It felt as though Elsa had merely blinked before she felt a somewhat rough shove to her person. Disoriented and confused, the queen groaned, turning in her bed and twisting her nightgown about her slender form.

'Q-Queen Elsa. P-Please wake up.'

It wasn't Gerda. Gerda wasn't the one to wake Elsa from her slumber anymore. Gerda was locked in the dungeon. Gerda was sleeping on an old, worn-out bed with only the bare minimum of luxury allowed. Gerda didn't deserve such treatment. Gerda was innocent. Gerda was Elsa's dear friend and confidant. Elsa had to save her immediately. She had to find Devil; the real Devil.

'Q-Queen Elsa!'

Elsa blinked her eyes open begrudgingly, the sight of her room encased in a thin layer of ice snapping her awake immediately. Her head jolted, but not as terribly as before while she spread her powers to subdue the arctic freeze that had seeped out of her anxious thoughts through the night.

'Sorry, Laura…' Elsa yawned, rubbing her head and attempting to tame her messy hair just slightly.

'Oh, thank goodness.' Laura sighed, relaxing her arms and shoulders from the tight embrace she had herself in. 'That hasn't happened for quite some time, has it?'

'No. I'm not surprised though.'

'Certainly. Gerda's betrayal…why…it's unbelievable.'

'She has been framed. I will be finding the true culprit after my meetings today.'

'My queen?'

'You met Gerda. You trained her. Do you truly believe she would do me any harm directly or not?'

'It…is hard to say, my queen. The criminal mind can be a devious maze of inconsistencies that normal folk can hardly understand. Her somewhat quick rise to rank as well…even I am somewhat perplexed by it.'

'You practically gave her the opportunity, did you not?'

'…I did, I suppose.'

Strange.

Elsa huffed, standing up now and going to her closet to select her gown. She wanted something light and airy. She wanted comfort, for this day would be yet another trying one; that the queen could tell already.

'But I do hope you're right, my queen. Gerda is a lovely child, as far as I understand her. She truly looks up to you more than anyone. Only Princess Anna can compare to the light in the girl's eye when she is gazing upon the queen of Arendelle.'

Elsa flinched. Anna. She had been particularly merciless to her precious little sister, and Elsa truly wanted to apologize, but it was absolutely necessary. Anna had to understand how painful it was at the moment. In time, Elsa would gladly welcome the closeness she and Anna had shared in the past, but currently, being near her sister reopened a rather tender wound that needed time to at least scab over. That being said, Anna was acting a little odd all evening. What had Gerda said to the girl? Why had Anna touched Elsa's face the way she did the night before when she had made it so clear she couldn't return Elsa's feelings?

Too many questions. There was no point dwelling on them further. Elsa had her answer from Anna. That thread was knotted. Gerda and the suitors were the focus now. If Elsa didn't turn her attention away from the hollow injury in her heart, she would lose herself again. Which suitor would Elsa select? How would she find Devil now? These were the inquiries that were important. Elsa had a focus. Such matters would keep her from falling into a pit of frozen desolation due to thoughts of her sun and how far away she would always be.

Elsa chose a pure white, slight strapped, flowing number that hung off her breasts loosely in a strangely seductive way. It was a layered piece, so Elsa's form beneath, alongside her undergarments, remained quite hidden unless she stood or moved a very certain way. Laura didn't seem very pleased with the choice in dress, considering the selection was closer to a nightgown in appearance than not, but she tied the elegant ribbon upon the queen's back regardless, admitting that Elsa did look quite fetching in the simplicity of it all despite the maid's initial grumblings. Elsa teased her hair for but a second in the mirror, not unsatisfied with leaving it down and natural to match her fairly free-flowing attire.

'How much time do I have before the first meeting, Laura?' Elsa asked, drinking some more water as she allowed the maid to apply just the slightest touch of make up.

'About one hour, my queen.'

'Hm.'

'What is it?'

'I would like to see Gerda.'

'My queen?'

