Author's note: Thank you to those who have favorited and/or followed this story. I'm so glad you've enjoyed it so far.

Thank you to Concolor44 for writing this chapter.

Special thanks to everyone who has left me a review. I really appreciate it, a lot.

raven678 - Thank you, I'm so glad you loved the previous chapter. I've made a right decision by not killing anyone off (especially Elsa). I'm also glad that Elsa and Anna are bonding. I will make sure to get Hans the heck out later. Anna won't meet Kristoff in this story as I want to focus on the sisterly relationship between Elsa and Anna. So you think the trolls will be able to help Elsa control her powers. As for me, I think what Elsa really needs is Anna. Their strong love towards each other will lead Elsa in learning how to control her powers.

Guest - Yes, I agree with you. It's indeed nice to see Elsa and Anna bonding after so long. No, the staff are not going to die.

Dislike drama - Sorry, but this story is about sisterly drama and I intend to put more sisterly drama tension scenes in the future chapters.

BellaCullen931 - Thank you! :) Here is more, you can see what happens when Anna and Hans are heading to the kitchen for coffee and if Kai and Marda will be able to stop them. Yes, I agree; Anna puts Hans to his place and defending Elsa was priceless. That is my favorite part in the previous chapter.

pinksakura271 - Yes, I agree that Anna is so right and the metaphor of Elsa playing the piano was indeed beautiful. Elsa needs to practice learning to control her ice powers by using them ;-) Like you said, if she never uses them, it's accidents waiting to occur, which was one of the reasons Elsa accidentally revealed her powers at the ballroom. Well, at least it leads to Elsa & Anna reforming their torn relationship. The part where Hans freaking out about Elsa making a little snowball was my favorite for the previous chapter. He was scared of Elsa's powers and would never understand someone like Elsa. Elsa is special and unique but what really matters is she has a good heart. Yes, Marda was right not wanting coffee or she will be poisoned too. And of course beer or any type of alcohol is not right.

moohamjang - Yes, I agree with you; Hans indeed deserves to take the coffee that has been added with his poison. Thank you so much, I'm very glad you liked it. I also like the sister bonding. Good news for you since I intend to put more drama in the future chapters. And don't worry, I've decided that no one is going to die. As for Olaf, I haven't decided whether to include him or not in this story.

Protoestrella1 – That's great, you understand all that stuff about the coffee. Yes, I agree that what really matters is that Elsa is fine. It's really satisfying seeing Hans frustrated state after his plan to kill Elsa has failed. Yes, the staff will be fine. Well, I haven't decided if Elsa will be able to build her ice castle or if Olaf will ever exist. Anyway, here's more for you to read.

disneylover115 - Thank you! Anna is not afraid of Elsa's powers, that's why she thinks it won't do her harm. Yes, she wants to help her sister regain confidence, which I agree that it is a good move on her part. And yeah, the staff drank the coffee with the poison, but they will be fine. Anyway, here is the update. :)

MantaI-305Apollo'sChariot - Yes, I'm also glad that Anna is using logic to make Elsa realize that she needs to practice using her powers. :) Although Elsa's injury still causing her pain, but there's nothing to worry about. Elsa is still healing but she will be fine. :) And it's very satisfying seeing Hans scared of Elsa's magic when all she was doing was just MAKING A SNOWBALL. XD I would be very happy if Hans end up drinking a diluted version of his own poison! But you have to read this chapter to know what's going to happen. I promise Elsa will feel better soon, physically and emotionally. You don't have to apologize for the late review because I'm VERY grateful and happy because you reviewed it. So, thank you so much. :) Anyway, I'm the one who should apologize for not updating in such a long time.

sassyfriend - Thank you so much. Here's more for you to read.

Llamaface613 - I'm so glad you love my story! Thank you! I watched X-Men but I don't think Elsa is an ancestor of Bobby "Iceman" even though they're both cryokinetics and were born with their powers.

CrueFan21 - Thank you very much! And here is the next chapter!

QueenElsaTheFab - Here is the update! I'm so glad you love this story! :D

On to the story!


