Chapter Five

The streets were quiet and dimly lit by light pouring out from windows when Kristoff and Anna headed back to the palace. Their stroll was leisurely and complacent – a stark contrast to how they'd walked together at the beginning of the evening – and their steps were small, neither one of them wanting the evening to conclude. His arm was draped around her shoulders while she leaned into him. Though they walked in silence, the frequent gazes they shared spoke for themselves.

They'd both just had the night of their life.

Kristoff loved the way Anna looked nestled against his side, especially when she looked up at him. His heart fluttered knowing the reason her smiling lips were so pink, glossy, and slightly swollen was because he'd spent the last twenty minutes kissing them. It could have even been more than twenty minutes for all he knew; he'd certainly been too preoccupied to count.

He'd heard much on the ice over the years about what it felt like to caress a woman's lips, among other things, but he'd always thought his fellow harvesters were embellishing. Now he knew that, no, they most definitely were not. It was more than just the kissing, too, though that was certainly nothing to scoff at. It was being surrounded by her intoxicating scent. It was feeling her warmth radiating into his own. It was the foreign, yet pleasant stir that developed somewhere deep in his belly. It was the soft, absentminded whimpers she made as their lips danced together.

And those few, brief moments their tongues had touched... wow.

"Kristoff?"

"Hm?"

"We should... um... well, we're almost at the castle. We should probably look a little more proper."

"What do you mean?"

Anna leaned away from his touch. As his arm fell back down to his side, she looped her own through it; their arms were linked in the same fashion they had been when he escorted her to the restaurant hours earlier.

"Not that I didn't like the way we were," she quickly pointed out. "I just don't want to open up the door for inquiry, at least not yet."

"I understand," he agreed. "I don't really like the idea of getting chased off by those sword-wielding guards of yours."

"Oh, hush," she giggled. "They wouldn't do that. They'd come at you with their bare hands!"

"Even better!"

Kristoff resisted the urge to kiss her laughing self again, but she was right; they were too close to the palace, and she was a princess; she had a particular etiquette to adhere by. Nonetheless, he was thrilled that throughout the course of the evening, Anna had fleshed back out into the same girl he'd fallen for during the freak winter: chatty, quick with a joke, and comfortable being exactly who she was.

They arrived at the gates far too soon. He thought he heard Anna let out a small, exasperated sigh.

"Good evening, my lady," the current guard greeted Anna with a bow. "And... Mr. Bjorgman. We were growing concerned."
The guard was eying Kristoff suspiciously and his comment was laced with accusation. Kristoff swallowed deeply; he knew the cliff had been an unwise idea. He should have just brought Anna back right after dinner as initially intended.

"And why is that?" Anna challenged.

Kristoff glanced to his right, surprised by the what he saw. He'd seen Anna irritated, having been the very cause of such annoyance early in their partnership, but he'd never seen her truly angry. Her typically wide, cheerful eyes were narrowed as she stared down the guard. Her mouth was twisted into a tight frown while her furrowed brows demanded an explanation.

"You have never been out of the castle alone, my lady, and never for so long," the guard defended, though his voice wavered. "We were merely worried that-"

"I was not alone," Anna interrupted. "I was with Mr. Bjorgman, and I do not appreciate you insinuating any indecency on his part."

"Forgive me, my lady. It is rare for a commoner to escort royalty, especially at such a late hour."

"A commoner?" Anna scoffed incredulously. "In case you have forgotten, it was this commoner who assisted me during the sudden winter. I do not recall anyone from the palace offering a helping hand. Mr. Bjorgman was the one who not only brought me home from the mountains before the storm, but also hurried back during the storm itself to ensure my safety. You would do well to remember that."

"Of course," the guard conceded. "Please accept my sincerest apology, my lady. If I may escort you inside-"

"No, you may not." Anna tightened her arm around Kristoff's. "I would much rather Mr. Bjorgman escort me to the entrance hall." She glanced up at Kristoff. "If that is to your liking?"

"It would be my honor," Kristoff said, placing his free hand over hers. He couldn't help but slightly smirk at the guard.

"Thank you." She nodded to the guard. "Good evening to you."

