Every Moment After - Chapter 8: Anna's Wedding

Cover Art by fantasyofcarrie.tumblr.com
A/N: The waltz is "So This is Love" from Disney's Cinderella.

In my headcanon Eugene and Hans are buddies and like to act like idiots whenever Hans is in Corona or they're both in Baltia.

"Mary Mack" is a traditional Scottish patter song (it gets faster as it goes); not to be confused with the "Miss Mary Mack" clapping thing I learned in primary school. The version I see him singing is "Mari-Mac" by Great Big Sea.

"Roll me Over" is a bawdy traditional folk song (not sure of its national origin).

York and Corinithia are both kingdoms mentioned in Disney's series Sofia the First, I needed kingdom names and just went with it.

---

"Gentlemen, please!" Elsa spoke above the members of her council as they argued with one another, "I do not know why those ships chose to attack or where they came from, but I assure you that I am taking every precaution to protect our kingdom and our guests. Siegfried has increased security around the castle and at the docks, and Admiral Tvedt has increased naval presence in the area."

"Your majesty, how do you know it wasn't another plot by that treacherous prince?" one of her advisers asked.

Elsa was shocked by the implication. She looked over at Kai who wore an expression of anger and great offense, "That isn't possible. No one knew I was going to be out on the water yesterday. Admiral Westerguard wasn't aware that I planned on accompanying him until I showed up at the dock," she concentrated her gaze on the offending advisor, "we have nothing to fear from Prince Hans. This has been explained before, and I will not have my judgement on the matter questioned again."

"Yes, your majesty."

---

"So we have everything ready, right?" Anna asked barely able to contain herself as they inspected the chapel.

"Yes, everything is ready," Elsa laughed at her bubbling sister, "Remember, you'll be dancing with Kai first, then Kristoff will cut in and you'll finish the first dance with him."

"Who will you be dancing with?"

"Me? Oh, you know I don't dance."

"Come on, you didn't dance at your coronation and you made me dance with the Duke of Weaseltown, you owe me."

"Anna, I don't know how."

"Oh, I'm sure a certain red haired prince would teach you if you asked really nicely," Anna grinned.

---

"Princess Anna said I might find you here," Hans said as he entered the ballroom. Today's colour was green. He wore dark green trousers, with a silver strip along the outseam, a pale green shirt, striped green waistcoat and a silver cravat; the blue pocket square peeking out from underneath his tailcoat. The green brought out the colour of his eyes making them impossible to ignore.

"Yes, I have a favor to ask of you."

"Your wish is my command, your majesty," he said with a graceful bow.

"This seems silly, but Anna's wedding is in two days, and after the wedding there's going to be a ball, and…" she took a deep breath, "Will you teach me how to dance?"

"It would be an honor," he couldn't have stopped the smile that spread across his face if he had wanted to.

"We don't have time to go over multiple dances, so we'll just stick to a simple waltz," he walked over to the metronome on the piano and set the proper time signature. Elsa took in a deep breath and brushed imaginary dust off of her dark blue gown as he approached her, "This hand goes on my shoulder, this hand goes in my hand, and my other hand goes on the small of your back," Elsa was suddenly very aware of how intimate dancing could be, "I'll lead, don't worry about rhythm yet, you need to get the steps down first. I'll step forward with my left foot, and you step back with your right, now bring your left foot to meet it. Good, now step forward with your right foot, now bring your other foot to meet it. We're going to make a square."

They went slowly through the motions; Elsa watching her feet the entire time, "You're going to have to look at your dance partner, your majesty," Hans chuckled.

"I'm just trying to ensure I don't step on your feet."

"If you do, I doubt it'll hurt much." Hans slowly sped up until they matched the time signature, "See, you've got it," he smiled at her.

"Thank you, but I doubt they'll have a metronome at the ball."

"True, but I can't play and dance too, and I only know the lyrics to one waltz."

"Why don't you sing it then? That would at least help me be to able to dance with music instead of just ticking."

"I…uhh…don't think that's a good idea."

"Why not?"

"Well…the lyrics…"

"You're only teaching me to dance, but if you're that concerned about it, just sing it so only I can hear."

Hans realized he wasn't going to win and went to stop the metronome. He walked back to her trying to think of any other waltz he knew the words to, or any way out of this, but as he looked at her his mind forgot what it was trying to do. He stood in front of her looking into her eyes his mind void except for the depth of the blue in front of him, "The song?" Elsa reminded him.

"Oh, right, sorry," he flushed and resumed their dancing positions; he breathed in deeply, swallowed hard, and regretted opening his mouth. As they moved he leaned in, pressing his chest to hers and putting his mouth next to her ear:

So this is love, hmm

So this is love…

Elsa wasn't prepared for the surge that ran up her spine as his velvety voice entered her ear and his breath moved against her skin. "Are you alright," he asked as her knees gave out and he had to catch her.

"Yes, I'm fine, just lost my balance," she reddened and straightened herself back up, "please, continue."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

He leaned back in:

So this is what makes life divine

I'm all aglow hmm,

And now I know,

The key to all heaven is mine…

She breathed him in and decided that it was wholly unfair what just the wonderful scent of this man did to her.

