DISCLAIMER! I do NOT own Frozen/Disney.
I LIIIIIIIIIIVE!
GOLLY IT'S BEEN AGES SINCE I LAST UPDATED! SO THANK YOU FOR PATIENTLY WAITING FOR THIS AUTHOR TO UPDATE! I'VE BEEN RE-ARRANGING MY NOTES AND HAVE TO LIST DOWN ALL THE CHARACTERS TO AVOID FORGETTING THAT THEY EXISTED AND SUMMARY OF EACH CHAPTER SO I CAN KEEP THE FLOW OF THE STORY COHERENT XD
THANK YOU FOR THE UNENDING SUPPORT FOR MY STORY! ALSO I TRULY APPRECIATE YOUR REVIEWS! I TRULY WANT TO SAY MORE BUT NOOOOO SPOILERS! ANYWAY! ENJOY SOME ELSANNA MOMENTS!
ALSO EVERY QUESTION WILL BE ANSWERED AS WE GO ON! ;)
The deep bellowing of horns were simultaneously heard, the town's people's attention was turned to the docks. Three massive ships were entering the fjord bearing golden blazing sun on a purple field, the royal standard of the Coronan royal family.
The Queen of Corona was at the bow of the ship, admiring the view of the fjord. Arendelle didn't change much aside from the royal standard of House Vinter waving proudly atop of the turret towers and some were draped on the walls. Queen Arianna felt a swell of pride inside her, she couldn't help but to smile at her niece's achievement of reclaiming her birthright. It has been months since Queen Arianna had bid them farewell, her husband and niece, with the chances of not seeing them again if they lost but thank all the gods that they triumphed against the usurper. Runeard was an awful man, he banned the entry of Coronan goods and refused to make any trade nor military agreement with them and he even persuaded other neighboring kingdoms and duchies to make an embargo for any Coronan tradable goods, thankfully not all did that.
How could such a man be accepted to be the ruler of such a rich kingdom? If it were his son who took the throne, things might've been different. Queen Arianna had heard Andrew's, Baron of Gielo, good natured man and she met him in person once, he was a far cry from his tyrant father. Now she wanted to see what kind of woman Andrew's daughter was. Would she be like her grandfather? Manipulative and vile? Or good natured like her father Andrew? More importantly, was the woman fit to sit on the Arendellian throne with Elsa?
The things she heard about the former princess were all praises on her beauty and intellect. Queen Arianna won't be swayed by these biased stories, she would see for herself what kind of woman Anna was.
By the docks, the royal cavalry of Corona and Arendelle were there to welcome and escort the Queen of Corona and her retinue to the castle, led by General Maximus. A naval officer on their ship had prepared the gangplank for the Queen, General Maximus strode towards it before holding his hand out for his Queen
"Your Majesty." He bowed.
"General." Queen Arianna gave him a friendly smile and took his hand. She was led from the ship towards the carriage driven by four white Arendellian stallions. Queen Arianna waved to the crowds gathered by the docks, and they waved back with enthusiasm.
"Hmm I never thought Arendellians would be this welcoming." Queen Arianna heard Cassandra muttering under her breath.
The Queen chuckled then she was smiling but her words didn't reflect her bright demeanor.
"Oh believe me they aren't. A foreign Queen arrives to their shores while the said Queen's husband; a foreign King, is currently in residence at the castle with the permission of a new foreign Queen who slayed their previous ruler. I don't think they like us being here." Queen Arianna continued to wave and smile at the crowd but before she got in the carriage, her eyes spotted a sour-faced group of people.
Once the Queen was in the safety of the carriage away from view, her once bright expression was replaced by a blank and cold look. Arendelle didn't change appearance wise but its people did. She could still remember arriving at the same docks decades ago when she attended the wedding of her friend then late sister-in-law. The people were warm, welcoming and content, she once admired how King Olav ruled over his people but now it was different.
Queen Arianna sighed, she thought her niece got some discipline to do so they won't challenge her authority as their rightful ruler. There was a foreboding feeling creeping inside her despite the cheers outside the carriage but soon the cheers turned into appalled gasps when Queen Arianna's carriage abruptly halted.
The Queen balanced herself and drew the carriage window drapes open.
"What happened?" Queen Arianna asked.
