Hello everyone. I am terribly sorry about the very late update. I don't want to make excuses, but I had a very hard time at work. I hope it will be better from now on. Anyway, the next chapter is here. Viviana is still sticking to her role and it's starting to get on her nerves. Luckily, there's Mathias for her, trying to help her. But he's not the only one, who knows the truth. And finally, a message from Elsa arrives.


Chapter 28:

A matter of respect

It was a late night. Viviana was sitting at a roof ridge. The same roof ridge, they had been sitting at with Mathias twenty-three years ago. The same roof ridge, where there had started a series of unfortunate events, which had led her to her miserable life in solitude. She didn't know herself, why she had decided to come here. Just a mere look down at the ballroom terrace below made her feel dizzy. She wasn't afraid of heights. With her magic she could easily prevent any danger of falling. It was just… This place was bringing back bad memories. But despite that, she felt attracted to this place like a moth to a candle light.

Viviana couldn't sleep. Her head was full of troubled thoughts. People hated her. She had thought that her role as an evil Snow Queen would be easy. That it would be fun. But it wasn't. All these looks, full of fear and hatred, were driving her mad. As the Snow Queen, she had always been used to these looks before. But now, they were bothering her. More, than she was willing to admit. Just this evening, she had crashed into a young servant at a hall. It had been her fault. But she had been so tensed and distracted by the ceaseless frightened looks and worried whispers around her, that she had snapped at him in anger utterly unintentionally. The poor boy had run away, screaming. She had had a hard time not to run after him and apologize. Viviana hugged her legs and drew her knees tight to her chest. This was something, she hadn't been prepared for.

„I thought I would find you here," there sounded a voice behind her back.

Viviana gasped in surprise. „Mathias! How did you…? You shouldn't be here," she said without turning around. „If anyone saw us together…"

„Don't worry," he interrupted her in amusement. „I'm aware of the fact. I'm hidden under the window and I'm not going to show up."

„Why are you here?" she shot a quick look over her shoulder onto the empty frame of the window.

„I just thought you would like to talk to someone," there came a reply.

Viviana sighed. For a long moment, she was staring at her knees in a glum silence. „They fear me," she mumbled eventually. „After all these years I came home and all I can see around me is fear. Like nothing has changed." Her face twisted into a painful grimace. „I could have very well kept my heart frozen."

She stiffened in surprise, when she caught an amused chuckle. „Of curse they fear you. You can be pretty persuasive, you know?" This time, there was a pause from his side. „Viviana, they are not stupid. They will understand you were doing it for their sake. Viviana, I cannot imagine, what you have been through. I can just say that I haven't been so happy for years. I really missed you."

Viviana let out a faint smile. „Did you?"

„Of course, I did, you moron," he chuckled again. „And I wasn't alone. You should have seen Gerda's face, when I told her the truth. I can still feel my ribs as she was squeezing me in joy, crying on my shoulder. Viviana, the whole kingdom was devastated by the news of your death. I am sure they will celebrate your revival with the equal enthusiasm."

Viviana didn't respond. She just leaned back against the wall under the window with a smile, watching the fjord, like she had been used to as a child many years ago. With a smirk she realized, that her worries had vanished into the night and only the good memories remained. She was a child again, with no worries about the future, or the past, her mind wandering aimlessly around the world.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a strange noise from inside the attic. She puckered her eyebrows in wonder. „What are you doing there?" she whispered.

No response.

„Mathias?" she mumbled, risking a quick glance back over her shoulder.

There was a silent thud, as Mathias landed back on his place under the window, still not saying a word. Then she caught a sound of rustling paper. „The brave knight drew his sword and weaved it above his head. Then he aimed the tip of his sword on the dragon in front of him. 'Prepare, foul beast, for I, sir Roderick, have come to slay you.' He spurred his horse forward. The dragon attacked him with its claws, but the noble hero deflected all the attacks with his shield. And then, when he got close to the beast, he swung his sword and cut off the head of the evil beast."

Viviana couldn't resist a silent laugh. „What nonsense," she chuckled. „Everyone knows that if you're after a dragon, you must aim for the heart."

