It had been a long and trying day for Elsa. Between council meetings, land disputes and the monthly slew of betrothal letters from neighboring nations she had wanted nothing more than to be exactly where she was at the moment; with her beloved captain. The pair had been lounging quietly in the library before a raging fire. Rayce had discovered that while the queen was unbothered by the cold, she had no aversion to heat either; something the captain was all too pleased about. His back against the couch, he lovingly supported Elsa who was reclined between his bent knees, back against his chest and her head nestled comfortably on his shoulder. She had begun to doze, head lolling to the side when her scar caught his attention. Rayce raised his hand to lightly trace the raised pink area when she shivered in response.
"I'm sorry, love, did I hurt you?" he asked with growing concern.
"No, no it's alright," she responded drowsily. "I suppose I'm still getting used to it being there."
She took his warm hand and returned it to the area, curling his fingers lightly around the side of her neck as she leaned into touch. Sighing in contentment she began to doze again when he spoke up.
"I wonder," he mused rubbing his thumb lightly across her skin. " Why it pained you when we tried to close the wound in the forest?"
" Grand Pabbie had a theory…" she answered, eyes still closed. When Rayce gave a surprised grunt, she continued. "I didn't ask him, Anna did."
There was a note of bitterness in her tone that the captain did not miss. He knew his beloved had a tenuous relationship with Kristoff's adoptive family, so Anna inquiring about her well-being clearly rubbed the queen the wrong way.
"What was it?" He asked tentatively, not wishing to upset her. The room grew slightly colder but she answered the question quickly.
"He thinks my magic was trying to protect me. That somehow it knew closing the wound would force the poison deeper into my system."
"I'm sorry, love. It was my idea…" he trailed off, voice laden with regret.
"No," she sighed, reaching up to turn his gaze to hers. "I have lived with this magic my whole life and still know so little of its inner workings. There's no way you could have known it would fuel my illness."
"It does not lessen the guilt I feel for hurting you, love." He pressed a small kiss to her temple, breathing in her scent. Keeping her safe dominated his every waking thought, a challenge he refused to fail a second time.
"I now call this royal council meeting to order. Baron Bjorgman, will you please begin with the monthly trade orders?"
Elsa sat at the head of the large, polished oak table surrounded by her royal council. Ever the picture of regal beauty in another glittering dress of her creation, the queen watched with a practiced impassive expression as Kristoff, now appointed overall trade in Arendelle, no longer just ice, detailed the import reports from the previous month. The council members all seemed to be paying rapt attention, mostly because they believed a positive report would further line their pockets. For her part, Elsa barely registered what her brother-in-law was saying. It had been nearly two months since their return from Odense and though Elsa was once again whole, she found it difficult to concentrate.
Perhaps that was because, to her left, close enough to touch if she wanted, sat the object of her affection. Captain Rayce appeared to be unaware that she was watching him until he slid a warm hand beneath the table where it met with Elsa's icy digits. The queen willed color not to rush to her cheeks as electricity seemed to shoot through their interlocked fingers. It still amazed her how such a small touch could be so invigorating. She forced herself to focus back on Kristoff just as he finished.
"Thank you, Baron," she flashed the blonde man a genuine smile knowing he was still uncomfortable taking such a focal role. Addressing the rest of the meeting she asked, " Are there any other pressing matters before we begin discussing this year's trade summit?"
"I have one, Majesty." Elsa was shocked that it was Rayce who had piped up. He gently squeezed her hand before continuing. "It ties in with the summit discussion…"
Elsa nodded for him to continue and Rayce cleared his throat, seemingly uncomfortable with what he was about to say.
"As regards the summit, I believe it prudent to consider increased security, Majesty. After our," he searched for the right word, "experience in the Southern Isles, it is more important than ever to properly protect you and the princess."
The council had heard a fairly tame version of the group's adventure, the captain sure to leave out the part involving deposed princes with earth powers and royal assassination attempts. Rayce paused to let his words sink in and he did not miss Elsa reaching up to brush her fingertips lightly across the scar on her neck. Though now a barely visible pink line, two months prior that very wound had nearly killed the queen.
