August 1st, 1840

Royal Highway, Arendal

While Queen Elsa lamented her loss of powers, her enemies in the North ironically were cursing her, as a moderate snow fall had hit them that morning, ceasing only just before noon. And while the rank and file were busy brushing off their tents and baggage while trying to get some drill in, the powers that be were discussing their fate.

Surtrsen and his staff had gathered to discuss the inevitable march south, or more accurately, Surtrsen had ordered his staff to be dictated to.

"Gentlemen, I have prayed for guidance and as such have come to the following conclusion: at first light tomorrow, we will strike camp and march south tomorrow. We will march 15 miles south, and then prepare camp and defenses for the night. The following morning, we will march to the edge of the city and construct the necessary earthworks at once. Understood?"

A number of stares was his response, some baffled, others annoyed. Answering all of them, Surtrsen replied with a weary "What?"

The first to speak was a new addition, Colonel Von Söldnerstadt. One of the mercenaries hired to assist the Crusader army, the German noble-in-exile had brought his battalion of troops as well. But he wasn't keen to sit back a collect a paycheck and let his bosses make bad calls.

"There is no reason to move so slow. If we started now, we could easily make it to Arendal before sunrise."

"Yes, but the men would be in no shape to fight, or set up defenses."

The German looked at him, baffled. "Defend against what? Disorganized, unfit, old men and boys? No, any raid or sallying attempt would be sluggish and slow, and certainly not during the first day."

"I will not be so cavalier with my men, Colonel. We go slow and steady."

"And while I'm loathe to agree with a German, the Colonel may be right on this." The new speaker was Captain Lacroix, a French Artillery officer shipped in to advise Surtrsen on Artillery matters and oversee his artillery. "Every day Arendal remains free of besiegement, is more one day more that refugees can enter the city. More refugees, means more defenders."

"And more mouths to feed." Lieutenant Frikron spoke up, acting as Ásta's personal attaché and representative at the meeting. "Her Holiness has it in good confidence that the enemy lacks the rations to feed so many refugees, and will likely collapse sooner. As for extra defenders, it just means less rats to deal with later."

Feeling justified, Surtrsen developed an eased posture. "Well said, Lieutenant. I guess her Holiness was right about you." Turning back to the others in the room, Surtrsen challenged the rest of his staff. "Aside from our foreign friends, does anyone else has objections?"

The rest of the gathered officers cast theirs eyes down or lightly shook their heads, as they all had seen what happened to those who defied Surtrsen before. While the mercenaries where safe, they weren't.

"Very well. We will follow my plan then. Dismissed."

The foreign officers shook their heads in a disgusted and exasperated manner, before briskly stepping outside. The Crusader officers left as well, though far more sheepishly. Of all the leaving officers, Lieutenant Frikron was the only one to leave with a sense of accomplishment, though no less uneasy.

For as soon as he had stepped a good distance away from the tent, did a very familiar voice pop up in his head.

Well done, Frikron. If it wasn't for your argument, those mercenaries might have talked him into an overnight march.

Frikron's eyes widened, as his fears came true. Before she left on an unspecified mission, she had told him to keep the plan on track, and that "she would be watching." Looking around quickly, he found an empty alleyway between two tents, before quietly whispering. "How are you talking to me?"

Left pants pocket.

Frikron stuck his hand into his pocket, pulling out a small stone with a number of glowing runes on it. "When did you do this?"

Right before I left. Turns out that my mind powers are useful when it comes to sleight of hand. Neat, huh?

"Goddamn it! I- "Frikron paused as a number of Crusader troops slogged by, not wanting them to think him crazy. As soon as they passed, he continued. "-I did what you wanted!"

I know. I wasn't sure you would, but you didn't disappoint. I shall return tonight, and I give you your next mission- and the secrets you want to know. See you soon.

Frikron waited a few seconds after Ásta's voice to cut off, just to make sure she was finished. Seemingly gone, Frikron looked down at the stone, tempted to discard it as a sign of rebellion. After all, he did not like the things he was doing. But Ásta had not lied, almost every time they met, the Draugr unveiled new secrets of the world, and now he was addicted. He'd play along for now, but he wondered just how far he'd go to get his next dose.

