CHAPTER 1: Rejected Proposal

"Young master, the lord is asking for your presence." Jackson Frost stopped what he was doing and looked at his father's steward in annoyance. He was never fond of getting interrupted by anybody, most especially when he was training. "What does the old man want now?" He mumbled to himself before flicking his hand at the steward to say he'd understood.

Jack asked a maid for a towel, wiped his sweat off and changed into a more appropriate attire before heading towards his father's study. On the way there he had wondered what his father was going to say. His thoughts ran through every possible reason his father could have and Jack could only think of one thing. It was the conflict between him and his previous lover. He was aware that he'd offended a daughter of a very high ranking noble from another kingdom, but in Jack's defence, it wasn't his fault.

Immediately, Jack thought of counter-arguments to throw at his father if he was indeed going to get questioned. After all, his relationship with the lady hadn't progressed to something personal and intimate. Had the lady kept her hands to herself instead of obsessing over Jack, she would've been spared from his vicious tongue. But the lady just couldn't take a hint and Jack ultimately decided that it was better for him to cut ties with someone like her rather than put up with her haughtiness and her elitism. Wanting to forget the absurd memory, Jack shook his head and opened the doors to his father's study.

"You called for me father?" His voice was monotone as he looked at the big burly man sitting behind a desk piled with paperwork. The man looked up and smiled at the sight of his son. The current Duke, Nicholas Overland was a big man with white hair and glistening eyes—eyes that still somehow saw the beauty of the world despite being a man in his sixties—something that Jack would never have.

"It seems like the education of the duchy is inadequate seeing as the heir lacks etiquette." A familiar voice.

Jack turned his head to the bookshelf at the right of his father's desk and his eyes widened. His grandfather, Grand Duke Lune, stood chest up and chin up as he looked at Jack with a scrutinising gaze.

"I apologise for my rudeness, grandfather." Embarrassed, he lowered his head. But the Grand Duke never responded.

"Sit down son," Nicholas pointed at the sofa and nodded his head.

Jack, clueless as to what was happening, still had cold feet. His grandfather was a man who didn't like showing his face to society after handing down the position of Duke to his son. Jack knew that his grandfather would only show up during very important and serious events. But for him to show up here in the duchy he no longer ran, it seemed as though the matter at hand was more serious than Jack had originally thought.

The atmosphere was stifling despite his father's warm smile. It would've been fine if it were only his father, but with his grandfather here, it was a very different story. Even as a child, Jack was always scared and aware of his grandfather. His influence and the overall strict air surrounding him was enough to make him feel intimidated by the man. He was never affectionate to any of his grandkids. If anything, he was always strict and indifferent when it came to them. He was always able to find faults in the way they carried themselves and was even harsher when it came down to criticism and monthly evaluations.

His father told him to understand that his grandfather was like that because all of the children under the Overland household were male. However, Jack just couldn't understand why he isn't able to at least give a shred of his affections. But it wasn't like Jack needed his affections. He just needed the acknowledgement.

"Get married."

It was as simple as that. The two words that his grandfather uttered to him were even more baffling. His father never urged him to get married, but why this? Jack just couldn't understand.

"How old are you, Jackson?" His grandfather asked, back turned on him.

"28." There was a very unsettling feeling in Jack's stomach as he listened to his grandfather's disappointed 'hm.' Was there something he was missing?

Jack turned to his father and shot him a questioning look, but the Duke only shook his head and shrugged. It seemed like his grandfather's visit today was sudden. "It doesn't make sense for you who is nearing his 30s to not be married yet. So get married." His grandfather repeated once more.

"I'm sorry but—"

"I am not requesting you. I am ordering you to get married." His grandfather cut him off. "If you want to inherit the Duchy, you must get married."

Jack's anger soared. There was no such thing when it came to inheriting the duchy. Even his father did not get married until he was two years on the chair as the Duke of Overland. But for his grandfather to command him such a thing was quite unfair.

"There is a Marquis family down to the north who have two very beautiful daughters. I want you to marry one of them. Just any one of the sisters would be alright. The bride you will bring home will be your last requirement to inherit the duchy because she bears true noble blood." the Grand Duke turned around, his eyes burning gold as he looked down on Jack.