"We humbly apologize for the sudden stop. A girl got in the way and the horses were startled and she fell off her own horse before fainting." Cassandra stated. "Our men are attending to her."
Queen Arianna immediately got off the carriage and rushed towards the girl being lifted by one of the officers. The woman was wearing a dark colored cloak. The Queen got closer and assessed the girl's condition.
"She fainted after she fell, but she's breathing fine. We'll look for a physician." the officer adjusted his hold on the unconscious girl, the movement caused the hood to fall revealing her luscious red hair.
The Queen's worry was replaced by something that even Cassandra, who was looking at her, couldn't decipher.
"No. Bring her to the carriage. I'll have the royal physician attend to her. Cassandra you'll join us as well." The officers did what they were asked to do.
Soon they arrived at the castle and were greeted by King Frederic and Rapunzel.
"My Queen, my dearest." King Frederic pulled Queen Arianna into a warm and welcoming hug. "Oh how I missed you."
Queen Arianna chuckled and kissed his cheek. "I missed you." she pulled away and turned her attention to her daughter. "My darling princess." She hugged Rapunzel so tight. "I'm happy you're both safe." She kissed Rapunzel's forehead.
"Likewise, Mother." Rapunzel smiled and kissed Queen Arianna's cheek.
The Queen pulled away and was looking around for someone. "Where is she?"
"Who are you looking for specifically?" Rapunzel smirked. "My cousin or. . ."
"Your cousin of course."
"She's on a royal progress with her."
"Ah. I have ample time then" Queen Arianna smiled knowingly.
"Ample time for?" King Frederic asked curiously.
"That's for me to know darling." she chuckled then she halted. "Oh my. Please have a royal physician attend to the lady inside my carriage. That poor girl has fallen off her horse and fainted." there was a hint of worry in her tone. Rapunzel and the King shared a look.
The royal guards carried the lady inside the castle.
"Your Majesty." the General bowed to King Frederic. She received a soft smile from the king. She turned to Rapunzel. "Your Highness." She bowed to Rapunzel.
"Cass. . ." Before Cassandra could take a step backwards she was engulfed with a tight hug, startling Cassandra. "I'm so happy you're here." Rapunzel smiled ever so brightly.
"Likewise, Your Highness." Cassandra chuckled and hugged the princess back.
Queen Arianna watched the interaction with a fond smile. She clapped her hands once, breaking the moment of the two and both pulled away "Now, fill me in on everything from the start."
After the night of reviewing the ledgers of Eldr Duchy, Anna found herself with Elsa most of the time. One morning she was asked to join for breakfast with the Queen, Anna thought it would be just like the other meals with the Duke and the Count and others but to her surprise their breakfast was served in the garden with only Elsa waiting for her. Elsa was wearing a white shirt, midnight blue waistcoat and black cravat. She also wore black breeches and knee high boots. Anna noticed the absence of a coat and gloves.
They greeted each other good morning and ate in comfortable silence.
Anna was elated at the invitation, she couldn't help but to smile.
"You look happy, did anything happen?" Elsa asked casually.
Anna smiled at her. "No, nothing in particular." she paused. "I just feel good today." She refused to admit that a sudden invitation could make her smile like a child after receiving presents. "Any plans for today?" she asked.
She could see Elsa contemplate for a moment before answering. "I'm going to continue to review the ledgers."
"Anything else?" Anna asked again.
"No. Why do you ask?" there was a curious look on Elsa's face.
"No reason." Anna smiled through her lie, of course there was a reason why she asked. She wanted to know if Elsa would meet the other nobles or go out and survey the Duchy. For some odd reason, she wanted to know.
"Hmm. What about you? Any plans?" Elsa asked as she took a sip from her tea.
Anna slowly swallowed her food and answered. "I feel like reading today, it's been a while since I read something. Do you mind if I join you in the library?"
"No, not at all. You can do as you please, this is after all your family home." Anna received a smile after those words.
"Thank you." Anna responded.
"No need to." Elsa was looking at her softly. "Oh right, before I go to pour over those ledgers, I will visit the treasury, do you want to come with me?"
"The treasury? Of course I'd love to, when are we going to go?" Anna asked.
"After breakfast?"
"Sounds good."
Minutes later Anna had put down her empty cup.
