Fear, the Enemy
-M. Lauren
CHAPTER TEN
The throne was hard under the queen as she faced Sir Talbot early the next morning. Elsa had been up before the goslings stirred from their slumber and the sun breached the peak of the Northern Mountain. She was dressed and prepared, eagerly awaiting the arrival of her esteemed cohort. A sleepless night had both their minds wavering in unease.
"Prince Junior is not of age. I'm not sure I understand how his court will allow him to take the throne." Elsa sat bewildered at Sir Talbot's newest discovery.
"Aalborg does not rein as Arendelle does. Their diplomacies are fashioned under royal ties at any age, some even as young as twelve." He explained from his standing position in front of her. "Most of the Nordic Isles will allow a minor to take the crown to keep the blood line moving. Your father trusted me to stand in for you until you came of age and that is an honor I've never took for granted, but in other kingdom's, it's just not done."
Elsa stood. With heavy feet, she began to pace the steps. "We need to stay one step ahead of him." She continued, wondering if she was talking to herself or to Sir Talbot. "If there are going to be repercussions from our failed alliance, we need to be prepared."
"I agree." Douglas nodded, bringing his hands to wait patiently behind his back. "We will keep a close eye on their transports and we will double-man the ports, but-" He stilled. "What is most important right now is our response to Queen Inkeri's death."
Elsa dropped her brow and she halted her march. Hesitantly, she rotated to face him. "What are you encouraging?"
"We need to decide if Arendelle will pay their respects to Prince Junior."
"You mean go there?" Elsa's ice blue eyes increased in size as alarm reached her brain. She'd never left the Kingdom before. Her parent's unfortunate demise had her feeling rather afraid of getting on a ship. Her blood ran cold. The familiar tickle of frigid magic surfaced to her top layer of skin.
"That's not necessary." He responded, watching as his queen released an unsteady breath. "We could send a written response."
The skin of her brow furred tight across her hairline. Her timid eyes drifted closed in contemplation. "What if that only provokes him further?" The bitter thought brought her attention back to Douglas. "I don't want to remind him of his threats against Arendelle." Delicately, she massaged her fingers against her forehead.
Sir Talbot shrugged, his hands rising out to his sides as he responded. "But on the likely chance that he does remember and we don't pay our respects, that could be causation as well."
Elsa fell into the throne in defeat. Neurons fired amongst the folds of her brain, searching for the right things to say. With a crushing sigh, her head came to rest in her hands. Bent elbows pressed deep against her knees. "I don't know what to do." She divulged as she raised her attention to her advisor.
"Take some time, your majesty." He encouraged. He took a hesitant step forward and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I don't need your answer just yet."
The queen shook out her wrists and pulled anxiously against her braid. Her sudden movements halted Douglas' touch, reeling him backwards. He stumbled over his feet the landing. "I can't think in here." Elsa bound up from her seat and glided over to the archway. "I need to go for a walk."
From the throne room she filtered back into the baron hall. The morning sun now cascaded through the windows overhead. Its rays glistening against the woman's pale skin. Her complexion seemingly warmed the burst of cold lingering just under its wake. With silent feet, she stalked across the foyer and leaned into the front doors. Her hands planted against the wooden surface as she cast them open with vigor. The heavy enclosure connected with something solid just beyond the castle walls. The contact protested its opening as Elsa pushed harder to step into the courtyard.
A woman groaned audibly from her toppled over position on the gravel floor.
Embarrassment flooded Elsa's over-worked mind as she looked down. It became evident what she had done. "Here," The queen bent quickly at her waist taking Irene's arm in her own. "Let me help you." She fumbled slightly, pulling the woman back onto her feet.
Her dark brown hair was matted with snow. She mumbled a brief thank you as she dusted the flakes from her now wet pants. "Where are you off too in such a hurry?"
"I'm sorry." Elsa whispered regretfully. "I had to get out of there." She waved her uncharacteristically frantic hands back towards the castle in contempt.
