Dedicated to my niece, Peggy, who was born on February 1, 2019
I own only my original characters, nothing else.
Arendelle 1842
These were dark times. Times where all hope shall soon seem lost.
A year has past now since Snow Queen Elsa's coronation and the Eternal Winter, and Arendelle is at war with the Southern Isles. Elsa was still attempting to get used to being Queen of Arendelle whilst spending as much time as she could with her younger sister, Princess Anna, while her second in command, the Lord of Arendelle, Fredrik Cormac, struggles to keep the peace. But peace had already been lost.
Elsa has learned that it is not as easy as it originally looked. Despite all the training to be the monarch she had been received over the years while she tried to control her abilities, she still struggled to keep up with all of the work. She now sat at the head of the table, having dinner with Anna and her boyfriend, Kristoff Bjorgman, who aided Anna in bringing her back and saving Arendelle.
"Elsa, are you alright?," Anna asked.
"Yes, I'm fine," she said. "Just thinking on something that was brought up during the last council meeting."
"What?"
"The Lord of Arendelle, Fredrik Cormac, is struggling to maintain the peace talks with the Southern Isles. Their navy has been attacking our cousin, Rapunzal's kingdom, Corona, as well as surrounding territories, including our own. Both he and council believe that the invasion of Corona is imminent."
"Invasion?!," Anna exclaimed, and Elsa nodded in confirmation. "What can we do?"
"We have two-thirds of our forces in Corona to assist, but there's only so much we can do since we too are under pressure from the Southern Isles. I suppose we will have to see what the House of the People will say. I need both of you to be there."
"Me as well, your Majesty?," Kristoff asked, surprised. Over the few years since the coronation, Elsa and Kristoff had still been trying to get to know each other. While it has been easy for Elsa, Kristoff was still struggling to get used to living with the Royal Family.
"Of course," Elsa said. "And I have told you before, you may call me Elsa, Kristoff. You've been living with us for a year now. And I've considered you family ever since you helped me and my sister."
"...Thank you... Elsa."
"What'll happen if Corona is taken?," Anna asked.
"They'll likely attempt to attack us next. We're the real target, they are ashamed by what Hans had done, but... I think it's more because of me. They're afraid of my powers."
"Elsa... you can control them now. We just need to show them that."
She slowly nodded, though she was still quite worried.
"Unfortunately, the House and the council are losing confidence in Fredrik. They are tired of him trying to continue to negotiate for peace when it has failed time and again. They wish for him to step down and have someone else run my government. It's a shame really. He's such a kind man... just tired."
"Who'd be his successor?," Kristoff asked.
"In all likelihood... his son, Marcus Cormac," Elsa answered. "He's the Chancellor of Arendelle, so he is his father's second in command. But enough of that, let's finish eating."
They both nodded and finished rather quickly. They all then went straight to bed, wondering what the next day would bring them.
The Next Day
The House of the People Building was located nearby the castle. Built half as large as the castle itself, it was located in front of the town square.
It was chaotic and loud, as the house was still split. Between those who held Fredrik Cormac responsible for leaving their kingdom defenseless, and those who still believed that peace negotiations were still the answer. Elsa sat between them the two parties with Anna and Kristoff in the seats to her left and right.
"Order!!!," the head servant, Kai, yelled, striking his gavel. "The leader of the Opposition Party, Cato Pax, has the floor."
"Your Majesty...," a man as tall as Elsa, with average build and silver hair despite being her age, began to say before more arguing erupted for a moment. "Your Majesty... perhaps I have not been clear enough!!! If that is indeed the case, then allow me to repeat myself!! I and the Opposition... due to his constant failures in bringing about peace... hold Lord Fredrik Cormac personally responsible for leaving us completely unprepared to face the Southern Isles!!!!"
The house once again erupted with both sides arguing and filling the chamber with anger. Elsa looked to her right to see the subject of it all, Fredrik Cormac. The old lord was about her height as well, with gray hair and a beard. He wore a mainly black suit with a white shirt and a teal vest. He carried a cane that had a crocus on it, which was the symbol of Arendelle and generally carried by the Lord of Arendelle.
