I can't believe she didn't come after me!" Anna fumed as she stomped up the stone steps to confront her sister. The two siblings had just had their worst fight to date and Elsa hadn't the decency to chase Anna down to apologize. The nerve.
Elsa had insulted Anna's intelligence, implied that she didn't care for Kristoff's well-being and confirmed what most people said about the sisters when they were out of earshot: that Elsa was "The Heir" and Anna merely "The Spare".
Anna yanked back the curtain and stormed in. "Elsa, I'm very mad at you!" she proclaimed to a dark, quiet room. Wait, why was it dark and quiet? Where had her sister gotten off to?
"Elsa?" she tried again and jumped several feet when there was a shuffling noise to her left and a lantern was suddenly lit.
"Rayce!" she exclaimed when the captain's face became visible. "What are you doing here? Where's Elsa?" The captain tilted his head to one side and Anna finally noticed her sister asleep on the small cot once more.
"I can't believe she can sleep after that fight…" Anna muttered more than a little perturbed.
"She's not asleep." Rayce piped up from the corner, mouth set in a tight line.
"What do you mean?" Anna glanced at her sister in confusion. Rayce stood and approached the princess, posture rigid.
"She collapsed. I came in to check on her and she practically fainted in my arms!"
Anna's hands flew to her mouth in shock. "Oh, Elsa … I didn't mean… oh, no…"
"She would do ANYTHING for you. She rode out in the middle of the night to find you, heedless of the danger. What could you possibly be angry at her for?"
"We were fighting because she didn't want to join the rebellion…" Anna told him, utterly ashamed of her behavior.
"You really have no idea the weight she carries on her shoulders, do you? You go through life making decisions that no one questions because they really only affect you. Who are you truly responsible for Princess? Yourself? The Baron and his reindeer?"
"What are you getting at Captain?" Anna found she didn't appreciate the tone Rayce was using with her. While she may not outrank Elsa, she definitely commanded more respect from the captain.
" That your actions exist in a vacuum, Princess. The repercussions affect you and few others. Such is not the case for a ruling monarch. From the time she opens her eyes until she closes them again at night, EVERY decision Her Majesty makes affects countless individuals either for the better or the worse. You say you wanted her to join the rebellion? What if it had failed? What then?"
Anna had to admit she hadn't really considered the possibility of failure. She hadn't thought much about any of the details really; her heart had gone out to these people who had been suffering under an oppressive ruler and she hoped Elsa would help. But that was before. Before her sister had been injured and poisoned. Before she had behaved like a petulant child. Rayce answered his own queries.
"No doubt Arendelle would be taken, you and the queen forced into exile or arranged marriages with one of Helmut's many sons. Or perhaps they would kill the queen outright and appoint you in her place?"
"No! They would never hurt Elsa!"
"You're probably right. After all, Arendelle is nothing without her; a sleepy little kingdom living in the shadow of a vast mountain range. No, it's more likely that King Helmut would coerce Her Majesty into servitude by trading your safety for her cooperation. You see, Princess, while you flit about heedless of the consequences of your actions, it has become a well-known fact that your sister possesses only one true weakness."
"Me," Anna gasped, understanding threatening to overwhelm her. "They would use me to get to her."
"A strategy that has already worked once. Why else are we here if not for your sister's love?"
"What was I thinking? How could I have been so stupid?" Anna stared at Elsa, so still on the uncomfortably small cot and she wanted to weep. She had done this. Rayce approached her and placed a gentle hand on her arm.
"You are not stupid, Highness. You love hard and react quickly. You saw these people's hardships, heard their plea and expected that Her Majesty would react as you had."
"But she can't," Anna whispered.
"No she cannot." Rayce agreed with her. " There are few things more dangerous than a poorly thought out alliance. That very thing felled one of the greatest leaders my country had ever seen. Her name was Cleopatra, and like your sister she was as beautiful as she was powerful."
"I've heard stories of her…"
"Then you know that she fell madly in love with a Roman general and the two expanded her territory farther than any ruler before her. Yet, in their quest for more power, more land, the pair struck an alliance that cost them everything. The general was defeated in battle, Cleopatra taken prisoner in her own land. In a moment of weakness, her lover took his own life to avoid capture and once she learned of his fate, she too perished."
"They killed her?"
