CHAPTER 2: In the Offing

"I knew it!"

A rather young voice chirped from behind the thick bushes of the Arendelle forest where Jack and Elsa had found themselves. Both of them turned their head toward the voice and noticed a small girl dressed in a bright green dress. She had strawberry blonde hair tied into stylish twin braids, freckles dusted her flushed cheeks and her blue eyes sparkled with delight.

This must be Anna Arendelle.

Jack was stunned. She was much too young for him to propose to. Had he gone through with the proposal to the youngest of the Arendelle's, society would view him as an indecent person. Inside, he was thankful to Elsa for stopping him.

"Anna, what are you doing here?" Elsa had her eyes wide open. She wasn't expecting to see her sister this deep in the forest.

"I heard from the maids, sister!" Anna had her eyes glued onto her older sister. It seemed as though her attention was more on her older sister than on Jack, who was a guest in their mansion. Much to his surprise, Anna didn't seem like she noticed him at all.

"I heard that someone from the Overland Duchy was coming and that he was handsome! So I secretly slipped out of the room to take a look."

Jack noticed Elsa sigh as she tended to her younger sister. It looked like she was used to this rather hilarious display of emotions her younger sibling was showing. And for some reason, Jack found it to be quite amusing. The Arendelle siblings definitely have a different bond than he has with his older brothers. This one seemed more harmonious than his restrained relationship with his siblings.

"Are you angry?" Anna asked, her expression quickly turning into one full of concern. "I'm sorry I broke our promise. I know you told me to stay in the east wing with mother, but I—"

"I'm not angry, Anna. I'm just worried about you. Why did you follow me here?" Elsa cut her off.

"I was looking outside the window waiting for you and I saw the young lord talk to you! There were sparks, sister! There were some sparks between the both of you!" She said excitedly, jumping up and down with her hands clenched in front of her, her braids bobbing as she moved.

"I noticed it, Elsa! You and the young master have been looking at each other with such tender gazes! How can I not notice?" Anna's voice changed into a tender sigh, as if she were listless and in love. While Elsa was trying to maintain her expression, Jack was having a hard time holding back his laughter.

"What do you—"

"Oh! I must tell mom, dad and grandpa quickly!" Elsa wasn't able to get a single word in as Anna had started talking. The younger girl grabbed both her sister's hands and squeezed it tightly as she looked up with sparkling eyes. A wide smile formed on her face as she slowly turned her head to Jack who was already caught off guard.

Anna said nothing to him, but only nodded her head before letting go and scurrying back to the mansion. And as her small frame disappeared, Elsa massaged her temples and heaved a sigh.

"I apologise for my sister's rudeness." She turned to him, cheeks burning red from the embarrassment. Jack thought it was adorable that she could make an expression like that, but he wasn't going to say it out loud.

"She seems like a fun person to be with," Jack complimented without much thought. But Elsa's once embarrassed expression turned into one full of adoration. She seemed to gaze far away, at the path her sister went on and held her gaze.

"She is someone who is precious to me," she said, trailing off. "But she could be a handful sometimes. Lately she's been obsessed with romance novels." Elsa sighed, shaking her head. "She'd found them by chance when the maids were conversing. And because she's a curious child, she sneaked into her personal maid's quarters one night and sneakily stole one." Elsa chortled.

"Anyway, I still do not see any reason for you to stay here." Jack hoped that she forgot about telling him to go back to the capital after that hilarious exchange with Anna. But luck wasn't exactly on his side.

"I told you I'd like to marry you," Jack tried once again but only received a painful glare from the lady.

"I refuse."

"But don't you want to go to the capital once?"

Elsa spun on her heel and crossed her arms, turning her back on him and walking away. "I have been to the capital. And I quite like it here in the countryside."