"Order!!! Order in the chamber!!!," Kai yelled again.
"We are at war, your Majesty," Cato continued. "Make no mistake on that. Perhaps Cormac has indeed proven himself capable of leading us in peacetime... but he has also proven himself incapable of leading us in wartime!!! Therefore, we are prepared to form a coalition government during this time of war. But we will never... I repeat never... do so under the leadership of Fredrik Cormac who has lost all of the confidence of this House!! So we demand... step down, and let us find a new leader!!!"
"Where is he?," a man next to Fredrik said as the House continued to argue. He looked much like the old man, with the same kind of clothing but with a black vest on and the same kind of hairstyle but brown colored.
"He said he needed to keep Peggy company," a man with brown hair and a grey suit above the man answered. "Doubt he'd want to be part of this anyway."
"Who are those men talking over there, Elsa?," Anna asked, seeing them talking.
"The one next to Fredrik is his son, Marcus, the Chancellor. The one above him is his assistant, Ashe Rogers," she answered but then saw everything was now getting out of hand and so she dropped the temperature to get their attention. "I believe we ought to conclude this meeting now. Thank you all for coming in."
After a moment of silence, the men then began to walk out.
"Well... that went well," Kristoff commented.
"How do you deal with that kind of madness everyday?"
"I must because that's politics."
"Your Majesty?," Kai said, getting their attention.
"Yes, Kai?," Elsa said.
"Lord Fredrik wishes to extend an invitation to you and your family to his home for dinner."
"...Tell him we will gladly accept the invitation. So long as Kristoff is invited also."
"I believe the invitation included as well, your Majesty, but I shall tell him nonetheless."
Kai then walked over and told Fredrik and he mouthed 'Of course' towards the queen. Elsa then smiled and she, Anna and Kristoff walked out.
Later that night, in the Lord of Arendelle's home, which was similar to the castle in shape and design, but smaller and in the other side of town. The Lord of Arendelle's own Council Room was set for dinner, with the Queen at one end, with Anna and Kristoff on with side of her. Fredrik sat at the other end with Marcus and Ashe on either side of him. Also, Elsa's most trusted advisor, Hailee Rogers and her brother, Ethan, the Captain of the Guard. The other members of the Royal Council were there as well.
"I thank you all for joining me here tonight," Fredrik said. "I wanted to you all to know that I shall step down tomorrow as Lord of Arendelle."
"...Are you certain that you should?," Elsa asked.
"I am old, your Majesty. And since Pax and the others refuse to work with my party so long as I am the Lord... my hands are tied. I wanted you all know first, as you are all those who I most respect."
"Well, thank you for that then," Anna said. "Who will be your successor?"
"His son, your Highness," a council member said. "No question about that."
"Indeed, our Chancellor," another said.
"Thank you all for your confidence in me," Marcus said then turned to Elsa. "I shall ensure that the restoration of peace between us and the Southern Isles goes smoothly and swiftly, your Majesty."
"Your confidence in your abilities is commendable, Chancellor. But let us see what your father has to say in the matter of succession."
He nodded and everyone turned to the old man, who was muttering something to himself.
"Father?," Marcus said, nudging Fredrik a little and he looked up at his son. "Are you alright?"
"Oh, yes. Forgive me, your Majesty. As I said before, I am old," he said, earning some chuckles and a snicker from the princess. "Haha... I was thinking on something that I should probably share with you in private."
"Very well then," Elsa said.
"Back to the matter at hand then. Under normal circumstances, the Chancellor of Arendelle would become the Lord, should his or her predecessor were to be forced to resign. However, these are not normal circumstances, therefore I shall not name my son my successor."
There were some gasps and whispering amongst the table while the royal family looked surprised, and Marcus was shocked.
"Can he do that?," Anna asked quietly.
