Chapter 4

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Chapter 4

“He is twenty-six years old, and in his own kingdom he was responsible for ravishing countless maidens,” Kai the butler said. 

Together with Anna and Kristoff, Elsa was listening to the report their most loyal servant had made on the young Duke of Weselton. Through his exchanges with the Duke while showing him to the guest room and conversing with the gossipy servants, Kai had managed to find out bits and pieces about the man they would battle on the negotiation table tomorrow. 

“He had five elder brothers, but all of them had mysteriously vanished before they could claim the throne,” Kai said. “Your majesty, if I may be so bold, I believe this Rainer is a very dangerous man.” 

“Are those rumors or facts?” Elsa asked, her voice even and stoic. 

The butler opened his mouth and was about to reply, but then shut it again. Servants could offer buckets of information on their master, but there was always a thin line between rumors and truth. 

“I’m not quite sure.” 

“Very well. You are excused.” 

Anna stood silently to the side of the room, amazed by the calm composure and maturity her sister exuded. In front of her Elsa smiled and laughed, but once she assumed the role of Queen, the air around her changed. 

Taking bow, Kai exited the room, leaving the Queen with the princess and Ice Master. 

Elsa sat down on a nearby sofa, her eyes showing that she was intently considering the information Kai had given. From all he had said, Rainer was a scoundrel who jumped from one maiden’s bed the other, never exhibiting even the slightest sense of loyalty. He took what he wanted, and gave nothing back. A pirate under the disguise of a royal title. 

Anna sat down next to Elsa, and put her hand on hers. 

“Don’t worry, I’ll be with you the entire time,” she said with loving eyes. 

“Thank you,” Elsa said. 

Her mind was confused, unsure of how to handle the Duke. Undoubtedly he will try something at the party tonight. 

“Me and Kristoff will be keeping an eye on him,” Anna said. “If he does anything…” 

She raised the fist she used to break Prince Hans’ nose. 

The sisters made eye contact and shared a chuckle at the memory of it. 

Kristoff came over, his steps a little awkward as he still wasn’t used to dressing formally for such an event. In a dark dark blue suit and polished boots, Anna finally got him out of the rough shirt and trousers he wore as a ice trader. The first time he put on the formal wear, Anna laughed so hard that she collapsed on floor, holding her stomach. Sven stood by her side and only shook his head. It didn’t suit him at all, yet after a second or third glance, it did make him look quite handsome. 

“I told you reindeers are better than people,” he smirked.

With her eyes closed, Anna stuck out her tongue. 

———————

The doors opened and nobles from in and around Arendelle had come to the castle to pay their respects to Queen Elsa, and above all, get a first look at the new Duke of Weselton. Rainer was the center of attention, with members of aristocracy regularly  approaching him to enquire about the death of his father, who was performing his chicken dance in this ballroom just weeks before. 

Rainer shook hands with everyone, gently brushing off flirting attempts made by young maidens and even slightly older widows, and conversing in a calm and pleasant manner with the men around him. 

Standing next to her sister, Anna was observing Rainer closely. Kristoff had gone into the crowd get a closer look at the duke. 

“He seems fine to me,” Anna pursed her lips. 

Elsa simply nodded. She wanted to hear what Kristoff had to say about Rainer. While she appreciated her sister’s love and support, she didn’t quite trust Anna’s faith in everyone. After all, if it wasn’t for her, Prince Hans would have tricked her into marriage. Tomorrow’s negotiations wouldn’t be only about Rainer, but a test for Kristoff too. 

Then, Kristoff emerged from the crowd and got up on the small stage, standing next to Anna. Glancing at him, Anna could see that he was sweating in the tight suit he was wearing. She suppressed a chuckle. This rough iceman really couldn’t get used to royal wear. 

“He seems like a good person,” Kristoff crossed both of his arms. “When I tried to talk to him, he refused to talk about ice, and said business should be for tomorrow.” 

Elsa nodded. Even though she promised herself to remain impartial, deep down inside she wanted to believe that Rainer was someone she could trust. Even now, the memory of the piercing grey eyes and playful smile caused her heart to thump. 

This was man was several years older than her, but had only inherited the throne weeks ago. Both of them were young rulers,  thrust into power with little guidance. Perhaps Rainer was the only person who could fully understand what it truly meant to carry the hopes and dreams of an entire kingdom at such a tender age. 

“Your majesty,” Rainer appeared before her and took a bow. “As an apology for my father’s accusations, I’d like to offer you the first dance of the evening.”

“Thank you,” Elsa replied. “Only I don’t -“

Before she could finish her sentence, Anna interrupted. 

“She would love to dance!” 

Gently, she pushed her sister forward, the corners of her eyes hinting at a teasing smile. 

“A-Anna!”

Before Elsa could say anymore, Rainer took her by the hand and vanished with her onto the dance floor. 

“Why’d you do that?” Kristoff asked.

“A little revenge can never hurt,” Anna chuckled. 

Then before Kristoff say anymore, Anna took him by the hand and led him out of the ballroom. With all eyes on Elsa and Rainer, this was the perfect opportunity for her to escape. 

Throughout the week, their desire for each other kept increasing and every time they were about to make love, something would always interrupt them. Last time it was the Royal Guard knocking on Kristoff’s door. 

“Are you sure, Anna?” Kristoff asked, turning his head to look back at the ballroom. 

“Don’t worry!” she said as she held his hand and skipped along the empty corridors. 

Without further ado, grabbing her wrist, he pulled her into his arms. He didn’t kiss her. He simply held her against his chest, enjoying her warmth and sweet scent. It was only a few weeks ago that he met this girl, yet he felt such a unbearable tenderness for her. 

“Kristoff…” Anna whispered.

“Shh,” he silenced her. “Can you hear it?” 

Anna’s eyes widened as Kristoff held her closely to his chest. His heart was beating so fast. His breathing was heavy. Kristoff, for the first time in a forever, felt nervous.  

“Is this because of me?”

Kristoff nodded. “Being with you…makes me feel very protective over you.”

Besides his heartbeat, Anna could also feel a hardness protruding from his pants and pressing into her stomach. 

Her right hand traveled downwards and massaged it through his pants. 

“Is this also because of me?” 

Sighing with pleasure, Kristoff nodded.

“C’mon, let’s go,” Anna took his hand and led him to her bedroom. 

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