Wayfaring Stranger

by EOTWY00xx00

Time passes. Summer ends. Winter beckons. As the fall season begins to wane, new stirrings rumble within the hearts of the two young rulers of Arendelle. A journey to the far north reveals more than was bargained for. Be wary of strangers bearing gifts...especially the gift of truth. Elsanna, rated M for smut, language, violence, anything else I may have left out.

11. Bequest of The King & Queen

Boy it took a while to get this one out. So, a couple of things to discuss. Firstly, I am very moved and humbled by all the follows and favorites that have come my way because of this fic, so thank you all for the attention and kind words. I didn't think anything would come of this thing and yet here I am, typing away. And I have you all to thank for that.

Secondly, I'm having some difficulty with personal issues at the moment. My family and friends are all encouraging me to go back to school since my ACTUAL writing career has somewhat stalled, so starting at the end of the summer I will most likely be going to nursing school (yes, a male nurse, they do exist). That being said, I will probably be taking some prerequisites this summer, quite a few, if my transcript is to be believed. I wanted to reassure everyone that I am not disappearing and I am not throwing in the towel on this fic, not by a long shot. I did that once and I'm never going to again. I will be continuing this story and finishing it, come hell or high water, but my updates may be a little more sporadic. I will be as consistent as possible and I promise that story-quality will not suffer; I won't just write SOMETHING just because I feel I need to contribute after a hiatus of sorts. That won't happen. This story and the characters in it are important to me, so please don't fret. I'm NEVER giving up on this thing.

Last, but certainly not least, I need to thank my friends and minions and recent acquaintances. Hunhund, I can only compliment you so much before I have to start looking up new forms of flattery online, but you know you rock. chosroes, who is a new content mediator for my fic, thank you for helping me renew and refill my interest in this ship over and over the more we talk. My man brunhe, who has a new Assassin's Creed based Elsanna fic in the works, thank you for the continued support my friend. PeaceLoveFairytales, a new friend, who has a surprisingly beautiful one-shot for the Elsanna community, you should all give that thing a read; short, sweet, very moving. And Henderson94, thank you for the consistent feedback, all very much appreciated.

Now, no more idle chatter. On with the show!

---

"A bolt of warmth, fierce with joy and pride and gratitude, flashed through me like sudden lightning. I don't care about whose DNA has recombined with whose. When everything goes to hell, the people who stand by you without flinching—they are your family. And they were my heroes."

-Jim Butcher, Proven Guilty

---

Rapunzel could hardly stand still. She was practically vibrating in place, attempting to conceal her glee as the ship pounded through the ice-laden waters of the approaching peninsula. Her eyes widened as a particularly robust ice-sheet floated past the ship, before being shattered into a hundred pieces under the prow of the bow. The creaking wood and shivering masts made it feel like the whole vessel was grinding into sandpaper, stripping away the barnacles upon the hull and the varnished wood beneath.

She stood barefoot on the wooden planks of the deck; though the wind was cold and the air dry, she was always far more comfortable when she wore no shoes. It was a carry-over from her years in the tower. The world at large was still a new experience for her, one she wished to interact with physically as much as possible. Her feet served as detail-oriented stenographers, scanning the world like a massive pad of brail, infinitely sensitive and constantly reading her surroundings. Even as she stood upon those frigid boards, the cold was not the first sensation to wash across her mind. Instead, it was the grain of the wood, the slight tilt of the otherwise level plane, the rough texture and the creaking vibrations that ran their way up her toes and ankles that remained forefront in her mind.

"Wow...that was a big one," she mused as the ship crushed the ice beneath its keel. "It actually lifted part of the ship out of the water!"

She ran to the port side of the vessel and looked down, her traveling cloak flapping in the mild breeze. The green and gold trimming of the outfit made it look as if Rapunzel had pulled the cloak off of a moss-covered rock and slung it across her back. No matter how nice it looked draped over her shoulder, it was a stark contrast to the white mists, darkened wood and gray seas that surrounded her.

"Punzie? Sweetheart?" asked her husband, Eugene, as he leaned against a mast.

He received no answer. Instead his young wife went skittering across the deck like a two-legged crab to the starboard side, pulling herself up on her hands so as to look further over the edge of the railing.

"Rapunzel...?" Eugene tried again, a hint of sing-song in his voice.

Still nothing, except a whirlwind of green-gold cloth as it fluttered past, a slight giggle leaving his wife's lips. He rolled his eyes and crossed his arms beneath his winter vest as Rapunzel again balanced precariously over the edge of the ship.

"Hey. Blondie," he snipped.

That earned him a green-eyed glare. The Princess of Corona was many things...smart, beautiful, talented with a rope and adept with cooking utensils. But she was no longer any variation of the word 'Blondie'. And her husband knew it.

He smiled confidently as she marched over to him and flicked him across the nose. He yelped and grasped at his face.

"What was that, dearest?" Rapunzel asked with white hot fire behind her eyes.

"Ouch!"

"I told you not to call me that!"

"Well I told you to relax! With all the scampering you're doing, this boat is going to capsize! Do you remember what happened the last time you and I were chest-deep in water? Hmm?" Eugene said.

Rapunzel let out an exasperated breath. "Oh you're overreacting! Besides, I couldn't sink this thing if I tried. It's one of the heaviest brig's in the fleet!"

Eugene just shook his head a little. "It's a frigate, Punzie. And I know it's a tough boat, but you are not as stout. I don't want you going into that frigid water, what with all the running around you're doing!"

Rapunzel was struck by the sweetness of his comment and it showed in her bright green eyes. "Aww, sweetheart, you were worried about me?"

Eugene wasn't much for mushy stuff, so he gave a fake scowl and looked away. "I was worried alright, about my own neck. I would have had to jump in to save you and I hate ice baths."

Rapunzel took this unguarded moment to slip her hood off and wrap her arms around Eugene's shoulders, her fingers interlaced behind his head as she pulled him towards her.

"Oh I'll worry your neck for you..." she husked, bringing her lips to the pulse-point of her husband's throat.

Eugene couldn't stand being touched on his neck but he loved being kissed there by his wife. The scowl faded quickly and his arms unhooked themselves as he looked at Rapunzel out of the corner of his eye, his own mouth opening slightly. Her lips danced in place for a second, nurturing that one point over and over until it created a hypersensitivity that she knew would drive her husband wild. That, combined with the closeness of her lithe body and the steam of her hot breath in the thick, cold air was ruining the faux-bad-mood that Eugene was supposedly in. His defenses were always useless around his wife but this was just unfair.

"Such a cheater..." he hissed.

"Why don't you cry about it?" Rapunzel asked, letting her tongue slip out and briefly slide up the tiny line of stubble underneath his Adams-apple.

"Of course, you know, this means war..." he said, taking the young woman in his arms and dipping her at his waist. His lips met hers with a heat that was totally out of place on a ship surrounded by so much ice.

"Ahem..."

The voice that stopped both young lovers in mid make-out was soft, feminine and just a touch amused. Eugene and Rapunzel looked like they had been caught by the police with their arms full of jewels, their eyes wide and guilty as they looked towards the door of the ship's hold.

"Uh, heh...your majesty...we were, just, ehm, well, Rapunzel was showing me how to, uh...lift...with my...legs?" Eugene offered, smiling like a fool.

Queen Frida smirked slightly, her own cloak a bright white and gold with a startlingly beautiful yellow sun sewn into the field across her back. It was a sharp contrast to the fog and cold in which the ship sailed. She almost seemed to be floating above the boards of the deck, her body almost incapable of making contact with a surface that was not as brilliant as she was.

"He's never going to remember to call me 'Mom', is he?" she asked Rapunzel with a small laugh. "Though I suppose I would forget a few things too, if I was kissed like that."

The princess righted herself but remained attached to her husband, looking at her mother with a shy wilt. "I apologize, Mother. We didn't see you."

Queen Frida's face fell slightly, her cheeks losing some of their rosy hue. "Oh sweetheart please don't be so formal, I was just teasing. He's your husband! Kiss the man whenever you want. This ship has a skeleton crew and we're several days from the next party any of us are going to attend. You may as well enjoy yourselves."

Rapunzel gave a timid smile and nodded. "I know. And we do, really. I just..."

Frida walked a few steps further, noticing how Rapunzel clung to her husband slightly. Eugene returned her grasp, as if to give her balance, as the queen came closer.

"Just what, dear?"

Rapunzel took a deep breath and looked at the deck, barely noticing as a few boatswain men walked to the stern a few feet away. When she looked up, her eyes were more apologetic than sad.

