Hey look an update quickly. That a nice surprise for you? Now that the wedding is over let's see what is in store for everyone. Hope you enjoy what I have for you.

The Frozen and Pierced Heart

Chapter 48

The morning after the wedding Elsa settled back into her usual routine. Albeit a later start to the day given the long night before. She got herself dressed and walked down to her study to look over the morning reports and news while she drank her coffee.

With all the visiting nobles and royals there was going to be a lot of demand for her time. She looked over the written notes and started to prioritize them. Noting to see the people who would have real business to discuss first. Those likely to criticize the wedding or princes likely to just want to see her to propose marriage she put on the bottom of the stack.

A knock on the door interrupted her. She frowned. She had asked not to have any personal interruptions. Anyone who wanted to see her needed to make an appointment.

"Come in." She said politely but sighed. Het attitude quickly changed when the door opened. There were exceptions to the no interruption rule. And one of them just walked in.

"Queen Martha! I didn't expect to see you this early in the day. Please have a seat." She smiled

Queen Martha smiled and sat in front of Elsa. "I retired quite a bit earlier then the boys. I wouldn't be surprised if they are still out there trying to keep the party going."

Elsa laughed. "They do seem to enjoy their fun. So what can I do for you? Does this have to do with the joint colonization effort?"

"Oh no, we are very happy with the arrangement. This has to do with a more personal and somewhat sensitive subject." Queen Marth explained.

"I see." Elsa said curiously. "Well you know you can discuss anything with me."

"Thank you. Well I'm sure you are aware by now that my son Joseph has become very fond of you." Queen Martha said carefully.

Elsa blushed at this remark. "Yes. It's safe to say that."

Martha folded her hands. "Please don't tell him we had this conversation. He would be very embarrassed. But as his mother I feel I must ask if there is any chance of you reciprocating his feelings?"

Elsa sat back for a moment thinking. "I…I can't say at the moment. I like and respect Joseph a great deal. I enjoy his correspondence and company. I'm just not sure how I feel about a serious relationship."

Martha nodded. "I understand. I can only imagine how difficult things like this can be for you. But I am asking out of concern for my son. I don't want to watch him spending his life chasing when there is no hope. If there is none I would prefer you tell him. I know you wouldn't want to hurt him but it would be better if he knew so he could move on. I'm not pushing you to make a decision one way or another. You need to do what's best for you as well. Just know if you don't feel Joseph is right we will never hold it against you. We will always consider you a friend of the family."

Elsa nodded. "Thank you. I never meant to lead Joseph on. I do care about him a great deal. I guess I haven't considered what I might be putting him through. I will consider what you have said and see about making a decision."

Martha thanked her and left, leaving Elsa to think. While she was having a hard time coming to terms with the idea of a romantic relationship, she didn't really take into consideration what she might be doing to Joseph. She never really appreciated the fact that for the last two years he had been sailing all over with probably many opportunities to meet other woman but had decided to hold out hope for her. Maybe it was time for her to either take a chance or let him know to go explore other options.


As the day went on most of the visiting guests stayed in. A few walked around the gardens or went into the city. The castle staff was busy making sure the castle look recovered from the festivities.

Cleaning alone in a quiet hallway, Abigail happily hummed as she worked. She was feeling tired from the night before but still enjoyed her job. It was much better then cleaning a tavern and dealing with the drunken stares and suggestions of some of the patrons.

She had come on the castle staff just after Queen Elsa's coronation. Several staff left after that. That and the expansion of the staff after the queen had reopened the gates gave her an opportunity. Luckily for her one of the butlers was a more polite patron of her former employer and recommended her.

At first she was nervous about coming to the castle. She wasn't sure what to think about the queen. However she soon met the queen and found she was nothing to be afraid of. For someone of her station Queen Elsa could be rather quiet and shy. Yet at the same time she was friendly and kind to the staff. She always tried to know everyone's name. She was also never unapproachable.

Granted working in the castle meant high expectations. But everyone was more than happy to put in their best effort. It made for a pleasant working environment. Some of the council members and nobles could be rude at times. Also visiting dignitaries would look down on staff. But overall Abigail was very happy here.

"Well hello there." A voice said from behind her.

