Elsa mounted her throne, its surface coated in ice as she rested her hand on its arm. The throne was wicked yet beautiful, its edges sharp; to touch carelessly would undoubtedly draw blood. A man of age stood before her, his clothing of wealth. Elliot stood to the right of their new queen as the man bent a knee in her presence. " Forgive me, Your grace. I was not able to attend your coronation." His voice gruff to match his heavy appearance.

Elsa eyed the man; his gray furred cloak dirty and tattered at its ends. His dirty brown hair messy, as if the winds had pulled at their ends. "Think nothing of it; why have you come, Lord Brocas."

Lord Brocas rose to his feet, a sword swaying on his belt, his boots muddy. His features were creased with age; it was apparent that he did not express warm emotions in his long years as he wore a grim expression. "I have come to discuss the lack of supplies, your grace."

"Speak clearly with your words." The queen's words echoed.

The scuff of his boot echoed as he approached the throne, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. " Your country is starving, your grace. The bellies of Winter's Garden are empty, as well as others across the land."

Elsa was still, her back straightened, looking as a deity on her throne with Elliot shifting at her side. "The country of Arendelle should have enough supplies to last the year. Eight months remain, how are your words true?"

"Beast of the night." His words firm with a small hint of fear. "They are of nothing I have ever seen before, your grace. Their fur is of shadows, eyes crafted from the abyss and claws that have tasted the steel of blades."

Elsa was silent for a moment. "I have sent protection to Winter's Garden and enhanced defenses across the land long ago, my creatures could not have fallen so easily."

Age was laced through Lord Brocas beard as he scowled. "These beasts wield intelligence, your grace. Under the cover of darkness is when they penetrate our defenses."

"Have they taken life from Winter's Garden?" Elliot questioned out of line.

Brocas eyed Elliot. "No, my lord. Our food supply was their only intention. These beasts did not exists in our lands before last months end."

Elsa raised a sharp brow. "And you did not think to notify me before? Clearly this has gotten out of hand, lord Brocas."

Brocas took a deep breath. "Word of your coronation has spread across the land. I feel as though these beasts are only the beginning, your grace. Coming here was a last resort for winter's garden and our food supply."

The demon of her coronation whispered in her thoughts as she swallowed Brocas words. "Rose Atra has yet to pay tribute to Arendelle, will Winter's Garden last?" Elsa questioned.

"Not long, your grace; a fortnight at most."

Elsa was still as the man stared intensely, as if to drink her godly appearance. "The inner city of Arendelle cannot afford to spare supplies."

Rage became apparent in his features. "Your grace, these are your people; to carelessly throw them aside is absurd!" His voice echoed off the empty walls.

Elsa's remained calm. "I have cast no one aside, Lord Brocas. Arendelle has plans to obtain a new kingdom to pay tribute."

Lord Brocas fury did not subside. "Your grace, to continue to force other kingdoms to supply our needs is foolish. Arendelle has not felt the true heat of the sun for nearly a decade; release the curse from this land and let us reap our own crop!"

Frost slowly sprawled across the stone at the man's feet. "Do not test me, Lord Brocas. I will do what needs to be done for the survival of my people; do not question my actions." Her words were absolute as she spoke.

Brocas clenched his teeth, spitting words through his teeth. "My family has sworn loyalty to the throne for generations, your grace. I do not question your actions; but it is your actions that will destroy this country. A ruler cannot reign without the people to rule."

"Lord Brocas, I will not tolerate any further words of such nonsense. You will receive a portion of Arendelle's tribute in due time. Until then, Lord Brocas, it would be wise to return to Winter's Garden before I take actions toward your insolence." Shards of ice slowly emerged at the mans feet, forcing him to step back.

The air intensified as Brocas glared at the queen, the skin of his hand white as he clenched the hilt of his blade. "Forgive me." He spat. "Your grace."

...
Light flickered off the details of the room. Piles of documents littered Elsa's ivory desk as she sat in her study soundlessly; her thoughts deafening. It had been nearly two weeks since her coronation and issues had already arose, questioning her authority. Her actions required her to be swift to deal with Winter's Garden. But first, it was the matters of the forsaken one that demanded her attention.

