A/N Okay, so this will be the penultimate chapter before Anna's accident.

Thank you for all the reviews and follows etc.

**WARNING: THIS CHAPTER WILL INVOLVE CHILD ABUSE. IF THIS MAKES YOU UNCOMFORTABLE THEN PLEASE DO NOT READ**


Chapter Nine.

Anna skipped enthuastically down the hallway, coming to a standstill at Elsa's door. Making sure no-one was looking, she put her mouth in front of the keyhole and whispered, "Psst, it's me Anna."

The door slowly opened and the young Princess excitedly raced inside.

The two Princesses had been playing together in secret for a little over a month now. At first, Elsa had tried her best to distance herself from her younger sister, but her efforts were futile. The little Princess was very persistant and quite persuasive. Usually, her bribery would involve sneaking her lots of chocolate from the pantry, which was always guaranteed to bring a smile to the older girls face.

Over the course of time, and with her sister's help, Elsa began experimenting with her powers, attempting to control them, or at least learn to be less afraid of them. The time they spent with each other, had also helped strengthen their friendship and overall bond. Soon, Elsa was beginning to enjoy Anna's company more then ever.

At her younger sister's request, the older girl would happily create a icy, winter wonderland inside her bedchambers. They had built a snowman, skated clumsily around on the ice, and even made snow angels.

Anna giggled and roared with laughter as they played together. The younger Princess never got tired of her big sister's magic, and she couldn't understand why she had to hide it.

"Elsa? why doesn't Mama like your powers?"

"Because grown ups don't understand all the fun stuff I can do. They think my powers are dangerous...that I'm dangerous."

"You're not dangerous," Anna countered in a disbelieving tone.

The older Princess stared down at her hands, sniffling softly. "But I could be. I could hurt people. I hurt Mama once, and that is why she hates me...she hates what I am...what I could be...a monster."

Anna wrapped her small arms around her sister, comforting her the best she could. "Well I don't care what they say. I think they are amazing. I love them, and I love you." The younger Princess hugged her sister tighter, ignoring how cold she was, instead filling her with warmth. To Elsa it was the best feeling in the world, and for the first time ever, the older Princess reciprocated.

After several moments locked in a loving embrace, both girls were alerted by the sound of Gerda calling for Anna.

"You'd better go," Elsa said. "Just remember Anna, you can't ever tell Mama, Papa or even Gerda and Kai about our secret. Grown ups can't be trusted, no matter how nice they may seem."

The redhead shook her head. "No way, I'll never tell anyone."

"Good."

"So, I'll try and come back tomorrow, okay?" Anna announced.

"Very well," Elsa replied with a blissful smile. "Hey, do you think the next time, you could bring me some books? I'd love to read to you. Papa has been teaching me. I've gotten pretty good."

Anna was beaming. "I'd love that." The redhead then slowly opened the door, making sure the coast was clear. When she was sure that no-one was looking, she widened it further, just enough to slip outside.

Unbeknown to the Princess, someone had seen her.


It was a week later before Anna had been given the chance to see Elsa again.

That morning after breakfast, the Princess had asked Gerda to help her pick out some books from the library. The older maid had agreed without question.

"So, what kind of books are we looking for, Your Highness?"

"Storybooks... you know the ones about courageous knights having to save the beautiful Princess who has been locked away. Or maybe the ones about hero's and villains."

Gerda frowned, halting her search, before turning to the little redhead. "Why these particular stories? Is it because your sister has expressed a keen interest in them?"

Anna quirked an eyebrow. "Wait, what? how would you...?"

"I know all about the visits to your sister. I've known for about week now," the maid admitted. "But don't fret little one. Your secret is safe with me."

"You're not going to tell Mama?"

Gerda shook her head. "Of course not. But you have to be careful, Your Highness. Your Mother has been very clear on the rules. If she was to find out you've been to see your sister behind her back, she will be very mad."

The little girl swallowed hard. "Mad enough to punish me?"

The older woman came closer to Anna, kneeling beside her. "No. Your Mother would never lay a finger on you, Your Highness...but your sister however...well let's just say she wouldn't be too happy with her at all. So it's best if we don't make her suspicious at all."

Anna agreed. "Mama won't ever find out.