Abigail gave a small cry and jumped and turned around to see one of the visiting dignitaries standing there. He smiled. "My apologies I didn't mean to scare you."

Abigail calmed down a little. "No apologies needed my lord."

"It's prince actually." The man said puffing his chest with pride. "Prince Hector."

"Prince Hector." Abigail curtseyed. "Anything I can do for you?"

Hector grinned. "I like that. Helpful. I believe there is something you can do. I believe your Queen Elsa has instructed her staff to extend every courtesy?"

"Yes she has." Abigail answered hesitantly. not liking the way the prince was looking at her.

Hector put his hand on her arm. "Well then I am in need of some company. I believe you would make very good company."

Abigail tried to pull her arm back but Hector held it. "Please your highness. I am not the kind of girl to do such a thing." She pleaded.

"Nonsense." Said Hector, tightening his grip. "A prince has made a request of you."

Abigail cried out in pain as he tightened his grip. "Please my lord."

Hector smiled darkly. "You would do well to know how to respond to a prince's request."

"Let go of her!" An angry voice thundered down the hall. Both Abigail and Hector turned to see Warwick storming down the hall a look of fury on his face.

He barked a command again his hand on the hilt of his sword. "Get your hand off her or I will remove it for you."

Hector snarled at him. "You dare try to give a prince a command? I should put you in…oof!" His retort was cut off as Warwick struck him right in the face.

Hector stumbled and regained his balance holding onto the wall. "How dare you?! I'll have you arrested and brought back to my homeland for trial. Do you have any idea who I am?"

"I don't give a damn." Warwick snarled, his hand back on his sword. "You don't walk into the country and do as you please with any of its citizens."

Prince Hector stood back up and placed his hand on his sword. "Guards! By the time I'm through with you…"

"What on earth is going on here?!" Elsa's voice rang down the hall.

All three faced the queen as she walked quickly toward the scene, Erik by her side. Prince Hector spoke first. "Queen Elsa. I was just having a friendly conversation with this lovely young lady when this jealous brute struck me. I demand he be taken into custody until we can discuss proper punishment."

Elsa looked at Warwick who was staring daggers at Hector. Then she looked at Abigail and smiled gently. "Abigail, is this true?"

Abigail crossed her arms and looked down as if unwilling to answer. Elsa spoke gently. "Abigail its ok. You can speak freely."

"I wouldn't exactly call it friendly your majesty." She sniffed a tear running down her cheek.

"What are you asking her for? I already told you what happened." Hector protested.

Elsa noticed a bruise on Abigail's arm. "So to you a friendly conversation results in bruises, Prince Hector?"

"Those were probably already there before. And if I had known you would have been about your grace I would have sought you out." He smiled smugly and took a step towards her. As soon as he did Elsa heard a click from Erik's side that sounded a lot like a pistol hammer being locked.

Elsa took a step back and decided to stop the situation before it got worse. "Captain, would you take Abigail to the next room please and wait for me? I need to deal with this situation."

"Yes your majesty. Abigail if you will come with me." He stepped forward and they both walked away.

Elsa waited a moment before speaking. "Lieutenant Warwick. Is it true you stuck the prince when you saw what was happening?"

"It is your majesty." Warwick confirmed still staring a death glare at Hector.

"He admits it! I demand the appropriate action be taken." Hector insisted.

"I couldn't agree more." Elsa said evenly. She turned to Warwick. "Lieutenant Bjorn Warwick. I commend you for your actions. You protected a citizen and staff even though the consequences could have been disastrous. You have my thanks."

Hector's jaw dropped in disbelief. "Queen Elsa I demand you listen to my…"

Elsa whirled around on him. "No you listen!" She said sternly. The temperature of the hallway dropping. "I invited you to this event out of respect to the friendship between our kingdoms. Instead you have abused my hospitality and kindness of my staff and have sullied this joyous event. This will not happen again. You are to be out of this castle within the hour. If you are not I will have my guards drag you out and toss you on whatever ship is leaving Arendelle first. Do I make myself clear?"

Hector had no response. He could just stare at the furious Elsa. His rapid, frightened breaths could be seen in the cold.

"If the presence of your kingdom is required again I will insist a representative other then you be sent." Elsa continued. "I wish to not see you again. Because frankly, you disgust me. Now get out of my home."

