Anna crumbled, her heart full to bursting and it was Elsa's strong hand in hers that kept her steady. This was real, this wasn't another dream she had. She felt like screaming, and running around in circles and when the time came for her to do it, she was stone. Her vision became blurry and she couldn't seem to dislodge the lump in her throat.

"Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

The silence that followed was nearly maddening as the kingdom held its breath, awaiting her answer. Numb, blind and nearly catatonic, she could say nothing, instead she nodded and the deafening applause and cheers shattered her from the spell. Her hand shook slightly as Kristoff slipped the delicate gold band over the thin finger. The metal seemed to burn and when he stood she crumbled into his chest and he simply kissed her hair, listening to the silent joyous sobs. A few moments passed before he picked her up into a crushing embrace and he spun them around as she kissed him, laughing the entire time.

Elsa blinked back tears and clapped, long and proud at her sister. Love was finally hers, now and forever more. She heard Jack and Eugene holler at them while Rapunzel whistled loudly, laughter shared between the three of them. The clock tower struck the first hour of a new day. Anna turned in Kristoff's arms to see Elsa smiling at her. She couldn't help it, she jumped into the awaiting arms and kissed her cheek. Elsa laughed and hugged her in return. She laughed with her sister, and she brushed a tear away with her thumb. Things are going be different now... The applause had died down and the band played a softer song. The couple danced once more and expressions of happiness changed the thrum of the room.

The drink was nearly gone, the platters cleaned bare and the chiming of the tower its own solemn song. The hour was late and soon people were filing and stumbling past the guards. The royals of Corona bade their farewells, and exited the castle, seeking their ship and beds. Departing guests expressed their gratitude and wondered if the Lord Frost would be returning soon, implying many things within the question and she couldn't help but laugh. Jack was speaking with Kristoff at the end of the room and Elsa thought their relationship began anew, the past was in the past and they could move on as equals.

Her smile fell as the heavy footsteps brought a chill down her spine. She turned into the full heated glare of her Trade Master and felt herself shrink under its gaze, but her pride would not allow her to show it. Instead she smiled pleasantly up at him, like a spoiled child would before their parent after doing something they knew was wrong. But she did nothing wrong and his anger only allowed her smile to widen.

"How dare you." He said in a low voice, "How dare you embarrass me like that, and in front of the kingdom. I have done too much to earn their respect and you toss it aside like it was nothing."

"Do you want an apology?" She asked bluntly, "I knew you were not yourself and did not wish to embarrass you in the first place, I am not a good dancer."

"Could have fooled me," He sneered down at her. "Your majesty I warned you about this Lord from the North, I warned you. No good will come from this night with him, this I promise."

How so very wrong you are my Master, "I see no harm in a friendly dance."

"And yet you turn down every other dance, including my own." He sneered down at her, like he'd caught her in a lie, and she felt her heart skip a beat at being cornered.

Her smile fell, "I threw this party for one single reason. To make amends for the disaster that was my coronation. These events are still new, still gossip among the near kingdoms; I needed something to establish our power." The Master blinked, "Lord Frost is an asset, his word will spread across his lands and they will know Arendelle's might. You said it yourself; nothing comes back from the north. I aim to keep it that way. I want nothing climbing down to this small kingdom; powerful as I am I cannot stop a siege forever, not without draining our resources dry. You and the other Master's would be out of a job, and I need you so."

She reached for his cheek and brushed the stubble of his beard, carefully stroking it with her hand. "Have I tarnished your pride so much that you've forgotten the grand scheme of things?" Her voice had gone into a whisper, and he felt himself weaken under the touch.

He loved her, he loved her more than he could tell and he longed to. His pride demanded he swat her hand away and challenge her, but his heart silenced it. Truth be told he was jealous of the Lord Frost, the very name sent an uneasy chill down his spine. The name had to be a coincidence, a fabrication of her doing, but if he truly is from the North then it would explain it. A land of looming glaciers and perpetual snow, Frost was the nicest thing to be named. But when he finally hefted himself from the floor to watch the dance he felt a raging fire burn within him. His glass shattered in his grip and he was hurt and stunned at his queen's beauty and grace. He would trade anything to be in the boy's place. To see the love in her eyes shown to him.