" I beg your pardon, Captain?"
Rayce was pulled back into the moment by the sound of Elsa's voice, barely concealed panic in every syllable. He cleared his throat again, knowing she would not be happy with his next words.
"With due respect, Majesty. Given the events of the past few months, our … new relationship with the Southern Isles, not to mention the incident at your coronation… Your safety has never been more at risk. We must act upon the assumption that another attempt will be made, using the summit as a proxy to enter our lands."
"Yes, a prudent move indeed Captain," Baron Heimlich interjected, ever the people pleaser. He had no true affinity for Rayce but since the captain clearly found favor in the queen's eyes, he was eager to ride the young man's coattails. "More guards would be an excellent start."
"Agreed," Rayce replied biting back his annoyance. "With so many foreign bodies wandering the castle, I believe there should be guards at every level of the castle as well as restricted access to the royal wing. Majesty," he tried to draw Elsa's attention, as she was quickly withdrawing into herself. "I believe you need a personal bodyguard, someone to remain with you at all times."
Elsa felt her chest tighten and all in the room saw the eerie trail of ice leaking from her palms, pressed firmly against the dark table. At all times? If there was one thing the queen truly missed from her days of isolation, it was just that. To have someone looking over her shoulder continually was quite possibly her worst nightmare.
"Does that not seem excessive, Captain?" Rayce frowned at the suggestion.
"Majesty, you are a most noteworthy public figure. Anyone of these nations would be proud to say that they brought 'The Great Snow Queen' to her knees. I will allow no such thing, even if I personally must remain with you day and night!"
Part of Elsa was entranced with the idea of Rayce spending his nights with her but the overall feeling of personal invasion pushed aside any thoughts of romantic interludes.
"I… I will take it into consideration…"
"Majesty," Rayce prepared to object but she cut him off.
"Other suggestions?" Elsa was interjecting at every turn and the captain couldn't figure out why. He tried not to let his frustration show as he continued explaining his proposal.
"On the matter of your sister's safety. While the Baron is a fine fighter," he nodded to Kristoff with respect as the ice harvester leaned forward in anticipation. Now that they were talking about Anna, his interests were extremely piqued, "our recent foray proves that even he can be bested in poor circumstances. The princess and Baron should also be assigned a personal guard. As another aspect of her protection, her access to the town should be restricted until after the summit."
"Hey!" Kristoff piped up. "You can't just fence Anna in. She's not a child!"
"No but she is my heir, Baron." Elsa fixed Kristoff with a steely gaze that made him blush, embarrassed by his outburst. The queen rarely chastised him so he remained quiet, unwilling to rankle her any further. " What else, Captain?"
" With the expansion of the guard force, we will need to inquire of private citizens as my men will be spread thin. Many have already volunteered for service, Majesty. "
"You've already asked for volunteers? I cannot ask the people of Arendelle to fight for me or worse yet…"
The room grew colder as the young queen considered what the captain was suggesting. Private citizens, bodyguards, restricting Anna to the castle? It was too much. Elsa needed time to digest all of it and she would take that time. Right now. Around her the men continued to argue about the captain's proposal, making suggestions one minute and shooting them down the next. Elsa had had enough.
"Gentleman," she ventured but went unheard. "Enough!"
A chilly gust tore through the room riffling papers and toupees alike. Every eye in the room turned to her in fear as Elsa collected herself before speaking again.
"Gentleman. I find myself… unwell." She managed to utter, trying desperately to maintain control. "Let us reconvene later this week."
"Majesty?" Kristoff spoke up. "Would you like me to fetch your physician? Or your sister?" He clearly believed Elsa was on the verge of a breakdown.
"No, Baron. Please, just leave me be. All of you. NOW."
The council noted the bite in their queen's tone and hastened to leave the room lest she bury them all beneath a foot of snow. Rayce rose as well, angered by the queen dismissing his concerns so abruptly.
"Captain," she called behind him. " A word, if you please?"
