Fear, the Enemy

-M. Lauren

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

When had it gotten so dark?

Irene sat with her back to the wall. Her head tipped up towards the window. There were no lights, no stars, just the occasional gust of arctic wind. She remained glued in her stiff position until something changed. Her bottom vibrated against the floorboards. Her body rocked in gentle waves. The movement caused her to jump to her feet and hurry to the doorway. Irene grasped for the handle as the enclosure was thrust open. On the other side stood Sir Talbot, looking perplexed.

"The storm, ma'am." He righted himself against the frame as the ship swayed. "Our waters have thawed, but-" Douglas took Irene's hand and lead her to the deck. "But, the storm continues."

Irene followed his finger over the side of the hull. She found the waves still bouldered amongst the sea. The air still held its deadly chill and their visibility continued to be impended by a wall of thick dark clouds. "We should go to them, right?"

Sir Talbot's mouth twitched as he considered the fearful brunette in front of him. Her hazel eyes were pleading for him to go to his majesty's aide, but his better judgement said otherwise. "We're not to engage, ma'am." He explained with a frown.

"I'm not asking you to." Irene's arms crossed against her breast as she lowered her brows to match the man's stare. "I'm asking if we should move in closer now that the sea has thawed? If we're needed and we can't even see the boat, what's to come of Queen Elsa?" Irene straightened her spine and tipped her chin. "We should at least be prepared."

For a moment, Douglas just stood there. He fought with his fingers tucked politely into his pockets as he turned his eyes to the bow. The waves creased at a dominating height. His better instincts were telling him it was better to keep moving. Staying stature and they'd surely get swallowed by the sea. "Alright," He nodded sternly. His hand came to rest on Irene's bicep and he directed her back to the Captain's quarters. "I will move in, but I ask you remain in hiding just in case anything is to happen." Irene protested with her weight against his hand. "Please," Sir Talbot's eyes softened. "If I can't see, I can't know what's on the other side of this storm. We can't risk anything happening to you as well."

Irene knew arguing was pointless. The sooner she was tucked into the small room, the sooner the man would get on way. She allowed herself to be guided beyond the archway, stilling at the center of the room. Her hands tucked anxiously against her thighs and her brown eyes widened as he gripped the door. "I will return if anything changes." Douglas promised before shutting her in.

Irene returned to her corner, dropping to her rear in defeat. Her legs tucked up against her chest and her chin settled atop her knees. She allowed her eyes to drift close. She knew sleeping was not an option, but the reality of her confinement was spared by her drawn lids.

So, she waited.

Vera was practically dozing against Elsa's shoulder as the boat slowly navigated to their side. The sight alone was enough to make the queen want to drop to her knees in relief. Sir Talbot and the Captain stood atop the bridge, shouting wind swallowed orders at the crew. Her men hurried to grab the plank, but were stilled by the raised hand of their majesty. Elsa fashioned a bridge of ice with one shaky hand. She carried the child over the channel before halting at the center. Elsa spun in her step, facing the Southern Isle's ship. With lowered brows and a deep breath, she released her magical hold on the guards' below deck. Elsa nodded briefly to herself before turning to return to her people. She dropped onto the other side, still clutching at the child in her arms. With a sigh, Elsa jostled Vera slightly, rousing her from her daze.

Lifting her head, the girl smiled. Elsa lowered her to the deck, placing her on her feet, and toke their hands together. Vera offered the woman a brief squeeze before she turned to see Irene watching them from across the way.

Vera took off in a sprint. She dashed across the floor boards, watching as Irene fell to her knees. Strong arms pulled her in to a tight embrace as she settled against the her aunt's chest. Both girls' had their eyes drawn shut as they relished in the hug. Irene's hands combed over Vera's back, tracing down from her hair to the length of her spine possessively.

But Elsa hadn't moved. Her feet fixed against the floor as she watched the reunion. She fought back her own tears as Irene visibly sobbed into Vera's blonde hair. Elsa's heart beat painfully in her chest when the woman's eyes reopened. Irene offered her a small sad smile before mouthing, thank you, and returning to the embrace.

Elsa could only nod. She broke their stare by turning on her toes and heading for the bridge. Sir Talbot surprised her by pulling her into a polite hug. He clapped her back with his palm before pulling away. His face was sketched with a blend of concern and relief. "All is well?" He asked lowering his eyes to her.

The queen grew stern. "I did as required."