"I'm sorry, it's silly..."

Eugene had had this conversation with his wife before, so he encouraged her to speak her mind. "Rapunzel...I think it's OK if you tell her. It helped when you told me, remember?"

Rapunzel looked Eugene in the eye and found strength within his gaze, one she could call upon whenever she needed. Over the last few years she had learned that while she was strong on her own, it was completely appropriate to borrow resolve and fortitude from her husband from time to time. He had certainly borrowed his fair share from her as well.

The princess left her husband's side and walked to meet her mother, her hands clasped gently in those of the queen. Frida was waiting, her face open, expecting something to happen but couldn't prepare herself for what exactly.

Rapunzel spoke slowly, trying to articulate her thoughts without stumbling over them.

"When my Mother-when the woman called Gothel, came to see me in my tower-she used to tease me all the time," she admitted. "She never said anything outright insulting or rude of course...but over time, it started to become obvious that she just wasn't very kind. The jibes, the jokes, the passive-aggressive way she controlled me...I got used to it. I thought it was normal for stuff like that to happen between mothers and daughters...though now I see that it really isn't. And I know it's been five years since all of that ended, and you know how happy I am to be back with you and father...but whenever I hear teasing, or little insults or just white lies, i-it...well, it feels like I'm standing in front of that mirror again...listening to Gothel cut me down."

Frida winced for half a second before she pulled her daughter close and laid a kiss on her forehead. A moment later she swept the princess up in a tight hug, holding her daughter gently by the back of her head. The queen wasn't crying...eighteen years of tears had all but destroyed her supply of them. But her breath was hot and her vision blurry as she tried to instill new motherly feelings in her long lost daughter.

"Oh, Liebste, I had no idea...! Why haven't you spoken of this before? I would never have teased you or Eugene if I had known it would make you feel so uncomfortable." Frida said.

Rapunzel shook her head, eyes closed, as she held her mother back. "It wasn't something I was even aware of until a few months ago. Eugene was teasing me about something, I think it had to do with Maximus, I don't remember, but it was innocent and sweet and I just lashed out at him, started a huge fight. All because of teasing! I hate that that woman instilled such a severe trigger inside of me...I shouldn't react this way to something so innocuous. I'm sorry, mother."

Frida held her daughter tighter. "Oh it isn't your fault! I should be a little more sensitive. It's been half a decade and I'm still playing catch-up with my own daughter because of that beastly woman. I'd have liked to have a few choice words with her if I had been given the chance..."

"Me too," Eugene added tersely, his hand unconsciously stroking his lower abdomen on his right side.

"Me three," came a baritone voice from above.

The three royals watched as King Godehard, dressed in seamen's robes and a sash, walked down the stairway from the command deck. His graying beard and wrinkled face did nothing to belittle his presence. This was a King's king; the shoulders bore the weight of his pea coat and medals with great panache, the Livery collar sitting proudly upon his chest. At six-foot-four, he was an imposing man, even though he was well into his late fifties, and he commanded attention and respect wherever he walked. Even Eugene, his son in law and a former brigand, bowed accordingly as the king stepped onto the main deck.

"Your grace," Eugene said respectfully.

Godehard raised a hand nonchalantly. "Eugene, my boy, after all these years, I'm still king, but I'm also a Dad...just Dad, really. You needn't stand on ceremony every time we walk into a room. But you and Frida, the two of you are quite right...that creature, Gothel, stole more than just my daughter from me. She stole the first eighteen years of my fatherhood. She stole the first eighteen years of my wife's motherhood. I missed out on so much during that time...daddy jokes, tea-parties, teaching her how to ride a horse, chasing off squires and knights and stable-boys who became too familiar with her as she became a woman. It was all stolen from me; ripped from my hands by a thief in the night."

His voice darkened slightly, shivering the timbers of the vessel. "There is no punishment fitting for a snake such as her. Turning to dust is almost too kind a fate."

Rapunzel nodded slowly as her father came close and held his wife and daughter in his huge arms. The embrace was reminiscent of when Rapunzel had first come home to the castle, hoping beyond hope that her parents would recognize her despite the passage of time and lack of golden hair. Her father's hugs were almost legendary in her mind.

"But she did one thing right," Godehard admitted, "She raised a beautiful, engaging young woman. That's a miracle in itself, given what she put you through."

Eugene allowed the family to enjoy their hug, standing to the side. He was well aware that this was his family now, too, but sometimes it was just a good idea to let the three of them express their affection privately. He was a part of this group, but for now, he was the happy observer.

"Is that why you insisted on coming to Arendelle yourself?" Eugene asked, his voice inquisitive.

"Indeed," the king said, gazing down at his wife and daughter. "Given what happened during the summer when the two of you visited, I felt it prudent to assist my nieces in whatever capacity necessary to assuage the damage done by Elsa's misunderstanding."

Rapunzel scrunched up her nose. "Father you know it wasn't her fault! That duke provoked her after that little incident in the ballroom. He called her a sorceress, a monster! If he hadn't chased her off then she never would have lost control."

The king stroked the spiky outcropping of his daughter's hair and smiled. "Oh sweetheart I know that. Really, I do. And should I ever have words with the duke of Weselton then I'm sure I will have a few choice adjectives to describe his behavior. A man of his age, giving into hysterics...it's unbecoming and troublesome, especially amongst the older members of the aristocracy. But my real concern was the other gentleman who threw himself into the fray and proved to be a far greater opportunist."

"Hans," Rapunzel and Frida said together, both of their voices dripping with disdain.

The king nodded, drawing a troubled breath. "It worries me that someone of such High birth could allow himself to be so easily drawn to a darker path. I've known King Gerard and his wife for twenty-three years...I can't believe that they would have anything to do with their son's behavior and I'm sure there is an explanation. But from where I sit, Hans was almost directly responsible for the deaths of both Elsa and Anna not two days after Elsa's coronation. If Elsa's letters are to be believed, and I see no reason why they shouldn't be, he was far more seditious than either of them suspected. Which is why I feel we need to support the royal family with a show of a united front. Two queens, a king and two princesses, shoulder to shoulder in defense of Arendelle's best interest and continued prosperity."

"And one Prince Consort!" Rapunzel chimed in, jabbing her father playfully in the shoulder.

"Naturally, one Prince Consort," the king said, smiling at Eugene.

"I'm never going to get used to that title...or all this attention," Eugene said, waving them off. "I always wanted to be rich but now I have responsibilities and expectations and a wife...where did it all go wrong?"

Rapunzel smiled and sprung over to her husband, planting an unashamed kiss on his lips, causing the eyes of the former thief to swoon shut. When she released him the king and queen were laughing good naturedly, happy for their daughter and son in law.

"Oh, yeah...there...that's where it all went wrong..." Eugene said, his face looking almost drugged with affection. Rapunzel slapped him on his chest and faked a pout, which he wiped from her face with a nuzzle into her neck.

"Are you sure it's wise to leave the thrown vacant for so long?" Frida asked her husband.

The king looked reassuringly at his bride, smiling gently. "I have every confidence in our Steward, Matthias of Crim. He is a competent man and knows the urgency of this journey. I'm sure he won't let me down."

"Plus the ruffian and brigand auxiliary that Eugene left behind to guard the castle," Rapunzel added. "I don't think anyone would be crazy enough to cause trouble with that huge collection of scary to deal with."

"I thought you called them sweethearts?" Eugene asked.

"Well they are...but still, that particular band of sweethearts broke you out of jail...despite the whole palace guard trying to stop them. The kingdom is in good hands, father," the princess smiled.

"I'm sure...besides, it is Arendelle's neighbors that concern me now..."

The queen looked at her husband cautiously. "What do you suspect dear?"

"Nothing as of yet," the king said slowly, "but after what happened, I can't shake this feeling that there are other powers at work here, powers that might have smelled blood in the water since the summer. A woman with such an immeasurably potent magic, like Elsa, is a tempting target. Forget all the riches Arendelle has to offer and its strategic importance to all the northern territories...the queen is the real gem of the north. My brother and sister in law knew it and tried to keep her power hidden, for her sake and the kingdom's...but now that power is out. Elsa is doing everything she can to keep the balance of peace in her kingdom, but I fear that peace will be threatened. The younger generation of the aristocracy is always seeking to make a name for itself in some way. And I worry that Hans may not be an isolated event."

Rapunzel listened to her father intently. She had learned a great deal from him over the past few years. Not just on matters of state, but also instinct and perception of information. Her mother was her emotional pilot-house now, rather than an overly-sheltered wench that sought to exploit her. Both of these people had proven to be exactly what she needed in her parents. With Eugene at her side, Rapunzel finally felt complete, whole. It was anintoxicatingly blissful situation. She hadn't been so happy in years.