"Of course, Majesty." Though his tone implied he would much rather leave than stay.
She waited until all the council, including Kristoff had left before releasing a shaky breath and addressing him. He stayed facing away from her, hands clenched in anger, jaw set.
"I know you're angry," she began but was soundly cut off.
"Why wouldn't I be?" He raged, turning to face her. "What was that? My only concern is your safety. Why were you being so dismissive? Do you wish your reign to be short-lived?"
Elsa snapped to her feet, eyes blazing. "How dare you! Do you honestly believe I would treat threats to my life so cavalierly?"
"I would hope not! Your life means many things to many people, not just me. Is that what this is about? Do you think I make such proposals out of romantic overprotection?"
"This is NOT about our relationship, Azim!"
It was about so much more, namely the queen's insecurities. Elsa felt inferior, a freak living on the razor's edge. If there was anyone more flawed than she, the queen had yet to make his or her acquaintance and the thought of countless individuals laying down their lives in her defense made the young ruler sick.
"Then what?" The captain was not content with her response.
"I wasn't ready!" She yelled at him before moving to stare out the bay window, the fjord stretched out before her. "I wasn't… I wasn't ready…" she whispered clutching her sides as she folded in on herself.
"I don't … I don't understand…" Rayce felt all the anger drain from him as he watched the young queen unravel.
"I wasn't ready for any of this. I wasn't ready to admit to myself that things have changed. Three years ago I was no one, Arendelle was nothing. Then at my coronation… ALL my flaws were on spectacular display for the world to see. After that… everything changed. People hate me for what I am, threaten my sister's safety as a form of coercion…"
The captain edged ever closer to the queen as snow began falling lightly, coating everything in the room. He approached Elsa cautiously, not wishing to spook the emotional young woman.
"Elsa…" he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder before pulling her into him. She collapsed against his chest, defeat evident in her posture.
" It seems like every time I start to move forward, every time I think I've made some progress… I'm thrown backwards into chaos."
Rayce could have kicked himself at that moment. He had been so hell-bent on keeping Elsa safe he hadn't even considered the emotional baggage she carried, fearing for her safety on a daily basis. The toll it must take to know that everyone you love could be used as cruel bargaining chip against you. Congratulations, Captain, you have made a sufficient ass of yourself! he thought bitterly.
"I'm sorry, love. I was foolish to bring anything before the council that I had not yet discussed with you; pigheaded to suggest you do not value your own safety. My primary concern is your well-being but I forgot to consider how poorly these events have affected your heart. Forgive me?"
"There is nothing to forgive. I was taken aback by the suggestion but you are not wrong… You are pig-headed!" she gave him a small teasing smile, "and I must take precautions to protect myself and Anna."
"We must," he corrected her. "I will not let you face this threat alone. My heart is incomplete, my life meaningless if you are no longer in it."
The queen melted further into the captain's comforting embrace, her rampaging emotions rapidly sapping her energy. After several moments of reassurance he tipped her chin back to look at him.
"You're exhausted," he observed worriedly. "Come. Since we no longer have a council meeting I believe an afternoon nap is in order."
"Rayce, we can't," she groaned wishing desperately that they could spend the rest of the day dozing together.
"We can't but you can. I insist."
As he lead her from the room, Elsa dispersed the snow accumulated from her panic attack with a flick of the wrist before looping her hand through his bent elbow. When they reached her bedroom, he pushed the door open for her before following behind. He left the door open to avoid any rumors of impropriety. Elsa stood in the middle of the room distractedly as if she were unsure what to do. He gently led her to the bed, pulling back the duvet before making her sit. Kneeling down he removed her slippers than situated her back against the pillows. Taking a chance, he pressed a quick kiss against her forehead.
"Rest. I'll be right back."
She nodded tiredly, eyes already starting to slip closed. Moving into the hallway he found a servant and informed them that the queen was not to be disturbed. He headed towards the other side of the castle in search of comfort for his beloved, reaching Anna and Kristoff's room quickly. He knocked loudly hoping he wasn't interrupting anything. To his surprise Anna answered the door and seemed to be alone.