With that Elsa spun around and walked away briskly, Warwick following her. "Good work Lieutenant." She said when they were out of earshot. "I did mean what I said. There are many who would be worried about their career if they were to confront royalty."

"Well I knew you would never allow someone to treat anyone in Arendelle like that your majesty. Besides, I don't care what your standing is. You can't force yourself on someone against their will just because of your status." Warwick said in a still heated voice.

"Unfortunately sometimes the reality of things protects those who abuse their station. I would have had him arrested but it wouldn't have lasted. I thank you for not plunging your sword into him though. That would have created many more problems." Elsa said, thinking Erik could learn a lesson from that.

She went on. "The way you reacted though it seems that might have been somewhat personal."

Warwick nodded. "Abigail and I have been friends for a while now. She is very kind and sweet. It got me so angry when I saw someone trying to take advantage of her."

Elsa could understand. When she learned how Hans had taken advantage of Anna's trusting and friendly nature she was furious.

They arrived at the room where Erik was sitting with Abigail. When they walked in the door Abigail jumped up and hugged Warwick. "Thank you so much Bjorn!"

Warwick held her tight. "Sorry I wasn't there sooner. You shouldn't have had to go through that."

"It's not your fault. I'm just glad you got there when you did." She turned to Elsa. "Your majesty please don't punish him. I know it was a prince, but he attacked me."

"I would never punish anyone for doing what the lieutenant did." Elsa assured her. "And you don't need to worry about Hector anymore. I basically tossed him out. Although from now on when we have large groups of guests in the castle I think its best of the female staff don't work alone. Just in case there are others like him out there."

Warwick gently ran a finger over the bruise on Abigail's arm. "Did he hurt you?"

Abigail blushed a little at his touch. "It's fine. He just grabbed me hard."

"I think you should go to the infirmary just to be sure. Lieutenant would you mind escorting her?" Elsa asked giving Warwick a knowing little smile.

"Not at all your majesty." Warwick smiled offering his arm to Abigail who shyly took it.


Kristoff woke up to his first morning as a married man. He could get used to this. Waking up every morning to a beautiful... "Argh!"

He jumped a little in the bed, shocked at the unkempt mass of ginger hair laying on the pillow next to him. Small snores coming out of the drooling mouth that seemed quite different from the mouth he kissed yesterday.

Anna stirred at his small cry of surprise. She gave a tired smile as she looked at him through bleary eyes. "Good morning husband." She said wiping her mouth.

Her eyes widened a little. "Whoa! What is with your hair?" She asked looking at his head.

"My hair? You should see yours." Kristoff laughed.

Anna put her hand on her head self-consciously. She looked embarrassed to be seen with the bedhead. Kristoff smiled and leaned in. "Don't worry you still look great." He got closer to kiss her.

Anna put her lips to his then recoiled. "Blah! Did you kiss Sven? Your breath is awful and your mouth tastes terrible." She said her tongue hanging out of her mouth.

"It's not that bad!" Kristoff tried to defend himself as Anna got up to rinse her mouth out. He sighed and guessed there was still more to learn about each other.


That evening, as the sun started to set, a small contingent was gathering at the back gates of the castle. Kristoff was getting Sven's sleigh ready as Anna pet the happy reindeer. Several guards waited on horseback. Elsa was talking to her chief of staff Kai.

"Your majesty I don't believe it's a good idea to ride out into the woods with so many visitors around. They may notice your absence and ask questions." Kai told her. "And I would feel a lot more comfortable if I knew where you were going. I must confess this seems strange."

Elsa smiled as she pet her horse. "I'm sure you would. And under normal circumstances I would tell you to ease your mind. But in this case it's a family secret."

Kai frowned. "Your majesty you know I am trustworthy."

"I know you are." Elsa assured him. "But trust me when I say this is something I can't reveal. Even the guards will be left at a certain spot."

"I trust you implicitly." Kai said. "But the fact you're going somewhere that's going to require you to leave the guards concerns me greatly. There have been far too many threats to you and your family to take such risks."

"I appreciate your concern Kai, but no one knows we are going. And I will take Captain Slovak with me just in case."

"Nothing against the captain but he's considered more family then me?" Kai questioned.

