#allegedly i am merely just something people keep around for amusement

[zerokissingbooth]

ooh girl shock me like electric eel

[elsanna-shenanigans]

April Contest Submission #25: Break Free

Words: ca. 6,600 Setting: canon AU Lemon: no CW: Imprisonment, Torture, Injuries (but no graphic detail), Abuse, Mentioned Kristanna, Mentioned Character Death, actual character death, violence (choking). Mentions of slavery

 xXx

“Anna… Anna…”

The redhead’s eyes slowly opened at the sound of a familiar voice, as she was brought out of another horrific nightmare.

“Are you awake?” A voice spoke.

Weakly, Anna nodded. “I take it, that’s you there, Elsa?”

“Yes, it’s me.”

Anna groaned, getting out of bed. For the past year, she had been a prisoner in the Southern Isles, kept as a trophy by King Hans. Everything had been taken from her, her friends, family, even her kingdom.

The cell was dark and filthy, with only one bed. The floor was stone, cold on Anna’s bare feet. The dungeons were on the lowest level of the castle, Anna’s cell having a window overlooking the ocean, the sound of the waves crashing against the rockface often keeping her up at night.

Lamenting her situation, Anna hoped she wouldn’t spend the rest of her life here. She was a Queen and a warrior, she didn’t deserve to die in a dungeon-like this. She should have died defending Arendelle with honour… but Hans had denied her that.

As Anna got up, she sighed, rubbing her eyes. She missed the days when she actually had a good nights sleep. As she climbed off her bed, she saw the door to her cell open, the familiar sight of a blonde-haired woman in uniform walking into the cell. It was indeed Elsa, Hans’s second in command, the woman who had led the attack on Arendelle… and if Anna was honest, her only real friend.

"Nightmare again?” Elsa wondered.

“The same one I’ve had for the last year,” Anna remarked.

Elsa sighed. “I’m so sorry.” Then she cleared her throat. “Prince Hans has requested your presence at breakfast, your majesty,” one of the guards said. “You are to come with me.” “He should give up,” Anna replied. “I’m not going to give in to his demands.” “Even so, you have to eat something,” Elsa insisted. Knowing Elsa was right, Anna got up. She needed to keep her strength up, what little of she still had. “Fine,” Anna agreed reluctantly. Walking out of the cell, she let Elsa lead her down the corridor, her weakened legs barely keeping her standing straight. She looked at the sorceress, confused about how she felt.

Elsa had been responsible for so much pain in her life, and yet, she had also visited her cell pretty much every single day. Anna didn’t know why, but perhaps she was just as lonely as she was. It was clear no one really talked to Elsa, aside from Hans.

But Anna still felt a sense of unease around her. She had watched her kill so many people in her dreams and yet, the real Elsa wasn’t as cold as she imagined.

The real Elsa actually had a kind heart to her, and it was clear that she did care about Anna. But Anna would never forget what Elsa had done, despite the fact they were friends.

She remembered the day Arendelle fell like it was yesterday, reliving the images of the invasion every night, seeing friends and loved ones slaughtered every time she closed her eyes. Every night in her dreams, the images would be warped and distorted, portraying Elsa as some kind of inhuman monster, who had brutally murdered her husband. But Anna had a feeling her dreams were just exaggerations, brought on by her trauma.

For much of her life, Anna hadn’t really been given much of a childhood. When she was a baby, enemy spies had kidnapped her older sister, forcing her parents to keep her locked in the castle for much of her young life.

As Anna grew up, her mother and father put her through all sorts of training to protect herself, to ensure what happened to her older sibling would never repeat itself. By the time Anna was eighteen, she had already served a couple of years in the kingdom’s royal guard. By age twenty-two, she had attained the rank of officer. But that was not the last title that she would be known by.

Her parents tragically died at sea a year later and as such, Anna assumed the throne as Queen. Most assumed it was just a really bad storm. Anna hadn’t taken the news well and it was only afterwards, she knew the truth about her lost sibling.

But even though she deeply mourned her parents, she carried on, later taking a husband. Kristoff was a kind man, he had a large heart and it was his love that made Anna feel so alive and helped her to love life again.

But just as tragically, this bliss was not to last. The Southern Isles, who had been expanding their territories, had wanted to Anna to surrender her kingdom to them. Despite knowing they had a secret weapon that had allegedly wiped out entire kingdoms, she wanted Arendelle to go down fighting.

So much for that, since her forces were completely wiped out, but she’d heard rumours that many of the civilians had managed to survive as refugees elsewhere.

“I take it you didn’t sleep well,” Elsa assumed, bringing Anna out of her thoughts.

“Is that sarcasm?” Anna responded. “I didn’t think you had a sense of humour.”

“I take no amusement from your treatment, Anna,” Elsa stated. “But… you did bring this on yourself. Hans gave you a guest room to stay in when you arrived, a rather luxurious abode I might add.”

“It was still a cell,” Anna replied. “I’m still a prisoner in this castle, regardless of how I’d be treated.”

“But it would have been preferable compared to what you’re going through down here,” Elsa expressed.

Soon, Elsa brought Anna to the royal dining hall, where Anna could see a great banquet of food laid out for her. She felt her stomach growl at the sight of it.

Hans himself was sat at the end of the table facing her, her father’s crown upon his head and a smug look on his face. Glancing at him enraged Anna, the sight of her oppressor reminding her of her suffering.

“Ah, your majesty,” Hans greeted her, as Elsa took a seat on the edge of the table next to him “You must be famished.”

Anna sat down, taking a bite of a slice of beef that had been placed on a plate for her. As much as she hated submitting to Hans this way, she was starving and Hans knew this. But she wasn’t going to let him take advantage of her.

Hans just smirked knowingly, as if he was mocking her. “Tell me, my dear, how have you been doing?”

Anna glared at him, just eating her food.

“I said… how have you been doing, Anna?” Hans asked again.

In response, Anna just muffled something while she was eating.

“Don’t talk with your mouth full, it’s rather rude,” Hans snarked

Anna swallowed. “I have nothing to say to you.”

“Oh come now, Anna. You’ve been our guest for a year, I would think you were a tad more sociable by now.” Hans forked a piece of sausage into his mouth. “I hope you’ve once again reconsidered my decision.”

“I am not going to become your wife, Hans,” Anna said defiantly. “I’m not some property for you to own.”

“Come now, if you agree to marry me, you’ll be given riches beyond your wildest dreams and be adored by the people,” Hans offered. “Plus, you won’t need to suffer in those dreadful dungeons any longer.” Anna looked over at Elsa, seeing the blonde staring at her with concern. It was clear at this point that Elsa wanted Anna to fake her own surrender, as Elsa couldn’t bear to see Anna this way. But Anna wouldn’t do that. It would go against everything she stood for.

“I already had people who loved me… your soldiers took care of them,” Anna remarked. “And why would you care? I’m sure Elsa here would make a much better Queen than me.”

Hans chuckled. "I care about Elsa a great deal and I would not want the burden of Queen to be placed on her. Besides, she prefers women and I would not wish to make her… uncomfortable.” Anna noticed how saddened Elsa seemed to be from that subtle insult. Despite the abuse, she still followed Hans loyally without question. In a way… Anna felt sorry for her, that Elsa was as much of a prisoner as she was.

Putting down her cutlery, Anna glared at Hans.  "And what about me, Hans? If you care about me so much, why am I whipped, beaten and starved so much?”

“You refuse to behave,” Hans growled. “I’m honestly reconsidering why I even let Elsa take you in alive when I easily could have let you die with the rest of your pathetic kingdom.“

Enraged, Anna snarled, grabbing a knife and lunging at Hans. She knocked him to the ground, trying to jab the knife into his eye. But being starved so much meant that Anna’s strength was nowhere near how it used to be and as such, Hans got the advantage.

Anna tried to stab the knife, but Hans managed to dodge it, the knife merely grazing his cheek. He snarled, punching Anna in the face. Anna stumbled back to her feet, dazed, before Hans got up and slapped her, knocking her to the ground.

Elsa got up, watching as Anna writhed on the floor, groaning in pain.

"Even after all this time, you’re still a disobedient little harlot,” Hans murmured. “Elsa, take her down to the dungeons for punishment.”

"Yes, my lord,” Elsa responded, going to Anna’s side.

As Hans left the room, Anna glared at the man, cursing herself for not being strong enough. She was clearly not the great warrior she once was.

xXx

The punishment was a whipping, as usual. Anna was chained to the wall and whipped by one of Hans’s guards, yet another tactic used by him to try and break her mentally. To be honest, sometimes Anna wondered if Hans had succeeded and she hadn’t realised it, but some part of her would still keep fighting on.

Elsa was there every time, watching the punishment take place, watching Anna as was made to suffer in agony. But eventually, the pain was over, Anna shaking as she ached in chains.

It amazed Anna that she even had enough strength to try and tackle Hans in the dining hall, but she hated herself for not being able to finish the job. Still, she wouldn’t succumb to this agony, no matter how painful it was. Even with her dying breath, she’d deny Hans that satisfaction.

Knowing that Anna had been through enough, Elsa looked at the guard, nodding. “That’s enough, soldier. You can go now.”

The guard left them, Elsa going up to Anna and undoing the chains around her arms and legs. Anna collapsed to the floor, quivering as Elsa walked over to her.

“It’s over now,” Elsa spoke, handing Anna a waterskin.

Shivering, Anna gently held the pouch in her hand, gulping the water down. She gulped down the water as fast as she could, before panting, as sweat beaded down her body.

“You… You’re gonna get in trouble for helping me like this,” Anna said shakily, her throat dry.

Elsa looked away. “What Hans doesn’t know won’t hurt him. To be honest, I’ve been wondering why you’re even still here. It’s clear that no matter what, you’re not going to break.”

“I won’t break,” Anna insisted.

“That’s a rather arrogant way to look at things,” Elsa noted. “You’ve been pushed beyond your limits. I’m surprised you haven’t died yet.” She then bent down and helped the struggling Anna to her feet. “Let me help you. I’ll take you back to your cell.”

Anna merely nodded as Elsa helped her. She was surprised the sorceress was so kind to her at times, as if the person who had helped destroy Arendelle and the person helping her now were two completely different people.

“I admire your strength,” Elsa spoke. “Most people would have either gone mad or died from the torment you’ve been put through.”

“My parents raised a strong daughter,” Anna replied.

Eventually, the two of them arrived at Anna’s cell, Elsa unlocking the door.

“We’re here,” she said. “You should rest.”

Anna hobbled inside, eventually making it to the bed and collapsing upon it. Much of her body now was covered in scars from the torture Hans put her through constantly. As she laid on the bed, she saw that Elsa was still standing there.

“What are you doing?”

“I… I don’t know,” Elsa expressed. “I wish I could do more to help you.”

“You could have told Hans not to whip the piss out of me,” Anna remarked, trying to use humour to disguise her pain.

Elsa shook her head. “No, I can’t disobey Hans. If it wasn’t for him I…” The blonde stopped herself. “But maybe there is something I might be able to now to help you relieve that pain.”

Anna sat up, looking away. “Why do you care about me so much? I’m just a prisoner to you.”

“Perhaps… perhaps you’ve helped me to discover my humanity,” Elsa admitted. “You’re a rather… fascinating woman, Anna of Arendelle.”

“I’m surprised you have some,” Anna argued. “I still see you killing Kristoff in my dreams every night, leading the assault on Arendelle. In my dreams, you’re a cold, unfeeling monster.”

“And is that what I really am?”

“I… I don’t know,” Anna admitted. “You give me mixed messages. Some days I think you’re a friend and others, I’m reminded you’re a monster.”

Elsa walked into the room, sitting down on the bunk opposite Anna. “He attacked me from behind. I… I actually tried not to kill everyone. But Kristoff, he came at me with that spear and… ” She looked away. “I regret that.”

“What?” Anna wondered. “What are you talking about?”

“I wanted to win that battle with minimal casualties,” Elsa stated. “But everything went wrong. I regret what I did to you, and to your kingdom.” She looked into Anna’s eyes. “I even let most of the civilians go when I found them in the forests outside your kingdom. They didn’t deserve to die… no one did.”

"Is that… true?” Anna asked. “You’re not lying?”

“No, I haven’t lied to you,” Elsa expressed. “I’ve been good to you this past year to try and make up for the fact I destroyed your kingdom. I hoped… I hoped that perhaps if I befriended you, that life here would be better for you. It was obvious you and Hans wouldn’t get along but perhaps if you had me…”

Anna thought for a moment. She had a gut feeling that Elsa was indeed telling the truth.  Anna had misjudged Elsa slightly. Hans was clearly using her as merely a weapon, not truly caring about her as a person. After all, in war, soldiers often were forced to fight, not given a choice to leave.

And in Anna’s eyes… Elsa had shown she was a kind person. A complicated one, but her actions of mercy and care for her had shown her humanity. And yet, her visage still haunted her dreams.

