Chapter 5 - Handsome Stranger, Tall And Fair

Elsa sat in the airport terminal, holding her hands to her waist. She was wearing a modest violet jacket and white gloves, looking as formal as she possibly could for a situation as this. It always unnerved her being around so many people, but there was a good reason for this.

The terminal was so busy, with several people coming to and from the many aircraft that were situated on the tarmac outside. Considering how much of a tourist attraction Arendelle was at that time of year, it didn't surprise Elsa all that much.

She was too concerned with concealing her secret from so many people, but constant fear only made her powers grow stronger. She was worried that snow would leak from the sides of her gloves any second now, and someone would catch her.

No, she was going to stay focused. This was for the best. She had a duty to her citizens as their princess, even though she was not meant to lead them in any way.

Looking out at the runway outside of the building, Elsa could see the massive passenger and cargo planes take off and fly into the sky. She had only been on a plane once when she was younger. It wasn't much of a pleasant experience, hence why Elsa preferred the train.

Today, Elsa was to greet her parents here at the terminal and escort them back to the royal palace. Her mother and father had been abroad on a royal tour, visiting many places all over the world. She'd heard all about it from the many emails her mother had sent her.

One day, Elsa knew it would be her time to go on such a visit and if it was by plane, she would just have to get over her uneasiness about flying, as well as her fear of losing control. She was just praying for it all to be over soon, so she could just lock herself in her room again.

Looking to her left, Elsa saw her loyal chauffeur and servant, Kristoff, taking a nap on the bench next to her. She slightly envied him a little. She didn't get nearly enough sleep these days, what with all the constant worrying and fear.

Just then, the two of them heard the sound of the PA announcement tone in their ears. "The Plane now landing at terminal three is the Arendelle Airways Flight 8437. This aircraft is not a registered commercial flight. Please do not attempt to board this aircraft."

Realising that was her parents' plane, Elsa nudged Kristoff. "Psst, Kristoff."

The burly blonde startled awake, shaking. "Who? What? Where?!" He exclaimed, before calming down. "Oh, it's you, Elsa."

"Sorry to disturb your nap, Kristoff, but my parents have just landed," Elsa informed. "You should probably go down to the car and warm it up."

"Oh right," Kristoff agreed. "And you'll go and collect them?"

"That's right," Elsa stated. "I'll be back soon."

Kristoff nodded and he and Elsa went their separate ways. The blonde princess then made herself look presentable, since she hadn't seen her parents in just over two months. They would probably ask her about her birthday and the little... incident with Anna.

Elsa blushed a little. Thinking of Anna did seem to ease her, but she knew if her former fiancee was brought up too much in any conversation, people would start asking questions. In the eyes of the public, they probably shouldn't have been seeing one another.

She then started to make her way towards the boarding area, where her parents would likely be waiting for her. When she arrived, she saw the plane was still taxiing into the terminal, with the long boarding tube connecting it to the building.

The plane itself was more or less a standard two-engine airliner, with a white, gold and blue paint scheme. It was a private aircraft reserved for exclusive use by the Royal family of Arendelle. As Elsa looked out of the window, she mentally prepared herself for what was about to happen.

Just relax, Elsa, she said in her thoughts, but it wasn't much use. She was still worried as all hell.

Eventually, the doors of the boarding tube opened and Elsa's parents walked into the lounge from their flight, Elsa's mother smiling as she saw their daughter. "Elsa!" She called to her. "You came to see us!"

"H-Hey Mom," Elsa said softly, sounding rather timid.

Hugging her daughter, the Queen smiled. "Oh, you're too kind to us."

As she and her mother embraced, Elsa looked down the boarding tube. As she stared, she saw a man walking down the tube with her father, a man she had never seen before. He was tall, at least the same height as Kristoff, wearing a dark blue and white suit. His hair was brown and there was a distinctive pair of sideburns adorning the side of his head.

Judging from how he walked with her father, Elsa assumed he was a very rich man, clearly someone with good ties to her father.

