Elsa knew her sexual preference was likely not to be blamed on a mirror's curse; if the mirror was even responsible for anything at all. Since she was a young girl, Elsa had no interest in boys, princes, or men. She had assumed it was because she was too distracted by a power that could literally hurt everyone around her in some capacity. Those were dark days. Those were days that she didn't have any desire to go back to. However, now that some peace could be found in the queen's mind, and marriage was the subject of her life, Elsa had no choice but to confront the rub in her life. It's not as though Elsa hadn't thought about relationships before; with Anna as a sister, she had little choice in the matter. But that was it for the somewhat stoic female. She lived vicariously through Anna, seemingly. Anna would go on about princes, and men, and falling in love. Elsa would always listen. Listen and watch. Listen and watch her sister's face become more and more animated as she went on and on, describing fantastical scenarios that led to her eventual marriage. Anna's sexual orientation was clear. Elsa knew this. Elsa wanted to forget any form of deviance from natural mating.

But she couldn't; not just yet.

Now, Gerda, the same young girl who had been willing to lick Elsa between her thighs before she stopped her, had heard Elsa's deepest and darkest secret. If Elsa had somehow let slip the detail that she found women more attractive than men, there was much more opportunity for reconciliation. However, she had very clearly stated that she was in love with her own sister, and the repercussions of such a declaration could be catastrophic at best.

Yet, Elsa somehow still allowed her mind to wander ever so very briefly to the sensations that her maid had been providing seconds prior. The queen's stomach continued to whirl, her breasts ached for more stimulation, and a sinking feeling in the pit of Elsa's groin persisted, as if frustrated by the lack of finale to it all. Part of Elsa wanted to continue, but she knew she had undone everything with an outburst of emotion she herself didn't fully comprehend thanks to the possible influence of a curse that couldn't be identified fully. She glanced to Gerda's undone blouse, her bra fully in view and the curves of her modest cleavage distracting nonetheless.

The reality of the situation returned when Elsa observed Gerda's wide, brown eyes and the way her mouth hung open in shock. The moment was static; transfixed in time. Elsa had to respond somehow, but she couldn't fathom the correct route.

Lie. She could lie. She could twist the truth just as Anna did. She could simply blame her sisterly love as a catalyst to refuse unconventional forms of lovemaking. Anna wouldn't approve. Even if Gerda was performing simply as a service to her queen out of loyalty, Anna would never approve, and thus, Elsa's reason to stop the act just as she was nearing a rapturous release that continued to tease her senses as an opportunity lost.

Elsa blinked, time remaining still, as though allowing the queen her moment of panic.

Elsa could freeze Gerda or threaten her into silence. This option was even worse. Elsa barely let the thought process complete prior to her vetoing it hastily. Gerda was a sweet and honest girl. Elsa couldn't live with herself if she tortured the poor soul for the rest of her days at the palace. Not only that, but Elsa hardly favoured the idea of living in paranoia forevermore.

What other choices were there, however? Elsa could blame the mirror. Certainly, Gerda was likely made aware of the happenings in the castle considering her direct involvement with the queen. Surely Leonard had informed her, and thus, Elsa saw her way out. For the sake of Arendelle's future and her own life's prosperous path, Elsa would have to deny what felt truer with every passing second she was deprived of her sun.

'The mirror…' Elsa began, but Gerda was already standing, going to the door as she fixed herself up, adjusting her clothes shakily. 'W-wait.' Elsa muttered, everything inside of her trembling at the thought of letting the maid go.

Gerda unlatched the lock and took hold of the handle, but Elsa found her strength and stumbled to the girl, taking grip of the knob and placing her other hand to the side of Gerda, trapping her within the queen's space. Her dress hung oddly on her legs, the dampness making for pure discomfort between the queen's thighs. She needed a bath. She needed to wash all of this off, and yet, she could delay that particular necessity.

'I said wait!' Elsa hissed this time, her body so close to Gerda's once more and the heat rising between them, oddly enough. Elsa chanced a look at Gerda's plump lips, her own quivering with restraint. 'T-the mirror…It's curse is causing me heartache. I'm convinced of…heinous things. What I said just now? It is not true. I-I love my sister, but not like that.'