“I… I think I can forgive you,” Anna accepted. “But… part of me will always be angry towards you for what you’ve done. But it’s clear that perhaps you’re on the path of change.”

“That means a lot to me,” Elsa admitted. “ I don’t blame you for still partly being angry over what I did to your husband. You don’t have to completely absolve me of this.”

“I am not,” Anna said honestly. “But perhaps I can move on. Even if the image of you slaughtering so many with your magic is etched into my mind… it’s clear that’s not you anymore.”

“Then… allow me to assure you that I have changed,” Elsa spoke after a moment, slowly taking off her gloves. “If you’ll let me?”

“What are you going to do?”

“Just lay on your stomach and I’ll do the rest,” Elsa said softly. “Do you trust me?”

For a moment, Anna almost said no, but Elsa had clearly opened her heart to her and been honest to her. She was genuine and wanted to help Anna and if Anna was to try and move on with all of this, trust between her and Elsa was important. She nodded, laying down on her back.

Elsa then reached over to Anna, pressing her hands on Anna’s back, her cold icy magic soothing Anna’s skin.

“Uhhh…. what are you…”

“Using a bit of my magic to relieve your pain,” Elsa said. “It’ll allow you to rest better.”

Sighing in content, Anna felt relaxed as Elsa applied pressure to her aching back and legs. It was almost enough to make her forget where she was, but no matter how much Anna wanted it, she was still a prisoner in this dungeon.

After massaging Anna for a while, Elsa looked over at her. “You okay now?”

“Mm, much better,” Anna purred. “Have I ever told you that you have hands like a surgeon?”

Elsa chuckled, to Anna’s surprise.

“You… you laughed!” she exclaimed.

Her friend stopped, a little embarrassed. “Sorry… I can’t remember the last time I found anything funny.”

Anna sat up and looked into Elsa’s eyes. The two of them were but inches apart and at that moment, as Anna was relaxed, she gazed at Elsa. Her gorgeous blue eyes almost glowed in the sunlight, and her platinum blonde, nearly white hair looked as soft as silk.

In all this time, had Anna really not considered how beautiful Elsa was? At that moment, a strange new sensation started to form inside Anna’s chest. Not anger, not a desire to never give up, but… something else, some sensation of her wanting Elsa, wanting the two of them to try and make something of all this.

And then… Anna leaned in and kissed Elsa. It was a brief moment, Anna succumbing to whatever this sensation was inside of her, before quickly pulling away. “I’m sorry!”

Elsa stroked her lips. “I… It’s okay.”

“No… I didn’t mean to do that,” Anna argued.

Nodding, Elsa stood up. “I… I should go,” she said to break the tension. “You should rest, conserve your strength and whatnot.” She smiled at Anna. “I… I wouldn’t mind taking you out of this cell tomorrow. You need some exercise.”

“Would… would you be allowed to do that?”

“As I said before, what Hans doesn’t know won’t hurt him,” Elsa said reassuringly.

Anna nodded. “I’d like that… getting out and all.” She laid down and sighed. “And Elsa?”

“Yes?” Elsa wondered.

“Thank you,” Anna said genuinely.

Elsa smiled, closing the cell door. “Rest well, Anna.”

xXx

Fresh air, sunlight. It had felt like an eternity since Anna had been outside, in the presence of nature. Elsa had brought to a clearing just outside of the Southern Isles capital, where they wouldn’t be disturbed. The clearing was surrounded by beautiful trees full of lush green leaves, while in front of Anna, she could see a small lake with clear water reflecting the morning sun. It reminded Anna of where Kristoff had proposed to her.

Anna almost turned, instantly expecting to see the man of her dreams next to her…. only to be met with the sight of Elsa, having just dismounted the ice horse she’d created to take Anna to this place. She felt… unsure. It was confusing to Anna, who now realised she’d been attracted to Elsa for quite some time. Part of her hated Elsa and Part of her loved her. She wasn’t sure what to make of it all.

The sorceress walked up to her and smiled at her. “Enjoying the view?”

“I guess,” Anna answered as best as she could. “Why did you bring me here exactly?”

“This is where I go to practice my magic,” Elsa replied. “No one else knows about this place other than you and me. It’s the perfect little spot where no one will ever find you.”

“Huh,” Anna remarked. “You know, I’d have figured for an ice witch, you’d be hiding out in some giant frozen castle on the side of a mountain.”

“You really think that?”

“It was in a bedtime story my mother read to me as a kid,” Anna explained, before sitting down by the lakeside. “Thank you for bringing me here. I remember I had a place like this in Arendelle. It was in the gardens and Kristoff and I used to spend so many afternoons here.” “You miss him terribly,” Elsa said. “And It’s all because of me.” “You explained that last night,” Anna replied. “I do blame you still partly for what happened to him… And I doubt he’d have approved of me being like this with you. But then again… he’s gone and I should let go of the pain and move on.” “And what do you think?” “i… I think you know how I think,” Anna replied.

“If… If this is about that kiss, you don’t have to apologise,” Elsa expressed. “I’ve heard of the concept where one falls in love with their captor out of desperation.”

“No, if that were the case, I’d have fallen in love with Hans,” Anna corrected her. “But you aren’t my captor. You’re just as much of a prisoner as I am. Just I’m in a cell and you… you aren’t.” She took a deep breath and sighed. “And I think… I think I’ve fallen in love with you.”

“I… I think I feel the same way,” Elsa admitted. “But it can’t work. I can’t go against Hans, as much as I’d like to. I can’t give you freedom or your kingdom back.”

“Why can’t you?!” Anna demanded. “Elsa,  if this is how you really feel, why the flying fuck have you allowed yourself to be Hans’s lapdog all these years?!" 

"Because I’d have nothing else!” Elsa shouted back.

“I saw how Hans treated you at breakfast yesterday, with that bigoted remark,” Anna reminded her. “And you’re supposed to be his equal for crying out loud? Doesn’t sound very equal to me.”

“You don’t understand!”

“You could have broken away from Hans anytime you wanted,” Anna argued. “You could have stopped yourself from becoming what you are, you could have prevented so much death and destruction!… and yet you didn’t. Why?”

A few more tears of regret shed from Elsa. “Because I was a fool. Hans was the first person who ever showed me kindness, who saw some use for me.” She looked away at the water, looking at her reflection. “I was taken from my parents when I was three years old by Hans’s father. My powers hadn’t developed by then and I was just meant to be some political hostage, meant to weaken one of the Southern Isle’s enemies. Hans took pity on me as I got older… I helped him kill his father. He gave me a life, a purpose. His enemies were my enemies and I gladly cut them down for him. But… after that, he was colder to me, especially after he found out I preferred women.”

“So… he made a pass at you,” Anna realised. “That explains it, and part of your mistreatment is because Hans couldn’t have you fully. And yet, he still needed you.”

“It’s kinda stupid isn’t it?” Elsa remarked. “And I’ve been too damned insecure to do anything about it. If I kill Hans, I’d have nowhere to go. I’m fairly sure my birth family is dead. . I’m most likely wanted in the surviving kingdoms that I didn’t destroy… I have nothing. Even if I did spare many of the civilians, my reputation among the other kingdoms is tainted.”

“That’s not true,” Anna argued. “I… I’d welcome you to stay in Arendelle if I could.”

“Would you really do that?” Elsa wondered. “In spite of all of my crimes.”

“At least you’ve tried to atone for yours by being my friend and taking care of me,” Anna replied. “That’s more than his royal douchebag ever did for me.” She took Elsa’s hands. “So yes, if Arendelle were still standing… I’d gladly invite you to stay and… I love you.”

Elsa was stunned, as Anna then kissed her again, but then, she gave in, wrapping her arms around Anna as she kissed her, caressing the other woman gently. Anna gave in to the moment, relishing the kiss, letting go of all that pain and anger. Would Kristoff have approved? Well, he’d have been glad that she’d found love again, but with the woman who had killed him? Well, that was certainly complicated, but love wasn’t a matter that was easy. At the end of the day, he’d have been happy if she was happy.

But as Anna held Elsa in the kiss, something clicked in her brain, something about Elsa’s story that seemed… familiar.  A young princess kidnapped at three years old, stolen away and never to be seen again. Could Elsa be… no, it was impossible. Anna panicked, pulling away from the kiss.

“What’s wrong?” Elsa asked, concerned. “Anna, are you okay?”

Anna looked in the water at hers and Elsa’s faces, she could see that there was indeed a resemblance between them. A similar face shape, their eyes being a similar shade of blue, Anna’s teal and Elsa’s ice.

She didn’t want to believe it… but couldn’t deny the facts before her.

“You… you don’t have nothing, Elsa,” Anna spoke.

“What?” Elsa wondered. “What are you talking about?”

“I wasn’t my family’s firstborn,” Anna explained. “I had an older sister who was abducted when I was just a baby. My parents never told me about her and I never even knew she had existed until they died at sea a few years back. But, if she was still alive….”

Elsa’s eyes widened. "You… You don’t mean.”

“I mean look at us!” Anna shouted. “Our faces, don’t they look kinda similar!”

“But… That’s impossible!” Elsa shouted. “I would have known I’d have had a sibling! Oh god… I kissed my sister!” “Oh god, I fell in love with my sister!” Anna reacted. “No… it can’t be right,” Elsa argued. “Hans would have told me that I had a sibling.”

"Would he?” Anna wondered. “Did Hans even tell you what Kingdom you were taken from?”

“No..” Elsa realised. “He did not… and if your story is true and then…” She shook her head. “But why wouldn’t he have told me… unless he wanted to further…” After passing through disbelief and confusion, Elsa finally ended up in anger.

At that moment, Elsa’s hands curled into fists and an angry scowl formed on her face. To Anna’s shock, a whirlwind of ice and snow surrounded Elsa as she let out a massive scream of rage, firing ice blasts left and right. One of the blasts was powerful enough to freeze the whole lake.

“Elsa! Calm down!”

“No!!!” Elsa shouted. “I’ve had enough! I’ve been lied to my whole life and I’m tired of it! Hans forced me to destroy my own home, and I didn’t even realise it! He deserves to pay for what he’s done!”

Anna walked over to Elsa, feeling a little nervous. Seeing Elsa this way reminded her of the visions of the sorceress that she saw in her dreams.

“I’m… I’m okay,” Elsa panted.

“You sure?”

Elsa nodded. “Yes… Damn it all to hell. How could I have been so blind all these years? I knew Hans was a piece of work, but if this is true… then he and his whole retched family deserve to rot in hell.” She started to sob, Anna going to her side and holding her.

“I’m here,” Anna whispered. “I’ve got you, Elsa.”

Accepting it all, Elsa looked at Anna, breathing deeply. “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry.”

“And I’m sorry too,” Anna apologised as well. “I should have realised this sooner… I’ll just forget those kisses happened. I can’t believe you’re my sister… and I’m in love with you.”

“No Anna, don’t say that,” Elsa urged. “For all you know we might not be related after all… and even if we were, does it really matter? No one would know but us.”

“I… I don’t know,” Anna responded, unsure. “What… what are you going to do now?”

 "I’m going to look through the journals of Hans’s father. It likely confirms what you’ve been telling me. Then… I’m going to confront Hans about this myself.“

"Alone?”

“I won’t put you in danger,” Elsa insisted. “Sister or not, you’ve been through too much and I care about you.”

“But I was also raised as a warrior,” Anna replied. “If we’re going to do this… and we’re going to finally do what I think we’re going to do, I want to be there.”

Elsa nodded. “Okay… but I’ll take you back to your cell while I look through the journals.”

“Sounds good to me,” Anna replied.

xXx

It hadn’t taken Elsa long to find King Johann’s journal. Hans hadn’t exactly left his father’s old belongings hard to find in the castle attic. But actually reading the words to herself made Elsa sick to the stomach.

The entries in the journal confirmed what Anna had suspected, that Elsa was indeed the other Arendellian princess, abducted as a child. It had made Elsa angry that she had been denied such a life, a sister, two loving parents, the chance to be Queen herself…

But now, Elsa knew she had a chance to start over with Anna. She could bring Arendelle or the other kingdoms she destroyed back and try and do her damndest to make amends for all of her many many sins. And how was she going to do that? By finally killing the monster who had used her for all these years.

Storming through the halls of the castle to Anna’s cell, Elsa pondered what she was about to do. For one small moment, she was scared, scared that killing Hans would only make things worse for the Southern isles. But then she thought about the power she herself had, a power that if used right could do much more good than harm.

Eventually, Elsa made her way to Anna’s cell, opening the door and looking at Anna, who was lying on her bunk.

“Elsa?” Anna asked.

The sorceress walked over to Anna, reaching her hand out to her. “It’s time to get you out of here… my sister.”

“Wait, are we really?”