Colorless memories of her battle with the unworldly creature pricked at her consciousness. If it was not the forsaken one who summoned such demon, then who? Elsa pondered different theories until one clung to the back of her throat. Could it be that the forsaken one was placed to become accused in the stead of another? "What of the beasts of the night?" a small voice question in the depths of her mind.

Elsa's thoughts lingered mindlessly to the one who had delivered him to Arendelle. "Ansgar..." Her thoughts probed. It made not the slightest of sense for her uncle to raise arms against Arendelle. To think that Ansgar would call on the drums of war was utter nonsense.

Elliot creaked the door open, letting himself in before bowing his head. "Your grace..." He lifted his head looking to Elsa as if he did not know how to word his thoughts.

"What is it?"

"...It seems as though Almus does not possess the life to continue any further questions."

"And the girl?"

"...She has not spoken since her imprisonment." Elliot could not mention his short visits with Anna.

Elsa locked eyes with her brother; she hadn't the understanding of what role the two played, but could not release them so easily. Elsa rose to her feet; green eyes followed her every movement. She turned to the window that overlooked her kingdom; Arendelle, frozen and bare, her thoughts slowly coming to a halt. "If it is not the forsaken one who will speak..." Elsa's words faltered as her thoughts began to present something she would never consider. She turned to Elliot who eyed her, silently waiting an answer. "We will retrieve another."

Confusion creased Elliot's features. "I do not understand, wh-"

"We are to reunite the children of Ansgar."

Elliot was quiet, taking her words by surprise. "Re...unite?" He questioned as if to not have heard her words correctly.

"Yes."

Elliot did not understand her sudden change of action, but did not have the authority to question. "Shall I send a guard to retrieve Lady Anna?"

Elsa was silent for a moment, the familiar cold of ice pricked her fingertips. "There is no need." She spoke as she turned away. "I will retrieve her myself."

The taste of dirt and blood lingered in the cracks of Anna's lips as she laid on the stone floor. Her back pressed against a lone wall, providing a vague sense of security in the darkness of her cell. Her wrists ached with fresh wounds from the chains that bound her. She had learned the uselessness of her efforts to escape long ago.

A shadow of light was cast beneath the thick wooden door, allowing her to trace the stone flooring before her. Her hair had been undone, becoming a mangled mess of red. The smell of filth was nauseating with every shallow breath she drew. Anna was sure that she did not smell anything less than a barn animal; it seemed as though the cell containing her had never felt the stroke of a broom. How long she had been laying on that cold stone floor, she did not know.

Elliot had provided a small candle on his second visit, but now, Anna was in complete darkness, making her long for the light of day to beat down on her skin. No windows hung on the wall, nor did the candle burn, as it's flame had long been burned out.

Anna's thoughts longed for Almus, her stomach yearned for a clean meal and her lungs ached for fresh air. She did not fully understand the reason as to what lead to her imprisonment, but she was sure that she did not deserve such a treatment. Her meals tasted sour as if to spoil days before; to treat a lady in such a manner was disgraceful even among men.

Forcing Anna into darkness seemed to dull her senses as she laid there blindly. She was forced alone with nothing but her thoughts. She could not remember how long it had been since Elliot's visit; a small part of her wished that she had not been so stubborn. If she had listened to Elliot, would she have remained in the filth that surrounded her?

The ceremony felt so long ago that she could not longer remember small details of the memory. A small scene played in her thoughts, the enormous scythe that gleamed as the demon attacked Elsa repeatedly.

"Elsa..." She thought. "Elsa." Her emotions felt numb as she continued to remember the ice queen. "It is because of her that I am in here..." Her thoughts whispered. "It is because of her that I am treated this way." Her thoughts clenched. "It is her fault." Her thoughts spat. Anna could feel a hint of anger climb the walls of her stomach as her thoughts continued bitterly.

Anna's thoughts silenced as the sound of footsteps echoed outside her cell. She could here her heart beat in her ears as she forced herself a slow breath.

A small shadow was cast beneath the door as they stopped before it. Anna sat up quickly as frost began to slither across the stone floor toward her. Anna knew of only one whom wielded such magic. She rose to her feet, understanding who it was in her presence.