"It's nothing like that." Elsa assured him. "But the captain has become aware of this secret so it works out for him to accompany me. Besides would you rather we go alone?"

Kai yielded. "I suppose. But there is still the issue of covering for your absence."

"That's why we are going at night. We should return in the morning. If anyone asks I leave the explanations in your capable hands." Elsa smiled as she climbed on her horse.

Kai bowed. "As you wish. Should anyone ask I will come up with a cover. But I will do my best to make sure your absence goes unnoticed."

"Thank you Kai. What would I ever do without you?"

"Hopefully you don't have to find out. I fear you would be more reckless." Kai said.

Elsa laughed. "Possibly. I confess, I think Anna is wearing off on me some. I think it's a good thing. But I can always trust your voice of reason to keep me grounded."

Kai bowed. "As I always strive to do. Safe travels your majesty."

With that Elsa pulled the hood of her cloak over her head and the contingent headed out of the gate. They moved quickly as the night started to fall, taking the outskirts of the city to avoid attention. Then headed onto the forest road.

They were traveling to a place Elsa had not been to in years. In fact it held painful memories for her. The last time she was there she watched her sisters memories erased and spent every day since then to her coronation in fear.

She had no contact with the trolls since that day. However, since Kristoff was raised by them and they had met and adored Anna they insisted on having their own ceremony with the couple.

Kristoff and Anna both occasionally went to visit the trolls. They had asked their existence be kept a secret though. As far as the people were concerned the rock trolls were just a legend. The trolls could hide themselves from anyone who wandered near their secret home.

Kristoff had told Erik about the trolls so he would be permitted to enter the area. Besides they would want someone for Elsa to stand with.

They rode quickly through the woods for several hours, with advanced scout making sure the way was clear. Elsa said little during the trip. She decided to ride her own horse instead of the sleigh giving Kristoff and Anna time together.

They finally slowed and stopped. Kristoff and Anna disembarked from the sled. Erik held his arm up signaling for the rest of the guards to stop.

"Alright men. You are not to proceed beyond this point unless there is an emergency. We will return after a while. Lieutenant Warwick is in command in my absence." Erik ordered.

Warwick saluted in response. Erik knew he was curious but knew better then to ask. Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and Erik then proceeded to the trolls' home.

They stepped into a clearing that looked like rocky steps creating a natural amphitheater. Round rocks lay all around. Kristoff started calling out to the rocks which seemed rather strange. Then the rocks started to move and roll towards them.

Erik was expecting something, but wasn't exactly sure what. The strange event hand him gripping his pistol as the rocks came closer. Then the rocks uncurled into these strange, short squat creatures with beady eyes looking at the four humans.

"Kristoff and Anna are home!" Several voices shouted excitedly and the rest of the trolls cheered.

"You must be starving let's get you something to eat."

"How was the wedding was it everything you ever dreamed?"

"Give me your clothes. I'll wash them for you."

The trolls bombarded Kristoff and Anna with questions. A few of them approached Elsa. "Your majesty. I haven't seen you since you were a little girl! You're so pretty now!"

"Thank you." Elsa blushed a little and smiled at the trolls. They seemed smaller then she remembered. But of course she was eight years old then.

Then some of them noticed Erik. "Now who is this?" One asked. "Are we performing two ceremonies tonight?"

"Oh no." Elsa said. "He is my guard and a friend of Kristoff."

"Ah a friend of Kristoff's! Well you are welcome here then. What is your name?" The troll asked.

"Captain Erik Slovak at your service, uh, ma'am." Erik guessed taking a bow. The voice sounded female and it seemed the males and females wore different colors of glowing crystals.

"My, what a polite young man. A good quality. Tell me your majesty. Why are you holding back from a polite dashing young man like this?" The troll asked cheerily.

Erik felt his ears burning out of embarrassment and Elsa stammered a little. Erik listened carefully wanted to hear the response.

"Well, uh, it's complicated. We are both happy being friends. I'm not ready for such a relationship. Besides we just don't feel about each other that way." She explained.

Erik was a little disappointed by Elsa's answer but perhaps she was just hiding feelings. He had been dying to know how she really felt about him. Although he doubted she really knew how she felt.

The troll grinned. "Well give me tonight, and I'll have you two so desperately in love you won't know what hit you!"