My heart has wings, hmm,

And I can fly,

I'll touch every star in the sky…

He loved the feeling of her hand in his even if it was through his gloves, and maybe he was holding her tighter than he needed to, but her grip on his shoulder and her stumble earlier helped him justify it.

So this is the miracle,

That I've been dreaming of,

Hmm, hmm,

So this is love.

She frowned as he pulled his head away and let her go, "You did very well, your majesty," he said unable to look her in the face, "you should be ready for the ball."

"You're an excellent teacher, Admiral," she said as she studied her feet, "I…um…need to go check on a few details for the wedding."

"Yeah, I need to go choose an outfit for that."

Elsa looked up, "No you don't. You're going to wear your dress uniform."

"Oh, I am, am I?" he looked up with a raised eyebrow and folded his hands behind him.

"Feathered hat and all," she said grinning as she took a step towards him with her hands folded behind her.

"Don't I get a say this?" he took a step forward.

"None," they now stood toe to toe.

"And how would you plan to enforce that?"

"Have all your other options removed from your room. I know you will not wear your clothes for more than one day."

"Clever girl," the urge to sweep her up in his arms and taste her mouth was almost too much for him to bear, "I will save you the trouble and comply with your wishes as I am indebted to your hospitality."

"Glad we could come to an agreement," Elsa smiled as she walked past him. Hans' eyes followed her as she left the ballroom.

---

Hans sat in the chapel and couldn't decide if this was amazing or just ridiculous. The half of the chapel he sat on was filled with nobles and dignitaries (his parents lovingly holding hands and leaning on one another, Reinvald looking bored); the other half was filled with trolls. On one side of the altar stood a reindeer with a bow on his neck next to a very nervous Kristoff in beautifully tailored clothes that just did not suit him, and in the middle an aged troll stood. The doors in the back of the chapel opened and a small troll rolled in, popped up, and began proudly littering the aisle with flower petals. Following the enthusiastic creature was Elsa in a beautiful violet gown that tastefully showed off her curves, the neckline lower than he had ever seen her wear, and her platinum hair braided with flowers hanging over her bare shoulder. He suddenly felt embarrassed of the time they had spent together; how dare he believe he was worthy of the attentions of a goddess. Her pale hair and milky white skin seemed to glow in the light that streamed in through the windows; his mind began filling in the areas covered by violet silk. She caught his gaze and shyly smiled causing a lump to form in his throat and for him to be thankful for the feathered bicorn that rested in his lap. All heads turned when Anna and Kai came in except his.

---

Hans was stopped from exiting the chapel by a small tug on his coat, he turned to find the troll identified as Pabbie, "May I?" Pabbie asked indicating he wanted to look in Hans' eyes. Hans knelt down before him; the other trolls gathered behind Pabbie, "Hmm, you still carry the wounds within you. They will heal, lad, but you have to let go of a past," Hans tried to look away, but the troll took his chin in his hand and continued to examine his eyes, "I can't take the memories away, but I can help you remember them more clearly," he closed his eyes and placed his hands on either side of Hans' head. Hans' eyes widened and his mouth fell slightly open as memories rushed through his mind changing from the visions he remembered to what had been truly there, "You may need to rest here for a few minutes."

Hans stumbled and saw down in a pew, "Thank you."

"No, it is the least I could do to help make amends for the pain caused by our ancestors," Pabbie turned before he left the chapel, "You are the man you choose to be now, not the man you were forced to be then."

---

"It was a beautiful ceremony," Elsa said as she came to stand next to Hans as they watched Anna and Kristoff dance.

"Indeed, though I'm not sure what troll-fully wedded means," he laughed, "I noticed Kristoff's family left soon after the ceremony."

"Yes, ballroom dancing isn't exactly something trolls are comfortable with."

"I would imagine not. You look absolutely breathtaking, your majesty."

Elsa blushed and smiled at the floor, "Thank you, Admiral."

Hans gathered his courage, "Would you care to dance? I promise I won't sing again," he smiled at her and held out his hand.

"Aww, but that was the best part," she said with a laugh and placed her hand in his.

---

"If it isn't Admiral Westerguard," Prince Eugene laughed as he approached Hans in the dining hall, "Why are you wearing that get up?"

"Queen Elsa gave me no choice."

"Yeah, I've been meaning to ask you about that. Is there something going on between you two?"

Hans nearly spit out his champagne, "No, why do you ask?" Hans pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped his mouth and the front of his coat in case any had escaped.

Eugene chuckled, "Well, you to do spend a lot of time together, you were the only one she would dance with, other than Kai and Kristoff, you two dance as close as Rapunzel and I do, and I've overheard the staff talking."

"Wha…what do you mean you've overhead the staff?" Hans whispered harshly.

"I've heard a couple of the maids saying they think she's, how do I say this politely, taken you for her paramour."

"What!" Hans yelled causing several people to look in his direction.

"Don't worry; mostly they were talking about how they would love to take her place," Eugene gave a sly grin, "Haven't you noticed the lack of single women fawning all over you?"

