Spoilers: Frozen I
Intro: Four months have passed since Elsa exposed her magic and thawed the kingdom. She is slowly settling into life with the gates open while trying to be the sister Anna wants, but not everything is always that simple and there are those that would use the young queen as a means to their own ends.
A/N: Some notes of mild importance. It was never clear how much land Elsa ruled over so I have decided to use my artistic license assume the Kingdom of Arendelle encompasses all of the what use to be the county of Aust-Agder, still not a huge area, but more than a tiny village. Each municipality has its own baron that serve the crown.
Some things like titles, weapons, politics will not be wholly historically accurate for the 1800s in Norway, I'm okay with that. This is a fantasy piece, not a history project.
There will not be any Elsa/OC in this story though some OCs will be introduced.
This will be a multi chaptered story, it has a companion piece called "Head Above Water" both exist in the same universe and scenes that don't fit the narrative flow of this story may show up in "Head Above Water" so keep an eye out. :P
I hope everyone enjoys the story and don't forget to tip your nokk on the way out. 💕
There was no doubt about it, the queen was not happy.
Elsa had promised to spend the evening with her sister. She'd already missed dinner, and now, it was nearing sunset.
She pressed icy fingertips to her temples, hoping to relieve the pressure there, but the ache behind her eyes that she'd woken with had only grown as the hours went on. It was now at a point that she was sure her skull might crack.
The day, which had been a study in torture and a test of her patience, had opened with a meeting with the Baron of Riser. He was looking to reform the marriage laws, specifically the age of consent, as he was keen on marrying some poor girl who was decades younger than he. The man had been quite insistent that what they had was true love, and nothing to do with the size of the girl's dowry. Never mind that it was his third marriage.
It had taken more than several "no's" to close the meeting; Elsa had finally issued a less than subtle threat about finding alternative ways for the baron to serve the crown if he could not practice patience and better judgement. She wasn't usually so direct, but this was not the first time the baron had approached her about this topic, she was, however, determined to make sure it was the last.
The council meeting that followed, while somewhat more productive overall, had on more than one occasion devolved into her advisories bickering like children, which did nothing to help her mood or head. Several times, she'd been forced to steer the men back to the topic at hand. The meeting had taken hours longer than it should have, and she had to skip lunch in order to make it to her afternoon meeting with a representative from the barony of Valle, which she could not afford to be late for.
Court had been no better. Only a few months had passed since she froze Arendelle, and while there had been no casualties, the storm destroyed many of the crops in the surrounding farms. With autumn in full swing and winter rapidly approaching, many of her people were, understandably, worried there would not be enough food. Elsa repeated the same reassurances no less than ten times to just as many people: Yes, there would be enough food for all of Arendelle. Yes, provisions had been made. Of course, she would personally oversee it.
The rest of her afternoon had been taken up with paperwork. There were agreements to sign and a food delivery to oversee. But, finally, she was almost done. Just a few more signatures and seals and she would be free. Or, as free as she could be while ruling a land.
An hour later and Elsa signed the last form with a flourish. She blew softly on the fresh ink before setting the parchment atop a pile on the corner of her desk. Later, Kai would ensure each individual form or deed got to where it needed to be.
Shoulders already slumping in relaxation, she pushed her chair back, prepared to join her sister in the library and salvage whatever she could of the night. There was a knock on her door, and Elsa looked up to see Kai standing on the threshold.
"Your Majesty."
"Kai," she greeted him warmly. She stood, gesturing to the stack of papers. "What good timing. I have some letters that will need to go out tomorrow . . ." She noticed the pensive look on her steward's face, the letter clutched in his hand. "But you're not here for that, are you?"
"No, ma'am," he said, his tone regretful. As the keeper of her schedule, Kai knew better than any how trying this day had been for her. It was clear he also knew that whatever news he had for her wasn't going to make the day any better. "A messenger arrived just now, bearing this letter. He stated it was a matter of grave importance. He's waiting for a reply to take back to his lord."
