A/N: Thanks to everyone who's followed/favorited and/or is reading but not reviewing!
On to the story!
ARENDELLE
"Open up! Castle guards!" Erik knocked loudly on the door of the little shack he had gotten a lead to from one of Damian's cohorts that Elsa had apprehended before she and Anna had left Arendelle.
A boy opened the door cautiously and peeked out. "Are you, um, looking for someone?" he asked.
"I told you not to open the door!" a girl's voice sounded from inside.
"I had to, he's from the castle!" the boy shouted back.
Erik was more suspicious now, and he gently pushed the boy aside and stepped in. The interior of the little shack was clean but extremely messy. Under the threadbare carpet he noticed a lump in the center of the floor. "That a trapdoor leading to your cellar, mister?" he asked casually.
The boy looked toward where the angry girl's voice had come from and nodded silently. A girl that appeared a little older than Elsa stormed in. "What are you people doing in our house? We haven't done anything!"
"I have reason to believe a dangerous fugitive is hiding here, and we need to search the cellar. Please move the carpet or I shall be obliged to do so myself," Erik said calmly.
The girl stepped directly onto the carpet, right over the cellar trapdoor. "You're invading our privacy. Did Princess Anna authorize this or something?"
Erik stared at the stubborn girl incredulously. "You're out of line. We are authorized to do what is necessary to locate the man that attempted to assassinate the crown princess. Your behavior confirms that you must have something hidden there. If the criminal is not here, we will leave you and..." he glanced at the boy, "I assume your brother, monetary compensation for the intrusion. Now let us search."
"She isn't dead?"
Erik's men looked to him for what to do next, hands ready to draw weapons. The girl sounded oddly disappointed; her brother looked terrified and was glancing from his sister to the armed guards and back again. "Jade, you are gonna get us killed," the boy said nervously. "C'mon, let them see. I don't get why you helped creepy ol' Damian out of the marketplace and hide here anyway. Sir, he's hiding in our cellar. Please don't hurt my sister."
"Espen! Shut up! You don't understand!"
Erik's sharp gaze softened. "We won't hurt her, but you must understand harboring an attempted murderer can't be tolerated. Men, apprehend Damian. One of you watch Jade. Espen, get your sister to move aside," he ordered. Then, looking straight at Jade, Erik added, "You must be disappointed to know Princess Elsa lives. What can you possibly have against the girl, that you're hiding the man that tried and failed to kill her? She has done nothing wrong."
"She hasn't done anything wrong. Her parents did!" Jade spat, undeterred by the two guns trained on her. Erik had told her little brother he would not hurt her and she believed him. The other palace guard holding her by the arm wasn't treating her roughly either; he was merely holding on firmly enough that she couldn't pull away. "I have nothing personal against her."
"Then why support a man attempting to murder her? Is he paying you? You know the normal sentence for attempted regicide is execution. While I don't believe she would, she could sentence you to the same if she wanted to, purely for hiding him!"
Espen glanced from Jade to Erik and back again. "Jade is bitter because our parents died after they got let go from working at the castle. When the gates closed. They couldn't find other work and ended up getting sick and starving to feed us. I don't really remember a whole lot but that's what she said." Espen paused and counted on his fingers, clearly thinking. "That was like ten years ago? So I was only three."
"Damian is paying us some much-needed money for staying here," Jade muttered. "And now it's all for nothing." Why does he even want to kill Elsa anyway? If she will actually use that magic she's got she could do a better job than her parents. But she doesn't know much about it I don't think. I wish I could take it from her.
"Indeed. You're under strict house arrest until further notice. Either that or you will go to the castle dungeon until further notice. Your choice. Of course, once Princess Elsa has recovered, she may alter that sentence as she deems fit." Erik spoke sharply, wanting to stress that Elsa held the final authority on such matters, no one else, even though she was still underage. He gave Damian a death stare as the would-be murderer was dragged from the tiny cellar. "You on the other hand. I am highly tempted to kill you myself, you disgusting piece of trash. Let my royal family punish me for insubordination as they see fit."
Damian did not look at all sorry, but he wisely said nothing.
Espen spoke up quietly, "Do, um, do you feed your dungeon prisoners?"
