A war of the Icy Sea

Chapter 16, Declaration of Love

Several weeks after the battle of the Southern Isles and the whole of force 10 had returned accompanied by HMS Sami, HMS Inuit, SS Ocean Star and four small ships from the Southern Isles fleet. By now SS Ocean Star had unloaded her cargo of F4F Wildcat fighters and the planes were being readied for combat. There were enough planes for two escort carriers and a small defence force for Arrendelle so the Pride and Spirit of Arrendelle were being converted into aircraft carriers to accommodate the Wildcats. After a major series of repairs done to the Destroyers, they had been sent out to disrupt the Wesleton Supply lines. The Ocean Star was being converted into an armed merchant cruiser but it would spend most of her time following HMS Norway around as the Ocean Star was to become the Norway's supply ship. To supplement the navies in the alliance, Arrendelle, The Southern Isles and Corona, a new class of high speed destroyers, which looked a lot like the American Clemson class were under construction as well as conversions to steam driven iron clads and new build iron clads. The first of the new destroyers was progressing rapidly and that first ship was to become Elsa's private yacht.

Alexander was spending quite a lot of time with Elsa, supervising the modernisation of the Alliance's military. The two of them had become very, very close and Anna was happy for her elder sister. But Elsa was still afraid to admit the true depth of her feelings towards Alexander. But she knew she would have to soon, with Anna's help, she chose a time and place. The launching ceremony for the new destroyer which was to be known as Her Majesty's Ship Snow Queen.

Soon, it was time for the launching ceremony. Everyone in Arrendelle was gathered round the slipway where a sleek, new four funnelled destroyer lay. A raised platform in front of the Destroyer's bow from which speeches could be given. Alexander was dressed in his finest uniform; Elsa was in her "Snow Queen" Dress, Anna was in the same dress she wore to Elsa's coronation and Kristoff was wearing a Tuxedo made from a design aboard the Norway.

As the sun slowly set, a small flight of three Wildcat fighters patrolled the skies. The Pride and Spirit of Arrendelle were having their engines, flight decks and hangars installed so all of the Wildcat fighters operated from a land base for now.

Slowly, Elsa climbed the stairs followed by Anna, Kristoff and Alexander. The crowd cheered as the four most powerful people in Arrendelle stood on the Balcony and Elsa began her speech.

"People of Arrendelle, I welcome all of you here to welcome to the Fleet, our newest ship. HMS Snow Queen! Thanks to the technical assistance of Captain McDonald and his crew, soon Wesleton will surrender!" the citizens cheered at this before Elsa continued.

"May the Snow Queen vanquish all of her enemies and god bless all who sail in her" at that, Elsa picked up a champagne bottle and smashed it against the Snow Queen's bow. HMS Sami, which was tied to the Snow Queen's stern in order to drag it clear, slowly began to move forward just as dockyard workers released the clamps holding the Snow Queen to the slipway. Slowly, the destroyer began to move, gathering speed it hit the water and settled into it with a large SPLASH! HMS Sami dragged the Snow Queen Clear and towed it to a nearby pier which was in the "Destroyers Only" part of the Arrendelle Dockyard. Elsa and the others stepped down from the podium and the party began. A magnificent band played a wonderful mix of music. Various people danced and the Norway's searchlights lit up the night sky. Alexander stood to one side, next to the water, looking out at the gathered fleet of ships from his own world and the Snow Queen. Elsa, with encouragement from Anna strode over to Alex's side.

"It's a beautiful night isn't it" Alexander said suddenly.

"Indeed it is" Elsa agreed.

Alexander just smiled which made Elsa's spirit rise in joy. It made her happy to see Alexander at peace. Alexander then turned around when he heard the music from the band change abruptly.

"I like this song" He said before he turned back to Elsa.

"Shall we dance?" Alexander asked as he held out his hand. Elsa took Alex's hand and said "We may"

Carefully, Alexander led Elsa out to the dance floor and pulled her into a graceful waltz. The crowd, noticing the Queen dancing with Alexander, moved out of their way. Elsa's mind raced at a rate faster than the Norway's AA guns. "This is it! I am finally dancing with Alexander!" She thought to herself.

"I'm actually dancing with Elsa" Alexander thought.

Anna and Kristoff, who were standing to one side of the dockyard, watched Elsa and Alex dance a graceful waltz.

"They look so happy together!" Anna said to Kristoff with a smile on her face.

"I have to agree" Kristoff replied, he was also smiling.

Little did Elsa and Alex know, they were getting closer and closer to each other until Elsa was almost completely moulded to Alexander's body.

They smiled and without warning, they kissed briefly. And then backed off immediately, both were blushing furiously.

"Uh, that was awkward" Alexander said, scratching the back of his head.

Elsa however decided to admit her true feelings towards Alexander.

"Alex?" She asked.

"Yes?" Alexander replied.

"I want to say something important"

"Oh?"

"This is it, I'll tell him now" Elsa thought.

"What I want to say is, ever since we first met. I have developed feelings for you. They have become stronger every passing day." She said.

"Elsa!" Alexander gasped, already guessing what Elsa was about to say.

"Alex, I think I am in love with you"