…

The Market District, Arendal

Moira stood outside the store, double checking the piece of paper she was given to ensure it was correct. "Maren's Fine Dresses" Moira read to herself, before looking up, seeing the same on the sign. "Here we are."

Moira stuffed the paper back into her uniform blouse, before entering the shop. Inside she was surprised at the utter lack of displayed dresses, as well as materials. Behind the counter of the shop was a shorter woman of above average build, her freckled face dour as she swept the floor. Without looking up, she sadly commentated. "Sorry dear, but I have no winter clothing or material left, nor anything in wool."

"I was told that you produced dresses styled after the Queen's"

The portly woman's eyes lit up, as she quickly set her broom aside and walked briskly to the counter, grabbing her tools. As she organized her kit, she quickly asked "Do you mean the sheer "ice" dress dear?"

"Yes, that's exactly what I wanted."

"Are you sure? It's expensive, and in this weather, you'll get a cold in minutes for sure."

"Yes, I got quite a bonus when I got accepted by the Royal Palace, and I'd figure better now than ever."

"I can see that. With the siege coming, I could see wanting to get that off your bucket list." Tools organized, Maren came out from around the corner, down to business. "Please step this way, Miss. It'll take just a moment."

…

Royal Arsenal and Quartermaster, Arendal

Anna stepped into the main administrative office of the Armory after an exhaustive tour of the inventory that covered everything from the handful of recently discovered light cannons to canteens, in which the officers droned on and on about every piece of kit that was on hand. Finally, the tour was over, and she could do what she was here to do, or at least she hoped so.

"So, that's our entire stockpile, your Highness. Now Captain Karlstad should be able to give a reliable estimate of personnel available for service."

Thank god, we've been here for HOURS…

"Please, Captain, give your report."

The grey haired spectacled man cleared his report. "Well, thanks to the recent transition to the new Dreyse Needle Rifle prototype and Kammerlader, we have quite a number of extra rifles on hand for a mass mobilization. In addition, there are quite a few extra influxes of manpower to be had. For example, after separating the police and needed auxiliaries, we have 138 of mercenaries willing to earn a paycheck."

Anna mentally turned her nose up at the thought of utilizing the men who worked for the madman who tried killing her and Elsa, before her logic and diplomacy eased her down. Still, she was cautious. "Can they be trusted?"

"Colonel Grimstad has double checked all of their backgrounds and found no history of revolutionary or anti-Arendaler ties that would be troubling. And even if they did, we need the men, your Highness."

"Very well. Anybody Else?"

"Yes. A few days' prior a ship arrived, dropping off about two hundred Irish workers. They've been uncooperative to our mobilization efforts. As of now, we've rounded them all up to keep them from causing trouble, but still are refusing to budge. Earlier today, they've elected a spokesman who wishes to speak to the Queen."

Knowing that Elsa still needed time to recuperate, Anna made the split second call. "I'll see them when I can and see what I can do."

"Very well, your Highness. Finally, based on what my men at the conscription office are telling me, combined with our arsenal, I have a good idea on the idealized mobilization population."

"And that is…"

"Every man aged 14 to 60 that is capable of standing and bearing arms."

Anna recoiled in shock, before speaking in a harsh, horrified tone "Fourteen? Sixty? You want to send boys younger than me into combat? That's horrible!"

Coldly, Karlstad replied. "Your Highness, every formation we have is understrength and desperately needing men, in addition to the formations we are trying to raise to defend this city from the people who want to destroy it. Even if every man in that category is found fit for service, plus we can convince the Irish to fight for us, we still project being outnumbered three to one. If we wanted to, we could expand the age group from 12 to 70, but I'm optimistic that refugees will give us the numbers to deplete our rifle stocks."

Anna shook her head. "How can I ask Fourteen-year-olds to fight and die?"