"I'm not letting anything threaten my family again, immediate or otherwise," the king said, stroking his wife's shoulder. "I know Akðar and Iðunn would want us to assist their children in any way possible. So we will."

Rapunzel hugged her husband close and beamed at the king and queen. "I have awesome parents."

"Yes you do," Eugene said, kissing her forehead.

"My king, my queen," came a voice from above. "We are pushing into the shallows now. It shouldn't be more than a few minutes until we reach the break-wall of Arendelle."

"Very good," the king said, releasing the queen and walking back up the gangway. "Maintain speed and try to bypass the larger pieces of ice...no sense damaging the ship if we can avoid it..."

The trio on the deck walked slowly to the port railing, the wind buffering them in the fog. The sunlight had long since faded, giving way to ghostly wisps of cloud and mist as the shore came closer. It was several minutes before Rapunzel could make out the faintest hints of artificial light in the distance. Blips and sweeps of firelight could be seen sneaking in and out of the mist, like cherubs playing hide and seek. Eventually an entire carpet of light was laid out in the distance, growing sharper and more distinct as the ship pushed its way through the icy ocean waves.

The ship hit one more ice swell as it rolled past the stony shoreline and into the harbor, and in that instant the fog and mist rolled back, revealing the splendor of the city to the royal family.

DINGDING...DINGDING...

The signal bell sounded from the harbourmaster, indicating that they were aware of the ships' approach. But the sound fell on deaf ears as the royal family of Corona beheld the splendor of the newly revealed city.

"Mein Gott, I'd forgotten..." Frida said wistfully.

The city was alight with bonfires. In every direction there seemed to be edifices of beautiful artwork all in the theme of the harvest. Massive pumpkins sporting horrible faces, a huge suit of armor constructed of straw and thatch, three gigantic barrels of what could only be ale being rolled on massive carts through the town. Candles were burning everywhere, including lanterns of orange and green and purple. Smells of roasted vegetable, fried cookies, candied fruit and suckling pork wafted through the air to dance across the noses of the weary travelers upon the ship. Colorful masks were strung across houses along garlands, as well as runic symbols encouraging a bountiful yield from the land and a mild winter to come. Steam was rising from massive vats of water and the smell of salt and fish could be discerned from the waterfront. The princess spotted what looked like a massive scarecrow standing alone at the edge of the break-wall, as if it had been placed there to welcome visitors into the harbor.

"Spooky looking fellow, isn't he?" the king asked. He had walked up behind his daughter and her mother while they were looking at the shore.

"Yes, very," Rapunzel agreed.

The scarecrow seemed to be perched at the end of the break-wall, standing perfectly still in front of a wide signal fire at the end of the parapet. It had a wide brimmed hat and broad shoulders, and it seemed to be wearing a black cloak, as well as a dark tunic beneath. Its arms were at its side, unlike most scarecrows which are tied to a cross-brace, though it still seemed to be firmly rooted to the stone walk-way.

"Whoever built that thing outdid themselves," Frida admitted as the ship passed the scarecrow, slowly pulling into the harbor. "What an ominous site to behold as soon as someone makes port."

"Sets the mood though, doesn't it?" Eugene said.

He was looking at the queen and not the shore as he spoke. His own face sank when he saw a look of alarm cross the face of the queen and her daughter.

Eugene shot a glance back at the break-wall...and his face followed suit.

The 'scarecrow' had suddenly moved one of its arms, unassisted.

The eight-foot pillar of black had reached outward in a slow, sweeping gesture to place its hand on its head. In one smooth motion, it removed the large hat from atop its head and laid it flat against its chest.

The face, though partially silhouetted by the signal fire behind him, was chiseled marble, framed by silver hair and a white beard. The beard seemed to dangle like an icicle beneath a beak-like nose and a set of glinting, smiling teeth, white and sharp and sickly-sweet in their presentation.

As the ship rolled past, the 'scarecrow' bent at the waist, bowing deeply to the royal family as they gawked at him. It was like a shadow come to life, the eerie silence adding to his mystique. His gaze never left theirs, his eyes, while mostly hidden, seemed perfectly capable of capturing their attention, even in the dim light of the early evening. He watched them intently as the ship passed, never moving...never speaking.

Rapunzel gripped her husband just a little tighter as the ship pulled up to the longest pier, eventually hiding the 'scarecrow' from view as the bulk of the vessel pushed on.

"Who was that?" she asked shakily.

"What was that?" Frida corrected, her eyes searching, seeking.

The king's eyes were dark as he pulled his wife closer, his other hand idling sitting atop the hilt of his sword. It was reflex whenever he felt uneasy or threatened. If that had been the scarecrows' intent, it had been successful.

"I would say the better question is 'What does he want?'" the king said, watching as his men began to spill wind from the sails and bring the ship around in the icy shallows of the harbor.

"Why do you say that, father?" Rapunzel asked.

The king eyed his daughter cautiously. "Did you see him bow before us?"

Rapunzel nodded.

"That means he knows who we are. He knows where we are from. And he knew when and where we would arrive. This is very troubling...considering even we didn't know that information until a few hours ago. So how could he?"

The princess took a shaky breath as the lines were tied off and the ship eased into its birth next to the old wooden planks of the pier, lined with lamp-light. The queen squeezed her daughters arm and gently nodded towards her bare feet.

"Best put on your shoes dear," she said, "we'll be greeting the royal family soon."

"Oh! Oh. Right, of course..." Rapunzel said, spooked out of her reverie. She hustled towards the hold and grabbed her traveling boots from inside the door frame.

A man with a jolly face, big nose and a sunny disposition greeted the ship's crew as they began to offload supplies and crates. He turned to the king and bowed accordingly, his voice full of cordial enthusiasm.

"Welcome to Arendelle King Godehard, Queen Frida, Princess Rapunzel and Prince Consort Eugene! Our nation is blessed indeed to have you upon our soil once again!" Kai sad.

The king acknowledged the man and began to walk down the gangplank, flanked by six guards behind and in front of the royal family. He walked past the stern of the ship, looking back at the break-wall parapet, his gaze intent. Kai thought the king was lost or perhaps confused, but the way he looked out at the water told him he was searching for something.

The king gave a quick sweep up and down the harbor, eyes squinting.

The scarecrow was gone.

The king stood at attention, allowing his height to dictate the seriousness of his demeanor. He addressed the man curtly but politely, allowing the guards to lead his wife, daughter and son-in-law down the pier.

"Well met, my good man...and thank you for your hospitality..."

Kai sensed hesitation in the king's voice. "May I assist you in some way, majesty?"

The king looked back at the break-wall, scowled, then turned his attention back to the housecarl.

"I must speak with Queen Elsa...immediately."

---

"They're here they're here they're here!" Anna squealed, jumping in place.

Elsa laughed as her sister seemed fit to burst out of her simple dress and stockings as she pranced around the throne-room. The queen sat patiently upon the wooden seat meant for her father, her hands clasped in her lap as she fidgeted in her simple purple cloak, blouse and full length skirt. Normal clothes were fine but they were still very constricting, very controlling. She had once welcomed such tight-fitting attire, but now it was almost stifling. She longed for her full-length trail and slit-dress, if only because it allowed more movement. But for now, she would have to remain patient. At least her hair was only loosely braided, with streams of icy-silver interwoven with her own platinum locks. Anna had assisted her with the look, which left the queen very satisfied indeed.

"Anna, relax!" Elsa said, trying to get her sister's attention. "You'll pop out of your dress with all that running around. They're here for a whole three months, it's not like they're going to disappear ten seconds after they walk in."

Anna bounded back to the thrown and grabbed Elsa's forearm as it was draped over the edge of the armrest. "I know that, but I can't help myself! I didn't get to spend any time with Rapunzel when she was here a few months back and I haven't seen Uncle Godehard or Queen Frida in almost six years! This is a big deal, ya know? I'm just really excited!"

Elsa placed her other hand on Anna's wrist and giggled a little. "OK, OK! You're right! But save some of that energy, huh? This is going to be a fun night, I'm sure. Don't tire yourself out already."

There were three loud knocks at the grand doors to the thrown-room. Anna squealed and took her place by Elsa's side, hands together at her waist, twisting and fidgeting hopelessly as her eyes darted around the room.

Elsa stood and signaled a man in a white dress-coat standing near the door, who in turned signaled fifteen other musicians waiting in three neat rows. They all brought their oboes, trumpets, tubas, flutes and violins to bear, waiting with eager anticipation.

