Chapter 13 – The Return
A/N: Thank you for everyone who follows or favourites this story, it means a great deal to me on a personal scale as this is my first story. For all those who haven't read the previous chapters before it was deleted and may think that George's proposal was out of the blue, I can assure you they had been going out for nearly a year and half prior to him being sent away and captured. This means that they have been going out for the same time as Anna and Kristoff which I thought was appropriate as the character of Elsa is very similar to that of Kristoff's. I have to admit I am influenced by war and peace here (by Leo Tolstoy) as the setting and general society he presents if very historically accurate and I wish to imitate that in order to pay homage to the historical accuracy I have pledged to stick to. Please leave a review if you enjoyed it, or if you didn't what I could do to make it more palatable as after all, without your help, I cannot improve this piece. Enjoy!
The dark tiles of the infirmary shone in the afternoon sun. A large window, tainted with shades of pink and blue filtered the sunlight, casting dancing shadows of colour across the marble floor. The various maids attended to their duties, a doctor hovered above beds containing men of all shapes and sizes, some in green tunics, others in red, some even in black. The bustle of the infirmary imitated that of a beehive on a hot summer's day. George was lying in the bed closest to the door, sweat dripping off his face, whiter than the smoke exiting the chimneys of the castle. His rasping breath was lost amongst the rush as he gasped for air, trying desperately to fight the fluid in his lungs and to live. He glanced down at his hands; the fingernails were a motley-blue colour almost bruise-like in fashion.
"He's got cyanosis now due to the pneumonia, he may not have much time left" The doctor said to Elsa by his bedside.
"Are you sure about that doctor?" she asked, her face icy, cold and hard. Her sapphire blue eyes stared at George, willing for him to survive. Every tendon in her body screamed silently at him. "Breath! Just Breath!" She begged him silently, fearing that his dark grey eyes will never open, but instead remain closed. Forever.
"I'm afraid so your majesty, but in medicine nothing is for certain. He is a strong soldier; he won't give up that easily"
"Thank you doctor" Elsa replied, taking a seat beside George, gently stroking the side of his face with her right hand, using the other to mop his forehead with a damp rag.
George stirred slightly and opened his eyes slightly, barely noticeable by Elsa
"I must be dreaming there's an Angel sat beside me" his voice was wheezy with the fluid in his lungs.
"Well I may not be an angel, but I am your fiancée" She quipped, making him let out a wheezy giggle.
"Look at me, I'm the one supposed to be looking after you" George said, raising his arms slightly towards Elsa.
"Well I'm sure there'll be a time for that, but for now you need my help in order for you to help me"
"I will keep the promise I made you know" George said, his voice now serious and saturated with conviction.
"I love you so much, I will never leave you, besides I need help planning a wedding" Elsa said, continuing to mop George's forehead.
"Well I don't know too much about planning parties, it's usually me who's the one gate crashing them!"
"Have you any news for me?" He asked after a period of silence.
"Only that my lords approve of our union, but that was pretty much a given now that you have ties with the British royal family"
"Hey, I am not a noble at heart, and don't expect that of me, I plan to keep in my fit state and not pile on 100 pounds" he joked, the laughing making him cough up more bloody sputum.
"You should take it easy; all these jokes may be the death of you"
"If only, my dear snowflake. But now I have you, and I don't plan on seeing the last of those sapphire eyes any time soon." He said, making her blush a deep shade of scarlet.
"There he is, the man of the hour!" the General shouted, bursting through the doors of the infirmary.
"I heard they gave you another medal, and made you brigadier!" The warm and hearty voice of the general rang out, him not being one for subtlety.
"Indeed they have" George replied weakly, flinching slightly as the general patted his leg, swollen with the spreading infection.
"I spoke to the field marshal yesterday, for the foreseeable future you will be based here; you will command the northern brigade in their peace-keeping duties by the southern isles and corona. As I understand Sweden and the eastern lands are trying to stir things up, but nothing major has occurred yet. For the meantime, get some rest, and ill debrief you when you're fully fit."
"Thank you sir" the Brigadier replied.
The weeks passed and George grew stronger, each day the infection retreating away and his fever lessening. Each day Elsa visited, using her ice powers to give him relief from the burning fever and fire spread around his legs.
The Doctor had discharged him, allowing him to spend his nights in the castle chambers the couple shared.
It was around 10Pm, the couple were just lying on each other, Elsa's head nestled on George's chest, neither asleep, just enjoying the moment.
"Why don't you sleep in the main chambers Elsa?" George asked, stroking her platinum blonde hair.
"That was my parent's bedroom; I haven't been in there since they died at sea. I know I probably should, it just doesn't feel right though." She replied, still resting on his chest.
"I understand, it took me years to get over my brother's death"
"Wait a minute; you had a brother?" She asked, getting up off of him to look into his eyes.
