Marie clung to their photos, bringing them up to her chest. "Yes," she replied. "I have to return to them, to see if they're okay."
""Okay?"" Elsa repeated. "Are they in danger?"
Marie immediately grew tense and turned away. She was silent for a few seconds before responding, "Not always." She clenched her fists. "But still, who knows what is happening there? Do they know I'm missing? Are they looking for me? I have to get back to them, Elsa." Marie turned back around and faced Elsa. She paused. "But I'd like to stay for the wedding. I'd like to stay…for just a little while longer." Marie reached for Elsa's hand, but withdrew as Elsa turned away, clutching her arms.
"I can't change your mind?" Elsa asked quietly, her voice cracking. A pain shot through Marie's chest, but she remained silent. Elsa suddenly straightened her posture and averted her gaze. "We will go after the wedding." She nodded briskly and headed towards the latch, trying to ignore the surge of emotion that welled within her. "The Northuldra arrived a little bit ago. There will be a feast in an hour's time. You're welcome to join if you'd like."
Marie barely could move out of the way as Elsa whisked passed her, completely avoiding her gaze. "Elsa, wait!" Marie exclaimed, reaching out towards her. Elsa halted in her tracks as she felt something wrap around her forearm. Marie immediately withdrew the coil of darkness that had shot out from her hand and latched onto Elsa. "Sorry. I didn't mean to do that," Marie nearly stammered. Elsa rubbed her forearm. The coil did not harm her, but she could still feel the desperation that had seeped into her skin from Marie. The foreigner took a step forward. "We don't even know if it's possible for me to return yet! Maybe it's not! But…I have to try."
Elsa turned away once again. "I understand." She started for the latch and opened it. "Anna would like to discuss recent events with Yelena. We should both be present." Before Marie could respond, Elsa shut the latch and hurried towards the front door. She pressed the back of her hand against her upper lip, trying to contain herself, but to no avail. How foolish, she thought to herself as she departed the schoolhouse. How utterly foolish I was to think that she would want to stay.
"So, he planned on raiding The Enchanted Forest after killing Elsa and Marie?"
Anna leaned back in her chair. Her, Kristoff, Mattias, Grand Pabbie, Yelena, Elsa and Marie were all in the council room. The Northuldra had arrived only an hour before, and Anna made quick work to gather everyone for an official meeting. The Arendellian queen nodded in response to Yelena's summary of the information. "Yes," Anna said. "Luckily, our preparations stopped the small brigade that was planning on raiding the forest, with your help."
Everyone was seated around a large oak table except for Yelena. The Northuldran chief crossed her arms behind her back and stared out the window, her eyes scanning her people in the street below. "They seemed surprised by us," Yelena added. "It didn't take long for us to find out that they were waiting for Dominic to arrive before continuing their attack."
Mattias and Kristoff nodded. "It made detaining them a lot easier," Mattias commented, rubbing his beard.
"They also gave us a list of names from the staff who knew about the attack," Kristoff said.
Anna folded her hands on the table and stretched her shoulders. "Trial is tomorrow morning at ten, but I wanted to inform everyone here of what was going on beforehand."
Pabbie's eyes barely reached over the top of the table as he peered at everyone present. "I went and spoke to this Dominic," he said. "What he said was true: he no longer possesses the ability to wield magic."
Marie sat up in her chair, the most movement Anna had seen her take the entire evening. "I also sensed the same." She leaned back and stared at the table. "Seems it really is all over," she finished quietly. Elsa turned her head away from the group, a frown covering her face.
Yelena turned around and walked back to her chair, gripping the back of it. "That's multiple attempts at assassination of both royalty and people of interest, kidnapping, treason on multiple accounts, trespassing with malicious intent: the list goes on and on," Yelena stated flatly. "I think I can speak for all of us here, Your Highness, when I ask what your intentions of sentencing are with this man?"
Anna took in a deep breath when everyone's eyes turned to her. She leaned back and closed her eyes, carefully thinking about her words. After a few seconds, she stirred. "With one count alone, the proper sentencing for Dominic's crimes… would be death." A collective sigh passed through the group, although Elsa scoffed and turned her face away once more at Anna's words. "However, my father outlawed the death penalty after assuming the throne, and it hasn't been revoked since then."