"No. Cleopatra died by her own hand. Would you see your sister suffer such a fate? Were she forced to use her abilities against innocents, do you not believe she would rather die than be seen as a monster?"
Anna shuddered at the captain's words. He was right. Elsa could never live with herself if she were forced into using her abilities to hurt people. Everything the captain was saying could have easily become a reality and Anna had been too naive to sense the real danger lurking here. She turned and threw her arms around the captain, much to his surprise. He reluctantly returned the hug before pulling back.
"Highness, what was that for?" he inquired, blushing slightly.
"For Elsa. She's lucky to have someone like you looking out for her, even when her own sister forgets to. If you don't mind, I think I'll stay with her awhile? I have a lot I need to say to her but for now I just want to take care of her."
"Of course. Sunrise is a few hours away and the men and I have many preparations to finish before The Adgar arrives." Rayce gave Anna a slight bow before heading out into the night, Elsa's sword still strapped to his hip.
Approaching her sister, Anna managed to wiggle her way onto the cot behind her, arms wrapped around Elsa's torso, tucking her legs in between her sister's. The queen didn't move, her unconscious state dulling any reaction. Anna nuzzled her face into Elsa's white-gold locks, marveling at the silky softness and pouring as much love into her actions as she could.
"I love you," she whispered as she tucked her head into the older girl's shoulder. "I love you and I'm gonna do better, I promise. You don't have to do this alone." Fatigue began to weigh on the princess and she soon joined her sister in an exhausted, dreamless sleep.
Elsa awoke to daylight streaming through the small window near the top of the cave. She felt as if she hadn't slept at all and became instantly aware that she was not alone. Craning her neck she caught sight of a tangle of red hair behind her. Freckled arms and hands encircling her chest confirmed her suspicions.
"Anna?" she tried, voice barely audible. "Anna, wake up." There was a snort behind her as the arms pulled her tighter against her sister's chest while she began to stir. A few more inhuman snorts later and Elsa heard her sister's sleep-addled voice behind her.
"Elsa?" The queen was instantly rolled over, the pair nearly toppling to the ground before she was crushed against her sister's chest. "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! Rayce was mad at me because you collapsed and then he said the rebellion could fail and they would force you to use your powers and I don't want you to be like Cleopatra!" Anna wailed in a near unintelligible manner.
The elder sister had no idea what Anna was going on about but she was relieved her sister seemed to have forgiven her for their fight. She returned Anna's embrace, rubbing soothing circles on the girl's back as she continued to unravel. Eventually, Anna's sobs died down into whimpers and she pulled back to hold Elsa's face in her hands.
"I'm sorry I got angry. I can't imagine what it's like to know your every decision affects so many people. I was so selfish but I'm gonna do better. When we get home, I want you to rest and the council and I will handle everything, okay?"
" Anna, that won't be necessary," Elsa began before Anna interjected.
"Yes it is! You shouldn't have to do this alone. Don't shut me out again. It's not good for either one of us."
Elsa nodded tearfully before collapsing into Anna's embrace, savoring her sister's warmth and comfort. The two spent the rest of the morning huddled beneath one another until Rayce appeared in the doorway, noticeably relieved that Elsa had regained consciousness and was eating again. Katerine entered behind him and immediately began fussing over the young queen.
"You are by far the worst patient I have ever had! Arguing and collapsing, barely taking the herbs I prescribed. It is clear that I cannot trust you to care for yourself once you return to Arendelle. I will simply have to go with you."
The three young people in the room stared at the elderly physician. Had she said she was returning to Arendelle?
"Katerine, are you certain? This is your home." Elsa asked in a soft voice. The old woman approached the queen and took her hands in hers.
"My dear, I have lived several lifetimes here in the Southern Isles and raised many an adopted son. I think perhaps I would enjoy caring for daughters. That is, if it pleases Her Majesty?"
The sisters were truly touched that this woman born of an enemy nation had taken such a shine to them. It seemed the attachment was mutual as a few tears slipped down the queen's face when she replied, " It does indeed."
Katerine placed a gentle hand on the queen's cheek before shaking herself out of the sentiment of the moment. "Now then," she clucked as she rose and began mixing herbs again. "Let's get that bandage changed before your ship arrives."
As predicted, The Adgar and The Idunn appeared a few miles off the coast at mid-day. Not wishing to wait any longer to see Anna, Kristoff and a few guards rowed into shore a scant few minutes later, the ice harvester wading through the knee high surf to reach his beloved on the beach.