Elsa released a breath and sat back down. She pushed her shoulders back, regaining the regal composure she bared throughout the workday, and gestured for him to bring her the letter. She turned the folded paper and studied the seal. She knew not just the seals within her own kingdom, but those of the kingdoms with which they conducted business, and a few they did not. This was a seal she did not immediately recognize. "Where is the messenger now?" she asked as she broke the seal and unfolded the paper.
"He is in one of the sitting rooms just off the entryway, Your Majesty."
Elsa nodded, then turned her attention to the letter, skimming the contents. She frowned, read the words again. "Kai," she said, without looking up. "Bring me a map. One with the lands that surround our own, please."
Elsa was late.
Anna didn't mind waiting, though, not with a sunset like this. She stood out on the library's balcony, tipped her face skyward to relish the last dregs of the day's warmth. She had spent the day with Kristoff, walking through town and stopping off for some hot chocolate at the small café that overlooked the port. It was quickly becoming one of her favorite places.
She and Kristoff were taking things slow, just getting to know each other, enjoying each other's company. After what happened with Hans, she didn't want to rush into anything, even if she was sure Kristoff was the one. She'd been sure about Hans, too. All the way up until the moment he left her alone to freeze to death. Anna was more than happy to take things a bit slower this time.
She stretched her arms over her head, contently watching the sun disappear below the horizon. Truthfully, she wasn't surprised Elsa was late, or that she'd missed dinner. Over the past few months Elsa had been crowned, her magic exposed, and the Kingdom opened, now, it seemed everybody wanted an audience with the new Queen of Arendelle. Each with their own angle.
While Anna enjoyed, even relished, the sudden influx of new and interesting people visiting from different countries, it left her sister with little in the way of free time. She didn't hold it against Elsa; her sister had a lot of new and crushing weight resting on her shoulders, and not just with a kingdom to run.
There were other obstacles for Elsa to surmount, of course, things normal monarchs didn't have to deal with.
She had better control over her powers now and was able to dismiss any ice she inadvertently created, but still struggled sometimes to keep it under control, particularly when stressed or startled. Unfortunately, stressed seemed to be an almost constant state of being for her older sister.
It was being called the Queen's Winter, and the first month after, had been spent assessing the damage done and cleaning up messes. Not everyone was happy to hear Arendelle's queen had the ability to lock down an entire kingdom at will. Accidently or otherwise. Elsa had personally penned letters, repeatedly assuring their neighboring kingdoms that Arendelle had no ill intentions, that she had no desire to use her magic against them. Four months later and there were still those who remained unconvinced.
With everything that happened, she and Elsa were closer now than they'd ever been, though it was difficult to spend the kind of time together they both now wanted. The staff had been increased since the coronation, and court was held twice a week so the people of Arendelle could ask for the Queen's help or judgement. New representatives and diplomats from other lands sailed in on almost a daily basis, and through it all, her sister displayed a calm, reassuring, and regal grace, but Anna knew what was brewing below the royal façade.
Elsa was still uncomfortable around people, especially strangers, for any extended amount of time, she struggled with physical contact, catching herself flinching even from Anna. Then there had been the late-night panic attacks after particularly trying days. She did what she could to help her sister through them, sitting with her, being a comforting presence. But it wasn't easy. She didn't know her sister that well – not yet – and she was still trying to learn when to push, when to back off, and what triggers to avoid. It was a trial and error process, some errors worse than others, but they were slowly making progress.
Anna frowned. Or they would be making progress if Elsa didn't seem so dead set on working herself into exhaustion.
With the sun fully set and a full blanket of stars twinkling into existence, Anna decided she should check on her sister and make sure the older woman wasn't trapped under a stack of paperwork. Literally or figuratively. She hummed softly as she made her way to Elsa's study, and smiled as her thoughts drifted back to the day spent with Kristoff.
"But why come to us?" Elsa's quiet voice floated out into the hallway.