In the kitchen …

The royal physician had secured that lofty role by being the best in the land at what he did. Among his many talents was a familiarity with several of the more common poisons. This was a fairly standard practice for people in his line of work, poison being a favored method of assassination. So he knew how to recognize – and moreover, how to treat – cyanide poisoning when he saw it. He had spotted the symptoms almost at once. "Who made the coffee?"

Kai pointed at the Second Cook, who was currently too dizzy to stand.

"Hmm. Well, unless she's suicidal, it wasn't her." He thought for a moment and asked, "Where is the coffee supply?"

The bag of beans was quickly produced, as was the grinder. He inspected both, sniffing carefully, and finally shook his head. "Not here."

"What isn't?" Kai wanted to know.

"The smell of almonds. I'm convinced cyanide was used here, and it has a characteristic smell. Clever of the assassin to mask it with coffee. One would really have to know what he was looking for, and straining to detect it under the aroma of dark roast."

"So you think this was intentional?"

The doctor scoffed. "You think someone would accidently slip a deadly poison into the castle coffee supply? Please."

"An excellent point."

Taking another avenue, the physician asked, "Who fetched the water for the coffee?"

"It comes from that pump, there, at the end of the kitchen. And the same water was used for tea earlier, so that can't be it."

"Is that the only source of water for the coffee? You're sure?" Dropping his voice to a whisper, he continued, "I would hate to think that someone on staff would do this."

"Never!" insisted Kai. "Everyone here is fiercely loyal to …" He stopped. Stroked his chin.

"Something occur to you?"

Kai turned and walked over to one of the maids. "Brigid? Was there any water in the Queen's pitcher when you brought it back?"

Mopping her brow with a shaky hand, she nodded. "It was … full. Queen … hadn't touched it. Slept all night."

"Where's the pitcher?"

She pointed. He trotted over to it. "Has it been washed yet?"

"No, sir."

There was a tiny bit of water left in the bottom. The doctor dabbed his finger in it, then held it under his nose. His expression instantly hardened.

Kai gasped and said, "You mean that's …"

The doctor nodded. "This would seem to be the source."

Both men shuddered as the same thought raced across their minds: The assassin had been in the Queen's room!

Kai ran out of the kitchen as fast as his bulk would allow. He had to speak with the Captain of the Queen's Own Guard right now.

Hans only gave half an ear to Anna's prattling. He kept going over and over where his plan had failed. How could I have known? I couldn't! There was no way. It's just … too incredible. Who knew she had immunity to poison? Does that mean I'll have to stab her myself? Maybe a drowning? Wait, does she even ever get on a boat? What am I missing? There has to be a way …

"Hans?"

He dragged his attention back to the present. The redhead had asked him something. "Um … sorry. A lot on my mind. Please forgive me."

"Oh, sure. I'm that way a lot."

I'll just bet you are, he thought. "What was your question?"

"Did you still want any coffee? We've sort of … been preoccupied." She offered him a shy smile.

Hook, line, and sinker, he thought, but his smile appeared genuine as he answered. "Sure! You're right, though, the, ah, gardens are very … beautiful." He made sure she knew he wasn't just talking about the gardens. Her blush told him all he needed to know. "But coffee sounds good. Lead the way." Hmm. Maybe … maybe I can trick Elsa into hitting Anna with her magic again. That would take care of … no, no … I'd have to wait until after we're married, and Elsa hasn't given us permission yet. At this point I'm nothing but a suitor. Damn!

But they didn't make it to the kitchen. Instead, a cluster of the Guard found them and hustled them back to Elsa's room. The Queen was sitting up in her bed again, her ashen face drawn and troubled. It lightened somewhat when Anna came in. "Oh, thank God! I was so worried."

"Worried? About what?"

Motioning for Anna to come closer, Elsa bent until her lips were right by Anna's ear. "This is just between us for now, okay?"

Anna, struck by the solemnity of her sister's actions, only nodded.

"Sit on the bed, please."

Happy to oblige, Anna sat.

Elsa made as if she were going to place a hand on Anna's, but stopped herself. Not yet, she thought.

"Anna …" And her whisper dropped so low the Princess could barely hear it. "Please don't … react when I tell you this." She drew a fortifying breath. "There is an assassin in the castle."

It took everything Anna had to keep from screaming. She bit her lip until it bruised. "Elsa," Her voice was just as low. "… are you sure?"