'My day will be rather busy from here onward. It is already mid-morning, and I doubt I will have an abundance of free time until late this evening. I don't want to leave Gerda for that long. She's had a night to sort herself out. I can only hope she's willing to talk now.'

'I don't think it wise to go to her right this moment, Queen Elsa. You'll be cutting your time very close, and you shouldn't disrespect your suitors' patience any further. You have yet to break your fast as well.'

Elsa didn't care. Ensuring Gerda was well overruled the desire to eat. The thought of her loyal maid alone in the desolate cell made the mere concept of food unappealing.

'I will leave now, then.' Elsa sprayed a touch of perfume upon her person and dusted her hair with some powder to reduce the grease that had begun to develop overnight. She was at the door within seconds, saying goodbye to her snowgies who gazed happily at her from their returned home.

'Queen Elsa; this is rash.'

'I'm feeling rash.' And Elsa was gone, enjoying the hold of power she grasped. Was she over Anna yet? Not in the slightest. In fact, she found memories of their childhood and simpler times flickering within her mind if she wasn't careful. Building snowmen. Playing hide-and-seek. Sneaking around the castle at night. Stealing treats from the royal chef. Building pillow forts. But moving through the morning halls of Arendelle's palace, the sun piercing through the elaborate windows and the guards, as well as maids, giving their greetings made Elsa feel that she could do this. She would make her kingdom thrive. She had three perfectly capable suitors prepared to help her do so. Arthur was the only rub. Why did she insist on keeping the woman around? There was something about the king that Elsa needed to learn from. It was only a feeling, but a powerful one at that. Nonetheless, the suitor fiasco would be over so very soon. Devil was naturally a problem, but Elsa was sure Gerda would help her somehow. Nils was unmatched when it came to tracking, and the man made it fairly clear that he would find the mirror or die trying, seemingly.

Elsa grinned. So long as she didn't think about her sister too much, she would be fine. Everything would be fine. She had to believe this, because otherwise, how would she wake up tomorrow? Or the day after? Or the day after that? Elsa's grin faltered, but she froze it in place stubbornly.

'My queen! Wait!' Laura called after, sluggishly running after her lady and holding her skirt frantically. 'Is it wise to go alone? If Gerda is a traitor, then don't you think it dangerous to approach her without an attendant?'

'If she sought to hurt me physically, she could have done so numerous times already. I am not concerned about that in the slightest. Guards will be present, regardless. I will be fine, Laura. Thank-you. Please prepare my breakfast so I might have it within half an hour.'

Laura made a sound of frustration, but bowed and was on her way down an opposite hall without another word. Elsa breathed a sigh of relief, a picture of Anna excitedly embracing her during her most recent birthday, when Elsa had gotten a troublesome cold, twisting the older sister's stomach. Being alone and unfocussed was unbearable. Without distractions, Elsa couldn't stop thinking of her. The day after was much more trying than even the moments following rejection. Reality was settling in. The reality that Elsa had loved Anna for so long became quite evident. Indeed, Elsa could trace her abnormally attached emotions to Anna the moment she had asked Elsa if she could marry Hans. At the time, Elsa thought the clawing at her heart was simply an elder sibling's protectiveness, but looking back…

No. Think of Gerda. That was Elsa's priority and current path. Nothing good would come of reflecting on events that meant nothing now.

'Oi. Good morning, Queen Elsa.' Leon's voice drawled, the lord and Grimoire stepping out of the hall that led down into the dungeons. Elsa's back immediately curled, and her brain sparked with magic, still resistant to the power, but healing ever so slowly.

'Where did you come from?' The queen asked coldly.

'Yikes. That's not the nicest greeting, huh? We were just taking a stroll. Apparently we're not allowed down in the fun rooms, but oh, well. It was worth a try.'

'Why would you need to go into my palace's dungeon, Lord Leon?'