They were spared though as Kristoff mercifully jumped in. "Whoa! Let's not pressure Elsa and Erik into anything. They have enough to deal with now. Let's get ready for the ceremony."

From the wedding Anna had taken great time and care to get ready, this was completely different. Elsa watched in shock as Ann and Kristoff were tossed around between groups of trolls being wrapped up in strange garb. The outfits seemed to be made out of plants.

Elsa and Erik suddenly found themselves pushed towards a hole in the ground and made to stand beside it. Then Anna and Kristoff were both crowd surfed over the trolls and dropped into the hole. . They were wrapped in cloaks that looked like they were woven with grass with odd stick crowns on their heads.

Before Elsa could fully comprehend what was happening a troll standing on a rock started. "Do you Anna, take Kristoff…"

While Elsa was confused by the trolls' customs she appreciated how they got right to the point. The actual wedding ceremony was exceedingly long. The trolls seemed to just get on with the matter at hand and celebrate.

Anna and Kristoff stared dreamily into each other's eyes and said their "I do's" again. When they finished the trolls erupted into cheers and danced around. Olaf happily jumped around with the young trolls.

Everyone started dancing and talking rapidly. Elsa found herself trying to carry on several confusing conversations at once.

Erik stood back from the festivities and just watched. The trolls were not as interested in him as the others. Probably because he was quieter and more rigid then the others. A few trolls talked to him. Few had ever seen a soldier before. Most had never seen a sword. The young trolls were curious about it. Apparently they were in some stories they were told.

He enjoyed seeing the family so happy. It was a confirmation he was doing his job if they were all here and safe. Besides, they deserved a break after everything they had been through. It was nice to see Elsa happy and free as well. So often she was so caught up in her work and putting on the appearance of royalty that her true personality couldn't shine through. That was the part of her he had fallen in love with.

He noticed an older troll wandering around the celebration. As it wandered it looked over at Erik and gave him an odd look and wandered over. He got closer and motioned Erik to kneel down. "Greetings. I am called Grand Pabbie."

This troll was different than the others. He was far more reserved while the others were loud and rambunctious. "Honor to meet you. I am Captain Erik Slovak of her majesties royal guard."

Pabbie smiled slightly but his eyes seem to be scanning Erik. "I sense strange magic in you. Something I have not sensed in a long time."

"Well I can assure you I have no magic powers. Perhaps just an effect of being close to Queen Elsa's magic?" Erik suggested.

Pabbie shook his head. "No this is different." He placed his hand on Erik's chest. "I sense the warrior's heart in you."

That was a phrase Erik had not heard in a long time. After the incident when he was impaled on a spear he researched the legend but found little beyond some stories. "I have been told that before. But I don't know exactly what it means." Erik confessed.

Pabbie spoke quietly so only Erik could hear. "The truth behind it lies centuries in the past. Long ago magic was far more prevalent. As you can imagine some used it for good, some for evil. One day a powerful dark master arose in Arendelle. He began to wage war on the kingdom, wanting it for himself. The king fought back but the evil one found a way to infuse some of his minions with dark magic. The king's soldiers were no match for the sorcerer and his soldiers. Finally the king's mage found a way to infuse his own magic into soldiers.

They selected a company of the king's best warriors and cast the spell. The magic gave them incredible speed and strength. Their courage was elevated to mythic levels. Their skills enhanced. They could also survive grave and even mortal wounds. Using these soldiers the king's forces defeated the dark one and his minions. But there was a price to this power.

Even with their new power the warriors were not invincible. Half of them died fighting. For those that survived they found themselves cursed. The magic could not be undone. Along their great fighting ability they also found their aggression and bloodlust were also enhanced. Many could not control themselves and found themselves giving into the need to kill. They were hunted down and destroyed. For those that learned how to control their bloodlust several found themselves hunted out of fear. For those that were not they soon discovered something worse. The curse was passed down to their children.

Though not as strong as their parents the children grew to become both skilled and aggressive. They often joined the army or became criminals, killing for sport. As generations passed many of the descendants of the original warriors either died in battle or died for their crimes. Few remain today. It appears you are a descendant of one of the original warriors. Use caution my son. I expect you are an exceptional soldier. But the bloodlust is always inside you. You must always stay in control of it or else you will turn even on those you love."

