Aug. 17, 1840
Seated behind Elsa's desk, Anna felt like a child playing grown up. Two piles of paper lay before her. One finished the other not. She stared at the unfinished pile with a wary eye. It was not how she had intended to spend her day.
"Kai?"
"Yes, Your Highness?"
"Do you think Elsa has arrived in Jokulsa yet?"
With the Chamberlain standing over her she did not see the amused grin cross his face. "No, ma'am, but they are somewhat closer than when you asked ten minutes ago."
She looked up at him. "It's only been ten minutes?"
"I'm afraid so, ma'am."
Her shoulders slumped as she leaned on the desk. "I miss her."
"I know, milady. But she will be back soon. Would, Your Highness, like for me to send a dinner invitation to Master Kristoff, for this evening?"
Mention of the ice harvester caused a little tingle in Anna's stomach. "Thanks, Kai, but I doubt he'll be back in time for dinner."
"Actually, ma'am the gate guard reported he is spending the day at the ice harvester's guild."
"Really?" Her mind raced the through reasons for him being in town. Those thoughts shifted to things they could do together. No, he's working, she thought. Though, he'll be available this evening. She worked her lower lip between her teeth as she pondered what to do.
"Your Highness?"
"What?" She startled from her thoughts.
"Would you like to send a message?"
"Hum, sure." A hand brushed at her ear. "What should I say?"
"You could start with an invitation to dinner." His warm smile eased her nervousness.
"Right, dinner. Tell him to meet me here, at the castle at six, no seven. No, wait. Don't tell him to meet me, ask him to meet me. I don't want him to think it's a command." Her hands waved about as she spoke, causing Kai to draw back a step to avoid being struck.
"Princess Anna, if I may make a suggestion? Perhaps you should have him meet you at the castle gates at six. Then you can walk into town for dinner."
"Town? I thought we'd eat here."
"With the Queen away it might be best if you dined in public, for proprieties sake."
"Oh right, propriety. That's a good idea." As the plan fell into place she felt her confidence strengthen. "Tell him, ask, him to please meet me at the gates at six, if he's not busy, and we'll dine in town."
"As you wish, Your Highness." She missed the smile on his lips. "Shall we continue?" He took a small pile of papers from the leather satchel resting in the crook of his arm.
"Yeah, let's get this over with. What have you got?"
He handed her the papers. "These documents came in this morning. You just need to look over them, ma'am. Most can wait till, Her Majesty, returns but a couple need an immediate signature."
She began leafing through them. "You know, we could double the treasury if we stopped using so much paper."
"I have no doubt, Your Highness. But how would you keep track of the profits?"
"Good point." She chuckled as she stopped to read over a letter to Elsa about fishing permits. "Is Frode still upset about the trip?"
"Not that he would say. But, I have noticed a bit of weight in his steps. His father canceling his trip, coupled with his refusal to allow the boy to return home has left a bit of a mark on him."
"I'll try to remember to bring him some chocolates back from town."
"I'm sure he would like that, ma'am." He moved to slip a letter back into the pouch.
"What's that?" She nodded to the paper.
"It's just an invoice, ma'am."
"For what?" She reached for it, but he held it away. "Kai, let me see it."
"It's just something Queen Elsa requested, ma'am. It should not have been in this pile."
"Is it a gift?" She leaned closer trying to steal a glance at the paper.
"What, no, no Your Highness, it's not a gift." He tried to step back from her reaching hand.
She made a quick lunge snagging it from him. Before he could attempt to take it back she twisted in the chair with her back to him.
"Princess Anna, please. I do not think Queen Elsa would wish for you to deal with that."
She leaned away as he held out a hand. Her eyes swept over the page taking in the words and columns of neatly written numbers. "Repairs to the west wall? When was the wall damaged?"
He didn't answer.
Anna's head tilted to one side as she reread the document. Something about the West wall nagged at her memory. "There wasn't any damage to the walls. Well, except for the…" It hit her full force. "She's fixing the dungeon?"
"Her Majesty is having the wall repaired." She knew he was trying to sound reassuring. It only fueled her growing anger.
"She's having the dungeon repaired." The words were hard and clipped.
"It is part of the castle foundation, Your Highness."
"Is there a bill from the blacksmith for a new set of manacles too?" Her teeth clenched on the last word. She stared at the paper, the words blurring before she crumbled it and tossed it toward the unlit fireplace.
Kai watched it bounce off the mantle to land on the floor. He folded his hands together but did not speak.
