Chapter 10 – A Growing Threat
The councilors sent Bern to offer Gerda's help to Prince Hans. "You haven't drawn any attention yet," Rodmund pointed out. "Gerhard isn't going to be happy to see Gustav, and the prince already turned down my help."
Bern left the relative warmth of the small sitting room and drew his gray cloak around him as the three of them walked through the dim, cold corridor to the other side of the castle where Prince Hans had set up headquarters with the other foreign leaders. Gerda had her arms folded, tucking the knitted shawl tightly around her. Chief Steward Kai, in his buttoned waistcoat and smartly cut jacket, refused to acknowledge the cold.
"Milord, what's going to happen?" Gerda asked him. She was trotting to keep up with him and Bern slowed his steps, his boot heels tapping on the polished wood floor.
"I hope Prince Hans will let us help the queen," Bern answered.
"I meant after. Once Queen Elsa fixes things up, will everything be normal?" Gerda asked.
That made Bern pause. "I don't know how things can be normal again, if you mean that we'll all pretend we don't know what the queen can do. She can't get rid of these powers, can she?"
"No, sir," Gerda confirmed.
"I don't know what we'll do," Bern answered frankly.
"I don't think she'll know what to do either," Gerda fretted. "Nothing like this was ever supposed to happen."
Chief Steward Kai announced Lord Councilor Bern to Prince Hans and his companions. Gerda followed him in, but stayed by the door, looking at the floor.
"Just a moment," Prince Hans said.
Bern waited. Councilor Gerhard was standing near the group of foreign dignitaries. They were in borrowed cloaks and boots. The fire blazed on the hearth, but did nothing more than take the chill off the air. The wintry sky dimmed the light from the cross-paned windows.
"What is it?" Prince Hans finally asked.
"Your Highness, we've discovered that one of the castle staff knew Queen Elsa's secret. She's been able to help her control the ice and snow in the past. We respectfully request permission for her to visit Queen Elsa. Her influence may help end this winter," Bern said.
Prince Hans glanced over to the doorway where Gerda was nervously waiting. "Her?"
"Yes, your Highness. She cared for Queen Elsa as a child."
"It's too dangerous. I've already been to see the queen. She admits she can't control it. I won't let anyone risk contact with her," Prince Hans said.
"Your Highness, the headwoman is not afraid of the queen, and her help may change the situation," Bern protested, his brows drawing together above his gray eyes.
"Gerhard, see him out," Prince Hans said.
Gerhard escorted him out. Gerda bobbed a curtsy and left for the kitchens.
"Do you have any influence with him?" Bern asked. "If she can help, we have to try."
"Prince Hans is doing what is best for Arendelle," Gerhard replied.
Bern had always been intimidated by the older man. Gerhard did not invite friendship. But the situation pulled another effort out of him. "What's best for Arendelle is to help the queen. Prince Hans shouldn't be cutting her off from everyone who wants to help her. What if there's a way to end this winter? Does he listen to you, or are you just taking orders?"
"I'm taking orders from Princess Anna, the same as you are, and she said to obey Prince Hans. There is a way to end this winter," Gerhard replied stiffly.
"You're not talking about the Duke of Weselton's idea to kill the queen, are you? Because that would be treason," Bern said.
Gerhard stepped closer to Bern until Bern drew back. "What's treason if it's the queen who is Arendelle's greatest threat? The line of authority right now runs from Princess Anna to Prince Hans."
"Princess Anna would not countenance a threat to her sister," Bern replied.
"How do you know? My conjecture is as good as yours at this point," Gerhard said.
"It's her life, man!"
"Her life compared to the country of Arendelle! Weigh that in the balance and tell me which side wins. Arendelle isn't safe as long as the queen is alive. Good day, Bern." Gerhard left him standing in the corridor, struggling with the conviction that not only did they have no intention of helping the queen, but they were fast becoming her greatest threat.