„You loved this book," Mathias objected in amusement.

„I did," Viviana confirmed. „And I still do. Despite the fact, that now I know, he wouldn't stand a chance. Charging a dragon head on? Oh, come on. He would be roasted in no time. Besides, dragons are not half as bad as people say. They are intelligent and peaceful beasts." She paused in consideration. „Most of the time," she added eventually. „To be honest, today, I would cheer up for the dragon."

Viviana leaned back against the wall under the window comfortably. It was unbelievable that after all those years nothing had changed between them. He always knew how to cheer her up. He knew what to say. Or when he didn't have to say anything. She finally relaxed completely, feeling the sleepiness taking control over her. „Mathias?"

„Hmm?"

Viviana let out a faint smile. „Thank you."

„For what?" he asked in surprise.

„For being here," she mumbled. „For making me feel better."

„You're welcome," he replied kindly. After another silent pause, he added. „Viviana, I know you told me to stay away, but if there was anything I could help you with about Hans… You know I will be happy to help."

Viviana shook her head at first with a smile, but then, she stiffened, as an idea crossed her mind. Why giving Hans even the slightest chance? Anna will not be happy about losing her share of fun, but…

Her lips widened in a sly smirk. „Actually, you could."


It was long after dawn, but Viviana wasn't in a rush to leave her room. Her conversation with Mathias the last night had raised her mood, but despite that, she had no desire to expose herself to these hateful looks more, than necessary. She took her time to make her hair to her absolute satisfaction, using her magic to fix it on its place. When she verified the final condition of the tip of her haircut with her hand, she nodded happily. She was proud of her hair, no matter, what people were saying. That no one wore their hair like this? Bah! No one could wear an ice dress as well and people loved it. Viviana stood up from her… actually Anna's cosmetic table and smartened her dress. And then, satisfied with the final impression, she left her room.

Decided to avoid any unnecessary contact with people, she headed straight to the castle gardens. It was a nice and peaceful place, out of peoples' sight, serving for the purposes of Arendelle nobility. And considering the current situation, she didn't expect to meet anyone down there. Once in the gardens, she looked around, searching for any sign of human presence. Not counting guards on the walls, who were desperately trying to avoid her attention, there was no one to be seen. She smiled contentedly and took a deep breath of cold, winter air.

Viviana looked around again, this time focusing on the garden itself. What a shame it wasn't spring. All the flowers blooming, the air filled with the sound of birds' song… Viviana sighed nostalgically. She was looking forward to see the sight again. But it will have to wait. On the other hand… even winter had its magic, didn't it? And since she was the Snow Queen…

With a happy smile, Viviana started casting her spells, adjusting the condition of the garden to her satisfaction. She didn't care about someone watching her. What was bad about it? Or rather… what wasn't? Even the evil sorceress could appreciate a beauty of the nature, especially decorated according to her will. With a single gesture, she covered the whole garden in a thin layer of snow, leaving only pathways clear. White frost on the tree… mild snowfall in the air… and the fountain… Viviana smiled. She loved the shapes of the gushing water being suddenly frozen in the air. They were unique. Every single shape was original and unrepeatable. Like snowflakes.

She raised her hand and a blast of her magic hit the fountain. The water froze immediately, creating a beautiful sculpture. Viviana was watching it with a smile. She had to admit, that she had never enjoyed the beauty of the winter like she was now. She had always been focused on terror and destruction. It was the first time now, when she could focus on creation. It was something new for her.

Viviana was fully immersed in her thoughts, admiring her work. So she couldn't resist a surprised yelp, when she caught a voice behind her back.

„Good morning, Your Majesty."

Viviana whirled around in alarm and spotted Gerda, standing nearby, hidden in a shade of live fence from sight of guards on the walls. Viviana let out a sigh of relief and her racing heart started to calm. Gerda had caught her off guard. Viviana looked carefully around the guards on the walls. No one seemed to pay attention to her, but she wasn't going to risk anything. She focused her mind on her snow, trying to reveal a presence of anyone else. If anyone was in the garden, her snow would tell her. But except them, there was no one. With an indifferent expression on her face she approached Gerda.