The pair walked to the castle without another word, leaving the gobsmacked guard at his post. The entrance hall was dark, lit only by a few candles along the edge, but Kristoff didn't mind; the creepy portraits and figures were hidden in the shadows. However, the amber glow did give Anna's already beautiful hair an angelic shine.

"I'm sorry I was so harsh out there," she murmured with a sigh, spinning on her heel so she was standing directly in front of him. "He just made me so angry. The nerve of him..."

"It's okay," Kristoff assured her. "I appreciate what you did. But really, I'm used to such talk. It's a different world out there."

"I know, but he needed to know that here, such behavior is unacceptable. It's unacceptable everywhere, really, but especially here. You're my-" she stopped suddenly, collecting her words. "You're my friend, and everyone here should respect you."

"Thank you, but... Anna? Are you okay?"

She looked anxious again. He was used to the lip nibbling and darting eyes at this point, but not once during the evening were those lips trembling or those eyes watery.

"Anna?" he repeated.

"Are... are you..." She sighed and looked at him with sadness lurking in her eyes. "Do you not want to come here anymore?"

"What?"

"If you don't, I... I'll understand."

"Because of that one guard?" Kristoff asked. "Anna, no. Of course I'd still like to come here, and I plan to for as long as I'm allowed."

"You're always allowed," she whispered quickly. "Amalik... he really didn't put you off?"

"Not at all. Anna, aside from just now, everyone here has been nothing but kind to me."

"Really?"

"Really. And even if they weren't," he continued, gingerly taking her hands into his own, "I'd still come here, because you're here. Anna, I... I enjoy your company. I like you a lot."

She smiled at this, a lovely pink tint spreading across her cheeks. There was a twinkle in her eye similar to the one she'd had right before their first kiss.

"I like you a lot too, Kristoff," she confessed. "Tonight was so nice. I had a really great time."

"I'm glad. I did, too."

"Could we do it again sometime?"

"Oh... um..."

Kristoff shifted his eyes away for a moment to stare at his feet, thinking sadly of the three kroner left in his pocket. There was no telling how long it would take to save up for another proper date. How could he explain that to a girl who'd never once had to worry about money, where her next meal would come from, or where she'd safely sleep? Admitting his lack of wealth would mean admitting he wasn't worthy of courting her. For this one night, he was good enough, and Kristoff wasn't ready to let that feeling go just yet.

"I'm sorry," Anna squeaked. "We don't have to if you'd rather not."

"It's not that."

"Then what is it? I thought we had a wonderful night."

"We did. We absolutely did." Kristoff looked at her again. "Anna, this has been the most magnificent night of my life."

"Me, too," she agreed with a small smile.

"But," he sighed, "I... Anna, I don't have a lot of money. My income is... well, it's not only limited, but it's sporadic. Some weeks are great. Some aren't. I'd love to take you out again. Truthfully, I would. I just don't know when I'll have the means to do so. I'm sorry."

"Oh, Kristoff, that's not what I meant!" Anna exclaimed. "I mean, that was an exquisite dinner and it was so nice to get out of the castle for a while, and yes, I'd love to do that again sometime. But all I meant was you and I being... well, together."

"Anna?"

"You could come here for dinner sometime, if you want," Anna elaborated with a smile. "There are plenty of evenings we don't have visitors. We could go for a walk through the gardens here, or even in town. You could show me more of your secret places! Oh, and maybe I could bring you lunch at your stand some afternoons! You have to have lunch, after all. There are so many things we could do, Kristoff. I'd be happy to just sit in this hall and talk with you all evening. I... I just want to spend more time with you," she added sheepishly. "That's all I meant. I'm sorry if I'm rushing things."

"No, no, you're not. I'm just... surprised, that's all."

"Surprised? Why?"

"Well, Amalik was right, you know," Kristoff said with a shrug. "I really am just a commoner. I'm not wealthy. Why would you want to spend all your time with me?"

Anna's features softened as she gazed at him, hands gripping his a little tighter.

"May I show you something?" she asked.

"Hm?"

"You showed me the cliff," she said. "I'd like to show you something, too."