"You and your sister would receive two simple meals per day and unlimited water. You may bring what you please from your house as long as you can carry it yourselves." Erik knew Kai would be fine with that arrangement, and though no one but him and Kai knew it, Elsa wasn't there to change it. Knowing Elsa, she would probably let Jade and Espen go, Erik thought reluctantly. Though, she did fight back in the marketplace. Maybe she wouldn't let them go.
"We should go with these guys, Jade. They're good guys and we won't be hungry," Espen told his sister. The boy glared at Damian. "And you did not either kill Prin-Queen Elsa, you idiot. I'm glad."
"I shot the witch at point blank range! How can she not be?!" Damian protested as he was dragged roughly toward the door.
"You call her by her name and title. Do not persist in disrespecting her like that. I can't believe we worked with you for so long," Erik snapped. Though he refused to show it, he was worried Elsa wouldn't make it to Corona. Ideally she shouldn't have been traveling at all, and he knew she had just been putting on a brave face after the incident. His young boss had not been okay at all.
"Lucky for you she isn't dead! Princess Anna would kill you. She still might!" one of the other guards exclaimed. "Good grief, it's just magic. There have been rumors of magic in Arendelle forever! It's something neutral. Depends on the person using it, same as any other weapon. She's a good person, it will be good magic. If you had magic, it would be bad magic. End of story! Why are you so adamantly sure she means harm to us all? She used it to capture criminals and save a child. That's the opposite of what you imply!"
"It's unnatural! Shouldn't exist and it's dangerous for everyone else. I want Princess Anna on that throne instead. Not her!" Damian was insistent upon that. "Princess Anna may be naive and far too young, but at least she doesn't have that accursed magic."
Erik stared at him in disbelief. "Are you even thinking what you're saying at all? What do you suppose Princess Anna would do to you if you actually succeeded in murdering her sister?"
"Probably kill me herself. However, that's my sacrifice for the good of society."
Erik reacted impulsively. He hauled back and punched Damian in the face. Then he turned away and ignored him entirely, composure restored. "Miss Jade, make your decision now, if you please."
Jade had an idea that if she agreed to go willingly to the castle dungeon of all places, something horrible would happen, no matter what these guards said. If Elsa was told she had been helping Damian, she might take the food and mundane luxuries privileges away at the very least. Then again, it sounded like she could not do her normal duties right now, either. "What about Espen? What's going to happen to him if we go with you? This isn't his fault. He didn't want anything to do with it."
"He can help around the castle if he likes or stay with you in the cell. I can see he didn't want anything to do with it," Erik said firmly. "Decide now, Miss Jade, or I shall be obliged to decide for you. I must get Damian back immediately."
BACK ABOARD SHIP...
"Anna, are you sure I look okay enough for...someone besides you and Gerda seeing me?" Elsa asked again the next morning before they planned to speak with Frederic to make their plans to get off the ship. "I don't want anyone to feel bad for me or worse, not take us seriously."
"Elsa. You're wearing your ice-dress, which looks fit for a queen anyways, and we did your hair. You look nice, and besides, why the heck are you expecting yourself to look perfectly fine when you were literally shot just days ago? Give yourself a break," Anna said firmly. "You look fine. The only thing I can visibly see that's not 'fine' is you have dark circles 'cause you're tired. And I can tell you're hurting, but nobody else will know. Really."
Anna wouldn't lie to me about that. Elsa nodded. "All right. I am going to trust your judgment then," she said decidedly.
Anna gave her a critical look. "Make a fancy chair with your ice and make it soft with snow. You can sit in it while we discuss," she suggested. "But if you start looking like the pain got worse or something you're going right back in bed. So there. I can tell even when you're trying to hide it, so don't bother."
Elsa's cheeks grew pink. "I'm sor-"
"No! Don't be sorry. I'm just not going to let you overdo it. I shall drive you crazy and fuss over you if I have to." Anna gave her a hug, and Elsa happily accepted it. Well, at least Elsa doesn't have to deal with this all alone. I can help, and once we get to Corona, Uncle Thomas and Aunt Primrose can help me help Elsa. Anna lifted Elsa and gently set her down in the sparkling creation she'd made in seconds. She considered asking Elsa to make a second for herself to sit in too, but then decided against it. Elsa looked like a queen from a fairy tale in Anna's opinion, and she didn't want to make the effect any less. I shall just stand next to her or sit on the bed if I want. "Want me to ask Gerda to get Frederic now?"