Elsa's father and the stranger walked into the room, leaving the sliding doors that led to the boarding tube. Seeing his only child for the first time in months, the king smiled. "Elsa, it's good to see you, my daughter."

Bowing in respect, Elsa smiled at her father. "I hope you had a safe journey, father," she spoke with respect and dignity.

"Well, there was a little turbulence," the old king remarked. "But it was mostly a safe ride." He then gestured to the man at his left. "Elsa, I would like you to meet a new friend of mine. This is Mr Hans Woods. He's been very interested in meeting you."

Stepping forward, the man bowed in front of Elsa, taking her hand. "Princess Elsa," he spoke in a kind, rather cool voice. "It is an honour to finally meet you." He then kissed Elsa's gloved hand with respect.

Cringing a little inside, Elsa felt very uncomfortable at this man touching her. Why exactly was he here? and more importantly, who exactly was he?

"Forgive me, Mr Woods," Elsa responded, as the man stood up and faced her. "I do not believe I am familiar with you."

"Mr Woods is the CEO of one of the most influential pharmaceutical companies in the world," her father explained. "His family has had ties to Arendelle for several years now. We met while your mother and I were in the states."

"And I wanted to learn all about the beautiful daughter he had," Hans responded. "Your parents have agreed to allow me to visit you for a time, Princess. I hope we can... get to know each other."

"Excuse me?" Elsa wondered, raising an eyebrow. She was starting to grow very concerned with how Hans had worded that statement.

Elsa's father spoke again, clarifying Hans's words. "Mr Woods wishes to court you, Elsa, in hopes that he can... one day become your husband."

"Wait what?" Elsa said, very shocked. "Papa, are you trying to put me into an arranged marriage?!"

"No, no of course not dear," Elsa's mother assured her. "We merely wanted to introduce this man to you in hopes that you might... well, you've been lonely since that Anna girl left you."

"She didn't leave me," Elsa insisted.

Elsa's father smiled. "You don't need to be with him if you don't want to, Elsa, but he has sought you out for some time. You should at least give him a chance, even for a little while."

"Of course," Hans agreed. "I assure you, I shall not try to rush you in any way, shape or form. Rest assured, our relationship will be strictly professional."

Sighing, Elsa knew that if she tried to get out of this, she only risked provoking the ire of this man and whatever allies he had. Plus, she didn't want to harm whatever relationship was between this man and her father. After all, she wanted to ensure Arendelle remained a prosperous nation

Looking at Hans again. "Very well, but you must keep your distance from me. I... have some issues with personal space."

"Of course, your highness," Hans spoke with a smile, before Elsa led her parents to the car park of the terminal, wanting to be home as soon as possible.

xXx

Anna sat in her girlfriend's car, waiting on the road opposite the royal palace. They had been waiting out here for several hours by that point, with no sign of any activity coming from the old building. This was hopeless, Anna thought, there was no way that anyone was going to be coming out of those olds gates.

Looking at her girlfriend, Rapunzel, who was typing on her phone, Anna raised an eyebrow. "Punzie, remind me why you dragged me out here today?"

"I got a tip about something going on with your ex-girlfriend's parents," Rapunzel stated. "Apparently they're back from a trip today."

"Right, right," Anna responded. "And why are we waiting out here? We shouldn't be spying on people, Punzie."

"Look, you know I like celebrity gossip, and that ex-girlfriend of yours rarely comes out of the house. Besides, I'm giving you an opportunity to see her again, so that should be a plus right?"

Groaning, Anna had to admit Rapunzel had a point. After all, Anna still missed Elsa, so any chance to see her was a blessing in her eyes. Although, she could have just texted her to arrange a date. But then again, maybe seeing Elsa in her own home would be a nice change.

It would certainly be nostalgic at least.

Suddenly, as Anna and Rapunzel were waiting on the street, the two of them saw a long, black limousine drive along the road in front of them, pulling up near the gates. It had a rather formal looking decoration upon its bumper, giving away whom it belonged to.