The queen then gestured to a man in his finest military garb standing about ten feet away from the thrown. He gave the queen a curt nod before blowing a whistle in three short bursts, signaling a call to attention. Thirty armed guards took their positions on either side of the massive red carpet leading from the grand doorway all the way across the ballroom and up to the small set of stairs at the foot of the throne. They faced each other in two rows of fifteen, heads held high, hands on scabbards, chests puffed out.

The various servants and valets also took their places within the ballroom, each one holding some offering or other should their guests need anything...fine bottles of wine, plates of fruit and cheese, cold slices of ham and chicken on thick crusty bread, dense sauces made from tart berries and heady mixtures of soup and broth, sweet and savory smells filling the room.

It was quite a spectacle. Elsa was very proud of her sister in that moment.

"You can cook, little sister," Elsa said, marveling at the setup that filled the throne room. "You put all this together in two days?"

Anna stopped fidgeting long enough to look at Elsa and offer a sweet smile of appreciation. "Yeah, I guess...do you like it? Do you think they will like it?"

Elsa's face glowed with pride. "I think it's amazing. You really have a head for this stuff, don't you?"

Anna beamed. "I guess I do...your notes were really helpful, I couldn't have pulled this off without their framework. I followed them exactly, right down to the colors of the Corona Standard. I think it looks pretty good, if I do say so myself."

Elsa leaned in Anna's direction and the princess instinctually placed her left hand in Elsa's right. They enjoyed the soft skin of each other's touch for a moment, the queen daring to look the princess in the eye with a gaze of uncensored wonder.

"I'm very proud of you, Søte hjerte. Mama and Papa would be too." Elsa said.

The princess shrugged and offered another half smile, squeezing Elsa's hand again as she whispered in her ear. "If you're proud of me...that's plenty."

Elsa tried to ignore the incredible tingling sensation that sped through her as Anna's words and warm breath tickled her ear. But the sensation was soon interrupted anyway by three more loud knocks. They indicated that the procession was past the main gate and entering the grand hall just beyond the throne room.

"Showtime." Elsa said with a grin. Anna returned it and allowed her hands to fall back into place.

With a creek and a wine, the two large doors of the throne room were pushed inwards, allowing Kai and a small procession of Coronan soldiers to step into the threshold. The large man cleared his throat and clicked his heels as he began his decree.

"Presenting! Their Majesties King Godehard and Queen Frida, Rulers of the Kingdom of Corona!"

"HAIL! HAIL! HAIL!" bellowed the soldiers, drawing their sabers and creating an archway for the king and queen to proceed under.

The maestro cued up the band which began to play a spirited rendition of Corona's National Anthem, the music reminiscent of a march, the notes filling the room and sending shivers down Anna's spine as they did.

The king, with the queen on his left arm, strode slowly into the room, marveling at the splendor set out before them. Their three day journey had made them weary but the sheer number of servants, treats and delicacies that now lay at their fingertips was enough to give them new strength. The king smiled broadly, as did the queen, as they sauntered up the red carpet under the archway of swords.

"Presenting! Their Highnesses Princess Rapunzel and Prince Consort Eugene of Corona!"

"HAIL! HAIL! HAIL!" the soldiers rang out a second time, clicking their heels once more in a sign of respect.

Rapunzel and Eugene flinched just a bit at the show of ceremony and luxury. Having lived most of their lives in predominant solitude and in meager surroundings, the huge display was something the both of them were still getting used to. Their cloaks flowed out behind them as they entered the throne room, Rapunzel's tiara and Eugene's sash flashing brightly in the glow of the candlelight. They walked gingerly, trying to remain straight and tall, their hands clasped together fiercely so as to not lose their balance or each other as they strolled.

The band played the last notes of the procession and the conductor signaled them to be at ease, just as the royal family reached the queen and princess. The young sisters approached the king and queen and bowed at the waist respectfully, the king and queen following suite.

"My Good King Godehard, my Dear Queen Frida, welcome to Arendelle!" Elsa began, spreading her arms wide. "Princess Rapunzel, Consort Eugene, it has been far too long since we last spoke. Congratulations on your Marriage and reunion with your family. You must be so happy."

The princess of Corona bowed to the queen, as did her husband. Elsa noticed that Rapunzel was fidgeting slightly in her heels, as if she were unsteady. Rather than reply with a bow of her own, the queen spread her arms and offered the princess her hands, clasping them gently before pulling the princess slightly closer.

"You don't like shoes like that either, do you?" Elsa said in a small whisper.

Rapunzel's eyebrows jumped slightly at the question. "Well, I, uh...that is...your majesty.."

Elsa looked a little hurt. "Oh Rapunzel, no, 'your majesties', please. I barely had a chance to see you the last time you were here, so let's not muck it up this time with so much ceremony. Just Elsa, please?"

"And I will ALWAYS prefer Anna over 'your highness', that's for sure," Anna interjected, scooting closer to the pair. "And don't worry; the carpeting in your room is really plush and soft. Perfect for barefoot walks to fireplace or window or whatever."

Rapunzel smiled brightly. "Thank God. Eugene will be able to take off those boots then."

"Hey, I like these boots! I at least sound like a somebody when I stomp all over the castle." Eugene said, offering the Queen a quick bow. "Oh, yes, thank you for having us again, your maje-...er, um, Elsa."

Rapunzel rolled her eyes, grimacing at a memory. "It's true, he wears them everywhere...the stock yards, the woods, the river, the stables..."

"I did that ONE time and she'll never let me forget it." Eugene huffed.

"The bedroom smelled like horsepucky..." Rapunzel said under her breath, scrunching up her face at her cousins.

"Well you're in luck!" Anna said. "I spend so much time with Kristoff that the castle almost always smells like reindeer! It'll be like you never even left home!"

The four of them laughed together, Elsa remaining the more restrained of the group. The king and queen looked on with loving expressions, enjoying the seemingly natural bond that the four young ones seemed to automatically share. It was a comforting sight and it seemed to enhance the glow of the room significantly.

A second later, both Eugene and Rapunzel lifted their noses in a high sniff, enjoying the scent of something delicious that was hovering nearby.

"Mmmmm...chocolate..." Rapunzel said, leaning towards a tray of sweets. "I'm just gonna, you know...over here for a...second..."

"Right behind you darling..." Eugene said, trailing after his wife. The look on both their faces made Elsa and Anna renew their giggles.

The silliness of the situation made the king and queen shake their heads with bright smiles. They both cleared their throats and bowed to Elsa and Anna a second time, the king speaking first.

"Your most Illustrious Queen Elsa, thank you for your invitation and hospitality. Arendelle has lost none of its magnificence since our last pilgrimage here...in fact I daresay it has grown by leaps and bounds. Your welcoming procession is a wonder and we are humbled by the grand entrance you have afforded us. Our deepest thanks to you, Good Queen."

Elsa smiled and gestured towards her sister. "Actually, the entirety of tonight's presentation was organized by Princess Anna. It seems I was not the only one who inherited my mother's sense of decorum and élan. She made sure everything was perfect."

Queen Frida looked lovingly at her auburn-haired niece and noticed the shy smile she received, so reminiscent of her own daughter is was almost comical. "Then our thanks to you as well, Princess Anna. You have a gift for parties, it seems. This procession was worthy of an emperor and empress."

Elsa smiled as Anna blushed deeply and curtsied, her eyes wide with humble thanks. "Oh, uh...thank you, Aunt Fri...I mean, Queen Frida. I am very pleased that you liked it."

The king caught Anna's little fumble and smiled, but about what, no one else was sure. He stepped forward slightly and stood next to Elsa, facing the ballroom, his voice bright and cheerful as he acknowledged the whole of the room.

"You do your country proud, good servants of Queen Elsa! Corona thanks you for your stirring welcome! Truly a sight to impress!"

The servants and soldiers looked between themselves with confusion for a moment before they relaxed and bowed to the king, offering a small round of applause at his tiny speech. At this, the tension in the room, if there had been any to begin with, completely seeped away, and the staff went about their normal duties. Even the band retook their chairs, cleaning their instruments and relaxing for a few minutes as the king turned back to his niece.

"You two really are something, aren't you?" he whispered, knowing only Elsa and Anna could hear him.

Elsa looked confused for a moment. "I'm...sorry?"

The king offered a wink, keeping his face regal and stoic even though his voice was soft. "This is a superb greeting, dear child. But far too much for us. However, your parents would be very proud of your attention to detail. I certainly am."

