If Anna's intent was to disrupt Elsa's resolve and goals for the day, she had done so with perfect execution. Elsa would admit that she felt a tingle of annoyance at her sister for approaching her so quickly when she must've known she was still recovering from the rejection just a night before, but then again, Elsa despairingly latched on to the glimmer of possibility that she knew didn't actually exist. She missed Anna as well. She wanted to see her sister and hear her voice. Without Gerda, Elsa felt more alone in her struggles than ever before. She didn't want to do this by herself. By the end of the day, if Gerda hadn't been released yet, Elsa would truly need her sister even if the encounter would wring her heart out more. She still loved the girl, and would likely always feel a certain amount of unrequited affection for Anna. Elsa could see herself constantly wondering what could have been as the siblings grew older. It was painful to think about, but it brought her some calm knowing that Anna cared about her so, and would rather not move physically away from her if she could help it.

Elsa didn't have the means to reply immediately, but called over Kirsten, who handled Anna as a maid at times, and relayed her message with as much disinterest as she could, considering her chest was prepping to explode with delight and anticipation despite the taxing day ahead.

'Please let Anna know that I plan to be available around six o'clock tomorrow, shortly after dinner, if that works for her. Today is far too busy for me to plan an outing after all my meetings. Perhaps write a letter for me and leave it on her bed since she is up and about today.'

'Of course, my queen.'

'Thank-you.'

Kirsten was on her way immediately, saying farewell to the other maids in order to fulfill her request with the precision and urgency she was known for. Elsa tried not to smile too goofily, but she was human, after all, and Gerda's words insisted on teasing her better judgement. She felt in control enough by delaying the meeting by a day. Elsa did so for her sister's sake, for the queen didn't quite trust herself yet. She desired Anna so, and couldn't risk putting her poor sister through another emotional crisis. They both needed time, whether Anna wished it or not.

One final heartbreak for the queen before she enters into a very different sort of future…

Prince Sorey was first. The fact the younger gentlemen had shown signs of growth during Elsa and his last encounter was encouraging, but in all honesty, Elsa found Rose the most interesting aspect of any meeting with her least desired suitor out of the remaining five.

Leonard and a couple of guards were present besides Rose and Sorey. Based on what Elsa had seen at the ball, Rose could handle herself in a difficult situation extremely well, exemplifying an abnormal level of strength when called upon. Elsa attempted not to think about the taller, darker-skinned woman from her dreams, but the queen's mind was in a constant state of sexual contemplation whether she liked it or not with all this talk of marriage and heirs.

Pleasantries were exchanged, and Elsa thought she could see that Sorey looked anything but confident. Was it possible he knew already? Perhaps. But this would serve to be another learning experience for the lad. Elsa had no regrets beyond not being able to see Rose again for some time. She really was visually intriguing.

'Just give it to me straight, Queen Elsa. I can't wait any longer. I screwed up, didn't I? I was too careless. I got too cocky. I really dropped the ball here, right?'

'Prince Sorey,' Elsa grinned with some pity. 'You have the potential to be great. Keep your attitude in check and learn from this experience. You will not be the king of Arendelle, but you will certainly be a king in the future. I have little doubt there. Indeed, you did not approach me in the correct fashion, but understand what you gained from this exchange. Know that considering your partner's feelings above your own, no matter how lovely, is the first step in courting successfully.'

Elsa caught herself. Did she consider Anna's feelings prior to confessing? She thought she did, but perhaps that wasn't the case. Anna was so tortured by the event. She was crying. She told Elsa to stop, as if she knew what was coming. She tried to provide avenues for retreat. Had Elsa cared? Did she have a choice?

'There it is, Rose! I failed! I'm a failure!' Sorey laughed, pushing at his face and into his hair. He groaned in frustration, his attendant gently patting his shoulder.

'You tried, my prince. There will be other opportunities.'