"Rayce? Hey. What's up? Is Elsa okay?" The princess found that the captain only came to her when her sister was in need.
"She began feeling unwell during our council meeting. The baron offered to retrieve you but she refused."
"But you came to get me anyway?"
"As you know, Her Majesty can be stubborn regarding her own well-being. I returned her to her quarters to rest but it would have been improper for me to remain, no matter how much I wished to help. She finds your presence calming, so I came to you."
"You really do care about her don't you?" Anna stared in awe at the captain's explanation. He had wanted to comfort Elsa but refused to risk her reputation. "Let's go take care of my stubborn sister!" she announced, dragging Rayce with her.
"You know Captain," she whispered conspiratorially though there was no one else around, "If you ever wanted to court my sister, I'm behind you one hundred percent!"
Rayce felt his face flush ten times hotter and tried desperately to regain his composure. "Um, thank you, Highness. That is good to know." Thankfully they had reached Elsa's door, which Rayce had left cracked. He pushed it open for Anna and ushered her in.
"Hey, Els?" Anna called tentatively into the slightly dark room. Apparently, one of the servants had drawn the drapes for the young queen so she could rest. She could just make out her sister curled up on one side, sleeping fitfully, her brow creased. Anna approached running a soft hand across her sister's forehead. Elsa opened bleary eyes to stare up at her sister.
"Anna?"
"It's me, sweetie. What's the matter? Why are you sleeping in the middle of the day?" Elsa whimpered as if remembering something upsetting and Anna kicked off her shoes and quickly climbed into bed behind her sister, holding her close.
"It's okay. You're okay. I'm not going anywhere," she cooed as she rocked the older girl.
Rayce had waited near the door and he now took his cue to exit. Before closing the door behind him he caught Anna's gaze as she mouthed "Thank you". He nodded, securing the door, giving the royals some privacy. He thought over what Anna had told him. She seemed to support his courting the queen but Elsa had sworn him to secrecy. Perhaps someday he could be the one to comfort the queen without fear of being discovered. As it was, he had done the next best thing knowing she was in good hands with Anna.
"Hey, Rayce!" The captain looked up to find Olaf waddling towards him, stick arms already extended for a hug. He collided with Rayce's leg and squeezed it affectionately. "Have you seen Anna?"
"Yes," he replied giving the little snowman an awkward pat on the head. He still found the fact that Olaf was alive somewhat off-putting but the little snowman was so friendly he couldn't bring himself to dismiss him. "She's with Elsa. Her majesty was feeling unwell."
"Oh no!" Olaf seemed genuinely upset. "I thought something was wrong. I could feel it. Does she need a warm hug?"
" I believe Anna has that covered."
"Oh," the little snowman's face fell at the thought that he was unneeded. " I guess I'll go see what Sven is doing…" He turned dejectedly back down the hall.
"Olaf," Rayce couldn't bear to see the little creature so crestfallen. "Do you know how to play chess?"
"No. What's a chess?"
"It's a game. Would you like to learn?" Olaf's face lit up immediately and he rushed forward gripping Rayce's hand with his little sticks. The captain couldn't contain his chuckle.
"This is going to be so much fun! I like you, Rayce and Elsa likes you too!" The captain was taken aback.
"What makes you say that?"
"I can feel it!" The captain's suspicions grew.
"What else do you feel?"
"Not much. I don't have a skull… or bones," he replied seriously before becoming giddy again. "Come on! Let's go chess!"
Rayce spared a fleeting glance at Elsa's door as Olaf dragged him down the hall. Did everyone know they liked each other? It seemed that their mutual attraction was the worst kept secret in the castle. Still he couldn't help but smile, knowing with certainty that even though she shied away sometimes, Elsa felt as strongly as he.