"He is still the Lord technically so he can choose who will succeed him," Kristoff reasoned.
"True, but they must be approved by me," Elsa said then turned back to Fredrik. "If not Chancellor Cormac, then who might I ask?"
"The Cormacs have been the Lords and Ladies of Arendelle for eight generations," Fredrik said. "Our name is well known. Therefore, a Cormac must be the new Lord in this time of war."
"...No... you can't possibly mean...," Marcus said. "Father, it must be me!!"
"Calm yourself, Marcus. Perhaps we should have the private discussion now. If it is alright with you, your Majesty?"
"...Very well," Elsa said and they walked out to Fredrik's study. "Who were you referring to before, Fredrik?"
"...I had three children," Fredrik said, surprising the young queen. "Only your parents knew. My late wife had twins when Marcus was seven. She died shortly after. I named them Mallory and Ryan."
"Why keep them secret?"
"Marcus has always blamed them for my wife's death so I feared for their safety. Also... I needed to think on the reputation of the Cormac family. We're seen almost as highly as the royal family as you know."
"Fredrik... I think we both know that hiding one's own children away from the world is the worst thing a person can do. Even if it's on the best of intentions," she said and he lowered his head in agreement. "There is more to the story though, isn't there?"
"Indeed," he answered. "For one, Ryan was born blind."
This surprised the queens as she did not expect this at all.
"Blind?"
"Yes, I'm afraid so. Growing up, unfortunately, I could not give them enough attention. Ryan and I have always had a complicated relationship, but... Mallory... loved me no matter what. She got married about four years ago. She had a daughter, Margaret."
Fredrik stopped talking and looked down and for a moment, Elsa saw a tear roll down his cheek.
"She died, didn't she?" Elsa guessed.
"...Yes. Her husband died a few months afterward... a broken heart. Leaving Margaret an orphan. Ryan took her in, being her godfather and her uncle, and he has been trying to be like a father to her ever since."
"...Did anyone else know?" Elsa asked with a tear in her eye at the tragedy.
"Yes... your parents did," Fredrik said. "Your mother tutored them when she wasn't spending time with you or your sister. Your father also taught Ryan."
"So, you intend to make Ryan Cormac, your blind secret son, the new Lord of Arendelle?"
"Yes... I have made many mistakes, your Majesty. My son... he has such potential... I believe he could find a way to end this war, whatever the cost."
"...Let us discuss this... tomorrow," Elsa said and after a moment, he nodded. "Goodnight... Lord of Arendelle. I wish things had turned out differently for you."
He nodded once more and bowed his head. She began to walk out and as she walked out, she saw Marcus was waiting outside of the room.
"Goodnight, Chancellor."
"Your Majesty, " he said before walking into the room.
Elsa returned to the dining room where Anna and the others were waiting at still.
"Anna, Kristoff, come. It's time to leave, " she said and they got up and said their goodbyes. "Hailee? Ethan?"
The two siblings immediately got up and walked over to the queen, bowing slightly when they got close.
"Yes, your Majesty?" Hailee asked.
"What do you know of a man by the name of Ryan Cormac?"
"Ryan? He's our cousin, your Majesty," Ethan answered, surprising the young queen. "Fredrik is our mother's older brother. Our little sister, Maura, works for him as his assistant."
"Hmm... Lord Fredrik failed to mention that. No matter. I would like you to give me a full report on your cousin, everything you believe I should know."
"It will be done, Queen Elsa," Hailee answered. "Does our uncle intend to make him his successor?"
She discreetly nods and they gave off no immediate reaction but they nodded and the queen left.
"What's going on, Elsa?" Anna asked.
Elsa did not answer as she was in deep thought.
"...I'm sorry, Anna. Fredrik has just given me a lot to think about."
"Do you want to talk about it?," Kristoff asked and she shook her head.
"Thank you for the offer, Kristoff but I think it's best I think in this alone."
Her family nodded and they soon reached home, where they settled in for the night.