The blonde nodded. “Yes, you’re my sister, Anna.”

“Oh my god, I can’t believe it,” Anna expressed. She then jumped up and hugged Elsa tightly. Her long lost sister… finally they were reunited. For a moment, she thought about kissing her again, but knew it was best to push those thoughts to one side.

“So… are we going to do this?” Anna asked.

Elsa nodded. “Yes…. this is something I should have done the moment I let Hans get into my head.”

And so, the two sisters eventually made their way to the war room, where Hans and his generals were planning their next campaign of conquest. Elsa told Anna to wait outside, Anna hiding behind a nearby statue, while Elsa walked inside, firmly prepared for what she was about to do.

Hans and his generals were gathered around a table plotting their next conquest, Elsa seeing the usual smug look on Hans’s face. It enraged her now, more than it ever did, especially now that she knew the truth. But finally, this nightmare would be over, for both her and Anna.

“Hans?” Elsa asked.

“Elsa! Just the woman I wanted to see,” Hans responded. “My generals and I were going over the plans for our next campaign. I trust you will be of course leading the charge?”

Elsa then bowed in respect. “Of course. I live to serve you, my lord.” She knew she had to get Hans alone in order to do this. The fewer people around, the better. “I… I had something I wanted to speak to you about,” Elsa said.“Can we speak in private?”

“Of course!” Hans replied. “I was hoping to talk to you about some personal matters as well.” Hans looked at the generals. “Leave us, please. This hopefully won’t take long.”

As the generals and the guards that had been in the room left, Elsa stared at Hans, as the former went to pour himself a drink of whiskey from a nearby bottle. After taking a swig, he smirked at Elsa.

“I know you don’t hold your ale well, but would you care for a drink, Elsa?” Hans offered. “This is a rather good vintage.”

"No thank you,” Elsa responded.

“Hmmm pity,” Hans remarked. “I was having a drink in celebration.”

"Of what?” Elsa wondered. “Your next campaign?”

"Oh no, something a little closer to home,” Hans explained. “I’ve just arranged for the execution of your friend Queen Anna.”

Elsa’s eyes widened. "What?! Why?”

Hans shrugged. “I just wanted to clear up loose ends. After yesterday’s little incident, I realised she’s too much of a liability. It’s best to let the last remnant of Arendelle be finally snuffed out. Plus… She’s a rather bad influence on you.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I’m not stupid, Elsa!” Hans shouted. “I know you have feelings for her and how you feel pity for her. She’s made you soft.”

Her heart beating in her chest, Elsa flared with anger. She had to act now, Hans was going to kill Anna, the only family she truly had left and she wouldn’t allow him to take her away from her.

"No.”

Hans put his glass down. “No what?”

“No, I can’t allow you to do that, Hans,” Elsa argued. “I’ve been your slave for too long. I know everything now. I know I was stolen from Arendelle as a child and that Anna is my sibling.” She strode towards Hans. “Why did you lie to me, Hans?! Why use me?!”

Hans sighed. “Oh well… I suppose you were going to find out eventually.” Hans walked over to a nearby window, looking out on his kingdom. “You were too useful to me, and I couldn’t resist losing you or the power you would gain me. And I had to teach your birth kingdom a lesson. They were trying to take you from me.”

“What… What are you talking about?”

"A few years ago, not long after you helped me stage my coup, do you remember when I had you sink that enemy ship?”

"What does that have to do with this?” Elsa wondered. Then she stopped and thought. She remembered how the king and Queen of Arendelle had apparently died at sea. Her parents. “Oh…”

Hans laughed. “That was your own parents, Elsa, rushing to your rescue and you never even realised it. I bet Anna would just love to know that little factoid. She’ll never consider you a sister once she knows that.”

“What?!” A voice exclaimed.

Elsa turned around, seeing Anna walk into the room, her mouth wide in shock. Sweat beaded from her brow, knowing that Hans had deliberately withheld that information from her, for just such a moment like this. “Anna… I didn’t know, I swear!”

“You… you killed them….”

“It was Hans!” Elsa argued. “He forced me to sink that ship. I didn’t know our parents were onboard it! And it doesn’t matter, this is him trying to mess with our heads!”

Anna sighed. “You’re right… I can be angry about that another time.” She glared at Hans. “You’re an insane bastard, Hans!”

“Oh shut up, the pair of you,” Hans argued. “There’s nowhere for either of you to go now. So just run along back to your cell, Anna.”

“No, she’s staying with me,” Elsa said defiantly.

“And you’re going to stay with me!” Hans insisted. “And you would have been nothing if I hadn’t taken pity on you.f I hadn’t, you’d still be locked in a cell as one of my father’s little trophies. I made you what you are Elsa.”

“You’re wrong!” Elsa shouted. “You can’t control me anymore!”

“And what are you going to do about it?” Hans asked. “If you kill me, you’ll have nowhere to-”

And right there and then, Anna punched Hans square in the face with all her strength. The king was started for a moment, giving Elsa the chance to grab her hands around Hans’s neck.

Hans choked and grunted. “Elsa… What…” But Elsa’s hand squeezed tighter and tighter, Hans’s face turning redder as he tried to breathe. However, he felt a sudden chill as ice spread from Elsa’s hand to all over his body. Elsa quickly let go, but Hans struggled as the rest of his body started to turn to ice.

“It’s the end for you, Hans,” Anna said coldly.

“And you were so wrong about me,” added Elsa in an equally icy tone. “I have a sister, someone I love. That’s more precious than something you’ll ever have. And as for you… you’re about to lose everything.”

Hans gurgled audibly, trying to form words to spit out, but he couldn’t. His throat had been the first thing frozen solid by Elsa. He settled for glaring venomously at Elsa, full of fury.

With a powerful kick, Anna knocked Hans towards the window, smashing him through it. As she watched, she saw Hans fully become an ice statue before he finally hit the courtyard below, nothing left of him but bloody particles. Finally, it was over. Hans was no more.

Just then, Elsa and Anna heard the sound of the guards enter the room, having heard the window break. They drew their sabres at them, but Elsa just gave them a freezing glare. The soldiers surrendered in moments, bowing in respect for Elsa, completely at her mercy.

“What is your command, Elsa?” one of them asked.

“Leave us for a moment,” Elsa answered. “I’ll address you when I’m ready.”

As the guards left the room, Elsa looked over at Anna, who was looking at the window.

“I can’t believe it… it’s finally over,” Anna admitted. “I’m free.”

“Are you still angry?” Elsa asked her.

“No… No, you didn’t know about our parents,” Anna replied. “And to be honest… I bet they’d have been happy that we took out Hans together.” She turned around. “What are you going to do now?”

“I’ll assume the throne of the southern isles,” Elsa stated. “Put the kingdom’s resources towards repairing the damage I’ve done. I’ll make sure Arendelle is restored to its former glory… hopefully some of the people I let go are still out there.” She held Anna close. “Finally… it’s over.”

“Good riddance to Hans,” Anna admitted.

“Did you have to kick him through the window?” Elsa asked. “I mean, I was gonna shatter him to pieces anyway.”

“A warrior has a flair for the dramatic,” Anna replied.

Elsa knew this probably wasn’t the best time to ask about this, but she and Anna both knew that despite the revelation of them being sisters, they couldn’t simply ignore their romantic feelings. “Anna… about us being sisters…

"I made my decision already,” Anna interrupted her. “I want to be with you, Elsa. This whole sisters thing… as long as we keep it our little secret things will be fine.”

“You’re sure about this?” Elsa wondered.

“Well, how else am I going to make you my queen and not raise eyebrows?” Anna remarked.

“Wait… what?”

But Anna had then grabbed Elsa, dipping her down for a passionate kiss, celebrating the fact that freedom was theirs at last.

[blog-increasetwitterfollowers]

How Your Company Can Build Up More Twitter Followers

It's uncommon to consult with a company owner who utilizes Twitter but that does not desire more followers. Some might say that the numbers are not significant and they're just worried about"quality followers." But, it is generally the individuals who just have a few followers that make this debate.

As a company owner why do you want to have more Twitter followers? Here are 3 great reasons:

1. More followers deliver societal authority. The same as any other standing method, the greater your audience count, the longer individuals (your clients ) presume you're an expert-or at someone popular and interesting. It might not be legitimate, but it is how it functions in a universe where there's a rated list for all.

2. More followers expand the influence. Twitter is the best instrument for distributing ideas to a larger audience. When you have thoughts worth discussing, why would not you wish to disperse them as many individuals as you can? Twitter makes it incredibly simple to get this done. The bigger your follower depend, the quicker your thoughts will be shared and spread.

3. More followers contributes to additional sales. You are probably on Twitter for one of 3 reasons: To be amused, to community with other people, or even to offer your stuff. When it is a brand, a product, an agency, or perhaps a reason, more followers supply the chance to generate more prospects and much more conversions. It's a great marketing tool for most small companies.

Before I talk about you a few tips about the best way best to raise the amount of your Twitter followers, then I think it's essential that I need to let you know how to not take action.

Do not attempt to cheat the machine and attempt to get immediately draw in tens of thousands of followers instantly. If something seems too good to be true, then it likely is. Unless you happen to be a celebrity that has built a huge audience in a few other media station, bringing followers will take some time and effort however, the investment is well worth it.

What about purchasing followers? In the end, there are plenty of individuals promoting this type of service.

The very first reason you would not wish to do so is as it goes contrary to the Twitter rules. But worse than this is the simple fact that these so-called followers have zero affinity, link or interest in you or your company. It'd be just like your organization sending out a direct mailing for a un-targeted, generic listing. The listing could be unworthy.

Rather than employing these allegedly fast-track methods for building your own follower count, I wish to talk to you a few of my favorite proven means by which that you may receive more faithful twitter followers.

Engage and Inform

Twitter is about participation. It's a hectic and fast moving stage, and that means you have to make content that educates, advises, entertains or arouses your followers. This is sometimes carried out by sharing a fantastic mixture of articles, either your own and other individuals. Before long you'll construct a massive following of folks that wish to hang out together and accompany because they enjoy what you are saying or discussing.

Proudly show your Twitter button Hyperlink

If you'd like traffic to your site to accompany you around Twitter then be certain they can view your Twitter button connection. You need to help it become clear for them. Do not irritate the Twitter button in the base of your site or site page. Allow it to be notable and ask your customers to accompany along with you. If they're in your site they're definitely interested in knowing more about you and everything you need to say.

Place"Follow Me on Twitter" on your email signature.

On your email signature, then add a URL to a Twitter accounts. (An email signature is little bit of information which gets attached to the conclusion of the email address. Folks typically place their name and contact information from the email signaturenonetheless, you're free to place whatever you enjoy.) Make after you on Twitter simple. Again, do not make them search for you.

Add your Twitter ID on your business cards and letterheads.

Though this will not build you a massive following really quickly it's a great habit to get into and can be equally as crucial as incorporating your own physical address, phone number and email address.

Avoid excessive advertising.

It's true, you can market your blog articles, goods, etc. . Twitter but be cautious. There is an invisible line that you shouldn't cross. If you do, you resemble a spammer-or just clueless. Not only can you NOT get extra followers, you'll wear out your present followers and several will just dazzle you.

Actively follow different folks on Twitter.

Start your media efforts by becoming a follower of those people that you respect in your business. Read on their tweets to acquire a feeling of who they are and what their aims are about Twitter. It's a great idea to follow along because many folks in your business or business as you can. As soon as you've discovered people and began to follow themit is going to provide them the chance to find both your great content along with your internet presence. They are more inclined to reciprocate and accompany you again, as are most of the followers who may even prove to be prospective clients.

Place your Twitter title in bulk media campaigns

If you put ads in magazines, or on radio or television, you have to be certain your twitter title is not there for everybody to watch and listen. Just include the Number (hashtag emblem ) followed with your business's title or advertising and individuals will accompany you.

Keep your articles short sufficient to retweet.

Retweets are the sole method to get seen by men and women who do not follow you, but you have to create your articles easy for other people to retweet. Keep your tweets brief enough for folks to have the ability to bring the RT emblem and your own username ("RT @yourcompanyname"). So for instance, let us say your title is 14 characters you will also have to incorporate the distance. That implies, so as to become more retweetable, your own tweet may be no more than 126 characters (140-14=126).

Have your Twitter connection on Facebook

Virtually everybody uses Facebook, therefore ensure it is simple for them to jump over to a Twitter accounts whenever they see the Facebook profile. The perfect place is at the"About" section.

Tweet frequently

Picture Twitter as a continuous, fast flowing stream. Tweets flow beyond and are usually never found again. Consequently, you have to keep your own Tweets flowing so you aren't forgotten. Be clear. Stand out from the crowd and you'll find far more followers.

Link to Twitter out of LinkedIn.