Anna watched as the fiend opened the door slowly; its hinges creaking with age. Platinum hair was the first to be seen as Elsa stood in the doorway. Her familiar dress of ice clung to her figure perfectly as she wore an unforgettably serene expression.

Anna clenched her fists, the pain in her wrists were numbed by her overwhelming emotions. She felt as though a scream was perched beneath her chin, forcing her to grit her teeth. She stepped forward until her binding's refused any further movement. The metal drew blood as it dug deeper into her wrists. "Where is Almus." Her words dripped with venom.

"I have not come to discuss matters of Almus." She said as she took a slow step inside making Anna flinch slightly.

"Then why have you come." She snarled.

Ice began to intertwine through Anna's chains, covering her bindings entirely. Anna's breathing quickened as she stepped back, She could feel the stinging cold of the ice stab at her flesh. "No, I have done nothing!"Her words frantic as the ice began to crackle and scream; it was as if the chains were being seared from the inside out. Anna closed her eyes as she prepared for her fate, her heart racing, her hands shaking.

Anna's blood froze at the sound of something shattering. The strange feeling of her bindings crumbling left a soft release. She opened her eyes releasing the kept air from her lungs. The shattered remains of frost covered chains littered the the stone beneath her. She touched the raw flesh of her wrist with care, she winced, taking a sharp breathe in as pain spread across her forearm. She closed her hand slowly as she looked up to the ice queen, her mouth agape as strands of red fell in front of her features. Her anger inches from being forgotten. "Where is Almus." Her voice low.

"The forsaken one ha-"

Anna's rage could not be contained as she made an attempt of attack. "Don't you dare refer to him that way, his name is Almus!" Elsa easily evaded her useless attack. Anna's breathing became heavy as rage took hold of her consciousness. She attempted one last strike, inches from Elsa's flawless features before the queen restrained the red head's movements with ice bindings that sprung from below. Anna cried out as the ice jerked her back, her wounds fresh with blood once more.

"I do not wish to harm you any further. If restraints are required for your compliance, I will not hesitate to do so." Anna clenched her teeth as the pain became over whelming, the bindings slowly tightening. "If you will." Elsa stepped to the side of the doorway. "Follow me."

Anna remained still, her pride would not allow her to move another inch.

Elsa waited for Anna's obedience but was met with with a silent glare. The queen stretched forth a hand, ice resonating with her movement as it crawled before Anna's feet slowly morphing as it rose into what looked like a man of snow. Anna recognized its plain features from when she stumbled upon Elsa's battle in the courtyard. Ice slowly devoured the man's exterior, small details creased the ice as it became its armor. The armored man faced Elsa as it awaited her command.

"You will comply." Elsa's words stern as the man of snow rotated its head to face Anna who stood behind him. Its lifeless eyes staring into Anna's without color as he quickly took the chains in his hands breaking them from the stone below. Anna's rage faltered as the taste of fear hid beneath her tongue. The man embedded the the chains into his armor before rotating his head to face his queen once more.

Elsa exited the cell, the man following close behind. Anna winced as her chains were forcefully pulled, her wrists screaming with pain. The cold of the ice slightly soothed the burning pain, but it was not enough as they walked down the narrow passageway she was forced to walk long ago. "Where are we going?" Anna questioned. If they were to use force, Anna wanted to know where it was they were taking her.

Elsa remained silent.

"Am I to return home?" Her words quiet but doubtful even before they escaped her lips.

Elsa said nothing as they continued.

Anna's throat tightened as mixed emotions emerged. She wouldn't let the ice queen have her way so easily. The red head took hold of the chains to ease the pain of her wrists ever so slightly before stopping in her tracks. The chains ripped through her fingers yanking her wrists once more, crumbling any plan she had to stop the man of snow. She bit her lip as she contained her cries, she could not give up so easily. Anna trailed behind just feet away, the soldier walking a steady pace unfazed by her attempt.

Anna clenched her fingers around the chains once more as she looked to the two that walked before her. The man of snow fully armored, the ice glimmered as they passed several torches that hung on the walls. The flames dimming in Elsa's presence and becoming fully lit when she distanced herself.