"Your Highness, if I may," Mattias spoke hurriedly as everyone looked taken aback at her words. "There hasn't been a case like this that has warranted the death penalty since King Runeard! To avoid it now would be unjust!"
"That's not exactly true," Elsa interjected. Her voice was firm, but cordial. "Prince Hans attempted a coup and more than one assassination himself, yet The Southern Isles demanded to punish Hans themselves. He was sent away as soon as we received word from his kingdom. Westleton may want to do the same."
Marie tilted her head. "Has Westleton been informed of what's been going on? Or were they all in it together?" she asked.
Anna blinked in confusion. Had her sister not told Marie yet? "Dominic planned the whole thing on his own, and managed to rope in some followers," the queen explained. "His father, the previous duke, will be present for the trial tomorrow." Anna sighed and closed her eyes in thought. "Even though the council will be there, the sentencing will ultimately be up to me," she said quietly. "Truthfully, I haven't made up my mind yet."
Mattias shifted in his chair. "Your Highness, he is a threat to the kingdom alive," he said.
"I agree," Yelena chimed in.
Pabbie crossed what little arms he had. "Oh, but the burden of taking another life is never easy," he said thoughtfully. "No doubt that is what Your Majesty has weighing on her mind."
The room fell silent. Yelena sat back down in her chair after a few seconds. "What happens now? Has the balance been reset? Is the fight over?" she asked, turning toward Elsa and Marie.
Anna had immediately picked up her sister's body language from the moment Elsa had stepped into the room. Her eyes were downcast and distant, unless speaking directly to another person, and her tone sounded off whenever she spoke. Elsa crossed her arms and looked down at the table. "Dominic was stripped of his power," Elsa explained. Marie's eyes bore into her intensely as she spoke. "He was the imbalance, and there hasn't been any sign of darkness anywhere since." Her fingernails dug into the fabric of her dress on her forearms. "It stands to reason that yes; the fight is over."
"I see," Yelena replied. She looked at Marie. "Will you return to your world, then?"
The tension that flooded off Marie was almost suffocating. She stared down at the table, and Anna noticed that Elsa refused to look at Marie as well. "I-I'm not sure if that's even possible," Marie stammered. Mattias set a comforting hand on her shoulder, to which she relaxed ever so slightly. "The rift is supposed to pull those who aren't from this world back to their own. Ahtohallan seems to be where the rift appears the most, but that's only a theory." She looked down at her hands. "I'd have to go there to see if that's true."
Anna nearly shot to her feet in shock. "Are you?!" she exclaimed. "Are you really going there? Back to your world?" Everyone else was just as shocked as she was, and they all looked at Marie. At this point, Elsa was gritting her teeth, her eyes sealed shut. Anna felt her chest ache. Suddenly, Elsa's behavior made sense. "You mean so much to everyone here. We'd hate to see you leave. You're like family to us."
Marie's eyes grew wide. She tore her gaze back down to her hands, which were clenched so tightly upon her lap that her knuckles were white. "I want to stay for the wedding," she said quietly. "After that, then I'll make my decision."
It was evident by the expressions on everyone's faces that Marie's news was distressing. Kristoff and Mattias both slunk in their chairs while Yelena sighed heavily. Anna leaned back in her chair. "All right," she responded softly. "I, too, have a decision to make. For now, we wait until tomorrow morning. The meeting is adjourned. Elsa, if you would stay behind, please." Everyone rose and began departing the council room. Anna stepped in front of Marie and embraced her tightly. Marie froze. Anna squeezed her. "We're going to miss you," she breathed, rubbing Marie's back. "Make sure to make this week count." Marie nodded and left the room.
Anna watched as everyone left the room, leaving only her and Elsa behind. Elsa stood at the end of the table with her back turned. Anna slowly approached and leaned against the table next to her sister. Elsa quickly wiped away a few tears and crossed her arms. "So, you haven't made up your mind yet?" Elsa asked.
"No, I haven't," Anna answered.
Elsa gripped her forearms. "Do you want advice?" she asked.
Anna could not help but chuckle. "No, I don't," she answered. A quiet sob sounded next to her. Anna leaned against Elsa, who covered her face.