Without skipping a beat, Karlstad responded. "You tell them that if they don't, the enemy will burn down our town, kill his father and brothers, and rape his mother and sisters. After that, you'll be hard pressed to find a man unwilling to fight."

Anna paused for a moment, before replying a little more jaded. "Very well, you may proceed with the mobilization, Captain."

As the Officers shuffled their paperwork and either stood to attention or readied themselves to escort her out, Anna began to understand that perhaps there was a reason Elsa was so adamant on sheltering Anna from all off this. Even so, Anna's determination to carry the burden was not lessened in any great way.

…

Royal Palace, Arendal

It wasn't until late afternoon when Moira returned with the dress, finally greenlighting the process of dressing Elsa to meet the Prince of Bornholm. As such, Elsa finally climbed out of bed after a filling meal meant to give energy, and sat down and let Gerda and her maids go to work.

The process took longer than Elsa expected, who despite her Queenly duties had never been much for makeup, thanks to both her 'natural' features, and the self-dependent nature of her isolation. As such, even with the long Scandinavian summer day, it was sunset when she was finally finished. Her earlier meal digested, Elsa no longer felt so sluggish, though she was hardly bursting at the seams when they sat her down in the throne room, ready to receive the Prince.

All things in order, Kai offered Elsa one last chance before the point of no return. "Your Majesty, shall I get the Prince of Bornholm now?"

Elsa paused, considering the outcomes of this meeting. Likely, the young Prince was after something, as Princes often were. Now the Prince's measly forces by no means warrant anything serious, like her or Anna's hand in marriage, but the Prince could still walk out of here with much more than 50 soldiers' worth of concessions. Still, every soldier counted. "Send him in, Kai."

The old steward nodded and quickly departed, leaving Elsa alone in the room, save for the normal compliment of Royal Guard. Curious to her appearance, Elsa glanced into a mirror Gerda had provided her. Elsa was surprised to find how similar she appeared to her normal self, only noticing a few minor differences. With the except of the handful of people closely familiar with her, she doubted anyone would notice the few differences, such as having slightly more volume to her hair, the slightly paler complexion and the like.

Hearing the door open, Elsa quickly put the hand mirror down and assumed a dignified, regal posture, just in time for Kai to enter the door, before announcing his guests. "Your Royal Majesty, I present to you His Royal Highness Prince Ludwig af Bornholm, third of his name; as well as Captain Klein af Hasle, Captain of the Bornholm Royal Guard."

The first man to enter Elsa recognized as the Prince, thanks to her studies of the region's nobility and genealogy. Quite handsome, the young man carried himself with a good degree of confidence in his red and gold Cavalry uniform as he entered the room. Still beneath his well-groomed, blonde and blue eyed facade was something hidden, even if the Queen couldn't quite put her finger on it. He might have been better at it than Elsa was, but she still recognized the expression of a man hiding something deeply personal. However, while Elsa raised her guard, she wasn't going to dismiss him from that alone.

After all, just about every man and woman of the Nobility has at least one dark secret…

The second man was unfamiliar to Elsa, though between the introduction and the man's appearance and bearing, was clearly the Guard Captain. An older gentleman likely in his early-forties, he had the air of experience about him as well as wizened eyes set into a well-weathered face. Like the prince, he wore a Red and Gold Cavalry uniform, but whereas the Prince's was covered with every bit of decorations and trim he could justify, the Captain's was of a more practical nature. While the two approached the throne, the Captain was naturally in Sentry mode, scanning about the room for any perceived threat, as he should be.

When the two reached the appropriate distance to Elsa's throne, the two bowed with respect before returning to a cordial standing position. Being the host, Elsa initiated the meeting. "Prince Ludwig, Captain af Hasle, I welcome you to Arendal and my court. Your visit honors me."

The young prince nodded slightly, before replying. "And your personal reception honors me, Queen Elsa. And may I say accounts of your beauty and regality have proven to not be exaggerated."