Elsa nodded, her hands carefully folded in her lap. She wondered what he really thought about her and Anna. Anna put her ear to the door listening for people in the corridor, and Elsa spoke up. "Actually, I think I hear Gerda and another person out there now. The other person must have a walking stick or something. I can hear it."
Anna stared at her in surprise. "You can hear all that?"
"I listened a lot in my room." Elsa smiled a little when they heard Gerda knock and say she had Frederic with her. "See?"
Anna opened the door to let them in, and in seconds Elsa had made three more chairs of ice for the others. To her there was no reason to have everyone except herself standing while they made a plan. Anna was disappointed Elsa was not letting herself keep her miniature icy throne just for her, but she didn't say anything. Frederic looked very intrigued and interested. He bowed and kissed Elsa's hand, making Elsa turn bright red and Anna giggle. "At your service, Queen Elsa. My con skills shall help us get you and your sister to your relatives safely," he said quite seriously. Then, "Is Princess Anna a magical ice girl too?"
Frederic sounded so hopeful that Elsa immediately felt she could talk to this boy. Maybe. And I don't feel comfortable with some weird boy I don't know kissing my hand, but...it also means he's not scared of me and he doesn't hate my powers, either. "No, but she does help me control my magic," Elsa said after a moment. "...You can sit, you know," she added when he didn't sit down.
The others sat, and Anna spoke up next. "What if we didn't really hide at all? Maybe we could say we're going to be our cousin Rapunzel's new servants or something. Also, just call us Anna and Elsa, will you? That okay with you, Elsa?"
Elsa nodded. Sure, why not, we shouldn't...but it's not going to make any difference, I don't think.
Frederic looked at Elsa and then shook his head. "Won't work. You might be able to pass, but she won't. I, um, I think even if you weren't injured, Qu-Elsa, it would be difficult to be convincing. You just carry yourself too...regal. Ish. Or something, I don't know."
Elsa stared at him. "Then, tell us how to fix that," she said flatly. And I know he is right. I stand out too much. "I have never been to Corona. Please...show us how to blend in."
Frederic seemed excited by this prospect. He thought a minute before saying anything else. "Maybe you could send Gerda here to buy more Corona styled clothes. Cheap ones. Not ones a wealthy girl would have. While she does that, I'll deliver the message that you're here to the castle. Then she can bring the clothes back here. Since some of the cargo will be delivered here, we can 'deliver' both of you to the castle with the rest of the delivery hidden in that crate. Your relatives can get you hidden inside the castle somewhere after that."
"Frederic, will those crates be inspected before delivery? Anna and I will be found, and certainly being discovered as stowaways would be worse than risking Anna's idea," Elsa said quietly.
Anna had another idea. "How about we use both ideas? We hide in the crate, but Gerda rides along with whoever's delivering the stuff. She lets us out near the castle. Then I say I'm supposed to be Rapunzel's new personal servant. If someone asks about Elsa I just say she's my best friend and she goes where I go. I'm sure Uncle Thomas and Aunt Primrose would go along with it, so if we're questioned, it'll be okay."
And I could seal the crate shut anyways, Elsa thought. Then no one could open it from the outside anyways.
"Miss Anna, if someone realizes your sister is injured, it's going to raise more questions and suspicion," Gerda pointed out. "Not to mention the fact that you are two girls that match the ages and physical descriptions of the Arendelle royal sisters."
"I can hide it as long as I am sitting or lying down," Elsa deadpanned. Anna frowned but didn't argue. I know that's true. Anna can tell, but no one else would.
"It's only E-Elsa's pretty hair that's the issue there, if I may say so," Frederic said, looking at Elsa again. He wished she were not the princess-turned-queen; he liked her a lot already. "It doesn't matter that she's injured. You guys ended up on the wrong side of town and ran into trouble. That's easy to explain. You could even say that's the very reason you want to work within the castle. To keep your friend safe. They just can't see her hair. 'Cause there ain't anyone I ever saw in Corona with hair like that. Actually, both of you are kind of too fair skinned for native Coronians."
