Sept 4, 1840

"Colonel, how are security arrangements progressing for the festival?"

All eyes settled on the man seated at Elsa's left.

"All precautions are being taken, ma'am. But, given it will be the first festival attended by the entire Royal family, in many years, and Your Majesty's first official festival since the coronation."

Elsa fought the urge to cringe at the reminder of her parent's passing, and her failure to carry on their duties.

"I expect the crowds to be much larger than previous years."

"That's great!" Anna's hands came together with a sharp clap as she bounced on the edge of her seat.

Elsa jumped at the outburst. Such displays were not expected during staff meetings. Though Anna had a knack for adding unexpected moments into most events. It was obvious the younger woman was struggling not to leap from the chair with excitement. She does love meeting people. The thought of her own presence among the crowd, stifled some of Elsa's amusement.

"Bigger crowds mean more business for the shops and booths around the square. The merchants will be so pleased." Anna said.

"Yes, Your Highness," Tollak shifted in his chair, unable to meet her gaze. "But it also means there will be more people for the guards to watch. Even with your personal details, and the extra Marines being assigned to the town, it will be difficult to guaranty your safety."

"What do you suggest be done to increase security, Colonel?" The excitement radiating off Anna, gave Elsa a strange sense of calm. She relaxed back into the chair, allowing her hands to drape over the armrest.

"The best solution would be for, Your Majesty and Her Highness, to remain in the castle."

"That's not going to happen." Anna reared back, folding her arms over her chest. The set of her jaw left little doubt the Princess would not yield on the matter.

"No, ma'am, I didn't think you would like that option." Tollak conceded. "Perhaps, it would be best to cancel the festival. At least, until we are certain the threat has passed."

From the corner of her eye, Elsa saw Anna's face drop. The Colonel could have suggested she marry a Westergaard brother, and it would have caused less disgust.

"No, Colonel, the festival will continue as planned. For far to long I've allowed fear to keep me from the people. It's time I walk among them as their Queen. I'm through hiding behind locked gates."

His head dipped in a slight bow. "As you wish, Your Majesty."

Is he smiling? Elsa thought she caught a hint of his mustache twitching upward.

"Have you given any further thought to my suggestions about personnel changes, ma'am?"

"My sister, and I have discussed your request, Colonel. And at this time, we agree it would be best to leave the protection details as they are."

Her attention turned to the other men at the table. "Captain Morten and Captain Olsen have proven themselves, loyal, capable soldiers. I trust them to keep the Royal family safe."

Tollak's eyes never left Elsa, his face remained neutral. "Yes, ma'am."

Elsa noted his interlaced hands, resting on the table, had turned white at the knuckles. "Colonel, what is the status of your investigation into the incident at the archery range?"

Anna shifted in her chair, her hands dropping to her lap, along with her gaze. The movement was not lost on Elsa.

"I've interviewed all of the castle guard and staff. And after extensive questioning of the prisoner. It is my belief, ma'am, there maybe other traitors among the Guard, and possibly the castle staff."

Ice tickled Elsa's spine. "You have proof of this?"

"At the moment, I have suspicions, ma'am. But, given what we know about Prince Hans escape, it stands to reason he had help. And the only logical place such help could have come from was inside the castle."

"How many are there? Who are they?" Anna's palms came to rest atop the table. Her muscles tensed as if to pounce on unseen prey."

"I'm not sure, Your Highness. Treason is not a charge to be taken lightly. I wish to have more evidence before I make any accusations."

"A wise course of action, Colonel." Elsa cut off whatever remark Anna had opened her mouth to blurt out.

Morten and Olsen exchanged looks, but neither spoke.

"Your Majesty," Tollak continued. "Since you will not reconsider your plans for the festival. May I at least, add some additional men to your and Princess Anna's protection details? After the festival they can return to their regular posts."

"I don't see a problem with that." She looked to Olsen and Morten. "Do either of you have any objections to this?"

The men exchanged looks, Olsen replied. "No, Your Majesty. As long as the men meet the standards for the Queen's Shield, I see no harm in it."

"Very well, Colonel, you may add your men. But I do not want anyone removed without my approval."

"Of course. Thank you, Your Majesty."

For the first time in weeks, he seemed, happy. Elsa almost felt sorry for what she had to do next.

"Colonel, there is one change to the Royal guard I want made immediately."

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Lieutenant Reino is to be reassigned."

All the color rushed from Tollak's face. "Reassigned where, ma'am?"