Three days later.

Elsa wasn't sure what had woken her that night. It could have been the howling winds, the roar of thunder, or, it could have been the loud whimpering that she heard emanating from her younger sister's bedchambers.

The Princess rose from her bed, before tip-toeing to the door. As quietly as she possibly could, she opened the door to take a peek outside. She was met with nothing, but complete darkness, save the few streaks of lightning that periodically lit up the entire upper floor.

Elsa listened intensively, until she heards the loud cries again. Anna? Finally venturing outside, the blonde crept barefoot along the hallway, until she reached her sister's door."

"Anna?" she gently called, before knocking softly. She waited and waiting, almost thinking she had perhaps been mistaken. That was until she heard the frightened screams.

"Elsa! Elsa! I'm scared!"

Without hesitation, Elsa pushed open the door and raced inside. Her younger sister was sat up stiffly against the headboard, clutching the bed covers up to her chin. She was visibly shaking and trembling all at once.

Elsa wrapped her arms around her sister, consoling her, whilst stroking her hair. "It's okay Anna, I've got you."

"Make it go away Elsa, please make it go away," the redhead pleaded, burying her head in the crook of her sister's neck.

"Sshh, Anna. It's just a silly storm. I won't let it hurt you," Elsa reassured, brushing away the tears that had slipped down her sister's pink rosy cheeks.

Anna's big, wide, innocent eyes locked onto those of her sister's. "Do you promise?"

"I promise. Now, do you want me to stay with you until you fall asleep?"

Anna nodded, then came up with a further suggestion, "Elsa? would you sing to me?"

"I'd love to."

Elsa took a deep breath, before she began to sing a soothing lullabye. As Anna listened to her sister's soothing voice, she nestled in closer. Eventually, Elsa yawned, and before long, both Princesses had been lulled into a peaceful slumber.


Idun, herself had been awoken, by the shrieks and rattles of the wind. She shot up, rousing her husband. "Adgar? I thought I heard something. Do you think Anna is okay? what if she's afraid of the storm?"

"I didn't hear anything. And I'm sure she's fine," he mumbled. "If she needs us, she'll undoubtedly call out."

"What if she's too scared?"

The King shuffled closer to his wife. "Just lie down and go back to sleep."

Idun settled back down, but she couldnt sleep. "Maybe we should go check on her, just in case."

Adgar uttered something incoherenty in his sleep, leaving the Queen with the decision to go alone. Pulling on her robe, she took a lantern and steadily made her way along the hall. She was extremely surprised that Anna was managing to sleep through such a violent storm.

Entering her youngest daughter's chambers, Idun held the lantern out in front of her, casting an eerie glow over the room. Her concerns were immediately eased as she found the little redhead sleeping peacefully. She was about to leave, when something else caught her eye. As the Queen inched closer, she was unnerved by the fact that Anna wasn't alone.

The Queen saw red as she beheld her oldest child, huddled up cozily next to her younger sister. As not to disturb either girls, Idun gently lifted Anna, and carefully carried her back to her own bedchambers, where she laid her in the bed. The redhead stirred, but thankfully did not awaken.

Then, sauntering across the room, the enraged Queen took a leather belt from the wardrobe and stomped back to Anna's room. How dare she! how dare that little bitch come anywhere near my precious flower.

Idun was flaming as she now hovered over her oldest daughter, who at this moment was still unaware of her presence.

With a loud crash of thunder, Elsa instinctively reached out for her sister, but instead she felt emptiness. Lazily, she cracked an eye open. "Anna?"

Before she could utter another word, the Queen had gripped hold of Elsa's arm and was already dragging her daughter from her bed. The older Princesses eyes flew wide open at the sight of her own Mother standing there in a fit of rage.

"Mama? ouch Mama, that hurts!" she screamed, landing on the floor with a painful thud.

As Elsa attempted to crawl away, The Queen stomped a foot down on the young girls back, immobolizing her. The words she then spoke were dark and cruel. "It would seem little witch... that you have broken the rules."

"I'm sorry Mama," Elsa whimpered, trying desperately to breathe under the crushing pain.

"LIAR!"