The Next Morning
The next morning, a young woman awoke and got ready for the day. She was about Princess Anna's age, with long, dirty blonde hair and was about Anna's height as well.
The home she lived in was not hers however. It belonged to one of her relatives, whom she worked for. It was located on the outskirts of Arendelle, close to the base of the North Mountain. It looked much like Fredrik's home, only smaller and a lot less flashy. She put on a black and white casual dress and went into a room down the hall.
"Maggie, are you up yet?," she said, walking in.
She walked in and walked over to the bed where a girl about the age of four slept. She had long brown hair and brown eyes. The woman shook her slightly and the child slowly awoke.
"...Good morning, Aunt Maura," she said slowly and with a yawn, making the woman smile.
"Good morning, sweetheart. Now you must get up as you your breakfast should be ready soon. And we have to wake your uncle up as well."
Maggie immediately became wide awake at the mention of her beloved uncle. Ever since her parents had passed away, they had grown even closer than they had already been. Maggie then got herself up and Maura helped her wash up and get changed into a violet and white casual dress.
"How'd you like your hair today?," Maura asked.
"Like the queen's!!," she exclaimed making Maura chuckle and she put her hair into a braid similar to the Snow Queen's.
"Your Majesty..."
Maura then gave a little bow and Maggie just giggles at her.
"Come on, let's go wake up your lazybones of an uncle."
They walked over to the room across the hall. It was dark as the thick curtains were closed over the windows Maura opened them as Maggie got up on the bed and began jumping the lump in it.
"Come on, come on!! Uncle Ryan, it's time to get up!!," Maggie said before she was pulled down and started to be tickled all over, making her laugh uncontrollably.
The lump revealed itself to be a man, about five foot seven, with slightly long brown hair and pale, blurred out blue eyes.
"What do you think you're doing?!!," he asked jokingly. "Maybe I should start jumping on your bed to wake you up."
"No!!!"
"No? Okay."
He let her go and she got down and ran over to Maura who had been laughing at their antics.
"Good morning, cousin," Maura said.
"Good morning, Maura. Any messages or business this morning."
"No business and no messages have received thus far. I myself only woke a half hour ago as well. I do believe Ashe will coming over soon."
"Very well. Let us all have some breakfast," he said, reaching his hand out.
Maura was quick to take it and she helped him. She began to help him over to the bathroom so he could wash himself. Afterwards, she helped him dress into a suit with an overcoat instead of a regular suit jacket. He then grabbed a piece of cloth and wrapped it over his eyes, covering them.
They all then walked down to the dining room, with Maggie helping her uncle by holding his hand.
"Thank you, Peggy," Ryan said, using his nickname for his niece.
"You're welcome," she said and sat to the right of him. "Can we go and play after breakfast?"
"Let's wait until Ashe comes by and sees what he wants first."
"Okay."
They all then ate their breakfast and headed into the study to relax. About an hour later or so, Ashe arrived.
"Uncle Ashe!!," Peggy yelled when she saw Ashe and immediately ran over and hugged his legs.
"Hello, Maggie," he said, picking her up to give her a hug then set her down and looked at Ryan. "Hello, old friend."
"Not that old, Ashe. Not that old. At least not yet. How can I help you?"
"I have a message. It's from the queen... and your father."
This brought silence to the room and Ryan immediately got up.
"Maura, take Peggy into the other room for a moment."
She nodded and picked up the child and they both walked out.
"I had it translated into Braille so you can read it," Ashe said and walked over and led Ryan over to the desk and handed the letter to him.
He opened it and soon began to move his fingers over the Braille lettering. As he read it, his eyes widened behind the cloth.
"...W-What??," he said.
"What is it?"
"...I'm to meet with the queen... to take over as the new Lord of Arendelle."
After a few moments, the shock initially wore off enough to call girls back in.
"I'm to meet with Queen Elsa at noon. What's the time now?," Ryan asked.