Possessing a Twitter connection in your LinkedIn accounts is ideal. You are allowed three hyperlinks onto LinkedIn profile, so be certain one of these is the Twitter accounts. It'll be excellent for media, particularly with the movers and shakers in your business.

Reply to other people openly.

I was able to respond to individuals through Direct Message, believing what I needed to say was immaterial to all my followers. Since I was not responding in people, this left me seem unsociable. So today, I answer almost exclusively in people, and actually, the only men and women who see these messages are individuals who follow me and the man I am responding to that's just a tiny subset of my own followers. By doing this, my tweets are social but not bothersome.

Be generous when connecting to, and others.

Twitter encourages a culture of sharing. The longer you connect to other people, the more folks will encounter, and that is exactly what should occur for you to raise your follower depend. You want other people to present you to their own followers. But don't request a retweet too frequently. Once in a while is fine but in the event that you merely post content value retweeting, folks will happily do it to you without needing to ask!

These hints will truly help boost your own follower amounts and we expect they give you a bit of inspiration. Having said this, you will need to consider: If you're at the commencement of your Twitter trip, no one is actually going to be paying much attention for your own.

Initially your articles will probably be lost in a sea of different messages which are competing for attention, but on the other hand there aren't likely to be too many men and women that will see your own messages before you develop a sizable following, therefore this is the best time to create a few errors.

Recall: Twitter takes a whole lot of work, has a small steep learning curve and could be a fairly scary place to be on one. You will find a lot of these confusing symbols and characters, odd shortened connections, stress to accompany men and women that you do not understand and numerous chilling acronyms and buzz phrases, and of course that the hashtag.

[ikesenhell]

Evidence

Again., Chapter 8–a collaboration by myself and @a-shout-to-the-void​ AKA Vaya. You can find all other IkeSen works of mine here, and Vaya’s here. NOTES:

Ieyasu woke in a tangle of limbs. At first he wasn’t entirely certain of where he was. It took only a few moments for him to blink the sleep from his eyes and realize that they’d all passed out together in the living room floor. Curled up beside him was Williams’ sleeping form, her head resting on his (very prickly and not happy) arm, and there--his hand wrapped around the both of them and cupping Ieyasu’s lower back--was Mitsunari. Hell. He looked so much like an angel asleep that Ieyasu almost believed his reputation.

What happened? He took a long moment to collect himself and remembered--ah, yes--they’d watched a movie in a pile on the floor. He had himself to thank for that one. What was he supposed to say if they, god forbid, talked about this? ‘I rather like you both’ was a sentence so far removed from his vocabulary that he almost wanted to laugh at it.

But he only had a little time to himself. He shifted to try and assuage the pins and needles in his arm, and Williams roused ever so slightly (with the sweetest and faintest of sounds). Mitsunari followed sleepily in turn. Ieyasu checked the clock on habit. Five a.m. Well, at least they weren’t in a rush.

“What time is it?” Mitsunari managed sleepily.

“Early. Got time. Maybe two hours before they need us in the office.”

“God,” Williams laughed, curving her hips back into his. Ieyasu struggled to compose his body. How was she so blisteringly hot? He’d always recognized she was beautiful, true, but now his whole person leapt to her every whim. “Okay. I’m too old to sleep on a floor like this. I’m definitely feeling it.”

“Well, I don’t even remember falling asleep.”

“Does one ever remember falling asleep?” Mitsunari posited, ever the literal one. “I suppose that would be an interesting study. Do--”

“Mitsunari?”

“Yes?”

“Shut up.”

Williams sat up. Ieyasu followed, his hips cracking loudly as they all untangled, the blanket draped over their legs falling away to the carpet. Mitsunari groped for his glasses and found them in his pocket, cleaning them with a cloth before setting them on his nose.

“So…” Ieyasu desperately tried to smooth his hair. No use. It poofed angrily under his hand. “So what now?”

Mitsunari checked the clock. “I suppose we all shower at some point and get on the train--”

“That is not what I meant.”

Williams cast them both an amused smile. “You want to do this at five a.m., but not while you’re making out with two people at once?”

If there were a pepper as hot as Ieyasu’s cheeks felt, he didn't know. “Look--look.”

“I’m looking.”

“Yes?” Mitsunari chirped up. “Well, if you’re referring to the current emotional situation, then the last time I was part of a trio--”

The whole world screeched to a halt. Ieyasu desperately floundered with his hands for time out. “When you were what?”

Those amethyst eyes just blinked innocently. “The last time I was part of a trio? Much like now--”

“You’ve done this before? How? When? What the fuck--”

Mitsunari looked almost smug. “I know my way around Tinder. Something else I picked up from Columbia.”

Ieyasu sat dumbly. Williams buried her face in her hands and laughed, a sweet, awkward sound in line with how he felt.

“Okay, so we’ve an expert. Please, oh wise one, illuminate the path or… whatever it is we should be doing right now.”

Mitsunari just shook his head. “I’m no expert, it only happened once. But we started by establishing if it was going to happen again or not. Do all parties here consent to being involved at the same time?”

“Can you please make that sound less like something Nobunaga would say?” Ieyasu groaned.

Williams brushed back her twists. “Um. Yes? I--yes. I--I don’t exactly know what I’m doing, here, but I really like the both of you...”

“And I like both of you, of course,” Mitsunari immediately offered.

Two eyes turned to him.

“I--” Ieyasu barely managed to strangle that from his throat. “I--listen--I don’t… I didn't hate what we were doing.”

“Well, that was enthusiastic,” Williams snarked.

“I’m trying.”

“Ieyasu is a bit more reserved with his feelings,” Mitsunari explained, and Ieyasu hated every second of how right he was. “He’s a bit modest.”

“Yes. Alright?” Ieyasu wondered if he could melt into the earth about now. “God, how do I even…” He trailed off, eyes bouncing back and forth between the two. Mitsunari, that agonizing, beautiful smile on his face, and Williams, looking the softest he’d ever seen her.

“When I’m… with you, both of you, I mean, I. You two are so… hard to look at. I can’t stop watching you, and it’s been driving me crazy, not knowing why, and then knowing why, and seeing how perfect you were for each other.” Every word felt like lead, but Ieyasu soldiered on. “I never thought, not even for a second, that either of you would ever… want me. I’m just having a hard time when you’re both so annoyingly perfect all the goddamn time, but of course I want this. You. Both of you. How could I not?”

“Stop it,” Williams murmured, and next thing he knew, she was in his lap, caressing every flyaway strand of his hair, peppering kisses over his cheeks. And for once--for once in his life--he just leaned forward and let her, allowed her to love on him so simply. Mitsunari’s long fingers brushed over his cheek affectionately (and they were pianist’s hands, he realized all at once, a rush of affection and frustration at his silver-spoon partner rushing through him). “I want you, too.”

Usually Ieyasu had a litany of things to do at this hour. Meal prep, going to the gym, trying to tame his hair--but in the cool grey dawn of this morning, he simply leaned forward and let them show his hungry heart love.

---

He and Mitsunari took the train together that morning. Williams dipped off in the wee hours to her apartment (“I haven’t even gotten changed yet!”). Mitsunari borrowed a shirt and recycled his trousers, and as they sat together on the train, they quietly linked pinkies together as if to share a secret.

Naturally, they took one step inside the office and Mitsuhide cast them a single look before declaring, “Hideyoshi owes me money.”

“Shut up,” Ieyasu snarled. “What are you on about?”

Mitsuhide’s silver-fox smile was telling. “I think the fact that you started with ‘shut up’ and not ‘what are you on about’ means you know exactly what I’m on about.”

Ieyasu couldn’t think to say anything except, “You’re a fucking snake in a suit.”

“What?” Mitsunari asked, clueless as ever. “What is going on?”

“Lan-gua-ge,” Mitsuhide chided sing-song. “I’m certain your little partner there will tell all.”

“Tell what?” Mitsunari asked again.

“He’s too much of an airhead to say shit,” Ieyasu groused, flinging his suitcoat over his chair. “So shut up and put your eyes back on the page.”

“Oh, but I’m having such a ball reading the room.”

On a horrible, terrible, no-good-very-bad cue, Nobunaga slid open the door to his office and stuck his head out. “Tokugawa. Ishida. What is going on out here?”

“We were merely discussing the latest turn of their case,” Mitsuhide lied smoothly, his face as impassive as ever. For one brief moment, Ieyasu was thankful that their coworker could lie like the devil. “Need you anything?”

Nobunaga looked entirely unconvinced, but he just nodded. “No. Keep it down.”

“Understood. My apologies.”

The door slid shut. Ieyasu pantomimed a silent watch your back to Mitsuhide. The man returned with a crude jerking gesture around his crotch.

Mercifully, the rest of the day proceeded as normal. They returned to gathering information about their active cases, sifting through file after file, sorting motions and pleadings and emails and memos as the clock ticked on relentlessly.

Then came the most critical piece of all.

Ieyasu jumped as Mitsunari suddenly appeared in his field of vision, slapping a piece of paper triumphantly onto his desk.

“I knew it,” Mitsunari announced, purple eyes gleaming. “I just knew something didn't fit.”

“Fit where?” Ieyasu scowled. “In what?”

“Well,” Mitsuhide drawled lowly from his nearby desk, not even looking up, “When a daddy and a daddy love each other very much…”

“In the case. The Ailes case,” Mitsunari pressed, either ignoring Mitsuhide or too excited to acknowledge him. “Look at this.”

A single giant photo, a screenshot from Instagram, of all places, covered the page. Ieyasu frowned. It was a selfie, with little in the background save for a corner of a house and the trunk of a car. Beneath the photo was a caption: can’t believe i almost witnessed a murder #findrenee. A few comments followed, but Ieyasu didn’t bother to read. “What am I looking at, exactly?”

Mitsunari pointed emphatically at the comments. Of course. “This photo was allegedly taken less than ten minutes before the victim’s time of death, on the same street, on the same day.”

“Even if that’s true, what does this tell us?”

“Williams’ witness reported a vehicle at the scene of the crime.”

Ieyasu slid the paper back toward Mitsunari. “Yeah, because it’s a neighborhood.”

He had almost turned back to his computer when Mitsunari spoke again. “I asked someone with the police to run a check on this license plate number.”

Ieyasu stilled. Mitsunari was rarely so insistent. “And?”

“This vehicle is registered to Renee Ailes’ boyfriend.”

“The twenty-two year old?” Ieyasu echoed. “The one that really shouldn’t be dating a teenager? The one that said he didn't know anything and police let him go? That boyfriend?”

“That boyfriend,” Mitsunari confirmed.

“None of this is in evidence,” Ieyasu murmured. “This might not even be anything.”

“But what if it is?”

“...It’s not our job to solve crimes, it’s our job to prosecute them.” Even as Ieyasu said it, his resolve wavered.

“And what if we have the wrong person?” Mitsunari pressed. “This doesn’t add up. You know it doesn’t. I know it doesn’t. We prosecute criminals.”

“And if we have the wrong person…”

“Then we’re hardly doing our job.”

Ieyasu sat in silence for a long, long time, his hand hovering over the mouse of his computer. They could forget about this. It was very possible. They could have nothing--just suspicions and doubts that didn't pan out. But--but--he looked up into Mitsunari’s bright violet eyes.

He trusted his partner.

Screwing his pride down, Ieyasu reached for the phone instead. It rang only twice.

“Shingen Takeda’s office,” came the familiar voice on the other end.

“Shingen,” Ieyasu managed, his throat dry. “We should talk. I’ve got something you might be interested in.”

[kijeu-kijeu-straykijeu]

protect my heart ♡ Lee Felix

➤ summary: There’s no telling what the future holds, especially not if you are appointed as the new bodyguard for the son of very influential and powerful people.

➤ genre: bodyguard au, fluff

➤ word count: 5,636

➤ A/N: Initially, I intended to complete this scenario before “I know you, You know me“,  but ended up postponing it. Nevertheless, I was finally able to post this scenario, so I hope you enjoy reading it. ♡ 

“Y/N, you must do it,” Mr. Bang ordered, giving me a stern look. 

While holding a straight posture, I felt that my body began to stiffen. I gulped nervously, “Sir, are you sure that you want to leave this important job to me? Ever since I worked here, I was merely an assistant.”

Mr. Bang leaned back on his chair, crossing his arms in front of his chest, “What would you say if I hired you as an assistant on purpose?”

Confusion overcame me, but I have to keep a neutral face. “I don’t quite understand what you mean, sir.”

He leaned forward again and rested his elbows on the table, his chin sticked out slightly. “You’re the best student I’ve ever had, Y/N. Out of all students I’ve taught so far, you completed the many years of intensive training excellently.”

During the seven years I was in Mr. Bang’s training program, he had never once praised a student. “Thank you, sir!” I said as I bowed to him.

“So what are you planning on doing? Are you gonna take up the challenge?” Mr. Bang asked in a commanding tone.

“Yes, sir. I gladly accept the mission,” I said loudly and clearly. As if I had another choice, I thought.