Elsa was surprised anyone would say they liked her hair. Only Anna and Gerda had ever called her platinum hair pretty. Not only that, he had included Anna, who Elsa thought looked perfectly normal, in his 'too fair' assessment. There's another issue. "Our accents will give us away. Both of us can speak fluent German, but it'll be obvious we are not from Corona," she said now. And I know Anna speaks it better than I do, and I write it better than she does.
Anna shook her head. "Maybe not. I'm great at matching accents," she said in German in a perfect accent.
Frederic stared at her. "Well okay then. That was perfect. Now you...?" he asked Elsa hopefully.
"I am sorry, I can't do what Anna just did." Elsa spoke quietly in her very best German, which was clear and understandable, but she still had a noticeable accent. I'm causing problems again. I used to be proud of my language skills, but...it's not good enough. Not verbally, anyway. On paper, yes.
Frederic shrugged. "Maybe just don't talk unless absolutely necessary, but if asked you grew up in Arendelle mostly and only moved back here a few months ago or something. That explains why you can speak German fluently but sound like you're from Arendelle. Um...is that okay?" he asked hesitantly.
Elsa nodded. "Why...do you know so much about fooling people?"
"Because I grew up on Corona's streets for years until I was adopted. Then I ran away because that family sucked and I found the captain here. He adopted me for real. On the streets you lie to survive and get free stuff and keep yourself and your friends safe." Frederic did not sound one bit sorry about his past at all. "I had a friend. Flynn. I lost him after those horrible people adopted me and I never saw him again, but he saved me and taught me everything I know."
Anna and Elsa traded glances and then said, "We will look for him for you," at the same time.
As Anna had predicted for Elsa before, the ship docked in Corona at dawn the morning after their discussion with Frederic. The sisters realized it was warmer outside here than back at home. It was still chilly, but 'cold' here was not 'cold' in Arendelle. They could tell even hidden in their crate hideout waiting just in case everything was unloaded before they could enact their plan. The only issue was that if that did happen, then they would potentially have to wait quite awhile before someone could safely let them out to go inside the castle. The hold was not as freezing as it had been before, though it was wetter than when they had been down here before. Anna thought she could probably sleep outside here without Elsa's snow shelter she'd made during the visit to the troll valley and not freeze. Now that they were actually here, Anna was more excited than nervous despite the journey to safety not really being over yet. Why am I even awake? Next to her Elsa lay awake but still. "Are you all right?" Anna whispered.
Elsa only squeezed Anna's hand in response. Footsteps were coming, and they had no way of knowing who it was since Elsa did not recognize the steps. She closed her eyes and concentrated on Anna's presence beside her. I don't need to be scared. This isn't the dungeon and it isn't my closet. And I have Anna.
Anna stayed very still with Elsa; the footsteps faded away. Someone must have just been checking something. Then the steps came back and forth several more times. It sounded like barrels and crates were being moved out. Tiny snowflakes landed on Anna's nose. "Elsa, you're snowing," she whispered. I don't know if they'll show outside our crate or not.
Elsa flinched and her hand grew tense. Stop it, Elsa, calm down. You are going to give yourself away. Anna didn't say anything else; she just gave Elsa a hug, hoping that would help. The snowflakes stopped falling just as they felt the crate being dragged. Gerda hadn't come back with the clothes obviously, and Elsa wondered what on earth someone was going to think if they found her and Anna. No one could open the crate from the outside since Elsa had sealed it with ice, but that still left the problem of getting out of wherever the containers were delivered to.
The two of them were slammed from one side of the crate to the other as their hiding spot was evidently taken up on the deck. Anna held Elsa tightly, trying to take the brunt of the impacts herself. The pillows and blankets could only do so much to cushion them. Elsa didn't make a sound, but she was biting her lip and clinging to Anna. Anna hit her head against the side of the crate and made a stifled squeak. Please nobody hear that, Elsa thought. She would make sure Anna was okay once all the motion stopped. Right now she needed to concentrate on staying silent herself. If she could move properly she would be trying to protect Anna from slamming on the sides. And I can't. I can't brace myself, let alone hold Anna. If she used her magic to try cushioning the sides, the small glow it made might give them away. I should have cushioned the sides with snow the second we went in here.