He smiled and faintly leaned into the touch before he carefully plucked the delicate hand from his face. He turned her palm over, the rough pads burning over the smooth, flawless skin and he felt the iciness of her powers beneath the warmth, a peculiar thing. He released her hand with an amused sound.

"Forgive me your majesty. I am still not entirely myself and I fear I may do something foolish."

"T'would not be the first time," She quipped, egging him on. She'd seen the fire in his eyes and she wished to understand it.

"Head my warning child; he is still not to be trusted."

"Why do you think that? After all I have told you, you still doubt him."

"Why would he place a bet on your dance? We do not have two hundred to spare, and I have a feeling he knew that. Where else could he have gotten the clothing? The purse of gold and silvers? He is a spy for the Master of Coin, I am sure of it."

"If you recall he is rotting in a dungeon."

She did not like her Master's sly smile, "Is he?"

Her eyes narrowed dangerously and a flicker of fear danced across her chest. There could be no way of that man escaping, even if Hans was down there with him, could there? She'd need to pay a visit, soon. Either way…

"His death is assured."

"I do enjoy that fire in your eyes." He said smoothly, catching her completely off guard. "It makes you that much more fearsome, idle display's of power without an emotion to back them…well," He sneered, a vile expression. "The threat can be easily dismissed as a bluff."

"Do you insist on pricking at my patience?" She felt a muscle beneath her eye begin to tick.

"No, I simply wish to point out what an old sea dog has learned in his years."

"If I wished to hear your opinion I would ask for it." Her biting tone only made him smile and she could not stand to see that mocking gaze any longer, "I'll take my leave."

"Goodnight my Snow Queen,"

"I belong to no one." She said darkly and the Tradesman thought he saw a spray of frost just over her shoulders as she passed out of his sight.

"A fine job you've done." He heard behind him and he quickly turned to see Lord Frost standing a few steps from him, "You'll never earn her love that way."

"What do you know about loving my queen?"

"Not a thing," He said with a shrug, "But earning the love of a woman, I know enough. Annoy her one too many times she may very well kill you." He smiled as a memory filled his mind. "Have patience, and the queen will love you." Jack turned to leave.

"Lord Frost," The tradesman called with narrowed eyes, "How do you know?" The young lord raised a brow, "Who does own your heart?"

Jack coughed a laugh with an offhand smile, "She's a pretty little thing. Fragile, but strong too, so lost to the world around her. At first she was scared, frightened of everything, but she'll protect what is hers and fiercely at that." Jack said on a laugh "She's shy and quiet, but she has a head on her that I love more than her smile. On the grand scale, I'd say that's saying something." Jack bowed to the elder, "Master."

The Master of Trade watched as the Northern Lord strolled out through the double doors, curiously a thin frost followed his foot falls. His eyes narrowed, for they seemed familiar for some reason. With a sound of thought he felt the breeze of winter at his back. He stood at the chair that his queen had wrought and observed its angry waves of molten hatred for a few minutes. He felt something cold slither in his veins at a sudden sputter in the glow. It became as red as blood before its cool deep color returned again and at once became clear. He felt a flutter of panic "Guards! Find the Queen!" In a rush they took their orders and fanned out the castle.

The queen fumed on the balcony, watching the small longboats row back to their mother vessels, the tavern lights flicker and extinguish in the waning light of the moon. The laughter and conversation had all but faded. She held her chin in her hand, lost in thought; was her Master wrong? Of course about Jack, but she wondered about the other's that had attended. Which dignitaries did she trust? Which ones could she afford to trust? She heard the shuffle of feet and she sighed heavily.

"I thought I told you I-" She heard someone clear their throat and she turned, the Master of Word stood at the threshold with smiling eyes and a small laugh, "Oh it's you, my apologies."

"Not necessary," He waved it away and shuffled to her side. "That was a most exquisite dance your majesty. One would think it rehearsed." He raised an eyebrow, when she made a face he laughed.

"I don't dance." She said exasperated, with a sigh she turned to him. "I don't know I just…"

"Knew what to do before it even happened." He finished neatly and she nodded, "Believe me, I understand. My wife and I were like that."

"The people seemed to like him."

"Do you?"

"I…don't know," She lied, "He's certainly entertaining to be around, if not a bit childish." This wasn't a total lie and the Master's eyes narrowed. He took her shoulder gently and turned her to face him.

