Finally, passing 100k words! Woo!

Don awoke the next morning to find himself alone, and with a rather terrible headache. He sat up in his bed, noting the torn sheets and the feather stuffing of at least two pillows covering the room. He blearily went to the kitchen, pouring himself a glass of water. Looking in a nearby mirror, he saw the claw marks across his chest and back.

It took him twice as long to ready himself, and he prayed that his servants would forgive him for the mess he had made.

Georg and Dieter, who were waiting patiently outside his outer door, both smirked as he exited.

"Had a bit of fun last night, did we?" Georg began, before Dieter finished. "The castle just about toppled from your… fun… last night. Rumors are already circulating. Don, may we ask who the lucky lady was?"

He grumbled, before finally giving in.

"It was the Lady of Larsdalen," He said, almost guiltily, "Though I made her no promises."

Georg snorted.

"A babe in her arms could be considered quite a promise." He said. "You may be forced to acknowledge a child if one is so forthcoming…"

"Then I shall," Don responded, fixing his jacket, "I truly don't care that much. And it isn't likely to happen again…"

The twins rolled their eyes, before escorting him out to the courtyard, where a local noble waited to greet him.

"My King, may I present the Duke of High Burrow," Dieter said, bowing Don forwards, "He has come to swear fealty."

"That I have, Your Majesty." The old, pudgy bearded man said. "I have heard tales of your great prowess, and your… extra abilities. Not to mention that you now reign over nearly all the lands between Arendelle and Mossberg."

"Thank you, Your Grace," Don said politely, stepping forward and taking the older man's hands in his own, "I am new to these lands, having been chosen by the former Prince, may god rest his soul, and confess that I do not know High Burrow well."

"Never has there been a better excuse, Your Majesty," The man said, revealing himself to Don to be of his least favorite type of noble, a flatterer, "It is good land, to the south. About eighty miles square, with ten thousand subjects."

"How many are trained in the art of warfare?" He asked, looking towards two of his Valdistonian guards sparring in the corner. "How many lancers? Crossbowmen?"

The man looked perplexed, looking to one of his retinue.

"Your Majesty, we have fifty men trained as archers, who serve as my Ducal guard," The Duke said uncertainly, "But other than that, we have only peasants and a few minor lords and knights…"

"If you swear fealty to me," Don said, nodding towards the sparring men, "I will require five hundred of your strongest men, and three of your nobles, one of them being preferably being a son of yours."

"Your Majesty, two hundred strong men, that would cut into our cultivation and…" He stopped as Don looked at him sharply. "I am sorry, Your Majesty, I spoke out of turn."

"No, I aim to be a fair King. Finish what you were saying."

"Well, five hundred men would cut into our cultivation, and in turn that would lower the taxes that I could levy against my people…"

Don nodded to Georg, who went over to a strange looking contraption. Loading a series of clay disks into it the arm.

"… And, Your Majesty, I have no sons who could lead that force. I have only three daughters," He made a waving gesture with his fingers, and three women stepped forward. "May I present my daughters, Lisette, Charlotte and Meghan."

Well, a woman and two girls. Don thought. The youngest looked to be fourteen or fifteen, the second probably a year or so younger than Don and the oldest a little older. And none are all that beautiful…

Don kissed each of their knuckles in turn, having to stoop quite low for the youngest.

"It is a pleasure to meet you all." He said, noticing how the eldest smiled coyly at him, looking at the Duke again, "But I shall require some men, Your Grace. How does two hundred for three months sound? So that I may become familiar with them, and them with my own tactics?"

The Duke nodded, bowing graciously.

"Your Majesty is both kind and fair."

Don inclined his head respectfully.

"Now, my morning time to train has happened upon us." He said, removing his jacket. "You may watch if you wish, though I have refreshments and quarters prepared for your stay. My servants will show you where."

The Duke accept his offer, though he left his two eldest daughters with chaperones to watch.