Douglas's lips tensed as he took the woman's shoulders in his hands. "I'm glad you came back to us."

"Me too." Elsa offered him a small smile as he dropped his hold. "I'm ready to return to Arendelle."

Sir Talbot and the captain straightened their spines, pulling a respectful fist over their abdomen. "As you command, your majesty." Before Douglas turned he flashed his queen a bright toothy grin and a playful wink. "Settle in, Queen Elsa. That storm dragged us out a good long way."

Fully intending on hiding for the duration of their trip, Elsa glided towards the ladder well, but before she could descend, her legs connected with a strong hold. She froze in her place. Elsa looked down to find two large blue eyes staring up at her. Vera tied her finger's around the woman's knees and squeezed her face into her thighs. Elsa went to return the hug when Vera suddenly retracted. She teared up and winced as pain ripped through her tiny core.

Vera stumbled backwards. Her heels caught the edge of the railing, leading below deck, and she began to fall. Quick to recover, Elsa grabbed the child by her arms and righted her against the floor. "Are you okay?" The woman inquired nervously, taking Vera's hips in her hands as she drew down to her knees.

Irene was suddenly at their side. She took Vera's hand in her own, looking cautious. "What's happened?"

The girl appeared tense. Her breathing was labored. "It hurts!" She croaked, pulling at the ties on her tunic.

"Come with me." Elsa frowned. She tugged Vera from Irene's hold and settled the child on her hip. She crossed the floor to the captain's helm, drawing back to door and allowing Irene to pass through. Elsa shut the enclosure behind them before placing Vera back on her feet. A dimly lit lantern perched center to a cluttered desk. Elsa lifted it into her hands and spun back the dial. A brighter light filled the small space in an instant.

Elsa returned to the child's side, avoiding Irene's concerned gaze. The queen's eyes whipped widely around the room as she searched for a semblance of anything comfortable. With no luck, she frowned.

"Here," Irene stepped forward. She draped the blanket she'd forgotten tucked around her shoulders, across the center of the floor.

Vera appeared grateful as she dropped slowly onto her rear. With every movement of her small body, she shuddered in pain. Her aunt stole the lantern from its resting place and hovered the light over the child's face. "What's this?" She questioned fearfully. Her finger lingered below a thin line abrasion at the base of Vera's neck.

Elsa moved her gaze into the light and sighed. "From Carlo's sword." She explained calmly, still avoiding the woman's eyes.

"I can't hardly feel that." Vera winced as she moved to lie back against the comforter.

"Careful!" Elsa yelled louder than intended. She grabbed hold of the child's arms and lowered her to the floor gently.

"What's going on?" Irene reached for Vera's hand, but was surprisingly batted away by the angered blonde. She reeled back hurt, clutching her fingers to her chest.

"I'm sorry," Elsa whispered, not looking. "I need to see how bad it is?"

"How bad what is?" But Irene didn't need to wait for a verbal answer. The woman to her left pulled back the ties on the child's shirt and ripped down the center seam. Like a splattering of ink, a dark purple bruise ran from the center of Vera's chest and scattered out across the width of her rib cage. Where it was faded around the edges, it grew back in hue over her sternum. Irene rested her hand over her mouth in shock. "Did- Did Carlo do this to her?" She breathed, tangling her finger's in Vera's hair.

"No." Elsa trailed her fingers lightly over the bruise, feeling for inconsistencies. "I need you to go get Sir Talbot."

Irene crossed her arms over her chest. "Not until you tell me what happened!"

Tentatively, Elsa raised her eyes. She met the woman's fury with a certain sadness that stilled Irene's heart. "I did this."

Her mouth dropped. Her body stiffened. "What?"

"It was an accident!" Vera came to Elsa's defense. She tried to sit up, but was met by the protest of the queen's cool palm against her shoulder.

"Thank you, Vera, but why don't you let me explain." Elsa trailed her finger to the girl's nose, touching it lightly. Vera relaxed onto her back and eyed Irene skeptically. Her aunt was still baffled with growing anger. Elsa met the older woman's stare, biting down on her bottom lip as she thought. "Vera and I, we ran into some trouble." She began, dropping her hands into her lap. "I asked Vera to do something for me, something that we'd been practicing. I hadn't realized that under the weight of stress and fear and emotions, that it could go so poorly."

Irene shook her head. "I-I don't understand?"