"With so many other men I just assumed..." Hans smacked his hand against his face, "Do you think she's heard?"

"I doubt it. They're pretty quiet about it," he grinned, "I'm just a good listener," he took a sip from his glass, "So, why isn't there anything going between you?"

Hans sighed, "Come with me. I have a tale for you."

---

"Magic hair, ice powers, evil mirror shards, things get complicated for you royals," Eugene said as they reentered the dining hall.

"Remember, you're one of us now."

"Oh no, I married into it, that's different," Hans looked at Elsa from across the room; Eugene followed his gaze in time to see Elsa quickly look away when she met Hans' eyes, "And, you know, I still wouldn't count yourself out."

"What about 'I left her sister to die and tried to kill her' do you not understand?"

"That wasn't you, everybody but you knows that. You're the guy that sang 'Roll me Over' on the tables at the Snuggly Duckling with me a few months ago, which is kind of ironic given your," Eugene cleared his throat and grinned, "lack of experience."

"Remind me again why I'm friends with you."

"All I'm saying is that there is no way the you I know could've pulled that off."

"I'm unsure if that was a compliment or an insult."

"Take it as a compliment. I only meant you're too nice, it wasn't a stab at your charm or intelligence there, captain." Eugene paused for a second, "Do you always sing when you drink?"

"Not always," he laughed, "I just enjoy it, and in that setting singing is acceptable and no one cares how you sound."

"Yeah, that makes sense. Only a sober man could sing 'Mary Mack' as fast as you can and dance without falling over," Eugene dropped his smile, "Seriously though, I'd hate to see you miss out on something great. You're a good man, Hans," he slapped him on the back and went to join his wife.

---

Elsa felt out of place standing next to Anna and Kristoff, and Rapunzel and Eugene. She found herself longing for Hans' presence and scanned the crowd for him. He was talking to the coquettish princess of York. Something bristled inside her when the woman touched his arm and didn't remove her hand. Elsa quickly looked away, but kept glancing over growing angrier.

---

Hans was glad when she left, she had obviously had too much champagne and kept holding on to him to prevent from falling over, or at least that's what she told him. He looked around for Elsa and found her engaged in conversation with the prince of Corinthia. The man was obviously flirting with her, and she looked to be enjoying it; the trouble the man appeared to have in keeping eye contact with her upset him. Angry and hurt he placed his empty glass on the tray of a passing waiter and decided to retire for the evening.

---

He was still angry the next morning and nearly choked himself tying his cravat. His sleep had been poor, his bath water too warm, and his hair refused to cooperate. He gave up on his hair; he didn't have anyone he needed to impress anyway. He threw on his civilian overcoat, closed the door to the room a little too hard and startled himself causing a maid to giggle. He huffed and continued down the hall towards the doors leading out of the castle, "Enjoy your time with Princess Penelope?" he turned to find Elsa with her arms crossed under her chest and a haughty expression; snow began to fall lightly.

"She was rather inebriated, but generally pleasant," he said matching her tone and expression, "You seemed to be getting on quite well with Prince Eudoro," he could see his breath now.

"I found him to be amiable."

"I supposed you'll be spending your post tea afternoons with him then."

"No, why would I?"

"You were giggling like a maiden receiving her first suitor at everything that came out of his mouth!" Hans brought his hands from behind him and crossed his arms over his chest. The snow fell heavier and a strong wind began to blow.

Elsa stood aghast, but her expression quickly hardened and her arms fell to her sides with her hands clenched in tight fists, "Given the way you let her hang all over you, am I to assume you'll be taking Princess Penelope with you next time you go out on the water?"

"Let her hang on me? What are you…?" Hans rolled his eyes and ran his hands down his face. "I should have stayed on the Absalon."

"No one is forcing you to stay in the castle!"

"Then maybe I should spend the reminder of my time here on board!"

"Maybe you should!"

"Fine!" Hans turned on his heel and stormed out of the castle.

"Fine!" Elsa yelled after him.

---

"We've looked everywhere, your majesty," Siegfried, the captain of the Royal Guard, informed Elsa and the group with her, "He's not in the castle, in town, or aboard the Absalon."

"Have you checked the tavern by the docks?" Eugene asked concerned. Queen Adelaide looked at him confused, "He likes to sing," he offered with a shrug.

The expression on Siegfried's face clearly indicated he had wished Eugene hadn't asked, "We have," he let out a heavy sigh, "I spoke to the owner of the establishment and he confirmed Prince Hans was in attendance earlier in the evening. I was hoping to tell you this in a better setting, your majesty, but outside the tavern we found traces of blood and drag marks. I believe he has been taken, but I do not know by whom."

Elsa's hands went to her mouth, "My baby!" wailed Queen Adelaide as she sobbed into her husband's shoulder; Reinvald silently patted his mother's back. Elsa was consumed with fear and regret. She didn't mean to fight with him. No matter how hard she had tried to call it something else she eventually had to accept it for what it was; jealousy had gotten the better of her.

"I assure you, your majesties, we will not stop searching."

"Thank you, Siegfried," was all Elsa could manage before her quivering lip threatened to unleash the tears she was holding back.