"Um... okay."

"Come with me."

"Wait," he exclaimed as she began to guide him toward the door leading to the corridor. "We... we're going into the palace? At night? Is that even allowed?"

"Kristoff, I live here," she laughed, pulling him along. "C'mon, it'll be fine."

He quietly obliged, following Anna as she led him through the dimly lit corridors. Even at night, it was much more pleasant than the part of the castle he'd been in the previous day to meet Elsa. They ascended to the second floor, where Anna pulled him into a dark room. She lit a candle on a nearby table before getting a fire burning in the hearth. As the room brightened, Kristoff could see that the walls were lined with hundreds of books, stacked neatly on shelves from the floor to the ceiling. A couple of cozy-looking sofas were in the middle near the fireplace and the floor was made of a solid, shiny hardwood.

"What is this place?" he asked in awe.

"The library," Anna replied. "I've spent a lot of time in here over the years. Lost count of how many books I read, how many naps I took in that chair over there."

"Wow," Kristoff breathed. "It's beautiful."

"Yeah, it is. But it's also very lonely."

"What do you mean?"

"This is such a peaceful room," Anna began. "I love it in here. But... I don't know. It would have been nice to have somewhere else to go. I would have liked a friend."

"But... the parties," Kristoff said. "I know Elsa wasn't an option, but didn't your parents ever have visitors?"

"Very, very seldomly, and it was always adults. There was never anyone my age. Even if there had been, well... no one sees me for me. They see me as a princess, and nothing else. Even now that the gates are open, it's all about my title. Poor Elsa's already been flooded with requests from suitors for either my hand or hers, simply because of our statuses. They don't even know us."

"I'm sorry," Kristoff murmured sincerely, trying to ignore the envy that was rapidly rising like bile within him. "That's not right."

"But Kristoff... you're different," she said, taking his hands in hers once more. "When we first met, you were a bit irritating, I'll admit. But you know what? You treated me like a person. You talked to me, got to know me. You were willing to take me out tonight, rather than remain here with the intent of working your way onto Elsa's good side. You already are on her good side, of course, but... well, you know what I mean. Other men would try to use me. One did try, and almost succeeded. But you... you respect me, Kristoff. I've never had that before."

"Anna..."

"So, please, don't ever think you aren't good enough to spend time with me," Anna continued. "Don't ever assume I think less of you because you aren't of royal roots. I really like you, Kristoff, and... well... I just want to spend as much time with you as I can."

"Even... even if I can't take you to dinner all the time?"

Anna smiled and nodded.

"Kristoff, that was the most amazing meal I've ever had, but the best part of the night was being in your company. I'm Anna with you, not the princess. Do you have any idea how nice it was to not have anyone bow to me all evening? For once, I was normal. I don't want to lose that feeling. And having a friend, well... it's what I've always wanted. Like... okay, this stupid thing over here. Look."

Anna gestured for him to follow, leading him to a small end table near the wall. Upon it was a chessboard which appeared to be made of solid marble. The flames of nearby candles reflected in the shiny black and white pieces that were already set up, patiently waiting to be played.

"My parents used to play this game all the time," she explained. "They loved it. I always wanted to learn, but I had no one to play with. Have you ever tried it?"

Kristoff shook his head.

"I've seen men play it in the taverns from time to time. I know a few things about it, but I've never attempted it myself."

"I've been doing a bit of reading on it. I know that this one," Anna said, pointing to a piece in the corner shaped like a castle, "can only move in straight lines in any direction. And these ones here," she added, gesturing to two complete rows of short pieces with little round tops, "are called pawns. They can only move forward, one space at a time. I think they can move two or three spots if it's the first time they move, though. The only one that can move both horizontally and vertically in the same move is the horse, but I can't remember how many spaces."

"Well, you already know a lot more than I do," Kristoff laughed.

"We can learn together," she quietly suggested with a shrug. "I mean, if... if you want? We don't have to, really, I just thought-"

"Anna," he interrupted once he saw her blush return. He placed two large, comforting hands on her slightly shaking shoulders.

