Something Elisa quickly learned to hate as a soon to be Lady of the Court was the press. Honestly, she always hated the press, having dealt with it most her life being a princess of Arendelle and soon to be future queen. Her brother technically would be king next since he was the older one, but he stepped down since he admitted he didn't want to be king. Elisa understood why, it was a lot of pressure and stress.

But now, it was a whole different ballpark being a Lady of the Court. Every little detail and mistake were public knowledge and spread across the globe. And the fact the news of her being the future queen of Arendelle got out made it ten times worse. There was constant speculation about her life, her relationship with Ben, her powers, her family, and everything in between. It was exhausting, and it only fueled her anxiety and insecurity. She always tried to avoid the press whenever she could. But she never thought they would try to cage her in to get answers outside of Auradon Prep. She was just trying to go about her day when a group of reporters and paparazzi started surrounding her, shoving microphones in her face and snapping pictures. They were asking her a million questions at once, and she could feel her heart starting to race. She had to blink rapidly to get used to the brightness of the flashing cameras. She felt herself backing up on instinct, grimacing when she backed up into the Beast statue out front of the school. She was trapped.

"What is the reason of your brother stepping down from being king of Arendelle? Are the rumors true that he has a secret child?" One reporter asked, his microphone nearly jabbing her in the face which caused her to lean her head back with surprise. "And that's why he stepped down? Is that child here in Auradon? Who is the mother of the child?"

Elisa's heart pounded as the barrage of questions continued. She tried to maintain her composure, but the relentless pressure of the reporters was overwhelming. Her mind raced, seeking an escape or a way to deflect the onslaught. She glanced around desperately, hoping for a break in the crowd or for someone to come to her aid.

Summoning the inner strength she had been taught, Elisa straightened her back and took a deep breath. "My brother's decision to step down was personal," She began, her voice steady despite the chaos around her. "It had nothing to do with any rumors circulating. He wants what is best for Arendelle, and we all support his decision."

The reporters, sensing a potential story, only pressed harder. "What about the child? Is it true? Who is the mother?" The microphones were pushed closer, the cameras clicked incessantly.

Elisa clenched her fists, her frustration mounting. She could feel her powers stirring, a coldness spreading through her veins as the icy magic reacted to her stress. She fought to keep it under control, knowing that any display of her powers would only make the situation worse. She had her gloves on that helped keep her powers under control, but she could feel the chill creeping through her fingertips, a warning sign that she needed to calm down. The press showed no signs of relenting, their questions growing more intrusive by the second.

"Is it true that you will be the next queen of Arendelle? And if so, how will you handle that responsibility on top of being a Lady of the Court?" Another asked, the flashing from his camera nearly blinding her.

"Are you excited for the Royal Cotillion coming up? Only three more days!" A third reporter chimed in.

"How are your powers coming along? Have you been working with Mal to control them? Are you afraid of freezing people or accidentally harming them?" A fourth reporter pipes up. "Maybe even afraid that you will freeze the whole kingdom like your mother!"

Her eyes widen with surprise and she looks at that reporter with offense. She was getting sick and tired with how they were talking about her and her family. Before she could defend herself and her family, a fifth reporter interrupts. "Do you plan on having kids? And if so, how will your ice powers affect them? And the fact that you're half spirit and half human, what will that mean for them? Will they have the same abilities as you? Are you worried that-"

"Stop!" Elisa yells out, unable to take the relentless questioning any longer. Her magic reacts to her distress, the coldness spreading throughout her body as her powers begin to manifest. She breathed heavily, her mind racing as she struggled to maintain control. She could feel her heartbeat pounding in her ears, the icy chill threatening to consume her. "I can't... I can't..." She stammered, her hands shaking as she tries to hold back the surge of magic. The reporters must've not heard her because they kept going, bombarding her with question after question.

The cameras continued flashing, the microphones were shoved into her face, the reporters pressed in closer, trapping her against the Beast statue. She could feel the panic setting in, her magic starting to take over. She was scared that she would hurt someone, and that thought terrified her. She tried to think of something else, anything to calm herself down. But the stress and anxiety of the moment were too much. The reporters didn't seem to notice her struggle, their focus solely on getting a story, not caring that the Princess was panicking. 

"Okay! We're done here."

Elisa felt herself visibly relax when she heard Ben's voice. And when his arm snaked around her waist to pull her closer, her arm went around his as she leaned into his warm embrace. His scent was relaxing her, the scent of pine and musk. She took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, trying to calm herself down. She hadn't realized how nervous and panicked she had gotten until she was safe in Ben's arms. He was her anchor, and she was eternally grateful to have him in her life. She continued taking deep breaths, the tension slowly leaving her body as she felt her magic subside. Her hand rested on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. His presence was calming and reassuring, a reminder that she wasn't alone. His steady heartbeat under her palm and the warmth of his embrace helped ground her, chasing away the last remnants of panic. 