"What your head tells you is one thing." He touched her brow gently, and his finger dipped till it pointed at her chest. "What your heart tells you is another." He took her hand in his and squeezed lightly, "Listen to them both, you're a lot smarter than your sister. Imagine if Hans was still here instead of Kristoff."

Elsa made a face and looked away but it twisted back into a smile, she knew he was right. He dropped her hand and bade her goodnight, shuffling back inside and leaving her to her thoughts. She turned back to the balcony and watched as a narrow longboat rowed past. She could see the sigil of a sun on the end as it rowed past and smiled down. With her family reconnected she didn't feel so alone anymore. She had an aunt, an uncle and now a cousin that was a small boat ride away.

A biting wind lilted by with an apathetic thought and made the loose strands of hair and fabric sway. The soft creaking of wood and lapping of water tugged on her consciousness and sleep seemed to beckon in the distance. With a heavy, tired sigh she leaned against the railing, wondering what the coming weeks would bring to her. She reached up and felt the edges of her mask. She'd just begun to pull gently on the corner when a hand caught hers.

"Don't," She heard quietly, and turned quickly to the voice. "I want to do it." Jack murmured smiling down at her.

He trailed from the edge of her mask, down her neck to the crook of her shoulder with a delicate finger. With the gloves having been shoved deep into his pockets the pads of his forefinger and thumb felt rougher to her than normal and a shiver came unbidden. She caressed his jaw with the back of her hand, the other against his chest, steadying herself. His eyes grew heavy, and as he leaned forward her eyes screwed shut and she bit her lips in anticipation.

This desire had surfaced at the dance and was a bigger struggle to control. The hand on his chest gripped the thick fabric of his jacket and tugged, she needed him to be closer. The arm at her waist pulled tighter and his eyes found hers again. His thumb hooked to the edge of her mask and pushed it up, till it fell to the table just behind her, the clatter of leather barely discernible around the crashing of waves and heavy breath.

Free of her armor she felt liberated, she wasn't the queen, she was simply a girl lost in emotions she still didn't quite understand. He smiled, finally able to see his beauty behind the façade she created for the night. Elsa blinked, as if clearing her eyes and lifted slender hands to his mask. She pulled the thick leather carefully away and Jack pressed their bodies tighter together, effectively trapping her hands against his chest, his lips barely an inch from hers.

She felt need burn in her veins and claw its way towards the surface. She grimaced, and fought the urge to lean just a little farther forward, a touch she had forsaken all night. He would shy away as she'd lean and she would turn just out of reach. Her teeth bared, the expression almost one of pain. She never thought something as basic as touch was so essential. But she would need to suffer longer still; the night was not quite over, her duties not yet fulfilled.

Wait a little longer Elsa, She pleaded with herself. Don't cave in…just….yet- and she tilted her head back.

As if her savior had walked around the corner she heard heavy boots and the clatter of metal; guards, fast approaching down the hallway. She made a sound, half in relief and half in annoyance and her head fell to the side. They would not reveal their love just yet. Jack turn towards the doors of the castle, the sounds of the approaching party growing louder. He cursed under his breath and looked down at her. Her eyes lidded both in desire and exhaustion, feeling his own grow heavy he smiled slightly, the late hour catching up with him.

"One hour." He heard her say, no louder than a whisper; it was all she could manage. She didn't hear him say anything but she felt the arms loosen their grip. She caught the edge of his collar and tugged his face close to hers. "You better not be late."

Jacks mischievous smile and heated gaze had a groan catch itself in her throat. That was a look she awaited when he departed from the balcony in a soft gust of wind. She took a few breaths to steady herself, and once she'd placed the mask back on and return to the railing did the doors open. Not a clue of what just transpired.

The castle was closing down for the night; the Trades Master sent the escort to look for her. My ever watchful Masters, she thought bitterly. What would I do without them? The Great Hall was nearly clear, but in need of a good mopping come morn. The extravagance that was her throne silently twinkled in the dimming light. She rather liked its design, but with a sigh withdrew its form and the solitary, if not much humbler, wooden throne teetered for a bit before slamming back into place. The festival was over, winter was nearly here and she had a lot to do in the coming weeks. With an exchange of farewells to the remaining guests and guards she bade the house staff goodnight.