And he whispered something in the eldest ear. Don thought, knowing without a doubt that it had been him entreating her to find a way to seduce him. I'll have to make sure not to drink too much.

"Are you ready, Your Majesty?" Georg called from the contraption he had finished loading.

Don nodded his ascent, and the contraption swung, sending a disk hurling into the air. His arm went up, following it, leading it slightly…

The two ladies gasped as a bolt of lightning shot from Don's hand, turning the clay disk to dust.

"Again!" He called, and this time, two disks flew. Neither reached the top of their arc. On the next, four. It was only when eight flew as one that Don missed.

"Damn…" He said under his breath, as Raoul approached.

"My Lord, we have a guest. He wishes to speak to you immediately."

Don, now bathed in sweat and panting, looked up to see a familiar face walking towards him.

Thought he seems to have grown. Thicker in the chest, and he doesn't slouch anymore.

"Finlay! My friend," Don said, shaking the young man's hand, "What brings you to my neck of the woods?"

"Umm…" Don smiled as he saw that Finlay's aversion to speaking still rang true. "Well… Queen Elsa sent me. To bring you this."

Don felt himself freeze up as he heard him speak, and it took him a moment to notice that Finlay was holding out a small letter. Taking it in numb fingers, he stuffed it into his pocket.

"Well, I think I shall read it in private…" He said quickly. "Raoul, please show Finlay to the main dining room. Give him refreshment and a room if he wishes."

And then he ran, his long legs carrying him across the courtyard in half a hundred long strides. He burst into the tower that contained his room, and charged up the stairs. Closing his door behind him, he was stunned to find his room completely repaired and cleaned.

I need to pay my servants more. Or at least give them a bonus.

Taking the letter out of his pocket, he closed his eyes, smelling lavender.

Opening it, he saw her neat, flowing handwriting.

Donner,

I shall start by apologizing. I called you a 'monster' out of fear. But, since you left us, I have wished only that I could take back those words. If you wish to hear my apology in person, come alone to my ice palace on the North Mountain on August the First.

With Affection,

Elsa

The note felt like a lead weight in his hands, as guilt flooded through him.

She loves me still, and yet I have bedded another woman. He thought, feeling sick.

He would give her a reply though.

I shall meet her, four days from now. And if she is disgusted with what I have done… Then I shall say goodbye.

Elsa felt strange sneaking out of her own city. She'd told Anna she was going for a trip to the Ice Palace for a night, to see if it needed any repairs…

And it took all of my willpower not to yell at her when she wouldn't stop demanding to come!

But she'd finally convinced her sister that she needed to stay and take care of Arendelle. Though her sister had made her take her two new ladies-in-waiting.

Neither of whom know the real reason I am here… She thought, as she walked across the great ice bridge she'd created a year before.

A familiar hill of snow, the great snow beast she had created before, sat curled by the doors. It stirred when she grew near.

"Go away!" It boomed, before its eyes narrowed. "Creator! I am sorry for yelling at you."

"It is okay," Elsa said, as she walked up to her snow creation, "Who knocked off your arm?"

The snow beast grumbled.

"The big man who shot lightning, he and the others from before came and took your crown." The beast said. "But he said you would come, and you've come!"

Ah. She thought. With a flick of her wrist, snow congregated on the snow beasts wounds.

"Thank you, Creator!" It bellowed.

"Your welcome. Now, we should be having a guest soon… King Donner." She said, before correcting herself. "The lightning man. You can let him in, okay?"

"Yes, creator!" The beast stomped off across the bridge.

"We're having a guest, Elsa?" Eleanor asked, his brows knitting in confusion.

Elsa sighed, turning.

"I'm sorry for keeping you two in the dark about this," She said, opening the great doors of her palace, "I've come here to meet with King Donner of Valdiston and Arskall… Hopefully."

Christine, her curly brown hair framing a pretty face, was the first too speak up.