Gerda was watching her approach in worries. Mathias had told her about Viviana's plan of course, but she couldn't resist her concerns. And the strange expression on her face… Almost subconsciously she made a step back. What if it wasn't Viviana at the end? What if Mathias was wrong? What if she hurts her? Shouldn't she run away? The woman in front of her entered the shade of the trees… and a warm smile spread on her face. She lunged forward. „Oh, Gerda," she whispered, squeezing her in a tight embrace. „I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I yelled at you, but…"

„I know, darling," Gerda embraced her back, feeling great relief. „I knew it! I knew it was you! Oh, God, I am so glad you're alive." She pulled away from her with a huge smile on her face and tears in her eyes. „But how? How is it possible? Everyone thought that you were dead. For all those years…"

„It's a very long story," Viviana smiled. „Do you remember the night when I fell off the roof?"

„And you destroyed the whole terrace with your magic? Of course, I do."

Viviana's eyes shot wide open. „You knew?"

Gerda smiled soothingly and stroked her cheek gently. „My dear girl. I am your nanny. Of course, I knew. Something like that cannot be hidden completely. I was amongst the few chosen people, who your parents entrusted with their secret. I knew the truth about Elsa as well. I only wish I could help you more."

„I see…" Viviana smiled sadly. „You don't have to be sorry. You couldn't do anything. That night, when I fell, I wasn't hurt, like everyone thought. I just panicked. I was scared to meet anyone. My parents decided I needed someone to teach me to control my magic. They found a sorcerer, who was supposed to help me, but he deceived them. He kidnapped me and made them believe I died." She sighed. „And he made me believe they didn't want me to come back."

„Oh, my sweetheart. I am so sorry." Gerda enveloped her in an embrace again. „Your parents never ceased to love you. I know how heartbroken your mother was, when they announced the terrible news about your death. We barely made her eat these days."

Viviana didn't respond. She just laid her chin on Gerda's shoulder. A sob escaped her lips. It was a strange, painful, yet heart-warming feeling to hear those words. Her mother had loved her.

„I am so sorry, my darling, that you had to come home right when it was besieged by an enemy. It is not the happiest way to come back home…"

„Oh, don't worry about that," Viviana chuckled, breaking the embrace and wiping tears off her eyes. „We have everything under control. Hans is going to regret ever laying his hands on Arendelle."

Gerda gave her a doubtful look. „My darling… are you sure, you can handle prince Hans and his army all alone?"

„But I am not alone anymore," Viviana replied happily. „I have my sisters."

Even over her doubts, Gerda forced herself to smile back. „I am glad you have found your path to each other. If only it could do without so many hardships. But please, be careful my dear. I don't want to lose you again. None of you."

Viviana was about to respond, when she suddenly felt something disturbing her spell. It was too small for a person and it was approaching from above. Viviana looked up with a smile, for she was certain about the nature of the intruder. She raised her hand.

A small, white bird circled around and landed on her index finger willingly. Viviana drew it closer.

Gerda looked at the small bird in wonder. „What is it?" she asked, curiously.

„It's a message from Elsa," Viviana inspected the bird curiously. It seemed like an ordinary magical being, showing no sign of self-awareness, like Olaf. It was good, for she wouldn't want to destroy any of Elsa's creations with their own mind by accident. With a contended nod, she let it vanish. „It means she has reached Arendelle. Tomorrow morning, she will enter the city."

„And then?"

„Hans gave me a promise, that it will be me, who gets the honour to kill her," she smirked in amusement, seeing Gerda's face. „He will let her enter the city, where we will clash in a duel. Or we are supposed to. Hans won't miss it. It won't be difficult for us to capture him. And once Hans is captured, his soldiers will have no choice, but to give up."

„And what about Anna?" asked Gerda in concerns. „What if he tries to hurt her?"

„Don't worry," Viviana chuckled, remembering her conversation with Mathias. „She is taken care of."

„But…"

Viviana raised her hand to silence her, alarmed by another trigger of her warning spell. „Someone is coming," she whispered, quietly. „Do not worry about us, everything will be fine," she smiled. „Now go. This way." Viviana pushed her down the path, hidden behind the living fence. Gerda gave her one more desperate look, but she didn't resist. She crouched and as quietly as she could, she vanished behind trees.