'Well, yeah. But it's not everyday you get the chance to be with one of the most gorgeous girls you've ever seen. I live every day to the fullest, but I don't know if I'll be able to bounce back from this so fast.'

Elsa flinched back at the compliment, feeling Sorey's true emotions for the first time. It caught her by surprise, and she was startled by the raw honesty that came from the normally pompous individual. If only he had acted as such earlier, there might have been a chance, for Sorey did have a natural, boyish charm to him that Elsa initially found interesting enough.

'I will not argue with your appraisal of the queen, Prince Sorey. She is a marvel.'

'Thank-you…' Elsa accepted, her heart leaping just so.

'Well, that's it. I want to keep our kingdoms in contact regardless, okay? Vakretta enjoys the trade relationship we share. Can't say I minded my mini-vacation here in Arendelle. You got a nice place, Queen Elsa. If you decide not to marry at all, send me a letter in a little while. I'll be ready for you then. Make sure I get invited to the wedding though. Gotta make sure the man of your dreams is worthy and all that.'

'Agreed. I will keep you in mind, Prince Sorey. It was mostly a pleasure.'

'Mostly. Hear that, Rose? She doesn't hold her punches.'

'Admirably so.'

Elsa traded one final smile with her suitor, dismissing Sorey from the running officially, listening as Leonard scratched something out on his bundle of papers, handing the documents over to a maid for proper filing. She would sincerely miss the boy's presence. He was ridiculous, but he at least had personality and ambition, to an extent.

Farewell, Prince Sorey Michlaos of Vakretta.

Seeing Daryun sitting upright, as stiff and awkward as a board, made Elsa enjoy the man's presence all the more. She could imagine this warrior on the field of battle, tearing through opponents with ease and savage grace, yet here he was, before Queen Elsa and a few of her employees, practically trembling in his seat despite his muscular girth and intimidating-yet-handsome scowl.

Daryun had chosen to come alone. There was a very good chance the man didn't suspect he would make it into the final selection process. For all he knew, this was the last decision to be made. Therefore, he was the type to endure rejection without any one of his men present to witness his social downfall. It was adorable to Elsa, and she found herself leveling with this suitor more by the moment.

Nonetheless, no matter how hard she tried, Elsa could feel nothing but fear and revulsion at the thought of actually making love to Daryun. He wasn't unattractive, for Elsa could certainly recognize his appeal, but the mere thought of being physically intimate with him, offering her body to the man fully, was enough to make Elsa's mind reel in nausea. She wished she didn't feel such sickness, but it was an aspect of her person that was at her core. It was part of the queen's make up. It couldn't be explained to anyone; even herself.

'You look nervous.' Elsa teased, shuffling her chair forward and resting her face on her hands in an unknowingly adorable fashion.

'In all honesty, Queen Elsa, I'll admit that I am. No battle has ever made me feel this way, yet here I sit, at your mercy. You're…you're so very pretty today. I have difficulty not staring. I apologize. I don't mean to be rude.'

'No offense taken.' Elsa smiled. She felt it time to put the man out of his misery. In a way, he was much like Anna when it came to intimacy, seemingly. Anna had also gone stiff as a board when Elsa moved in on her. What a difference it made to think of the girl atop of Elsa in bed. She could almost feel Anna's familiar hands tracing her body's curves and dips, the revulsion previously manifested replaced by desire and sad dreams. That being said, Elsa took no pleasure in watching Daryun cower, if ever so slightly.

'I am keeping three suitors for a final round of time. You are one of them, Sir Daryun. Thank-you for your patience, and I am ever so pleased to know you better should you accept this honour.'

'M-my queen!' Daryun pushed out from his seat and stood up, causing some of Elsa's guards to flinch, not favouring the idea of taking on such an infamously powerful man. 'I do accept! Ahem. I cannot express my excitement.'

'It would be my pleasure, Sir Daryun. Thank-you.'

Daryun took his seat once again, shuffling in close and notably much stiller now.