°•* •* °

“Here’s the data of the client,” Woojin said, handing me the folder. 

“Thanks.” I took the folder and stuffed it inside my bag.

“Come to think of it, it’s your first mission, right? Are you nervous?” Woojin asked, holding a coffee mug in his hand.

I nodded vigorously, “The piles of paperwork I had to do for the boss must have turned me into a wimp. The client allegedly is a very important person on top of that.”

“Oh yeah, he is,” Woojin said approving. “The client is the son of a high-ranking politician and her husband is the chairman of one of the largest companies here. Apparently, or it’s rather obvious that the son’s going to inherit the company due to his father’s illness,” Woojin whispered, since information about the clients are strictly confidential.

“Not forget to mention, you got a very well-paid job and also get to live in a chic mansion,” Woojin added, emphasizing the well-paid.

“How can it be that such a small girl hits the jackpot? In contrast to me, who just got the job to protect a hairless cat,” he sighed, sipping on the coffee mug.

“If it was possible, I would switch with you.” I stood up, and slung my bag over my shoulder. “I better get going now. There’s a bunch of stuff to pack for my departure tomorrow. Thank you for everything, Woojin.”

“My pleasure,” he said, lifting the mug. “Take care.”

“See you,” I waved at him, before stepping out of the office room.

°•* •* ° 

After putting on my ironed black suit and tying my hair back in a neat ponytail, I dragged my suitcase round the front door and was ready to set off.

About a two-hour ride through the city and a small town, I was on a broad way in a suburb, in which big mansions were lining up in a row. “Impressive. The wealthiest of the wealthy people must be living here,” I whistled.

By the time the navigation system told me that I’ve ‘reached my destination’, I was already able to see a big iron gate from afar. I drove up a stone-surfaced path. It had a row of beautiful red rose bushes on either side of it.

“What a prestigious place ... ” I mumbled as I slowly approached the big gate.

The gate opened magically by itself, so I had no problem entering the forecourt until two giant and well-built men in black suits with shades blocked my way.

One of them pointed me to get off the car, so I did as I was told. “Are you the new recruit?” the other one asked, his bald head shined in the sunlight.

“Yes, I am. CB Group’s CEO Bang Chan sent me. My name is Y/N,” I introduced myself, trying to appear as professional and tough as possible.

“The young master is expecting you. Follow me.” the baldie said, while the other guy got into my car and drove away, probably to the parking lot.

When going up the polished steps to the heavy front door, I inhaled and exhaled in order to calm my nerves down.

The door came open and a white angelic-like light dazzled me. The next thing I noticed was the round and large hallway with maids going back and fourth and up and down the marble steps.

“This way,” the baldie growled. The mansion as well as its interior design left me in astonishment. We walked along a broad corridor with a red carpet covered floor. Old paintings in gold frames hung on both walls. At the end of the corridor was a mighty wooden door which the baldie easily pushed open.

The door led to another large room with bookshelves as walls. Everywhere I looked were brown shelves of books. The red and gold embroidered carpet was barely seen because loose sheets of paper, high piles of books, and stacks of old letters covered it. In short, it was the messiest library I’ve ever seen. 

The baldie lead me further in the vast library until he stopped in front of a long antique table. He bowed in a thirty-degree tilt. “Sir, your bodyguard has arrived,” he announced and stepped aside.

My legs began to wobble, and I immediately bowed to the client in ninety-degree angle. “How do you do, sir? My name is Y/N. Nice to meet you.”

Damn it. I totally screwed up, I thought as I bit my lip.

In the moment I bowed, I remained like this until I heard footsteps coming towards me. “Nice to meet you, Y/N.”

When I looked up, a young man in a white shirt and black tie stood next to me, extending his hand.

“My name is Felix, Lee Felix. Please take good care of me from today onwards,” he said smilingly, his voice was even deeper and lower than that of the baldie.

I firmly took his hand and bowed my head, “I will give my best.”

Wow, he sure looks young. It wouldn’t surprise me if he was younger than me, I thought as I let go of his hand.

“Bing, is everything prepared for her stay?” Mr. Lee asked as he sat down on his padded chair.

“Yes, sir, her room is located across from yours,” he confirmed and doddered away.

°•* •* °

When taking some documents out, Mr. Lee spread them over the table. “Y/N.”

“Yes, sir?” I exclaimed, holding the usual straight posture next to his desk.

“Have a seat. You don’t have to stand all the time,” he said, patting on the chair beside him.

“Sir, you are too generous. It is a part of my job to follow the rules,” I refused his kind offer.

Mr. Lee shoved the documents aside and glanced at me, “So the rules are forbidding you from sitting?”

“No, sir. But my boss stated explicitly that the bodyguard has to be poised to attack at any time in order to protect the client. And if I sit down, my reaction time might get slower, resulting me putting you at risk.”

In response to my answer he blinked a bit, then chuckled, “You’re really strange.”

What? Did he just labeled me as ‘strange’? 

“Okay, I understand the ‘no sitting’ rule, but can you at least talk with me?” he asked charmingly.

I nodded, “Talking is all right, sir.”

All of a sudden, he bursted into laughter, “You know what? I take my words back about you being strange. You’re hilarious!”

“What’s so funny?” I knit my eyebrows in confusion.

He wiped his tears away which barely escaped his eyes, “Phew, I haven’t laughed like this in so long. But Y/N, what happened to the honorifics?”

My eyes widened and I bowed to him, “My apologies for not watching my language, I will certainly reflect on it.”

When I raised my head, I found him erupting in laughter again. “Okay, okay. I’ll stop now,” he said, and glimpsed at my poker face, which was a warning for him to not piss me off.

It seemed like he got the message, or else he wouldn’t clear his throat and rub his neck nervously. “That was just a joke. I didn’t like you using honorifics like ‘sir’ in the first place,” he said lowly. “Apart from that, your answers were so cute that I couldn’t help but laugh.”

“I apologize! I apologize for giving you this scary look!” I clenched my teeth in embarrassment.

“I’ll accept your apology if you drop the honorifics. Deal?” he bargained.

“D-deal,” I agreed reluctantly, knowing that Mr. Bang would kill me if he found out that I’m speaking to the client casually.

A big smile formed on his face, “Since we got rid of this topic, I want you to call me by my first name. Everyone is always like ‘sir’ here and ‘young master’ there. I can’t hear this anymore.”

“May I ask you something first?” I asked hesitantly. “How old are you?”

“I’m eighteen,” he replied. 

“Woah, we’re the same age! And I estimated you as a sixteen-year-o-,” I bit my tongue as I realized that I’m being cheeky.

To my surprise, his already big smile became bigger, “I hear that often, but to be honest, I even thought you were fifteen.”

“Stop joking around and do your work, Felix,” I said amused.

“I’m going to work if you sit down,” Felix grinned happily. “Let me tell you something, during my eighteen years of living, I’ve never been once in a risky or dangerous situation. And today won’t be an exception.”

“Fine.” I sat down on the surprisingly soft chair as I turned to him. “Say, why did you hire me if you already have security guards like that baldie? Aren’t they enough for your safety?”

“According to my parents, no. I’m not sure why they insisted on hiring you, but I assume it’s because I’m temporarily living here alone,” Felix explained.

“Couldn’t it be that you have opponents or rivals, who are searching for revenge?” I asked curiously.

“You just said yourself that I look like sixteen-year-old, so how could I possibly have or make any enemies?”

“Ah, I forgot, you’re right.” I said sarcastically.

“Hey,” he gently nudged me with his elbow and laughed heartily.

By this time the whole nervosity and tension I had felt earlier vanished at once. It was like I was talking to friend of the same age.

°•* •* °

Felix spent the whole day in the library without leaving his desk, which was now piled high with more folders and paper stacks.

Due to the heavy curtains, no evening light had been able to come on indoors, only the majestic chandeliers filled the library with dim orange light. When I glanced over the piles of paper, Felix was still writing diligently. 

Oh my, what a hardworking boy. He’s only eighteen and yet he has to spent his youth in a pile of paperwork. Well, this also applied to me, I thought and leaned back on the chair.

“Y/N, if you’re getting sleepy, you can leave,” Felix said, his eyes still on a document.

“I’m staying. It’s a twentyfourseven job after all.” I rolled my eyes toward the ceiling, which seemed to be impossible to reach.

The sound of a falling pencil lead me to sat up, Felix rolled his chair backwards and turned to me. “Shall I postpone the work and we call it a day?” he asked as if he was amazed by his own idea.

“Are you sure? The paper will keep stacking up, though,” I tried to talk him out of it.

“It’s all right. Staying here all day is suffocating. Let’s go,” he said nonchalantly, and stood up.

°•* •* °

We went all the way back to the grand hallway, where the maids were still running around busily. After climbing up the steps, Felix opened a big door, which lead to a broad corridor with a row of doors. 

“You’re bedroom is the fourth one on the left,” he pointed at it with his finger. “Mine is across yours, so if you need anything just knock on my door.”

“Okay. Ah, and by the way, at what time do I have to start working?” I asked, my hand on the door knob.

“My secretary will pick you up at eight o’clock. We’ll see each other at the breakfast table,” Felix said, before entering his room. “Good night, Y/N.”

Before I could wish him a ‘good night’ back, he already shut his door. 

°•* •* °

Exactly at eight o’clock, someone knocked on my door. When I got up to open it, a gloomy face greeted me. 

“Hello, my name is Seo Changbin. I’m Mr. Lee’s secretary. He told me to pick you up, so if you would be so kind to follow me now,” he said listlessly, turned round, and marched to the big door.

Wow, what a morning person, I clapped inside my head sarcastically as I walked behind him.

As soon as the next door came open, we entered a large dining room. Above our heads hung a huge chandelier from the ceiling. In the middle of the room was a long table, behind it stood Felix who was serving meals.

The next thing I knew was, Felix standing up in an instant after seeing Changbin. They hugged each other excitedly, but what shocked me the most was the quick switch of Changbin’s facial expressions.

“Y/N, have a seat,” Felix offered, pushing a chair out.

During breakfast nothing much happened, except of Changbin who showed that he is an actual sunshine. Could it be an identity crisis? I wondered.

Soon afterwards, Felix began his ‘I-spend-all-day-in-the-library’ routine. To my surprise or rather to his surprise, the surface of his desk wasn’t visible anymore due to the indeed growing stacks of paper.

Felix let out a sigh and sat down, immediately beginning to sort the single-colored folders in different stacks on the floor.

“Can I help you?” I asked, feeling sorry for him.

He sighed once more, this time more exhausted. “Beat up this monstrous mountain of paper, please,” he whined, giving me a piteous gaze.

“Instead of beating this monster up,” I said as I sat down next to him, “let’s take it apart. Bit by bit.”

°•* •* °

Shortly after midday, the piles and stacks of folders and papers disappeared completely. In the meantime, Felix and I leaned back on the chairs, our eyes closed, while we silently rested in the warmth of the soft shining sunlight, which came pouring through the large square windows into the rather shady library. 

“Felix?” I called, glancing sideways at him.

He kept his eyes shut, his tie hung loose around his neck, a few brown hair strands rested round his face. Looking at how the sunlight casted a shadow on him, he resembled an angel. He’s really handsome, I thought and found myself admiring his perfect side profile.

It seemed that he fell asleep. That wouldn’t surprise me, he had worked hard as if there was no tomorrow. Hopefully, he won’t become the successor of his father’s company or else he’ll really spend his life locked up in this library.

“You’re the male version of the Sleeping Beauty, did you know?” I said, even though Felix couldn’t hear me anyway. “The only difference is that you’re not sleeping, but working all the time.”

By the time the Sleeping Beauty finally opened his eyes, it was already dark outside. Felix sat up, rubbed his sleepy eyes, and looked around the dark library. “Y/N is gone,” he mumbled to himself, stood up, and stretched his arms up to the ceiling. “And she said she must stay by my side twentyfourseven.”

“Oi Felix, are you awake?” I called out behind the many bookshelves.

“Y/N? Where are you?” Felix asked confused, carefully walking between the bookshelves while trying not to trip over a bundle of books. 

“Felix, come over here.” I waved as I saw him stumbling in the other direction.

“What are you doing here?” Felix asked, looking at his watch. “It’s already past midnight. You should go to bed now.”

“Stop mothering me, and take this,” I said and handed him a wilted-looking book. 

Felix had a baffled look on his face when he eyed the book cover. “Sleeping Beauty? Shall I read this fairy tale to you, so you fall asleep more easily?” he asked jokingly.

I shook my head. “You’re not the one who’s going to read the fairy tale.”

Felix furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. “I’m the reader and you’re the listener,” I clarified, and marched out of the maze of bookshelves.

Still being baffled by what just had happened, Felix froze, not knowing what to do or say. “H-hey, Y/N! Let’s go together!” he called after me.