'Look, I'm sorry. I'm just anxious about the decision and everything. We were simply strolling about while we wait. Seriously. Sorry.' Leon clapped his hands together and bowed sincerely, his expression showing a hint of embarrassment atop his apology. 'By the by, you look ridiculously gorgeous right now. That dress is crazy flattering, and your hair is super pretty. You going to turn away a bunch of us looking like that? Cruel. But I kinda like it. What do you think, Grimmy?'

'Angelic.' Grimoire answered, clearly uninterested.

'…Thank-you. But please refrain from venturing into areas of my kingdom you are not welcome.' Elsa looked past the men and saw that Percival and Jostein themselves were on duty. That gave her some relief. There was no way Percival would allow anyone past without written and signed permission.

'Jeez. I said I was sorry.' Leon pouted some more, his use of the word "jeez" and his mannerisms overall reflecting Anna's quirks a little too closely.

'It's fine. I apologize, but I cannot chat at the moment. I will see you soon, Prince Leon.'

'Looking forward to it, m'lady.' Leon recovered quickly, and Elsa finally looked at him closely, black bags under his eyes and his normally charming visage a little worse for wear. To the man's credit, the ball did go quite late into the night, but still, he just felt a little unhinged for some reason.

Grimoire bowed low as well, his sharp gaze brief but as intense as always. If Elsa had to select an individual to represent Devil, she would pin all bets on the dark and intimidating Grimoire, in all honesty. His prominently black attire, long, unruly raven hair, and thin-slit eyes made for a typical-looking villain. Devil had proven himself an intelligent being up to this point, so the idea of hiding as someone as morbidly labelled as Grimoire seemed highly unlikely.

Elsa sighed deeply, approaching her two guards and checking behind herself to make sure she hadn't been followed.

'Good morning, my queen.' Jostein saluted, full of pep but awkward as ever.

'Good morning Jostein. Percival.'

'…Good morning.'

'Are you tired Percival?'

'Yes.'

'You look and sound it. Have you been on duty all night?'

'Yes.'

'Then you should rest.'

Percival turned, his normally calm, cool, and collected aura thrown into disarray. He wouldn't meet Elsa's eyes, and his stance was just a bit off.

'Thank-you for turning those two away. They have no business down in the dungeon.'

'Agreed.' Percival nodded.

'They didn't seem to care either way.' Jostein added.

'Perhaps there was truth in what Lord Leon said, then. Good.'

'Would you like to see Gerda, my queen?' Jostein offered, already grabbing at the door.

'Please.'

A short, silent exchange was had between Jostein and Percival, with the infamous knight nodding slowly and taking the lead, escorting his queen down into the dungeon as Jostein shut the door behind them and remained on guard. The abrupt silence of the deeper part of Arendelle palace put Elsa even more on edge, the space so very cut off from the rest of the world. One could lose track of time so easily down here. Percival took Elsa's hand and helped her down the last couple of stairs, the queen forced to hold her dress with her free arm in an attempt to keep the white from dragging too much despite the floor being decently maintained, if naturally a little damp because of the depths.

'My queen,' Percival began, a flicker of shame passing over him briefly. '…Never mind. I will accept whatever you bestow.'

Elsa raised a brow, meeting with Arvid at Gerda's door, the large man blinking at Percival who simply nodded once again. Now she knew something was amiss. The queen pushed through into Gerda's chamber as quickly as she could, the maid not even flinching upon the woman's entrance. She was sitting up, her clothes discarded down to a thin, already messy looking nightgown peeking through the blanket she had wrapped about her. The small girl's short hair was twisted and turned, its natural waviness fusing into curls that went every which way.

Elsa moved in front of her maid again, kneeling down so she could see the girl's face. What she saw brought a seething rage that literally sent a wave of blue sparks flying from Elsa's hands. The right side of Gerda's face was swollen and bruised, discolored and split at multiple points where the skin had finally given way and tore to reveal grotesque spots of hardened blood.