Elsa looked away, her eyes settling on Vera's cautious face. She rested her fingers on the girl's knee before continuing. "Vera died,"

"She what?" Irene leapt to her feet in alarm.

"But only for a moment!" Elsa rose to her side, pleading with her hands in front of her.

Swaying on her heels, Irene stumbled backwards. Her shoulders connect with the wall and she grasped onto the wood paneling for support. "She died?"

"But I brought her back!" The queen explained as she returned to her knees beside Vera. "I wasn't sure I knew how to do it. I read it in a book once, but I had to try."

Irene collapsed to the floor in her spot. "I-I don't know what to say…" Her head lolled as she dropped her eyes to the ground.

"I'm going to get Sir Talbot." Elsa rose to her feet once more and headed for the exit. "Make sure she stays still."

Irene's gaze remained down until she heard to door click shut. Slowly, she slid to Vera's side. Her brown orbs were filled with a mixture of sadness and relief as she brushed her fingers over the child's face. "I'm okay," Vera smiled encouragingly. "I promise."

"I know," Irene sighed, pulling her thighs into her chest. "I was just so worried."

The grin faded from her face and Vera frowned. "I'm sorry I hid from you and I'm sorry I made things worse." She turned her head to the wall. "I'm always making things harder for you."

Irene relaxed onto her side, propping her head up onto her elbow. "Hey now," She whispered, drawing the child's chin to look at her. "I'm not upset with you." Irene promised, brushing the hair from the child's eyes. "I'm just glad you're alright."

Vera fought the tears caressing her bottom lids. "Elsa saved me, just like she promised you she would." Irene remained impassive as she considered the girl's words. "Please don't be angry with her. It's my fault she had to go there in the first place!"

The door opened before Irene could respond. She backed out of the way as Sir Talbot entered with Elsa on his toes. He swished his tailcoat over his rear and lowered to one knee at Vera's side. She covered her bare chest modestly, blushing under the heat of his gaze.

"May I see what we have going on here?" Douglas offered her a small grin. "I have daughters' of my own. I promise it's nothing I haven't seen before." Vera tipped her chin into a hesitant nod and withdrew her arms. His brow lowered as he reached out to tentatively trace his finger down the center of the dark purple bruise. "What a strong young lady we have here." Douglas's eyes sparkled as he winked at Vera. "No tears, no whining. You certainly are brave."

Vera looked over his shoulder to Elsa. "It does hurt though."

She came to rest on her knees at the man's side. Douglas met the queen's worried gaze and offered her a sly smirk. "You can relax, your majesty." He chuckled, playfully bumping their shoulders together. "You did a good thing. It appears to be a clean break. Just keep her still until we arrive back at port and we'll have the physician look it over, but she will be fine until then."

A stubborn breath of air released from Elsa's lungs. "Thank you, Douglas." Her lips twitched up into a genuine grin. "For everything, really, I couldn't do any of this without your guidance."

Sir Talbot waved a hand at her as he returned to his feet. "Think nothing of it." He shook his head and reached for the door handle. "Now I'll let you three rest and dare I say it-" Douglas gloated. "But get that girl some ice."

Elsa's laugh soaring through the room was the last thing he heard as he walked away.

"Are you going to freeze me now?" Vera giggled as Elsa scooted in close with her hands splayed in front of her.

"Only a little," The queen teased. She hovered her palms over the child's ribs and rained down a thin layer of frost. It collected over Vera's skin like a white sheet, barely translucent. Elsa pulled back, marveling at how the girl never flinched.

"Elsa," The child's head cocked to the side sadly. "Is Carlo going to come back for us?"

The woman's face grew stern. "No Vera," She promised softly and took the child's hand in her own. "We won't be seeing him again."

Her head rotated in the opposite direction. "Did my explosion put the sword in his arm?"

Elsa's mouth dropped. "How did yo-"

"I looked." Vera lips twitched uo sheepishly.

Under lowered brows, Elsa waggled a finger at the girl. "Cheeky," She cooed humorously.

"Will he die?" Vera inquired softly, watching Irene intently from off to the side.

Elsa shrugged. "I don't imagine he will, no, but I made it pretty difficult for him to ever travel at sea again."

A sigh of relief escaped her lungs. "So, no more delegations?" Vera's eyes widened hopefully.

Elsa grinned. "Not with the Southern Isles, no."

"And no more arranged marriages with scary kings?" The child lowered into a serious frown, feigning stern.