"I don't care, as long as he is removed from the castle guard, and away from my sister. I want him out of Arendelle by morning."

"Queen Elsa…"

"This is not up for debate, Colonel. I will not trust my sister's safety to a man who does not respect her or her position."

Red crept up from beneath his collar. For a moment Elsa thought he might explode into a rage. In the blink of an eye, his demeanor shifted. His head bowed.

"Yes, Your Majesty." His head rose till he looked Elsa in the eye. "It pains me to admit it, ma'am. But, the Major was a poor choice for his current position. I had hoped he would settle into his role. But, he has proven to be a…disappointment. I'll see to his transfer immediately."

His words sounded sincere, his eyes never faltered from her gaze. Yet, Elsa had the nagging feeling the man was not being completely honest with her. "Thank you, Colonel. I trust you to handle the matter. Now, if there is nothing else?" No one spoke up. "Good day, gentlemen."

She and Anna waited for them to file out.

As Kai closed the door behind the last man, Anna leapt from her chair and threw her arms around Elsa's neck. "Thank you." She planted a big kiss on Elsa's cheek.

"For what?" Elsa croaked pass the pressure on her throat.

"For getting rid of Reino." She gave a squeeze that caused her sister to grunt, before releasing her.

"You're welcome." Elsa brushed a hand over her hair to pat down any loose strands. "I meant what I said earlier, Anna. I won't allow him to disrespect you."

"I know. My big sister strikes again." She kissed the top of Elsa's head. "Well, gotta run, Kristoff's waiting for me. We're going to take a walk around town, before dinner."

"You spent all morning in town together."

"That was work, sorta." Anna waved her off. "He went with me to check on the festival arrangements, and we visited the orphans. He's so good with them. The children love him."

"I see." Elsa struggled to hide a grin. "How are the children from Jokulsa doing?"

"For what they've been through, they're doing good. They ask about you. Maybe you could pay them a visit."

"I'll try. So what tasks have you planned for Kristoff this evening?"

"Nothing, we're just going for a walk. Wanna come along?"

"No, thank you. You two have fun. And remember, dinner is at seven sharp, do not be late."

"I won't. See you at dinner." She bounced toward the door.

Kai opened it for her. She nearly bowled over Tollak, who was standing in the doorway.

"Whoa, sorry." She stepped back. "Excuse me, Colonel, I was just on my way out."

"Actually, Princess, there is a matter I need to discuss with the Queen, and it concerns you as well.

Disappointment knocked the smile from Anna's face. "Can't Elsa just tell me about it later?"

"I'm sorry, Your Highness, but I think you will want to hear this for yourself."

She led the way back to the table, dropping into her chair. A cool hand patted her arm. She looked to Elsa and found a sympathetic smile.

"Your Majesty, I apologize for the inconvenience, but there is a matter I wish to discuss. I would have addressed it during the meeting but is of a rather…sensitive nature."

"Very well, Colonel." She motioned to the chair he'd left moments before.

He slipped into it.

Kai stepped to Elsa's side. "If you've no further need for me, ma'am, I'd like to get to the docks for the evening dispatches."

"Yes, go ahead." Elsa dismissed him with a small wave of her hand.

"Wait!" Tollak looked to Elsa. "My apologies, Your Majesty, but I think it best, if Chamberlain Kai were to stay. He'll want to hear my findings."

Elsa's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "Very well. Kai, please stay."

"Yes, ma'am." Kai closed the doors and took up his customary spot, behind, and to the right of Elsa's chair.

"Your Majesty, my investigation into the recent attempt on your life has brought forth some details regarding, incidents, that occurred during the storm."

Elsa stiffened at the mention of the storm. "What details, Colonel?"

"It would seem there were those among the castle staff who went to great lengths to aid Prince Hans in keeping you locked up, after your return from the North Mountain."

"You found them?" Anna leaned forward.

"Yes, Your Highness, as you requested, I conducted a thorough investigation."

"As you requested?" Elsa fixed her sister with a stony glare. "Why did you request an investigation?"

"Elsa, someone locked you in the dungeon, in chains. We need to know who was behind it."

"Hans, was behind it."

Anna didn't back down from her sister's angry snip. "With someone's help. Someone who knew about the dungeon."

"It's a castle. Everyone knows about the dungeons." Elsa said.

"How did Hans know about the manacles? They were too small to fit a man's hands. How did he know they existed or where to find them?"

"It doesn't matter." The answer hissed through Elsa's clenched teeth.

