NOT angsty, don’t worry :-)

Rating: K

Words: 671

Summary: Kristoff moves into the palace.

New Beginnings

Kristoff trudged up the palace steps, hiking up the strap of his bag over his shoulder. He tilted his head up to look at the huge, ornate double doors. Swallowing nervously, he glanced back to see Sven being led to the stables.

Good luck, buddy. Kristoff thought. Sven, however, shot him the most self-satisfied look. He was already chomping down on a carrot, and Kristoff saw that the stablehand leading him was carrying an entire bag of them. He sighed in defeat, knowing Sven was now lost.

The doors creaked open, and Kristoff turned to see Kai standing before him. The steward’s face was stoic as ever, and Kristoff still couldn’t decide if Kai liked him or not.

“Master Bjorgman, please follow me.” He motioned for Kristoff to follow, turning on his heel and disappearing into the palace.

Kristoff paused for a moment. He knew that once he stepped over that threshold, his old life would be over. He turned his head to gaze at the mountains which were once his home, but no longer. It wouldn’t be fitting for the suitor of a princess to live in a ramshackle old cabin in the woods. Those weren’t the exact words Elsa had used, but she might as well have.

“Master Bjorgman?” Kai stood in the grand foyer, watching Kristoff with curious eyes. “Are you coming?”

“Yes! Yes I am, sorry.” Kristoff took a resolute step forward, into his new life.

—

Once he had been settled into his new room, Anna had come to see how he was doing. He hadn’t been more glad to see someone in his entire life, and perhaps was a little over-exuberant as he wrapped her in a bear hug, lifting her off her feet.

“Whoop!” Anna giggled in surprise, “It’s nice to see you too!” She wrapped her arms around his neck as he held her suspended for a moment, before he remembered where he was and slipped her gently down onto her feet.

“I’m so glad you’re here.” He mumbled into her hair, burying his face in her neck.

“Is everything okay?” She pulled back from his embrace to look at him with concerned eyes.

“It’s just- well, it’s just a bit overwhelming.” He sighed, ruffling the hair at the nape of his neck.

“I know it must be.” She pressed her hand against his cheek and he leaned into it, turning his lips to kiss her palm. “But you’ll love it! I promise you!” Her face brightened considerably, and Kristoff couldn’t help but smile.

“Oh yeah? What’s so great about it?” He teased.

“Well, first you get to sleep in a nice big bed that’s not lumpy and smelly.”

“Hey! I made that bed, and it is not smelly!”

“Okay well, you’ll be sleeping in a room that can actually stay warm and isn’t all drafty!”

“Okay, I’ll give you that one.”

“Oh! And you won’t have to go outside in the freezing cold when you need to do your business! It’s right next door!”

“Alright, feisty-pants, your fancy palace wins.”

Anna smiled, grabbing a hold of his tunic and shaking him lightly.

“Kristoff, this isn’t a contest. We’ve been dating for a few months now, and Elsa thought it was time to make this courtship official. And royal protocol aside, I really want you here with me.” She tilted her head to peek at him from beneath her lashes. “Is that so wrong?”

“Not at all.” He pulled her close to him once more, “It’ll be a new beginning.”

“Great! I’m glad you feel that way, because there was the question of the Christmas ball coming up, and I know you’re not big on them, seeing as you’ve managed to avoid attending one so far, but now that you officially reside in the palace and you’re officially courting me, well, it would be bad form if you didn’t come so maybe, I don’t know, youcouldcomethistime?”

“I knew there was a catch!” Kristoff groaned, as Anna swatted him on the arm.