So I hope you all read and enjoy. Please review what you read. Trust me, you will not hurt my feelings. I write work that I have professionals read, and if I can take what they say (which is often harsh) nothing you guys will say will hurt my feelings.
As always, I tend to put up a random fact in this top part that may or may not have to do with the story, but is just interesting to read. So here goes: The game Tetris got its name combining the Greek word Tera (meaning four which each shape in Tetris contains four sections) and the creator's favorite sport, Tennis.
"No, no, no, no," said Elsa when Marshmallow made a lunge for Gerda which understandably frightened the maid half to death. She stood between Gerda and the giant snow creature holding up one finger to scold what Gerda presumed was a him. "Calm yourself. You remember your manners when you're here with me, or you go back to North Mountain. Understand?"
Elsa couldn't blame Marshmallow for being so quick to jump against anything that approached her. He was created out of Elsa's will to be left alone so it was natural instinct to attack anything that interrupted her solitude. No longer desiring that amount of isolation, Elsa had to keep a very close eye on him at all times while he was there.
"I don't understand why you have that thing here," gasped Gerda, trying to catch her breath.
"I apologize Gerda. He sort of came here... He needed to have his leg fixed and he knew I would do it for him," said Elsa. Marshmallow retained his angry posture, ice protruding from his back and glowing blue eyes. Elsa patted his hand that was in reach.
"Can't he do it without scarring servants half to death?"
Elsa knew the monster made everyone nervous, but she couldn't turn him away when limped to the castle, half melted by time he arrived, looking for her help. He didn't hurt anyone, despite his temperament and even saved a child from a dog attack. People weren't exactly hostile to him as he was Elsa's creation and they did trust her, though that trust was a bit thin. Elsa led him to the woods surrounding Arendelle away from roads and villages, knowing the people would probably not appreciate him within city limits.
"It won't happen again," said Elsa, though the real question in Gerda's mind was what was queen's obvious affection for the giant magical snowman. He wasn't cute like Olaf who made it his job to cheer everyone else around him. He couldn't talk except a few phrases and most of those consisted of orders to leave. Yet Elsa was uncharacteristically happy when she saw him out by the fjords. She had been worried sick that he was harmed when she was attacked in her mountain stronghold and mentioned wanting to check on him. He was probably waiting for her to come back, struggling a bit with whether he should leave the ice palace unguarded. Six months later, when Elsa didn't return, he went out looking for her.
All Gerda knew was that if one wanted to truly offend the queen, they simply had to suggest she destroy him as one unfortunate baron found out. Elsa was upset enough that she ordered him out immediately, and went out to the fjords to literally and figuratively "cool off" with Marshmallow. And indeed she did. The entire area was covered in snow despite being spring, even decorated with little snow sculptures. Gerda finally had to simply chalk it up to one of those "A love only a mother could have" kind of things and leave it at that. And like any good mother, Elsa gave the big snowman the attention he needed, fixed his melting body, all the while attempting to teach him to be civil.
"Apologize," said Elsa sternly to Marshmallow. The monster scoffed, "She's a friend."
"Sorry," it said then went back to patrolling the area.
"I don't see why you just didn't make one like Olaf," said Gerda still a bit shaken.
"It was a complicated time when I created him," said Elsa. "Now, what did you need?"
"An envoy from Weselton has arrived, and are requesting an audience with you," said Gerda who couldn't help but think that Marshmallow's unexpected arrival couldn't have possibly come under a worst time.
"Of course. I was waiting for this," said Elsa. She then turned to Marshmallow and tenderly said, "Be good big guy." She pointed to a boulder sitting half sticking up out of the ground, "And make sure no one, uh... disturbs this while I'm gone." Gerda looked at Elsa, puzzled while the queen melted her unscheduled snow storm, save a flurry to keep Marshmallow cool and headed towards the carriage. "He has to guard something or else he gets restless and grumpy."
Six months since the great thaw and already Elsa had well established herself as queen, but her policy to never again do business with Weselton, was highly controversial. The smaller business men couldn't be happier. Weselton's arm in Arendelle's trade nearly made it impossible for them to compete. The only thing that kept them from being run out completely was the closed gates, which prevented the Duke from gaining any leverage with the king to make things worse for them. They were worried Elsa's coronation would provide him that opportunity, but thankfully did not. The larger businessmen, particularly the nobles, weren't so happy as it severely disrupted the special deals on trade Weselton offered them. At least they couldn't argue with it as the Duke did try to kill the queen.
When Elsa came up by the road, Kai opened the carriage door allowing her entry. Gerda seated herself next to him at the driver's seat and off they went.
"My can you believe this?" said Gerda in a rather hushed tone.
"Humm?" responded Kai.
"Can you believe it's been twenty one years since we've been here?" said Gerda.
"Twenty-Two," Kai corrected her.