'Might I ask what the final event will be that shall help you decide upon your future king?'

'It is not quite formulated yet. I am sorry. I intended on selecting the winner up until this point, but such a meaningful decision must be approached with the utmost of care, and thus, here we are.'

'A wise move, Queen Elsa. I approve.'

'That's good to hear.' Elsa grinned.

Daryun crossed his muscularly toned arms, nodding to himself and smiling just so.

'Might I be so bold to say that you have transcended my expectations. Rumours of the ice queen aren't always kind, but my kingdom's stability has suffered as of late, and Arendelle has become a rather bountiful land. My initial goal was to proceed in the name of my homeland, but you have changed my perspective, Queen Elsa.'

Elsa actually felt her cheeks flush slightly at the honesty of Daryun's words. He couldn't lie. He could only look and say how he felt always. It was an attractive quality in a sea of lies at times within the palace's politics.

'You are like a flower upon a war-torn field. A flower made of unbreakable ice. Beautiful, yet mysterious. If you were to be plucked, your roots would remain, your body shattered. I will not change who you are, Queen Elsa. I only wish to enhance your natural beauty…if that makes sense.'

Elsa heard one of her maids swoon. Even Leonard made a sound of approval.

'You…are too kind, Sir Daryun…' Elsa breathed out softly. She didn't know how to feel. Daryun's sharp eyes dug into her body and soul, the truth of his words so raw and unfiltered.

Sir Daryun Marcynshire of Chatho. A formidable opponent all around.

'I don't suspect to be humoured much longer, Queen Elsa.' Maxwell smiled with his teeth, waving his hand and relaxing his posture within the seat across from Elsa. 'Sir Daryun is a good choice. Lord Leon could use some work, but he's got amazing potential. King Arthur is a little frail looking, to be honest, but he's got the heart of a lion, that one. Prince Sorey? Well, just don't pick him; that's all I'll say. Let me off easy, would you?'

'Please proceed into the final selections process alongside two others, Prince Maxwell. I am conflicted between you and a couple of the other suitors.'

Maxwell's middle-aged expressions were something to see. Elsa couldn't blink as she watched the oldest of her bachelors proceed from shock, to joy, to excitement, back to shock, to apprehension, and finally, to a very serious, almost frustrated visage. Maxwell had a couple of guards with him; older men than even he, who likely were close friends. The attendant that Elsa had spied briefly before was also present, his unmoving form like a scarecrow among the group.

'…I respectfully decline the offer, Queen Elsa.' Maxwell grunted in a low tone that he rarely harnessed.

A filter of gasps and sounds of dismay sprinkled through Elsa's group, Leonard quick to hush the onlookers, likely considering shuffling them out but not seeing the point now that the unexpected damage had been done. Elsa, personally, couldn't believe her ears. Two rejections within the span of twenty-four hours? Elsa's confidence, admittedly, took a blow. She had expected Anna to discard Elsa's incestuous and deviant proposed relationship, but she had not, even slightly, thought Maxwell to be the type to somewhat disrespect her so.

'M-might I ask why?' Elsa stammered, quick to recover enough to function for now.

'I'd rather not say in front of your people, Queen Elsa.' Maxwell shrugged, a glimmer in his eye that could've been a tear or mischief.

'Then write the reason here, if you would be so kind.' Elsa extended her hand behind her and had a parchment and writing utensil placed in it by Leonard seconds later. She moved the equipment before Maxwell, who sighed deeply, the right corner of his lips twitching in seeming amusement.

The man did as he was told, silence filling the room save for the scratches of his penmanship. Elsa thought of Anna writing her letter. How had she felt? What was going through her little sister's mind as she scribbled away? Was it fear of losing Elsa once again? The more Elsa thought about it, the more she nearly regretted admitting her feelings to Anna. It didn't seem fair to be so selfish. Then again, could Elsa have gone on not knowing whether or not she could have Anna? Madness only awaited her on that path…

'Forgive me, Queen Elsa. I am a guarded soul in my age. My heart cannot handle another shattering. Proceeding would only give me false hope, and as I relayed on our first date and earlier, I rather not be humoured further.'