"About 10:30," Maura answered as she handed him his walking stick. "Are you nervous?"
"More of meeting the queen than anything else. Especially after hearing so much about her from her parents, God rest their souls."
"Hmm... Peggy, would you like to meet the royal family?"
"Uh-huh!!," she said and immediately took his hand.
They all walked out of the house and got into a carriage, which immediately began taking them to the castle, while Maura stayed behind to attend to matters at home.
"Why are you meeting the queen for, Uncle Ryan?"
"Your grandfather is stepping down as the Lord of Arendelle. ...I shall replace him."
"You mean you'll rule Arendelle?!," she asked and he chuckled.
"Not exactly. I shall help the royal family rule Arendelle," he explained.
She nodded in understanding and after about fifteen minutes, they arrived at the castle and were greeted by Kai and the head maid, Gerda.
"Mr. Cormac, Mr. Rogers, and Miss Cormac, welcome," Kai said walking up to them. "Ryan, we weren't expecting you until noon."
"Which is why I'm here now," he said and Kai nodded and guided him and Ashe to the Queen's study as Gerda, the head maid of the castle, brought Peggy to the library.
"You might have to wait a little while since your uncle is quite early," she said.
"It's okay. I don't mind."
Gerda just smiled at this.
"I'm going to go for a moment, so you just stay here and be a good girl."
Peggy nodded and Gerda walked out to attend to other business. Peggy began exploring the library, looking at the paintings and trying to read the titles of a few of the books. Then the door opened but she couldn't see anyone coming in.
"Hello?," she said and then some unexpected showed itself.
A small snowman appeared and saw her.
"Oh, hi!! I'm Olaf and I like warm hugs," he said and soon her shocked face turned into a grin and she quickly hugged the snowman. "Aww..."
"I'm Maggie Cormac."
"Hey, your hair looks like Elsa's a little."
"You know the queen?"
"Yeah, she created me. You wanna play?"
She quickly nodded and they began playing in the library. Later on, they were joined by someone else. Maggie turned to see none other than the princess herself.
"There you are, Olaf. What are you doing here?," she asked, not yet seeing the child.
"I was playing with my new friend, Maggie," he said and she looked to see her.
"Oh hello there, Maggie. I'm Anna."
"Your Highness," she said giving her a little curtsy, which made her smile at this.
"Oh, there's no need for that. I've never like that kind of stuff. But what might you be doing here?"
"My Uncle Ryan is meeting the queen."
"Really? Who might your uncle be?," she asked curiously.
"Ryan Cormac, he said he's the new Lord of Arendelle," she answered.
"...Oh, well, how about I keep you company?"
She nodded excitedly and she began playing with her and Olaf.
Meanwhile, Kai has finally brought Ryan and Ashe to the Queen's study, where she was still speaking to Fredrik at.
"So, why not your eldest son? You never gave a reason last night," Elsa asked.
"Sadly, I could not stop arrogance from taking over my son's mind," Fredrik answered. "He's also too ambitious for his own good and quite uncaring for the people, as much as it pains me to say about my own son. Also, Ryan is the only member of my party that Pax and the Opposition will support."
She then stood from her chair quickly, clearly anxious and unsure and Fredrik quickly followed suit.
"I had Hailee and Ethan give me a report on their cousin. His personality and state of mind is what concerns me the most. He is temperamental, stubborn and sarcastic. And ever since his sister had passed away, he has almost been charged with negligence of duty as he chooses to care for his niece rather than perform the duties of a member of the House."
"Yes, that is all true. But I assure you, he could be one of the greatest Lords Arendelle has ever had. Even with his disability. The man however is as you mentioned, quite family bound. He and Mallory were inseparable when she was still alive."
"He lacks judgment," Elsa pointed out.
"He will many people to assist him and keep him on task," he reasoned.
"I hope you are right."
Kai then appeared at the door.
"Your Majesty, Ryan Cormac has arrived with Ashe Rogers and Margaret Cormac."