Anna slowed her pace, not wanting to interrupt if her sister was in a meeting. Especially one that stretched on this late into the night. She peeked her head into the office and saw her sister looking down at something on her desk. Elsa seemed to be distressed, kneading at her forehead. Kai stood just to the right of her, his posture rigid. The room was noticeably colder than the hallway.
"I could not say, Your Majesty."
Frowning, Elsa leaned back in her chair, bracing a fist against her mouth as she stared thoughtfully. Her gaze drifted up, eyes widening when they locked on Anna's.
"Anna!" She glanced toward the window as she sat up straighter. Her face fell. "Anna, I'm so sorry. I know I promised you . . ." She pressed her lips into a tight line, looking back down at what Anna could now see was a map. "I'm almost done."
Anna bobbed her head, smiled so her sister knew she wasn't upset. Elsa didn't ask her to leave or wait outside the room, so she stepped fully inside and folded her hands in front of her, knowing she had to be patient.
Elsa turned to Kai. "Prepare a room for our guest for the night and let him know I'll have an answer for him tomorrow. This isn't a decision to be made lightly." She stood stiffly, picking up a letter and folding it. "Have Admiral Naismith meet me first thing in the morning." After a pause, she added, "Gergar Alfson and Halstein Dal, as well. Have all three meet me here."
Kai bowed his head. "Yes, Your Majesty."
Anna waited until the steward had left before turning back to her sister.
Apparently expecting her sister to launch into an insulted tirade, Elsa held up a hand. "I know, I'm sorry. I promised to spend the evening with you." She walked around the desk, coming to a stop in front of Anna, wringing her hands. "But something came up." White-faced, she pressed her lips together. "A lot of somethings, actually."
"Elsa." Anna reached out and took her sister's hands into her own, feeling a faint thrill of victory when Elsa didn't flinch. "When was the last time you ate?"
The older woman looked taken aback by the question, but quickly recovered and tilted her head, considering.
It was enough of an answer for Anna. "Okay," she said, squeezing Elsa's hands. "If it's taking you this long to think about it, then it's been too long." She tugged her sister toward the door. "Let's go. Kitchen raiding time." In the hallway, she linked an arm through Elsa's, pulling her along without giving her opportunity to escape.
"Anna," Elsa protested anyway, "the kitchen staff is probably cleaning up for the night. I'm sure they're not going to appreciate us raiding the pantry."
Anna waved her free hand dismissively. "At this hour they've already finished cleaning and prepping for tomorrow morning. The kitchen will be empty."
Elsa raised an eyebrow. "Anna, just how many times have you raided the pantry?"
Anna turned her head toward her sister and grinned.
Elsa chuckled, shaking her head. "You know what Gerda will do if she catches you."
Anna wrinkled her nose and rubbed the back of her head, thinking back on those times when they were younger and would sneak into the pantry only to be caught by Gerda wielding a wooden spoon. "Well, obviously the idea is to not get caught. Besides, that's what you're here for."
Her sister tipped her head back and released a genuine laugh. It was a glorious sound that Anna had desperately missed, one she would never grow tired of hearing. "I am not going to protect you from Gerda."
Anna pouted, dragging on her sister's arm like she did when they were children. "What's the point of you being queen if I can't get some pastries out of it."
Elsa smiled widely. "How very altruistic of you, Anna. You are a shining example of selflessness to the entire kingdom."
Anna responded by sticking her tongue out at her older sister, eliciting another chuckle, and she could see the lines that had wrinkled Elsa's face had faded away. She marked it down as another small victory.
The two walked the rest of the way to the kitchen in companionable silence. Anna's curious mind kept jumping back to the little bit of conversation she'd heard between Elsa and Kai. She wasn't aware of any guests in the castle, and whatever this mysterious person wanted had her sister concerned, which had Anna concerned. But first food, then questions.
Anna pushed the heavy wooden door open; the kitchen was a cozy, warm space lit by a single fire still burning. The smell of labskovs cooking in pot over the open flame made Anna's mouth water. At least, until Anna realized the presence of still-cooking stew meant the kitchen was not as empty as it was supposed to be.
