Ice and Fun: Love and Fear

The castle began to stir earlier than usual that morning. Servants bustled about, their footsteps echoing in the halls as they prepared for the arrival of foreign dignitaries. The council had arranged the meeting to solidify Arendelle's alliances in the wake of the tragedy, a step meant to reassure neighboring kingdoms of its stability. For Jack, the day loomed like a mountain to climb.

He stood in the great hall, adjusting the cuffs of his tunic and scanning the room to ensure everything was in order. The long dining table was set with pristine linens and golden candelabras. Fresh flowers adorned the corners, their vibrant colors a stark contrast to the subdued atmosphere that had hung over the castle for weeks. Jack's sharp eyes missed nothing, and he made a mental note to check the security measures once more before the meeting began.

"Jack?" Anna's voice pulled him from his thoughts. He turned to see her standing in the doorway, her auburn braids neat and her dress a cheerful shade of green. Her expression, however, betrayed a mixture of nerves and curiosity.

"Good morning, Anna," Jack said with a small smile. "Are you ready for today?"

Anna shrugged, stepping closer. "As ready as I'll ever be. Do you really think this meeting will help? It just feels so… strange, doing all of this without Mom and Dad."

Jack's smile softened. "It does feel strange. But it's important. These meetings will help keep Arendelle strong, and that's what your parents would have wanted. You and Elsa are the heart of this kingdom now."

Anna's lips curved into a faint smile. "Thanks, Jack. I'm glad you're here. I don't think I could do this without you."

"You're stronger than you think, Anna," Jack said. "But I'll always be here to help. You're not alone in this."

Anna nodded, seeming reassured, before glancing around the hall. "Have you seen Elsa?"

Jack's smile faltered slightly. "Not yet. I was about to check on her. Why don't you head to the gardens? I'll bring her down shortly."

Anna hesitated, then nodded. "Okay. Don't take too long, or the council might start without us." With that, she turned and walked away, her footsteps light against the stone floor.

Jack climbed the staircase leading to Elsa's chambers, the familiar weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders. He knocked lightly on the door.

"Elsa? It's Jack. May I come in?"

There was a pause before her quiet voice responded. "Come in."

Jack opened the door to find Elsa sitting by the window, her pale blue gown catching the morning light. Frost etched intricate patterns across the glass, a reflection of her turbulent emotions. She didn't turn to face him, her gaze fixed on the snowy landscape beyond the castle walls.

"Good morning," Jack said gently, stepping inside and closing the door behind him.

"Good morning," Elsa replied, her voice soft but distant.

Jack approached her, careful not to disrupt the fragile stillness of the room. "Anna and I are heading to the meeting soon. The council's expecting you."

Elsa's shoulders tensed, and she shook her head slightly. "I don't think I can do it, Jack. Not today."

He crouched beside her chair, his blue eyes meeting hers. "I know it's hard, Elsa. But you don't have to do it alone. Anna and I will be right there with you. The council needs to see their queen, and your presence will mean more than you realize."

Elsa's gaze dropped to her hands, which rested tightly clasped in her lap. Frost crept along her fingertips, and she pulled them back, frustrated. "What if I lose control? What if they see?"

Jack reached out, his hand hovering just above hers. "Then they'll see a queen who's strong and human. Someone who's doing her best to lead her kingdom, even in the face of unimaginable loss. You're not perfect, Elsa, and no one expects you to be. But they need to see you try."

Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she looked at him. "You really believe that?"

"I do," Jack said firmly. "And I'll be with you every step of the way."

Elsa hesitated for a long moment, then nodded. "All right. I'll try."

Jack stood, offering her his hand. "That's all anyone can ask."

She took his hand, her fingers cold but steady, and rose to her feet. Together, they left the room, the frost on the windows melting as the warmth of determination replaced her fear.

The meeting proceeded as expected, the council's discussions punctuated by formalities and reassurances. Elsa sat at the head of the table, her posture regal and composed. Anna sat beside her, her presence a constant source of warmth and optimism.

Jack stood near the doorway, his watchful eyes scanning the room. Though he didn't participate in the discussions, he knew his role was just as important. He was there to ensure Elsa and Anna had the support they needed, both physically and emotionally.

As the meeting drew to a close, one of the advisors addressed Elsa directly. "Your Majesty, it's reassuring to see you here today. The strength you've shown gives us confidence in the future of Arendelle."

Elsa inclined her head gracefully. "Thank you. I'll do everything in my power to honor my parents' legacy and lead this kingdom with wisdom and compassion."

The room murmured in approval, and Jack felt a swell of pride. Elsa had faced her fears and emerged stronger for it. He caught her eye as the council adjourned, and she offered him a small but genuine smile.

That night, Jack stood on the castle's ramparts, the crisp winter air biting at his cheeks. The stars above seemed impossibly bright, their light cutting through the darkness. He thought of the day's events, of Elsa's quiet strength and Anna's unwavering spirit. They had both endured so much, yet they continued to move forward.

As he gazed out over the snow-covered valley, Jack made a silent vow. He would protect them, guide them, and ensure that Arendelle remained strong. No matter what challenges lay ahead, he would stand by their side.

"We'll get through this," he whispered to the stars. "Together."