"Wow, not even I'm this early for such meetings."
"He's always been that way."
She then took the old man's hand and held on it.
"I accept your resignation as Lord of Arendelle. I'm so very, very sorry that it came to this."
"...Thank you, your Majesty," he said. "I know you will find a way to end this war. Because you are your parents' daughter. Perhaps... with my son's help... you can end it even faster."
She gave him a smile and let go to meet Ryan at the door.
She gestured Kai to show them in and Ashe came into view first.
"Your Majesty," he said, bowing.
"Mr. Rogers," she said then he guided Ryan to the door and it felt like her heart skipped a beat for a moment. "M-Mr. Cormac, I presume?"
"You presume correctly, your Majesty," he said with a bow, then gestured Ashe to leave, giving him a nod.
Ashe then left and Ryan slowly walked into the room.
"I believe you know why you've been called here."
"I couldn't even begin to imagine why I'm here," he joked, earning a chuckle from the young queen.
"Haha... Ryan Cormac, do you swear to aid me in ruling over the people and the kingdom of Arendelle with fairness and firmness?"
"I swear."
"Do you swear to run the government which stands in my name?"
"I swear."
"Do you swear... to defend the people of Arendelle and it's allies during this time of war, during the times of peace and war that are to come?," she asked and he paused for only a moment.
"...I swear," he said.
"Very well. Approach me."
She held out her hand and watched as Ryan slowly and carefully walked towards her. He waved his hands around slightly. She felt slight pity at seeing this and decided to help him and walked closer to him and placed her hand in his. He nodded in thanks and his kissed the Arendelle signet ring on which she was wearing.
"Congratulations... Lord of Arendelle."
"Thank you, your Majesty."
"Since your father was adamant that you'd replace him, I have arranged that you and your niece are to live here in the castle to make your job easier considering your... disability. Do you have any objections?"
"No objections here. I think that Peggy would love to live here," he stated.
"Peggy?," Elsa asked.
"My name for Margaret. It's what I call her. And if I may, your Majesty, between you and me... she seems to admire you a great deal."
"Oh really?," she asked and he nodded. "That's surprising. Perhaps I should introduce myself to her sometime."
"I cannot imagine how much that would mean to her... and me," he said. "Under normal circumstances, we are to meet regularly, I believe."
"Indeed. But since you shall be living here, we can speak whenever we wish. Besides, up until last night, I had no idea you existed, so I'd like to know my Lord of Arendelle better."
He nodded in understanding and there was a small silence between them.
"...I suppose we should both get back to work," Elsa said.
"That would probably be a good idea, yes, your Maj-."
"Please, call me Elsa. Formality gets very tiring after a while."
"Very well. If we are dropping formality, then please call me Ryan," he said and Elsa nodded. "I suppose we shall speak again soon."
"Yes... we will speak again at dinner," Elsa said and Ryan slowly began walk backwards, keeping himself facing her. "Why do you wear that cloth over your eyes?"
"I've been told my eyes make others uncomfortable."
"You may take it off if you wish when you're in my presence, it will not bother me. For a future reference."
He nodded as he backed out of the room completely and Ashe grabbed his shoulder and gave the queen a nod, which she returned.
'I did not expect him to be so handsome,' she thought to herself. 'Wait... why would I think that?'
When they were far away enough, Ryan spoke up
"Is she beautiful?," he asked.
"Sorry, what?," Ashe asked.
"She has... and if you repeat this to anyone else, I'll beat you with my cane... she has the voice of an angel. Is she beautiful?"
"...Yes, she is. Both she and her sister are probably the most beautiful women I've ever seen."
"...Thank you. Ashe... you will be the new Chancellor of Arendelle."
"...Thank you, my Lord. I won't fail you," Ashe promised.
"I know," Ryan said back. "Now we can only hope that I don't fail."
Hope you liked this. I know Chancellor is usually the title of the one who handles money in a kingdom, but that's not true in this story. Until the next chapter is up, see you all later.