"Yes, his name was James; he was four years older than me and in the army as well. When he signed up I joined after him, although much later. He was a major in the Cheshire rifles, as I was a captain. When the peninsula war kicked off, he was deployed whilst I was still at the academy. When I was 15 the battle of waterloo happened, my first action. He was a senior officer in our battalion and I was in charge of one of the company's. We were ordered to take over this farmhouse, it seemed pretty mundane but when we marched closer to it, the artillery started to rain down on us. I managed to take cover in a ditch by the side of the road but he wasn't as lucky. I swear I saw every piece of metal tear through his body, killing him instantly. That's why I never returned home, even if I had leave. I was terrified to tell my mother and father what had happened to him. I was ashamed of myself for letting that happen; I was ashamed of not being the one to have died. He was the closest thing I ever had as a friend growing up. We used to play with each other constantly; I used to follow him everywhere. But now he's dead. And all because of those French bastards." A single tear was brimming in his eye.
"Why didn't you ever tell me about this?" Elsa asked, shocked at this new revelation.
"I never wanted to speak about France ever, had I brought him up it would've led to more questions being asked, which would've caused me to have nightmares and flash backs, I know they are physically harmless, but they are so real, it causes me to lose control completely whenever I relapse into this. The soldier's call it shell shock on the front, others call it the mares, it's horrible Elsa and it's terrible."
"George, if we're to be married there can't be any secrets held between us, I can help you with this and I know what losing family feels like. I shut myself in, I hurt Anna because of my selfish actions; you, must promise me to never shut me out, or anyone else. I love you George, I love you with all my heart. And for that reason there can't be any secrets between us, not anymore."
"I know Elsa; I don't want you to think of me as a monster or a murderer though. Some of the things I have done are terrible, to a civilian; they are barbaric. I'm frightened you won't understand and think of me as a monster, I still think of myself as a monster after what I've done."
"I understand, for years because of my powers I thought I was a monster, I lived as a recluse for 13 years, shutting even my sister out"
"That's different, your powers are beautiful and you can reconcile your actions, whilst for me, the people who I've been a monster to are dead. That's the cost of war, act a monster and get treated like a hero."
"I've told you this before George, if you live yourself as the best man you can be, if you can prove not only to others but to yourself that you are a good person, that's when you can heal, and only then."
"I know but I still don't feel comfortable talking about it though."
"Anyway, how have Anna and Kristoff been going on since I left? I haven't seen them much since I got out of hospital"
"They seem okay, I haven't seen Anna that much either, she's mainly been spending her time with Kristoff. It's unusual for her; she usually visits me all the time whilst I'm working and I've not heard from her once. It seems very fishy, she must be planning something."
"I agree, it is out of her character to stay away from you like that"
Meanwhile in Anna and Kristoff's room.
"Do you reckon they'll like the party tomorrow" Anna asked Kristoff, her red hair now loose and sprawled over Kristoff.
"Anna this is the fiftieth time you've asked me, they'll love it, I'm sure of it."
"I know, I'm just so stressed now Elsa is engaged to George; I want everything to be perfect."
"Don't worry so much, she has everything now, a fiancée, a loving sister and an entire kingdom at her will."
The following day the cloud had been burned off, revealing the warm golden sun rising high in the sky, crisp with the numbing cold of the arctic winter. The icicles hung sharp like daggers off of every ledge susceptible to the cold. A thick layer of snow smothered the town, turning rooftops and streets into blankets of white. The pristine snow, untarnished by the footfalls of men and women, smothered the landscape; their crystalline structures refracting the light, each one shining like a diamond in the warm glow of the early morning sun.
Anna had risen early, much to Kristoff's dismay, in order to make the final preparations for Elsa's engagement party.
The ballroom was set up in ice blue and navy blue drapes, a huge white cake, not dissimilar to that of her birthday cake lay on the table, decorated with light blue icing. Anna, bursting with excitement, messed about with a candelabrum, trying desperately to place it perfectly.
"Are you sure it is okay Kristoff? Are you sure? Could I move that table to the back and change the painting on the wall and..." Anna rambled on, flashing her hands to far flung points of the room.
"Anna, Anna, it's beautiful, Elsa will love it" Kristoff replied to Anna's babbling, holding her gently in his arms.
"I know, it's just she spent so long locked away and now she can have a family of her own, I want everything to be perfect"
"How about this, the food has been set out and the guests are arriving, if I organize them to surprise Elsa and George whilst you go and wake them up we can surprise them." Kristoff finished, gently placing his bear like hands on her nimble shoulders.
"Okay then, I'll go up to them now" Anna sighed, defeated by Kristoff's soft voice.
Anna darted away, nearly running up the stairs and into Gerda who was carrying salad dishes stacked precariously high down the stairs.
Anna reached her sister's bedroom, the familiar light blue snowflake designs seemed to be alive in the early morning sunlight. It was October and the red – orange sunlight kissed everything it touched, embracing it in its warm glow.
Anna bounced on the balls of her feet, hesitating momentarily to open her sister's door and wake her. Two, nearly three years had passed since the eternal winter and the end of their separation, but Anna was still apprehensive about going into the alien room.
She opened the door lightly, seeing Elsa in her deep blue night gown; similar to that she had worn on the night of the accident. She was snoozing peacefully, her hair still done in a French plait. George was sleeping next to her, the colour now returned to his face, although there were still traces of the illness through the heavily fatigued look on his body.
