CHAPTER 4: In the throes of a Wedding
Madam Arendelle and Anna found themselves engrossed in a whirlwind of responsibilities at the onset of the week. Their paramount task involved orchestrating Elsa's nuptials, a venture that demanded their undivided attention. Despite the wedding being an intimate affair with only a select few attendees, the bride's family desired nothing short of an exemplification of flawlessness.
Naturally, the presence of the meddlesome Grand Duke Lune was expected, adding an additional layer of complexity to their arrangements. Exhausted, Duke Nicholas wearily escorted his father away, diverting his attention towards Marquis Runeard's office, where he could be entertained with a game of chess, tea, and a touch of nostalgia.
It was indeed a marvel to witness the harmonious rapport that flourished between the two families. Jack's father and Elsa's father forged an immediate connection, as if they were kindred spirits reunited after years apart. Their conversations delved into the realm of equestrian pursuits and the various pastimes that noblemen engage in during their leisurely moments.
Meanwhile, Jack and Elsa found themselves thrust into a whirlwind crash course, an accelerated journey through the intricacies of matrimonial customs and their expected roles during the sacred ceremony. This bewildering experience proved especially unfamiliar to Jack, who not only hailed from a distant land outside the confines of the esteemed Arendelle fiefdom but also harboured scant knowledge of the rich tapestry of traditions prevalent in this realm.
Jack found immeasurable comfort in Elsa's unwavering presence by his side, a steady anchor guiding him through the labyrinth of their shared endeavours. Amidst their joint undertakings, he marvelled at Elsa's remarkable capacity to swiftly comprehend and commit to memory the lessons they were taught. This revelation not only affirmed Jack's belief in her intellectual prowess but also ignited a profound admiration within him.
After all, it was one thing to acknowledge someone's intelligence, and quite another to witness it firsthand, an experience that left Jack spellbound. Time and again, he stood in awe of Elsa's profound thoughtfulness and unyielding determination, which manifested not only in her own effort in learning but also in her unwavering assistance to him during moments of confusion and struggle. Her presence was a symphony of brilliance and compassion, captivating Jack's heart and reaffirming his profound gratitude for her unwavering support.
Their union was not borne out of genuine love; one could argue that their relationship was purely transactional in nature. Nevertheless, both parties shared a mutual desire to present a facade of authenticity. Surprisingly, their efforts succeeded in deceiving others thus far.
Was it merely a result of their harmonious camaraderie and the obliviousness of those around them? Or perhaps there existed an unspoken undercurrent between them. Regardless of the underlying dynamics, Jack found solace in the fulfilment of his arduous endeavours, grateful to have finally achieved what he had tirelessly pursued.
Today, the couple were given a break.
Amidst the chaotic flurry of preparations that engulfed the mansion, Jack and Elsa found respite in a rare moment of tranquillity. They indulged in a leisurely tea time on the balcony, casting their gaze upon the serene expanse of the Arendelle garden. A gentle aura of peace and comfort enveloped them, offering a brief sanctuary from the surrounding commotion.
"I am exhausted," Elsa said as she put her teacup down on the coaster. "It is quite nice to finally have a breather like this after all that intense learning," she continued.
Jack flashed her a smile and responded, "Well, I think you did fantastically during the lessons."
Her eyes land on his and she grins. "Nonsense," she shook her head. "I can do better than that."
"I'm sure you can."
She looked at him in confusion and frowned. "I wonder what they put in the cookies…" she trailed off and Jack answered, "Perhaps they added more butter and vanilla for it to taste like this—"
"That is not what I meant," she laughed, amused at his naivety. "I was wondering what they put in it for you to act unnaturally and overly kind like this."
"I'm not kind," he refuted. "I just really do think you did well during the lessons."
Jack found himself perplexed by Elsa's peculiar reaction to his compliments. It appeared as though she resisted the praise, yet the glimmer and twinkle in her eyes betrayed her true delight. Jack found this adorable and endearing, prompting him to make a conscious effort to shower her with compliments more frequently.
Elsa's gaze bore a disapproving intensity as she responded, her voice laced with concern. "Why do you speak of yourself so disparagingly? Such self-degradation is unacceptable, especially when I am by your side as your partner going forward." Leaning back in her chair, she crossed her arms firmly over her chest. Her frown deepened as she emphasised her point.