Unable to hold back her frustration Anna left the chair and began to pace beside the desk. She wrung her hands to keep from waving them about.
"I still can't believe someone did that to her. Every time I think about Elsa being chained up, I just…I want to hit something. No, I want to hit someone. If I could get my hands on whoever it was. I'd…they'd be sorry." She rushed toward him, not noticing how he leaned back from her. "Kai, do you know if it was Hans?"
"It was not Hans, Your Highness." His gaze dropped to the floor as he spoke.
"Too bad, I wouldn't mind knocking him into the fjord again." She smacked her fist into the palm of her other hand. It connected with a sharp pop. Pain shot through her hand. Irritated she continued to pace as she rubbed at the bruised palm.
"Milady, when Prince Hans brought Queen Elsa back from the mountain she was unconscious."
"Elsa told me that. She said Hans nearly crushed her with an ice chandelier. If I'd known that before, I would have hit him harder."
"I have no doubt, ma'am." A sad smile graced Kai's lips. "Princess, I think…"
"Excuse me, Your Highness?"
They turned to the man standing in the doorway. Major Reino smiled as he stepped over the threshold. It made Anna's skin crawl. There was something about the man that always put her on edge.
"I'm sorry to intrude, ma'am. But, might I have a moment of your time?"
"Sure, I guess so." She motioned him in as she slipped back into the chair. "What can I do for you, Major?"
He hurried to the desk. "I just need final approval on some guard assignments." He handed over a list.
"Elsa has to sign off on guard assignments?" She accepted the list, her eyes skimming over it.
"No, ma'am," Kai cut in. "Her Majesty, only signs off on changes that effect either the Queen's Shield or your personal detail." He glanced over Anna's shoulder at the document.
"I don't want to sign off on any changes that will affect Elsa's detail. Not without her looking over it first." She held the paper out to Reino.
He made no attempt to accept it. "Actually, it doesn't really affect the Queen's detail. They are mostly changes in the scout units and a couple of your guard, ma'am."
"Changes in my guard?" She read over the document, her brow furrowing. "Wait, this can't be right."
"Is there a problem, Princess?" Reino's fist clenched and unclenched as he watched her.
Kai's eyes narrowed at the hint of irritation in the man's tone.
"You're moving Halvor and Morten?"
"They are being reassigned. Morten is moving to a training position and Halvor is moving to border duty."
"Border duty?" She shook her head, sending pigtails bouncing. "No, he'll hate that."
"He is a soldier. It's not his place to like his assignments…ma'am."
"Princess Anna," Kai leaned in to speak softly to her. "Halvor is the oldest man on your detail, perhaps it would be best to move someone younger into his place."
Her grip tightened on the paper crinkling the edges. "Captain Morten is a young man, why is he being moved?"
Reino shifted his weight, eyes straight ahead. "His talents are needed elsewhere, Your Highness."
"What better use of his talents then protecting the Crown Princess?" Kai asked.
His eyes cut to Kai. Anna could tell he wasn't pleased with the Chamberlain's question.
Reino gaze shifted back to her. "Your Highness, I assure you, these changes are for the best."
Anna's eyes narrowed as she focused on the list. "I thought you said this wouldn't affect Elsa's detail."
"It won't, ma'am."
"Then why are Captain Olsen and Lieutenant Nicholas on here?" She didn't wait for an answer. "You know what; I'm not comfortable with this." She held the document out to him. "I know these men, Major. I like them, and I like having them on my detail."
"You're basing a military decision on some misguided sense of friendship?"
She wasn't sure what offended her more the outburst or the lack of a title in it. She didn't normally worry over such things, but Reino's arrogance was starting to rub her wrong. No, she wasn't going to be disrespected in her own home. Especially by a man she didn't care for. Trying to mimic her sister's quiet fury she forced herself to remain seated. "I feel safe with these men. Halvor has been protecting me most of my life."
"That old fool should have been booted out years ago."
Anna came to her feet. Any thoughts of calmly handling the situation vanished. "Don't talk about him like that. Halvor has always protected me, and he does it without insulting me."
Red flush crept up Reino's neck, turning the tips of his ears bright red. His voice remained level, though tense. "Forgive me, Your Highness, I meant no offense."
She bit back a sharp retort.
"I implore, Your Highness, to reconsider."
"No." She sat down and took a document from one of the piles. A tactic she had often seen Elsa use when she wanted to end a conversation.