Jack cursed his bloodline in his head. He might be a son of the famed Overland Duchy but he certainly wasn't pureblood. All because his father married his late commoner mother. Jack was very much against the idea of getting married to some random lady his family introduced to him, but his ambitions were far too great for him to rebel against his grandfather's order.

"Now, now father…"

"Do not pretend you do not know of my intentions, Nicholas. Had you married the woman I introduced to you and not the commoner like his mother was, perhaps Jackson would have inherited the Duchy with no problems." He clicked his tongue and turned around to face the large windows of his son's study.

Jack clenched his fists and yet he said nothing. He was used to his grandfather's snide remarks about his late mother and his birthright. He was never free from those types of comments ever since he was a child. He still remembered the adults in the branch family that looked at him like he was some parasite latching onto the prestige and honour of the Overlands. And being the youngest out of three, his father made sure to give him much more attention than his two older brothers.

"Aster and Sandy are married and have long left the house. They couldn't inherit the house because they were already given titles by his majesty. Such a pity."

"Father, Aster and Sandy simply didn't have the desire to."

"Aster would've made such a great Duke."

"He's a free spirited child, father. And Sandy was far too kind to inherit such a title."

Jack's grandfather sighed as he looked out the window. His hands were behind him as he said nothing. This was a normal occurrence for Jack; being compared to his two older brothers. Others might hate the people they are compared to, but Jack was only grateful his two older brothers did not hate him when he was born. On the contrary, he was well loved and well taken care of. Although he might have a very rough relationship with Aster, it was just to be expected since they loved teasing each other and bickering like children. It was just how their relationship was.

It was only his grandfather who thought so little of him. And all Jack really wanted growing up was recognition from his grandfather. However, the older he got, the stricter his grandfather became. The stricter his grandfather, the less Jack desired to win his affections. The only thing that mattered to him was inheriting the Dukedom and proving to his grandfather that he was not inferior to his brothers.

"So, get married. If you really want the title, get married."

Jack sucked in a breath and bit his lip before asking. "Which family did you say I needed to propose to?"

"The prestigious Marquis Arendelle."

Ah.

There was nobody who didn't know of this family. They were a pureblood noble family that lived in the secluded North. They weren't active in high society so they don't really have any influence. However, despite them not being active in social activities, they are highly respected by the royal family. They weren't as wealthy as the Overland Dukedom, but they weren't impoverished either. They do not hold titles within the royal court and are not really involved in the kingdom's affairs. It was safe to say that this family was only noble in name.

"I understand. I shall depart tomorrow." Jack gave a deep bow before turning around only to be stopped by the Grand Duke. "Ah, and bring this with you just in case Runeard that fool decides to back away from the agreement."

The journey toward the Arendelle estate was long, totaling about two days and one night. It was exhausting to say the least, but Jack was determined. He would do anything to inherit that title, even if it meant marrying a woman he doesn't know.

He rode on his horse as he made his way through a muddy dirt path. He was curious as to what kind of people the Arendelles were. He'd only heard of them through the mouths of very unreliable people. Jack discovered on the day of his departure that the Grand Marquis of Arendelle, Runeard, had been best friends with his very own grandfather. Both of them promised to wed their children, but because they only gave birth to sons, that was off the list. Instead, now they are pushing it towards their grandchildren.

Well then, if that was the case, why didn't they just let Brother Aster or Sandy marry one of the girls? Jack thought confusedly, not taking into account that the daughters of the Arendelle couple might be younger than him.

By the time he arrived in front of the Arendelle gate, the sun had already set. There were two guards stationed in front of the gate who let him in after showing them his family crest. Of course, they were expecting him, his father sent a letter to the Marquisate detailing the reason for the visit and the time of arrival before his departure.

"It's such a pleasure to meet you, Lord Overland." A man draped in clean, fancy clothes came to greet him. He had blonde hair and blue eyes and a very manly moustache nestled on his face. Beside him was a man who looked just like him. The only difference was their hair color. As if he'd known them for a long time, Jack bowed his head and extended a very polite greeting.

"Thank you so much for having me, Grand Marquis Runeard and Marquis Agnarr."

"Let us continue our conversation in the parlour."