The press didn't listen to Ben though and then started asking him questions. Elisa winced when the camera flashed in their faces. She didn't understand why they were so adamant about getting an interview or a story out of her and Ben. Couldn't they see they were clearly uncomfortable and didn't want to answer their questions? It was just a few hours after she and Ben woke up. Then another reporter asked Ben one of the rudest questions that had been asked about their relationship, and Elisa could see the anger flash in Ben's eyes.

"Is it true you're only with Elisa because she's royalty and the future queen of Arendelle, and that the only reason you're together is to boost your popularity with the public?"

That was it. That was the final straw.

Ben's jaw clenches as he stared down the reporter who asked him such a disrespectful question. His gaze was sharp, and his voice was hard as he spoke. "Let me make one thing clear. Elisa and I are together because we love each other, not because of her title or because I'm king. And the fact that you would even suggest such a thing is an insult to both of us." He was fuming, and his grip on Elisa's waist tightened slightly. He couldn't believe the audacity of these reporters. How dare they accuse him of only being with Elisa for her title and status. He was offended on behalf of both of them, and he wanted to set the record straight.

"I love Elisa, and I couldn't care less about her title. All I care about is her. And the fact that you would even insinuate that our relationship is fake or based on ulterior motives is ridiculous. Our relationship is real, and it's stronger than ever. So I would appreciate it if you would stop prying into our personal lives and leave us alone." Ben's voice was firm, and his gaze was intense. He was not going to let these reporters get the best of him or make him lose his cool. He was the king of Auradon, and he was not going to be pushed around by some nosy reporters. He and Elisa had a right to their privacy, and he would not let them intrude any further.

Elisa's hand on his chest gripped his shirt tightly, and she was shaking a bit. The reporters' words were still echoing in her mind, making her feel sick to her stomach. They were implying she was some sort of gold digger who was only with Ben for his title and money. She didn't want to hear or listen to them anymore. She wanted to leave and be alone, away from the harsh stares and the blinding cameras. She could feel a panic attack creeping up on her. The way the reporters were staring at her with a mix of intrigue, suspicion, and curiosity. Their cold gazes and the way they kept bombarding her with questions. It was all too much, and she couldn't take it anymore. She was on the verge of a breakdown, and she knew she needed to get out of there before it happened. There was no way she was going to have a panic attack in front of all these people, let alone the press.

Thankfully Fairy Godmother stepped in after the press wouldn't listen to Ben. Ben turns to block the press' view of Elisa, standing in front of her and she's thankful for that. She blinks rapidly to make the tears go away, her anxiety spiking. Ben murmured words of comfort, his hands on her cheeks to block the view of the reporters and to he'll keep her gaze on him. "Hey, hey, breathe with me."

She does so, her breaths shaky. She grips his shirt tighter, her knuckles turning white. "B-Ben...I can't-"

"I know. I know, just try, okay? Breathe." He murmurs softly, his thumbs stroking her cheeks. "I'm here. You're okay."

Elisa took a few more shaky breaths, focusing on Ben's voice and touch. It helps ground her and brings her back from the edge of her panic attack. She leaned into his touch, her heart racing. She doesn't want him to move his hands, and he doesn't. She's grateful for that, because the reporters' stares and their harsh words are making her skin crawl. She can't handle this right now.

Before she knew it, Fairy Godmother had shooed the reporters away and Ben was leading her into the castle. He was taking her to his office to help her calm down. Once they were safely inside the office, Ben closed the door and locked it. Elisa finally let herself fully panic. She had been holding herself back the best she could, not wanting to break down in front of the reporters. But now that they were alone, she couldn't stop the tears from flowing. Her breathing was ragged and uneven, and her body was shaking uncontrollably. She was on the verge of a complete breakdown, and Ben knew he had to do something to help her. He gently led her to the couch, sitting her down and crouching in front of her. He took her trembling hands in his, trying to steady her.

"Hey, hey. You're okay, Elisa. You're safe. Just breathe, okay? Focus on my voice. You're okay."

Ben's soft words and gentle touch helped Elisa ground herself. She was still panicking, but she was slowly coming back to reality. She focused on Ben's voice and presence, letting his soothing words and comforting touch calm her down. He squeezed her hands, his thumbs rubbing circles on the back of her hands. He was doing his best to reassure her and keep her calm. Elisa took a few deep breaths, her heart rate starting to slow. She was still anxious, but she was starting to feel better. She was safe with Ben, and he would protect her from the harsh stares and cruel words of the reporters.

Once she had calmed down, she pulled her hands away and ran them through her hair. He places his hands on her knees, looking at her with concern. "Are you alright? What can I do to help?" He asked softly, his voice laced with worry.

Elisa looks up at him, her eyes still glistening with tears. She sniffles, her voice wavering as she spoke. "Just...Hold me. Please."