Jack was short on words. He'd met many difficult women, but it was the first time he'd met a woman that was being difficult for a different reason. Most of the single women that he met were either girls who were being difficult and stubborn because they wanted to be held by him. And yet, this woman strongly refuses his proposal. It was quite a refreshing experience, but Jack was more than frustrated.

By the time they arrived in the mansion, the people inside had heard of Jack's sudden proposal. Of course, it wasn't too hard to figure out the culprit. Anna was with her parents and her grandfather, bobbing up and down as she talked excitedly about what she had witnessed deep in the forest.

Of course, the story had been twisted to some extent as she recounted, but it was from the words of a hopeless romantic. Jack had never seen Elsa more stressed than today as she stood in front of her family, calmly explaining the incident that happened. He didn't know what she had said but as he walked in, he received a very hostile glare from Lord Runeard and Lord Agnarr. A sudden cold chill crossed his spine as he drew closer to the crowd. And as he did, he heard Elsa frantically explain about what she had probably said previously that made them look at Jack with such burning gazes.

"I've just arrived home and now I'm hearing absurd rumours about my beloved Elsa, care to explain, Anna dearest?"

"I came here to visit with my family, I never expected to see this!"

A man with platinum blonde hair and blue eyes walked into the mansion with an unreadable expression on his face. At first, he seemed quite amicable, but his eyes don't look like he's here to make friends.

This must be Everard, Elsa's older twin.

Coming inside the mansion with him was a man with black hair, dragging along his entire family. Perhaps, they were guests of the Arendelle family that Young master Everard brought with him.

"Ah! Brother!" Anna screamed, running towards her older brother. She leaped up and guffawed in laughter as he caught her and spun her around. "So, what is this nonsense about Elsa getting married?"

Anna pursed her lips and glanced at Elsa before she spoke. "It is true! Young Master Overland was going to propose to her! Aren't you?" Anna turned to Jack, her eyes sparkled with expectancy. But Elsa chimed in before Jack could even respond.

"Stop it Anna! You saw it wrong!"

Anna jumped down from her brother's arms and stomped her head. "Why do you keep lying, Elsa?" She asked. "The Young Master was holding you in his arms! Both of you were looking into each other's eyes as if you were star-crossed lovers! And then he proposed to you!"

"Although he couldn't finish asking because I popped up…" As she was speaking, her expression turned into one of shock. As if she just noticed one big mistake she's made during all of it. Anna threw her hands over her mouth and she looked up with worry. "Are you angry at me because I interrupted?" She asked. "I'm sorry! I was too excited because it was something involving you, Elsa!" Anna's voice was full of despair as she spoke.

Elsa heaved a deep sigh. There seemed to be a big misunderstanding on Anna's part though, Jack was sure. Anna slowly turned her head and locked eyes with Jack, hands trembling as she lowered her head.

"I'm sorry for ruining your proposal, young master…"

Jack waved his hand and smiled at Anna. That alone was enough for the young girl to know that she's been pardoned. And just when Jack thought it was finally done, Anna then proceeded to ask if Jack was going to propose to her sister. Of course, during the heat of this all, Elsa's entire family and the entire Arendelle mansion servants were looking at the commotion. They all had expectant eyes as they stood on the foot of the grand staircase. Elsa made eye contact with Jack and he presumed that she was begging him to say no.

But…would he really let go of such an opportunity like this?

Jack was desperate and this was the right moment to corner Elsa. All eyes were on him, awaiting his answer and Elsa was met with horror when Jack knelt, one knee to the ground as he pulled up a very expensive looking box out of his pocket. A lopsided smile flashed on his face as he looked up at her.

"Lady Elsa Arendelle, I have fallen in love with you over the little time we've spent together. Will you marry me?"

The words Elsa had so much despised came out in front of everyone; the servants, her family and her family's guests. It was too late to take it all back. And there was no way Jack was going to play it off as a joke because that would hurt his reputation and show him off to be a very indecent man. Elsa knew that and Jack knew it too.