-o-
Twenty two years, when the King Agdar of Arendelle unexpectedly called Kai out to his castle to serve as his head steward. Kai knew the former prince, turned king from his days serving as a secretary to the head master of the university where the young man attended. "A terrible trouble maker" Kai described the youth as. A boy with too much energy and obviously too much time on his hands, participating in unruly activities on campus. True, he never did anything immoral, but he certainly was never one to shun a boxing match even if his opponent outweighed and reputably was more skilled than himself. Kai remembered more than one occasion where Agdar was called to the head master's office with a broken nose and a black eye, unwilling to name his assailant for the sake of "honor".
Many mistakenly believed that Elsa had taken after her father because of the seemingly calm character he showed in public, but in Kai's opinion, he'd say that title belonged to the young princess Anna, who time and time again displayed similar impulsive attitudes that often landed her in trouble. True, Elsa was no angel either, as she seemed determined to catch up on all the mischief she couldn't engage in as a child, and she and Anna fed off each other like nothing else, but in the end, she took more after her mother.
When they arrived to the castle for the first time, they were warmly greeted by the king and his pregnant young bride Idun. A beautiful woman, who was obviously a little shy, but hid it behind a curtain of poise.
"It's been a long time, my friend," said Agdar, embracing Kai.
"Indeed it has," said Kai. Kai then turned his attention to Gerda, "I believe I have never introduced you to my wife Gerda."
"I didn't know you were married," Agdar replied. He took one of Gerda's hands and gently folded it in his own. "You are most welcomed here."
He was polite. Charming. Everything he was taught to be, but Gerda couldn't help but think to herself how he was much too young to be a husband, much less a father. Though, Gerda could at least admire his effort even if he was clueless. As they all sat down in the seating room, Agdar went on and on with Kai about his shenanigans as a student, but none the less remained attentive to his young wife. Agdar didn't scold her when she rested her head against his shoulder, obviously tired and probably not feeling well, as Gerda seen many so called noblemen do to their women in public. Instead, he paused his talk for a moment, asked if Idun was okay, which she nodded.
"Well," he said kissing her forehead. "Let me know if I'm boring you, my dear. At any rate old friend, I suppose you're wondering why I called you, of all people, here."
"A little," Kai replied. "I'm sure there were many others of noble birth far more qualified to serve in this position."
"Yes, but truthfully I don't trust any of them."
"Well, many of them don't agree with your brother being tossed from the line of ascension," said Kai.
"Half brother actually. And that's exactly why I asked you to come here. Of all the people I know, you were the only one who could tell me the truth when it matters. I did many things that would have, by right, expelled me from the university. Yet not even the head master would dare actually do it, but I recall you always suggesting it," said Agdar.
"So you wish for me to be here because I wished your expulsion from a school whose rules you repeatedly broke?" said Kai.
"Exactly," said the king.
"Well, I shall do my best then," said Kai, clearing his throat, still a little puzzled about the king's logic. He thought for the longest time, he had made an enemy of Arendelle's royal family by challenging claims they could do no wrong.
"It's why I believe you will make an excellent steward. So far, the only one I can count on to give an honest opinion is my wife," said Agdar, which his compliment caused Idun to blush.
Idun whispered something to her husband, which he nodded.
"Very good. Now your wife, I trust she's a good woman," said the king.
"Yes."
"Children?"
"No."
"I don't expect her to sit in quarters with nothing to do. If your wife wishes for a paid position as well, then she shall have it," said Agdar.
"What sort of position, your majesty?" Gerda asked.
"Well, it would be the personal maid to my wife," said Agdar. Gerda wasn't comfortable with the idea. Not because of anything the king or queen did, but she found it difficult to be in the presence of an expectant woman, since she herself had no children, despite wanting them. "If you're not interested, or would like something else..."
"No, your majesty. It's fine," Gerda replied, though it wasn't. Unlike her husband, Gerda wasn't used to saying exactly what was on her mind in the presence of royalty. True, she was never particularly impressed with anyone of noble birth, but she wasn't ignorant of their power either.
"Good. Don't worry about your things. Since it's your first day, I'll have the others take care of it for now. I have need of your advise, Kai and the ladies, I suppose should get to know one another," said Agdar, helping his wife stand.
-o-
"Hey Elsa," said Anna, bouncing up to the carriage just as it pulled into the castle gate. The young princess was already up to the side waiting for Elsa to step out, before she embraced her sister in a tight hug.
"Anna..." Elsa gasped, trying to get air as Kai tried to hide his laugh. "We're in public."
"Wait, what? Oh, I don't care," said Anna, squeezing Elsa tighter than finally letting go. "Where were you anyway? You know how awkward it is to try and entertain those guys in there? Yeesh. You'd think their face was frozen shut or something... uh, no offense."
After what became known as the Great Thaw, Elsa appointed Anna as her Lady in Waiting. A bit irregular to have ones own sister in such a position, but after getting to know Anna a bit better, Elsa decided that she could best make her happy by giving her an actual job. Not something made up just to give Anna something to do, but an actual recognized position in court, complete with expectations and responsibilities. And granted Elsa was only just getting reacquainted with the world, she wasn't confident in anyone else taking up the role.
Anna's natural reaction was to jump for joy when Elsa told her that she would have something to do other lounging uselessly around the castle as the "spare"; only there in case something happened to Elsa before a "proper heir" was born. Elsa waited patiently for Anna to finally stop bouncing and ask, "So what do I do then?"