"Psss... Elsa, wake up" Anna said, gently nudging her older sister
Elsa started to stir, slightly opening her eyes.
"What's the matter Anna?" she asked, sitting up against the ornately carved bed-board.
"Two diplomats have come to visit you, they are getting impatient. They also want to see you too George"
"Oh for god's sake why?" George said to himself, swinging his leg out from underneath the covers.
""I'll leave the two of you to get dressed then" Anna tiptoed out of the room and left it, shutting the door with a little tap.
The two walked down the stairs in a rush; their place slowed by George having to hobble with his walking stick.
They opened the large wooden doors to the great hall, the deep creaking echoing throughout the castle.
"Surprise!" the crowd of people at the back of the hall shouted simultaneously.
Elsa gasped at the crowd of people and the table laden with foods of all descriptions. Nobles, princes and Kings all stood there, applauding the two.
Anna ran up to Elsa, hugging her tightly. "This is your engagement party, I organized it myself" Her face pulled into a smug grin.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, considering you just got engaged..."
"Oh it's an engagement party George" Elsa pulled Georges arm into hers, making him groan out of pain from the awkward pressure on his leg.
"Look who's here to see you" Anna said, dragging her sister into the crowd.
Two familiar figures stood awkwardly in the crowd. The short haired brunette, wearing a lavender dress half leaned on a dark haired Eugene who was wearing a dark blue naval tunic.
Elsa was engulfed in a warm hug by Rapunzel "I'm so happy for you, your parents would be so happy"
"So where is he? I've heard so much about him" Rapunzel said, her eyes darting around the busy hall.
"Hold on I'll go and get him" Elsa said, quickly walking through the crowd towards George.
"Georgie! My cousin wants to meet you over there" Elsa said, lightly kissing him on the cheek.
He started towards Rapunzel, held back slightly by his need of the walking stick. The dark bags underneath his eyes told of the infection he had barely survived. The short haired brunette introduced herself politely.
"Hi, you must be George, I'm Rapunzel; Elsa and Anna's cousin and this is my husband captain Eugene Fitzherbert"
"It's a pleasure to meet you your highness" George said as he bowed, flinching slightly at the shooting pains in his leg.
"So what do you work as?" she asked him.
"I'm a brigadier in the British army; I served alongside the Corona army during the peninsula wars."
"Oh, a brigadier you say. What're those medals on your chest for?" Rapunzel asked, her insatiable curiosity taking over her.
"Well the one around my neck is the order of bath, which was for my time in Africa and the other one is the order of St George and St Michael for actions in the Gold coast."
"Ooh a war hero, I didn't think Elsa was into tha..." Rapunzel cut herself short, realizing the personal subject she was speaking about.
"Dear, I think it's time for the meal" Eugene said, rescuing her from the awkward conversation.
"Ladies and Gentlemen please can you take your seats, breakfast will be served soon" Kai said in his full formal tone.
The guests sat down at the grand table, set up as a double with two chairs at the head of it. George and Elsa sat at the head of it, with Rapunzel and Eugene sat on the right and Kristoff and Anna sat on the left. The six talked for hours. The menu was chocolate pudding and then ice cream, the two of Elsa's favourites.
"So when is the wedding going to be?" Rapunzel asked the couple.
"Hopefully in march" George replied, his face still full with ice cream.
"Have you two thought about children?" she asked, pushing for more information, which got her a gentle elbow off of Eugene.
Elsa spluttered and coughed, half choking on a piece of chocolate pudding whilst George just froze and went bright red.
"One step at a time please" She replied
"Anyway, what's the theme of the wedding going to be?"
"Ice of course" Elsa said throwing her hands up, unwittingly nearly stabbing George with a fork.
"Anna, have you thought about children yet?" Rapunzel asked her younger cousin.
"Well... yes." Anna said, going very quiet.
"And..." Rapunzel pushed
"Well, I didn't want to say until we knew for sure but; I'm pregnant."
George, Kristoff, Elsa, Rapunzel and Eugene all froze and whipped round to Anna. Unsure at what to do, Kristoff just said "What?"
"I'm pregnant, I wanted it to be a surprise so I kept it from you; I was going to mention it this evening"
"That's wonderful Anna!" Elsa said, getting up and hugging her sister
"So I'm going to be a dad?" Kristoff said, still stunned from Anna's news.
"Yes love, you're going to be a papa and I'm going to be a mama" she pecked him on the cheek lightly.
"And that means we're going to have nieces!" Elsa half shouted, shaking George's arm.
"I'll make the announcement" she said, standing up.
"Ahem!" the rest of the table fell quiet as they realized the queen was making an announcement.
"Dear lords, Ladies and honoured guests; we gathered here today to originally celebrate the union between myself and Brigadier Davies of Britain. However very good news has just befallen me and I wish to share it with you. My sister, Princess Anna, is expecting her first child. So on behalf of Arrendelle: cheers!" Elsa finished, raising her glass and clinking it with George's.
"So, have you thought of any names?" Elsa asked
"If it's a girl; Ruth and if it's a boy Erik" Anna replied.