Staring out of the window, Anna and Rapunzel watched as the driver, a man with shaggy blonde hair, got out and head to the rear passenger doors. Opening two of them, Anna saw the king and queen of Arendelle get out from either side.

Then stepped out Elsa, and next to her, was a man with sideburns who Anna didn't recognise. But she felt some sort of jealousy from, when she saw him putting his arm around Elsa. Scowling, Anna reached for the door handle.

Rapunzel quickly grabbed Anna, pulling her back to her seat. "What the hell are you thinking?!"

"I'm gonna get that creep away from Elsa, that's what," Anna argued, before pulling herself free of Rapunzel's grip.

"Anna, please don't do anything stupid," Rapunzel said. "I'd rather we both didn't get in trouble for harassing the royal family."

Sighing, Anna agreed. She couldn't act impulsively. That's not what Elsa would want and would only embarrass or make her uncomfortable. She then looked over at her cousin, raising an eyebrow. "Then what do you suggest we do?"

"Simple," Rapunzel stated. She then looked closer at the man with Elsa. "I think I recognise that guy. I think he's that big American business guy, Hans Woods."

"What's he doing with Elsa?" Anna wondered.

"Well, he apparently is somewhat of a distant relative of Elsa's family,"Rapunzel informed her. "Maybe he wants to get back in touch with his homeland."

"Whatever," Anna scoffed. "Just, try and get his attention away from Elsa. I don't think she likes him too much."

Anna was right, as she could see a rather forced-looking smile upon Elsa's face. Anna recognised that forced smile all too well. Quickly, she and Rapunzel got out of the car, sneaking up towards the family as they walked through the gates of the palace.

Making her move, Rapunzel called the attention of the people in front of them. "Excuse me? Excuse me?"

Hans turned around, eyeing Rapunzel. "Oh lord, it's a member of the press," he mumbled under his breath with annoyance.

"Mr Woods?" Rapunzel inquired. "I'm Rapunzel Corona of the Arendelle Gazette. Would you mind taking part in a quick interview? It's very rare for a reporter such as myself to meet such an influential man such as yourself."

As Rapunzel got Hans's attention, Anna quickly ran up to Elsa and took her hand, grinning at her. "Hey, snowflake."

Elsa gasped as Anna called her by her old pet name. "Oh Anna," she sighed with relief. "Thank god it's you." She then looked behind them, seeing Rapunzel chatting up Hans. "Who is that?"

"One of my girlfriends," Anna informed Elsa. "We were waiting outside after she got a tip about your folks coming home. Who's that douchebag you were with."

"Some rich snob my parents want me to have a relationship with," Elsa said. "But... now that you're here." She then grabbed Anna's hand. "Mama, Papa, look who's here!"

The King and Queen turned around, with Elsa's mother grinning. "Oh look, dear! Look who else has come to see us."

Smiling, the king looked at Anna with a hopeful expression. "Anna... It's good to see you again. It's been too long since you were at my daughter's side."

"Anna and I have been seeing each other again lately, Papa," Elsa insisted, pulling Anna to her side, making the younger girl blush with surprise. "Perhaps we might be resuming our old relationship."

"Oh, that's very good news indeed!" Elsa's mother agreed. "We always thought you two would be good for one another. Anna, would you and your friend like to stay for dinner? It would be just like old times."

At a loss for words, Anna merely replied with a nod. "S-Sure, why not?" She remarked.

As Elsa's parents left them, Anna glared at the blonde to her side. "What the heck was that about?!"

"Look, they want me to be with Hans, but I don't want to, so if they think I'm back with you, maybe they will get him to back off," Elsa informed her. "Besides, it's what you want right?"

"Yeah but... I thought we agreed no strings attached."

"Don't worry, we can keep it that way. Just try and play it like old times, Anna," Elsa said. "It's the least you can do for me."

Nodding, Anna smiled. "Okay, Elsa... I'll do this for you."

xXx

Later that evening, Anna and Rapunzel had dinner with Elsa and her family, with Mr Hans Woods making his presence known at the table. As they all tuck into a hearty meal fit for royalty, Anna made sure she was sat as close to Elsa as possible.