"It matters to me!" The table shook as a petite fist crashed down atop it. "They didn't have to chain you up like some mad dog."

Elsa snapped her mouth shut on a retort. She closed her eyes, drawing a deep breath. It did nothing to remove the small patch of frost beneath her feet. She opened her eyes, avoiding Anna's gaze. "You should have spoken with me first." Not waiting for an answer she turned to Tollak. "Colonel, I thought I made myself clear I did not wish this matter pursued."

"Yes, ma'am. But, my findings…"

"I'm not interested in your findings." Blue eyes bore through the man.

Anna noticed her sister's knuckles were white where she gripped the armrest. "Elsa, one of the Guard tried to kill you. If there are others working with him, we need to know who they are." She placed a hand atop Elsa's arm. Cold strung her hand through the sleeve.

Narrowed eyes fixed on her at the touch. The cold beneath her hand increased. For a moment she feared being banished from the room.

Elsa's head bow. The cold grew a little warmer. "What have you learned, Colonel?"

Anna realized she'd won the battle of wills. She felt no joy in her victory.

"Prince Hans did order, Your Majesty, to be locked up. But he did not order you to be taken to the dungeon, and he knew nothing of the manacles, until they were produced and secured on Your Majesty."

"That's not true." Kai took a step forward, fists clenched at his sides.

The corners of Tollak's mustache twisted upward. "You have something to say, Chamberlain?"

Kai glared at the man.

"Kai," Elsa's soft voice cut through the tension. "Please, speak freely."

He stepped to her side to meet her gaze. "When Prince Hans, returned from the mountain, he made it clear he wanted you locked up. I wanted to take you to your chambers, but he wanted you in a more, secure location."

"According to my witnesses, you suggested the dungeon." Tollak leaned back in the chair. His laced hands relaxed atop the table.

"I don't care what they said. Prince Hans made it clear he would not allow the Queen to stay in her chambers, even under guard."

"You put, Elsa, in the dungeon?"

He turned to Anna. His mouth opened, then closed. Unable to hold her gaze, his head bowed. "Yes, ma'am."

She rose from her chair. Her face flushed red, growing darker by the moment. "You, locked Elsa in the manacles?"

His eyes rose to meet hers. "Yes, ma'am."

"You lied to me." The words were barely more than a whisper.

Elsa looked up to find tears shining in her sister's eyes. She started to reach for Anna's hand, but thought better of it.

"No, Princess, I…"

"I told you, I wanted to know who did that to Elsa, and you sat there and lied to me!"

"It was a lie by omission, milady." His hands locked behind his back. But not before Elsa noticed the tremble in them. "I had wanted to tell you, but Major Reino interrupted us."

"You could have told me later!" Her fists clenched as she stepped toward him.

"Yes, I should have."

"Why didn't you?"

"I…couldn't." His head bowed.

"That's not an answer!" She drew another step closer to the man. He did not retreat. "How did you find manacles to fit her so quickly?"

His eyes cut to Elsa, but the Queen's head was bowed. Her eyes closed. "They were kept in a sack, locked in one of the attics."

"How did you know they were there?"

He stood staring at her for so long, she began to think he wasn't going to answer.

"King Agdar, told me of them."

The words staggered Anna. She bumped into the chair, and eased onto the armrest for support. "Father…had them? Why?"

"As a precaution, ma'am."

"Precaution?" Anger brought Anna to her feet. "A precaution for what?"

His gaze returned to Elsa. She hadn't moved. "For confining then Princess Elsa in the event she became…a threat."

The room grew several degrees cooler.

"A threat." There was a low, dangerous growl to Anna's voice. "Papa, was going to lock Elsa away?"

"Only as a last resort, Your Highness. In the event her powers became uncontrollable."

"That doesn't explain why you locked her in the dungeon." Tears had given way to fury. "You could have locked her in her room with a guard."

"I tried, Your Highness, but Prince Hans would not allow it."

"Would not allow it?!" She stepped toe to toe with the man. His height forced her to look up at him. She waved a hand toward Elsa. "She is your Queen! You could have done something. Stood up for her some how. Even if Hans wanted her in the dungeon, you didn't have to chain her to the floor, like some wild animal!"

Kai's face remained neutral, but his eyes glistened. "I did what was necessary to keep her alive, Your Highness."

"What was necessary?!"

"Anna," Elsa cut her off. "if he had resisted he would have been locked up, or worse."

"He nearly got you killed!"