"I just... I just want you to see that it's not about fancy dates," she quivered. "There are so many things you and I can share, things I've always wanted to do, but couldn't. Playing chess, watching the sun go down... I could never do those things. I know I sound desperate and I'm sorry. Just please, please don't feel like you need to treat me a certain way because I'm a princess. I-"

"Anna," he repeated, giving her shoulders a gentle squeeze. "I'd love to."

"Wh-what?"

"I'd love to learn how to play chess with you," he clarified. "I'd love to have dinner here sometime. I'd love to take you out for walks in the garden or in town. I'll happily take you to the cliff again, or other places, if you want."

"Really?"

"Of course."

His heart caved in when she smiled. It was a different smile than her usual; rather than jovial and wide, this one was a bit more subtle, soft. He would've even gone so far to say it was appreciative. It was strange for Kristoff to think of loneliness in a negative light, as he'd basked in his solitude for so long. That, however, had been of his own accord. Meanwhile, Anna had been forced into unwanted seclusion. He felt an unpleasant twinge in his chest as the thought flashed through his mind of her feeling abandoned. He vaguely wondered how many times she cried because of it.

Kristoff pushed the thoughts away, reminding himself that such torment was in the past. Anna had said it herself that there were dozens of men seeking her company, but there she was, choosing him, a commoner, a nobody. That had to mean something; she wouldn't choose to spend her time with a poor, unkempt harvester unless she truly felt some sort invisible pull toward him.

To top it all off, she was happy. Kristoff hadn't spent very much time around people and had little experience with positive emotion, but he knew in his heart that her smile was genuine. He could see in her sparkling eyes, feel it in her gentle touch on his hand. She wasn't using him because she knew from personal experience how awful that felt. All Anna wanted was a friend (and perhaps a bit more, if the kissing was any indication,) and he was more than willing to accept the privilege. It had only been a few days on the mountain and this one night together, but Kristoff was already discovering there were virtues to having a companion.

And if he could have Anna as a companion - bright, charming, beautiful Anna - how could he ever refuse?

"The cliff was nice," Anna hummed. "Thank you for thinking of that."

"I'm sorry we missed the sunset."

She grinned. "I'm not."

He could feel himself begin to lean toward her very, very slowly. She was doing the same.

"Well then," he murmured in shallow voice, "I guess we'll have to make another trip up there soon."

"Mhm."

"I mean, you have to see a sunset eventually."

His lips were inches from hers. They were so close...

"I do, but something tells me it will be quite some time before I get to see one."

"You're probably right."

Their mouths locked in a deep, passionate kiss. The tongue thing that Kristoff liked so much happened again with unbelievable ease, and it lasted much longer this time. He felt her body relax in his arms as he pulled her closer, one hand on her waist and the other cupping her soft cheek. Her arms were draped lazily around his neck and shoulders.

Her scent and her taste ignited something within Kristoff, and he had to shift his body away from hers to avoid embarrassment or, worse, questions. Unfortunately, it did not escape her notice.

"Kristoff," she muttered against his lips as she tried to lean against him again, "is everything alri-"

"Oh!" came a small gasp from the doorway. Kristoff and Anna hastily broke apart and whirled around to see a blushing Gerda. "My lady... Mr. Bjorgman... I apologize. I saw the light and assumed someone forgot to put out the fire for the evening. Please forgive my intrusion... I'm terribly sorry..."

As Gerda quickly bustled out of the room while continuously muttering apologies, Kristoff and Anna gazed at each other. Their eyes were wide and their cheeks were redder than ever. After a few moments of stunned silence, Anna broke out into a fit of giggles, and Kristoff couldn't help but laugh with her and pull her into a hug.

"So much for keeping it quiet for now," he chortled.

"Oh, don't worry! Gerda's great. She won't say anything."

"Still, that's probably my cue to head out for the evening, isn't it?"

"You're probably right," she sighed as they broke apart. "But you'll come back, won't you?"

"You just let me know when, okay?"

"Soon," Anna chirped. "Very soon."

They leaned their foreheads together, hands gently rubbing where they rested on one another's bodies – his on her waist, hers on his shoulders.