Viviana was watching her with a smile, until Gerda disappeared from her sight and then she turned around, putting on her cold, unreadable face. Right in time. From behind a corner, there appeared lord Stefan.

„Enjoying the solitude, Your Majesty?" he addressed her with a polite smile.

„I was," she said coldly, her eyes fixed on the frozen fountain. She approached it slowly, paying no attention to him. She hoped that he would leave her alone, but lord Stefan didn't let her behaviour discourage him.

He stood next to her, following her gaze. „A beautiful sculpture, my lady. So majestic in its cold beauty. Just like you."

„Are you courting me, lord Stefan?" Viviana smirked mockingly. „I'm afraid I am not interested into meaningless compliments."

To her surprise, she heard an amused chuckle. „I do apologize, Your Majesty. No. I am not courting you. I would never stand in prince Hans's way."

„He told you?" she exclaimed more in surprise, than anger, turning to him.

„He didn't have to," he smiled. „It was more than obvious, what he was up to. Not that it wouldn't be a good plan. Marrying the mighty Snow Queen would give him everything, he wanted."

Viviana looked at him in consideration. Was he toying with her? „Are you telling me just like that?"

„Your Majesty, a woman as intelligent and cunning as you, must have already revealed his true motives," said lord Stefan in a conversational tone.

Viviana hesitated. It was no casual chatter and though lord Stefan seemed to be unconcerned, she knew, that he was trying to reveal her secret. „Of course, I have realized his motives, lord Stefan," she replied eventually in a cold tone. „I am smarter than him. Not to mention the fact, I am struggling for Elsa's life. Staying in Arendelle, people would quickly turn against me, instead of him. Once, he felt his chance, he would kill me and become a hero, who avenged the queen."

„Indeed," lord Stefan nodded with a smile. „But that brings me to a question, why haven't you rejected him yet. Or more, why haven't you killed him."

„All, I am interested in now, is Elsa's death, lord Stefan," she said in a freezing voice. „Once this is over, I can focus on punishing a disobedient prince. Now if you'll excuse me…" she turned away from him, ready to leave. But his next words froze her on place.

„Are you sure you want to leave, princess Viviana?"

Viviana's eyes shot wide open. She couldn't move. „You… you know?" she mumbled.

Lord Stefan approached her slowly. She could hear his steps, but she was unable to react. What should she do? Should she freeze him? But what if he had already told someone? What if they hurt Anna?

As if he heard her thoughts, lord Stefan stopped just a step behind her. „You do not have to worry, Your Highness. I am not going to reveal your secret." Viviana turned to him, confused, but she couldn't come up with an answer. She was just looking at him with a confused expression. „I mean harm neither to you, nor to your sisters, princess," he continued silently, so no one could hear them by accident.

„But… but why?" Viviana shook her head, trying to pull herself together. „You said that you prefer Hans in reign of Arendelle over Elsa and now, you're telling me you're not going to reveal me? Why?"

„I am a practical man, Your Highness," lord Stefan chuckled in response. „I am aware that without the help of the real Snow Queen, prince Hans has no chance against the queen. Even if you didn't interfere. Now, even if I revealed your true identity, we could hurt you, but we couldn't defeat you. It would do a great harm to both sides. I am not willing to let it happen." He paused for a moment, looking at her in consideration. „On the other side, if I step back, then the queen will still be willing to negotiate about our treaties."

„I see…" Viviana nodded slowly. „You are a unique man, lord Stefan. I rarely come across a person I am not able to read."

Lord Stefan smiled and bowed slightly. „Thank you, Your Highness. It is a great praise from a woman, like you."

„Very well," Viviana straightened, finally settling her mind. „I believe you, lord Stefan. Once this is over, I will persuade Elsa to meet you and discuss your matters as allies. But if I find out that you betrayed me and my sisters get hurt…"

„I understand, Your Highness," he nodded seriously in response. „I will not interfere and tell my men to step back, once the queen arrives."

