Die. Die. Die. Die. Die.
Elsa ran.
Guards flooded Councilor Deerson's temporary chambers- first to tell her that the council was not coming, then to inform her she was ordered to flee.
"On whose orders?"
Her guards did not elaborate. After a few cannon shots, she was in no mood to wonder any more. Thankfully, the fighting had died out in the interlude. She watched as an army marched its way to her castle doors.
She stopped her flight. Fear had clouded her mind, worse than on her coronation. Her people, her country, they needed her. Someone had to be there when this army took over. She was queen it was her duty.
"NO!" Called one of her guards, dragging her along, "The general will handle it!"
Elsa briefly wondered who this general was, how he would handle it, and why people were giving her orders instead of taking orders from her. But all this meant little in light of the invasion. England, France, Spain... none of these were enemies. Indeed, none of them had any reason to attack Arrendelle. So why was an entire army here?
She recognized the ships the second she had spotted them- pirate hunters. She had sent a request for international help weeks ago. The Black Pirates had raided several of her country's ships, and, with a little help, she could put a stop to that. Baragor had testified in front of the council that he was responsible for leading-
Of course. Baragor had planned this.
Somehow he knew when Anna would be vulnerable. He knew about the deal. And, of course, he knew about Hans. But how?
She didn't have all the pieces of the puzzle, not yet. Turning to one of the guards, she issued an order, just one, "Get me Kai."
It took hours for her order to be followed, but at least someone still listened to her. The elderly man trudged up the hill wearily, giving his report.
"My queen... it grieves me to say this, but this is how the situation stands. Apparently, Prince Baragor has a paper indicting Arrendelle in illegal piracy. Furthermore, the council is handing over rule to a yet-unnamed third party, who seems to have taken control of Arrendelle. Please, I beg you, you must take control and lead your people."
Elsa turned from her servant, "You... want me to go back?"
He went silent, "Well... if you don't, someone else will take the throne."
"And if I do?"
"You'll find yourself on trial. But at least the people will know who to turn to."
Elsa ran her fingers self-consciously across her temple. She had a few long strands that had escaped the mauling of her head. Those fingers ran into her hat, grazing the growing hair.
It was coming back. She had hope.
"What of Councilor Deerson?"
"He is recovering in his chambers."
"Do you know who attacked him?"
"Not yet milady. Would you like me to go ask on your behalf?"
"No... it's okay. Go, inform the council I have a plan."
Kai gasped, "What's the plan?"
"Not sure yet," She answered, depressed, "But I don't need one right now. Find out what they know, and find out who's in charge. And Kai?"
"Yes, your majesty?"
"Please inform Baragor I am going to boot him from my shores, forever!"
And that was how the great nation of Arrendelle was done away with in less than twelve hours. Elsa stayed in the mountains as her kingdom was turned upside-down, powerless to do anything.
Finally, when the sun set, she settled on a plan.
"You want Arrendelle? Fine. You can have her," Elsa took a breath, conjuring her power to its fullest extent. The sky went dark, blocking out the light, "Let's see you rule a kingdom that rejects your very presence..."
She shed no tears. Her dignity, her sister, her kingdom, all things she had lost. There was nothing left to grieve for, for she had nothing left to lose. Or so she thought.