"I'm sorry," Elsa whispered. "There's so much going on right now, and I'm-"
"Stop," Anna ordered softly. She grabbed her sister's arms and tried to catch Elsa's gaze. "Whatever is going on with you is also important."
"I-…I-…" Anna had never seen her sister like this. Elsa sobbed, but desperately did not want to. She shielded her face to stop herself from crying, but to no avail. Elsa cried softly, "I nearly killed someone because they hurt her...I almost killed someone."
"Breathe," Anna urged when Elsa's sobs turned into gasps. "Just breathe, Elsa."
"I-…" Elsa tried hiding her face once more, but Anna gently coaxed her arms away from her face. "I love her," Elsa breathed. "I told her that I love her." Anna stopped. "She-…She was sleeping, but I said it…I love her, Anna. But she's leaving. She's leaving, or could be taken away any second, and I can't…I can't take it." Elsa gripped her chest. "I can't take it…"
"Oh, Elsa…" Anna embraced her sister, holding her tightly when Elsa's body shook from her sobs. "I'm so sorry," Anna breathed. "You should tell her how you feel." When Elsa tensed, Anna gave her another squeeze. "It's worth a shot," she encouraged, pulling away. "Besides, I'm pretty sure I'm not the reason she's staying the week."
Elsa's breathing slowed, and as she wiped her face, she gave Anna a small smile. The sisters held each other's hands. "I love her," Elsa said quietly.
Anna could not help but giggle in excitement. "I know!" she said excitedly.
"We've only known each other for a month," Elsa said sheepishly. When Anna raised an eyebrow, Elsa could not help but laugh. She smiled at her sibling in pure fondness. "Thank you, Anna." They touched foreheads. "What would I do without you?"
"You'll always have me," Anna said once more.
Marie closed her eyes momentarily as glasses clinked together. She rubbed behind her eyes to try alleviate a migraine. The feast was being held in the mess hall of the castle, and the walls hummed with the voices of the Northuldra and Arendellian citizens. Ryder sat next to her while Honeymaren and Elsa sat across.
Honeymaren took a drink of wine from her blue goblet. "Tell me again how you beat him!" she exclaimed to Elsa, nudging the royal with her shoulder. "You did what now?"
Marie eyed Elsa from above her own goblet as she took a drink of red wine. "She kicked his ass," Marie muttered.
The siblings snickered as more Northuldra eagerly listened to the tale. Anna, who was sitting at the end of the long table, leaned against her hand, and watched with a happy, buzzed tint to her cheeks. "Wait, like literally?" Ryder asked innocently.
"No, it's a phrase," Marie replied, unable to hide a laugh. Elsa chuckled from across the table. The two women made eye contact for a split second before looking away. Marie groaned slightly as her head swarmed.
"Can you show us that ethereal form you took?" Honeymaren asked eagerly. Several people chimed in their excitement.
"Um…" Elsa lowered her goblet. "No."
"Aww, come on!"
Marie rose from the table and chuckled to herself. She eyed Mrs. Helgeson on the other side of the mess hall and began making her way over to her, excusing herself from the small posse of people that had began to swarm around Elsa. The tale of Dominic's attempted coup spread through the kingdom like wildfire. Marie rubbed her sore jaw. Elsa was a heroine; there was no question about that. She had saved the kingdom yet again. She's everything the movies and stories have said she is, Marie thought to herself.
"Just a bad dream."
Marie touched her warm, pounding head. So why…?
Mrs. Helgeson saw the young woman approaching and touched the shoulder of a man who was seated next to her. They rose. "Marie," the older woman greeted. "This is my husband, Richard." She gestured to the man next to her. Marie extended a hand and a smile. The teacher tucked a loose strand of grey hair behind her ear. "How are you, dear? I think I've heard the story of the battle a dozen times by now."
A slightly frustrated chuckle escaped Marie. She scratched her head. "Tired," she replied honestly. "I've been meaning to talk to you about the next couple of days of class."