"Well don't let me keep you then." Irene bowed, stepped out of the queen's way. Elsa hesitated as she eyed her house guest curiously.
"Where were you coming from?" She inquired as Irene looked up at her in surprise.
"I brought the men rebuilding the stable a pail of fresh water." She explained softly. "They have all of the supplies collected and began construction today."
The queen offered a polite nod of approval. "That is very hospitable of you." Irene shrugged off the compliment, shying her cheeks to the side. "Well," Elsa sang after a brief awkward silence. "I'm going for a walk. Would you care to join me?"
She lifted her hazel eyes to meet the woman's icy blues. "I'm alright." She said, offering up a small smile. "You don't need to worry about me."
Shaking her head, Elsa continued. "I'm not worried about you." She acknowledged truthfully. "I could use the distraction."
Taking a step towards the entrance, the brunette frowned. "I can go get Anna," Irene assured. "She was in the library keeping an eye on Vera for me."
"No need." Elsa smirked. "You'll do fine." With a simple wave of her hand, she motioned for the woman to follow as she started her march towards the village.
Irene cautiously came to her hip. She left a hesitant distance apart, side eyeing the woman carefully. Elsa's expression was heated. There was an underlying stress that wrecked havoc across her typically soft skin. Wrinkles stood in place of the usual smooth white porcelain and worry lines creased her brows. They crossed over the open gate and onto the bridge, greeted by the full heat of the winter sun. "Rough morning?" She inquired softly.
Elsa exhaled the disturbances plaguing her brain. "You could certainly say that."
With timid fingers, Irene ran her hand along the wood railing as they walked slowly over the fjord. "Does this have anything to do with the Queen who has died?'
Her gaze came to halt strictly ahead of her. "It's complicated."
Side by side, they stepped off the landing and onto the cobblestone path. They were headed towards the markets. The streets were emptier than usual, the winter months pulling children and many wives back into their warm homes. It seemed ironic to Elsa that most Arendellians escaped the cold, but still embraced her as their queen. A group of four men were working diligently on the stables as they passed. Little progress had been made, but the queen still felt admiration for their efforts. One of them waved warmly to the brunette. Irene blushed in response before offering a small gesture of acknowledgement. She quickly turned away. She hid her cheeks from the gentleman, but gave the queen full view of her discomfort.
Once out of earshot, Elsa giggled. "Making friends are we?" She inquired teasingly.
"No." Irene's cheeks darkened further. She stepped ahead of the woman in an effort to hide her embarrassment. "Henrik was just especially grateful for the water."
"I'm not sure I understand what that means." Elsa smiled coming to stand back at her side. "But finding a suitor isn't out of the realm of possibilities for you." Irene's brown eyes widened in alarm. "What I mean is, he was handsome and you're-" Elsa paused, considering what she was about to say; beautiful, stunning, a woman? "-Available." She stuttered.
The two carried on walking past the shops. They followed into the square, harboring an uncomfortable silence. Both feigned interest in the many wares hanging from the carts, reaching out delicate fingers to admire the merchandise. Many of the shopkeepers curtsied as the queen passed by their business. She offered them respectful nods in response, never letting her poised demeanor fade. "Forgive me for saying, but I'm not looking to be courted." Irene finally admitted at a whisper.
"Really?" Elsa tried to hide her surprise. "Truthfully I thought that's what all women our age wanted." She placed a respectful hand over her mouth as she quietly chuckled. "I'm glad I'm not alone."
It was Irene's turn to be taken back. "Really?" She gapped. "I would thought you would be all about finding a man and making him your King." Her raspy voice lowered as they strode past the busy fish market. "You know, having a family and a few princes' and princesses 'of your own."
Elsa noticeably grimaced. "I'm not sure that's in my realm of possibilities."
"The man or the children?" Irene teased, making light of their obviously humorless discussion.
"Both!" She gasped, as she tossed her friend a quick glare. "Can you think of any man willing to wed, well, someone like me? And while children are lovely, I'll let Anna repopulate the throne."