Both of the older men were friendlier than Jack had initially anticipated. With him coming by to propose an engagement to one of their daughters, he actually thought it would be more difficult to convince them to let at least one of them go.

The initial conversation went rather smoothly with the three men getting along with each other. And when Jack mentioned the engagement, Lord Runeard was the one to chirp in enthusiastically while Lord Agnarr seemed quite uncomfortable with the idea.

"Your grandfather and I made this promise a long time ago. I can't believe he still remembered." He said delightfully. "Had he forgotten, I would've barged into the Dukedom myself." Jack watched as the older man crossed his arms and leaned back onto the sofa with a very satisfied expression.

Jack smiled. "So, would it be alright if I proposed to your daughter?"

"Of course, child! Of course! I have been waiting for this moment. The union between our families."

"Why must we go ahead and do this ridiculous promise you and Lord Lune made a long time ago, father? Iduna wouldn't be so pleased to hear this if she knew you were selling away one of your granddaughters."

"Selling away?" Lord Runeard slammed his hand on the table which made Jack jolt up in shock. "Must you say such harsh words, Agnarr? Would you rather see your daughters live their lives in this rundown mansion? I want what's best for them."

"But—"

"Let's see, what about dear Anna?"

"I'm sure both of the ladies are lovely seeing how they're being cherished here."

Lord Runeard nodded in happiness as he rubbed his temples with his thumb. "Lovely Anna would be the right bride for you. Although the age gap is a little bit…"

"I disagree with such an engagement, grandfather!"

The three men in the room turned their heads to the lady who walked in the parlour so suddenly. "Elsa! You're not normally like this. What is this rudeness?"

Jack couldn't take his eyes on her. She was indeed a beauty. With platinum blonde hair, deep-blue eyes, cheeks dusted with red and a pink plump lips that was pouting as she disagreed with her grandfather's choice.

"Anna is much too young for her to marry, grandfather."

"Then what do you propose, Elsa darling?"

Jack watched their exchange, casually glancing over to Elsa every once in a while. He was enamoured by her beauty. Nobody ever said there was someone in the North who looked as gorgeous as she does. His grandfather never really did lie about the daughters being beautiful.

"I do not agree with this engagement. Even brother Everard will not consent to this. Once he comes back from his errand, you will hear his opinion wont differ from mine."

"Pardon me, Lady—"

Jack was taken aback by her hostile gaze and shut his mouth completely. He was used to receiving glares but never from a delicate looking lady like her.

"Excuse me, Young Master Overland," she said, her voice sweet but her eyes held no sweetness. "There are so many outstanding ladies in the capital, why must you come here to look for a bride?" she started. "If you really wished it, you would have half the single ladies on the palm of your hand. You would have dozens, if not, millions, of ladies to choose from. So if you understand, please go back and stop bothering us." Elsa flashed him an insincere smile and turned back toward the door.

The Grand Marquis and the Marquis sat there with bewildered expressions. And as Elsa closed the door behind her, both the older men looked at Jack with sorry written on their faces.

Lord Runeard sighed. "I am terribly sorry for my eldest granddaughter's attitude toward you."

"I might be against this, but I do agree she was a bit rude to you, young master." Lord Agnarr said with an embarrassed face.

They didn't know, though, that Jack did not mind it at all. After all, what she was saying earlier was true. Except he couldn't just pack up and leave. He needed an Arendelle, and he would do anything to just gain her permission to marry her younger sister.

Jack saw Elsa by chance as she went on a stroll in their garden. It was much too small to be called a garden though, but it was beautiful nonetheless. He decided that it was the perfect opportunity to win her over and as for her younger sister's hand in marriage. But by the time he got there, all he got was another hostile gaze from the young lady.

"It is such a wonderful day, don't you agree, Lady Elsa?" Jack tried to open up a conversation but he was only reciprocated with a cold shoulder. It can't be that he was getting ignored by a lady. Perhaps she really felt strongly against his proposal to her younger sister.

"Would you mind if I join you on your stroll?"

Elsa whipped her head to look at him and frowned. "I do not like men who beat around the bush, young master. What do you really want from me?" She asked, her tone was firm. It was soft and yet firm. She carried herself with elegance and an air of authority emanated from her. It would be a lie to say Jack wasn't nervous at all.