Elsa read Maxwell's words, his writing wonderfully honed and artistic in its own right. It simply read:

"You are in love, but it's not with any of your suitors."

Prince Maxwell Torreux of Sonnenblum. He might be aware of something.

Shaken by how much Maxwell potentially knew, Elsa took a small break for lunch, drinking a large amount of water and stress eating a little more than usual before resuming the meetings. Maxwell's rejection was unexpected, and Leonard had difficulty not showing how irritated he was by the man's gall, but Elsa respected the older man's wishes, getting his word that they would speak one final time before he and his party departed. She wanted his contact information, and wished to exchange letters when possible.

When Arthur and Rynn entered the room, announced perfectly by one of the guards, Elsa attempted to dismiss her group so that she may speak with the peculiar couple on her own. Leonard was, of course, unsure of the decision, but Elsa promised she would be fine, lifting her hand and allowing an aura of magic to encircle her to hopefully settle any fears for her safety. Although Elsa's people were skeptical, they became a little more willing when she said they could consume as much food as they wanted in the dining area next door.

'Scream should you need us.' Leonard finally relented.

'I shall. Please relax for a moment. This man is my top choice at this time.'

Leonard blinked rapidly, eyeing Arthur as he took a seat, Rynn's hand touching the smaller man's shoulder briefly.

'Not the most impressive looking, but charming, I suppose.'

'Just go.' Elsa shoved her attendant playfully, trying to, once again, wear her armour with the grace expected of her. The door shut, and Elsa sat before the two women that understood her position the most aside from Gerda.

'You look lovely, Queen Elsa.' Arthur began, cupping her hands on the table, her green eyes always catching Elsa's breath.

'Thank-you.'

'How much longer will this charade go on?' Rynn asked with just the right level of sass.

'Rynn…' Arthur warned.

Elsa waved her hand dismissively, smiling and trying to seem in control.

'I am considering moving you into the final round with Sir Daryun. Prince Maxwell has refused my offer, and thus, only two remain.'

'Why a final round, Queen Elsa? Why not end it now?' Arthur raised a brow, and rightly so.

Elsa took a deep breath. The idea was a last resort depending on Anna's response, but Elsa still didn't want to dismiss it entirely. Was she being ridiculous? Yes. Quite. But she couldn't close off that path totally just yet. It had only been a day. She needed more time.

'I am considering marrying you, King Arthur.'

Arthur was stunned into silence, and Rynn stepped out from behind her, leaning forward so that her chestnut hair hung over the table.

'Pardon!? You know Arthur is in love with me, do you not?'

'I do.'

'Then…!'

'I see.' Arthur chuckled. 'Think about it for a moment, Rynn.'

Rynn was already standing back, her arms crossed. She truly was enchanting. Her blue eyes were incredibly distracting, and her slender, physical form was nothing to dismiss easily either.

'Huh. To think that scenario would actually come into play. I had discarded it long ago, not taking you for such a bold individual, Queen Elsa. Your true lover…is Princess Anna?'

Elsa bit down hard on her bottom lip, her eyes instantly watering. Arthur had hinted at knowing during their dance, but to think Rynn was that capable when it came to profiling Elsa's desires. What a terrifying duo. Elsa's reaction was all they needed; Rynn and Arthur exchanged glances, so much transferred without the queen of Arendelle's knowledge.

'Unbelievable. Does she know?' Rynn pressed.

'Y-yes.'

'And?' Arthur asked, the sympathy in her voice suggesting she knew the answer.

'She claims she cannot feel the same for me.'

'Of course.' Rynn swung her hips to shift her weight, moving about the room while twisting one of her twin tails. 'The loudest ones are always the shyest when it comes to such things.'