Her unexpected remark left him momentarily stunned. It wasn't that he took offence to her words; rather, it was the sheer surprise of hearing such sentiments from her lips. After all, no one had ever urged him to cease his actions before, and truth be told, Jack had never regarded himself as a truly benevolent man. The notion of kindness had never crossed his mind when assessing his own character. Yet here stood the woman he was bound to wed, affirming that he possessed this very virtue.
A gentle chuckle escaped him. "I'm not a kind man, Elsa."
"I'll place my faith in what I've witnessed thus far, Jack," she replied, a warm smile gracing her lips as she casually dismissed his statement. "From my perspective, you are an exceptionally kind-hearted man, one who genuinely cares for those in his midst. I'm not quite sure what you're referring to..."
"Alright then, but don't blame me if you figure out I'm anything but," he said as the tips of his lips curled up into a satisfied smile.
Somehow, the words she had just said made him feel extremely happy.
"Ah, I can't believe we are really going to get married in two days," she said with a sigh.
"You can't back out of this now, you know that."
Elsa's eyes locked with his, a cascade of laughter escaping her lips as she threw her head back in mirth. "Don't fret," she assured him, her voice trailing off playfully.
"We've journeyed this far together, haven't we? Why not venture onward? Besides, when I ascend to the role of a Duchess in the capital..." Her laughter intermingled with her words, a hint of reluctance underlying her tone. "While it may not have been my initial aspiration, there's no harm in exploring that path for a while, is there?" Tilted head and a subtle smile accompanied her words, before her gaze shifted elsewhere, her attention momentarily captured by a different sight.
Jack's heart raced within his chest, his gaze locked upon her countenance. Such interactions with women were unfamiliar territory for him. In the capital, noble ladies either fixated their attention on him or became too flustered to engage in meaningful conversation. It was precisely this reason that fueled his vehement reluctance to be confined within a room with ladies from the capital.
However, Elsa stood apart from the rest. There was an indescribable quality about her, a captivating blend of elegance and self-assurance. It was her unique brand of confidence that set her apart from the conventional noble ladies of the capital. In her presence, there lingered a refreshing breeze, a sassy and witty spirit that made every moment in her company an absolute delight.
In customary capital weddings, the bride and groom would embark on their marital journey together, strolling down the aisle hand in hand, symbolising the commencement of their shared life. However, Arendelle's time-honoured traditions dictated that the bride should be accompanied by her father instead of the groom. Elsa explained that this ritual signified the father's heartfelt act of bestowing his cherished daughter upon the man she would spend eternity with. Rooted in the depths of the Arendelle fiefdom, this sacred tradition had persisted for countless decades. Yet, it was precisely due to this very tradition that Jack found himself plagued by a sudden surge of apprehension.
As the resounding melodies gracefully filled the air, Jack stood poised before the grand altar, a mélange of solitude and jitters enveloping him as he awaited his beloved bride's entrance through the towering temple doors, hand in hand with her father. Out of the corner of his eyes, he glimpsed Anna, her tear-streaked face finding solace in the embrace of her elder brother. Beside them, Elsa's mother radiated a contented smile, her gaze fixed upon him.
To his left, among the rows of temple chairs, sat his own family and esteemed guests, their presence a testament to their unwavering support. At the forefront, his proud grandfather and father sat, anticipation etched upon their countenances as they awaited the bride's arrival. His father, offering a subtle nod of reassurance, then turned his attention towards the imposing doors. The weight of this moment, the minutes of waiting, bore upon Jack's shoulders, each passing second amplifying his anxiety. And just as fate would have it, his trepidation reached its zenith the instant the doors swung open.
In a captivating gown, Elsa made her way down the aisle, her hand intertwined with her father's. A delicate veil concealed her face, preventing Jack from discerning her expression, yet he couldn't help but notice the emotions etched upon her father's visage. It was evident that he struggled to hold back tears, a commendable effort on his part. And in that poignant moment, all Jack's thoughts centred around the sheer beauty radiating from Elsa.
Once Elsa and her father reached Jack's side, her father tenderly transferred her into Jack's care, his hushed words of 'please take care of her' lingering in Jack's ears. With a reassuring smile directed at her father, Jack clasped Elsa's hand firmly, guiding her gracefully towards the elevated platform where the priest stood. And so, the solemn wedding ceremony commenced.