Mrs. Helgeson motioned for Marie to follow her to the wine table. "Haven't you heard? There is no school this entire week." The older woman laughed quietly as Marie visibly relaxed. She poured herself more wine. "Her Majesty had voiced closing the school the week before the royal wedding, but ever since yesterday's events, she felt it was best for the children to be at home with their families. I agree." Mrs. Helgeson sipped her wine, her grey eyes landing on Anna. "I heard you moved into the loft above the schoolhouse. Put a note on the front door in case any students forget there's no class, will you?"
Marie nodded. "Yes, ma'am."
Mrs. Helgeson eyed her from the side. "Make sure to give yourself a break as well," she said, patting Marie on the arm. "You deserve it." Marie turned around and faced the castle walls as she felt a sudden urge to cry. Mrs. Helgeson patted her once more before departing.
As the buzz of voices bounced off the walls, Marie looked down at her hand. Although poised, her fingers shook. She closed her hand into a fist and took a deep breath. The sun was beginning to dip behind the mountains, its orange rays spreading across the fjord. She was to arrive an hour early for tomorrow's trial. Marie started to make her way to the mess hall doors, weaving in and out of the crowd with a polite smile. She knew it was to be prepped for the oncoming trial, but what Marie did not voice was that she had gone through similar trials before. Marie exited the mess hall, immediately sighing as the constant buzz from so many voices instantly diminished. She leaned against the wall, checking her hands for the shakes once again. They shook even more.
"You, too?"
The familiar voice made Marie's heart lurch within her chest. Elsa approached Marie, her hands clasped in front of her. Marie rubbed behind her eyes. "Retelling the story just made me a little anxious," she explained quietly. Elsa simply gazed at Marie, her expression growing soft. A moment of silence bore down between them.
""I-"" They both stopped when they spoke at the same time.
Marie could not help but smile. "You go first," she offered.
Elsa opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by staff coming from the mess hall. She gripped her hands together tightly. "I need to talk to you," Elsa said. Marie felt that familiar feeling tug at her heart when Elsa looked down at the floor sheepishly. "I promise not to run away this time…"
"I run, too," Marie responded softly. Elsa gazed at her and relaxed slightly. "I was thinking of turning in early."
"I'll walk you," Elsa said, and the two began to make their way down the hallway. What felt like a pit twisted in Marie's stomach as they left the castle. As they made their way across the stone bridge that separated the castle from the town, Marie casted a nervous glance at Elsa. Their encounter that morning rang through her mind, causing her to grow flushed.
"Elsa, I-"
"I want you to stay," Elsa's voice echoed across the fjord. Marie froze, her eyes growing wide. Elsa took a step closer as the wind blew past them, tossing her long blonde hair. "I…I want you to stay, Marie. I almost lost you, a-and…" She paused as tears began to form in her blue eyes. "It terrified me. I don't think I could handle losing you again. So, I…" Elsa looked Marie in the eye. "I want you to stay because I-…" Marie felt herself begin to tremble. "Because I-…I l-"
Elsa was interrupted by Marie suddenly embracing her. Marie held her tightly, nestling her face in the crook of Elsa's neck. "And then what?" Marie whispered. "I get ripped away at any moment? Away from everyone…" She gritted her teeth as an onslaught of tears welled behind her eyes. "…Away from you." Elsa gasped and squeezed Marie just as tightly. Marie pulled away but stayed close to the royal before her. "I'm afraid. I don't want that to happen." She wiped away a tear that had fallen down Elsa's face. "Don't you see? We have to go there. We have to see if this is all over." Marie let her hand fall to Elsa's jaw, her expression growing sullen. "It's the only way."
Elsa sighed and looked at her. "What if the rift is there? What will you do?" she asked.
Marie looked away. "I don't know," she said quietly. Suddenly Elsa pulled away, clasping her hands behind her back as she turned her back to Marie.
"I've decided," Elsa stated. She wiped away a stray tear. "I'm going to do everything in my power to convince you to stay." What felt like a tidal wave washed over Marie. It felt as though she could be swept away, off to a place where only Elsa knew. She forgot to breath for a few seconds and could not help but stare at her. Elsa's words still encompassed her mind, sinking into every fiber of Marie's being. Elsa held out a hand, a soft smile coming over her face. Marie took it wordlessly; Elsa had the ability to leave her speechless. They continued towards the schoolhouse, waving to the occasional passerby on the street. Elsa squeezed Marie's hand. "Are you nervous for tomorrow?" Elsa asked.