"Anna!"
"Krissy! You're okay!" The large man scooped Anna into his arms, spinning her around several times before setting her on her feet. He kissed her deeply before placing a string of light kisses on her nose and forehead.
"I was so worried! Don't ever do that again."
"You have my word," Anna replied, mimicking her sister. Looking over the group gathered on the beach, Kristoff noticed two very important people missing. Where were Elsa and Rayce? As if reading his mind, Anna piped up. "Elsa and Rayce are just saying their goodbyes. They'll be here soon."
"How is she?" Kristoff asked concerned. Rayce had kept him updated on Elsa's condition via Horus and it sounded like the sooner they got the young queen home, the better.
"She's okay," Anna answered without much enthusiasm. " I just really want to get her home." Kristoff nodded, eyes roving the beach as the soldiers began loading the rowboats for departure. An unfamiliar face in the crowd caught his attention.
"Who's this?"
"Oh! I almost forgot!" Dragging Kristoff over to the old woman, Anna quickly made introductions. "Katerine this is my husband Kriss- I mean Kristoff. Kristoff this is Katerine. She's the amazing physician who's been taking care of Elsa. She's coming back to Arendelle with us! Isn't that great?"
The elderly woman seemed to blush at Anna's praise. "I simply helped Her Majesty's healing along. She is a strong woman. I only wish to see her fully restored. It is a pleasure to meet you, Baron." Kristoff shook the woman's hand, surprised by her firm grip.
"Nice to meet you as well. That's quite a grip you have there." Katerine shrugged.
"A healer's hands must be strong."
"Shall we be underway?" Kristoff looked up to see Rayce coming towards them, Elsa cradled in his arms as he traversed the uneven sand. Kristoff hastened to meet them.
"Are you okay?" He asked sincerely, seeking to make eye contact with his sister-in-law.
"I'm getting there," she assured him quietly.
"Baron, if you please?" The two men easily transferred Elsa's weight from Rayce to Kristoff. He adjusted his grip, sure not to drop the queen as he made his way to one of the boats.
Rayce ran through a quick checklist with Skogerson and when he was satisfied, the group moved steadily towards the twin ships. A few families from the settlement had also expressed their desire for asylum so Rayce had arranged for his men and the refuges, all except Katerine, to travel aboard The Idunn. The royal family, Katerine and Rayce would sail aboard The Adgar.
Anna and Katerine huddled Elsa below decks as soon as they boarded, wanting the young queen to rest as much as she could. Rayce stayed on deck with Kristoff and the admiral, watching the coastline grow ever smaller as the group moved towards their goal of returning home.
"Admiral!" One of the seamen called out from his position at the ships' bow. "There are two ships approaching. One flies the colors of the King."
Admiral Wahl grabbed his own scope and quickly confirmed that there were indeed two southern fleet vessels moving at a steady clip towards them. Rayce appeared at the admiral's side, face tight with dread.
"I'll alert the queen!" he shouted back, halfway below decks already. "Majesty?" He knocked urgently on the door to Elsa's cabin. Anna swung the door open with an irritated look.
"What is it? We just got her settled before you started banging on the door."
Rayce pushed past the princess towards Elsa who was now sitting up in bed with a perplexed look. " Southern ships approaching off the port bow, Majesty."
"Have they exhibited any signs of aggression?"
"Not as of yet but one of the vessels flies the King's colors."
"Then he may very well be onboard. Please head back to the decks and do your best to stall them." Elsa told Rayce before swinging her feet off the bunk. "Anna, help me up. If the King is aboard, he will no doubt wish to speak with me and I am not exactly dressed for a royal engagement."
Anna and Rayce exchanged worried looks. Elsa could barely stand yet she was about to make an audience with the king? There was no way of telling if the Southern Isles' monarch knew of Elsa's injuries and that was a card best kept close to the vest. Rayce moved toward the door uncertainly.
"Now, Captain," Elsa commanded with just a hint of irritation.
This wasn't something he or Anna could protect her from. She would simply go out, speak with the king and scurry back below decks before she collapsed again. Yes, that was a solid plan. Anna approached her with a dubious expression as Elsa had yet to push herself off the bunk.
"I don't think this is a good idea…" Anna hedged.