There was something she didn't like about the way Hans looked at her, the way his eyes seemed to always be locked onto her at any given moment. While she was trying to remain calm and civilised tonight, there was a growing urge inside of Anna to punch that man right in his perfect teeth.

Enjoying her meal next to Anna and Elsa, Rapunzel spooned some soup into her mouth. She swallowed and sighed, feeling the warm liquid flow down her throat. "Mmm, that was delicious! I've eaten in many fancy places, but this is certainly in my top three."

"I find that a lot of European countries have a much finer cuisine these days," Hans admitted. "Wouldn't you agree, Anna, about your home nation of Genovia having similar tastes."

Anna narrowed her eyes. Hans had been trying to make conversation with her all evening, but Anna knew his type. She wouldn't give that slimeball any attention, especially since he was making advances on her girlfriend.

"Yes," she merely replied. "Genovia is a country of great cuisine and a nation as prosperous as Arendelle."

"Such a good thing to hear," Hans stated. "I'm glad countries like yours are progressing so well. In America, things really have gone to pot. Money, politics, it's all going down the drain. While your part of the world marches forward, we're being slowly left behind in the dust. I envy you slightly."

Elsa's father chuckled. "You flatter us, my boy. We are only a humble nation. There are countries far larger and wealthier than Arendelle who would be more than worthy of such praise."

"On the contrary, Arendelle has greater potential than most countries," Hans spoke. "If your economy continues to grow at the rate it has, you could end up being a major superpower within years. Even the Chinese would be jealous."

Anna started to find all this talk very boring to listen to, as was Elsa. Both of them slowly yawned, before Anna stood up. "Your Majesties, may Elsa and I be excused? I think my girlfriend and I could do with some fresh air."

"Of course, child," Elsa's mother then agreed.

Turning to look at Rapunzel, Anna smiled at her. "Care to join us Rapunzel?"

"No thank you," the blonde replied. "I'm waiting here for dessert."

"Suit yourself," Anna remarked.

She and Elsa then left the room, relieved to be away from Hans at last. As they wandered through the halls, Anna found herself reflecting on the past, on how she had spent many days with Elsa in this palace. Perhaps she would again, but for now, she was just glad for the moment.

Adjusting her glove, Elsa looked over at Anna, sighing. She felt guilty for forcing Anna into this position. They were supposed to be taking it slow with... whatever their relationship was now, and the young redhead had pretty much screwed it all up.

But Anna wasn't upset. No, she was just happy to be with her friend once again, her girlfriend. Soon, the two arrived at the balcony of the palace, with Elsa leaning against the rail, looking down. Her nerves were calmed now, thanks to Anna's presence.

Looking at the young redhead, Elsa gave Anna an apologetic look. "Anna... I'm..."

"It's okay," Anna cut her off. "I know why you said those things, Elsa. If I was forced to be with some creep who wanted me for my cash, I'd try anything to get him off my back too."

Elsa sighed. "Anna... I don't want to force you to get back with me. You seemed happy with that reporter girl you brought with you."

"I'm not getting back or with anyone, Elsa," Anna reminded her. "I'm just... still figuring things out and spreading as much love as I can give." She leaned close and kissed Elsa on the lips, sighing softly as she cupped the gorgeous princess's cheeks.

Moaning a little, Elsa gently held her hands on Anna's hips as she was kissed so tenderly and sweet. God, she loved to kiss Anna so much. If only the curse inside of her didn't prevent her from taking her gloves off and doing the deed with Anna there and then.

Pulling away, Anna held her dear princess close, touching foreheads with her. "Elsa... can I say one crazy thing?"

"You can," Elsa said softly.

"I... I love you."

Elsa smiled. "I love you too."

xXx

Author's note: Here's another chapter of this for you all! Be warned things might be getting more angsty for this story, but there will be lots of fluff to come, I promise :3

See you next time!