Anna slowly but steadily closed the distance between her and the man before her. The defenseless and unarmored neck of the man gave Anna a hint of hope in the pit of her stomach. She slowly and quietly raised the chains, careful to not let them clink; Anna was inches from success. The man of snow swiftly rotated his head to meet eyes with Anna.

Anna gasped as her stomach tightened with fear. She threw the chains over his head fastening them around his neck before he could make any move of defense. The air was forced from her lungs as the man of snow made a blow to her abdominal. Anna couldn't breath in as she tightened the chains, pulling the man down with her.

The man disintegrated and for a splinter of a second, Anna thought that it was by her hands. She took a deep breath in as she gasped for air; Elsa slowly approached, her footsteps slow as Anna crawled backward. Elsa took the chains in her hand ceasing Anna's movements as she pulled on them, forcing Anna to her feet. She did not know what her plan of action would be after her release from the man of snow, but she refused to stand down to Elsa.

Elsa pulled the chains forcing Anna closer to her. Anna could feel the air in her lungs freeze as she faced Elsa from only inches away. Small details became apparent that Anna could not have seen otherwise. A small mist of pale freckles peppered the queen's porcelain features allowing Anna to feel less intimidated. Anna brushed her gaze across the queen's serene expression only to lock eyes with her crystal blue eyes. Her breath hitched as the queen stared back into her own pale green eyes.

Elsa took a small step back, breaking Anna's concentration. "You will comply." Her words absolute as she placed a soft finger on the center of Anna's forehead. Anna felt a chill spread throughout her body as she became engulfed in darkness, her consciousness slowly faded.

...

Anna's vision was blurred as she gradually came back into consciousness from her forced slumber. Her surroundings were unfamiliar as she was imprisoned in a new cell much different than the last. Pain coated her head as she sat up, groaning as her joints creaked like rusted hinges. Light trickled through a small window in the far corner, the smell of ocean salt was all that filled her lungs making this cell far more tolerable than the last. Straw littered the floor as her attention was drawn to a sleeping man in the corner. His hair mangled and black, his clothing coated in grime making any original colors fade.

"Almus?" Her voice soft as tears threatened to fall.

Almus slowly opened his eyes revealing their mismatched colors. His vision unfocused as Anna's silhouette was unfamiliar. His breath quickened as he sat upright, his heart pounding as he raised his arms in defense. "Please." His voice quivered. "No more."

"Almus." Her voice of relief as she approached on hands and knees. "Almus, its me."

Almus lowered his defense to see Anna covered in dirt and grime just as him. Her hair tangled and dress tattered at its ends. "Anna?" His voice hushed, was she an illusion, or could it be that she was really there with him. He reached out a hand hesitantly as if to question reality. Anna took his hand in hers, placing his palm on her cheek to confirm such. Anna closed her eyes allowing a single tear to fall, her chest tightened as she let out a soft sob.

"I'm sorry, Almus." Her voice cracked. "I should not have let father allow you to come with me."

Almus felt a pit in his stomach. "This is not your fault, Anna. You cannot take a blame that is not yours to take."

Anna released Almus's hand from hers as his words rang hollow. "What are we going to do Almus? What are we going to tell father?" Her words hushed and on the brink of despair.

Almus swallowed as the thought of their father emerged in his thoughts. "...I don't know." He whispered. "Queen Elsa has accused me of treason." His voice low as his mismatched eyes met hers.

"Treason?" Her emotions overwhelming. "For what happened during her coronation?"

The sound of locks unlatching broke through their conversation cutting it short. Anna stood as the door slowly opened, coming to a halt as it extended inward to its furthest reach. A man in red stood with a blade fastened to his belt. His hair neatly combed with a cleanly shaven face as he looked her over in all of her filthy glory. His expression was of disgust as he took a short step forward. "Queen Elsa demands for your presence in an hours time within the throne room."

Anna looked herself over now that her appearance was evident. She wore the same dress as during the coronation, its seams undone; any beautiful pattern that it had previously, it no longer had. Her feet bare as she had removed her shoes long ago, her toes red, her heels blistered and raw. Anna clenched her teeth as the feeling of rage pricked the back of her throat. "Demands for our presence, In this state?" Anna questioned in disgust. "Are you mad?"