"No." Elsa's head shook from side to side with the soft reply. "I nearly got myself killed. My actions led to people fearing me, demanding that I be locked away, or destroyed." She looked to the man at her side. "Kai, did what he thought was best for me. As he always has."

"He was wrong!"

Elsa's gaze rose to meet her sister's. "We all made mistakes during that time."

"And his almost killed you!" Anna thrust a finger at the Chamberlain.

"And mine did kill you." Elsa said.

Anna began to tremble. She turned on Kai. "Why would you follow his orders over protecting her?"

"Because you left Hans in charge." Elsa's voice was calm, yet firm.

Anna flinched. "What?"

"You made Hans your regent. I was unconscious, and unable to counter your orders. Hans word was law. Kai had no choice but to obey as he commanded."

Tears sprang back to Anna's eyes. Her lower lip began to quiver. "So it's my fault? You were chained up because of me?"

"No one is to blame, Anna." Elsa touched her arm. Anna jerked away. "I'm just trying to make you see, Kai was between a rock and a hard place."

"Because I put him there."

"Anna…"

"No." She backed away from the table, fists clenched at her sides. "You're right. It's my fault. Like an idiot, I trusted that snake, and rode off leaving him in charge of the kingdom." A tear slipped down Anna's cheek.

It took every bit of self restraint for Elsa not to leap from the chair and hug her.

"Milady…" Kai took a step toward her.

She retreated a step. "Get away from me! I don't want to hear anymore of your lies!" Before anyone could stop her, Anna bolted for the door. She flung it open with enough force so it crashed into the wall with a sharp crack.

"Anna, wait!" Elsa stood in time to see her sister disappear into the hallway. She stared at the empty doorway debating if she should chase after the girl.

"I believe we've heard enough. There is no need for you to concern yourself any further with this matter, Your Majesty." Tollak moved to take Kai's arm. "I'll escort him to the cells to await his trial."

"Get your hands off of me." Kai jerked away, taking a step back.

Tollak brought his sword up, grasping the hilt. "Don't make this worst on yourself, Kai."

"You've accused me of treason, how could it be any worse?"

"Come along quietly. Don't embarrass yourself, or your family, by making me call for the guards."

Mention of family stole the fight from Kai. His shoulders slumped. He remained docile as Tollak took hold of his arm.

"With your leave, Your Majesty, I'll remove the prisoner."

"What? No." Elsa turned to the men shaking her head. "Release him."

Tollak paused in mid-step. He looked from her to Kai and back again. "But, Your Majesty, he helped plot with your enemies to overthrow you."

Elsa's attention shifted to Kai. "Kai, would never harm me."

Kai's gaze rose to meet hers.

"But, Queen Elsa, what of the manacles? What of…"

"Enough!" Elsa folded her hands against her skirt, to keep from waving her arms in the man's direction. "Kai was following my father's orders."

"Ma'am, he would have no longer been bound by those orders once you were crowned Queen."

"I will decide the merit of those orders, Colonel, not you." She fixed him with a hard glare. "Now, release him."

Tollak released him, giving a slight bow.

Kai tugged the bottom of his jacket, pulling it straight. His hands held to the jacket as he glared at Tollak.

Elsa wondered if either would be foolish enough to throw a punch in her presence. "Colonel, I appreciate your diligence to duty. I'm sorry, my sister wasted your time on this…investigation. But as far as I'm concerned this matter is closed."

"But, Your Majesty, he should at least be removed from his position as Chamberlain. You should have someone you can trust without question."

"Colonel, I already have someone I trust. Chamberlain Kai has proven himself a loyal ally for decades."

"Queen Elsa, as head of your security, I must protest."

"Your protest has been duly noted." Her words were firm and clipped. "I will deal with Chamberlain Kai as I see fit. What has been spoken of here will not be repeated outside of this room. Is that clear, Colonel?"

The muscles in his jaw flexed beneath the skin a moment before he managed to answer. "Yes, ma'am. I understand."

"Good. Now, leave us. I would like to have a word alone with Kai."

"Of course, Your Majesty." With a stiff bow, Tollak gripped his sword, turned on his heels, and with a determined stride left the room. He pulled the door shut behind him.

Silence lingered between the couple left in the room.

Emotions raged within Elsa. She began moving the length of the table, in slow, calculated steps.

Kai grasped his hands behind his back. He waited for his queen to speak.

She reached the far end of the table and stopped. Without looking back she spoke. "When did father tell you of his plans for the manacles?"