"Have you… is this a romantic meeting, My Lady?" She asked, a smile just barely touching her lips.

"No!" Elsa said defensively, though her pale skin flushed, giving lie to her words. "I simply wish to speak to him… He saved all of Arendelle, and I was rude to him."

Her two ladies nodded, taking out some of the supplies they had brought with them. While they did that, Elsa walked up the long sweeping stairs that led to the upper chambers. She reveled in how beautiful the castle still was, not having deteriorated after a year of her absence.

Reaching the top, she looked out over valley below, seeing the beauty of the stars above. As she looked out upon the, and time passed, she began to sing. It was a song that she had long ago thought she'd forgotten, but one that came easily back to her.

You were once my one companion

You were all that mattered

You were once a friend and lover

Then my world was shattered

Wishing you were somehow here again

Wishing you were somehow near

Sometimes it seemed if I just dreamed

Somehow you would be here

Wishing I could hear your voice again

Knowing that I never would

Dreaming of you won't help me to do

All that you dreamed I could

Passing bells and sculpted angels

Cold and monumental

Seem for you the wrong companions

You were warm and gentle

Too many years fighting back tears

Why can't the past just die?

Wishing you were somehow here again

Knowing we must say goodbye

Try to forgive, teach me to live

Give me the strength to try

No more memories, no more silent tears

No more gazing across the wasted years

Help me say goodbye

"You say goodbye, and I'll say hello."

Elsa jumped as a voice spoke from behind her. Whirling, she saw the object of all her desires standing there.

"How long have you been there?" She asked, quickly closing the outer doors. "Were you watching me?"

Don smiled lightly, removing his heavy coat with its edging of fur. Her desire roared into life, as she saw that he had filled out. He was still shy of his father's great height, but he still towered over her. And she saw the thick wrists and arms of someone who had been training with the sword.

"Of course, Your Majesty. Where else would I lay my eyes?" He said matter-of-factly, slowly stepping towards her. "There is nothing that could hold a candle to you in this room, let alone the world. And your voice is as lovely as I remember."

She snorted.

"Flattery will not get you very far with me now, King Donner."

They circled each other, Don's eyes shifting over her frame, seeming to drink her up. Then he was on his knees in front of her, his head bowed and eyes closed.

"My life is yours, Queen Elsa." He said suddenly. "I was responsible for your mother and father's deaths, and I allowed your sister to be… to be murdered. Though she was brought back to life, thank god. If you wish me to die… Please take it. Take the hurt away."

The pain in his voice struck her like a physical blow, and she felt her heart swell with… with regret.

"King Donner," She said, before shifting her voice, "Don, please stand. Look at me."

He did as she asked, standing and looking down at her.

"I forgive you, for everything." Her hand touched his cheek, feeling the warm tears that ran down them. "I… I can't stand to be without you."

"Elsa… I have done terrible things." Don's reached up and touched her hand, gently pulling it away. "I've killed hundreds of men… Even members of my own family." Then a look of guilt crossed his face, as if what he was about to say next was worse than what had come before. "And… And I've lain with another woman."

Her eyes shot wide, but she didn't retreat.

"Are you… are you engaged? Have you made promises?" She said, feeling her desire, and in turn her dreams, crumbling before her. "Tell me, Don!"

"No, no promises." He said quietly. "No engagements. I… I heard news that you were accepting suitors. And… I drank quite a lot." A tiny, sad smile crossed his lips. "Arskall is quite infested with courtiers… I'm sorry, Elsa."

I've never felt so relieved.

Her resolve tightened as she heard his words, her eyes looking up into his. Then she reached up and pulled his face down, their lips meeting with a spark that lit the fires of her desire.

"If you have made no promises," She said when she pulled away, "Then… Then you will be mine. And mine alone. Do you understand me?"

She watched as his eyes lit up, and his arm went around her waist.

"From this day forth, I shall be yours, and you shall be mine." His hand drifted down, squeezing her rear end and causing her to blush. "Will you marry me? I don't have a ring… But I will have one made."