Without a word, Ben stood and sat down next to her, pulling her close and wrapping his arms around her. She clung to him, burying her face in his chest and letting the tears flow. Then she remembered he had a meeting coming up and she was getting his shirt wet which made her feel even worse. Her tears fall faster as her body trembles against his. "I-I'm sorry. Y-You have a meeting and-"

"Hey, no. Don't apologize. You're more important than some stupid meeting. I'm here, Elisa. I'm not going anywhere. Just breathe, okay? It's alright. Let it out." He murmured softly, kissing the top of her head and rubbing her back soothingly.

His words and comforting touch helped Elisa relax. She let herself cry, her body shaking as the tears fell. She was so grateful for Ben and his support. He was always there for her, and he never failed to make her feel safe and loved. Even when she's sobbing like a child, he's there to hold her and comfort her. He was her rock, and she was so grateful to have him in her life. As her breathing starts to calm down and her tears begin to subside, Elisa's hands grip the back of Ben's shirt. Her anxiety spikes again, and she can't help but feel like a burden. Here she was, a Lady of the Court, having a full blown panic attack over some stupid reporters. It was ridiculous.

She shouldn't be like this, she was stronger than this. Why couldn't she just pull herself together and be the strong woman she knows she can be? Oh yeah, it's the fears and anxiety she's been struggling with her entire life. Her anxiety has only gotten worse since coming to Auradon and dating Ben. Her whole life she felt like she had to be perfect or had to live up to others expectations because she was princess. And now it was even more that she was a Lady of the Court and Ben's girlfriend.

Elisa felt her stomach drop as she thought about how weak and pathetic she must seem to Ben. Here she was, a sobbing mess, while he was holding her and comforting her. He was the king, he had important responsibilities and a kingdom to run. And here he was, wasting his time on her. The self doubt and insecurity began to eat away at her, and she couldn't help but think she didn't deserve Ben's love and affection. She didn't deserve anything she had. She was just a screw up who couldn't handle the pressure and stress of her title. 

She tried to pull away from Ben, but he only held her tighter. He knew what she was doing. He quickly learned that when she spiraled like this she would try to push him away and close herself off. But he wasn't going to let her do that. Not when he knew she was struggling. "Elisa, look at me." He said softly, his hands moving to her face to lift her chin so she would look at him. Her tear stained face made his heart clench. "Don't do that. I know you're spiraling. You're not a burden, and you're not pathetic. I'm here for you, always. I love you, Elisa. I'm not going anywhere."

His words only caused more tears to spill down her cheeks. She felt her heart swell with love for him, and she couldn't help but pull him closer and kiss him deeply. He returned the kiss, his hands cupping her face as he tried to pour all his love and affection into the kiss. He wanted her to know how much he loved her, and he was determined to help her through this. They stayed like that for a while, Elisa in his arms and crying as he whispered words of comfort and kissed her. After a while, Elisa's tears had finally stopped and her body had stopped shaking. She was just whimpering and sniffling now, her grip on Ben's shirt loosening.

Ben pulls back, his thumb wiping away her tears. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Elisa takes a deep breath, her hands dropping to her lap. "I'm just...Overwhelmed. I mean, being a princess of Arendelle, now a Lady of the Court and dealing with the press is already stressful, but now with all the rumors...It's just too much. And then the reporters today..." She trailed off, her anxiety starting to rise again. She swallowed thickly, trying to push down the tears that are threatening to fall again. Ben's hands rub her shoulders, his gaze sympathetic.

"Hey, it's okay. I understand. It's a lot to deal with. But I'm here for you, Elisa. You're not alone in this. And as far as the reporters go, don't worry about them. They're just looking for a story, and they'll find one whether it's true or not. They're looking for a rise out of us, and we can't let them get to us. We have to show them that their words don't affect us. They're just a bunch of nosy, rude people who don't know what they're talking about." His words make Elisa chuckle, and she nods. She knows he's right, but it's easier said than done. It's hard not to let the reporters' words get to her. "Besides, you've got me and the rest of the gang to help you through this. We're all here for you, Elisa. So, if you ever need to talk or just need a shoulder to lean on, we're here. Okay?"

His words and kind gesture make her smile, and she nods again. "Thank you, Ben. You don't know how much that means to me. I'm so lucky to have you."

Ben smiles, his heart swelling with love for her. He pulls her close and kisses her softly, his hands tangling in her hair. "I'm the lucky one." He whispers against her lips, his nose nuzzling hers. "You're amazing, Elisa. I love you, and I'm not going anywhere."

The sincerity and honesty in his voice make her heart flutter, and she can't help but smile and lean into his kiss. His lips are soft against hers, and his arms are strong and protective around her. She feels safe and loved, and she knows she'll be okay as long as Ben is by her side. He was her anchor, her rock, and she wouldn't have it any other way.