°•* •* °

A flamboyant night lamp next to Felix’s large double bed poorly lit up the room, but it was enough to read the book. I sat on a stool beside the night lamp while reading the fairy tale to Felix who snuggled up in his blankets.

The story time ended sooner than I thought, because Felix was sound asleep before I could read the end of the fairy tale. At the sight of his cute sleeping face, I couldn’t help but giggle. 

“See you tomorrow, my Sleeping Beauty,” I whispered, and closed the door behind me.

°•* •* °

In the following morning, Felix wasn’t in the dining room. After eating breakfast by myself, I headed to the library, knowing that it was Felix’s actual home. 

But he wasn’t there either. That perplexed me. Where would he go besides the library? My heart felt uneasy and began to beat faster.

Just as I was about to dash out of the library to search him, Felix appeared behind the many bookshelves. “Oh, Y/N, you’re already here. I’m sorry I overslept,” Felix grinned innocently while scratching his forehead.

“It seems like you had a good sleep,” I said, crossing my arms. “As of tomorrow, I’m going to wake you up.”

“Eh? There’s no need. Don’t force yourself,” Felix said, waving it off.

“I can’t have you wandering around without me while I don’t have a clue about your whereabouts. Don’t forget that it’s my duty to protect you,” I argued, being irritated by the current situation.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to shout at you,” I said apologetically once I realized it hadn’t been his fault.

“No, don’t be. If I had set my alarm, I wouldn’t have been late,” Felix said in attempt to set me at ease.

Soon afterwards, silence filled the room where I didn’t dare to look at him.

“You know,” Felix began as he came closer to me, “due to your kindness to read a fairy tale to me, I was able to sleep deeply all night long.”

When I glanced at him, I noticed that he suddenly became nervous.

“So I hope you can do it more often,” Felix said shyly, his face reddened a little.

“If it’s an order, I have no choice but to follow it,” I said smilingly.

Upon seeing how Felix’s eyes crinkled into rainbow-like shapes and his mouth spread into a blinding smile, a warm, tingling feeling rose inside of me. 

In that moment, I somehow suspected what kind of feeling it was, but there was no way it could be true. 

It hasn’t been a week since I started working here, and I already broke several rules:

 I’m talking to the client casually.

 I lost sight of the client. 

And last but not least, I fell in love with the client?!

No, no, no, just no! Get a grip, Y/N! You only had one task, and you’re already screwing up, I thought, and punched myself mentally.

°•* •* °

Luckily, I was somehow able to swallow this feeling down. In this kind of situation, it was the best to draw a line!

“Y/N, can you pass me the bundle of letters, please?” Felix asked, pointing at the letters next to my feet.

I picked up the bundle and handed it to him. Even if we managed to get rid of the the monstrous pile of paperwork yesterday, Felix’s desk was showered with papers again. I sighed and drifted off.

“Are you okay? You seem tired,” Felix remarked, looking up from a letter to turn to me.

The last thing I wanted was him worrying about me, so I put on a fake smile and told him I was just fine. 

Felix put the letter down and rolled his chair over to me. “You’re face is glowing,” he said as he placed his hand on my forehead. 

Of course my face is glowing when your face is only a few inches away from mine, I screeched inside my head.

“Come with me.” Felix stood up, took my hand, and lead me out of the library.

“W-where are we going? I’m really fine!” I exclaimed, but Felix just ignored me and we walked through the large hallway, where the maids stared at us. Without minding them, we walked upstairs. Felix flung my room door open, and closed it as soon as we entered the room. 

“Felix, listen, I’m fine. I could do hundred push-ups here right now,” I said, trying to convince him.

“You’re saying you’re fine, but I’m not fine with it!” Felix countered, looking worried and stressed out.

A long silence followed afterwards, in which we both knew what we actually wanted. I took his hand off of mine, and warmed his hand with both of my hands before I walked him to my bed.

“You’re the one who has to rest,” I said, giving him a comforting smile. “So consider today as your day off, and don’t think of anything else but yourself.”

Felix hesitated to answer. He sat down on the bed and sighed, “Can you ... stay by my side until I fall asleep?”

“Of course,” I nodded, and picked up the book, Sleeping Beauty, which I put on my nightstand. “If you want, I can continue reading this to you,” I offered.

Felix cheered up a little, a shy smile formed on his face, “Yes, please.”

Throughout the day, Felix was in deep sleep without waking up once. Seeing him sleeping peacefully like this is enough. As long as he’s happy and healthy, I don’t need anything else.

Several days have passed since then, and I was sure I’m not able to erase my feelings for him. They kept growing, so I kept calling him in my heart. 

°•* •* ° 

Standing in front of the library, I found a note sticking on the door. 

You don’t have to come to the library today. I’ll see you later.

Felix

What do I do now? I wondered, and went back to my room. Just as I opened the door, I heard my phone rang at the nightstand, but the caller hung up before I was able to answer it. When I checked who had called me, my stomach dropped away downward somewhere. It was a missed call from Mr. Bang, but why would he personally call me? Could it be that he found out about me breaking the rules?! I panicked as my phone began to buzz.

“A text message from Mr. Bang,” I muttered anxiously before reading it.

Y/N, don’t think I’m going to ask you how you’re doing over there, because I won’t.

Tss, what a tsundere, I thought and read on.

Good for me, but rather cumbersome for you. We’ve a long queue of new clients who demand the best bodyguards. In short, you have to come back to the headquarters. I’ve already phoned your current client’s secretary. Pack your belongings, you have one day.  

PS: Don’t dare ignore my call next time.

CB Group CEO Bang Chan

I couldn’t believe what I’ve read just now. A transfer? Does Felix know about this? I wondered, and decided to talk to Changbin first since he was the person Mr. Bang had mentioned in the text message.

°•* •* °

When I was about to knock on Changbin’s office door, I could hear Felix’s voice. He sounded dissatisfied. I carefully opened the door, and stumbled inside. My eyes stopped on Felix’s back as he stood in front of Changbin’s desk. None of them noticed me.

“Yes, it’s true, Felix. Your father’s health stabilized, so your parents might return home sooner than expected,” Changbin explained, clasping his hands together as he put his elbows on the desk. “I know the last few weeks have been hard for you, but once the chairman is able to go to work again, you can go back living your own life,” Changbin said promising.

“No, I won’t. I’ll have to follow my father’s footsteps. That’s why I’m just able to continue if Y/N is by my side,” Felix stated, slamming his hands on Changbin’s desk. “Cancel the transfer. I need Y/N,” he said, looking serious and yet so frustrated.

Upon hearing Felix saying he needed me, my heart began to thump and pound.

“I’m sorry, Felix. Neither me nor you can do anything about it. The transfer documents are signed and sealed,” Changbin clarified.

Felix ran his hand through his hair, and took a deep breath. “Give them to me, the documents, I’ll tear them up,” he said impatiently.

“Just as I’ve said before, there’s nothing you can do about that,” Changbin tried to say as nice as he could, but Felix remained stubborn. 

“That’s enough,” I intervened, holding on Felix’s arm. “Sorry for bothering you,” I said, turning to Changbin, and dragged Felix out of the office room.

“Y/N, why are you holding me back? Is it just me who wants you to stay?” Felix asked, anger and disappointment were written on his face.

“No, I don’t want this to happen either, but you heard what Changbin said,” I paused as his eyes met mine. 

“I don’t care what he said. I won’t let you go,” Felix said, his voice filled with tenderness.

“Did you come here, trying to keep me as your bodyguard?” I asked, being flattered by his effort.

Felix shook his head. “You’re more than just a bodyguard to me. You- ... never mind,” he cleared his throat and walked away.

“When you start talking, you should finish your sentence!” I called after him.

°•* •* °

“There’s something I’m curious about, how did you know about my transfer?” I asked as I took my clothes out of the closet, throwing them in my suitcase.

“Changbin messaged me last night, but he wasn’t in the mansion at that time. So I decided to discuss about your transfer with him today,” Felix replied, watching me trying to close my full suitcase. “That won’t do if you don’t fold your clothes,” Felix said, and shoved me firmly aside.

“I didn’t expect you to be this messy,” Felix chuckled as he began to fold my blazer.

“Nah, I’m not messy, but rather lazy” I said, shrugging my shoulders as I kneeled down to fold my shirts. “I’m sorry for making you cleaning up my stuff.”

“I don’t mind at all since I couldn’t help you in any way. But don’t you have more things to pack? Didn’t you forget anything? Your diary? Your stuffed animal?

My heart?” Felix asked, gazing at me with expectant eyes.

“H-huh? Y-your ... what?” I stammered, not knowing whether I heard right.

Felix put a t-shirt down and moved closer to me, “My heart is yours now, but you’re going to leave. You should take it with you so that you won’t forget me.”

After staring at him, I quickly averted my gaze, hoping that he didn’t noticed how red my face had become, “What- what are you saying.”

“You know what I mean,” Felix said, tilting his head to make eye contact with me, “I like you, Y/N. I like you a lot.”

A quick glimpse at him was enough for me to tell that he waited for an answer. I clutched the shirt in my hands as I gathered my courage to face him. “Even if I told you that I like you too, it wouldn’t change anything. Today is my last day with you, so it’s better to stop at this point instead of starting something new.”

“So you do like me too!” Felix smiled brightly.

“Didn’t you listen to me? Let’s keep the bodyguard-client relationship we have now,” I said even if I’m the happiest person alive right now.

“I don’t want you to see me as your client, though,” Felix countered. “Besides, there’s no point to discuss about it now, because you won’t be able to reject me. I’m annoyingly stubborn, you know.”

“Ah, is that so? Me too. I’m super annoyingly stubborn too,” I said, and was about to stand up as Felix grabbed my wrist. “Y/N, I’m serious. I can’t picture a life without you in it.”

His soft and pleading gaze while looking up at me caused my heart to break. 

“As a bodyguard, isn’t it your job to protect your client? Not just physically, but you have to protect their heart as well,” Felix said as he stood up. “If you’re going like this, ... it’s the same as if you’re throwing my heart away.” 

Felix gently took me into his arms, where I was welcomed with nothing but sincerity and warmth. The great longing we have for each other won’t fade away easily, so we tried to make the best out of this situation.

But time seeped through our hands, and it continued to flow until it was time for me to go.

°•* •* ° 

It was a beautiful summer morning with birds twittering somewhere. Felix and I stood in the forecourt, waiting for the baldie to come with my car.

“Here, take this with you,” Felix said, holding a brown book in his hands.

My eyes widened in surprise as I recognized the book cover, “This is ... ”

“Sleeping Beauty,” Felix continued my sentence. “Read this when you can’t sleep, and ... think of me whenever you see it.“

I looked up to see that Felix was smiling at me. “Thank you. I’ll put it right next to my bed once I arrive at home” I said, returning his smile. “And if you happen to have difficulties to go to sleep, don’t hesitate to call me. I’ll read a fairy tale to you.”

“I’ll even call you when I don’t have a reason to do it,” Felix grinned happily.

Soon afterwards, the baldie drove around the corner and stopped near the iron gate. He got out, and handed me my keys before doddering away.

“I guess we have to say goodbye now,” Felix smiled sadly.

I stared on the ground as I nodded, trying to keep my eyes dry. 

“Y/N, please look at me,” Felix said gently, but I pretended not to listen. “It’s my last order,” he added.

So I did as I was told, and tears started to roll down my cheeks as soon as I saw his enchanting smile. Felix took a step forward, and cupped my cheeks with his hands, wiping my tears with his thumbs away.

“Stop crying or I start crying too,” Felix laughed as he began to squish my face. “That’s not funny,” I mumbled between his hands as he suddenly pulled me in a tight embrace. One of his hands cradled the back of my head and the other one held me closer to him. 

“Let’s meet again,” he muttered into my hair. “I love you, Y/N.”

I buried my crying face in his shoulder, “Me too. I love you so much.”

We remained like this for a while, waiting for one of us to pull away. 

When I drove out of the forecourt, Felix kept waving at me until the big iron gate closed by itself. 

The red rose bushes on either side of the stone-surfaced path let me reminisce about the first time I drove to the mansion.

And if I think about it again, Felix is indeed the male version of the Sleeping Beauty. The red rose bushes symbolize the thorn hedges in the fairy tale. The mansion is the castle, and the incapacity to reduce Felix’s working hours are the sleeping people in the castle since they weren’t able to help the princess.

Through a kiss the princess awakened, but could I relieve Felix of his work?

°•* •* °

One week later~

“That’s so unfair! You hit the jackpot yet again! And then there’s me who has to hang up with a hairless cat,” Woojin whined as he handed me the data of my new client.

“Some day you’ll be friends with that cat,” I laughed and took the folder. “Hang in there!” I tried to cheer him up, and waved goodbye when I left the office room.