"We both are," Queen Frida added, standing next to Anna on the other side of her husband and eldest niece.

Elsa smiled with relief as she watched Rapunzel and Eugene avail themselves of the snacks and drink, their eyes searching hungrily over the plates of unique foods and candies. They looked as if they had never seen such a spread in all their lives. Even some of the accompanying soldiers from Corona partook in some of the sweets, exchanging pleasantries and small talk the palace guards as they did.

'It's good to be among family again,' Elsa thought happily.

The king leaned down once more, trying to be discreet as he spoke. "Elsa, if I may...the queen and I would like to have a word with you and Anna...just the four of us. Could you have your servants and valets escort Rapunzel and Flynn to their room? I'm sure they are very tired and desperate for a little...privacy."

Elsa listened without taking her eyes off the ballroom, nodding as she comprehended her uncle's words.

'This must be serious...' she thought with a gulp.

"Kai!" Elsa commanded, arresting the man's attention. The servant turned on his heel and came to the foot of the throne, awaiting his orders.

"Please have the palace guard escort Rapunzel and Eugene to their rooms, along with the valet and wait-staff. See to it that they get everything they need...my sister and I must have a word in private with the king and queen."

Rapunzel and Eugene had heard all of this, stopping in mid snacking to look questioningly at their parents.

"It's alright Rapunzel," Frida said, waving a hand and smiling. "We'll be along later to bid you two goodnight. Go relax, eat...catch up."

Rapunzel turned a few shades redder as she caught her mother's meaning and gave the queen a look of umbrage. But Eugene nodded in understanding and bowed to the king and queens, slowly leading Rapunzel out of throne room.

The entirety of the staff seemed to follow, doting on their every whim as they filed out. Soon, only the band remained...until Anna gave her unofficial gesture of dismissal. In less than a minute, all of the musicians had fled the room, chasing after the spare wine-maiden or fruit plate straggler still hovering just outside the door. Two guards posted themselves outside the tall doors, before pulling them shut, sealing the four heads-of-state inside.

Finally, they were alone.

"Masterfully done," the king commented, reaching up to scratch the hair beneath his crown. "Send the food walking and the crowd will follow...did your father teach you that one?"

Elsa almost laughed but then remembered herself and maintained her composed stature. "Well yes, actually. He told me that the quickest way to clear a room was to declare the ale exhausted and the food scarce. Apparently it still does the trick."

Anna tittered slightly. "I think they were all too happy to skedaddle. You make quite an impression, King Godehard."

Here the king turned and faced his niece's with a somewhat sad look, even though he continued to smile through it. "You know...in private at least, you can still call me Uncle Godehard."

The princess and queen of Arendelle weren't sure what to do with that piece of information. They looked at each other skeptically, as if expecting there to be a punch line at the end of this joke. But none came and the king maintained his semi-somber look.

Frida smiled sympathetically and nodded to her husband.

"I think we can tell them now, dear," she said, her eyes looking almost sorrowfully at her relatives. "We're alone. No better time than the present."

The king sighed and stood back, facing the queen and princess as he nodded. "I suppose you're right."

The king reached into the lapel of his vest and searched for a second, his gloved hands trying to fish something out from deep within his clothing. Elsa and Anna looked at one another in confusion for a moment before Godehard retrieved a small piece of folded paper, the material yellow and faded, textured like fallen leaves.

"Your Majesty, is something wrong?" Elsa asked as Anna stood closer to her.

The king looked at the folded piece of parchment for a moment before he addressed his nieces again.

"Elsa, Anna, do you know why we agreed to come and join you for the winter?" he asked.

The queen faltered for a second, looking from her sister to the king and back again. "I...assumed it was because you wished to support us after the unfortunate circumstances regarding my powers over the previous summer. At least that's what your correspondence indicated..."

The king chuckled a little. "Well yes, this is true. Forgive me, I wish I could have been a little more specific in my letters, but I wanted to leave a few things unsaid so that they might be communicated in person...and in private."

Anna caught on. "Is that why you didn't want Rapunzel here?"

Frida looked slightly upset. "Oh no my dear, not at all! This was just something we thought we should do with just the two of you first. We fully expect you to share what we have to say with your cousin, but we wanted it to be something you did on your own, in your own time. We didn't want to make the three of you feel awkward."

"Why would we feel awkward?" Elsa asked, one eyebrow raised.

Godehard allowed another small laugh, looking at his wife as he did. "Did you see that? That's Iðunn to a 'T'. I'd recognize your sister's face anywhere."

Elsa was confused, but calmed herself as Frida rested a hand on her shoulder. She looked at Elsa with soft eyes, as if she were looking at an old painting that she hadn't seen in years.

"You're right," she said, giving a happy sigh. "She looks just like her...the same beautiful smile, sharp features, cheekbones; the way her eyes are so animated...you look so much like my baby sister. It's quite amazing how much of her I see in you...both of you."

Elsa's eyes were wide with a sad happiness, recounting how many times her father had told her the exact same thing. Anna was just a little red, taking the comparison as a compliment, nudging Elsa as if to say 'See? I told you that you were beautiful'.

The king looked down for a second, seemingly gathering his thoughts. "But as to your question, Queen Elsa, we meant that we wanted to share something with the two of you and let you decide how to react first, rather than share it with the kingdom or anyone else at large. Out of respect for you and Anna...and my brother and sister in law."

He unfolded the wrinkled paper slowly, almost reverently, as if he was unearthing a historical document from centuries past. "Your mother and father used to visit Corona quite often after Frida and I were wed, but less so after their own marriage. We understood, of course. They had a kingdom of their own to manage, as did we. But we kept in touch, writing each other at least once or twice a month. Since I, myself, am an only child, it was such an interesting situation to suddenly have not one but two siblings as soon as I married Frida. Even after Rapunzel was initially lost to us, your mother and father never stopped writing, never stopped caring. They even volunteered part of their Hunting and Tracking guild to search Arendelle, on the off chance that Rapunzel had been spirited away to a distant kingdom. Of course now, we know that was unnecessary. But the love and friendship expressed between our two kingdoms was always strong...always reciprocated."

He cleared his throat and handed the unfolded piece of parchment to Elsa, who took it gingerly into her hands, doing her best not to allow frost to gather on the delicate material.

"This was the last letter we received from the king and queen before their...journey, to visit Corona for Rapunzel's wedding. I have over three-hundred letters from my brother and sister in law. At least half of them contain their thoughts, feelings and joys about being parents. As far as I am concerned, they are just as much yours as they are mine...an inheritance, of sorts, from your mother and father. They may never have bequeathed them to you openly, but I believe they would have wanted you to know of their inner thoughts and dreams. I have brought the entire lot, the collection is yours should you wish to keep them...but this one is, in my opinion, of particular importance. Especially to the two of you."

Elsa and Anna looked wide eyed at the parchment, unable to speak. Unlike the invoice handed to her by Lord Elgar, this letter was very obviously written in her father's hand. The blocky, somewhat strained scroll-work was legible but also crowded and spaced oddly on the page. It was unusual for the king to write anything out by hand personally, but if it should be anything, Anna and Elsa were happy that their father wrote his heart out with his own fingers. The sister's took all this information in at once...but were still hesitant to read the contents, barely even skimming the letter.

Frida could sense a little distress on their part and tried to reassure them by standing at their backs placing a hand on each of their shoulders.

"You needn't read it aloud, if you don't wish to," she said softly. "The king and I are already well aware of the contents...in fact, I think I have it committed to memory."

But by the time she had spoken, Anna had already begun to softly read the letter, her voice just above a whisper as Elsa followed along...

My Dear Brother,

So happy are we to be joining you on the day of Rapunzel's wedding! In two days, when the tide is high, we shall board our swiftest vessel, The Hermes, which will bare us hence to your beautiful kingdom! Iðunn and I couldn't be more excited. With luck, we shall arrive only a day after this letter reaches you. I have made a point of packing two cases of your favorite mead, dear brother, for you and I to partake in as soon as the reception begins. Don't tell Frida, for I'm sure she will scold the both of us for imbibing so heavily, and my wife has already admonished me for my excess...but what better a day for extremes than a wedding? The two of you must be so proud!

We had considered bringing Anna along with us for the ceremony, as I'm sure you would have loved to see her after so many years. But Iðunn and I both agree that she would most likely be happier if she were to stay here, where she can at least remain close to Elsa. Kai and Gerda will take good care of both of them, I'm sure. How much trouble could Anna get into over two weeks, anyway?