"Whatever I tell you," replied Elsa with a grin, completely amused at her sister's antics.
It wasn't so bad though. Elsa gave Anna quite a bit of responsibility with the appointment which included event planning (which was interesting to say the least), keeping distinguished guests entertained while they waited for their audience with the queen (something Anna was naturally good at), accompany Elsa to events (which she loved), and even speak for the queen if Elsa was in anyway unavailable (which she still needed work on).
"No offense taken Anna," Elsa said with a chuckle. "So how are they?"
"Oh my gosh. Let me tell you, these are the worst pigs you could imagine," said Anna. She looked around to make sure no one was within earshot once she realized what she just said out loud. "You know I already had to throw one out because he couldn't stop disrespecting a servant girl. I admit it's kind of nice to have that kind of power... but seriously."
"Is it the duke or...?"
"No. Thank goodness. I'd have punched him if it was. No, its his third cousin twice removed actually. I think... Or maybe a second cousin three times removed. I don't know. Someone related to him. But I tell you what, you owe me big for this one, because..." said Anna.
"Thank you for doing that," said Elsa cutting her sister off as she walked past Anna to formally greet the guests herself.
"Y-you're welcome." said Anna, surprised at the compliment. Anna always wanted Elsa's approval more than anything else, and went out of her way to get it. The poor girl almost tried too hard, not realizing she already had it.
When her sister was gone, Anna walked over to Gerda, "Hey, I think you should look in on Helga."
"May I ask why, your majesty?" said Gerda.
"Well, you know I just told... the queen that a guy um... wouldn't respect her. It was actually worse than that," said Anna.
"How much worse, your majesty?"
"Well, I don't know. I left the room a moment to catch my breath. Those guys do not know how to behave, but anyway, when I went out, he kind of had her in the hallway... One of the guards already stopped him, but couldn't really do anything because he's a nobleman and well she was pretty upset," said Anna.
"Where is she, your majesty?"
"She's in her chambers. I told her she didn't have to come back to work today."
"I see. I definitely will," said Gerda heading up right away.
-o-
"It sounds like you've been experiencing quite the political windstorm," said Kai after he listened for a good two and a half hours at the king's predicament.
"Indeed I have," Agdar responded, taking a drink of the fine scotch he liked to have imported from Scotland. "The council never agreed with my arranged marriage to Idun of Osbro, and neither was I too thrilled at it I admit. And Idun was less than happy. They suggest an annulment immediately and I remarry to someone who would be more beneficial to Arendelle in terms of an alliance."
"And why haven't you pursued it?"
"She's carrying my child," he said, though Kai looked at him skeptically.
Of course the nature of their arrangement wasn't secret. It was arranged by Agdar's step mother in some scheme to secure the former kingdom of Osbro's rumored magical secrets, yet after all was said and done; his half brother dropped from the line of ascension, and his step mother executed; Agdar didn't push for an annulment on the marriage even if one would have surely been granted. They hadn't been married that long, and the reason for it was truly disgusting. He touted the excuse Idun was a princess and already carrying his child, and he had to make proper arrangements for them first before he can send her away.
"That would leave my child raised as a bastard in some residence I set up somewhere just to get them out of the way or send her back to her father who would surely dissolve all my rights to the child," said Agdar, trailing off. How hard could a separate residency be for the King of Arendelle to set up? If it was truly his intention to do so, Agdar certainly took his time.
"If his majesty looked at the situation now, does he regret the marriage in anyway?" said Kai.
"No. Idun's a good proper woman. Lovely, really."
"Does he regret her pregnancy in anyway?" Kai asked. Agdar smiled, obviously recalling those nights with much fondness. Then the excitement he felt after she told him those nights led to her pregnancy. He acted like a young school boy, peppering her with kisses and literally sweeping her from her feet.
"No."
"How far is she along?" Kai asked.
"Two... No, three months. She's much better keeping track than I am," he said.
"At least that was before your step mother was executed," said Kai with a heavy sigh.
"So?"
"I'm trying to establish a diagnosis for your situation, as it makes little sense politically for you to remain married, given the circumstances. At this point it is my conclusion that his majesty is suffering from being madly in love," said Kai. Agdar smiled, knowing deep down it was true.
"It's not that. I need her council. Idun may not be good for the nobles or for Arendelle's already fat purse strings, but she's good for the people and the lesser nobles love her. She speaks their language, she understands their lives. Best of all, many underestimate her. With her around, it makes it more difficult for nobles to get away with the same petty scandals that let my step mother keep so much influence. I can hold them accountable for their actions now," said Agdar.
"I'm surprised to hear you say that. Many nobles would claim they are the voice of the commoner," said Kai. Agdar sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Which I would never dare interfere with. However, it is difficult to ignore the fact that Arendelle desperately needs a clean house. Barons suited for ruling are kept down by counts not able to tell their right hand from their left," said Agdar. He then sighed. "And it is as you say. I am madly in love with her."
Next part coming soon. For those who are fans of my previous story, don't worry, I haven't forgotten about you. Just trying to make an appropriate ending for that one.