"No," Elsa laughed. "I will not be marrying any scary kings."

"Good." Vera nodded with her lips pursed.

Irene approached from behind, coming to relax against the wall at Vera's head. "I see you've turned her into a little delegate." Her smile was genuine as she settled her gaze on Elsa.

"What can I say?" Elsa hummed. "It seems I've been rubbing off on her." Vera reached out for the queen, drawing her closer. She teased the woman with two fingers and beckoned her down to her level. Elsa flashed her a playful frown before she obliged, waiting as Vera's tiny hand extended to cup her ear. Her lips drew up at a hushed whisper electing a small blush to rise the surface of Elsa's cheeks. "Perhaps," The woman responded quietly as she pulled away. "We can discuss that later and away from your nosey ears."

Vera pouted and dropped her hand. "Fine!" She sighed and relaxed back against her aunt's leg.

Irene cocked her head in confusion as Elsa refused to meet her stare. "Conspiring, aye?" She teased, causing the blonde to lift her head.

Elsa could only shrug bashfully in response.

Vera groaned from her lenient position. She scooted up to get more comfortable between Irene's thighs, cringing at the uncomfortable movement in her chest. "What's wrong?" Elsa eyed the girl with concern.

"What do you need?" Irene dropped her hand to the child's head.

"Nothing," Vera relaxed happily in her hold. "I just need you," She gazed up at Irene sleepily before turning to Elsa with an outreached hand. "The both of you."

Elsa settled her hand in Vera's as a small smile came to play on her lips.

The ship came into the harbor just after daybreak. Its heavy horn bellowed across the fjord and roused Vera from her deep sleep. Irene's legs were still warm under her head as she attempted to sit up. Irene came to her aide, lifting the child to her feet before coming to stand at her side. Very carefully, she directed Vera up to her chest. "Where's Elsa?" The girl yawned as she surveyed the empty room and settled her legs against the woman's hip.

"She left after you fell asleep." Irene touched her nose lightly. "She had somethings she needed to take care of with Sir Talbot." She carried Vera from the captain's quarters, cautious not to jostle her in anyway. Douglas, greeted them at the archway. He lead them across the deck and assisted them with departing the ship. By the crews hurried pace, it seemed everyone was thankful to be leaving the sea behind them.

"I'll take you to the physician." Sir Talbot explained as they met upon the loading dock. Villagers' had scurried to the shore, eager for their queen's return. They greeted them with loud cheers and faces stained with relieved smiles. Douglas parted the people with his arms, allowing the woman and child to pass.

Elsa watched from the bridge as Irene was lead out of sight. She inhaled a deep breath of fresh winter air and tucked her fists strictly at her side. Her feet found the platform with glee. She was impatient to meet solid ground. Her hands glided down the banister and she finally returned to shore. The villagers commended her on her bravery, clapping hands on her shoulders as she passed. Elsa mustered the biggest smile that she could. She harnessed their compliments and bid them a good day as she headed up the cobblestone path.

As she rounded the first turn, a frantic red head could be seen sprinting down the walk. A large blonde man followed a few feet behind her. Elsa surprised herself when she broke out into an equally as ecstatic run. Her heels dug into the cobblestones with force. Her heart raced in time with her own steps. She collapsed into Anna's hug at the center of town square and held her tight to her chest.

Elsa coated her disheveled red hair with fresh tears. "I'm so glad you're all right." Anna's hands grasped fiercely at her sister's waist. "We were so worried about you."

Kristoff wrapped his arms around both women's shoulders, relaxing his weight comfortably against his family. "Please don't leave me alone with her like that again." He whispered humorously.

Elsa giggled through her tears. "I promise."

As Kristoff drew back, so did Anna. She took her sister's cheeks between her palms and frowned. "You're crying!" She gasped.

Elsa whipped defiantly at her eyes. "So are you!"

"I'm allowed too!" She balked. "I was scared!" Anna took her sister's hands in her own and stilled her movements. "You should already know everything's okay." Anna raised her blue eyes to look over the woman's shoulder. "Unless they're not?" Her heart dropped when no one followed. "Where are Irene and Vera?"

Elsa squeezed her sister's fingers. "They're fine; they're with the physician." She promised, taking a step away from her sister's hold. "We'll talk more inside." Anna nodded in concern as she linked elbows with Elsa and lead her up the walk.