As soon as she reached the top of the stairs she froze. She would have to pass Anna and Kristoff's room. She made a face and groaned heavily, hearing the laughter of the house staff behind her. With a steeling breath she marched down the hall at a quick pace, the heavy footfalls drowned out all but one sound, a loud thump on the wall. She jumped at the sound and all but ran the rest of the way.

She laughed internally at the ridiculousness of what she'd just done and shook her head. No doubt some of the other staff wondered what happened behind her own door, but unlike the Princess and Ice Master, her powers sealed all sound out. For that, she couldn't thank God enough. With a laugh she removed the mask once more. She turned it in her hands to look at its face and a cruel thought passed her mind. A few changes, but this would look frightening in steel... With an amused sound she swiftly turned the knob and entered her room.

As the door swung open she stopped at the threshold, her breath catching and a hand went to her lips. Her lord was there, but not as she had expected. He sat in the chair at the far wall, stooped and halfway falling out of his seat. She quickly kicked off her shoes and ignored the screaming pain as she quietly slid to his side to catch him. His strong shoulders shifted beneath her hand and she carefully sat him back up.

Safely settled back in the chair his head lolled to the side, undisturbed in his slumber. Curiosity built within her and she leaned over, placing her hands on either side of the chair. Careful not to disturb him she leaned close, inspecting the changes to his face. She'd never seen him sleep, and only now was she grateful for the chance. The flecks and streaks of white in his hair made him seem much older than his young face allowed. And he seemed all the more handsome to her. A strong jaw and deep breathing of a strong man. She felt unbidden tears in her eyes, and she didn't fight them, with a smile she kissed his brow before slipping silently away.

She sighed happily and looked back down at the leather in her hand. She gently placed it next to her crown and ran a finger over both, the soft metal gleaming in the light. Sleep seemed to call to her, and her eyes grew heavy. It was nearly three in the morning and her lord had already beaten her to the night lands. With apathetic thought she slipped out of her gown but the slip beneath remained. She looked once more at her lord and the soft snoring coming from there, like a little lion he growled.

She wondered what he dreamed of. She only had to guess for so long before a name slipped from his lips. It was barely a whisper and it made her heart clench in her chest. She bit back a flood of emotion and silently untangled her hair from the pins that held them. As the soft locks tumbled down and brushed against her back she felt the full weight of the evening catch up with her. She barely had enough time to pull the covers up before she fell into the waiting arms of sleep.

She was awoken by the feeling of lips pressed to the crook of her jaw. Stirring slightly she laughed quietly as the lips trailed down her neck and back. She turned to face him, seeing his bright blue eyes burn with love. She met his lips and laughed through another kiss. She pulled on his shoulder and gently he fell into the bed. One kiss bled into another as she quickly undid the buttons of his shirt, ignoring the way her hands fumbled slightly. His touch was soft, teasing and careful. Pushing the shirt off his shoulders nails skimmed his chest, feeling the hard muscle beneath the fabric. She would never get used to it, especially so intimately. He broke the kiss to kiss her nose, her cheek, her forehead and she laughed in his ear. He murmured sweet words in a happy voice and she wondered what got him so happy. It must be the wine, her breathing caught as he nipped at her ear and she tried to push him up. Refusing, his lips followed soon, then his tongue, she felt the rough pads of his fingers trail under her clothes and over her ribs and her eyes squeezed shut with anticipation.

The crystal orbs flashed open and she had to bite back the groan as her head pounded. Her hands immediately went to shield her eyes though the clouds had darkened the waning light of dawn. She huffed in annoyance and was surprised by the crackling sounds of winter, soon the light was nearly gone. She squinted into the darkness and saw the crooked wood just slip back into the shadow. Jack was still here, and she felt her face grow hot. She dare not ask if he knew what she dreamt.

She sat up in bed, ignoring the throbbing in her skull and looked over at him.

"Good morning," He said lightly with a hint of a laugh.

"Stuff it snow sprite." She spat, "Why are you not bent over in pain?"

He stood up and moved into the light; surprisingly he still had on his evening wear. His jacket hung on the back of the chair he had been sitting in and his boots near the wall. His vest unbuttoned and his shirt ruffled, the sleeves rolled to the elbow. He walked towards her twirling his cane over his shoulder until he reached the edge of the bed.