Both of them stood up and Elsa held out her hand. Anna looked around the garden, expecting to see some nobles or spies of the nobles who were watching their move to confirm their intimacy.
"Do they have to be present for me to be nice to you?" Elsa asked.
Anna whipped her head and looked at Elsa. "I-that's not- I am not sure what you're talking about."
"Yeah sure." Elsa's tone was teasing. Anna reached out for Elsa's hand but Elsa raised a finger. "Wait." Elsa pulled a small purple flower under the sleeve of her shirt. "Here."
Again, a purple hyacinth flower.
"Is this your way of admitting you're the one leaving flowers on my pillow?" Anna accepted the flower and daintily caressed its petals.
Elsa just smiled. "I am not sure what you're talking about."
Anna grinned and pushed Elsa slightly. "Yeah sure."
"Let's go." Elsa walked ahead of Anna, soon enough Anna wrapped her arm around Elsa's
As they walked they shared words with each other, something they never did before with ease. The people they encountered on their way bowed and gave them knowing smiles, they definitely approved whatever was going on with both of them.
The servants were all over the place, cleaning and re-arranging stuff and Anna noticed but said nothing about it. She instead asked something as they walked through the hall leading to the Eldr treasury.
"Just curious, what prompted you to invite me for breakfast?"
"The truth or diplomatic answer?" Elsa asked in return instead of answering.
"Both. I guess." Anna shrugged.
"It would raise questions if we didn't share breakfast together since we weren't at dinner together last night and as for the truth, I wanted to make up for missing out dinner. It wasn't my intention to miss it, I have the tendency to work and don't bother looking up the time."
"That is so . . . you?" Anna said.
"Whatever you even mean?" Elsa chuckled.
"You have worked non-stop since we met. You always bring state papers in our shared room and sleep late and wake up so early only to start working again."
Elsa opened the locked door using a large key before untangling herself from Anna and pushed the heavy door open.
"I didn't know you took notice of my habits." Elsa said in amusement.
"Well they are too hard to miss." Anna went into the vault while Elsa lit all the lamps on every wall to give them ample light to see everything. Anna couldn't help but gape at the sight of the treasures inside, they varied from gold coins, gilded objects, paintings, and a variety of jewelries studded with different gems. And there were these two crowns , scepters, swords encased in a glass.
Anna strode towards the encased regalia. "Aren't they fancy?"
"Yes they are." Elsa looking around the room, Anna couldn't help but to notice. "Shiny objects to show one's power."
It was Anna's first time to go in a room filled with gold and other valuables such as this. There was a large chest of gold mixed with loose rubies, emeralds, diamonds, sapphires and purple diamonds. She touched the glass case of the regalia, the one she was familiar with since her grandfather had himself painted wearing them.
"Tell me, do you know the sacred vows once a nobleman assumes an aristocratic position in an investiture?"
Anna turned to Elsa. "Of course, my grandfather granted some people with noble ranks and I was taught about it because I was told I would need it when I ascend as you know. . . Queen." she said.
"Your tutors surely did a good job." Elsa smirked.
"Most of them were persistent." Anna looked around. "I didn't know this room had too much riches to hide." she commented.
"Eldr Duchy became rich after they took the Vinter gold. They wasted no time to loot my family's wealth. They even took a precious regalia."
Anna's thoughts then drifted to the Vinter tiara she saw at their shared room. If it was found here then there must be something more from Vinter castle. Elsa had stopped talking but she was rummaging through different chests.
"Looking for something?" Anna asked.
"Yes, a sword." Elsa opened different elongated slick wooden boxes hoping to find the sword she was looking for.
"A sword?"
"Yes, a sword." Elsa slammed the box closed.
"Maybe I can help you. What does it look like?"
Elsa pondered and said. "All I could remember was the pommel has a snowflake engraving and at its center was a small sapphire gem."
Anna's brows furrowed then realized it has something to do with Elsa's family if the snowflake symbol has to go by but what Elsa's family sword is doing in here of all places because if there's no one to inherit the sword, it would be buried with its owner.
"They took it after they killed my father."
Unknown to Anna, Pabbie's men looked for it when they retrieved the family's remains from the mountain. Elsa's tone was seething with insurmountable anger.
"They could've at least had the decency to leave his sword with his cold dead body, it wasn't theirs to take."