"I know but what other choice do we have?" Anna didn't have an answer for that so she moved forward and helped the queen ready for her engagement.
Rayce arrived back above decks just as the main southern vessel pulled up beside them, close enough to reach out and touch. He stiffened when he laid eyes on none other than King Helmut himself standing alongside an officer who looked suspiciously like the rumored dead Prince Hans.
"Admiral Westeergard. To what do we owe the repeated honor?" Admiral Wahl addressed the younger man, voice thinly veiled in contempt.
"His Majesty wishes to speak with Queen Elsa before her departure."
"I believe Her Majesty is indisposed below decks, is there something I can assist you gentleman with?" Rayce put on his best diplomatic tone, trying to distract from his rather bedraggled appearance.
"And you are?" The younger admiral questioned with a raised brow.
"Captain Rayce. I lead Her Majesty's personal guard. Do forgive my appearance; days spent on horseback tend to wear."
"Indeed," the other man smirked. Behind him the king appeared bored by the exchange. "King Helmut wishes to speak with Her Majesty directly as well as the princess if she is able."
"Of course. Let me inquire of them." Rayce hurried to the stairs that led below decks and was surprised to see Elsa coming toward him, looking as regal as ever.
She wore one of her simpler ice dresses and a dark blue cloak with the hood up. Her hair had been braided and draped over her shoulder, further camouflaging the bandage around her neck. He could tell Anna had applied some light cosmetics to add a healthier glow to the queen's skin and lessen the dark circles beneath her eyes, as they were clear evidence of an illness. Elsa gratefully accepted his arm as she reached the deck and moved slowly toward the head of the ship where King Helmut and Admiral Westeergard awaited.
"Your Majesty," Elsa greeted Helmut with a slight bow. "How kind of you to see us off." The king finally stepped forward so he and Elsa could converse, his portly belly jiggling with every step.
"Queen Elsa, I must admit to being quite disturbed by your sudden departure. Are you not well?" Elsa maintained her regal façade, knowing the cunning monarch was baiting her.
"Of course," she batted her eyelids in mock confusion, pretending to be taken aback by the question. " I do admit to being sick with worry over my sister's abduction but now that she is back in my possession, all is well."
"That is good news. Tell me, Majesty, how were you able to track the bandits who stole her away?" Again Elsa feigned ignorance.
"I'm afraid we didn't. During her captivity, Anna was able to regale her captors with outlandish tales of all the terrible things the 'Snow Queen' would do should any harm come to her." Elsa smiled sweetly at the king. The message she sent was clear: Do not underestimate my power. She continued after a moment, sure her message had been received. "It seems your bandits simply didn't have the stomach for it and sent my sister wandering into the forest alone. That is where my men and I found her, hungry and disoriented but no more worse for wear."
"Clearly amateurs. How fortunate for the princess. I should wish to lay eyes upon her before you go as I feel partially responsible for her abduction." Elsa bit her tongue knowing Helmut had allowed the entire fiasco to happen.
"Captain, do be a dear and fetch my sister." Rayce hurried below decks in search of Anna. Elsa placed a hand on the ships' railing to steady herself, hoping the movement wouldn't draw suspicion. She could see ice begin to creep across the polished wood and wondered how much longer she could keep up this ruse.
"Elsa?" Her sister's voice drew her attention as Anna came up behind her.
"Anna, King Helmut was just inquiring about your well-being." Anna stepped forward and gave the king a small curtsy.
"That is very kind of you, Your Majesty. As I'm sure my sister told you, the bandits abandoned me deep in the forest and had my sister not come along… well I shudder to imagine what may have happened. I am simply eager to return home."
Elsa smiled a little to herself as Anna regaled the king with her tale, playing perfectly to the helpless princess role he had clearly assigned her. In reality, Anna would have been able to survive several days on her own in the forest, thanks to Kristoff's tutelage.
"Of course my dear." Helmut bought the act hook, line and sinker, giving Anna his most concerned expression. "I suppose it is too much to ask for your party to remain a few more days. I should love to have a celebration in honor of your safe return."
Helmut was testing Elsa. Throwing the sisters a grand ball was the farthest thing from his mind. He simply wanted the queen to remain longer so his men could finish what they started. The queen appeared well enough meaning his men had failed utterly. She was dangerous as it was but if allowed to return home, removing the monarch would be nearly impossible. He hoped she would fall for the ploy but she declined almost immediately.