Kai and Gerda could be seen from the bridge, standing at the entry way to the castle. Gerda was dabbing her eyes with a very worn white handkerchief. Kai was at his wife's back, patiently waiting with a firm hand on the woman's shoulder. Elsa reached their grasp and Gerda tugged the queen into her arms.

"You foolish girl," She whispered sternly, combing her finger's over Elsa's braid. "You're giving me grey hairs!"

Elsa was released from her hold. "I'm sorry, Gerda."

The woman batted the handkerchief at her. "We're just glad you're home now." She tapped Elsa's chin and offered her a comforting smile. "How's the girl?" Gerda's voice lowered sensitively.

"Vera's fine." Elsa explained. Relief filled her heart as she was led through the foyer and into the grand hall. Her nostrils filled with the familiar scent of home and she sighed. "She's at the physician with Irene. We had a bit of an accident."

Anna's hand was hot on her back as she stepped into Elsa's side. "What kind of an accident?"

The queen looked between the collection of curious eyes. Each person begged for an answer. Elsa mouth dropped to respond, but no words came.

"Come child," Gerda swatted Anna away from her sister. She replaced her arm around Elsa's shoulder and directed her towards the dining hall. "Anna, you can pester her all you want after she's had a spot of tea."

"Tea sounds wonderful, thank you Gerda." Elsa was lead to her customary chair at the head of the table while Kai retrieved the kettle from over the fire.

He returned to her side with a steaming mug of black tea and a handful of biscuits. "Next time you go off on some heroic adventure…" Kai lectured. "Take this one with you." He swung an improper thumb at Anna who frowned in response. "She was a right pain in the arse while you were away."

"Heaven's Kai!" "Hey!" Gerda and Anna retorted in unison with equal fury.

Kai snickered and lingered a quick hand on Elsa's shoulder. "Well she was…" Elsa giggled and drew the china up to her eager lips.

"Well now that we know it'll be a full house here tonight, why don't I go get started on that stew." Gerda offered Elsa a small bow. "We're so glad you're home, Elsa"

"Thank, you." The queen smiled in response. "I'm happy to be home too."

Kai and Gerda exited to the kitchen, leaving Elsa alone with her sister and Kristoff. They came to sit beside her, watching as she silently sipped her tea. Elsa could sense them eyeing her every move; every sip, every twitch.

As she lifted a biscuit to her mouth and her brows lowered into a glare. "Okay, enough!" Elsa spat uncharacteristically with food in her mouth. She swallowed and whipped her chin. "You're both staring at me like you're ready to explode, so out with it!"

Anna and Kristoff turned to each other briefly, sharing a curious look. "Elsa, forgive me," Anna whispered softly. She settled her gaze back onto her sister and sighed. "If Vera's okay… and you're home…then why do you look so upset?"

Elsa's hands found the table, leveraging herself to the room. She stared down into her half-drunk cup as the tears forcefully returned. She wasn't sure how long she sat their crying or how much of the mug contained her tears, but Anna was suddenly at her side. Elsa was drawn into her sister's familiar embrace, hands gently caressing the back of her blonde head.

"Vera died." It finally fell from her mouth as Anna pulled back in shock. "She died and it was all my fault!"

Anna's eyes enlarged. Her chin dropped. "She's...but you said... she's d-dead?"

Elsa shook her head and pulled her thighs up into her chest. "She was dead… She's alive now... I brought her back, but it wouldn't have happened at all if I hadn't pushed her. If I hadn't encouraged her to do something I'd only done once myself." Her hands balled into fists. "And now, now I can't even imagine how angry Irene is with me. I let her down. I almost killed her daughter and I don't deserve these powers if I can't even teach someone how to use them properly!"

"Hey, hey, okay, hey, wow!" Anna stilled her sister's rant with a soothing caress up her arm. She settled her rear on the dining table facing Elsa and pressed her hands to the woman's shoulders. "That's a lot of information you just threw at us. Could we maybe back it up a bit?"

Elsa's breathing was labored as she looked up at Anna. Her hand clutched over her erratically pounding chest and she shivered. "Vera's okay…" She drawled.

"Yes, that much I gathered." Anna giggled. She leaned back to grab Elsa's tea from beside her and passed her sister the mug. Anna watched as Elsa coaxed the hot liquid down her throat in one swift slug. She accepted the now empty glass and set it on the table. "Now," Anna smiled softly, relaxing her gaze back on the woman in front of her. "If Vera's okay and you're both home safe, then why would Irene be upset?"