"Gerda," Anna said with a nervous laugh, spotting the older matron standing next to the hearth, deftly cutting a handful of herbs. "I thought you'd have retired for the night."
Gerda turned toward the sisters, raising a single eyebrow. "Your majesties."
"Forgive us, Gerda," Elsa said, "but our stomachs could not wait until morning."
"I'm not surprised," Gerda replied, propping a hand on her hip. "I knew it'd only be a matter of time before you found your way down here. You've had naught to eat today."
Anna looked to Elsa with surprise. Missing dinner was one thing, but she'd assumed her sister hadn't allowed herself to go without food the entire day.
Elsa dipped her head and averted her gaze, with the good grace to look both remorseful and stubborn. "You didn't have to stay up on my account."
The older woman gestured to Anna. "And allow this one make a mess of my pantry, looking for food? Again?"
"I . . ." As much as Anna wanted to be offended, she may have made the mess – or two – while on a mission for food. Without a defense for herself, she only shrugged.
"Besides, it is no trouble, Your Majesty." Gerda moved to the pot and dropped in the chopped herbs. "You are not the first monarch in Arendelle to work through meals, and I doubt you will be the last. Your father was guilty of the same."
A blush colored Elsa's face, reaching her ears. Anna knew little made her sister happier than being compared to their father. He had been the example of everything she strived to be as queen.
With a kind smile, Gerda gestured for them to settle at the scrubbed wooden table. "The soup should be ready in a few more minutes." With that, she turned back to the pot and left the sisters to themselves.
Anna couldn't help but frown as she took a seat.
"What?" Elsa asked.
"How'd you managed to miss breakfast? Did you sleep in?" She leaned forward, her brows drawn together. "Are you capable of sleeping in?"
Elsa rolled her eyes. "No, Anna, I did not sleep in. And, yes, I am capable of doing so."
"Uh-huh. Sure."
"Actually, you can thank Øystein for my missing breakfast. He was quite insistent on meeting with me first thing this morning."
"Øystein? Not the Baron from Riser trying to reform the—"
"—marriage laws?" Elsa wrinkled her nose in disgust. "Yes, that would be him." She leaned forward on her elbows and pressed her fingertips to her temples, finally allowing her queenly mask to slip away completely.
"Is he still trying to marry—"
"Yes," Elsa interrupted again. "And I'm very much hoping that this will be the last time I have to hear of it."
Anna nodded sympathetically. "Considering this is his third visit, what makes you so sure he's going to listen this time?"
Elsa smirked, resting her hands on the tabletop. "I may have not been subtle when suggesting I'd remove him from the barony if he persisted."
Anna snorted. "Can you do that?"
"Yes," her sister said carefully. "Though it's generally best to have a reason stronger than 'he's being an irritation' when stripping nobles of their titles." Elsa's lips quirked. "There tends to be a bit of backlash."
Anna laughed. "Still, I can't say I would have minded seeing the look on his face when you told him."
Elsa chuckled, but stopped when Gerda placed bowls of soup in front of them both. She softly thanked the matron, and Gerda bowed her head before returning to properly clean the kitchen.
"Speaking of relationships," Elsa said, blowing on a steaming spoonful of labskovs stew. "How are things between you and Kristoff?"
Anna felt the blush creep across her face as she thought of him. "Good," she replied with a grin.
"Any thoughts about making things more . . . official?"
Anna almost choked on her mouthful of soup. "What? I can't—I can't marry him, Elsa. I've only known him for four months!" She dropped her spoon to the tabletop, thinking about how quickly the tables had turned.
"I'm not talking about marriage, Anna," Elsa said, obviously amused at how easily she'd caused her sister to trip over her words. "Or saying you should rush things. But," she continued, her tone falling serious, "you are now the crowned princess and the heir presumptive. You must know that a potential suitor is going to be a matter of great political interest. And until you are officially courting, the council is going to be keen on throwing suitors at you any chance they get, to ensure the line of succession. They've already started trying."