Elsa was in no position to say no. So, while holding back the feeling of wanting to murder the young master in front of her, Elsa clenched her fists, smiled like she always did, and accepted his proposal. There was no turning back now.

The first one to speak after her answer was her father. He walked up to Jack and asked if he was serious about what he's claiming. And, although Jack never actually had feelings for her, he nodded. Lord Agnarr reluctantly gave his blessings and gave Jack a pat on the shoulder while he gave his daughter a hug. Lord Runeard did the same. And it wasn't after Elsa's mother gave her daughter a tearful of congratulations did a shrill shriek come from behind them.

It was Anna.

She was sobbing as she was holding her older brother's already wet sleeve. She was also muttering some inaudible sentences before pulling Elsa in for a hug. Everard, however, seemed like he was truly happy for his twin. But when Jack reached in to accept his handshake, Everard's grip tightened and he whispered a threat in Jack's ear.

"If you ever make my sister cry, I promise you, Duke or no Duke, I will hunt you down and kill you."

Jack could hear the genuinity of Everard as he whispered those words, so when he looked at Everard's smiling face when he walked away, Jack was even more disturbed.

Elsa and Jack also received best wishes from the family that came into the Arendelle mansion so suddenly. Their faces were fully satisfied as they made their way in while being escorted to the parlour by Madame Arendelle.

Now the only thing that needed to happen was the wedding.

Jack received a slap on the arm.

He was in the garden with an angry Elsa and the atmosphere around them was absolutely not pleasant at all. He was indeed sorry that he cornered her that way, and he felt like it was unfair for her. But he would try his best to make sure she was comfortable and happy in the Overland Mansion where she'll be staying in the future. After all, this lady was the future Duchess of Overland.

"You are despicable." She said for the nth time. Jack followed her quietly from behind, his mouth closed as he waited for her anger to subside. But it doesn't seem like she'd be fine any minute now.

"I'll have you know young lord that I only approve of marriages with love." Jack did not understand why she brought it up. But isn't it already understandable that a marriage between two people should contain love to keep the relationship between them good?

"I do too." Jack answered simply. And that earned him a concerned stare from Elsa.

"What?" It seemed like she was startled by his agreement. But it was true that Jack held that deeply in his heart.

"I also believe that marriages should be bound together by love."

"Right…" she trailed off and stared at him. "And we do not have that. So you should just call off the engagement. Say it was a mistake."

Jack frowned. There was no way he was going to go back on his word. Not only would saying those very words make him look bad, but it would humiliate her. Rumours travel fast and society is not very nice to women with bad rumours. If anything, Jack would want to protect her from gaining a bad reputation within society.

"If it is love you are seeking, we can find it along the way." Jack said. "The more we spend time together and get to know each other, feelings would undoubtedly grow, would it not?"

Elsa had her mouth wide open at Jack's statement. Almost as if she couldn't believe what had just come out of his mouth. She cleared her throat and shook her head.

"I do not mean love along the way, young master."

"But some couples who married without feelings end up staying together because they fall for each other. Who's to say the same thing won't happen to us?"

Elsa sighed. "I meant love at first sight."

Did she have someone like that? Jack thought to himself.

"You know, the type of love where you look into somebody's eyes and you immediately know, you are fated." She looked at the sky with a dreamy expression and Jack couldn't believe his eyes.

"I…" he started. "...did not know you believed in such things, lady."

Elsa turned to him. She did not actually believe in such things. She wasn't Anna. She wasn't someone who would frolic in the idea of a fated love. But she did believe in a love so great that it stays even in the event of a hardship. This was all just lip service. A last attempt to shake off the young master who had unfortunately latched onto her for a marriage she didn't want.

"Yes. Now please…"

"But still, I cannot call off the engagement, young lady." He denied firmly. "I apologise if I had cornered you into agreeing, but…"

"But?" Elsa was beyond angry, but she will hear him out.

"But my grandfather wants me to marry one of you before he dies."

