Ice and Fun: Love and Fear

The midday sun shone bright over Arendelle, its golden rays melting away the frost that clung to the castle's stone walls. Jack stood in the training yard, his breath coming in controlled bursts as he parried another strike from Sir Edric. The clash of steel against steel echoed across the grounds, drawing the attention of a few onlookers who paused their tasks to watch.

"Keep your guard up!" Edric barked, his movements swift and precise despite his age. "You're faster, but speed means nothing without defense."

Jack nodded, adjusting his stance and raising his sword just in time to block another blow. The force reverberated through his arms, but he held firm. Sweat dripped down his brow, stinging his eyes, but he didn't waver. He was determined to improve, to be ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.

From the sidelines, Anna's voice rang out. "Come on, Jack! You've got this!" She clapped her hands enthusiastically, her auburn braids bouncing with each movement.

Elsa stood beside her, quieter but equally attentive. Her pale blue gown shimmered in the sunlight, and her hands were clasped tightly in front of her. Jack noticed the tension in her posture, the way her eyes flickered between him and the swordplay. She seemed more nervous than usual.

"Time!" Sir Edric called, lowering his blade and stepping back. Jack let out a relieved breath, lowering his sword and rolling his shoulders to ease the tension. Edric gave him a gruff nod. "Good work today. You're getting stronger, but don't let your focus slip."

"Yes, sir," Jack replied, his voice steady despite his exhaustion.

As Edric walked off, Jack turned to Anna and Elsa, wiping his brow with his sleeve. Anna rushed forward, beaming. "That was amazing! I mean, I've seen you train before, but you're getting so good! Right, Elsa?"

Elsa managed a small smile. "Yes, you're very skilled, Jack. It's impressive."

Jack chuckled, shrugging off the praise. "Thanks. It's a lot of hard work, but it helps knowing you two are cheering me on."

Anna grinned, but Elsa's smile faded as her gaze dropped to the ground. Jack noticed the change immediately.

"Elsa?" he said, stepping closer. "Are you all right?"

She hesitated, then nodded. "I'm fine. I… I should get back to my studies." Without waiting for a response, she turned and began walking toward the castle.

Anna frowned. "She's been like that a lot lately. Do you think she's okay?"

Jack watched Elsa's retreating figure, a knot forming in his chest. "I'll talk to her," he said. "Don't worry, Anna."

That evening, Jack found Elsa in the gardens, sitting on a stone bench beneath a tree whose bare branches reached toward the starry sky. The moonlight bathed her in a silvery glow, making her look almost ethereal. Frost clung to the edges of her gown and the grass around her feet, shimmering like tiny crystals.

"Hey," Jack said softly as he approached.

Elsa looked up, startled, but relaxed when she saw him. "Hi, Jack."

He sat beside her, the chill in the air biting at his skin. "You've been quiet today. More than usual. What's on your mind?"

She hesitated, her fingers tracing patterns on the frost-covered bench. "It's nothing. Just… my powers. They've been harder to control lately."

Jack nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Have you talked to your parents about it?"

"I don't want to worry them," she admitted. "They've already done so much for me. And I… I don't want Anna to know. She wouldn't understand."

Jack placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You're not alone in this, Elsa. I'm here to help you. Whatever you need, just tell me."

She met his gaze, her blue eyes searching his for reassurance. "Thank you, Jack. That means a lot."

He gave her a small smile. "Always."

For a moment, the silence between them was comforting. But then Elsa's expression shifted, her brows furrowing. "There's something I've noticed," she said slowly. "Whenever I lose control of my powers, you never seem affected by the cold. Not like other people."

Jack blinked, taken aback. "What do you mean?"

"When I was younger," she continued, "my powers accidentally hurt Anna. But you… you've been around me so much, and I've never seen you shiver or get frostbitten, even when I've let it slip."

Jack frowned, thinking back. It was true; he had never felt the cold as acutely as others, even during moments when Elsa's magic had been at its strongest. He had always assumed it was a coincidence or that he was simply resilient, but now…

"I've never thought about it," he admitted. "But maybe it's just… I don't know, luck?"

Elsa shook her head. "It's more than that. I think… I think you might be immune to my powers."

Jack stared at her, the weight of her words sinking in. If what she said was true, it meant that he could be around her without fear, that he could be the support she needed without worrying about the consequences. The realization brought a strange sense of relief and purpose.

"If that's true," he said finally, "then I'm glad. It means I can help you without holding back. And you don't have to be afraid of hurting me."

Elsa's expression softened, and for the first time in weeks, a genuine smile touched her lips. "Thank you, Jack. You don't know how much that means to me."

"You don't have to thank me," he said, standing and offering her his hand. "Come on. Let's go inside before we both turn into ice sculptures."

She laughed softly, a sound like the tinkling of bells, and took his hand. As they walked back to the castle, Jack couldn't shake the feeling that this discovery—his immunity to her powers—was more significant than either of them realized.