"Around the time of your seventeenth birthday, ma'am."

She bowed her head, a hand clutched at the fabric covering her stomach. "Did he mention them before he left on his…trip."

Kai did not have to ask which trip. "No, ma'am. He only mentioned them once. We never spoke of them again.

She released the breath she'd been holding. With it went some of the anger and fear she'd been struggling against. "Are there anymore secret orders from my Father, I should know about?"

"Only one, ma'am."

Her back stiffened. She pushed back ice, bracing for the blow.

"Before your Father boarded the ship he gave me one final task. He swore me to an oath, that I would protect his daughters." His shoulders slumped as his head bowed. "And I failed to honor that oath."

The ice in her veins grew silent.

"Please, believe me, if I had known what Hans was planning, I never would have left you defenseless against him."

When she didn't answer, he pressed on.

"I don't blame you for hating me. I handed both of you over to him, like sacrificial lambs for the slaughter." A humorless chuckle slipped his lips. "I carried that sweet child to him, and handed her over, without question, to that heartless demon." Tears gathered in his eyes. "I was supposed to protect her."

He looked up to find Elsa staring at him.

"And you. I failed you as well. The Duke was screaming for your head. There were others making noise about ending the winter, one way or another." He closed his eyes drawing a sharp breath. "I thought by placing you in the dungeon we could buy time. With you unconscious, and some of the guards blindly following the Prince's commands. I knew I couldn't stop them from…hurting you. When I suggested the dungeon it calmed most of them down. But the Duke kept on." He grit his teeth on the title.

Elsa began easing toward him.

"He wanted you dead. So I suggested the manacles. I promised they would dampen your powers till Princess Anna could return, and decide what to do. That was enough for the others to quiet him."

"When Princess Anna returned, I assumed she would order your release. Then Frode came to me, sobbing that the Princess was dead," His eyes took on a haunted look. "And Prince Hans had ordered your execution. Gerda and Sergeant Halvor went to search for Anna. I led Olsen, Morten and Nikolas to the dungeon. By the time we reached the dungeons, Hans and his men had already forced the cell door open. We learned you had made your escape." His gaze settled on Elsa. "If you had not escaped, I'm not sure we would have arrived in time."

Elsa swallowed hard, forcing back the memories of fear and panic as she struggled against the chains. Her hands curled into fists at the memory of the weight of the metal.

"We tried to search for you, but the storm had grown so strong I couldn't get out of the courtyard."

"I know I have no right to ask or expect your forgiveness. I failed to keep my oath, and I failed to protect my charges."

He met her gaze as she stopped several feet in front of him. "Had I known what that…Prince, was planning. I would have laid down my life before letting him harm you, or Anna. I am sorry, My Queen." His head bowed.

Elsa stood, fists clutched to her chest. Part of her wanted to curl into herself and cry, the other part wanted to throw her arms around his neck, and tell him all was forgiven. She did neither.

After a moment, Kai shook off the emotions, straightened and pulled at the bottom of his jacket. "I will have my resignation letter on your desk by the end of the day, along with a list of possible replacement candidates. If you'll permit it, I'll pack my things and leave as soon as possible."

Her jaw tightened. She turned away, wrapping her arms around herself. "And what of Gerda? Would you have me throw her into the streets as well?"

"I…hadn't considered that."

"Do you think she'll gladly walk away from the only home she's known for years?" Ice rolled in her veins. She pressed her palms tight against her body, willing it to remain in place.

"No, leaving will break her heart, but, she'll go where I go."

"And where will you go?"

"Somewhere outside of Arendelle. I doubt I could find work here once people know what happened."

"You don't have to go." It wasn't a command, more of a suggestion. After all, Queens weren't suppose to beg.

"How could I stay? Your trust in me has been shattered, and the Princess…she would never forgive me for placing you in harms way."

Ice leaked from beneath Elsa's shoes, creeping over the floor. "With time she will."

"I don't think so."

Elsa turned and eased toward him. "She forgave me for shutting her out for thirteen years. I think she can forgive this."

"She forgave you, because you are her beloved sister. I've committed the one sin she cannot forgive. I caused you harm. You are her family."

"So are you." Elsa drew closer to him. "I can't remember a time when you weren't a part of our lives." Her throat felt dry. She fought to keep her voice from cracking. "I need people I can trust by my side, Kai. With Father gone, I can't do this alone. I need you."

"You're not alone. And you can do this. You are a strong woman, and a good Queen."