"A little," Marie responded, feeling the familiar pit twist in her stomach. "I've actually been to court before, so I think I know what to expect." They arrived at the schoolhouse's front door. Marie fidgeted with a button on her grey dress. "Um…I know he's locked up, and he doesn't have magic anymore, b-but…" She looked at Elsa. "W-will you stay the night with me?" she stammered. "I feel safe with you."
A soft kiss was placed on Marie's cheek. Elsa withdrew and said, "I will."
Marie felt herself grow flushed. "Okay." She opened the front door, nearly tripping over the front step. Elsa's spending the night, she thought. Holy shit! "I almost forgot! I have to leave a note on the door." Elsa simply watched as Marie scurried around, a nervous ramble spewing out of her mouth. "I haven't had the chance to organize in here yet," she said as she held out a hand to help Elsa come into the loft. "So, things might be a little unorganized…"
"Marie," Elsa uttered, squeezing her arm. "It's lovely."
They lingered near each other for a few moments until Marie turned away to light a candle on her dresser. She stared at the flame as it ignited the wick. "I never got the chance to thank you," Marie said. "For saving my life."
She could feel Elsa's presence behind her coming close to her own body but not quite touching. "If only I hadn't left your side, then none of this would have happened," Elsa said quietly.
"Don't beat yourself up," Marie interjected, turning to face her. She winced as the wound on her neck yanked from the quick movement.
"Be careful!" Elsa exclaimed, immediately bringing her hand to the wound. "It hasn't healed completely yet." Marie groaned but settled against the dresser as Elsa began to heal both her neck and jaw. Her touch was especially soft as her fingertips grazed over the torn skin. She gazed at Marie's skin, her eyes coming up to meet Marie's. Elsa shyly tore her gaze away, focusing on the task at hand.
Marie's heart raced within her chest. "Everything I said in the garden…I meant," Marie said. Elsa sucked in a breath. "I'd like to remain by your side as much as I can."
Elsa's breath washed over Marie's neck as she closed what little gap was between them. "I'd like nothing more," she breathed. She paused, peering at the wound in thought.
"What's wrong?" Marie asked.
The mage touched her own lips. "This might hurt," Elsa answered. Before Marie could respond, Elsa moved her hand behind Marie's neck and breathed onto the wound. Marie immediately gasped as ice escaped Elsa's lips and covered her skin. Her fingernails dug into the dresser as her entire body shook. Marie could feel Elsa's magic bind her flesh back together. It made Marie tremble. Elsa's fingers hovered over Marie's jaw, a light hum sounding from their tips as her magic eased into Marie's skin. Elsa pulled away slightly as Marie's breath became labored. "Does it hurt?" she asked softly, looking up at Marie. She paused. Marie's face was completely red.
"N-no," Marie managed to stammer. She slipped a hand behind Elsa's neck, her fingers gliding over her soft, blonde hair. She pulled Elsa closer to her and stretched her own neck, coaxing Elsa forward. Elsa exhaled sharply, her own body trembling. This time, she pressed her lips against Marie's neck, emitting her icy magic onto her skin. Marie audibly gasped, pulling her closer. Her other hand tugged at Elsa's side, wrapping around her waistline in a way she had always wanted to. Elsa moved her lips up to Marie's jaw, still emitting her magic. The sounds that Marie was making only enticed her more. She turned Marie's face, her lips leaving a tiny icy trail across her skin. Elsa kept her eyes on Marie, unable to stop herself from looking. She breathed onto Marie's neck, coming to a halt at the now closed wound. Her lips lightly touched her skin but did not press. She was too busy feeling the rapid rise and fall of Marie's chest pressed against her own, along with Marie's pulse pounding against her lips.
Suddenly Marie pulled away, only to bring her own lips to Elsa's neck. "How do you like it?" she asked huskily as her lips began kissing Elsa's neck.
Elsa gripped the back of Marie's head, her breaths becoming staggered. "Let me finish," she ordered.