Anna was surprised at the hostility
"That sword was Prince Eleazar's sword. The sword that only a blood of Vinter has the right to own. We managed to take back Duchess' tiara from here but the sword is still missing."
For the royals, nobility and even with the common people, family heirlooms were important, it could be jewelry, weapons or any other trinket that symbolized the transition of a generation to the next. Crowns and jewels were mostly common for the wealthy, while weapons for the sword families who served in the army.
The House of Vinter had an array of collections from their ancestors that hold so much significance that they should be passed on from one generation to the next. The jewelries of Queen Elisbeth were passed down to her daughter Queen Ingrid of Corona and then to the Duchess of Vinter, Iduna. Another item from the royal line was the scarf of Queen Yelena as proof of the Northulian connection of the Vinters. There were three more from the Ducal line, the ducal crown, the duchess' tiara and lastly the sword of Eleazar. The heirlooms from the royal line were important but not as much as the Vinter heirlooms.
Prince Eleazar's sword was the symbol of valor because of its history in battle and the victory it brought. The warrior prince of Arendelle and his sword Midnattsnø defeated neighboring kingdoms who had the intention of dominating Arendelle and threaten its people. These victories had earned him the title of Duke and as the most high ranking noble in the land, only second to the King. The sword was used to knight brave soldiers and confirm the next heir. Other noble families used their ancestral sword as a confirmation of legitimacy of the heir.
Elsa was looking for it not because she wanted to further enforce her legitimacy, no, she was looking for it because it was her father's sword. The thing that would connect her with her father, making her feel that her father was with her in her battles, metaphorically.
"I'm sorry." she heard Anna say.
Elsa sighed. She moved closer to Anna but she hesitated to touch her, she wasn't sure if her touch would be welcomed or not, so instead she kept her hands to her sides.
"No, none of that. It wasn't your fault and no, don't say you are apologizing on behalf of those heathens. It's my fault that I associated you with them despite everything. Look at me Anna."
Anna looked at Elsa.
Elsa smiled. "None of that is your fault, okay? You are your own person."
"Elsa." Anna's lower lip quivered and her eyes were glassy.
"From now on I don't want you to feel guilty about the past whenever we talk about it, please. I don't want you to cry over it anymore." Elsa raised her hand to wipe those forming tears from those beautiful eyes. She stiffened once her mind had caught up on what she did. Elsa hastily retracted her hand. "Sorry, I didn't mean to touch you without permission."
"It's alright." what Anna did next had frozen her on her spot. Warm body pressed against her and a pair of arms around her waist. "It's more than alright." she heard Anna whisper against her chest "You don't have to ask for permission for everything until I say otherwise."
Elsa stiffly nodded and her hands were still on her sides. "I understand." she could feel her nails digging on her palm and she fists them so hard to keep herself from splaying her hands on Anna's body. A rush of heat spread throughout her body, she was sure her usually pale face turned scarlet while her heart was on the verge of imploding.
She looked down but couldn't see Anna's face, however she could see a red tinge on Anna's ears. Her eyebrow rose and smiled.
Interesting.
Elsa could feel Anna was pulling away and she took this opportunity to wrap her arms around Anna, respectfully.
A squeak was heard, it only amused Elsa even more. They stayed like that for a few more moments before pulling away.
"Feel better?" Elsa asked.
Anna shyly nodded and took a step back but only to bump her heel wooden block half hidden under a small table, losing her balance in the process.
"Anna!" Elsa immediately pulled Anna towards her and held her tight. "Careful there." her face was so close to Anna's own and she could've sworn those teal eyes flickered from her eyes to her lips and back up again.
"T-Thank you." Anna glanced down to look at whatever made her stumble, but Elsa placed her aside and knelt by the wooden block. "Elsa?"
Elsa didn't answer her, instead she pulled whatever this wooden thing under the table, both of them didn't expect it to be a long wooden case. Elsa quickly lifted the lid up and her eyes widened a fraction.
"What is it Elsa?" Anna asked.
Elsa splayed her hand on the black scabbard ornate with silver. "Midnattsnø." she whispered as her fingertips reached the pommel that contained a sapphire gem.
"You found it!" Anna exclaimed in delight.
Elsa took the sword and pulled the sword from its sheath.