'Gerda…!' Elsa gasped, touching the girl's injury and immediately applying an ice-like sensation to hopefully reduce the throbbing bump even just a little. Elsa's magic reminded the queen of her discomfort regarding its use, but she hardly cared, her pulse quickening with every passing thought of her lovely maid being hurt in any way, shape, or form.

'Who did this to you?'

'It was I, my queen.' Percival answered hastily. 'My frustration exceeded its limit with her. I attempted to obtain useful information early this morning, but…'

Elsa couldn't hear the man. Her mind was swirling. Best knight or not, Percival had directly disobeyed her. Gerda was already suffering in silence enough, but to be beaten to this point against the queen's wishes? Elsa had no further tolerance for such behaviour. The fact that the curse could be involved was the only variable that stayed Elsa's hand from punishing Percival right then and there.

'…I should no longer be allowed to guard her. I relinquish that duty willingly. I believe I was influenced, to an extent, but I will not shirk the blame completely.'

'…Go.' Elsa muttered dangerously. 'I will deal with you later.'

'I am sorry, my queen. I am sorry, once again, Gerda.'

Elsa didn't look up from Gerda's dead face as she heard Percival's footsteps disappear up and onto the ground floor of the palace. She had had enough. No more.

'Close the door, Arvid.'

'My queen…?'

'Close it. I need to speak with Gerda in private.'

'But Devil…'

'Is not here, and even if he is, I have my powers which far outclass any protection you could provide.'

Arvid snorted, his pride taking a hit. Elsa felt a little bad because of her comment, but she simply didn't have the time. The moment the door clunked shut, she took Gerda's hands into her own and tried to make meaningful eye-contact with her maid.

'I-I'm so sorry this happened, Gerda. I would never order such monstrous behaviour. He will be reprimanded appropriately.'

Once again, the maid didn't move. She hardly blinked, and her breaths were short as well as shallow.

'Why don't you defend yourself? I know you're not Devil. You can't be. You brought me nothing but confidence and peace when I struggled with who I am and what I want. Devil desires chaos. You are not chaos.'

Gerda's eyes glazed over, tears slowly filling them as Elsa went on.

'Why do you become upset? What is it that you aren't telling me?'

'…ry.'

A small sound. A murmur that could be missed without complete silence everywhere else.

'Gerda?'

'…Sorry.'

'Sorry? Why? What do you have to be sorry for? I'm sorry. You deserve my apology. I hate having you here. I hate the thought of your discomfort. I want you back with me. You're my dear friend and most trusted companion. Our bond…is nothing to devalue so readily.'

Gerda went still again. Her plea for forgiveness was all that she offered. Elsa knew she had lost her for now. Whatever held Gerda's tongue, it was a powerful tool that couldn't be overcome by willpower alone. Elsa sighed, touching Gerda's face once more in order to provide further relief to the wound. She would send a member from her medically-trained staff to provide proper care the moment she could. These were the last moments she had with her maid for the day. It hurt knowing Gerda wouldn't be her comfortable shadow through the trials that awaited Queen Elsa.

'I'm going to free you, Gerda. That is a promise.'

Nothing. Elsa gave the maid's hands one final squeeze and then stood up, breathing out through her nose in exasperation and sadness.

'I want you to know,' Elsa uttered slowly, her heart quickening. 'I…I told Anna how I feel.'

Gerda finally moved, her head tipping up ever so very slightly, but not to the point that she could look at her queen directly.

'She rejected me, of course. It hurts, but now I can select a suitor without reservation. Thank-you for your support during such a turbulent time.'

'No…' Gerda whispered.

'I must, Gerda. It is an impossibility, as it always was.'

'She…loves you…'

'She does, but as my sister and sister alone. Asking for more, or even hoping for more, would be a terrible waste of effort and time from this point forward.'

'No…'

'Gerda. Please. My heart is still attempting to settle. I just wanted you to know because you were my rock throughout that struggle. Thank-you and, as I said before, I will release you from this cell as soon as possible.'

'S-she will…love you.'

Elsa clenched her eyes shut and kissed the top of Gerda's head affectionately, brushing the side of the girl's bangs with the back of her hand like a mother before bidding adieu to her maid.

