lilandraws - Tumblr blog

lilandraws · 4 months ago

Text

Week 2 - Getting to know each other

— Wherein Tadashi tries to get to know his bride before their wedding through the eyes of the palace servants yet they give him no satisfactory answer. Characters: [ Tadashi Hamada x Queen Elsa ], Hiro Hamada, Aunt Cass, Kai Rating: T Words: 3,547 words, oneshot Tags: Post-Movie: Frozen (2013), Arranged marriage, very very loosely inspired by Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, First Kiss, Getting to know each other, Sharing a bed

Read on AO3

“Are you really okay with this?” Hiro asked, his voice barely a whisper.

Tadashi threw his brother a look before glancing at the servants bustling in the hall and at the master of the household, Kai, who was leading them to their room. Aunt Cass pursed her lips and shook her head at Hiro. The young boy’s eyes widened and shut his mouth, only now realizing his mistake. They followed Kai to another hallway then in front of a beautiful white double door. The room was as magnificent as the rest of the castle with tall ceilings, wide windows, velvet curtains, and plush furniture. Their luggage was already in the room. On the corner was a mannequin wearing what looked to be an Arendellian man’s traditional wedding attire. Hiro couldn’t help but whistle.

Kai showed them around the room and gave them a walkthrough of their day ahead. This room was going to be Hiro’s for the duration of the week’s events, while Aunt Cass had her own room just next door. Tadashi will be getting ready in Hiro’s room for the day but will eventually move to the royal quarters after the wedding. The wedding will be at midday and there will be servants coming up to help Tadashi get dressed in half an hour. Then there will be a reception to introduce the couple and the alliance to the kingdom.

“We’ve met Princess Anna,” Aunt Cass started. “Will we have an audience with Her Majesty before the wedding? I’m sure she is as charming as her sister. I would like to extend my gratitude for hosting us and accepting the alliance of our kingdoms.”

Kai smiled, though Tadashi caught a glimpse of his shoulders tensing. “I’m afraid Her Majesty will only meet you during and after the ceremony,” he said. “She has important matters to attend to beforehand, but I can assure you that she is as pleased as you are for the union and the alliance.”

“Ah, I see,” Aunt Cass pursed her lips.

Tadashi stepped forward, wrapping an arm around his aunt’s shoulder. “We’ll look forward to the ceremony and the reception then. From the letters we’ve exchanged, Queen Elsa sounds like a marvelous woman and I hope to be an acceptable husband for her.”

Aunt Cass sighed, patting his hand on her shoulder. “More than acceptable, I hope.”

“Yes,” Kai nodded. “Well, I shall leave you for now so you can get some rest before the preparations. You must be exhausted from your journey. Please excuse me. If you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to call on us by pulling one of the ropes.” He motioned towards the thick silver rope next to the door and next to the bed.

“Thank you, Kai,” Tadashi smiled.

“Lady Hamada, shall I show you to your room?” Kai asked.

“Yes,” Aunt Cass nodded and Kai opened the door for her. “You boys, be in your best behavior please. I’m talking to you, Hiro,” she chided before following Kai out the door.

“Yes, Aunt Cass,” Hiro deadpanned. Once the door closed, the young boy turned to his brother. “This is real. This is happening. You’re getting married to a stranger!”

“Not a complete stranger,” Tadashi corrected. He sat down on the couch and ran his fingers through his hair, sighing. “I wish we knew more about her though.”

Hiro plopped down next to him. “Are you really okay with this?” He repeated the question from his blunder in the hall.

Tadashi laughed. “We’ve been discussing the alliance for the past year and travelling for days, and now you ask?”

Hiro elbowed his brother’s rib—”ow!"—and rolled his eyes, “Well, it didn't really sink in until now." The young boy looked out the window, “This castle feels a bit empty, don’t you think? I read about the kingdom. They became a bit reserved with their politics fifteen years ago and their alliances with their neighboring kingdoms aren’t as strong as they used to be, so why did they choose to make an alliance with our kingdom when it would have benefitted them more to strengthen their existing nearby alliances? And! An alliance through marriage is so archaic, I can't believe the council actually agreed with it.”

Tadashi shook his head, smiling. He could answer all of his questions and observations but, “Again, only now do you think about and question this whole ordeal?” Teasing was more fun.

“I was preoccupied by my excitement over travelling and getting access to a new library," Hiro huffed. "I heard they have an extensive collection about magic.”

"I didn't know you were interested in that. You have always been a man of science,” Tadashi said. He stood up when servants came knocking. They brought with them platters of food, a platform, sewing kits, and all sorts of measuring tools.

“Magic is just science we don't understand yet," Hiro said, getting out of the way of the staff and fishing a cookie from one of the platters.

