Elsa was relieved to have some peace after her council members left the study to go and eat lunch. She leaned back in her chair and shut her eyes so that she could fully enjoy the silence for just a little while.

She'd never realised Royal duties could be so exhausting. It seemed like all she did was talk in circles.

It didn't take long for a knock on the door to come, and she rubbed her face with a groan. "Come in."

"Your Majesty," Kai bowed. "The Ice Mater has returned; he seemed insistent that he speak with you."

"Oh! Yes, yes!" She said as she sat up straight. "Bring him in." She hoped Kristoff was here to deliver some good news.

"Yes Your Majesty."

When the young man came in with a wide grin on his face - she couldn't help but return it. He seemed genuinely happy. "You look like you're about ready to burst." She said gesturing for him to sit.

"Pabbie said yes!" Kristoff said as sat down. "He says that now the curse has been truly freed from Anna, he can restore her memories."

"That is wonderful news! Thank you so much Kristoff." She wanted to get up and hug him, but she wasn't as affectionate as her sister; not that she didn't want to be - it was simply one of her insecurities from so many years of being afraid to physically touch anyone.

He gave her a small smile, and bent his head slightly. "It was nothing. I meant what I said yesterday - I owe you everything."

"I'd say this makes us even."

"No, I don't think -" He responded; squirming in his seat.

"- We most certainly are. And I won't hear anymore on the subject of you being in debt to me. It has been paid in full. Okay?" She said sternly, but warmly, and he nodded with a grateful smile. Every second she spent with him - she grew more and more fond of him. She would just ignore the pangs of jealousy she felt whenever she thought about him and Anna together. It wasn't fair. If he made her happy – then she should be happy. "You've timed your arrival quite well. Lunch is about to be served, and I was going to see if Anna was free. Would you like to join us?"

"There's probably something you should know." He said, giving her a serious look.

"Oh? What's that?" Elsa started to feel nervous.

"I will never turn down food. Ever."

She raised an eyebrow at him and chuckled. "Good to know." Then she stood up - walked around her desk, and patted him on the shoulders. "I shall keep that information stored away for another time. Are you ready to go?"

"Absolutely." He said cheerfully and got up. "I could eat a rotting mule."

"Huh. I don't think we have that today." She smirked. "I'll go and retrieve my sister; she mentioned that she was training with a sword?"

"Yes. She practiced the speech she was going to give you on me. It was pretty long."

"I don't think she managed to get all the way through it before I caved." Elsa sighed as they began to leave the study.

"It must've been hard for you to agree." Kristoff said sympathetically. "But you know that your sister can take care of herself; and she's killer with a lute."

"A lute?" She looked up at him curiously.

"There were wolves - and she's pretty scrappy."

"Yes she is. A lute seems like a very unconventional weapon." She chuckled to herself; remembering her conversation with Anna the day before. "Do you need to clean up before you eat?"

"Was that a hint?" He asked; sniffing himself.

He was perhaps, a little pungent – but not so much that the smell offended her. "No, no." She reassured.

"Uh, maybe I will anyway." He said giving her a sheepish smile. "Is there anyone I can ask for carrots?"

"For your reindeer?" He nodded. "I'll tell Kai to fetch some for you."

"Thanks."

"Gerda!" She called, and the woman ambled over cheerfully. "Could you show the Ice Master where he can find the bathroom, and then escort him to the dining hall?"

"Yes, Your Majesty." The woman curtsied.

Elsa rubbed his arm kindly and made her way outside. As she strolled out into the courtyard to look for her sister, she stopped abruptly when she saw Olaf holding a small sword, and attacking a wooden dummy. She looked at the Guard Captain and he shrugged.

"He said he wanted to help protect you and the Princess, Your Majesty."

"And you let him?" She was more confused than annoyed or angry.

"He was really enthusiastic about it. Sang a little song and everything."

"But he's made of snow."

"Nobody expects a snowman in a fight, Your Highness. It adds the element of surprise. And he can come apart at will; that has to be a handy talent to have."

"How?"

"I'm not sure yet. But I'm working on it."

"Okay then." She exhaled, and looked around at the guards practicing. "Where's my sister?" She asked when she didn't find who she was looking for.

He tilted his head in the direction behind her, and she turned to see a very well padded lump on the ground. "She's done well today." He said with some pride. "But, I beg your Majesty not to tell her."

She laughed and put her hand to her breast. "I promise."

"Thank you."

"Is she free for lunch?"

"She's all yours."

That made Elsa smile. "I appreciate what you're doing Guard Captain, if you feel like she's getting under your feet though, do not hesitate to let me know."

"I don't wish to speak out of turn, Your Highness – but the Princess has more gumption than quite a few of my boys – and she's only been doing it for two days! It won't take long before she'll be as good as my best. If I wasn't sworn to protect her with my life – I'd take her on in a heartbeat. She has some real potential."

Part of her didn't like the idea that Anna could actually be good at sword play; but then the other part of her was incredibly proud. "Thank you." She smiled.

The Guard Captain bowed and turned around to face his men, then shouted - "Grub's up lads!"

She watched them all for a moment as they all charged into the guard house – including Olaf - and then she turned back and walked up to her sister. "Anna? Are you coming in? Kristoff is here." When she didn't get an answer, she bent down and could see that her sister was asleep. She smiled as she brushed her fingers along Anna's forehead, and then tickled her ear.

Her sister yelped in surprise and tried to sit up – unfortunately, all the leathers she was wearing made it impossible for her to move properly – and ended up with her rolling around on the floor. "Help!" Anna held her hand out for her sister to grab.

"Need some assistance?" Elsa asked without concealing her amusement; and she took hold of Anna's hand, then yanked her up so she was in a sitting position.

"I did not know what was happening there for a moment. You're dress is pretty."

"Um, thank you."

Anna reached out and trailed her fingers down her thigh, and Elsa tensed at the contact. "I wish I could wear this kind of thing." Her sister said when she reached the hem, and moved it around her fingers.

"There's nothing stopping you."

"Except, I wouldn't be able to pull it off. You can; but you've got that beautiful Snow Queen thing happening." Anna looked up at her - her face radiating absolute love, and it made Elsa feel warm and happy.

"You're just an incorrigible flatterer!"

"You make it sound like I have some ulterior motive for saying these things."

"Aren't you?" She smiled.

"No. I tell you because it's true, and you don't seem to believe it yourself; I tell you because of the way you look at me when I do – and I like that way you look at me. I want to see it all the time."

"Well, then I suppose you should continue with your compliments."

"I wasn't planning on stopping anyway." She grinned, and then looked around the courtyard. "Where is everyone?"

"Lunch. I came to get you. Kristoff's back."

"Oh. Super." Anna tried to move again – flailed around for a bit and then collapsed back on the ground from the effort. "Could you magically help me out of all these layers?"

"No, but I'll help you the old fashioned way." Elsa chuckled, and then began unbuckling the straps.

"You are the best."

"Yes, I know."

As she continued to free her sister - she could sense Anna watching her face intently. She didn't know why it made her feel good, and she didn't know why having her sister's undivided attention made her feel giddy – and she didn't care. She just knew that this was how she wanted it to always be.