Anna sputtered wordlessly for another moment. This conversation was taking a serious turn, venturing down a path she hadn't been prepared for. Obviously, she had rushed things with Hans, and it turned out catastrophic on so many levels. While she highly doubted Kristoff had intentions of marrying her and murdering the queen so he could claim the throne as his own, she'd had her heart broken, and it was still on the mend. She wasn't going to put herself in such a position again, not this soon.
"Well, what about you?" Anna asked, attempting to deflect the conversation. At least for now.
"What about me?" Elsa asked.
Anna pointed her spoon at her sister. "You're the queen, Elsa. That means it's your job to ensure the line of succession, not mine. I would think the council would be tripping over themselves trying to get you married as soon as possible."
Elsa's posture went rigid, her gaze falling to the half-eaten bowl of soup. Anna knew immediately that she'd unintentionally grazed a sensitive, possibly sour, subject. She should have known better; of course her sister would be uncomfortable with the idea of getting so close to someone. Elsa was still just beginning to get used to being around people.
Anna wanted to reassure her sister that she would find someone, one day, without any fear hurting them with her powers. "Elsa - "
"I don't think . . ." For the first time since Anna could remember, her sister seemed at a loss for words. For a long moment, Elsa was quiet, staring intently down at her bowl. When she finally continued, she picked her words with care. "I don't think the council, or others, are comfortable with the line continuing through me. Not at the moment, at least."
Anna recoiled. Out of all the things she could have predicted her sister would say, this had not made the list. "Wait, what? Did someone tell you that?"
"No." Elsa shook her head. "I'm not sure anyone would be that forward. But I've heard the rumors. Whispers, when they thought I couldn't hear."
Anna was dumbfounded. There was no way this could be true; why would anyone take issue with Elsa getting married and having children? It made no sense. Part of a monarch's job to provide an heir, to ensure someone was there to take over when they were gone.
She watched as Elsa withdrew into herself, her food left forgotten as she wrung her hands in front of her, a nervous habit Anna had come to recognize. It hit her then – they were afraid any child Elsa bore would have the same powers she did. Her shoulders fell. "Elsa . . ."
"They're not wrong to be worried. I've had the same thought. The same fear."
Not for the first time, Anna found herself loathing the council, a group of stuffy old men with opinions they should be keeping to themselves. "Elsa, that's ridiculous. Who cares if any of your children have magical powers?"
"A lot of people, Anna. And a lot of other Kingdoms would care, too."
"Well, their opinions don't matter."
"Their opinions do matter," Elsa insisted, her expression hardening. "People fear me and my powers, and with good reason. Just look what I did to Arendelle."
"That was an accident," Anna replied.
"Exactly." Elsa nodded, her hands clasped tightly on the tabletop. "I almost destroyed my own kingdom without even trying. People see that, they remember that, and they're afraid of what might happen if this power was turned against them as a weapon. By me, or any child I bare."
"So, that's it?" Anna flopped heavily against the back of her chair. "You're just going to give up any chance of finding love or having children because of what other people fear?"
Elsa smiled sadly. "Fear is a powerful thing. It causes people to do desperate things in order to protect what they might lose. Above all else, I must do what is best for my people."
"Even at the cost of your own happiness?"
"Yes," Elsa said firmly.
"Elsa . . ."
Elsa stood abruptly, pushing her chair away from the table with a harsh scrape. "It's late, Anna. I'm sure Gerda would like to get to bed, and I have an early day tomorrow." She folded her hands in front of her, her calm, regal mask set firmly in place. Anna's heart sank seeing it. "I'm sorry I was unable to spend a proper evening with you, but I promise to make it up to you. Goodnight, Anna." She was gone before Anna could say a word of protest.
Anna leaned back in her chair, a heavy breath escaping her. She startled when a hand landed on her shoulder.
Gerda gave her a soft, comforting squeeze, then moved to collect the queen's bowl. "Try not to be too hard on her, your highness. She's scared, and is only trying to do what she thinks is best for her people."
Anna smiled up at the woman who was like a second mother to her. "I know, Gerda. I just wish sometimes she'd do what was best for her."