Many hands measured and pulled on his limbs, Tadashi had lost count on the amount of times they commented on his height and stature. Little bits of food were given for him to taste as well, to make sure the Royal Chef’s attempts at making San Fransokyo food were acceptable. Hiro had cringed at a few of the dishes, but Tadashi thought it was decent enough if they were cooking the recipes without knowing what the food should taste like.

“If you don’t mind,” Tadashi started as a seamstress took his measurements. “What is the queen like?”

“She’s excellent, my Lord,” the seamstress answered without missing a beat. The other servants had answers in the same vein. Sticking to a singular adjective, expecting Tadashi and Hiro to picture perfection. Even when asked about her hobbies and interests, their answers had been very careful and vague. Yes, she likes to read. Yes, she is interested in technology. No, she has not tried spicy food.

“Is she anything like Princess Anna?” Hiro asked when it was his turn on the platform.

“Oh, not at all,” the seamstress smiled. “They are similar in some ways, I would say. But their differences are stark.”

“The queen must be a monster then,” Hiro said.

“Hiro,” Tadashi warned.

“That is not what I meant!” the seamstress shook her head, clasping her hands together. “Her Majesty is as kind as the Princess. She is just and wise and she listens well to her kingdom. She is simply…more reserved than Princess Anna.”

“My apologies for my brother’s rude behavior,” Tadashi said. He shot a look at Hiro who shrugged, absolutely proud of himself for getting an answer that wasn’t just a positive adjective. He took a deep breath. “Do you mind if I get some fresh air for a bit? Kai said there’s a garden in the courtyard.”

The seamstress’ shoulders relaxed, “Yes, there is. Do you need assistance to get there?”

“I’ll find it,” Tadashi smiled.

Tadashi greeted the staff he passed on the way. They all worked tirelessly to make the castle spotless and ready for the celebrations. Pristine windows, shiny floors, flowers galore. The courtyard was easy enough to find. Cold air greeted him the moment he stepped out, despite it already being summer. He shuddered. This was something he needed to get used to. As he wandered about the garden, a few grunts of frustration caught his attention. There was a young woman, trying and failing to climb the walls. Her striking white hair falling from her braided bun.

“Are you alright?” Tadashi called out. “Do you need assistance?”

The woman froze for a few moments. She then took a deep breath, collected herself as if nothing happened, and turned to face him. Her blue eyes were as extraordinary as her white hair. They almost looked like frosted glass. Her deep indigo dress complimented her features. It was structured, with long sleeves and a wide neckline. He wondered if she was a wedding guest. “Yes, I’m quite alright, thank you,” she said, her voice snapping Tadashi out of his thoughts. “I was just getting fresh air.”

Tadashi’s lips curved into a small smile, “Is the air fresher up there?”

The woman blushed, pursing her lips. She clasped her hand, glancing at the wall behind her. “I just wanted to take a walk outside the palace walks but the garden exits are locked, and I’m not quite sure who has the keys.”

“So you resorted to—”

“Climbing the wall, yes,” she chuckled. She blocked the sun from her eyes with her hand. “You must be a guest. Hiro Hamada, I assume? I apologize for not meeting your family, I have been…busy.”

Tadashi’s eyes widened. He stepped forward and bowed, “Your Majesty, I didn’t realize—”

“Please, there’s no need,” she said, waving him off. “You found me trying to escape, I don’t think formalities are the priority anymore.”

“Right,” Tadashi smiled. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person. My name is Tadashi Hamada of San Fransokyo.”

“Tadashi?” Elsa muttered, her voice lifting in surprise. “I thought you’d be an older man.”

Tadashi raised an eyebrow, “I’m sorry to disappoint?”

Elsa laughed, soft and quiet. “No, no. Just wasn’t what I expected, is all. Your council did not write their candidates’ ages on the list, and I never bothered to ask. You seemed older in the letters we exchanged,” she said. “How are you finding your stay at the castle thus far?”

“We appreciate your hospitality, ma’am. We have been in good hands. I do apologize in advance for whatever trouble or offense my brother might cause, especially towards the staff. He seems to believe that his genius mind exempts him from rules,” Tadashi said.

“That is the burden of brilliance, isn’t it?” Elsa hummed. Before she could say another word, the castle bells rang. Ten times. Two hours before the wedding. “Ah,” she said, looking at the bell tower. “We must be going then. It was nice to meet you, Tadashi.”

“Likewise, Your Majesty,” Tadashi bowed.

“Please,” Elsa said. “Call me Elsa.”

“Alright,” Tadashi smiled. “I will see you at the altar, Elsa.”