Reino eased a step closer to the desk, so he was looking down at her. "Princess Anna, I must insist…"
"Excuse me?" The paper dropped from Anna's hand, all pretences of tact gone.
Still the fool pressed on. "Your Highness, I just think, as the Regent, you should be able to make a decision without the Queen's input."
The little smirk playing over his lips caused Anna's eye to twitch. She was debating between yelling at him to leave, or wiping the smirk off his face. Her better angel was pleading for words, but her fists tightened in anticipation. The decision was made for her.
"You forget to whom you are speaking, Major." Anna flinched. In eighteen years she wasn't sure she had never heard Kai raise his voice in anger. "Her Royal Highness, has given you her answer. Your business here is done."
The men glared at each other.
Anna was sure she could have cut the tension in the air with a sword. "Lieutenant, your request will be taken under advisement once the Queen returns." She sat straight holding his gaze.
They stared at each other for a moment till Reino finally blinked.
"As you wish, Your Highness." He came to attention. "If I may take my leave, ma'am."
"You may." The dismissal was a little sharper than she had intended but she didn't regret it.
He bowed, turned and disappeared through the doors without looking back. Several tense moments passed before she released the breath she'd been holding. She slumped back into the chair. "I don't like him."
"Agreed, ma'am."
"You know I could have handled him."
"I know you could, Your Highness, but it is my job to yell at people so you don't have too. Besides, I only intervened for his protection. It would be most embarrassing to have to explain to Her Majesty, how an officer of the Guard received a broken nose in her study."
In spite of herself Anna laughed at the joke. "Thanks, Kai. You know, I really don't like that guy."
"Nor do I. He had no business speaking to you in such a manner, Princess. I will see to it Colonel Tollak is made aware of his behavior.
"No, please don't."
"Milady, his behavior was unacceptable for an officer and a gentleman."
"Somehow I doubt he's much of a gentleman."
"All the more reason the Colonel should be made aware of his actions. He's lucky your sister was not here. She would have busted him to lance corporal and had him mucking out every stall in the kingdom."
"Which is why you can't tell her about this. Please, Kai, Elsa needs to know I can handle things when she's away. I can't go running to her every time someone says something mean to me."
"Very well, Your Highness, but I don't trust him. You should speak with the Queen about having him removed from the castle."
"I'll think about it, I promise."
"Would you like to continue, ma'am?"
With a heavy sigh she reached for another document. "Yes, let's get this over with." She spied the balled up piece of paper lying across the room. The thought of her sister locked in the dungeon sent a chill down her spine. She shook it off. Elsa was fine. She'd be back in a couple of days and they'd curl up somewhere quiet to share their stories. Loneliness poked at her. She pushed it away, turning her attention to the paper.
0000
Hours of riding over rough roads had left Elsa wishing for a warm bath and a soft chair. It was hard to believe it had been just this morning she had said her goodbyes to a beery eyed Anna, given Olaf a hug and ridden off.
She had spent the night before assuring her sister they could survive a few days apart. While she had been steadfast in her beliefs, it was hard to ward off the emptiness creeping upon her. Less than a day and she was already missing Anna's warm presence. She shook off the thought. It was too late to turn back now.
The precession passed through the heavy gates, that only visible break in the thick stone walls surrounding the manor. It took several minutes for them to reach the manor of Baron Ulstein. As the precession came to a halt Elsa studied the massive gray block structure with its long narrow windows. It drab and devoid of any interesting architectural highlights, it was in a word, ugly. She hoped the interior was more appealing.
Admiral Halldor moved his mount to her side. Admiral of the Arendelle Royal Navy and armed forces the Admiral looked every bit the talented military man he was. His service to the Crown had begun with her grandfather. After years of faithful service her father had promoted him to Admiral, shortly before her sixteenth birthday. During her birth he had been the Captain of the King's Shield. He was one of the first people outside of her family to learn of her powers and had spent his career guarding that Crown secret. Elsa held a great deal of respect for the man, not just as a military leader but as a faithful advisor.
Captain Olsen flanked her other side. Ten years Elsa's senior he had been a part of her protection detail for many years. Of all the men in the Queen's Shield she felt most comfortable with him and Lieutenant Nickolas.
"Your Majesty, it would appear the Baron has forgotten to alert his staff of our arrival." Halldor's eyes narrowed as they swept over the manor.
"Perhaps they're waiting for us to knock." Olsen replied.
Elsa allowed herself a small giggle at the jest.