Viviana let out a faint smile. „Thank you. I should leave now. It wouldn't be good, if anyone saw us talking too long."

She turned to leave, but lord Stefan stopped her once more. „There is one more thing I have come to tell you, Your Highness."

„Such as?" she looked back.

„On my way here, I met prince Hans, accompanied by two of his men. They were heading to the dungeons."


„Gah!"

Kristoff bent forward after Hans's punch. Two guards, who had been holding him straight, dropped him on the ground. He raised his head giving Hans a defiant look.

„Well, well, well. You aren't as cheerful as when we met before," smirked Hans, adjusting his glove. „But I must admit. You have endurance. I haven't expected from you to last so long." He darted forward and kicked defenceless man in his stomach.

„Ugh…" Kristoff curled up, protecting his stomach by his hands and trying to catch a breath.

„Leave him be, you monster!" Anna shouted, trying to get free from her shackles desperately. She was chained to the opposite wall, forced to watch.

Hans turned to her with an evil smile. „Oh, Anna. You should choose your words more carefully. Your insults and threats won't make me stop." He kicked poor Kristoff fiercely again.

„No, please!"

„That's better," he averted from the lying man and approached her slowly with a sly smile. „I like you much more, when you're begging me. How about you give it one more try?"

„Please, Hans," Anna backed away, seeing him approaching. She wasn't really scared of him. Hans wouldn't really hurt her, for he was afraid to anger Viviana. But she was scared of what he could do to Kristoff, if she was fighting back. Anna pressed her back against the cold stone. „You are not interested in Kristoff. Who you really want to hurt to, is me. I… Hurt me, if you want. I won't tell Viv… the Snow Queen. But please, let him be."

„Oh," he smiled stopping just a step from her. „How noble and selfless offer. But why should I do it? Hmm? Why should I stop, when we're having so much fun?"

„Please… I'll do whatever you want," she whispered in fear. She wanted to help Kristoff, no matter what, but what if Hans… what if he…

Hans's smile grew wider. „An interesting offer. You know… I've been thinking about you. I've been thinking about the moment, when we meet again since I decided to come back to Arendelle. I have no real grudge against you. I just want to kill your sister. But how about you? What shall I do with you?" He leaned closer. „That reminds me… I owe you a kiss."

„No!" Kristoff tugged on his chains, trying to stand up, but he was grounded again by one of the soldiers.

With a smile, Hans turned his attention back to Anna. „How about it, Anna? Will you give me a kiss? Maybe, if you'll be persuasive enough, I will stop."

He grabbed her chin gently, lifting it up. Anna clenched her teeth. She could try to resist. She could punch him. But what good it would be for? She wouldn't help Kristoff and it would only reveal, that she wasn't cursed. She had to endure it. Anna couldn't withstand the look on Hans's face. She closed her eyes tightly. 'I am a poor, defenceless girl. I am a poor, defenceless girl.' She was repeating for herself, feeling his breath on her lips.

„HANS!"

„Who dares…?" Hans shouted and whirled around in anger. But when he spotted the intruder, his voice faded and his face turned pale.

Viviana entered the cell. Her face was ice cold, but her eyes were burning in anger. Anna let out a sigh of relief. Her body started shaking violently and she slid down on the floor. „I thought, we had a deal," Viviana continued in a low, dangerous voice.

„My… my lady," Hans stammered out. He couldn't resist but make a few steps back under her gaze.

„We had a deal," Viviana repeated coldly, forcing him back slowly, further from Anna. „I promised to take care of Elsa and I asked for nothing else than keep your hands away from them, until I say otherwise."

„I haven't touched the girl…" he tried to defend.

„Sure, you haven't," Viviana stopped in the middle of the room. „I believe you. But I understand how tempting can a revenge be. So, I will help you keep your promise." Viviana cast a spell and created an ice soldier in between them. „My loyal knight will guard the cell. No one will enter or leave it, until I say so." She caressed the ice knight's arm. „He will kill anyone, who tries to get past him. Do you understand?"

„My lady, I…"

„Do you understand?" Viviana said again, more empathically hypnotizing him with her eyes.