She choked back a humorless laugh. "I'm not that strong. If not for you and Gerda, I'm not sure I would have survived the last few years."

"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you, and your sister, ma'am."

"So you'll stay?" Hope dared to rear it's head from the darkness of her fear.

"Does Your Majesty, wish for me to stay?"

"She does."

"Then I will stay." His head bowed.

"Good." Relief washed over her with staggering force. She touched a hand to his chest, and rose to her toes to press a chaste kiss to his cheek. "Thank you, Kai, for everything." As she leaned back she caught the shine of tears in his eyes.

He caught the hand on his chest, giving it a gentle squeeze. "You're welcome, Queen Elsa."

0000

Reino stepped into the doorway of Tollak's office. "You wanted to see me, sir?"

Tollak looked up from his paperwork. "Yes, come in. Close the door."

"Yes, sir." Reino closed the door and moved to stand before the desk. He stood at attention as Tollak continued to scribble out a letter.

With the letter complete, Tollak placed his pen aside and looked up at the man. "You fool."

"Sir?"

"It's bad enough that buffoon, Pollestad jumped the gun and has everyone on edge. But your reckless behavior has drawn the Queen's attention. She's ordered you removed from Arendelle proper."

"What?! Why?"

"It seems the Princess is not fond of you."

He bit back a curse. "She can't do that!"

"Of course, she can, you idiot. She's the Queen. Her word is law. She could have you drawn and quartered without question."

Reino's fists clenched and unclenched as he thought of a dozen different ways he'd kill her if given the chance. "Well, at least you got the Chamberlain out of the way."

"No, I didn't. It would seem I misjudged how deep her sentimental feelings ran for him. She refused to removed him."

"Damn, so now what?"

"This unexpected turn may actually work to our advantage." Tollak began to seal the letter he had been working on.

"What?" Reino's anger addled mind took a moment to process the words. "How so?"

"I've received word from our allies, they are ready to assist us. Prince Hans has returned from his quest." Tollak wrote a name across the letter.

Anger gave way to excitement. Reino's lips turned upward. "When will they arrive?"

"Soon." He took a second sealed letter from his desk and held both out to Reino. "I need you to deliver these as quickly as possible. Go to Earl Swart first. The second letter is for Baron Ulstein. You will need to reach Jokulsa within the next few days."

"But, sir, it's at least a two day ride from the Earl's estate to Jokulsa."

"Yes, it is. So you won't have time to tarry. Use the outer posts for supplies and horses. I don't want word of your movements drifting back to town. Once you arrive in Jokulsa, find Lieutenant Vik. He will know how to find Baron Ulstein. Trust no one else, he is the only man I could spare to station in town. Make sure the Earl and Baron understand time is of the essence. We must be ready to move once our allies arrive."

"Yes, sir." He took the letters, tucking them into his inner jacket pocket. "Sir, did the Prince find what he was looking for?"

"He did."

"What is it?"

"He doesn't say. But he assures me it will counter the witch's magic. We've the power to destroy her once and for all."

Reino's lips curled upward. "And the Princess?"

"Yes." Tollak sighed. "As much as it pains me, Princess Anna must die as well. It's the only way we can assure a clean bloodline on the throne."

"Sir. I could kill the Princess now. The Queen would be so lost in her grief she'd probably welcome a death blow."

Tollak paused as though giving the idea serious thought. "No. I've no doubt Princess Anna's death would break the Queen. But it might have the opposite effect. It could well drive her to madness. We've seen the force of her powers when she's frightened. I've no desire to see her fury. We'll stay to our plan. Once the Queen has been destroyed, then the Princess may fall, but not before. Understood?"

"Yes, sir."

"Go, get a good horse and whatever supplies you may need." He held out another sealed letter. "These are your orders, granting you authority to travel and acquire supplies as needed. If anyone should question you, you are working on my direct orders as part of the investigation into the assassination attempt on the Queen's life. Perhaps we can use Pollestad's stupidity to our advantage."

Reino accepted the letter, tucking it away, along side the others.

"And Major, our plans are riding on rallying our forces in a timely manner. You must not fail. Now, go. You've got a long trip ahead of you. Godspeed."

"Yes, sir." He saluted and started for the door. Soon, little princess, soon I'll wipe that silly smile off your face for good. His lips curled upward at the thought.

0000

Author's note - The storyline of Kai placing Elsa in chains was inspired by the story, Guilt by Supermint. Check it out at .