"Because I hurt her!" Elsa shouted ridiculously.

Anna wavered her hands calmly at her sister, encouraging her to take a deep breath. "It sounds like you saved her, Elsa." She smiled proudly. "Irene can't possibly be angry with you. If anything, she's probably grateful."

"No!" Elsa was shaking her head disconnectedly. "You don't understand! She died because of something I asked her to do!"

Anna grabbed for her sister's hands, ignoring her protests when she tried to pull away. "And why did you ask her to do it?"

Elsa's shoulders drew up into a shrug. Her tongue fought against her words. "I don't know," She breathed. "To escape, to fend of Carlo? He was winning and I couldn't let him keep Vera!"

"So, she died trying to save you?" Anna hummed, squeezing her sister's palms. "Listen," She continued softly. "I'm sure you'll find that you and Irene can put all of this behind you, because all that really matters in the end is you both came home safe."

Elsa's tears returned. She stole from her chair and wrapped her arms tight around Anna. "But you didn't see her face…" She was sobbing, clawing her way into her sister's neck. "She was so still and so warm and her heart wasn't beating and it-" Elsa's throat scratched against her words. "It was like when I lost you!"

"Shh," Anna whispered into Elsa's ear. Her hand moved gently up and down the woman's back in comforting strokes. "She's okay now and I'm right here." She soothed. "She's okay because you brought her back."

"I," Elsa clutched at her sister's back. "But I could have-"

"Elsa," Anna pried her sister off of her, taking her face in her hands. "You're just scared." She explained at a hush. "That's all this is. You're thinking about what could have been because you were afraid."

"Of course I was scared!" The blonde shouted, pulling away from her sister's hold. Elsa sauntered to the fireplace on unsteady feet. "If Vera had died, if I had to come home without her I'd…" Elsa rested her hand against the mantle as she doubled over. Tears streamed wildly from her eyes and her body shook with vehemence.

"Enough of this, Elsa." Anna was at her back. She grasped onto Elsa's bicep with both palms and shook her alert. "Stop beating yourself up about what could have been. Stop hurting yourself with these fears. Vera is alive. You brought her home. You kept your promises." Anna spun her sister to face her. With delicate fingers she brushed away Elsa's tears and smiled. "You're too smart a person to allow yourself to be plagued by things that didn't happen."

Elsa nodded, averting her eyes to the ceiling as she stilled her tears. "You're right," She breathed, brushing her hands against the fabric of her skirt. "I'm being ridiculous."

"No," Anna sung. "You're being my sister." She smiled and nudged her arm affectionately. "And my sister has a giant heart that she never used to let anyone see, but lately," She grinned. "It's grown more open." Anna took their hands between them, keeping their eyes locked. "It's okay to be afraid for those you love. It's okay to get upset about it, but remember, it's your love for Vera that had you facing that storm in the first place. You're brave, Elsa." She shook their hands as a reminder. "You're a hero, not a monster. That's why I protected you and why Vera did the same. We both know you're someone worth fighting for."

Her first real smile of the morning sprang to Elsa's lips. She dragged her sister back into a brief embrace before pulling away. "Thank you, Anna." She kissed the red head's cheek softly. "Thank you for loving me."

Anna shrugged modestly. "Thing nothing of it! Now-" She directed Elsa back into her seat, returning to fill her mug from the kettle. "Sit, eat, relax." She instructed eagerly. "Everything else can wait!" Elsa did as she was told. Her parched lips sipped enthusiastically at her tea and soothed her knotted stomach. After a moment Anna came back to their side. Kristoff's hand found her knee as she sat, and he squeezed it supportively.

Elsa tipped her biscuit in the tea, swirling it delicately. She drew the morsel up to her mouth and looked up to find her sister still staring back at her. Her stomach gargled in protest. "Now what?" Elsa frowned dropping the biscuit back to her plate in irritation.

The woman blushed. "Just one more tiny question." Anna promised, indicating with her fingers just how small it would be. Elsa's glare darkened. "Before, you mentioned a little something about Vera being someone's daughter…"

Her heart stopped. "I what?" Elsa shouted. She pulled up into her chair with her eyes wide. "No I didn't!"

"You kinda did…"

"Yeah, you kinda did…" Kristoff echoed with his gaze turned to the wall.

