Frozen Love: Jelsa

Chapter 4

Elsa

        “Good evening sir,” Elsa said to the Duke of Harrington as he took her hand and led her out of her carriage at the castle gates. Despite Elsa’s many protests, Anna had set up a meeting with the Duke for Elsa (without her consent, of course). The Duke was man of about Elsa’s age, with close-cropped brown hair and wearing his crisp blue suit. Elsa was trying to be open-minded, but she really didn’t want to be here and the Duke didn’t seem to be the most exciting man ever.

            “Please, call me Adam,” the Duke told her in a haughty voice as he looked around at Elsa’s castle. “Well, it’s not as nice as mine, but you’ll be able to see that once we’re married.” Elsa’s face grew hot with anger. Who did this man think he was, criticizing her home? Her parents had spent years planning the construction of this castle, and she would not stand an ignorant man insulting their work! She had a feeling that this “Adam” wouldn't work out. She hoped that Anna wouldn't be disappointed, but she also hoped that now she would give up this match making. Meanwhile, Adam was leading the way up to the gates as if he owned the place. Elsa already wanted this night to be over.

Adam pulled out a small wooden chair just inside the entrance of the walls. It stood near a circular table on the green grass of the courtyard. “So,” Adam prompted as he sat down across from Elsa. “I hear you’ve had a very troubling year and a half.” Elsa was slightly surprised that someone who lived so far away had heard about The Great Freezing, and it must have shown on her face. “Don’t look so surprised Your Highness.  What you did a while ago is legendary to the surrounding isles.”

Elsa started fidgeting in her seat and rubbing the silvery cape of her dress between her fingers. Adam was looking at her with wide eyes of curiosity, and it was making her slightly uncomfortable. “Do you think you could…you know? Show me your…abilities?” Adam asked, staring at her hands as if they were some sort of incredible, useful tool that he could use. She didn’t like it at all.

“Um…Actually, I’d rather not, if you don’t mind,” Elsa politely refused.

“Oh, that’s alright, really,” but Adam couldn't hide the disappointed look on his face. Elsa had always been pretty good at reading people, and she was starting to hate this duke more and more. First he insulted her family’s work, and now he seemed to be more interested in her powers than her. She had experienced this too many times in her life and was losing patience. The next hour was spent with Elsa trying to make conversation,  but Adam didn’t seem to be invested in it now that he couldn’t see what he’d come for.