'I…I know it is pointless, but I cannot limit my options completely.' Elsa tried not to let her voice shake, but being so honest was difficult. This was a dangerous game. She trusted Arthur and Rynn, but nonetheless, with but a word to the right person, they could ruin her.

'Understandably.' Arthur sighed. 'Truth be told; the concept of a fake marriage would serve both our kingdoms well. It was what I intended from the start, but your interests prove much more difficult than Rynn or myself anticipated. I thought you preferred no relationship at all, and I was willing to provide an out to your council's presumably irritating shoves of politics.'

'Yes…It would help in that regard as well…'

'From what I've seen,' Rynn interjected, holding her small chin in a thoughtful manner. 'All hope is not lost. Your sister cares deeply for you; that much is certain. I recommend moving forward with this plan for now. Delay the final decision as long as possible so that Princess Anna has time to figure her true answer out for herself. She shouldn't need longer than a few days. Lord Daryun is a sound choice, should all go array, but do not select either Prince Sorey or Lord Leon.'

'I didn't plan on it.' Elsa agreed, her heart speeding forward with yet another person telling her to not give up. It was terrible, but she couldn't stop herself. The outing with Anna tomorrow…perhaps that would solidify everything. Elsa could hope, at least. It would be difficult to enjoy any form of frivolous activity with Gerda locked up, however.

'Good.' Rynn nodded, her stance relaxing some.

A small knock came from the door then, Leonard keeping the timing of the meetings to the second. Arthur stood up, extending her hand to Elsa kindly.

'I accept your invitation, Queen Elsa. Know that I remain a friend to your kingdom and what comes next. I understand there is a hushed threat looming. Please do not hesitate to use me or Rynn, should you need our assistance.' Arthur lowered her voice at this point, drawing her face close to Elsa's so that the queen could smell a hint of vanilla. 'If you pursue Princess Anna as your lover, my offer stands firm. You and I can feign a marriage for the stabilization of both our kingdoms.'

'But…what of an heir?' Elsa couldn't believe she was even making such ludicrous thoughts possible. She had only imagined such a path briefly, not expecting her to be openly discussing that very route with a surprisingly mobile suitor.

Arthur snickered, a strange distance coming over her eyes.

'I know a particularly frustrating-yet-powerful individual that could assist, but we shall cross that bridge when the time comes.'

Elsa held Arthur's hand with both of hers, shaking it affectionately.

'Thank-you.' She barely whispered.

'By my honour.'

King Arthur Penruthean of Candolian. She would change everything.

'Last again. You starting to get the same feeling I am, Grimmy? Best for last can only win me over a couple more times.' Leon slumped into his seat, looking no better than when Elsa had encountered him and his attendant before. Only the two of them made it to the meeting, with Elsa's entourage newly re-established within the meeting chamber.

'I apologize, Lord Leon.'

Leon eyed Elsa for but a second before he started, leaning forward in a spastic manner.

'Forgiven. Totally forgiven. I mean, how could I not? Look at that face, Grimmy. Just look at her.'

'Looking.'

'Ah. Okay. I can't wait. I actually can't wait. I've tried to be patient and suave, but I really need to know. Who's the lucky guy?'

Elsa held her breath. It was so bizarre. Leon had started off so interesting, caring, and observant. He asked Elsa about herself and seemed to legitimately care what the answer was. He was attractive. He had charm. He was the closest suitor to winning Elsa over…somewhat. Now, Elsa wondered where the past Leon had gone. He was brash and impatient. He seemed like a child suddenly. Even Sorey showed a little more maturity in his final moments. Was it the curse? Elsa was really beginning to believe so, but she didn't have more time to waste because of that. She had to make a decision now, and her gut agreed with Rynn.