"I accept your proposal." She said, her heart bursting with joy. But a problem seemed to tease at the back of her consciousness. "The suitors though… I can't just send them away. It would be a great dishonor upon them…"

Don's hands explored her body as she spoke, the thick material of her dress taking away the feeling of it. His caresses ceased for a moment, and he turned her around to look at him.

"Elsa… What is going on in Arendelle? How is Anna? Did Kristoff's hand heal properly?" He asked breathlessly. "There is so much I have missed out on… And much that I need to tell you."

The warmth that had flowed across her dissipated as the seriousness of his tone registered.

"Then… let us sit down to tea, shall we?"

Two hours went by as they spoke, the two ladies in waiting having excused themselves to one of the many rooms on the bottom floor.

"So… so all of this empire building that you've been doing is because of your father's final words?"

"Yes." He said, reclining at the little ice table she'd created. "Normally, I would never have trusted my father. But what reason could he have had to lie?"

"Your father was a very strange man." She said, drinking the last of her tea. "Well… what do you plan to do, Don? If our marriage is to come true, what will become of our lands?"

Don looked down thoughtfully at the only half full cup of tea in front of him.

"I believe we can work something out. Arendelle becomes a part of the Valdiston-Arskallian Kingdom, with all of the nobility rolled together as I have done. It will maintain limited autonomy, but any children we have will inherit it all in one great lump."

Elsa smiled.

"You've never lacked in ambition, have you?"

Laughing, Don reached out brushed a loose lock of hair from her eyes.

"I guess not." He said, standing and grabbing his coat from the floor. "It may be best if I leave now though... We're currently entertaining guests, unfortunately…"

Elsa's hand shot out, grasping his wrist.

"No, Don, please stay with me." She said hastily, before blushing crimson. "I mean… stay the night."

Don hesitated, his coat halfway on, before removing it. As he did, his muscles seemed to ripple, and she felt her desire growing. She knew it was against the rules to make love before marriage, but…

Don whirled as she pushed her chair back, her hand whipping through a short arc. The single entrance into the top floor of the palace slammed closed as ice covered it.

"What are you doing?" Don said, eyeing her strangely, as she came around the table.

Her clothes suddenly felt confining, and without moving, they began to dissolve away, a dress similar to the one she'd worn so long ago taking its place. Though this one was… different. Shorter, tighter and… and slightly see through.

She knew that she was redfaced, as she approached Don, and a part of her still screamed to turn and run. But looking up into his comely, if not handsome, face, and seeing the same desire that she felt for him…

He was suddenly upon her, his warm lips pressed firmly against hers. She closed her eyes, feeling an ecstasy that she had never felt before consume her, any hint of shyness was gone. His right hand moved along the crease of her buttocks, pinching and grasping tenderly, while his other began to explore…

A slight moan escaped her as his fingers brushed and caressed, his lips running kisses down her neck. Something fell upon her face, and she looked up, seeing a small ring of clouds around them, a slight sprinkle beginning to fall.

Don's strong hands suddenly moved to her front, ripping her dress away. Once, this may have frightened her, may have turned her off of what she was doing... But here, and now? She began to unbutton Don's shirt, as his own hands fumbled at his belt.

She stopped when his shirt fell away, and he stood there, looking as if he were readying himself to stand in for a statue of Achilles. Then she took in the scars that crisscrossed his body, including the large one on his shoulder.

"This is where you were shot, wasn't it?" She asked, kissing the scar tenderly. "You took that bolt for me… I still can't believe all that has happened in the past year… So much has changed."

"Look forward to it, my sweet," He said, "We are moving into the future."

She turned away from him, walking towards a far corner. Soon, a soft bed of snow formed before her, taking up the entire corner. Sitting down, she looked at Don. Her finger came up, arching seductively three times.

"Come to bed, Lord of Storms."