One of the large wood doors opened, through it stepped a short, round man with a large, brushy, brown mustache that covered his mouth when closed. He was flanked by two large guards. As the man rushed down the steps toward them, Elsa noticed his brushy eyebrows looked like two excited caterpillars trying to climb up his forehead. How she wished Anna was there to share that joke. Sadness plucked at her heart with the thought of her sister.
"See here, you need to move those horses and wagons." He waved his arms about as he spoke.
Elsa arched a delicate eyebrow at the man.
Admiral Halldor straightened in his saddle, glaring down at him. "Are you blind man? Do you not recognize the Queen's Standards?"
The man's face fell at sight of the green and purple banners. The caterpillars dipped so low they threatened to cover his eyes. "I…I didn't…" He straightened, faced Elsa and bowed deeply. "My humble apologies, Your Majesty. I didn't realize it was you."
Her face unreadable Elsa eyed the man. She noticed the guards behind him were watching, no, studying her every move. The larger of the two kept a hand resting on his sword hilt. "Your recent dispatch indicated you received my itinerary."
"Yes, ma'am. I did. It's just with all the excitement, we lost track of time."
"What excitement?" Elsa's eyes narrowed.
He man squirmed under her gaze. "The bandits, Your Majesty."
She looked to the Admiral. "We've received no report of bandits in the area, My Queen."
"They attacked during the night, Your Majesty." The older of the guards spoke from behind the chamberlain, his voice thick with a German accent. As he lifted his head to speak, Elsa noticed several scars lining his cheeks. She had seen similar scars among men who enjoyed fencing duels.
Halldor addressed him, making no attempt hide his displeasure at the revelation. "With such a threat in the area I would have expected Baron Ulstein to have sent a messenger or had his men meet us on the road."
"In the excitement it was overlooked. I offer my humble apologies, Your Majesty." The guard bowed to her.
"And you are?" Elsa asked.
He came to attention. "Captain Diedrich Fuchs, head of Baron Ulstein's guard." He bowed once more.
"I'm curious, Captain. If you are head of the guard should you not be out chasing the bandits?" Elsa betrayed none of the irritation she was feeling. Something about the man made her magic stir. She pushed it back.
"I would, Queen Elsa, but the Baron felt my skills would be better served in monitoring your arrival and safety." His dark brown eyes did not falter from Elsa's.
Her magic rolled to her fingertips, she tightened her hold on the reins. "While the Baron's concerns are appreciated, they are unwarranted. As you can see, I'm well accompanied."
His eyes cut to the large group of men lined up behind the Queen and her officers. "Yes, we were not expecting so many, ma'am."
"The Baron was made aware of our numbers and needs." She focused on the Chamberlain. "Announce my arrival to the Baron, please."
The Chamberlain's throat visibly rose and fell as he swallowed. "I'm afraid the Baron is not here, Your Majesty." He flinched as the eyes staring down at him grew a shade darker.
"Where is he?" Elsa asked.
"He went to search for the bandits." The younger guard answered, cutting off the chamberlain.
"When do you expect him to return?" Her voice was calm, but sharp. She had noted the lack of respect the man had shown by omitting her title.
"I don't ma'am." The Chamberlain cut in. "He said he would return when either the bandits had been captured or driven from the area."
"How gallant." Elsa deadpanned. "We have traveled far and I wish to freshen up before dinner. Please show me to my chambers and have someone show the Admiral where his men will be quartered."
Once more the guard butted in. "The Baron has set aside an area for your men to set up their camp."
"Either address the Queen properly or remain silent." Halldor's hazel eyes darkened as he glared at the man.
The guard's jaw tightened as did his grip on his sword.
"My apologies, Your Majesty." Captain Fuchs cut in. "I assure you no offense was implied." He cut a sharp look at the younger soldier who ducked his head.
Elsa's patience was wearing thin. Both men made the hair on the back of her neck stand on end. "What arrangements have been made for my men, Captain?"
"An area has been set aside for them to set up camp, Your Majesty."
"Set up camp?" Olsen made no attempt to hide his frustration. "My men were promised proper quarters, we did not come prepared to set up a full camp."
"Next time you should plan better." The young guard snipped, a corner of his lip inching upward. It vanished as the Captain barked a command in German at him.
Elsa silenced Olsen with a raised hand. "So I am to understand that Baron Ulstein wishes for my men to quarter in tents, as no room can be spared in the guard's quarters? Did the Baron arrange any quarters for me or my staff? An empty stall in the stables perhaps? Or must I share it with the Baron's horse?"