'You were intriguing during out first meeting…' Elsa began, but she watched, as if in slow motion, Leon's face twist and his entire presentation slip into near hysterics. He slammed his feet on the ground and whipped around to Grimoire.

'What is this!?' He asked, his voice cracking.

'Listen to Queen Elsa, Lord Leon.'

'This isn't what you told me! She's about to reject me!'

'Lord Leon…' Grimoire rolled his eyes, a fierceness flickering through them.

Elsa clamped her mouth shut, hearing her guards shuffle in a little closer, with Leonard coughing into his hand and clearing his throat.

'That's what you're doing, isn't it? That's it!? After our obvious connection and the bond you felt with me!? Seriously!?'

'I'm…sorry, Lord Leon. I would like to remain friends – '

Leon pounded the table that separated him from Elsa, the piece of furniture shaking and the guards stepping forward so that they were on either side of Elsa now.

'I love you! We were supposed to get married!'

'You hardly know me.' Elsa shot back, lifting her chin and glaring. Leon's true colours; how hideous.

'I was told if I acted like that idiot sister of yours that you would fall for me! That's what you said, wasn't it, Grimoire!? Act like that useless bimbo with straw for brains and Elsa wouldn't be able to resist – !'

A flash of light blinded everyone in the room, an arctic freeze pushed through the tiny space and condensing into a claw that extended from Elsa's hand, pinning Leon to the wall with cracks protruding from each sharpened finger's point of contact. The table was flipped onto its face, and Elsa stepped forward, her brain snapping, but her eyes wide with fury. Sounds of dismay and shock fluttered through her people, with Leonard saying something that couldn't be heard through Elsa's ringing ears.

'You dare,' Elsa hissed, remembering how powerful her emotions could be when fully realized without restraint. Her magic drew supremacy from those same feelings, and she knew the fortified glacier she held Leon within could break him with but a thought. 'You dare insult my sister in such a way to my face, Lord Leon?'

'My queen! Release him!' Leonard demanded, likely considering neighbouring relations.

'Jealousy is an ugly beast.' Grimoire groaned.

'I-I'm sorry! I'm sorry!' Leon cowered, half his face already turning blue.

Elsa's right eye twitched, but she knew she had already gone too far. Best stop while she could. The queen of Arendelle squinted her lids shut and thought of her sister and what she desired above all else between the two of them. Immediately, the magic's presence subsided, and Elsa's sheath welcomed its icy blade once again.

Leon grit his teeth, his fists shaking at his sides.

'How dare I? How dare you!? Is this how the queen of Arendelle treats her guests? My queen will hear of this! Have no doubt of that! Threatened by the ice queen! Eldora has many long-standing friends; friends who trade with your pitiful kingdom!'

Elsa couldn't even recognize Leon anymore. His hair was a mess, and his whimsical smile and playful eyes had warped entirely. The curse? It had to be the curse. Elsa wasn't that poor at judging character, was she?

'You insulted my sister. You insulted the princess of Arendelle. You insulted my pride. You insulted me.' Elsa muttered dangerously, sparks of magic flickering through her hair.

Grimoire slithered between Elsa and Leon in that moment, his lord silenced before he could counter. The room felt darker suddenly, with the guards once more shuffling apprehensively. Elsa couldn't breathe, and her body was lead. What was happening? What…was this feeling of boundless dread?

'Grimoire?' Leonard asked, oddly enough, sounding overly familiar with the morbid attendant.

Grimoire pressed a finger to his lips, his eyes shining devilishly.

'Calm yourself, Lord Leon. You should have expected as much for speaking ill of that girl…'

Elsa might've felt relief if her heart wasn't being clawed at by invisible hands. Somehow, she knew something horrible was about to happen. The room was dimmer, and Grimoire's presence was expanding with every passing second. His shadow stretched until it covered the entire floor, and he shook his head in feigned dismay, belittlement oozing from every syllable delivered thereafter.

'After all, Queen Elsa is hopelessly in love with Princess Anna.'