'…I know.' Gerda replied, still fixing her blouse but not making eye contact with her queen.

'Then what causes you to run from me? I'm…I'm sorry I pushed you away, but…b-but I was scared. I've never…e-er…experienced such a thing before. It was my first time. I…'

'Your first time?' Gerda looked up, obvious surprise in her dark eyes.

Elsa blushed, unable to hold the other girl's gaze.

'…Yes.'

'I-I don't believe it! You're so beautiful! I-I know you're a queen, but still…!'

'It's true. I just haven't been interested…until now.'

'So,' Gerda hummed, playing with her hands at her waist as she tended to do when nervous. 'It wasn't because I was failing you?'

'Failing me?' Elsa's chest lifted. Had she evaded yet another projectile? Was her confession that obscure that even Gerda could simply not take the truth behind Elsa's words as fact? The curse was to blame? It seemed like such a tool of convenience, yet Elsa wouldn't look that gift horse in the mouth for a second longer.

'Gerda, you have pleased me greatly. I was incredibly stressed and frustrated, and your touch…it was very pleasant.'

The maid giggled, touching Elsa's waist proactively.

'I-I…can finish, if you would like, my queen. You were very close…I think.'

How desperately Elsa wanted to accept, but she couldn't stop thinking of Anna, and even now, her sister remained her primary focus. It was pointless, she knew, but until the curse lifted, Elsa wouldn't go through with anything further alongside her willing maid. She just couldn't. Her pride and dedication to Anna wouldn't let her.

'I…will have to refuse for now. I'm sorry.'

Gerda smiled knowingly, a hint of fear returning to Elsa's bosom.

'I-it's okay. I understand.' The maid stroked Elsa's arm that extended next to her face tentatively and then returned to a position of shyness. 'Just know that…that I'd support you no matter what, my queen. Even if the kingdom turned against you, I know you're a wonderful person, and I would never leave your side.'

Elsa swallowed deeply, wondering if Gerda's acceptance of the queen's potential lie regarding the mirror supported her words. Why else would the maid make such a bold claim now? Elsa couldn't breathe suddenly.

'If…if you ever need to talk to someone, know that your head maid is here for you. I will keep any secret you tell me to. I would never betray you.'

'…Thank-you.' Elsa sighed, pressing away from the door now. 'Thank-you.' She repeated, her mind becoming fuzzy.

At that, Gerda collected the plates and cups from supper, gave her queen a small curtsy, and bid her farewell, but not without another perplexing look of deeper understanding, forcing Elsa to question just how much the young girl played up a certain type of character.

'Queen Elsa?'

'Yes!' Elsa snapped back, the soft voice of Arthur interrupting her descent.

'You faded for a moment. Are you still unwell? I don't want to keep you.'

'No. No, I am fine.' Elsa pushed her hand through her hair, having chosen to allow Gerda the opportunity to braid it into an attractive ponytail with shavings of snowflake decorations that shimmered in the morning sun. Thus far, Elsa had heard nothing regarding a potential incestuous scandal with her at the centre of it all. Gerda had been true to her word. In fact, Gerda was more than kind to Elsa this very morning, bringing the queen her breakfast and keeping her company throughout the process of preparing for the day.

She wasn't Anna, but she was a welcome comrade all the same.

Elsa had decided she wanted a simple dress for the warm summer day, and thus, she wore a light blue number that had a layer of transparent material that accentuated the finer embroidery found lining the hem and trailing up to the queen's waist. Overall, it was a very casual piece comparatively, but Elsa needed comfort, and she cared not what anyone thought at this point.

Leonard had also brought the queen some disturbing news as she had been preparing for the day. Apparently the curse wasn't dissuaded whatsoever despite the mirror being destroyed. The truth of the matter was, more guards had subjected themselves to embarrassment and dishonour the night before. The queen's attendant refused to go into detail, and ensured Elsa she needn't worry, although he himself would be assisting with the investigations which took him away from joining Elsa on her outings.