„Is this really necessary?" Hans stepped forward, almost angrily. „I am a king. Do you think it's necessary to undermine my respect in front of…"

„Your respect?" Viviana interrupted him harshly. „What about my respect? I was asking for one little thing and you weren't able to follow it. And I am not even going to kill you. Believe me, Hans. People rarely offend me and live." She paused for a moment in a dramatic pause and then continued. „Elsa will arrive tomorrow." She was still talking to Hans, but Anna knew, this information was directed to her. „They will do without food until then."

„I… understand, my lady," Hans bowed his head. „Please, accept my apology."

„Now leave," Viviana hissed.

Without a word, Hans motioned to his guards to leave and followed them. Viviana was watching them, until they left the cell and then, turned to leave as well, but then suddenly Kristoff sprang up and attacked her. „You will not hurt Elsa!" he shouted and punched her face.

His fist went straight through her head without resistance. He was watching her in fright as her head was forming back from a shapeless snow mound. Viviana turned to him without rush. „Brave, but foolish," she commented calmly. Then she raised her hand and hit him with a blast.

With a yelp, Kristoff fell backwards and landed on the stone floor. It was not a hard strike, but it was enough to knock the air out of his lungs. He tried to stand up again, but this time, his legs refused to cooperate.

Anna bit her lip. She knew Viviana had to do it, but still, she decided that once it is over, she will have a talk with her about it.

Without paying her a single look Viviana left their cell, followed by her icy guardian. Anna was listening, until the sounds of their footsteps faded in the distance. Then she hurried to Kristoff, but her chains stopped her. „Kristoff? Are you alright?"

„Yeah," Kristoff moaned and tried to stand up again. „Somehow…"

Anna exhaled in relief. „She has just saved your butt, you know? What were you thinking, attacking her like that?"

„I don't know. I wanted to… knock her out." He rolled on the ground and leaned against the wall opposite to her. „Anna, Elsa won't stand a chance against her. You saw it yourself…"

„Don't worry about Elsa," Anna smiled soothingly. „I've already told you that I have a plan."


Elsa was looking down on Arendelle and the enemy fleet in the docks from a cliff above the city. It was a huge fleet, but the fleet didn't concern her. What she was concerned about, were her sisters. Were they okay? What if something went wrong? She still couldn't resist a bad feeling about this all. King Arthur stood next to her and put a soothing hand on her shoulder. „Don't worry, Elsa. They're alright. Tomorrow, everything will be over."

Elsa sighed and nodded. „I know."

„We should find a place to hide for the night and discuss our plan. You will be on your own in the city."

Elsa nodded again and averted from the sight on the city. They walked back to Lieta, who was guarding their horses. She greeted them with a smile. „So, how's the situation?"

„As expected," her father replied. „According to the size of the fleet I estimate about five thousand men. But that doesn't matter. They won't be a problem, once we capture Hans. We have to find a way to get into the city. If only we had some diversion."

Lieta suddenly turned alert and looked behind their backs. „Dad. Someone's coming."

They turned around in alarm. A group of three men was coming their way. The king drew his sword, but Elsa ceased him. „No, wait. They're Arendelle soldiers."

The group approached them. When they were close enough, their leader spoke. „My lady! Oh, thanks God you're alive!" They all bowed before Elsa. „I was hoping my eyes weren't deceiving me."

„Stand up, please," Elsa motioned to them with a smile. „Well met, captain," she continued once they stood up again. „I am happy to find a friendly face. Do you know something about the situation in the city?"

„The city has been taken by an enemy, my queen," the captain informed her. „Prince Hans has invaded Arendelle two weeks ago. Luckily, there were no casualties. Most of our men were outside the city during the attack, so prince Kristoff decided to give it out without a fight."

„They weren't in the city?" Elsa asked in surprise. „And where are they now?"

„We've gathered in the mountains, my lady. There are two thousands of us. We are awaiting your orders."


Finally. Another chapter is over. I hope you enjoyed it. In the next chapter, Elsa finally reaches Arendelle and confronts Hans and the 'evil Snow Queen'. Stay tuned. Soon everything will be over. Any comments appreciated as always. Until the next chapter, bye.