The man looked over the two before motioning another to his side. A younger man, no older than Anna stepped into view. His build trim and tall, all while his blonde hair messy as his almond eyes scanned the contents of the cell awkwardly. "Kristoff, you will lead Anna to her room."Kristoff nodded as he took a step forward before his arm was caught by the man in red. "you are to be sure that she meets the queen's demands." His voice low as he expected obedience.

Kristoff swallowed nervously as he glanced at Anna. "I will."

"I will not leave without Almus!" Anna exclaimed as Kristoff approached.

"Do not worry Lady Anna, he is to be present as well."

...

Anna walked through the castle with a firm hand around her arm. Although it was not the weight of chains, nor the pain of bindings, she did not enjoy it any more. Anna pulled away from Kirstoff's grasp angrily. "You do not have to contain me, it's not like I can escape this place so easily."

"Uh...sorry." he said as walked beside her. The two were silent as they continued down a familiar hallway. Anna recognized a rather large white door that stood in the crossing of another passageway, bringing her to the realization of where she walked. Kristoff walked in the direction opposite of where she remembered her room.

"My room is the other direction." She stated bluntly.

"Oh, um, yeah." He said as he placed an embarrassed hand across the back of his neck releasing a nervous chuckle. "I'm a little new and unfamiliar with the inner walls of the castle."

Out of Anna's recent encounters, she seemed to dislike Kristoff far less than the others, allowing her to relax ever so slightly. "New to the castle?" She asked, allowing the tension to subside.

"Well, its just that I am usually the stable boy, and now they wish me to work within the walls. Its just all so new to me." His voice slowly became quiet as he avoided eye contact.

A hint of a smile pulled at Anna's lips as the soft company of another embraced her. Anna remained silent until she arrived at the closed door of her room before turning to the blonde young man. He stood awkwardly as if he did not know what it was he was supposed to do next. "I hope you do well within the castle walls." Anna smiled slightly.

"Uh, yeah. You too...I mean, not that you are going to stay here." Red rose in his features as he stammered to make sense. "Queen Elsa could very well be sending you home. Not that I would know that or to get your hopes up." Anna raised a hand cutting his string of words.

"Thank you, Kristoff." She said before opening the door.

"I am to wait out here until you are finished." He stated inches before the door closed.

Anna pivoted only to meet the eyes of another. A young servant girl looking no more than sixteen awaited her patiently. "I am here to assist and have heated a bath for you." Her words bland as if rehearsed.

Anna offered a warm smile as she looked to the ivory bath, steam rising from its waters within. The girl stood without movement, her fingers interlaced as she awaited instructions.

Anna examined her tattered dress as she strained to unlace its bindings from behind, her fingers sore and scabbed. The lacing tight even after the long stay in her cell. She grabbed and pulled uselessly until forced to give in, looking to the girl for help. "If you don't mind." Anna offered, turning her back to her. The girl stared for a moment before realizing what it was she inquired.

the girl nodded, her voice quiet. "Of course, lady Anna." She did not seem to be repulsed by the putrid smell that radiated from Anna's flesh. The girl's fingers moved with experience as she released Anna from her binding, allowing her dress to fall to the floor below. Anna took a deep breath as she inspected her filth covered body. Her skin dry and cracked while dirt and sweat was homed in every crease of her body.

The water burned as she submerged in its depths, her wrists aching as the water darkened. She sighed as she slowly became accustomed to its temperature, closing her eyes as she pulled her hair back, dipping it into the water. "How long." Anna spoke.

The girl was silent for a moment before speaking. "How long?" She asked.

Anna opened her eyes looking at the girl with pale green eyes. "How long had I been imprisoned?"

"Nearly two weeks, my lady."

The redhead placed her arms on the rims of the tub, soaking with pleasure. "I see." Her thoughts drifted mindlessly as she closed her eyes once more. Her emotions felt numbed as she thought of her family; her bed ridden mother, her twelve brother who remained in the Isles, until finally resting on the image of Elsa. Her perfect features igniting a flame in the pit of her stomach. Anna looked to the girl as she nervously intertwined her fingers, looking off in the distance. "How long have you lived in the castle?"