Tadashi wished he enjoyed the wedding ceremony and reception, but most of it involved them being dragged to places, signing contracts, getting photographs taken, and meeting dignitaries. He barely had the chance to look at his bride—now, wife, and their wedding kiss was barely a touch. After the reception, he was once again corralled into a room and was changed into his nightgowns. Kai informed him that his luggage had been transferred to the royal quarters as he escorted him there. Now, standing in front of the white double doors of the royal quarters, everything sunk in. A heavy weight settled in the pit of his stomach and his heart rattled his ribs. Two servants by the door ceremoniously opened the door and it was as if a force greater than himself pushed him inside. The door closed behind him and he walked to the middle of what looked to be a sitting room. There was a full set of sitting room furniture with light blue cushions and dark wood. To his left and to his right were double doors, opened wide to reveal two bedchambers.

He found Elsa in the room to the right, sitting on her bed. Her room was much colder than the sitting room. She stood up when she saw him, meeting him halfway. She looked divine. The moonlight turned her long white hair silver, her scarlet nightgown complimenting her milky skin tone. How come none of the servants mentioned her beauty when he asked about her?

“Hello,” Tadashi said and Elsa echoed, her voice wavering. Tadashi looked around. The bed was a canopy with scarlet curtains and lavender beddings. A great window caught his attention, overlooking the palace courtyard and gates. There were a few chairs strewn about, along with a writing desk and accent tables. He took a deep breath, feeling her eyes watching him take in the room around him. “I read that monarchies would have an audience to guarantee that the couple have consummated,” he said. “Is that not practiced in Arendelle?”

Elsa’s blue eyes widened before she cleared her throat. She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, “We haven’t practiced that tradition since before my grandfather’s time. There are servants just outside the doors but that is customary regardless of the occasion.”

“I see.”

Tadashi barely moved since he walked inside her room. He didn’t even realize he walked in without being invited! He self-consciously wrapped his arms around himself then deciding that it wasn’t a good look and kept his arms glued to his side. Elsa kept her eyes glued to the floor, seemingly as frozen as he was. Tadashi took a deep breath. They didn’t have to do this now, did they? It’s been a long day, they were both exhausted from the day’s events, and they barely had the opportunity to truly talk with each other.

Surprisingly, Elsa was the first to break the silence. “Shall we begin?” she stuttered. She looked at him in the eyes and straightened her posture, clearly trying to be firm and confident but her voice had given her away.

Tadashi nodded, “Do you know…the process?”

“I was taught, yes, but only in theory.”

Tadashi breathed a little easier. At least she was aware. “Do you want to do it?”

“We should, yes.”

He furrowed his brows, pursing his lips. “I understand that, but do you want to?”

“It’s my—our duty.”

“It is.”

Elsa mirrored the same look he had on his face. She stared into his eyes for what felt like an eternity. Her fists clenched the sides of her nightgown. She looked away. “To be honest,” she started. “I am very nervous. I’ve never been alone with someone before, nobody outside of my family. I’m afraid I’ll hurt you.”

He raised an eyebrow, tilting his head in curiosity. She didn’t look harmful. She was tall, sure, but she was lithe. “How would you hurt me?”

She looked shocked at the question and almost confused. “You haven’t heard any rumors about me? Even on the way here?”

He shrugged, “Afraid not. I’m not one to listen to rumors anyway. I rather get my information from the source.” He crossed the room and sat at the foot of the bed. He patted the space next to him: an invitation she declined. She shifted her weight from one foot to another before standing up straight again. “This is the second time we’ve been alone together now, Your Majesty,” he said and she wrinkled her nose at the title—very cute. “And during the first time, you were in distress. If you were going to hurt me, it would have happened already, would it not?”

Elsa considered his words for a moment before nodding. Her shoulders relaxed and the room seemed less cold. “Yes, I suppose so,” she answered as she sat down.

“I’m nervous, too,” Tadashi confessed. “You are very beautiful and I understand that this is our duty, but we barely know each other, and I would like you to feel safe around me before we do anything…intimate.”

“I see,” she sighed in relief, smiling. “Thank you, Tadashi, truly. I would love to get to know you,” she said. “I wish we had more time to exchange letters before the wedding.”

“Me, too,” he said. “Did you enjoy the wedding?”

Elsa shrugged, “I’m not a big fan of parties and formal events. If it was up to me, it would have been a smaller event, but it can’t be helped. Everyone had been excited when I expressed interest in marriage, it’s not a surprise that they wanted to go all out.”

Tadashi hummed. “Did you not plan to get married?” he asked. “If you don’t mind me asking.”

“It wasn’t a priority of mine,” she said. “But with my sister set to marry and settle up north, securing the line of succession became solely up to me.”

“Ah,” he said. He playfully nudged her with his elbow, "I guess we should get to work then?”