"Magnificent." Elsa mumbled. The dark colored steel of the sword gleamed against the lamps around the room.
"How beautiful." Anna gasped as she took in the sword's unique color.
"It is and you found it." Elsa said with a smile as she turned to Anna. "Thank you."
Anna grinned. "Thanks to my clumsiness I guess?"
Both of them chuckled.
"I won't disagree with that." Elsa sheathed back the sword and placed it back on its wooden case. "You are indeed clumsy for someone who was raised as a princess."
Anna feigned offended and dramatically gasped. "How dare you." she said but she had a smile on her lips.
"How dare I?" Elsa moves towards her, invading Anna's personal space, making Anna stumble backwards in surprise. "See? Clumsy."
"Elsa!" Anna playfully pushed Elsa. "Are we going to the library or not?"
Marshall was impatiently standing in the hall with a letter in hand, the messenger just arrived and he looked so exhausted. Marshall had asked a rather enthusiastic servant, who brightly informed him where he had last seen the Queen and apparently she was with the Eldr woman. His irritation surged just like any other day seeing and knowing they were together. The letter bore the seal of Rapunzel, he had an inkling that it might be important and would need immediate attention.
Both the Queen and the Eldr woman came out with smiles on their faces, but once his presence was noticed those smiles vanished instantly.
"Your Majesty," Marshall bowed to his Queen and didn't even acknowledge the other. "An urgent letter from the castle." he handed out the sealed letter.
The Queen had passed him the wooden case she was holding in exchange for the letter. Marshall graciously accepted the case.
He watched the Queen open the letter by snapping the seal in two and unfolded the letter.
They were quiet for a few moments but then the Queen immediately folded it.
"Anna, you can proceed to the library, I'll catch up after I attend to this."
"Is everything alright?" the woman asked.
"Yes, everything is fine." the Queen assured the Eldr woman with a small smile.
Marshall's features hardened and did his best not to look irritated when the Eldr woman smiled. Both women bid goodbye to each other, the Queen watched the other woman walk away.
"Is there something I should know?"
The Queen's features were stone cold and blank. "I believe you already know." She then proceeded to an empty room to discuss the contents of the letter, Marshall obediently followed.
Once the door was shut, a vase was already flying across the room before shattering once it hit the wall. Marshall just stood there unflinching. The Queen let out a huff.
"I needed that."
"Clearly." Marshall uttered.
"These bastards had the gall to do this in my kingdom, rob the people using my name. I already expected that something like this would happen but it doesn't make it any less irritating."
"What are you planning to do?" Marshall placed the wooden case on a small table. "Now you're busy playing house with that woman."
The Queen turned sharply and glared at him. "You're on thin ice Marshall."
Marshall was taken aback at this statement but didn't show it.
The Queen sighed. "Rapunzel is asking for authority to execute these mongrels."
"Then give it. They must be dealt with soon as possible."
"A foreign princess shedding Arendellian blood in Arendelle soil. The possible outcome is either the nobility won't like it and will rebel even more against me since I gave my cousin the power to do so. . . or the people would see me as someone who not to be trifled with once I gave the authority to execute them." the Queen pondered for a moment. "Fetch me some parchment so I could respond-"
Marshall was already bringing parchment, quill, ink and even her seal and put the materials down on the writing desk.
"Your efficiency never ceases to amaze me." the Queen smiled and fondly ruffled his hair. Marshall smiled at this.
"So let's get this over with." the Queen wrote back her response.
"What's in the case?" Marshall asked as the Queen busied herself with the letter.
"Open it." The Queen's gaze was still on the parchment but she smiled.
Marshall did open it and his eyes widened in recognition. "Where-"
"Eldr treasury. For decades of being away from its home, we can finally bring it back."
"Yes. Finally." Marshall smiled. His memories about the sword but he could recognize that pommel anywhere. "Will you use it?"
"Perhaps. It's such a shame I didn't have it when I killed Runeard. That would've been poetic."
Marshall closed the lid and sighed. His eyes were on the Queen, Since they arrived at manor of the LaBouff's, Elsa and the Eldr woman were always together and the Queen barely spent their time with them, the Harolds. He couldn't help but to feel irritated at the constant presence of the Eldr woman, he felt like the distance between him and Elsa was getting greater by the minute. They rarely have private conversations that didn't involve any state matters since Elsa decided to spend time with the Eldr woman. He knew it was necessary as discussed among the people who knew the true nature of their relationship but it felt like this time it was different. Marshall couldn't help but to feel anxious about whatever was happening around him.