"I'm afraid that won't be possible, Majesty," Elsa piped up. "I have already been away from Arendelle longer than expected and like my sister, I yearn to see my own shores."
"Very well. I will have Admiral Westeergard escort you out to sea."
"That will not be necessary, Majesty." Elsa hedged quickly. Darkness was beginning to creep into the corners of her vision and she wasn't sure she could stand much longer. "Thank you again for your hospitality. I am eager to begin trade once we return home but we must get underway."
"As you wish. Safe travels, Queen Elsa."
"Thank you kindly, King Helmut."
Without another word the portly man waddled back below decks leaving only the admiral. The young man bowed deeply to the sisters before instructing his men to pull away. Within a few minutes a good distance had been put between the two ships. Elsa gratefully took Rayce's offered arm again as she headed below decks, careful not to appear weak lest they were still being watched.
Rayce immediately grew concerned when she stumbled down the first stair, then the next.
"Majesty?" He wrapped his other arm around her waist in an effort to steady her.
"I just need… I just need to lie down, I think," she tried to reassure him as he and Anna practically carried the queen. Her garments had returned to the simple outfit given her by the settlers and ice trailed behind the trio as they made their way rather clumsily to her cabin.
Anna pushed the door open for Rayce and he quickly hoisted Elsa into his arms and carried her straight to the bunk. Removing her cloak he began to gather blankets to warm her. "Go get Katerine," he ordered Anna before returning his attention to Elsa. She had her eyes squeezed shut which alerted the captain that she was in pain.
"Majesty," he called to her as he tucked the blankets tighter and gently stroked her forehead. "Majesty, you must tell me what pains you so we can help."
"Everything," she groaned before attempting to curl in on herself. Rayce kept her on her side and continued to try to comfort her, growing more concerned by the moment as Elsa began to whimper softly. He was about to storm through the ship and find Katerine himself when she appeared in the doorway, Anna close behind.
"What is the matter, dear?" the elderly healer asked as she knelt before the queen, placing a gentle hand on her head.
"Everything hurts," Elsa whimpered again and Katerine nodded seeming to understand, before she gestured for Anna to bring the bowl of herbs the younger royal was holding. Placing a hand under Elsa's head to support her, the woman brought the bowl to the young woman's lips.
"Drink, Majesty."
Elsa would have done anything to quell the dull, empty pain that seemed to settle into her very bones so she eagerly drank the mixture before her. She nearly wept at the instant relief she felt as her aching muscles began to relax and she was pulled into a warm, dreamless sleep.
"What's wrong with her?" Anna asked tearfully as she moved forward. Sitting on the edge of the bunk, she gently lifted her sister's upper body until Elsa's head once again lay in her lap. She noted with worry the tear tracks in her sister's makeup indicating how much pain the queen was truly in. Katerine looked on with concern, wishing she had better news to share.
"It's a side effect of the poison I'm afraid. Survivors often experience sudden, intense waves of pain for several days after their initial exposure. The best thing for her now is rest. I will mix a stronger draft that will keep her asleep for the remainder of the journey."
Katerine left in a hurry to prepare the brew lest Elsa wake in pain again and find the physician unprepared to treat her. Anna stared at her sister sadly, stroking her hair and whispering, "We're going home. I love you and I'm gonna take care of you. I promise."
"Captain?" Rayce turned to the door to see a baby-faced seaman standing there. He spared a worried glance at the queen but returned his attention to Rayce quickly. "Sir, there is something on deck the Baron wishes you to see."
Rayce nodded and the man excused himself without another word. He placed a comforting hand on Anna's shoulder. "Stay with her, Katerine should be back soon." Anna nodded, unable to stop gazing at her sister's still form.
"Baron?" The captain called out once he arrived on deck.
From the bow Kristoff beckoned him forward wordlessly, seeming entranced by something in the distance. As Rayce grew closer he saw what had captured the other man's attention as well as the crew's. There, surrounding Odense' harbor, was a large wall of stone separating the southern fleet from the open sea. The captain felt a small smile split across his face.
"Thank you, Greger," he muttered. The deposed prince had made sure the Arendellian vessels would be able to safely get out to sea, just in case his father decided to try and stop them once more. "You truly are a prince."