Elsa urgently attempted to reason with her Mother "I didn't mean to. But Anna was upset, I came to comfort her, because she was scared...and because...I love her!"

Idun released her foot, allowing Elsa to take a deep breath. The Princess clawed at the floor, trying to pull herself away.

Idun took the belt, and in one fluid motion slashed it across her daughter's tiny back. "LOVE HER?!"

Elsa screamed as the pain registered. Frost began to form on the floor as her Mother slashed her again. This time shredding her thin nightie.

"YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT LOVE IS ELSA. YOU ARE A COLD-HEARTED MONSTER. HOW COULD YOU EXPECT YOUR SISTER TO EVER LOVE YOU!"

"She does. Anna does love me, and she loves my magic," Elsa countered in a raised tone.

The Queen was reeling at her daughter's filthy lies. "HAVE YOU BEEN CORRUPTING MY DAUGHTER WITH YOUR LIES? FILLING HER HEAD WITH NONSENSE? BRAINWASHING HER INTO BELIEVING THIS EVIL CURSE OF YOURS IS SOME KIND OF GIFT?"

Whilst her Mother was momentarily distracted by her latest rant, Elsa had managed to crawl to the corner where she cowered, hugging her hands to her chest.

"My magic is amazing. If you just give me a chance, I can prove it. You could accept me...understand me...love me."

Uncontrollable anger rose within the Queen. Idun's hand sprang out, slapping the blonde harshly across the face. "You're a monster Elsa. You can never be loved. Now, you will never see Anna again, do you hear me? If I ever find out you've been in this room again..." she paused, wrapping the belt firmly around Elsa's slim neck, before finally continuing, "I won't be responsible for my actions."

As the Princess shook with fear, the intensity of her powers only increased. She could feel the cold swirling inside of her, ready to be unleashed. Ice slithered up the walls and across the windows.

"STOP THIS! STOP THIS NOW!" the Queen demanded as she tugged the belt tighter.

Elsa clawed at her Mother's hands, causing Idun to wince as the pain of the ice penetrated her skin.

"You will pay for that you little wench!" the Queen shrieked.

The belt was now wrapped so tightly around Elsa's neck, her skin was beginning to turn blue. With her oxygen severely depleted, Elsa chaneled her remaining energy into summoning an icy blade. With no other choice, she plunged the deadly weapon towards her Mother's neck.

The Queen instantly froze as the sharp point rested on her throat in a threatening manner. Idun's hands relaxed and the belt slackened, before it dropped harmlessly to the floor.

Elsa coughed and choked, before gulping in previous air. Feeling so much anger and fear, Elsa dug the blade in further, drawing a thin line of blood. "It seems my powers are as dangerous as you believe them to be, Mother."

"ELSA? STOP!"

Both Mother and daughter were interrupted by Adgar, who after hearing the commotion had come to investigate. The King was now standing menacingly in the doorway with a sobbing Anna in his arms.

"What is going on here!? answer me at once!"

Elsa looked up at her both her Father's and sister's terrified faces, whilst Idun ran to him clutching her neck.

Adgar placed Anna down and stalked forward, a look of pure horror on his countenance.

"She attacked me!" the Queen choked out, throwing herself into her husband's awaiting strong arms.

Anna cautiously walked towards her sister, not quite believing what she had just witnessed. "Elsa, what were you doing to Mama?"

"Anna please... I can explain..."

"See Anna," the Queen harshly interjected. "See what a monster your sister truly is? she attacked me! that little insufferable witch attacked me." She showed him the cut on her neck, before sobbing, "she tried to kill me."

"Papa...I?"

"Save it Elsa. Your powers are obviously out of control. Now, I regret to have to say this. But I'm afraid there is only one place for you to spend the rest of the night...and that is in the dungeons."

Elsa gasped. "The dungeons? no Papa! please don't put me down there."

As her Father took her hand forcefully, he shook his head in shame. "I'm sorry Elsa. It is the only way."

As the older girl was escorted from the room, she reached out to her sister, but Anna forced Elsa's hand away. "Don't touch me Elsa!"

"I still love you Anna," Elsa confessed, her eyes brimming with tears.

Anna however was scared and confused. "I thought you weren't dangerous Elsa, but I was wrong."


A/N More to come.