Elsa blushed a little, though mostly from awkwardness than from being smitten. After all, while Bornholm was certainly handsome, he was rather boyish and Elsa was a bit of an old soul. Before she could object diplomatically, Captain af Hasle softly cleared his throat and gave his charge a sideways glance, one the prince saw and took note. Eager to move on, Elsa continued. "Very well. Prince Bornholm, while I am grateful for your visit, may I ask what your intentions are in Arendal?"

The young prince gave a slight smile, before responding. "It's quite simple, Queen Elsa. Queen Victoria and her government was trying to raise support for your rule against the Northern rebels, and as such recruited me."

"I see. But why come personally?"

"Well, Bornholm has no real military force besides my Royal Guard. And if I sent them, who would have been left to guard me?" The Prince stated, very matter of factly.

"Why come at all then? No court in Europe would look down on you for not getting involved, given your Principality's lack of an expeditionary army. Especially given your unmarried status…" Elsa had given particular emphasis to the last part, trying to elicit a reaction and therefore an answer on the young Prince's intentions.

To Elsa's surprise, Ludwig's reaction was not that of a suitor or manipulator, but a brief moment of panic and worry, before regaining a collected, confident appearance. Once again cool, Ludwig replied. "I would not worry, Queen Elsa. My intentions are noble- I simply want to get a war under my belt while I am still a young man. As for my personal safety, that's a risk I'm willing to take."

His sincerity seemingly sound, Elsa decided to move past it for now, but in no way did Elsa invest trust into Prince Ludwig. She had faced far too much betrayal by now to assume anyone was that selfless. Still, diplomacy was always required. "I must thank you then, Prince Ludwig for your generosity and courage. If you may, please meet with Colonel Marcks, and he will see to the deployment of you and your men in a manner you see fit."

"Very well, Queen Elsa. Farewell then, until another time." After that, Ludwig and Captain af Hasle bowed and departed out the way they came. The moment they were gone, Elsa pulled off the miserable white blond wig and dropped it to the side of her throne, exhaling loudly. With nothing more scheduled that night, Elsa stood up, slow and pained, before carefully heading towards the exit leading to her bedroom suite. Kai of course moved in to help, but was merely brushed off by Elsa. Tired of being queenly, Elsa merely wished to escape her imitation of an outfit and sleep as long as possible.

…

As soon as Ludwig and af Hasle had left the throne room and achieved a suitable amount of privacy, they at once began to discuss the events of the meeting. Eager to distract from his gaffe, Ludwig started in an upbeat manner. "So, that went well, don't you think Klein?"

"You need to work on your court etiquette, Ludwig. Such flattery isn't very wise to someone who is your social better."

"But you said-"

"No. What I said was to play the part of the suitor, which means following the rules of the game. Not making advances on everything that has a vagina."

The young prince hung his head low, leading the Guard Captain that helped raise him to give him a pat to the back. "No worries, Ludwig. No harm, no foul. Just be sure to learn from your mistake."

"But you can't blame me right? She was quite attractive after all."

The older Guardsman laughed, shaking his head. "Perhaps, even with the wig and makeup."

"Wig?" Ludwig asked, curious.

"Oh, boy. You couldn't tell? She was clearly wearing a wig."

"But it didn't-"

"Ludwig, I'm a Guard. It's my job to spot disguises when I see them. And I've done so for over two decades now, longer than you've been alive. Trust me, she was wearing a wig."

Ludwig paused a moment, before asking thoughtfully. "So what if she was?"

Captain Af Hasle smiled coyly, before replying. "Oh no, that's not my job. It's my job to tell you Queen Elsa was wearing a wig. What that means… that's for you to decide, your Highness."

…

Bit of Notes-

Another month, another chapter.

Sorry for the delay, but I was rather busy with stuff, having just gotten my driver's license and all of that. I had about 90% of this chapter done, but as things do, it got away from me.

Hopefully, I can get another chapter out as a Christmas gift, but either way, looking forward to the holiday season, and getting a chance to see my friends and family, especially my friends who are still serving in the actives.

See y'all soon,

O7,

Dragunov