"Someone poisoned my pitcher of water. I was asleep, though, and didn't get any, thank God. Brigid took it to the kitchen this morning, and made coffee with it."

Anna's fisted hands covered her mouth, her eyes enormous. "What … how …"

"Nobody died, but … eleven of them are still sick. Dr. Johansson is treating them. But, Anna …" And this time she did very lightly brush her fingers against Anna's arm. The contact was reassuring. "… that means the assassin was here. In my room. While I slept."

A shiver of dread raced across Anna's body. "But … but there are guards to keep the Family Wing safe!"

"Yes, I know. So the assassin must be highly skilled. One of the best. Why he didn't just knife me … ugh. I've been shaking ever since I found out."

"Seriously." Anna glanced around, counting. "So. Six of the Guard here now. That's good. He might not try to be subtle next time."

It was that whole idea of 'next time' that was bothering Elsa. She hung her head and wrapped her arms around herself again. "And what if he kills someone … next time? What if someone hates me enough to not care if anyone else dies, as long as he can kill me?" She couldn't suppress a small shudder. "What have I done to Arendelle?"

Despite keeping their conversation to low whispers, Hans picked up enough of it to guess what had happened. Silently, he cursed himself for a fool. He hadn't bothered to check on when Elsa's water was changed, and it had cost him the element of surprise. This was definitely going to complicate things. He needed some time alone to think and revise his plans.

"Anna, I believe I'm going to go back to my room for a bit to-"

"Oh, No You Are Not!"

Her vehemence startled him. "What?"

Glancing back at Elsa, Anna nibbled her lip (wincing when she scraped the injured area) and asked, "Can we tell him?"

Elsa's eyes darted between the two of them for a few seconds. Then she gave a single, small nod.

"Hans … I need you to stay here, in this room, with us. It's … dangerous in the castle right now."

"Dangerous?"

"There's a … um, someone tried to kill Elsa. There is an assassin loose in the grounds somewhere. Probably. I mean, he's probably still here. He'd want to confirm that …" She blinked and swallowed. "Anyway, he's most likely around. It's not safe to just roam the halls."

Hans pretended to be shocked. "But what about the servants? The guards? Are they safe?"

"The Captain made sure that everyone is moving about in groups of at least three, so, yeah. We think so. But you …" She poked him in the chest. "… are a royal. He's targeting royals."

Elsa murmured, "He's targeting me."

"That doesn't signify," insisted Anna. "Hans needs to stay where I know he's safe."

The Prince almost smirked at the irony of the situation.

Motioning Anna closer, Elsa whispered, "I have to use the privy."

"Oh. Okay. You need any help?"

"Um … Maybe? Would you mind?"

"Not in the least." She reached for Elsa's coverlet, but the Queen cleared her throat sharply. "What?"

"I'm not … presentable. Could everyone else please wait in the hall?"

Anna shooed the men out the door, then aided her sister into the necessary room.

Hans paced from one side of the hall to the other. Three guards stood watch to his left, and the other three to his right. Anna's injunction was one they took seriously.

Time. Time is the issue. I'm running out of time. Think, Hans, think!

To be continued...


I'm so sorry for not updating in such a long time. I don't have any excuses but there were some circumstances that hold me from posting this chapter. It took a long time which made me really frustrated and eventually, I gave up. And for that, I am very sorry.

However, recently, I received PM's from Frozenmyheart, CrueFan21 and QueenElsaTheFab asking me about this story. It made me feel bad and I decided to post this chapter. I don't know if my readers are still going to read this story since it had been on hiatus for a very long time. And because of that, I'm sorry to announce that it would depend on the number of reviews I'll get for me to post the next chapter.

Since I don't know whether I would continue this story or not, I'm going to say this right away. I want to give my thankfulness, gratitude and appreciation to MantaI-305Apollo'sChariot for giving me the confidence/encouragement to write my own Frozen fanfiction and for all the ideas you gave me along while I write this story. Without you, this story wouldn't even exist in the first place. So, thank you very much.

Anyway, what do you guys think of this chapter? Please let me know and I would really appreciate it if you leave a review. Thank you.

Till next time (Hopefully).