In the realm of time, the ceremony may not have been of considerable length, yet for Jack, it stretched on, each passing moment laden with the weight of his own trepidation. His heart danced within his chest, a symphony of nerves echoing through his being. Yet, amidst the flurry of emotions, the presence of his beloved bride at his side served as an anchor, imparting solace and tranquillity. As the tempest of anxiety waned, Jack's attention refocused, the priest's voice ringing in his ears, beckoning them to profess their vows. Taking a fortifying breath, he turned towards her, a smile adorning his countenance, praying that his inner apprehension did not betray him in her gaze.
"I, Jackson Frost Overland, do hereby invoke the divine presence of the Goddess and invoke the sanctity of my ancestral heritage, as I make a solemn vow to love and cherish my esteemed maiden and beloved bride, Elsa Arendelle. From this moment forth, I pledge an unwavering commitment to stand resolute at her side through the crucible of adversity, drawing strength from the depths of my being." Amidst the whirlwind of emotions, Jack felt a fleeting uncertainty creep into his mind, causing a few words to slip away, lost in the depths of his nervousness.
Yet, the significance of his message remained intact, for it was the essence behind the words that truly mattered to him. Despite the hazy fog that momentarily clouded his thoughts, his unwavering gaze pierced through Elsa's delicate veil, locking onto her mesmerising blue eyes. As he awaited her turn to speak, a sense of awe washed over him, for in her composure, she appeared untouched by the nervous tremors that danced within him.
"In this sacred union, I solemnly swear to avert my gaze from all other maidens, steadfastly remaining true and loyal to the woman who holds my heart. With every fibre of my being, I dedicate myself to the eternal pursuit of her happiness, an endeavour that shall endure until my last breath graces the air." He continued, staring into her eyes.
"I, Elsa Arendelle, do solemnly swear upon the divine presence of the Goddess and the esteemed legacy of my family name, to bestow upon my beloved man and cherished groom, Jackson Frost Overland, an eternal devotion. Through the ebbs and flows of life's trials, I vow unwavering loyalty, steadfastly standing by his side in unwavering support. I pledge to turn a blind eye to the allure of any other man who may seek to beguile me, for my heart is irrevocably tethered to his. With fervent determination, I shall strive to embody the grace and dignity befitting of the esteemed Overland lineage, poised to assume the mantle of the next Duchess. Above all, I pledge my unyielding commitment to his happiness, a promise that shall endure until the twilight of my days, when slumber finally claims me." Her words were tenderly spoken, a radiant smile adorning her countenance, epitomising the depth of her devotion.
As her melodic words reverberated through the hallowed space, they echoed in Jack's ears, casting a spell that held him captive. Time seemed to momentarily suspend itself, as the priest, a conduit of sacred union, prepared to fulfil the ceremonial ritual. With a trembling touch, Jack's gloved hands delicately grazed the ethereal lace veil that veiled his beloved bride's countenance.
Each cautious movement carried with it a symphony of nerves, for beneath the sheer fabric lay a glimpse into a future intertwined. As the veil gradually ascended, their gazes locked, and a tender smile graced Jack's lips, a testament to the profound joy that permeated his being.
In the resplendent ambiance of the Atohallan Temple, suffused with an air of divine grace, the priest's voice resounded, its timbre imbued with an ethereal resonance. With solemn authority, he proclaimed the long-awaited moment, his words hanging in the sacred space like a delicate hymn.
"You may now seal this union with a kiss, the sweet harmony of your souls intertwining," he intoned, his voice carrying the weight of tradition and the promise of eternal love.
The long-awaited moment had arrived, the culmination of their shared anticipation. Jack's usually unyielding composure faltered as a rush of nerves coursed through his veins, an unfamiliar sensation that underscored the magnitude of the occasion. Before him stood the enchanting figure of Elsa, poised and serene, her countenance free from any trace of trepidation. With a deliberate grace, he leaned closer, his thumb gently guiding her chin, ensuring their tender exchange remained concealed from prying eyes.
Though his lips did not truly meet hers, finding solace in the touch of his thumb, the illusion of their passionate embrace remained intact, a well-rehearsed charade. The onlookers, blissfully unaware, were captivated by the semblance of their union, while even the discerning gaze of the priest appeared to be beguiled by their artful deception.
Halo! Riko here! I changed the way the chapter was written by the way... so as to make sure it fits the atmosphere of the story. Tell me if you'd prefer me to write the way I did or just continue on with this new way. Cause if you do, I'm going to start editing the others into this style of writing as well : Sorry for the awfully long asf interval for Ch03 and Ch04. I was changing the way it was written that's why it took longer. Plus I was also busy sjdhjsd :')) But hey, we're here now. I hope you guys enjoy!