"Here. Have some other messenger to deliver this, faster one." the Queen handed the letter to him.
"At once." Marshall bowed and turned towards the door but stopped short at the words his Queen uttered.
"Whatever I do is for the sake of our family's survival. The blood of Prince Eleazar must live on." Marshall felt pats on his shoulder. "What is done is done, we can't undo it even if- even if we want to." The Queen got past him and left the room with the wooden case in hand.
Marshall could only look down and contemplate on the words his Queen said.
Anna was already a few chapters in on the book she was reading and yet Elsa was still nowhere to be seen. She sighed and reclined on the loveseat she was on, placing the book down on her chest. She bit her lower lip as the memory of Elsa's arms around her flashed on her mind. She knew it was impulsive of her to pull Elsa in a hug but she never regretted doing so. The latter was surprisingly warm and quite muscular around the arms. She never thought she would seek comfort from Elsa of all people.
Her lips curved upwards at the way Elsa's hesitance on initiating contact between them, she never thought Elsa could be so adorable. And of course how could she forget those lips which ravaged her own few days after their initial meeting. Anna hoped Elsa didn't notice how she looked at those lips with such longing. She wondered if she could taste them again.
Anna abruptly sat up at her thought.
"What in Hel's name are you thinking about Anna?!" she chastised herself. "How could you think such undignified thoughts?!" she buried her already blushing face on her hands.
"Now I am curious about these thoughts."
Anna visibly jumped on her seat and turned to the door's direction. It was the Count of Isles.
"My Lord." Anna gasped. "I didn't see you there." she curtsied.
"M'lady." he went closer , took her hand and bowed much lower than she did. A bow usually reserved for higher ranks such as royalty. He kissed the back of her hand and he smiled so bright as if he couldn't be any more happier at the moment. "How are you?"
"Me? I'm good. Great. Thank you for asking, how about you M'lord?" Anna asked as he gestured to him to take a seat across from her.
"Never better." he laughed lightly. "Now let me know about those undignified thoughts. Does it involve a certain fair haired woman with blue eyes?"
Anna's face was tinged with red in an instant.
"I shall not answer such an inquiry. Tea?"
The Count chuckled. "Tea would be lovely."
Anna had served the tea for the both of them. "What brings you here M'Lord?"
"I was trying to have some moment alone with you since we departed from the capital, but it was hard since a certain someone was glued to your side." he gave her a knowing look. "A servant directed me here when I asked about you. I was expecting you'd have some company."
"You're in luck then, I am alone. At the moment." Anna gave him a tight polite smile with all his insinuation.
"How are you now that you're back here?" the Count asked.
"I am not sure. I don't remember anything but certain places are vaguely familiar."
"Understandable, you were just a child when all that chaos happened." the Count hummed and sipped his tea. "I thought I would feel anger the moment I step into this castle again but instead I felt deep melancholy." he pursed his lips then he smiled. A sad smile.
"Why?"
The Count opened his mouth but stopped short then shook his head. "It's nothing. Just ignore what I said. So anyway, I was looking for you to give you this." He showed her a sleek box he brought with him and placed it on the table.
"What is it?" Anna asked with her eyebrow rose.
"Open it." he smiled.
Anna gasped as she looked at the emerald teardrop earrings and a princess necklace with five teardrop emeralds along the band. "M'Lord, they are beautiful."
"Emeralds were your grandmother's favorite gems, I bought them for her birthday but she never got to wear them."
Anna looked up from the jewelries to the Count, she knew the implication of those words.
"I am sure she won't mind her granddaughter having them." he chuckled and smiled at her. "It would be a great homage to her if you wear them to the ball."
"Ball?" Anna looked at him in confusion.
"Two nights from now. Are you not aware of it?" the Count asked. "Did Her Majesty tell you about it?"
"No. Not a word." somehow Anna's heart sank for not hearing the news from Elsa herself. Did she even plan to tell her at all?
"Apologies. I shouldn't have said anything." the Count said.
"You're right, you shouldn't have." a familiar voice reached their ears.
"Elsa." Anna whispered.