"Well, I'm not like you," As he stepped into the light she could see the remnants of the spell had finally worn off, his hair was as white as fresh snow and his eyes, though humorous held a hint of annoyance and anger in their midnight color.

"Clearly," She drawled, batting him. "Now get over here."

He stopped his advance and quirked his head to the side, as if confused by the question. The smile he gave her ran a shiver down her spine, for it eerily looked like hers.

"No."

In a flash his cane reached out and snatched her closer to him. Her breathing caught in her throat and she shied away from him unconsciously.

"Are you afraid of me?" He asked raising an eyebrow.

"Yes," She breathed staring deep into his eyes; she blinked and looked away, clearing her throat. "Rather, I'm afraid of what you're going to do."

"I saw something yesterday that I liked, and I wanted to see it again."

He dropped his staff and caught her hands. Before she had a moment to comprehend he had grabbed her waist and twirled her about the room. Dancing. She was dancing, and she laughed with him at the absurdity of it. She relaxed almost instantly and followed his steps with apparent ease. She only looked down once and wondered why she had forgone dancing for so long. Maybe it was because she had thought she would be too clumsy, too controlled in her movements, she was taught to behave as a proper queen should.

You've changed me, broken me, I can never be the same again. She thought with a flutter of emotion. I know you can't read my thoughts, but I wish this would never end. She closed her eyes and smiled in pure bliss, feeling herself being tugged to the left again. He twirled her out of his arms and she looked back at him with such love that he caught her in his arms once more with a softened look in his eyes. Unlike their dance in the Great Hall he leaned her back far enough she thought she might fall. She tilted her head up to find his and through lidded eyes she found his. Love burned deep within and it all but consumed them.

He straightened them both and it was only then did she notice her hand clutched the edge of his shirt. Slowly her fingers released their grip of the fabric and he tilted her head up to his. He captured her lips with a kiss and in it he poured all his gratitude, his love and his desire to be with her for all eternity. He felt the little twinge in his heart at the thought, but violently he shoved it aside. This was a moment he never wanted to outlive, and that particular moment was a long ways away. When he broke the kiss he quickly placed another on the tip of her nose and she didn't stop the girlish giggle that slipped through her smile and it melted his heart.

"I love you when you're like this." He murmured, resuming their mock dance.

"What, alone with you?"

"Well that and," He pulled her close and her voice failed her. "When you're not the queen." Her confused look made him sigh a laugh and duck his head. "I mean when you don't act like one. When you're just you, with quirky little things and flaws and unabashed in your emotions. You don't pretend when you're just with me. You're not Queen Elsa of Arendelle, and I'm not Jack Frost, Lord of Winter. We are simply two people experiencing something everyone does. No games, not hidden agendas, no plotting against one another, just simply being-"

"Human." She finished, smiling up at him.

He blinked and his smile widened, "Exactly," They kissed but it was brief, Elsa laid a hand on his cheek with a drunken look in her eye, a low hum in her throat.

"What?" He asked, though he was sure he knew the answer.

"I feel cheated," she said bluntly, "I missed your mischief, I missed your touch, and I feel greedy." She grabbed his collar and tugged hard, her lips trailing over his. "Kiss me again."

All but eagerly he obliged, her hand cradling his face as he bent her backwards once more. He broke the kiss with a laugh as her hand caught his shirt again. She gave him an annoyed look, knowing he would be yelled at later, but he didn't care, he was in the same boat with her. Not particular of him, he had other reasons to stall.

"You'd best go find your sister." He said, once they'd straightened. "I'll be in the town square later."

"Where will you go in the mean time?"

"The Dancing Eagle," She recognized the name of the tavern and immediately understood, "If I've succeeded in gaining favor with the town, they will still see me." He tugged on his jacket and boots, gave her a swift kiss before ducking out the window while the sun was still rising.

As she watched him dip beyond the borders of the castle she felt a silent hope within her. I pray he is right, and that someone else will see him. She reached for the window panes and heard the pounding of the clock tower; its booming noise halted her action as the sound made her skull feel like it was splitting in two. Her hands clapped over her ears and she all but collapsed to the ground. At the seventh chime she quickly shut the panes and drew on her robe. This headache was enough for one queen and Jack was right, she needed to find her sister.