The girl jumped at her words giving Anna her full attention. "My lady?"

"The castle." Her words soft as she immersed further into waters. "How long have you lived in it?"

The girl gave a confused look but answered without hesitation. "My whole life, my lady."

"Have you now." she spoke half halfheartedly her gaze now on the waters surface. "And what do you think of Elsa."

The girl was silent. "Forgive me, lady Anna, I am here only to assist. I was instructed to be sure that you meet Queen Elsa's wishes, nothing more." Her words laced with that same rehearsed tone.

Questions pressed Anna's thoughts but was forced to remain as they were; she did not wish to discomfort this girl any further.

...

Anna was dressed in a familiar gown as Kristoff escorted her to the throne room. Her hair braided into the same braided bun that her mother had taught her of. Their travel silent and vague as he walked with every awkward step. Anna had never seen Arendelle's throne room, but when she arrived at its closed doors, her breathe could not help but escape. Ice was carved to make beautifully symmetrical patters down the colossal doors.

She was confused by her own emotions as she could not pinpoint what it was she felt. She watched as Kristoff pushed the doors opened with both hands, its hinges giving way as they moved by his command. Anna froze at the sight, the long room sculpted to perfection as pillars held the weight of beauty. Banners of Arendelle was draped down each pillar, black with a white barren tree, the exact opposite of her homeland.

The far end of the room stood a magnificent throne with an equal deity to perfect its wicked features. Thorns of ice wrapped the edges as spears of ice encircled the queen. Anna was awe struck by its alluring aura.

Elsa watched as Anna approached, the clack of her heel echoing with every slow step. Stopping only feet away, she asked. "Where is Almus?" Her voice demanding and out of line before the queen. Elsa remained silent as another entered before the throne.

Anna watched as Elsa looked past her to someone other than her. She turned slowly to see Almus, his raven hair shaggy and uncombed, all while wearing familiar clothing. "Almus!" She gasped. Her embrace forcing the air from his lungs as he grunted from impact.

The temperature cool, demanding their attention on the queen. Anna released her adopted brother facing the queen with a now more serious expression. "Why have you called on us." Her tone bitter.

Elsa tapped her finger on the surface of her ice covered throne. "It is not my intention to stir hate between families." Elsa's words firm. "That is why I have prepared a ship for departure."

Anna looked to Almus who wore an equally surprised expression. "Do you mean..." Anna's words faltered as Elsa nodded.

"Recent events are of no coincidence, the call of an audience is necessary to keep the peace between kingdoms."

Anna rose a brow. "Audience? What do you mean?" Almus shifted uncomfortably as he could not look at Elsa out of fear.

"I must speak with king Ansgar to sort such matters. If not, I will not hesitate to take action."

Anna's blood froze at her impossible demand before melting with the heat of anger. "You wish us to retrieve our father, but what makes you believe that we will return?"

Elsa looked to Almus as he continued to trace the creases of the stone floor with his stare. His eyes wide as he feared for what it was Elsa was concluding. "Who is to say that you will go?" Elsa stated as she stood from her throne, slowly descending from its steps.

Anna was at a lost for words as she did not understand the meaning behind her words. "Forsaken one." Almus flinched at the queen's words. Anna looked to Almus, fearing what she was to say next.

"You will be the one whom retrieves Ansgar."

Anna could feel rage embedded in her chest. "Our father is weak with age! He is in no condition to sail the sea!"

Elsa did not break her eyes from Almus as chains quickly bound her once more. Almus was silent as he continued to look down, away from the queen. Elsa lifted her hand forming a beautifully crafted blade, placing it beneath his chin forcing him to look. His mismatched eyes were wide as he could not place his eyes on Elsa's features. "So silent, forsaken one." A hint of taunt lingering in her tone. She retracted the blade as he continued to look forward. "Do not fear." She said to him all while approaching Anna. "I will keep her under my care." She traced a cold finger across her jawbone, looking into her pale green eyes.

Anna now understood what it was she felt in the pit of her stomach as she looked into Elsa's eyes, her teeth clenched. It was not sadness, nor was it happiness, but despair coated in rage.