A murmur of laughter passed among the Queen's guard.
The Chamberlain's face flushed at the quip. "He…the Baron, made arrangements at the local inn for Your Majesty's stay."
"The local inn?" For once the mask slipped allowing her shock to show. "So I am to understand, that my men are to sleep here, under the stars, while I'm housed miles away, alone, with bandits about?" Those closest to her knew the slight chill in the air was not from the evening breeze. She studied the mansion, calculating it length and depth to estimate its square footage. "How many guest rooms are in the manor?"
"Ten, Your Majesty."
"And I assume there is a ballroom."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Does the Baron currently have any guests staying with him?"
"No, ma'am, but…"
"Then inform your staff to make ready all ten guest bedrooms. My handmaiden will see to any special needs we may require." Not waiting for an answer she turned to the man on her right. "Admiral, I require a room for myself and one nearby for Gerda. Use the remaining rooms and the ballroom to house as many of your men as you deem comfortable. The rest will use the guard's quarters. The men have traveled hard and I want them to have a good night's rest for tomorrow."
"Yes, My Queen." He bowed in reply.
"Queen Elsa," For the first time Captain Fuchs seemed flustered. "there are no beds available in the guard's quarters."
"Your men are away chasing bandits; their empty bunks will not go to waste." Elsa watched as the man opened his mouth, but did not speak. He bowed in deference. "Yes, ma'am."
"Captain Olsen, begin quartering your men." Elsa did not take her eyes from the Baron's staff as she spoke. "Captain Fuchs will assist you."
"Yes, ma'am." Olsen turned his horse and began calling out orders. Men and horses began to move.
Fuchs bowed once more to Elsa, before he and the young guard moved toward Olsen.
Elsa's focus turned to the Chamberlain. "My handmaiden will oversee all food handling personally, and she will have final say on room assignments. Only the Admiral or the Captain of my guard may override her."
"But, Your Majesty, we…we haven't enough food on hand to feed everyone." He waved a hand toward the small group.
"A list of necessary items and payment for supplies was sent weeks ago. What was the money used for?" Elsa's tone and face remained neutral, but her eyes were growing darker.
As the man's face drooped further, his mustache and eyebrows threatened to overtake his entire face. "I…I don't…know, Your Majesty."
"Of course you don't. Gerda."
"Yes, Your Majesty?" She answered from the supply wagon.
"Would you please speak with the head of the manor staff and find out what items are needed? Send someone into town to retrieve the supplies. The Chamberlain will provide you with money from the funds that were sent with my earlier supply list.
The Chamberlain's eyes grew wide, but he said nothing, under Elsa's hard gaze.
"Yes, My Queen." She began climbing down from the wagon.
"Your Majesty," the man whined, his caterpillar eyebrows burrowed so deep she could no longer see his eyes beneath them. "I beg you, please, the Baron has made arrangements for you to stay in town."
"No. Arrangements were made and agreed upon. I will be staying here tonight, with my guards and staff. I expect your staff to assist them in their duties. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Your Majesty." Accepting defeat the man bowed.
Gerda stepped to him. "Show me to the guest rooms so I may inspect the Queen's chambers. Afterward I'll have a word with your kitchen staff."
"This way." He motioned toward the manor.
Elsa watched as they disappeared through the doors. "Admiral."
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
"Assign a guard to shadow Gerda. I don't want her left alone the rest of the trip."
"Yes, ma'am."
He leaned in closer. "Your Majesty, if I may speak freely?"
"Of course, Admiral."
"Something is off here. I'd like to double the night guards at your door and place double patrols around the ground."
"I agreed, Admiral, something is off. Once I've had a chance to freshen up I'll walk the grounds with you and shore up the defenses with ice barricades. That should keep out any unwanted guests."
"That would be most helpful. I'd rather not offer any bandits an easy target. Have you any further orders, Your Majesty?"
She pondered the suggestions for a moment. "Have someone check all of the bed chambers for secret passages, but don't alert any of the manor staff. If you find any I will seal them during our stay."
"Yes, ma'am."
Elsa slipped from the saddle and started for the main entrance. The Admiral followed after her. She tried to ignore the ache in her back, legs and buttocks. The trip so far was proving to be a royal pain in her royal backside. Ulstein's absence coupled with his failure to follow her arrangements caused a dull throb in one temple. She resisted the urge to rub it. The thought of climbing back in the saddle in the morning, made her long for the softness of her bedroom window seat. Two days, she just had to make it through two days, than she could go home.