Erik listened intently to the story. Despite how unbelievable it might sound to most it all added up. As far back as he could trace his family had served in the military. Combat skills came naturally to him, and he was always trying to control his kill instinct. At times it got the better of him, especially on the battlefield. But he had not completely given into it.

"Thank you Grand Pabbie. I will take what you told me to heart." Erik started to stand but Pabbie stopped him.

"There is more. I sense another magic presence in you." He whispered.

So Elsa's ice was still there. It wasn't his imagination. "Yes. Queen Elsa froze my heart when I was mortally wounded. The warriors heart keep me alive long enough to finish my mission. The queen used her powers to stop the bleeding to keep me alive after that. I always wondered if the heart will work again should I become mortally wounded."

Pabbie shook his head. "This has never happened before to my knowledge. But I don't believe so. I'm sorry but your heart never fully healed. Elsa's ice is holding it together even now. Should that ice ever melt you will die."

Erik spoke softly. "So how do I stop that from happening?"

"Only an act of true love can thaw a frozen heart. Normally the ice would have spread and you would have frozen solid. But Elsa wanted the ice in a specific spot so that along with your heart's own ability is holding it in check. And I'm sensing something else. But the ice could either spread or melt under certain circumstances." Pabbie explained.

"What circumstances are those?" Erik asked intently.

Pabbie sighed sadly. "I'm sorry to tell you this. But love will thaw your heart. The very thing that would save anyone else in your position will kill you."

"But I have already committed acts that could be considered acts of true love. Wouldn't that show that the ice will not melt?" Erik asked hopefully.

Pabbie shook his head. "You are a soldier. Your acts may have been in love but they were also out of duty and loyalty. Trademarks of a warrior's heart. You can love, but should your love ever be returned, the ice will melt and you will die."

Pabbie's words hit Erik like a cannon shot. "So you're saying I can love but never have it returned?" He asked slowly his eyes on Elsa.

Pabbie nodded gently. "I'm sorry to be the bearer of such bad news. It's an awful burden you will have to carry. I sense great love already in you." His eyes followed Erik's to Elsa.

"You could say that." He whispered.

"I sense a strong bond between you. Her ice is part of her and it is in your heart. It amplifies any connection you feel to her." Pabbie told him

"So my feelings are just the ice in me?"

"No." Pabbie shook his head. "Your feelings are your own. Your connection just makes them stronger. I'm sorry, but there is nothing I can do."

Erik just nodded. "Thank you for telling me."

"There is more. You will be tempted to try to disconnect your feelings to avoid the pain. This is dangerous. It was your love that I was sensing that also stops the ice from spreading. Should you stop the ice could spread. If it does, combined with your heart you will grow cold to everything and focus on one thing. The kill." Pabbie warned.

Erik thanked Pabbie and stood. The smile he had a while ago was gone. He was just sentenced to a life of pain without love. Perhaps it would be short. He had a knack for getting into deadly situations.

Stop that! He told himself. He still had a duty to do. You couldn't wallow in self-pity. He knew people who lost loved ones and they managed. It would be like being one of them. He would learn to live with it.


As the celebration drew to a close and they got ready to leave Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff noticed Erik kneeling down and talking to Pabbie.

"What do you think that is all about?" Anna asked.

"I have no idea." Kristoff shrugged. "Pabbie doesn't usually have long conversations with people he doesn't know without reason."

Erik stood and walked over to the trio. "Sorry for the delay. Ready to depart?"

"What was that all about?" Elsa asked curiously.

"Oh. Nothing really. Just a history lesson." Erik said.

"Are you alright? You seem…off." Anna asked looking at him funny.

"I'm fine your highness. Just a new experience for me meeting trolls." Erik told her.

The four then called Olaf over who bade goodbye repeatedly and loudly as they walked back to the rest of the guards.

Erik managed to hide his feelings. But he felt devastated. He know he had almost no chance of Elsa and him being together.

But now that final hope had just died.


End Chapter 48

This looks like a good stopping point.

Hope I don't lose half my followers and you decide to stick around and see how this plays out.

In case you missed it something in this chapter was one of the surprises I warned was coming. How was that for a curveball?

I still got more to throw at you. Hope you're ready for them.

Leave those reviews for me. I wanna know what you thought.