Elsa laughed, light and airy, and he laughed along with her. "We're not in a rush, don't worry," she shook her head. “How about you? Did you plan to get married?” she asked. “You would have been free to marry for love if it wasn’t for our arrangement.”

He leaned back on his hands, looking up at the ceiling for a moment. “It wasn’t a priority of mine either,” he answered. “My main concern has always been my brother. Our parents died when we were young, and he was too small to know them. He’s been my responsibility ever since.”

“I feel the same way towards my sister,” Elsa said. “But I haven’t been very good to her until recently, and I’ve been desperately trying to make it up to her. That’s a story for another time, though.”

“I wouldn’t have known,” Tadashi said, thinking about Elsa and Anna’s interactions during the reception. “You seem very close.”

Elsa smiled. “I’m glad you think so.”

They fell into a comfortable silence. Tadashi noticed her shelves and shelves of books. He wished there was more light in the room to fully see them. “Do you believe in magic?” Tadashi asked.

Elsa tucked her leg underneath her. She had a knowing look on her face, wise and serene. He wished he knew what she knew. “Yes. Hard not to,” she said. He was pleasantly surprised. She observed his reaction to her answer, a small smile forming on her face. “Your council must think of us as barbaric for believing in magic. I was surprised they agreed upon an alliance despite it.”

“Oh, not at all,” Tadashi shook his head. “Everyone has a different opinion on it but it’s not a point of contention. I personally think it’s possible.”

“Hm,” was all Elsa said, but she seemed pleased with his answer. “Would you like to go to bed? I forgot you had a long day of travel, you must be exhausted.”

“Ah, yeah,” Tadashi stood up. “Should I sleep in the other room?”

“It wouldn’t be a good look when the servants come in the morning,” Elsa pursed her lips. “I’m alright with sharing a bed, I was prepared for it.”

Tadashi nodded and walked around the bed to slip under the covers on the other side. The sheets smelled like lavender and the smell grew stronger after Elsa slipped under the covers. He sighed, closing his eyes, but his mind wandered to the woman next to him. He wondered why they had been so secretive of her when she seemed to be a wonderful woman. He turned, only to find a pair of brilliant blue eyes looking straight at him. “Hi,” he whispered.

She hid most of her face under the covers. “Sorry,” she mumbled.

“What’s your favorite color?” he asked.

“What?”

“What’s your favorite color?”

She tucked the covers under her chin. “Blue. And you?”

“Green,” Tadashi said. “A deep forest green.”

“Did you like the food at the reception?” she asked.

“It was good,” he said. “Impressive if the royal chef recreated San Fransokyo dishes without even tasting them. I also liked the Arendellian dishes, especially the chocolates.”

“That’s a relief,” Elsa sighed. “I was worried when I saw Hiro picking at his food.”

“He’s just particular about certain things,” he laughed. “He isn’t a fan of formal events either. I don’t mind it but I do prefer festivals with livelier music.”

“Oh,” she hummed. “Then we must go to the autumn harvest festival together.”

“I’ll look forward to it.”

“Good night, Tadashi,” she said.

“Good night, Elsa.”

After a beat, he felt her sit up. The mattress slightly dipped from her movement. “Tadashi?” she asked, quietly. Her voice wavered a bit.

He turned to see her, wrapped in the moon’s glow. She looked away when their eyes met. Tadashi rubbed his eyes. “Would you like a kiss goodnight?” he asked, expecting her to laugh and wave him off, yet she froze. She fiddled with the blanket, cheeks turning red, and he quickly sat up. “I was only joking!”

She shook her head, finally looking at him. “No, you’re alright. I was going to ask if I may kiss you.”

“Oh,” Tadashi said, lamely. “You may,” he added. “If you still want to.”

Elsa nodded, white hair falling over her face. He reached out and tucked her hair behind her ear and he noticed the freckles that dusted her cheeks. Her eyelashes looked like snow and her lips looked soft as petals. He leaned forward and her eyes fluttered shut. Her skin was cold to the touch. It was just a light kiss, yet it filled his chest with warmth, even if the room got colder (though that may have just been his imagination.) Her hand reached out to hold his own and she smiled after they parted. “That was nice,” she said, and the room felt warmer. “Good night, Tadashi.”

“Good night,” he said. He watched her lie back down before settling down himself. “Wake me up if you want more kisses.”

She laughed, bright and clear. “Okay, I will.”

#TadelsaMonth25 #tadelsa #elsashi #san fransokyo is frozen #tadashi hamada #big hero 6 #frozen #queen elsa #fanfiction #ao3 link #i haven't written them in so long i feel so rusty !!!#timezone reblog

3 notes · View notes