Leonard's news brought Elsa conflicted feelings. She couldn't trust anyone's actions now. Was Gerda sincere in what she had said and done? Would the curse draw the maid's secrets out at the wrong time? Something needed to be done, and Elsa's mind continued to be plagued with doubt and unrealized fears. Not only that, but she couldn't stop thinking about Anna, and that only added layers upon layers of complexities. Anna hadn't come back to the palace yet, according to the guards, and with that bit of news, Elsa's jealousy became enflamed anew. Anna had stayed with Kristoff for the night. She had slept with the man; perhaps even naked! Had they made love? Had Kristoff sent Anna beyond what Elsa experienced? It was driving Elsa mad. Didn't Anna plan on joining Elsa on her outings with the suitors? Was she avoiding her older sister because of the other day?

Such thoughts distanced Elsa from her charming bachelor, and she felt terrible about the amount of times Arthur had confirmed Elsa's presence. He had planned such an adorable date, after all. He organized a picnic in the outskirts of the city, a beautiful tree decided upon to shelter the small ensemble near fields and rolling meadows. Elsa's entourage included Gerda, Jarvo, and four guards that kept quite a bit of distance, while Arthur only had his gorgeous, yet saucy looking, attendant with him and an incredible sword sheathed in one of the most mystical scabbards Elsa had ever laid eyes on.

'I'm so sorry.' Elsa apologized after a beat. She needed to remain with Arthur, although the king had insisted that his attendant remain, so it felt like a three-way date, and Elsa actually didn't mind it one bit. She had learned the young woman's name to be Rynn, and upon an even closer inspection, Elsa was absolutely enthralled by her beauty. She had criminally blue, sharp eyes and full, flowing brown hair about her. The red dress she wore only drew more attention to her perfect figure, and her movements were distracting at their worst. Elsa couldn't stop staring when she thought the opportunity manifested and her mind wasn't taxed with less frivolous issues.

'I am not upset at all.' Arthur grinned, taking a bite out of a delicious scone. 'In fact, I am beginning to suspect my theory to be true.'

'Pardon me?' Elsa cocked her head slightly.

'She is beautiful, isn't she?' The king went on, pushing some of his perfectly golden bangs from his emerald eyes.

'W-what do you mean?' Elsa tried, but she had been caught off guard.

Rynn scoffed, fanning herself and turning away with forced disinterest.

'My attendant, of course. The individual you have been failing to keep your eyes off since you noticed her yesterday.' Arthur cooed, but not antagonistically.

'That's not…' Elsa tried, but Arthur was clearly sharp, and he was keeping his voice quiet, more than aware of what he was implying. 'She is.' Elsa admitted, and it felt much better to be honest than she expected it would. Her heart gave a leap, and she turned away, embarrassment clouding her face.

'Hmph. Thank-you.' Rynn muttered almost shyly, but still with more than enough sass.

'I will not push you further, my queen, should you not desire it, but understand that I sympathize with your struggle.' Arthur smiled some more, glancing to Rynn and finding her eyes for a brief moment of closeness. 'My tale is a complicated one as well. Be proud that your kingdom does not dictate the sex of their ruler, at the very least.'

Elsa couldn't follow, and this seemed to amuse Arthur.

'You really can't tell? Well, all the better for it, I suppose.' The king chuckled again, his smooth neck moving slightly as his soft and youthful voice captured the wind.

'You're too convincing.' Rynn spoke up again with a tone that was dowsed in familiarity.

'It would seem so.'

Elsa was clearly missing something, and despite it vexing her, she still found a level of calm now. She ate another biscuit and cooled her water as she brought the fine cup to her mouth.

'I find you very alluring, Queen Elsa, and I appreciate you selecting me to proceed into the final round of suitors, but I do not wish to lie to you a moment longer if I can help it.'

Elsa shifted her attention back to Arthur, her focus moving from his chest, which was oddly shaped for a man now that she thought about it, to his delicate featured visage.

'I may be acting in presumption, but you best follow your heart with these matters no matter where it may lead. You have no intention of selecting me, of that I know, and that works well for my circumstances. My love belongs to Rynn, to be perfectly honest.' He shrugged. 'There. Now we both harbour secrets about the other.'