Not really…Jack lied. But she didn't need to know that. She knows about the friendship between her grandfather and Jack's but the Grand Duke had been rumoured to have a very weak body. And Jack decided to use that false rumour to keep her from running away. It was devious and wrong of him to, but he didn't have a choice.

Elsa stayed silent and she had a contemplative look on her face as the evening breeze blew. Just when Jack started to feel even more nervous, Elsa heaved a sigh.

"Fine."

She finally conceded.

"But, there is one more thing," she trailed off. "If I ever feel like my life is threatened while staying with you, I will file for a divorce."

Jack's heart filled with happiness and the ends of his lips curled up to form a smile. "Rest assured, lady, you will not feel threatened at all. I will make sure that you will be protected and I will make sure you are happy." He reached out and kissed the back of her hand. It was surprising that Elsa even let him.

"Just call me Elsa." She looked away. "We are getting married anyway, so just call me Elsa."

Jack's expression brightened. Who would've thought that the woman who desperately tried to get rid of him just days ago, was now someone who would eventually live her entire life with him. What an irony.

"If that's the case, you can call me Jack."

Elsa turned to look at him and sighed before flashing him the most beautiful smile he's ever seen. "Alright then, Jack." She said, her voice tender and sweet.

"Ah right!" Elsa clapped her hands together as she remembered something important. "Because we do not really love each other, what do you say about acting like we do? We don't want society and nosey people knowing this marriage isn't real."

"What do you mean not real?" Jack said, nearly offended. "The marriage will be officiated by the pope! It is real…"

"Not that, Jack!" His heart thumped at the sound of his name rolling out of her mouth. "You know what I mean! Stop joking around!" She slapped his arm. Normally, women who touch him carelessly would suffer from the consequences, but she was his fiance now. And strangely enough, Jack did not mind her touch.

"Oh, what are we going to do with the kiss?" Elsa asked boldly and Jack almost choked.

"Wha-what do you mean?"

"The marriage ceremony," she said nonchalantly. "I don't want you to kiss me for real. I only want my one true love to be the first one." Elsa almost cringed at her words but because she was so used to roleplaying with Anna, saying those without breaking her poker face was as easy as breathing air.

Jack felt a jab on his chest as she told him she didn't want to kiss him. There were many women who wanted to kiss him and yet he had to marry someone who absolutely did not want to. Normally, he wouldn't mind. But Elsa was somehow so frustrating it was bothering him.

"Okay, just kiss the area next to my lips! That would be better!"

"Why can't we just do it for real?"

Elsa looked at him in disgust. "Are you hearing yourself, good sir?" She asked, frowning. "Do we love each other? No. Do I think of you as my fated partner? No. Just pretending to do it is alright. We don't need to make an effort to make it real."

Jack sighed. But there was no way he was going to get through her stubborness. So just once…just once he will humor her and let her get her way. That was he could pay off his guilt of cornering her to marry him.

That was the only thing he could do aside from making sure she'll be happy in the Overland Mansion.

"Ah right! If you do find someone who you love, don't worry about me. I can sign the divorce papers right away if you want me gone," she smiled at him. But it was all too frustrating.

He looked at her in the eyes and shook his head. "I won't be getting a mistress and I promise you that I will pay attention to you."

"Please don't…"

"No. I promised you that I will make you happy. I am not backing out from that promise, Elsa."

Elsa squirmed in place as she said, "Fine. Do whatever you want. But that won't make me fall in love with you, okay. Don't think I don't know what you're trying to do."

Jack chuckled. "I'm just doing this because you deserve it, Elsa. My mother taught me to cherish the woman who I was going to marry because they're the precious daughter of someone else." Elsa looked blankly at him, probably not expecting that he would say those.

"So you better be ready to get spoiled in the Overland Mansion. Once we get married, everything in that house is going to be yours. So you can act a little selfish, Elsa."