"No," Elsa shook her head, raising her hands in protest. "I couldn't have! I didn't! I-" She stilled. "You can't say anything!" Elsa pleaded, begging with her sympathetic stare. "Irene trusted me with her secret and I betrayed her. You can't say anything to either of them!" Her fist slammed down onto the table. "I'm just going to keep making mistakes, aren't I? When will I learn?"

"Elsa, Elsa," Anna placed her hand over her sister's amongst the wooden table. "We're not going to say anything, honest. Don't worry about it!"

Elsa looked back and forth between the two of them. "You promise?"

They nodded in unison. "We promise." Anna squeezed her hold. "Now relax and drink your tea. We can worry about everything else later."

Releasing a sigh, Elsa dropped her shoulders. "Okay, you're right. I just need to relax." She brought the mug up to her lips as she closed eyes. The warm liquid traveled over her tongue and down her throat with joy. It worked to relieve her anxieties. It calmed her heart. All was returning to normal.

When her eyes returned to the table, she found Anna and Kristoff staring at her once more. Elsa flashed them a dangerous glare and tightened her grip on her mug.

"It's just," Anna's mouth tipped as Kristoff's eyes widened. "Wow!"

"Yeah, wow…" He echoed.

Elsa, ready to retaliate, leaned forward irritably in her chair. Her lips parted. Angered words sat thick on her tongue. Her hands found the table, ready to stand, when the door to the dining hall swung open. Everyone turned at once. Anna and Kristoff looked surprised and Elsa was still fuming. Irene was standing in the archway with her hands clasped to Vera's shoulders.

Both girls tipped their heads in opposite directions, facing the confusion. "Are we interrupting something?" Irene blinked as she pulled her head upright.

"No, no, of course not!" "You guys? No! Never!" Anna and Kristoff balked.

"It's nothing!" Elsa swung her hands wilding, knocking her mug of tea to the floor. Hot liquid strewn over the table cloth and soaked the front of her lap.

Anna slapped a hand to her forehead. "You'll have to forgive Elsa." She stood to retrieve a towel from the tea cart. "She's higher strung than usual this morning." She draped the towel over her sister's shoulder, ignoring her growl in response. "Now let me see you!" Anna cooed coming to kneel in front of Vera. The child stepped foreword and fell into the woman's embrace. Anna locked her hands around Vera gently, causing her to release a sigh of relief. "I'm so happy you're home!" She let go of the girl and bopped her nose with a single finger. "And safe! Don't you scare us like that again. Do you understand?"

Vera blushed, shying her glance to the wall. "I understand…"

"Good," Anna whispered as she returned to her feet. "Now let's get you both some tea." Irene went to slide past her, but Anna caught her hand. "Not so fast!" She gleamed. Anna pulled the woman into a hug, crushing her tight between her arms. "I'm glad you're home too." She whispered.

Irene was released from her hold. She offered Anna a small appreciative smile, tucking a fallen curl behind her ear. "Thank you," She breathed. "I'm happy to be back too." Irene was tugged to the table and forced by her shoulders into her usual seat.

Vera struggled to climb up into the chair at her side. "Hey little lady," Kristoff beckoned the girl with a finger, eliciting a wide grin. "Why don't you come sit with me?"

She eagerly approached Kristoff's side. "Hey!" She shouted. "Check this out!" Vera dropped the ties on the vest she'd been dressed in at the physician's. She exposed her tightly bandaged chest to the room, spinning so everyone could see. "If I wear this forever, I'll look like a boy!" The child giggled madly.

"Vera..." Irene shighed, her head dropping into her hands.

Anna and Elsa laughed into their sleeves while Kristoff seemed to pale a little.

Anna dished out the tea and retrieved the biscuits before joining her family at the table. A smile sat present on her cheeks that refused to leave. "So, what happened?" Anna asked Vera excitedly. "Elsa told me you stopped King Carlo!"

"He's toast!" Vera sung happily as she munched on the food placed in front of her.

"Did you?" Anna stabbed her sister with her hand for emphasis. "You know…"

The queen rolled her eyes. "No, but he won't be bothering us anymore." Elsa nodded to Vera encouragingly. "Arendelle is free from the Southern Isles, as are we."

"Good." Anna bounced happily. "Because I'm ready for life to get back to normal."

"Normal?" Elsa snickered, her eyes twinkling at her sister. "Yeah, normal would be nice."

Aw for squishy moments.

Review and many cheers,

-M