°•* •* °

Having arrived at the house of the client, I stood still in order to calm myself down. “Okay, Y/N. You can do this,” I said to myself, and rang the door bell.

I couldn’t believe my eyes as a certain person I know all too well had opened the front door.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Lee Felix,” he introduced himself, and extended his hand as his kind eyes crinkled into rainbow-like shapes.

“And again, I ask you to take good care of me from today onwards.”

[ohmyarda]

Thesis on Morgoth and Sauron and their roles as Dark Lords (Part 2/4)

For my Tolkien project, I decided I was going to explore the dynamics of Morgoth and Sauron and see if I could make an estimate as to whether or not one was more effective as dark lord than the other. I did this in regard as I would not be able to debate whether or not one was more powerful (seeing as the Valar are higher beings then the Maiar, and seeing that Melkor was the eldest, he of course is indisputably stronger than Sauron).

However, just because you’re more powerful doesn’t always mean you’re more effective. We see this all throughout history in examples where generals themselves might not be very capable in battle but are able to gain mastery by being clever strategist. Therefore that inspired me to research if one could argue whether or not Morgoth or Sauron came closer to accomplishing their dominion over Middle Earth (or Beleriand).

I did this by looking at a few key characteristics-- longevity of rule (but more importantly, what was achieved), servants (those who served under them and attributed to their victories), their primary enemies (or the state of those they fought against), as well as their defeat (and what caused the finale fall). Then I concluded with their legacy and the impact they have throughout the legendarium.

Servants 

Armies are what win wars and it’s important to employ those who will help you and not hurt you under your command. What is also important is your relationship with said army and servants. Those who desire your victory will work harder to accomplish it. Those who are merely doing so in order to survive do not possess the same initiative.

General Disclaimer

I am not at all an expert, just a very passionate individual in Tolkien’s lore. Therefore some of what is stated throughout this essay may be based upon faulted research and weighed heavily by personal interpretation and opinion. So please do keep such in mind. Most of the information here was found within The Silmarillion, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Unfinished Tales, as well as Tolkien Gateway and Wikipedia.

Morgoth

Major Servants (* most of these summaries taken from the Tolkien Gateway)

Sauron: The greatest and most trusted servant of Morgoth before and during the First Age. Originally a Maia of Aulë named "Mairon", he was ensnared by Melkor and as "Gorthaur" he became Morgoth's lieutenant in his Wars of Beleriand. He demonstrated the ability to take the form of a wolf, a serpent, and a vampire.

Glaurung: First of the dragons and one of the foremost lieutenants of Morgoth during the First Age-- possessed a unique power to charm and ensare his prey and said to be the mightiest of dragons.

Ancalagon: Greatest of the winged Dragons of Morgoth. Morgoth unleashed the winged dragons, with Ancalagon at their van. Ancalagon drove back the forces of the Valar, but was stopped by Eärendil.

Gothmog: High-captain of Angband, one of the chief servants of Morgoth with a rank equal to that of Sauron. One of the Maiar that followed Melkor to exile, and because of either his brilliant mind or because of his ability to assume an immensely powerful physical form, he was made the Lord of Balrogs.

Carcharoth: Bred from the foul breed of Draugluin, the first Werewolf, and fed with elvish and mannish flesh by Morgoth himself. He was the greatest, most powerful wolf to ever live. Carcharoth was set as a guard on the Gates of Angband, and later he mortally wounded both Huan, the Hound of Valinor, and Beren

Minor Servants

Dragons: Also known as the Great Worms; they were evil creatures seen mostly in the northern Middle-earth. Greedy, cunning, seductive and malicious, a creation by Morgoth out of fire and sorcery sometime in the First Age. Included species such as fire-drakes and cold-drakes.

Balrogs: Balrogath ("Balrog-kind") were Maiar corrupted by Morgoth during the creation of Arda, who cloaked themselves in shadow and flame and carried whips and swords. Famed Balrogs include Gothmog, slain by Ecthelion, and Durin's Bane, slain by Olórin (Gandalf).

Draugluin: The first werewolf. Bred from wolves and inhabited with an evil spirit sent by Morgoth himself, Draugluin was the sire of all Werewolves of Beleriand, and dwelled with his master Sauron in Tol-in-Gaurhoth, the former watchtower of Finrod Felagund. He was slain by Huan during the Quest for the Silmaril, though informed Sauron that Huan was present. Beren and Lúthien used his pelt to sneak into Angband

Giants, Goblins, Trolls: Twisted creatures, created by Morgoth.

Orcs: Orcs were the footsoldiers of evil overlords - Morgoth, Sauron and Saruman. Made in the mockery of elves sometime during the Great Darkness.

Ungoliant (and her children): Ungoliant was an evil spirit in a form that greatly resembled a massive Spider. Ungoliant's origins are shrouded in mystery. It is thought that she may have been one of the Maiar, or a lesser spirit, whom Melkor corrupted long ago, but she is not listed among the Ainur. It is also said that she came from the darkness above the skies of Arda, leading some to believe that she may be an incarnation of darkness or emptiness itself.

Maeglin: Maeglin was an Elf, the son of Eöl the Dark Elf and Aredhel daughter of Fingolfin. He lived in the First Age of Middle-earth and was a lord of Gondolin, chief of the House of the Mole. Morgoth promised both Gondolin and Idril in return for the location of the hidden city, thus luring Maeglin into the greatest treachery done in the Elder Days. He gave him a token that would allegedly keep him safe from the sack.

Conclusion

If one thing could be noted is that Morgoth had a decent understanding of hierarchy. He expressed a remarkable ability within the Silmarillion to gain trust in those around him-- something in which could be his greatest ability besides strength.

It could easily be said that Morgoth possessed greater servants than Sauron; seeing as many were of his own creations. He had the Balrogs under his authority, as well as dragons and being of unknown origins. He wasn't suffering in terms of followers and it could even be said that he was a decent lord in terms of servitude.

While man suffered under his lash, the orcs were seen as masters in their own right. Maeglin was offered Gondolin upon it's surrender and the hand of the woman he loved. Gothmog led armies; Glaurung, Ancalagon, and Carchathor were given life. Morgoth didn't make empty promises-- perhaps they weren't always honest, but he was able to give individuals a purpose.

He didn't abuse what trust was granted to him once he had what he desired and therefore possessed a rather impressive relationship with those who followed him. While some, such as Ungoliant, would come to betray him-- such were few and far between, unlike Sauron whose servants often had their own ideas..

Sauron Major Servants

Nazgûl: Known as the Nine Riders or Black Riders, were Sauron's "most terrible servants" in Middle-earth. Sometime during the Second, Sauron gave nine Rings of Power to powerful mortal Men. It is said that three of the Nine were lords of Númenor corrupted by Sauron, and one was a king among the Easterlings

One-Ring: An artifact created by Sauron in the Second Age for the purpose of ruling over the Free peoples of Middle-earth, mainly the Elves. It was also known as the Ruling Ring, Great Ring of Power and Isildur's Bane because it caused the death of Isildur.

Thuringwethil: Vampire servant of Sauron during the First Age. She was Sauron's messenger, but was caught in the battle between her master, Lúthien and Huan at Tol-in-Gaurhoth ("Isle of Werewolves"). She was slain either by the Hound of Valinor or in the collapse of Minas Tirith. Lúthien later used her cloak to sneak into Angband during the Quest for the Silmaril. Because of Thuringwethil's ability to change forms, she may have been a Maia

Witch-king: The Witch-king of Angmar was the chief of the Nazgûl, King of Angmar and Sauron’s great captain in his wars. A wraith, the Witch-king of Angmar was nearly indestructible, a terrifying warrior, and a cunning strategist.

Mouth of Sauron: Sauron's servant and representative at the end of the Third Age. He had the title Lieutenant of Barad-dûr, since he was so strongly devoted to the Dark Lord. The Mouth of Sauron was one of the Black Númenóreans.

Saurman: Saruman the White was the first of the order of Wizards (or Istari) who came to Middle-earth as Emissaries of the Valar in the Third Age. He was the leader of the White Council. In Sindarin his name was Curunír, which meant "Man of Skill”. It soon became clear that Saruman desired to possess the One Ring himself.

Shelob: A great spider-like creature akin to those of Nan Dungortheb in Beleriand, the last offspring of the demonic Ungoliant. Shelob fed off with all living things, such as Elves and Men, but as these became scarce in the area, she fed upon orcs. Sauron would sometimes send her captured prisoners for whom he had no further use and amuse himself watching how she played with her prey.

Minor Servants

Ar-Pharazôn: Ar-Pharazôn the Golden was the twenty-fifth and last King of Númenor. He was the son of Gimilkhâd, who was the younger brother of the twenty-fourth King, Tar-Palantir. Ar-Pharazôn's willful rule, and his great pride, led directly to the world-changing Downfall of Númenor and the founding of the realms in exile of Arnor and Gondor.

Fellbeasts: Winged creatures with beak and claws, similar to birds but much larger than any other flying beast. They were used as winged mounts of the Nazgûl

Giants, Goblins, Trolls: Twisted creatures, created by Morgoth.

Orcs: Orcs were the footsoldiers of evil overlords - Morgoth, Sauron and Saruman. Made in the mockery of elves sometime during the Great Darkness.

Smeagle/Golum: was a creature who bore the One Ring. He lived in the Misty Mountains for most of his life. In T.A. 2941, he lost the Ring to Bilbo Baggins. For the rest of his life he sought to recover his "precious". Eventually he would come to seize the Ring from Frodo in Sammath Naur. In his euphoria he died and destroyed the Ring after falling into the cracks of Mount Doom.

Werewolves: Wolves, inhabited by dreadful spirits, they were created (or a least corrupted from some other form) by Sauron, who was their master, and who took the shape of a great wolf himself at least once.

Wargs: An evil breed of demonic wolves, suggesting that they were inhabited by evil spirits. The origin of the breed is unknown - perhaps they were among the creatures bred by Morgoth in the Elder Days. In any case, Gandalf listed the Wargs among Sauron's servants in the late Third Age.

Vampire Bats: Vampires were mysterious bat-like creatures in the service of Morgoth and of Sauron. The only vampire whose name is recorded in the annals of Arda is Sauron's servant Thuringwethil, but Sauron himself took the form of a vampire on at least one occasion, to flee Huan.

Flies: Tiresome, flying insects.

Conclusion

For an individual who was as persuasive and charismatic as he, it was almost more so beneficial to be an enemy of Sauron than among his servants, to which he arguably held a weak relationship with.

The orcs within the Lord of the Rings constantly confess to fearing him and seem almost bitter of their existence-- often being fed to Shelob; who she herself remarked that Sauron believed her to be nothing more then a pet, in which he was gravely mistaken.

Saurman and Golum both expressed a willingness to betray Sauron as soon as they were able and the Nazgûl, his chief servants, were only obeying on the account that their fates were doomed to the One Ring.

Even Ar-Pharazôn humored Sauron in a mere attempt for immortality and therefore many trusted little in the Dark Lord himself.

One could then argue is that Sauron's greatest servant was the One Ring, which in reality, was him. Which-- if one were familiar with the characteristic of Sauron, would be of no surprise that he trusted himself first and foremost.

Therefore Sauron was ignorant in the needs and desires of those in servitude to him and perhaps that was why he favored the more animalistic creatures in his service. Something to which couldn't and wouldn't doubt him.

Overall Conclusion

Both possessed a various assortment of powerful individuals under their authority. However, Morgoth expressed a more natural ability to lead and keep those beneath his authority, sedated. Sauron was perfect at manipulating those around him, but could not establish a relationship as seemed almost natural to Morgoth. Besides, Morgoth even had the undying loyalty of Sauron, who trusted himself most of all. If he could seduce a maiar such as he, then that speaks levels to Morgoth's influence in those who listened.

[rose-of-pollux]

The Yorick Affair (MFU oneshot)

Title: The Yorick Affair Rating: G Summary: The search for a valuable artifact leads Napoleon and Illya to a Shakespeare festival, where they will need to utilize all of their wit and resourcefulness... and their knowledge of the Bard.  Dedicated to Robert Vaughn. Notes: This is a ficlit I wrote for the Shakespeare challenge at Section 7; it’s a fun little romp, and since Robert Vaughn was one of the (if not the) biggest Hamlet fans around, I’d like to dedicate this ficlit to him.

If you prefer reading on FFN, you can read it here: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12460511/1/ If you prefer reading on AO3, you can read it here: http://archiveofourown.org/works/10710915

Illya had been expecting to see a lot of people in costume as they investigated a Shakespeare festival’s celebration of the Bard’s work.  But the Russian hadn’t expected that his partner would be among those in costume; Napoleon was dressed as Prince Hamlet, in all black, with a tunic embroidered with gold threads on the shoulders and collar, and black tights—and even a touch of black eyeliner.  Illya had stared at him for a good five minutes before just shaking his head and realizing that nothing was going to change Napoleon’s mind, so he didn’t even bother trying.