Elsa was giving the Count an unamused look. "It was meant to be a surprise and you just went and ruined it." the Count just chuckled.
"My apologies. I didn't mean to." he smiled and emptied his cup and stood up. "Thank you for your time M'Lady." he bowed to Anna then gave her a subtle wink in her direction before bowing to Elsa. "Your Majesty." with that he left.
There was an awkward silence before Anna spoke up.
"So. . . it's a surprise."
Elsa sighed. "Yes."
"Why?"
"What do you mean why?" Elsa asked while lifting the stack of ledgers on the desk.
"Why keep it from me?"
"Because that's the point of the surprise, you're not supposed to know it." Elsa's answer sounded too damn innocent and indifferent and she knew Elsa was having a laugh at this.
Anna scoffed. "Let me change my question then. Why is it a surprise?"
"Hmm I don't know, I just feel like it would be more fun that way." Elsa kept her eyes on the ledgers she's working on.
Anna was even more sure that Elsa was making fun of her and enjoying it. If they were still hostile to each other Anna would definitely feel insulted. She playfully glared at the woman.
"You sure have the habit of making fun of me." Anna huffed and picked the book she was previously reading.
"Glad you noticed, dear wife."
She slammed her book closed loudly. She knew Elsa was making fun of her but that ever so subtle curve of Elsa's lips had halted whatever words she wanted to say. Elsa was having fun teasing her in the past and most of them were filled with evident disdain and insult but now it was different. Anna wasn't sure how different.
Anna's own lips curved upwards as an idea popped in her head and moved towards Elsa.
"Will you stop calling me that?"
"No I won't." Elsa smirked but her eyes were still on the ledger in front of her.
Anna then leaned down next to Elsa's ear and whispered. "Very well then, I shall call you Darling."
Her shoulder went stiff at the sudden closeness, she never expected the latter to have the courage to get closer and much less whisper in her ear. Elsa's grip on her quill tightened. She turned to Anna and smirked, masking her surprise. Their faces were just inches away from each other.
"You can call me whatever you want, dear wife. I wouldn't mind." Elsa abruptly stood up, knocking Anna out of balance but she caught her waist and pulled her closer towards her. They found themselves in the same position as they were in the treasury. Elsa's smirk widened at the presence once Anna blushed so intensely she could rival the red drapes by the window.
She watched Anna open her mouth but no words came out.
"Speechless huh?"
"Shut up." Anna almost whispered.
Elsa's free hand gently touched Anna's tresses. A habit she wasn't aware of forming. She couldn't help but to appreciate Anna's flushed skin, pink supple lips and dilated eyes. Elsa would be the biggest liar of all if she said Anna wasn't beautiful. She knew she should let Anna go and go back to her work and forget that this ever happened but instead watched Anna flutter her eyes close and slowly leaned in. Elsa could feel herself being drawn to it, she couldn't help but to close her eyes as well.
Elsa's thoughts immediately went to the time she forcefully kissed this wonderful creature in her arms, the softness and sweetness of her lips in particular. She had never felt such thirst in her life that night. Her self control was slipping again, if she lost control she might just- Elsa forcefully turned her face away and pushed Anna away gently as she could.
"I- I had the royal dressmaker make a dress for you for the ball." Elsa refused to look and slowly released her. "I believe Wendy took care of it. I hope you'll like it." Elsa distanced herself from Anna.
"Oh. That's– I mean thank you." she could hear the soft swishing of Anna's dress as she walked away from her.
"You're welcome." Elsa responded softly.
Without warning the library doors were opened and a rather cheerful Olaf came in. Elsa saw him go still for a second and felt the tension in the room before he broke into his cheery self once more.
"Your Majesty! M'lady! It's nice seeing you both here! Do you mind if I join in?"
"By all means." Elsa shrugged and went back to her work while she saw Anna from her periphery pick up her book again.
"Thank goodness you have tea!" Olaf grinned and poured some for himself and drank it. "Golly, I was so thirsty. Eric sparred with me and lost so yeah here I am. . . drinking tea." Olaf babbled non-stop and had Anna engaged with him about books.
Elsa glanced at Anna and quickly looked away because Anna was looking at her too.
I HOPE YOU LIKE IT AND PLEASE LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE REVIEW SECTION!.
THANK YOU!