"I'm sure there's plenty of suitable men who'd love to wed the famous Ice Queen." She dug an elbow into Elsa's side grinning menacingly.
"I'm going to go back inside." Elsa's defiant stare darkened before a playful smirk danced to life on her thin lips. "Those conversations were far less serious."
"I'm kidding!" Irene raised her hands in surrender. "I'm done. Men are off the table."
"For both of us apparently." Both women shared in collective laughter. From around the bend leading to the loading docks, a group of children approached.
"Queen Elsa! Queen Elsa!" They broke into an excited run in her direction. Five young ones came to crowd around her, jumping up and down in delight. Irene moved off to the side to watch as they ambushed and hugged the queen. "Do the magic! Do the magic!" They cheered.
Elsa raised her hand above her head sending a burst of snow into the air. Each falling flake fell to the earth and morphed into the tiny, quirky, snowgie Irene had seen the day of the cookie decorating. The children cheered as the little men bounced eagerly up the hill. They bumped and crowded into each other as they went. Hurriedly, the children chased after the snowgies in exhilaration, following them back up into town.
"You sure you don't want to talk about that kid thing again?" Irene had crept into Elsa's side, whispering close to her ear. Before Elsa could retaliate, the woman took the lead. She held her head high in wonderment and blissful innocence as she meandered away. Elsa rolled her eyes at the woman's humorous antics as she trailed a step behind her. It was a moment before they were walking next to each other again. Irene turned to find that same sad, defeated look upon the queen's face. "So what was so complicated before that you felt you needed to leave the castle for once?" She asked, changing the subject.
"I leave the castle!" Elsa protested angrily.
"Sure," Irene nodded. "You visit the courtyard or go to the gardens, but I think this is the first time I've ever seen you this far into the village."
Elsa went to object, but her words fell short. "You maybe right." He shoulders raised in modest indifference. "Life as a queen just gets in the way of these little outings."
Irene wanted to say that she understood, but the truth was her past two years had been spent on the run. She hadn't felt confined to anywhere in twenty-six long months. "Well you're out now and we're talking, so what has you all un-Elsa-fied?"
Elsa ignored the joke. She led past the harbor and the loading docks as they worked their way down towards the more deserted part of Arendelle. Down on the water was where most of the villagers built their homes and ran the school. Only a few shops remained at this distance. The seclusion was nice and the view of the fjords from eye level was breath taking. "I have to make a decision about something that could potentially bring harm to my Kingdom." She explained, surprising herself with her honesty.
"What kind of decision?" Irene inquired, tipping her head to consider the blonde silently.
Elsa bit her lip. "I'm not sure it's appropriate for me to talk about civic matters outside of my court."
Irene shrugged. "Who am I going to tell?" She stated with a wicked grin. "Besides maybe I can help you work through it."
The queen thought back to when Irene entrusted Vera to her. The day they visited the trolls. "You're right." She sighed. "I trust you." She wandered over to a fallen log at the water's edge and sat. Irene joined at her side, both looking out over the busy shipyard. "The queen who died had come to me just over a month ago asking for assistance during the winter months. I turned her down seeing as it was not in the best interest of my people to be sending out resources to another kingdom. Her son, Prince Junior, was not happy with my response and made a threat against me. We did not think we'd have to worry about his intimidations until he came of age, but with Queen Inkeri gone, Junior will now take the throne."
"And what is the decision you have to make now because of it?" Irene questioned, averting her eyes to a ship sailing off to sea. It breached the horizon, bending against the gentle waves.
"I'm afraid if I send condolences to their kingdom he will remember of our fallen alliance."
"And if you don't do anything, and on the very likely chance he still remembers, he will take that as a further threat."
Elsa smiled at the woman's intuitiveness. "Exactly." She whispered.
Irene pondered for a moment, pulling at her brown curls. "Do you really think a country that had to come to you for assistance really has the means to take on Arendelle and the magically gifted woman who commands it?"
Elsa shrugged. "That is a good thought."