"Thank you for tonight," Anna whispered. "This was... well, thank you so much, Kristoff."

"You're welcome. And thank you for coming."

"It's a lot of fun being with you."

"You, too."

"And I really like kissing you."

"Good," he chuckled, "because I do, too. May I do it one more time before I bid you good night?"

"Kristoff?"

"Yes?"

"You don't have to ask anymore. You can kiss me whenever you'd like."

"Careful," he teased. "You might never breathe again."

Their goodnight kiss was modest and quick, which Kristoff decided was for the best; if Anna had pulled him in for anything deeper, he was certain he would have never had the strength to leave. After they each shared their wishes for a pleasant evening, Kristoff departed the library in a goofy haze, recalling the events of the evening as he walked. Anna smiling, talking, laughing, hugging, touching, kissing, kissing, kissing...

"Good evening, Kristoff."

Kristoff was close to the entrance hall when he heard his name, and he nearly died on the spot when he turned to see Elsa approaching. He almost didn't recognize her at first; though she was still in her day dress, her silvery-blonde hair was out of its typical braid and draped across her shoulders in soft waves. With a closed book in her arms, she slowly walked toward him. Kristoff swallowed hard; surely he'd be chastised for wandering the palace unattended, especially at such a late hour.

"G-good evening, Your Majesty," he stammered. He hastily bowed his head.

"Kristoff, please call me Elsa," she reminded him with a gentle smile. "And there's no need to bow."

"Right," he muttered. "Sorry. I was just bringing Anna – I mean, Princess Anna – home. She wanted to show me the library, and-"

"It's alright, Kristoff," Elsa laughed. "You're not in any sort of trouble. I was just surprised to see you, that's all."

"Sorry. I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I take it the evening went well, then?"

"What?"

"I mean, it's nearly midnight. You must have been enjoying each other's company, being out so long."

"Is it really that late?" Kristoff asked. "Goodness, I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean to have her out so late. Please forgive me."

"Nonsense. She's safely home, and you both had a good evening. That's all that matters. You did both have a good evening, right?"

"We... we did, yes. Dinner was wonderful, and-" Kristoff stopped suddenly, not sure if he should elaborate on the later portion of the night. "We had a really nice time," he finished lamely.

"I'm sure I'll hear all about it tomorrow," Elsa said. "Anna will-"

She stopped, and they both turned toward the distant sound of Anna's voice somewhere upstairs.

"Elsa!" Anna was calling excitedly. "Elsa, where are you? Elsa!"

"Or, perhaps I'll be hearing all about it tonight," Elsa giggled. "She sounds so happy. I suppose we'll be seeing you around here more often, then?"

"If I'm welcome."

"Of course you're welcome! Listen to her. She's never sounded so happy in her life!"

Elsa reached over and gently squeezed his shoulder.

"Thank you, Kristoff," she said sincerely. "Thank you for being good to her."

"It... it's nothing, really," he muttered with a shrug, a faint blush tinting his cheeks.

"No, it's definitely not nothing. You remember what we talked about, I'm sure. She's been through too much, and this... well, thank you for bringing her joy."

"Elsa!" they heard Anna call again. She sounded a bit closer now.

"I'd better go talk her before she wakes up all of Arendelle," Elsa laughed. "Good night, Kristoff. I'm sure I'll see you again soon."

"I certainly hope so. Good night, Elsa."

They went their separate ways. Kristoff found the entrance hall easily and was beneath the starry night within a minute's time. As he strolled the quiet streets to the edge of the wooded area where he'd left Sven with his sled for the evening, he felt like he was walking on clouds rather than stones. For the first time in a long time, there was a little bit of light in his world, and it for once it seemed like it would only grow brighter. He couldn't wait to see Anna again.

Kristoff didn't know it, but Anna would be visiting him at his stand the very next day to request his company for dinner at the palace in two evenings. He would accept, and after said dinner, they'd visit the cliff and proceed to miss the sunset for a second time.

Author's Note: So sorry for the delay on this one, but this chapter fought me like crazy. Nonetheless, I got it to work as best as I could, and that's a wrap! :) I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading! I hope to see you soon for more Kristanna fun!