Marie continued. Both of their hands were tousled in the other's hair. Marie let out a satisfied hum in Elsa's ear, "No." There was no other way to explain it: she was hungry for Elsa. Every breath she breathed, every movement her body made, Marie brought closer to her. One of her hands cradled Elsa's head, tipping it the direction she wanted it to go as her lips continued to cascade down her neck. The other hand gripped Elsa's back, holding her close. Elsa's breathes began to sound more like moans, which filled Marie's ears like music.
Elsa let out a groan of playful frustration, her lips pressing firmly onto the cut on Marie's neck. Marie gasped loudly as a chill spread across her body. Elsa pressed into her, wrapping her arms around Marie's waist to bring her as close to her as possible. Her hand slid up Marie's back as she started to move her lips across Marie's neck. It tantalized her how Marie moved while under her touch. Elsa wanted nothing more than to keep going. Her lips trailed up Marie's long neck and onto her jaw, still emitting a slight tendril of ice that seeped into Marie's skin. Marie gasped and attempted to straighten her neck, so she came face to face with Elsa, but Elsa prevented her from doing so. The ice mage breathed over Marie's lower neck, smiling as Marie's entire body shivered. Her lips reached Marie's collarbone. Elsa paused, her breath turning warm as she ceased her magic. With a smile, she softly bit Marie's collarbone.
Marie gasped in a way that made Elsa blush. "I can't take it anymore," Marie breathed, her hands coming up to Elsa's face. Before Elsa could interject, Marie kissed her on the lips. What felt like fire burned between them. As they fervently tore their lips apart, they brought them back together again. Marie pushed against Elsa with her entire body. Elsa let out a startled moan as Marie pushed her backwards, slamming her against one of the bed pillars. They quickly found each other again, their lips seemingly hungry for each other. They would separate, take in a breath, and find each other again. Marie's mind was filled with thoughts of their encounters as her hands slid up and down Elsa's body. She cupped Elsa's face and kissed her passionately, humming happily as Elsa's hums filled her ears. She wanted nothing more than to please her.
Elsa breathed heavily onto Marie's lips as they separated. "M-Marie…"
Marie hovered on the brink of touching Elsa's lips with her own. Elsa ran her fingers across Marie's face, gazing at her with a gentle, loving expression. This time, their lips met softly. Marie felt her heart skip a beat as her lips tingled. She did not pull her lips away like before, but kissed Elsa deeply. A moan escaped Elsa, which only spurred Marie to kiss her even more deeply. Elsa's hands gripped the clothing on Marie's back in fervor. Marie tilted Elsa's head with her hand that cradled the back of her neck, her soft blonde hair falling over her skin. A chill began to run over Marie's back, but she pressed into Elsa even harder. Elsa moaned as her hips bucked against Marie's, who gripped her lower back eagerly. Marie pulled away and began kissing Elsa's neck, tilting her head to get a better angle. She let her breath wash over Elsa's skin, satisfaction consuming her at the noises that escaped the royal.
Suddenly Elsa pushed her away. She clasped her hands close to her body, but not before Marie caught sight of ice that had formed on Elsa's hands. Elsa stared at the floor, her breath still labored. "I don't want to hurt you," she said softly.
Marie could not help but smile. "You just got done healing me. Pretty sure you won't hurt me," she said. She placed a soft kiss on Elsa's forehead. "But we can stop. We should get ready for bed."
Elsa placed her hands on Marie's upper chest. "Thank you," she said softly. Marie touched her forehead to Elsa's. They pulled apart and began to get ready for bed. Marie made sure to have her back turned to Elsa while they changed. Just the sound of Elsa changing into a nightgown made Marie tremble. It was hard not to turn and look. As they settled into bed and pulled the covers over their bodies, the two women gazed at each other. Elsa scooted closer to Marie and grabbed her hands. "Goodnight," Elsa said quietly, kissing Marie's hands.
Marie kissed Elsa's hands. "Goodnight." They looked at one another.
"Are you tired?" Elsa asked, scooting closer.
"I won't be tired for a while," Marie admitted, her body still reeling from their encounter. Elsa propped herself up on her elbow and brushed a strand of brown hair behind Marie's ear.
"Me, too," she breathed, hovering over Marie. She placed a soft kiss on Marie's lips, their arms naturally wrapping around each other as the night rolled on.