'She will not. She should not. It's better this way.'

'…For who?'

'Everyone.'

Elsa exited the cell then, ignoring the final words Gerda's miniature voice managed to hush as the heavy door clamped shut and was locked anew.

"Everyone…save for you…"

Elsa spoke with the necessary staff members to ensure Gerda's wound was treated moments after emerging from the dungeons. She moved quickly through her palace to the dining hall, Laura speaking with Kathleen and Kirsten in a rather animated way before noticing her queen and escorting her to a still steaming plate of food.

'Thank-you, Laura.' Elsa began cutting her scrambled eggs with her fork just as Laura extracted a letter from her apron, placing it next to Elsa with a sense of excitement.

'What is this?' Elsa took the envelope, expecting it to be from one of her suitors, perhaps.

'From Princess Anna. You two still exchange letters? How adorable!'

Elsa's heart skipped a beat, but she tried to appear calm.

'I see. Thank-you.'

Fortunately, Laura left her queen after that, perhaps interested in continuing her conversation with her fellow maids. Elsa appreciated the brief moment of quiet, expecting Leonard to appear at any moment. Until then, however, the queen couldn't resist reading what Anna had to say immediately. She embarrassed herself with how incredibly in love with her sister she still was, even after attempting to entrap her emotions deep within her soul. Gerda's words helped a little.

With somewhat shaky hands, Elsa withdrew the single page of double-sided, surprisingly neat, writing. Anna didn't have the best penmanship, but one would likely expect a little worse than what Elsa stared at for but a second longer than she normally would when addressing a letter for her eyes only.

"Elsa,"

It was ludicrous how the way Anna wrote Elsa's name sent a storm of desire through the older sister. She really was pathetic at times.

"Today is the day, huh? I guess you might be picking out one of the guys to be my new brother-in-law? That's crazy. It really, really is. I mean, I get why you want to and everything, but just remember that you don't have to right now and right this second. I know that's a little rich coming from me, but seriously; take your time. You don't need no man…or something.

I'm writing this letter because you said you needed space. I get it. I kinda need space too, but not for the reasons I thought I would. Weird, huh? We didn't get to talk much about last night, and that's not really fair, I think. I was totally shocked about what you said. Who wouldn't be, right? I'm sorry I reacted the way I did. It was hard to hear, because I couldn't stand the thought of upsetting you. Failed there. My bad.

Honestly, I'm still not sure what I want to say or why I'm even writing this. I miss you. I know that sounds a bit bizarre, but I do. I want to be with you all the time, but this past week has been so insane and…it's given me a lot to think about.

I'm all over the place here, but you wouldn't have it any other way, right?

When you said what you did last night, I was scared, obviously, but I was also honoured. I still am. I bet you didn't get that impression. Who would? I can't stop thinking about it. I've never seen such passion before. It changed me. It unsettled me. I don't know what I'm getting at again. Your little sister is just as crazy. I bet most would argue I'm a little crazier.

Okay. I guess I should wrap this up. Kristoff wants to help look into the whole Devil thing. He thinks Bulda missed something, too. He says she's a little stubborn, and even if she knows she's wrong, she won't admit it. So, I get to move around with quite the party today. Sven, Olaf, Bulda, and Kristoff. When I'm one of the most normal people in the group, you know there's a problem, am I right?

That's what I'll be up to. I'll be thinking of you.

Also, I know I said I was going to wrap this up, and I will in, like, two seconds, but I wanted to know if you maybe had time to do something tonight. Just you and me.

Too soon? Probably too soon. Give me a write anyway. I just want to hear from you. How desperate can a girl get, huh? Demanding little sisters everywhere would be proud.

Good luck today. Really.

Love, Anna."

'Is all well, my queen?' Laura's distant voice asked.

Elsa gently placed the letter down, grinning with melancholy and urging the need to sob back with all her might.

'All is as it should be, I suppose…'