"Very well then, I will be very honest with you." He cleared his throat and continued. "I would like to ask for your younger sister's hand in marriage."

With that, he had earned another hard glare from Elsa. Jack felt pressure from her stare alone and he felt very small.

"Did you not hear what I said three days ago at the parlour?" She asked.

"I did."

"Then I assume you are not stupid enough to pursue this matter anymore because my answer will remain the same." She turned her head and continued walking. This time, quickening her pace in hopes that Jack won't follow her. But Jack wasn't going to give her the satisfaction of shaking him off. One of his traits include being persistent and stubborn to the point of annoyance.

"But I really want to marry your sister…"

"Have you ever seen my sister, young master?" She spun on her heel and faced him. Her hair fluttered in the wind, exuding the fresh scent of snow and mint. It tickled Jack's nose and strangely, he found the scent to be strangely attractive.

When Jack failed to answer, Elsa continued speaking. "I will not hand over my sister to the likes of you scheming men." She crossed her arms and looked at him with her brows furrowed.

"If you just let me explain—"

"There is something I fail to understand, young duke." She cut him off, refusing to let him answer. "The capital is in no shortage of young, unmarried women. And yet you come here with commands from your grandfather to marry my younger sister. Do you even know how old she is?" She raised an eyebrow and sighed.

"My sister just turned sixteen. And you, as far as I know, are twenty-eight. Don't you think it is weird that a grown man such as yourself would propose to a naive minor who doesn't know anything in the world?" She began. "Oh!" Jack watched as her expressions slowly became animated.

"Perhaps it's because you prefer teenagers who are so easy to manipulate?" Her eyes widened.

"No! What are you talking about?" Jack tried to defend helplessly.

"So why are you trying so hard to propose to a young maiden twelve years younger than you?" Elsa changed back to her usual cold but tender voice. And Jack watched her helplessly as he thought about how he had lost to her.

"Go back to the capital, dear sir. We do not want mongrels like you here."

"Is that how you see me, Lady Elsa?"

Elsa turned around and her brows furrowed once more. "What do you mean?" She asked, clearly she wasn't expecting to be asked that question.

"Do you see me as some predator trying to coerce young teenagers into marriage?"

She looked at him with an unamused expression. "Aren't you doing that very thing?"

Jack sighed. This woman was impossible. She was fun and interesting, but impossible. "First of all, I apologise for my persistence. Had I known Lady Anna's age, I would've stopped immediately. Second of all, I cannot leave here without any one of you."

"Did nobody tell you of my sister's age?"

Jack shook his head and lowered it once again in shame. It was true that Anna was much too young to be his bride. And what's more, he wasn't interested in young girls. Just thinking about it made him feel like he was the same as those filthy predators that lurk around.

"Well…" Elsa said. "I apologise for my constant rudeness toward you. If you wish to punish me for my insolence, I will duly accept it as I know I deserve it." She lowered her head, much to Jack's surprise. For the little amount of time that he knew her, Jack thought she was someone with high enough pride to the point where sorry wouldn't even be in her vocabulary. But he was definitely proven to be wrong.

"However, my opinion remains. Unless you want to marry Brother Everard, there is nobody here suitable to marry you." She said as-a-matter-of-factly.

But there was one thing Elsa failed to consider. And with that Jack smiled.

"But what if I propose to you?" He said, earning a shocked expression from the lady.

"Excuse me?" Elsa screamed in shock, her pale face turning red from his absurd suggestion.

Jack shrugged, enjoying this very moment. "It would be fine if it wasn't your sister right? So what about you? You are close in age…"

Elsa frowned. "You are not going to do that though?" She said, her face full of confidence.

"How are you so sure?"

"Because you are here for Anna?" she said questionably.

Jack hummed, amused at her expressions. "But I am going to do it though?"

"You are not." She said, walking away as fast as she could. But Jack was faster. He caught her wrist and spun her around. A lopsided grin pasted on his face as he watched her face contort into one of horror.

"Lady Elsa, will you—"

Hiiii ~ It's Riko~ I hope you enjoy the story! I might not be able to update very systematically... there is no schedule or something like that since I am working and I'm also struggling in college somehow, so I'll just update whenever. :')) I'm sorry to disappoint you guys. sobs