"And even if they do retaliate, I'd be a fool to think that their authority can hold a lick to yours. You have a large army behind you, and you yourself possess the power of a hundred men."
"But that would mean going to war." Elsa frowned. "I'm not sure I want to put my men in that position right now; less than a year after I've taken rein."
Irene tapped a finger against the woman's knee bringing Elsa's attention to her words. "You can freeze the seas. You can stop their advances before they even reach shore. A single guard may never see war with you as their leader." With her shoulder, she pushed the queen playfully. "You sell yourself short, your majesty." Irene grinned, but Elsa did not return the sentiment. "I understand you are worried about your people and that is commendable, but an action that you made to put your kingdom first could lead to the sacrifice of a few good men. The cost can sometimes outweigh the means."
Elsa frowned. "So you're saying I should send the letter?"
"What I'm saying is, it wouldn't make a difference either way."
It was just after ten in the evening when Elsa stalked the short distance from her bedroom to her sister's. She wasn't sure what had her fleeing the confines of her sheets at such an hour, but something was missing; something she knew Anna could fix. With a timid hand she knocked against the enclosure, stepping back in anticipation.
An alarmed, "Who is it?" sounded from beyond the wall.
"It's me." Elsa whispered, fingering the brass doorknob as she entered the room. A mop of messy red hair sat up against her mattress, blindly rubbing her tired eyes. "Can I come in?"
Anna batted a hand at her. "Yeah, of course, I was just… reading…"
A small giggle passed through the queen's lips. "Sure you were." She mused as she came to sit at the edge of her sister's bed. "I'm sorry I woke you."
A yawn escaped Anna's mouth. She shook her sleeping brain awake, blinking madly. "Think nothing of it!" She beamed, coming to sit beside Elsa. "Now what do you need?"
Her cotton lined shoulder's raised in a modest shrug as she averted her eyes to the floor. "I'm just having an off day." She divulged truthfully.
"Is this about Queen Inkeri or your walk with Irene?" Anna inquired, teasing her with a raised eyebrow.
"Both." She answered sadly. "I guess I'm just feeling unsettled."
Elsa lay back against the bedspread. Her eyes fixated on the cream colored ceiling. "Is there anything I can do to help you?" Hesitantly, Anna relaxed on her side bringing her cheek to rest against her hand. She searched her sister's expression curiously. Elsa's thoughts appeared to be lost somewhere beyond the bedroom. "You know," She whispered calmly. "For what it's worth, I think you're doing a great job as the queen."
Her pale face tipped towards her sister. "I think you're biologically required to say that."
"That maybe true…" She giggled. "But I wouldn't say it if I didn't believe it."
Elsa offered her a small smile. "Thank you." Her attention averted overhead once more. Anna watched the pale skin of the woman's forehead crease in anguish.
"You know," Anna continued. "You can stay here tonight if you think it would help?"
The cold seemed to dissipate from Elsa's blood as her heart swelled in her chest. "And you wouldn't mind?" She bit gently down on the skin of her bottom lip. "I do seem to feel more under control when you're near."
A pillow arched through the air, landing on Elsa's head. "Of course I don't mind." Anna retracted the cushion. Her blue eyes rose in elation. "Just don't freeze me to the bed while I sleep."
"No promises." Elsa teased as she crawled her way under the down comforter. She replaced the pillow under her head and relaxed into the mattress. Anna was at her side, fighting with the sheets. A growl left her mouth as she flung them wildly, releasing the blue fabric from their tangles. Her sister settled happily into her spot, as she brought their eyes together. Matching smiles drew to their lips. "Thank you, Anna." Elsa sung.
"You're my sister." She reached out and bopped her nose with the tip of her finger. "I'd do anything for the ones I love."
Some sister fluff because I made a promise to a friend to better utilize Anna.
I hope you enjoyed chapter 10. I can't believe we're just under half way to the finish line. It must be time to hit the gas pedal, huh? Please review!
Cheers,
-M