“Dare I ask where you got that costume from?” Illya inquired, as they walked past numerous craft tents and small, open stages where amateur performers were reciting from the Elizabethan plays.

“Oh, it’s mine,” Napoleon said, with a grin.  “Birthday gift from Del Floria one year—been waiting for a chance to use it.”

“I, for one, am astounded that you did not wear it to one of the Halloween parties we throw each year.”

“Oh, I wanted to,” Napoleon admitted.  “But I like it when our costumes coordinate, and I didn’t think you’d want to be Horatio. …Though you could pass for him if no one took a second glance…”

“What?  I do not look like…”  Illya trailed off as he looked at himself in his black turtleneck and matching black pants.  He sighed and rolled his eyes, hiding his amusement.  “I did not plan for this.”

“Oh, I know,” Napoleon said, with a chuckle.  “Like I said, this doesn’t seem to be your thing.”

Illya arched an eyebrow, and then began to recite one of Horatio’s lines from the first act—

“Season your admiration for a while with an attent ear, till I may deliver, upon the witness of these gentlemen, this marvel to you.”

Napoleon froze as he began to speak, and then turned to face Illya with an absolutely giddy expression.

“For God’s love, let me hear,” he quoted in return, but truly meaning it, as well; the admiration was evident in his voice.

But Illya merely smiled.

“Later, Napoleon; we are on a mission, remember?” he teased.

Napoleon scoffed as they continued past the vendors and actors.

“You’ve been holding out on me,” he said.

“I assure you I have not,” Illya insisted.   “There has never been a necessity to quote the Bard on any of our missions before.”

“Didn’t have to be in missions.  We could have gone as Hamlet and Horatio last Halloween.”

“What, you want us to bore everyone at the part by quoting sections from the play all evening?”

“No one could find that boring,” Napoleon insisted, scoffing again.  “With lines like this?  ‘Tis now the very witching time of night, when churchyards yawn…”  He paused and grinned as a passerby, impressed with either his costume or his delivery (or both), gave him a thumbs-up, and he silently acknowledged the praise.  “Speaking about churchyards, what do you think about our mission objective?”

“The crystal skull?” Illya asked.

“Yeah.  THRUSH claiming that they want to get their hands on an ancient crystal skull—one of a set of thirteen with, allegedly, powers beyond our imaginings,” Napoleon said.  He was a bit more open to the idea of the supernatural than Illya, but even he was finding this one hard to swallow.

Illya, sure enough, shook his head.

“I have no desire to even acknowledge that,” he said firmly.  “Regardless, the fact remains that the skull is a valuable antiquity, is stolen property according to international antiquities laws, and it cannot be allowed to fall into THRUSH’s hands, lest they sell it to fund their schemes.”

“Considering that most of the crystal skulls are still lost, it’s a mystery in and of itself as to who found it and subsequently stole it,” Napoleon said.  “As well as why they would want to make the sale here—in a Shakespeare Festival, of all places.”

“Oh, I can answer why they would choose this place,” Illya said.  He indicated Napoleon’s costume.  “This is the one place where someone could carry around a large skull and no one would give them a second glance.  Now, we must find our crystal Yorick before THRUSH does.”

“Working on that,” Napoleon said, indicating the list of vendors and actors that the organizers of the fair had given him.  “We’ll have to check on the Hamlet performances—all the amateur ones, and the official one tonight.”

“That can be your area,” Illya said.  “You would enjoy it best.”

Napoleon grinned again.

“I would, indeed,” he said. “That leaves you to appreciate all the crafts booths and hope that one of them…”  He trailed off, suddenly frowning.  “What…?”

“What is it?  You found a suspect?”

“You could say that…” Napoleon said, handing him the list and watching as Illya perused it.

Illya then paused, his eyebrows arching.

“…Edward Partridge?” he asked, looking to Napoleon in surprise.  “Not…?”

“We’ll find out,” Napoleon said, pulling out his communicator. “George?  I need you to look up something for me in our database.  You know your way around that computer better than anyone else I know.”

“Thanks for that vote of confidence,” George said.  “What do you want to know?”

“Our file on Emory Partridge—does he have any known relatives?”

“Oh, that’s easy to find out; just give me a second…” George said.  There was a pause.  “Well, you know about his wife, Edith.”

“We’ve met,” Napoleon agreed.

“His sister, Hester? It says she’s deceased.”

“We’ve met her, too,” Napoleon said.  “But we didn’t stop to think that they were related.”

“Hester Partridge had two children—a son, Barnaby, and a daughter, Victoria…” Geroge continued. “Barnaby’s status is deceased; Victoria’s is unknown.”

“We have met them, too,” Illya said, scowling at the reminder of Barnaby Partridge and what had transpired at Club Thanatopsis.  “Is there anyone in his family named Edward Partridge?”

“Um…  Actually, yes.”

“Another nephew?” Napoleon asked.

“Nope.  Son.”

“What!?” Napoleon and Illya exclaimed, in unison.

“Yep,” George says. “Says right here that Emory and Edith had one child, about your age; he had gone off to further his studies well before you chased his parents into the jungle.  Why do you ask?  Is this about the crystal skull mission you’re on?”

“It sure is; he might be the one selling it to THRUSH.  Why are we only finding out about his existence now?” Napoleon asked.

“Because Edward Partridge has done an excellent job of keeping his head down since the first time you exiled his parents,” George said.  “Just be careful with him, you two.  The both of you had his parents arrested after that Eastsnout incident. And then you tangled with Emory again in the Yukon, and then led to the deaths of Hester and Barnaby.  Edward has had a long time to decide that he’d ally himself with THRUSH since you are their sworn enemy.  You know the old saying--the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”

Napoleon exhaled.

“So, not only do I have a Horatio, but it looks like I’ve got a Laertes, too.”

“Huh?”

“Never mind; I’ll explain it later,” Napoleon said.  “Well, thanks for confirming that we have a prime suspect.  Hopefully we can recover Yorick without too much trouble.”

“Anytime,” George said. As the channel closed, they heard him quietly mutter, “Yorick?”

“Shall we pay a visit to Edward Partridge’s vendor tent?” Illya asked.

“Let’s,” Napoleon said.

It took a bit of time for them to find the tent, but they found it soon enough.  Edward Partridge was mostly selling what claimed to be replica of armor and weapons that would have been used in the various plays. There were also a few skulls on display, all of them made of crystal.

“One of them must be the antiquity,” Illya realized.  “He is waiting for a THRUSH representative.”

“Illya, I need a distraction.”

“Consider it done,” the Russian said.

Without anther word, Illya dashed forward, grabbed a rapier from the ones that Edward was selling, and ran. Napoleon watched as Edward took one of the crystal skulls with him, closed his tent, and then engaged in pursuit.

Napoleon exhaled again as he, too, joined the chase; in hindsight, he should have expected that Edward wouldn’t have left something so valuable unguarded.  Still, he had saved them time by helping pinpoint which of the skulls had been the genuine one.  Now, they had to get it from him.

Illya was already one step ahead; he had darted behind a tent once he had seen Napoleon give chase; as Edward continued the chase, Illya punched him squarely in the jaw.  The force of the hit sent Edward falling backward, and the crystal skull fell from his grip.  Napoleon dove to catch the skull, succeeded, and then got back to his feet and continued to run with Illya.

“He’s quite green, isn’t he?” Illya commented.  “He should have seen that coming.”

“He was smart enough to take Yorick with him; you ought to give him credit for that,” Napoleon mused. “The question now is, how do we go about apprehending him, too?”  He glanced over his shoulder again, pausing in his tracks as he realized that Edward was not following them.

“We do need to know his THRUSH contacts,” Illya agreed.  “But trying to find him in this fair will be difficult.”

“He might have gone back to his tent—rally some supporters he can charm in order to try to stop us,” Napoleon said.  “We’ve got to make a choice—be content with just recovering Yorick, or try to get him, too.”

“This is your case; I would say it is your call to make,” Illya said.

Napoleon thought over this for a moment.

“Well, I’m feeling lucky—and greedy,” Napoleon said.  “And besides, if he escapes, he’ll probably use the chance to come up with some crazy revenge scheme like his dear old dad has done on occasion.”

“True.  And we have the perfect bait to lure him out,” Illya said, indicating the skull that Napoleon was holding.  “THRUSH is expecting that skull; Edward Partridge is smart enough to know that if they do not get what they are expecting, it will be a dark day for him.”

Napoleon nodded.

“Let’s get to his tent—we’ll approach together, but cautiously, in case he has a small army with him.”

They began to walk back towards the tent, pausing as, from a distance, it was clear that the tent was open again—and empty.

“Did he leave already?” Illya asked, puzzled.  “Before THRUSH would arrive to see his failure?”

“I guess that’s also possible,” Napoleon said, sounding disappointed.  “Well, let’s return with this and see if we can track him down--”

Napoleon trailed off as an arrow zipped past him and embedded itself into a nearby tree, narrowly missing his head.

“He hasn’t run; he’s hiding—and fighting back,” Illya said, dragging Napoleon into the crowd. “Although he is still very green—why does he not use a gun?”

“I, for one, prefer this method of attack,” Napoleon said, wryly.  “Come on; the nearest exit is this way; we’ll get to the car and call for backup to help with apprehending him.”

They dodged another arrow, but soon found that the crowds around them provided to be as much a hindrance as a way to disappear; trying to go against the crowd, towards the exit, was not working, and the duo found themselves swept along near one of the stages—it was one of the amateur stages, which was allowing any attendee to come up and recite.  People were applauding someone who had just recited a soliloquy from another play—and left the stage from behind, away from the crowd.

“Illya,” Napoleon said. “Follow me; I’ve got an idea.”

He took the Russian by the hand and hopped onto the stage, sweeping past a couple who had been ready to go on as Romeo and Juliet; Napoleon quickly apologized, and the couple graciously let them cut ahead in line.

Napoleon cast a glance out at the crowd; not seeing Edward, he held the crystal skull in his hands and, moving to ensure that he was not an easy target, and began to recite—

“Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio: a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy: he hath borne me on his back a thousand times; and now, how abhorred in my imagination it is!”

Both he and Illya kept their eyes open, not seeing Edward, and as Napoleon and Illya finished the scene and people applauded them, they took their bows and moved to retreat backstage.

But Edward suddenly appeared from backstage, brandishing a rapier, blocking their exit and leaving the duo wondering how he had managed to get back there before him.

Napoleon thought fast and signaled to Illya, who quickly handed him the rapier he had taken from Edward before.

“Come, for the third, Laertes: you but dally,” Napoleon quoted.  “I pray you, pass with your best violence; I am afeard you make a wanton of me.”

Edward sneered at him.

“Say you so?  Come on,” he returned.

They began to fence as Illya watched on, cautiously, his hand going for his Special in his pocket, waiting for the right moment to use it; the crowd seemed to be focused on the duel, so all he needed was an opening…

He got it as Napoleon and Edward both drew back, aiming to run the other through; Illya’s silencer was on, and no one heard the pop as Edward was tranquilized and dropped to the stage like a stone.

Napoleon, still holding onto the crystal skull, now sunk to the stage as well.

“Heaven make thee free of it!  I follow thee,” he gasped.  “I am dead, Horatio.  Wretched queen, adieu!  You that look pale and tremble at this chance, that are but mutes or audience to this act, had I but time--as this fell sergeant, death, is strict in his arrest--O, I could tell you--But let it be. Horatio, I am dead…”

Illya gathered Napoleon in his arms, acting his part by gently placing his forehead against Napoleon’s, and the two of them acted out the rest of the scene, culminating in Horatio’s famous line—

“Goodnight, sweet prince,” Illya quoted, gently kissing him.  “And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!”

The crowd burst into wild applause, and Illya gently carried Napoleon backstage, and then came back to drag Edward off, as well.

Finally, they made it back to their car, with the still-tranquilized Edward handcuffed in the backseat, as they headed back to the nearest U.N.C.L.E. outpost.

“Well, I have to say that this was one of our more enjoyable missions,” Napoleon said.

“Of course you would think so, Sweet Prince…”

Napoleon grinned, and then pondered over something.

“Say, Illya, after we leave the younger Partridge in one of our holding cells, I don’t suppose we could--”

“You wish to come back here to the festival once we have dropped him off?” Illya finished.

“Well…”

But Illya responded with an amused chuckle.

“Very well, Napoleon; I, too, would find it an interesting time.  Perhaps you will regale even more people with your Hamlet recitations.”

“We,” Napoleon corrected him.  “I couldn’t have made it this far without my Horatio, after all.”

And Illya smiled now—a genuine smile, one of the rare ones that he would only let slip in front of Napoleon.

“Likewise, Napoleon. Likewise.”

And the two of them chatted as they headed back to the outpost, eager to enjoy their upcoming downtime.