She still visits her doorway, you know? She thinks that Iðunn and I don't notice, but how can we not? I have come across her sleeping form just outside Elsa's room goodness knows how many times, huddled next to the frame, murmuring in her sleep. Sometimes we find a pillow and blanket placed across her body, as if a fairy has come in the night to ensure she doesn't catch cold...but we both know that fairy is actually Elsa.

She loves her deeply, I can tell. Loves us all. It makes me immensely proud, the way Elsa has put her own needs aside to protect the people she loves. She probably sees her gift as a curse, this ability to wield snow and ice like you and I might wield a sword. I have never seen it that way...but I now fear she may never see it any other way. She has followed my instructions to the letter and I am very impressed by the progress she has made. But it has cost her so much over time.

Be honest, brother...have I been wrong? Have my attempts to protect my daughters been mislead, unjust, cruel? In keeping Anna from her sister, have I done her more harm than good? I see the look in Elsa's eye's whenever Iðunn and I come near. She pushes us away, makes no attempt to embrace us anymore...for fear of hurting us. I long to take her in my arms and hold her tight, to tell her that she will be alright, that we are not afraid and she should not be either. I can see the effect it has on Iðunn, as she can see what it does to me. Your sister loves her daughter's fiercely, more so than I have ever witnessed in a mother. But such a burden weighs on her. Anna embraces her without a second thought and I know she relishes the contact...while at the same time, a sadness fills her eyes. It is a sadness bourn of the realization of just how much she wishes she could share such a moment with Elsa, but cannot. Witnessing such sorrow in the eyes of my wife is almost too much for me to endure.

I need a new approach, brother, a new strategy. But what it shall be, I know not yet. There needs to be some change, some momentum here. While I can't say exactly what it shall be, I know I must implement something, perhaps as soon as I return from Corona. If my daughters are to have the bright future I hope for, I must enable it in a way I have not considered before now. Maybe a change in scenery will give me the inspiration I need, yes?

I love them both with all my heart, Godehard. You and Frida both know I have never been one for fairy-tales, but I have to believe that enough fear has finally passed over my family, and that love will provide some new chapter for the four of us, even a new story entirely. It must change. It has to.

All my love to you and Frida, Brother King. We shall see you in the Kingdom of the Gracious Sun in just a few days time. Many happy returns to your daughter and son-in-law to be! We shall be in your happy company soon enough.

Yours, Most Sincerely,
King Akðar of Arendelle

Elsa's hand was at her mouth now, covering her lips, pressed hard into her cheeks with her fingers. She was doing everything she could to keep from crying but the tears were battering her eyes and springing loose with ease. Anna was not far behind, her own voice cracked and broken as she finished reading the letter; her eyes a mess of running water and smeared mascara.

"Unfortunately," Godehard said, his own voice somewhat choked, hands folded at his waist, "the mail delivery system throughout this continent is abominable. That letter may have left this palace well before your parents departed, but Frida and I only received it about three months after the accident. The wedding was a bit more taxing than either of us could have predicted...for whatever reason, a few signals got crossed between the villagers, which set of a series of chain reactions throughout the city during the ceremony. Massive cleanup effort, huge mess all over, quite an interesting way for Rapunzel and Eugene to spend their first day as man and wife. It was still a beautiful day, all in all...but it meant that I wasn't able to spend as much time with my brother and sister as I would have liked. The subject of the letter never even came up...we were all so...busy..."

Frida went to her husband, placing a gentle hand on his graying beard, attempting to calm him just as she had for eighteen years before their daughter had returned to them. He took her hand and steadied his breathing while the two young sisters stood close, rereading the letter over and over again in their heads as they, too, tried to keep from breaking down.

Godehard cleared his throat as if addressing a room full of officials, his voice deep and commanding again. It may have been a front to conceal his true heartbreak, but it would have to do for now.

"Ahem...while I may not have always agreed with my brother's approach to things, the two of you in particular, his heart was, I'm convinced, in the right place. I'm sure the four of us will discuss this at length, in time. But he and your mother adored you both...you were their moon and stars, their most precious treasure. And I felt it wouldn't be appropriate or even possible to communicate all of this through letters...hence my reasoning for readily accepting your offer for a prolonged visit. The letters are part of a gift to you, Queen Elsa, Princess Anna, not only as a gesture of good-will and continued unity between our two crowns, but as a strengthening measure between our families."

King Godehard approached the two women, allowing them a few seconds to collect themselves as Elsa folded the letter carefully, fearing it might rip in her shaking hands. The temperature in the room was slightly cooler than it was before, with tiny snowflakes, just barely visible to the group, descending from the ceiling. Anna felt the tiniest sparkle of cold land on her cheek as she closed her teary eyes and leaned her head against Elsa's. The two shared a brief, supportive hug before they opened their eyes and beheld the king.

"I h-have...no words, King Godehard..." Elsa began, sniffling slightly. "Forgive me..."

The king shook his head. "There is no forgiveness needed, child. As such, I think I should offer you the other, slightly smaller part of your gift..."

He opened his huge arms wide as Frida stood next to him, her eyes watering slightly. He looked as if her could have swept the world away with arms so strong. His own eyes were blurry now as he spoke, his tone soft but strong.

"I am aware that I am not your father. I could never be him. He could never be replaced. And Frida is not your mother, nor could she ever be seen as such. But...m-may we embrace you, Queen Elsa, Princess Anna? As a parent would embrace their children? We offer this...I offer this, not as king of one nation to the rulers of another...but as an uncle to his nieces. I think your mother and father would have wanted me, wanted us, to give you this...and nothing would make me happier than to do so."

Elsa was unsure of how it had started, but before she knew it, she had crossed the short distance between herself and her uncle, gently pushed forward by her smiling sister. She felt her arms extend of their own accord. Her cheek met the large, well-tailored wall of cloth that was her uncle's chest, pressed softly into the woven silk and cotton of his travel clothes. Cautiously, very cautiously, she felt her arms encircle his far-too-wide back, her hands unable to reach one another but finding small purchase upon his pea-coat. For a moment she hung there, trying to relax but failing all the same...until the wide arms of the king finally closed, encasing her in his powerful but controlled embrace.

It was all so familiar to the young queen. The warmth, the strength, the tightness and the security. After so many years of touching no one and then only ever hugging Anna, a man's arms were all but foreign to her. It had always felt so beyond her reach, so untouchable and forbidden...but now, with her uncle encapsulating her in his bear-like grip, she was reminded of just how much she had lost when she had lost her father.

The tears rolled down her face silently but freely now...there was no reason to be ashamed. Her uncle placed a hand on the back of her head, allowing his niece to get her fill, stroking her head as he would his own daughter's. From the corner of their eyes they could see Anna and Frida in their own tight embrace, the older woman also comforting the younger with long strokes up and down her copper-red hair.

"We miss them so much..." Elsa said through her tears, her broken voice muffled by her uncle's vest.

And it was true. Despite everything that had happened, everything the two had learned about their past, their parents and their upbringing over the last several months, the truth was that both sisters missed their parents terribly. Perhaps, if things had been different and all the new information had come out earlier, there would have been words exchanged between the four of them, interrogations, questions, fights...things families are want to do. But the gaping hole in Anna and Elsa's lives made that interaction impossible. And now, in the presence of these good people, it was becoming ever more obvious that neither young woman would ever easily accept the absence of their mother and father.

"Oh, dear child...they loved you both so dearly," the king said, holding the young queen tighter.

"I know they would be very proud of you for taking care of each other and this kingdom in the way that you have," Frida added, wiping some of the tears from Anna's face. "For two people so young, you are both so brave."

Elsa didn't really want the hug to end but she was surprised to find the king gently guiding her into the arms of Frida, who also took her up in a warm, albeit softer hold. Anna took her place in Godehard's arms, giving the man a huge bear hug, just as she had done with her own father many years ago. The man chuckled slightly at the princess's tight grasp, his own arms squeezing her back.

"Ha! That's an Akðar hug," he said happily. "The man always sought to crush my ribs whenever we met. I miss his laughter and that terrible moustache of his..."

Anna laughed through her sobs. "Hey...I liked Papa's moustache! He took such good care of it, too."

Frida and Elsa both laughed through their tears, heads on each others' shoulders. Both queens were enraptured in happiness and sadness at the same time, but the memory of the king's face seemed to make them enjoy each other's closeness all the more. Even as they pulled apart after a minute or so, the happiness lingered. It was the perfect way to end such a heartfelt encounter.

As Elsa finally pulled away, the queen gave her eyes the same treatment as her sister's and smiled happily at her.