The wind sweeping in off the open water held a wintery chill. Rayce wrapped himself tighter in his cloak as he waited on the docks. Elsa was supposed to meet him nearly a half hour ago yet she had not arrived nor sent word. Turning slightly, he caught a glimpse of her bedroom window. It was dark; perhaps she had slept through the afternoon and dinner? While not like her to slumber for an entire day, he had personally noted the exhaustion written on her face. Resigning himself that there would be no moonlit walk tonight; he headed back towards the castle.
"Leaving so soon?"
A small voice cut through the darkness. He spun to find his beloved watching him with an amused smirk beneath the hood of her navy cloak.
"It would seem not," he responded with a smile as he turned to meet her. Taking her hand in his, he led them back down the dock at a leisurely pace.
"It would be a pity, really. Why would you want to miss such a beautiful night?" she continued to tease.
"Well, you see madam, the beautiful young maiden I was wishing to court tonight stood me up!"
"Oh my! How dreadful kind sir. I do hope I can make a satisfactory replacement?"
"More than satisfactory." He replied with a toothy grin.
They reached the edge of the dock and he turned to face her. Pushing her hood back he kissed her tenderly, entranced by the way the moonlight danced across her hair. When he pulled back from the kiss, he cupped her face in both hands searching for discontent.
"You had me worried, love. Another few minutes and I was going to break into your room!"
"Thank goodness you didn't!" She laughed softly. "I'm not sure how I could have explained to Anna why a man was sneaking into my room via secret passage!"
Rayce laughed as well, realizing rather quickly that if the princess didn't throttle him, at the very least their secret would be out. Elsa had shown Rayce the passages several months before when they were researching security options for the royal family. Only later, once attached, had the two realized the more personal applications the passages could have.
"She made me late, by the way. It was nearly impossible to convince her I was well enough to be left alone tonight. Explain to me why you fetched her after I instructed Kristoff not to?"
There was a hint of irritation in her voice and the captain struggled to choose his next words wisely, not wishing to fight with the queen twice in one day.
"You were so upset, dearest, I thought someone should sit with you." He paused to gauge her reaction. She waited with a patient expression for him to continue. "I would have given anything to be that comfort but since I didn't want to draw any suspicion, I did the next best thing."
"Thank you," she responded softly.
"What?"
"I said, thank you, Azim. You saw past my stubborn pride and did what was best for me. That very quality is one of the many things that draws me to you." She leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss against his lips before tilting his head down to kiss his forehead lightly.
"You're welcome…" he smiled down at her, hastening to kiss her once more when the jarring clang of warning bells shattered the calm night.
Rayce grabbed her hand and ran towards the lookout tower, ever aware of the possible danger but not wishing to leave the queen alone.
"What is it?!" he asked the first person he saw. The young seaman was initially shocked to see his captain and queen on the docks in the dead of night but he quickly recovered.
"A small vessel sir! There are to be no scheduled arrivals 'til morn and none for a vessel this size!"
The captain ushered Elsa further down the dock as several of his men, including Skogerson, arrived with muskets in hand.
"Sir?" the young man pulled up short when he recognized his commanding officer.
"Skogerson! Her Majesty has been unwell, we had hoped the sea air would do her some good when we heard the bells," he told the young man, hoping it would explain away their presence. "Secure the vessel, I will watch over Her Majesty."
"Right away, Captain!" Skogerson headed to the edge with his contingent, weapons at the ready.
The small vessel thumped against the dock as it came to a halt. The seaman on the dock quickly secured the vessel with a rope before scurrying back behind the soldiers.
"Foreign vessel! You have entered Arendellian waters unauthorized. Drop your plank and present yourselves unarmed!"
A few moments passed and just as requested, the plank dropped and a solitary figure emerged, hands held high.
"Don't shoot! I am unarmed."
All present held their breath as the figure in question plodded down the plank at a leisurely pace. When finally light struck their face both Elsa and Rayce gasped in disbelief.
"Greger?!" the captain bellowed as he laid eyes on the long lost son of the Southern Isles. "What are you doing here?"
"Nice to see you too, Captain," he quipped. Turning his attention to Elsa he gave a small bow before speaking. " Majesty, you are looking well. I humbly request asylum."