Elsa couldn't hide her surprise. Why was Arthur telling her this? How much did he know? She couldn't escape his piercing stare. It was a transcendent gaze, as if he had seen things quite beyond the norm.

'Y-you don't have to tell her that.' Rynn stuttered, her face as red as her dress now even with an impressive scowl upon her person.

'Then…why are you not married already? Why accept my invitation in the first place?' Elsa pried, relief coming over her. She actually liked Arthur more than any of the other suitors thus far. Leon was a close second, she concluded, because out of all the men Elsa had encountered, Arthur managed to spark the slightest bit of attraction from Elsa. Perhaps not all hope was lost for her, after all. Nonetheless, that being said, Anna remained the primary choice, as disarming as it was to admit.

'It is…complicated. Perhaps similar to your situation, but a show had to at least be put on to humour the masses. Rynn is not of noble birth whatsoever…'

'That's not true.' Rynn countered haughtily.

'Heheh. I know. But here you are not yet esteemed.'

'Tch.'

'Sorry?' Elsa was becoming further perplexed.

'In any case, Rynn isn't a candidate for me as of this moment, and my kingdom demands an heir sooner rather than later. I shouldn't go into it more than that.' Arthur steadied himself, breathing out slowly and then smiling in a subtle manner. 'From one person forced to hide his love to another: take the high road. Do not let yourself be swayed by those who see you as a means to an end. Your life is your own, and you only live it once. Seize the day and pursue your passion, come what may. Explore all options before giving in. You are strong, Queen Elsa. You may not know it quite yet, but I see a will of iron in you. You have endured much, and will face hardships still, but keep your chin up and face your difficulties with honour. Your love is not an impossibility. The only time it is doomed to fail is if you try not at all.'

'Listen to you…' Rynn nudged King Arthur playfully. 'Speaking from experience?'

'I am.' The king looked to Rynn in a way that made Elsa's own heart leap. Pure adoration. It was otherworldly how much he loved her. Transcendent. Beautiful…

'Thank-you…' The queen answered suddenly, a burst of courage filling her. Arthur had a way with words. His position as a king showed through, and Elsa was convinced that he could rally his troops with a single, glorious howl of promised victory.

'The sword I gifted you,' Arthur started anew, revealing his identity as the sender of the fine blade. 'I want you to, metaphorically of course, cut through any obstacles that stand in your way. It is also my apology for deceiving you as I have. It is not a comfortable feeling.'

'I…have no ground to stand on if I were to condemn you.' Elsa acknowledged. 'For it would seem I am no better.'

Rynn released a muffled giggle.

'You two are cute.' She claimed, causing Arthur some embarrassment.

'Do not tease me.' He huffed, and something in Elsa stirred, confusion causing her some strife.

'With that, I wish you all the luck, Queen Elsa.' The king extended his hand, and Elsa took it, shocked by how small it was compared to any other male's grip. Strength was quite present, but Elsa was more accustomed to having her entire hand consumed when dealing with males. 'Save me a dance at the ball, at the very least, and seek me out should you need anything at all.'

'I will.' Elsa nodded, releasing Arthur and allowing herself to look to Rynn. 'Good luck, Rynn.'

'You too, Queen Elsa. Like Say – er – King Arthur said, just don't do anything you'll regret.'

'I…will certainly try.'

'That seemed to go well.' Gerda offered as she powdered Elsa's face following the meeting with Arthur.

'It did.' Elsa felt her chest still beating. The way Arthur had looked at Rynn; they had been through an incredible trial together. Their hearts were as one. It was so stunning. Could Elsa really pursue her feelings for Anna? The mirror added an unwanted layer of complexity, but in this moment, Elsa loved Anna, and as Arthur and Rynn had both said: the queen only lived once.

'Y-you're happier than this morning.' Gerda claimed.

'I am. I think…I have made a rather ridiculous decision.'

'Oh?' Gerda beamed, touching Elsa's hair affectionately as she redid some parts. 'Is there any way I can help?'

'Perhaps…' And Elsa found the awe-inspiring sword amongst her other gifts in the corner of her room.