"Now then, no more tears, dear queen. This visit is meant to be a happy one!" she said. "We have so much to prepare for, or so I'm told. We witnessed such a wonderful display as we pulled into the harbor...this festival of yours looks incredible!"

The king patted Anna on the head and the both of them faced the pair of queens. "Indeed it does! Such color and raucous laughter, I was sure it was an Independence Day celebration! Your kingdom has really gone the full nine yards, hasn't it?"

Anna was suddenly excited, her hands clasped in her uncle's tightly, the princess bouncing like a school-girl. "And we have a huge Triathlon thing happening too! I helped design the course and everything. Would you like to see it King Godehard?"

The man snorted with a smile. "Uncle Godehard is fine, really. And yes...let's fetch your cousin and her husband; I'm sure they would love to see it, too."

The king offered his arm to the young princess. She took it gladly and began to lead him down the red carpet towards the large doors to their right, leading into the north wing of the castle. The two queens, elegance and regality personified, also hooked arms and led each other towards the doors. They kept their eyes on the joyful Anna and the eager king, who was doing his best to keep up with her.

Frida gave Elsa a gentle nudge as Elsa continued to wipe her eyes, her voice low enough to be heard only by the other queen. "She's a wonder, your Anna. You've done such an incredible job, with both her and your kingdom. And the way she looks at you..."

Elsa was partially intrigued and partially alarmed by her statement. "Looks at me...?"

Frida nodded and gestured towards her beleaguered husband as he was pulled through the large doors into the corridor. "Oh yes...you can see it every time you catch her eye. That young woman is devoted to you. The way she keeps you close, offers herself as shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen...it's almost as if she has sworn herself as your protector, your shield. It's very similar to how Iðunn and I used to be when we were much younger. Though I can't say we were ever quite as close as the two of you. There seems to be something...different, about your connection."

"Different?"

"Yes," the queen of Corona said, leading the younger monarch through the door and into the candle-lit hallway. "It's almost akin to a tender romance. She is the princess and I'm sure she is very responsible to her duties, both within these walls and in the kingdom...but all of her duties aside, she seems to only have eyes for you, dear Queen. You should feel lucky to have such a close bond with your sibling...too often is it the exact opposite, especially among royalty."

Elsa wasn't aware that she was blushing and thankfully the dimmer light in the hallway seemed to hide that fact fairly well. Frida never noticed...but she did notice the sudden silence that befell her younger counterpart, as well as the way her arms had gone still as if in apprehension or abrupt realization.

She stroked Elsa's arm for a moment, trying to calm her niece. "Or perhaps I'm just reading far too much into things...a woman of my age is prone to believe he intuition far more often than not. In either case, she is a handsome young woman...as are you."

Elsa smiled a 'thank you' for being temporarily let off the hook, as it were, and proceeded towards the king and princess, who were waiting for them just a few yards away.

"We must wait for the queens, young Anna," said Godehard, looking lovingly at his wife. "Else you might drag me away and they may never catch up."

The queen's laughed at this and soon joined the other two, walking in quiet unison to the end of the corridor, where they made a sharp left towards the guest chambers...

...and were stopped in their tracks by a wall of black.

"O mein Gott...!" Frida hissed, her eyes wide and her legs suddenly leaden. She froze in place, as did the other three members of her family.

Instinctively, King Godehard had pushed Anna behind him, thrusting her into the arms of the two queens as she placed himself between them and the tall, darkened figure that seemed to loom out at them in the corridor. The eight-foot mast of cindered clothing seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, completely ambushing the royal family, taking them by surprise.

The king and queen of Corona immediately recognized his large, wide brimmed hat.

The sister's of Arendelle recognized their OTHER guest of the next three months.

"Oh...do forgive me, majesties...have I startled you?" came that vexingly-silken voice.

Lord Elgar was more imposing than the king and nearly two feet taller. The elder monarch rested his hand on the hilt of his sword, years of practice and training being the only thing that kept him from unsheathing it. Despite his advanced years, the king was still a capable fighter, and would demonstrate his prowess if need be. For the moment however, the cloaked figure seemed to pose no threat...even if his entrance was enough to send ripples down the spine of the king.

"Die Vogelscheuche..." Godehard growled under his breath.

"The fogel-what?" Anna whispered, but silenced herself as soon as Elsa put a finger to her lips. The queen's eyes searched suspiciously between her uncle and Elgar, trying to figure out what was happening.

Elsa understood what the king had said. She didn't understand the context...nor did she feel comfortable with the possible implications.

"Lord Elgar," she began, her hands together, back straight, voice measured. "We were not...expecting, anyone, along this corridor."

"So I see," the silver-haired man said, his own eyes rolling slowly from queen to queen to king to princess, never so much as shifting the position of his head. His gaze did all the moving. "But then I, myself, had no expectation of running into such a sizeable collection of royalty in one place either...with two new faces amongst them, no less."

King Godehard narrowed his vision slightly, offering no physical indication of his discomfort regarding the proximity of this man to his family. He also stood at his full height, tapping his fingers on the jeweled pommel of his saber before clearing his throat.

"Lord...Elgar, is it?" he said in a gruff voice.

"Indeed, King Godehard...Lord Elgar von Shroud of the House of Shroud, third Liaison to the King of Ludenor. It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance in person, my liege. We have been expecting you." Elgar said, bending sharply but slowly at the waist, eyes downcast.

"We?" Elsa and Anna said in unison.

"Why yes, majesties," Elgar said, returning to his full height as well. "Your servants made mention of the King and Queen's impending visit, though they were mum as to the specific time of their arrival. I happened to be enjoying a constitutional along the waterfront when I noticed a rather impressive vessel arrive in the harbor...the timing was most fortunate on my part."

The king quirked an eyebrow. "Oh yes, very fortuitous indeed. Forgive me Lord Elgar but...which house of Ludenor did you proclaim ownership of?"

Elgar's eyes darted back to the king. "The First House of Shroud, my king."

The king placed his fists on his hips, the tiniest hint of a smile gracing his lips. "Ah, yes of course. No doubt you are part of Lord Kilgridge's family, descended from the Litisia region, yes? How is old Nathaniel, anyway? I haven't spoken to him in quite some time...has that dreadful gout of his finally subsided?"

Elgar seemed to hesitate for a moment, his head cocking to one side. "You know of my uncle...I'm surprised, my king...he never made mention that he was the acquaintance of any sovereign other than our own...certainly not a ruler of the Land of the Gracious Sun."

The king let his smile grow. "Oh yes, indeed, he was a friend of mine from my early army days. Met during a military conglomeration between our two crowns some thirty years ago, splendid chap...taught me a great deal about field manoeuvres and the like. How is the old battle-axe?"

Elgar let his own small, dangerous smile fade from his lips for a moment. "Oh I'm sure he is very well. I highly doubt his gout has been plaguing him much these past six years...it tends to be less of an annoyance once you are dead."

The king's face fell. The three young women noticed his crestfallen appearance but held their tongues, waiting for what was to come next.

"But now, as I think about it, King Godehard, it really isn't that surprising that you have made use of some associate within my family. It may even be seen as a necessity, given the indirect nature of the relationships shared amongst all royals upon this continent. For my own part, I seem to notice elements of both my home and my family in the strangest of locations. In this instance, I seem to have found one atop your head."

The king gave the lord a suspicious glance before realizing that Elgar was referring to his crown. The beautiful head-piece was the only true reflective surface in the corridor. It caught the multiple sources of candlelight, deflecting them in multiple directions like a golden prism. Elsa and Frida's crowns were rather simplistic and conservative by comparison.

"I'm afraid I don't understand, Lord Elgar..." Frida said, smiling in an obviously placating manner. "Are you insinuating that my husband's crown...a bestowal upon the king which has been in his family for nearly four centuries...is somehow connected to your family? If memory serves, the house of Shroud has only been one of the twelve heralds of aristocracy in Ludenor for a little over two hundred years...perhaps you are mistaken?"

Elsa and Anna allowed themselves a little prideful beaming. Their Aunt was as sharp as a whip and twice as fast, easily manoeuvring herself into the conversation and pressing the blade of her intellect into the soft-spot of Elgar's exposed misinformation. The two of them were suddenly aware that they had much to learn in the ways of strategic political socialization with other nations...and they could learn much of it from their relatives. It was an emboldening sensation.

However, Elgar seemed content, rather than perturbed, by the queen's comment. His smile returned, signaling a change in the atmosphere of the corridor.

"Well spoken, Queen Frida," he hissed. "But in this case, if I may be so bold as to point out, there is a slight incongruence in your information. The house of Shroud has, indeed, only been established as such for just under a quarter-millennia. However the house of Kilgredge, of which the king made mention, was one of the first organized house's of metallurgical arts in the whole of Europe...founded well over one-hundred years before Corona declared itself a nation."

Frida scowled visibly, unconsciously pulling Anna and Elsa closer in a semi-protective embrace.

'Has an answer for everything, doesn't he?' Anna thought spitefully.

"But you need not take my word for it, naturally. The proof sits just behind that sizeable jewel upon that magnificent crown," Elgar said, almost soothingly, as if she was attempting to disperse some of the tension. "If I may, your majesty...?"

Elgar bent at his waist a second time, one delicate hand extended as if asking both permission and forgiveness. It was a submissive stance, a difficult thing to achieve considering the man's bulk, but he somehow managed to shed his pompousness just long enough to look subservient to the king and queen.

The king thought for a moment before looking at his wife. The queen of Corona was unable to give him any definite advice, though her eyes flashed with caution. Elsa and Anna also seemed unable to offer him anything but wary glances. It seemed to him that they, too, had already learned to be vigilant around this man.

He returned his gaze to the prostrate lord and smirked.

"You must understand, Lord Elgar, it has been many years since anyone but my family and royal treasurers have touched this crown..."

"Then I should consider myself all the more honored to be counted among then, great King." Elgar added, his face still pointed at the ground.

The king was impressed by the man's ability to mitigate the circumstances of his surroundings. He was clearly educated, well-spoken and fast on his feet. A politician of great polish and worldly upbringing.

The king also remembered, with careful reminiscence, another peer of the realm who fell into these categories...Hans.

The wary man plucked the crown from his head and held the jewel-encrusted headdress between his gloved hands, the smooth gold and embossed markings a familiar sensation amongst his fingers.

"You would do better to be counted amongst those trusted by a King, Elgar von Shroud..." he said, slowly placing the crown into the large palm of the bending lord. "Since deeds, like debts, attain an almost unnatural longevity in this day and age."

The lord pulled the crown close and nodded his appreciation in the same gesture, only then allowing his head to rise and behold the impressive treasure in his hands. His long fingers curled around the sparkling edifice and pulled it close, his eyes surveying every inch. The man had an almost goblin-like fascination with the intricate molding and polishing upon the state-recognized helm of power, turning it over and over in his hands with an almost gleeful exuberance.

Elsa leaned closer to Frida and her sister, taking the opportunity to whisper to both of them.

"I am sorry, Queen Frida...I had wanted to tell you about this in private as soon as you arrived. Anna and I have much to discuss with you regarding this man..."

"Some of it you might find a bit hard to swallow." Anna said, keeping her eyes on the lord and her uncle.

Frida patted both of their hands, also refusing to turn away from her husband and the man holding his crown. "It's alright girls, really...besides, something tells me I might believe most of it."

"Ah ha!" Elgar exclaimed, holding the crown aloft in his hands, pointing to a tiny speck just beneath the massive jewel-mount on the forehead plate. "I have it...you see, here, my king...there is the makers-mark."

The lord pushed the crown back into the hands of the king, who appraised it closely.

Behind the large ruby which sat upon the highest point of the brow was a tiny, but intentional, cast mark. As the king looked closer he realized that he had, in fact, noticed this tiny mark before, but had never paid it much mind. To him it had always been a tiny imperfection, not that uncommon even amongst the finest gold-smiths of the region, especially considering the time period. But now...now he saw shape and purpose where before there had been none.

The mark consisted of a capital 'L' embossed into the gold plate. Sitting atop the lip of the 'L' was a mark reminiscent of an asterisk, but consisting of eight intersecting lines instead of six. The whole mark was smaller than a pea, but it was no imperfection. It was purposeful.

"The 'L', of course, stands for Litisia, the land in which the plate was originally cast," Elgar explained as the four royals beheld the mark, "while the gold itself was mined in Corona, as befits the crown of its ruler and sovereign. The eight-point star represents the family which finalized the labor and construction of the plate...in this case, Family Kilgridge, my immediate descendants and extended lineage. The Eighth Noble family of the Council of Ludenor. A fine example of pre-modern gold hand-casting...your family has preserved this crown magnificently, my king. Nearly four centuries of dirt and grime would have otherwise easily hidden the mark from even the most diligent of eyes."

The king returned the crown to his brow, the heavy metal settling back into place easily. The smirk upon his face was small but constant as he beheld the man who had taught him a little something just then.

"Quite impressive, Lord Elgar," Godehard admitted. "Clearly you are a font of knowledge regarding the extensive history of both our nations. Might I ask you a question?"

"But of course, good king," Elgar agreed, smiling wider.

"It seems an odd practice for someone of such high caliber and solid education to be skulking about the corridors of a castle like some phantasm. It would almost appear as if you were waiting in ambush...but this couldn't be so. After all, what kind of man would be foolhardy enough to think himself capable of flanking a king, and his family, in the corridors of a castle such as this? A man as smart as you is well aware that intimidation and sedition, however nuanced and unintentional, could be seen as outright treasonous to the offended party...especially if that party contains four of the most powerful sovereigns in the whole of Europe."

Here the king took a small step forward, his head held high, his eyes cheerful, though they disguised a poisonous intent. "So tell me, von Shroud, why did you not announce your presence as soon as my family made its initial procession, as is customary...opting instead to suddenly appear and impede our journey to collect my daughter?"

The lord actually scowled visibly for a moment. The gruff voice of the king hung in air for a few heartbeats, increasing the tension to an almost immeasurable thickness. Anna felt somewhat nauseous at seeing just how broken and hideous Elgar's handsome face could become when it dropped its genial façade. It suddenly looked weathered, drawn, almost ghostly in the dim light of the hallway.

"I-I...ehm..."

Elgar actually stuttered.

"Oh my, it seems transmutation is another hidden talent of yours," the king mused aloud, smirking slightly. "It appears as if you've turned that tongue of silver into one of lead."

Anna and Elsa's eyes went wide, like a pair of search-lights scouring the hallway.

'I don't believe it...' Elsa thought, a broad grin threatening to split her face in two as she looked at the almost befuddled lord. 'I didn't think stone could tremble so easily.'

'My uncle...is...awesome!' Anna thought with glee.

Once again the lord bowed and took two large steps backwards and to the right, clearing a path down the corridor for the royals to proceed.

"I do apologize, King Godehard. I was on my way to the forge-works during your arrival and assumed that Queen Elsa would make mention of my presence when she felt it was appropriate. I had no wish to interfere with your business, I assure you. A thousand pardons, good king."

Every word was chosen carefully, hiding the stutter as best he could through his masterful articulation...but Elsa and Anna could detect the faintest hint of a snarl deep within the lord's already masticated vocal-chords. It made the sisters cling tighter to their aunt and each other.

The king was undaunted. "Apology accepted, Lord Elgar. Perhaps we shall reconnect at another, more amiable juncture? I wish to spend some time with my family...alone."

"But of course, my king," the lord said, bending lower.

Godehard gave the man the smallest of acknowledgements before turning back to his family. "Come ladies; let us fetch Rapunzel and Eugene before retiring to less...dismal surroundings. Good evening, von Shroud."

Without another word the king retook Anna's hand in his own and allowed her to lead him off. The four rulers began to walk slowly but purposefully down the corridor, the Coronan king and queen never even looking in Elgar's direction again. He remained prostrate until the whole of the family had passed, totally immobile. Whether it was out of begrudging respect or tempered spite, no one was sure.

When they had moved several yards off, the King leaned towards his nieces and spoke in hushed whispers.

"It seems you have been quite busy as of late, young ladies...I'm sure you have quite the story to tell."

Elsa took a deep breath before she turned to look down the corridor again, just in time to see Elgar slink into the shadows and out of sight. He may as well have vanished into thin air; such was the nature of his silent approach and departure.

"I wish it were just a story, Uncle," admitted the young queen.

Though the four of them were now predominantly alone in the corridor, save for the occasional palace guard stationed every so often, the young queen and princess of Arendelle were still decidedly less than comfortable. Perhaps it was the encounter, perhaps it had to do with how the good will and mirth of the moment in the throne room had been sucked away as a result of their run-in with the Ludenorian lord...they couldn't be sure.

Perhaps it was because they noticed, as they approached the bed-chambers assigned to Rapunzel and her husband, a sound, far in the distance yet permeating the air like a bad smell. It wasn't an unpleasant sound...but it was alien and constant, seemingly everywhere even though it had no determinable source.

A sound of whistling.

---

Next time…we witness something unusual. For Elsa, at least. Read and review!

-J