They heard someone saying, "Load that one on the castle delivery wagon. It's a gift. No throwing the crates or barrels. Be careful." The captain's voice. He must know they were inside this one.
Anna stiffened as the crate evidently went down the unload dock and into the wagon in question. Elsa was shaking, but since she wasn't cold, Anna knew it was because she was in pain. Please be okay, Elsa. We just need to make it to the castle and then you can rest in a nice warm bed.
Elsa was grateful for Anna holding her; she still felt safe in their hiding spot even though they really weren't, especially with the risk of the crate being dumped or thrown by accident or something. She felt the wagon start moving after awhile and she finally felt it was all right to whisper a quick, "I'm all right. Thank you. Did you hit your head?" to Anna.
"Don't worry about me. I'm not the one who was shot," Anna whispered back, but she was glad Elsa had said something, even if she didn't believe that Elsa was okay. We're headed to the castle and surely Uncle Thomas and Aunt Primrose can help Elsa feel better. My head hurts but I don't care right now.
The sisters sat in silence and listened to the unfamiliar sounds outside. Anna spotted a tiny crack in their crate, but if she wanted to peek through it she would have to stop holding Elsa, and she didn't want to do that. The wagon rolled along smoothly, and the pillows that had not been helpful with the more violent motions were helpful again. Anna felt tense Elsa slowly relax, and she relaxed herself.
After a seemingly long time, the wagon stopped and they heard guards asking what this delivery was for. This is the dangerous part. Things did not go as planned. Anna and I cannot be found now. I'm glad I sealed our crate. At least we can't be dumped or dragged out even if someone does get suspicious.
Inside the castle, Frederic's note from the captain delivered to one of the guards at the gates made it to Primrose unopened after being passed through several hands. Rapunzel watched her mother curiously, holding Eugene's hand. Primrose seemed concerned but also excited. "Who's it from?" Rapunzel asked curiously.
"This is your cousin's handwriting mostly! It's from Anna and a ship's captain from Arendelle that delivers goods here often; evidently Anna and Elsa trust him. There aren't many details, presumably for safety, but they're here in Corona as of this morning and need help. They will need to hide." Primrose thought for a moment and then turned to Eugene. "Check the deliveries for today, please, and have the crates and barrels stored in the stables until you can check them. They must be hidden that way. We need to find the girls and get them inside without being recognized. Rapunzel, go to your room and bring back two of your plainest cloaks and give them to Eugene. That will hide their clothes."
Rapunzel ran off to do as she was told, excited to meet her Arendelle cousins, even if they were visiting unexpectedly because they were in trouble. She snatched two plain cloaks from her room and came back carrying them. "Here they are! Oh I'm so excited to meet them!" she exclaimed happily.
Thomas looked up at her from where he was doing paperwork. "Rapunzel, you must act completely normal, do you understand me? We don't know what's going on exactly. Whatever it is must be serious, and if they need to hide, then none of us can act any differently than usual," he said quietly.
Rapunzel nodded and tried to look serious. "I will. Can Elsa and Anna stay in my room? Where are we going to hide them?"
"Most likely in plain sight. No one here has seen the Arendelle princesses, so we needn't worry so much about someone recognizing them as if they had been in the public eye for years. We'll figure something out. For now you've got two new ladies-in-waiting and they go into the empty maids' room adjoining yours that the princess's servants would usually go in. That means we won't be able to hire you any real servants until they go home, but I know you don't care anyway. If that won't work for any length of time we'll figure something else out. But I think that would be simplest. It's not fair to Anna and Elsa to not give them a real guest room, but they'll be safe at least." Thomas smiled at his daughter. "You can lock all the doors to prevent unwanted snooping visitors and spend time in your room with them if you like."
Rapunzel was satisfied with this; it would be fun to have a secret sleepover with her cousins. She couldn't wait to meet them.
In the stables, Eugene was checking the unloaded crates and barrels for Rapunzel's cousins. There were not many this time, and since the Arendelle girls were in none of the ones he had opened and then closed again, they must be in the last one that he'd been unable to open. Then he wondered how on earth he was going to get them out if he couldn't open it. Finally he just said, very very quietly, "Princess Anna, Princess Elsa, I can't get you out because the lid is stuck and I can't break it because then someone will know I'm checking all of these. I'll be back with help." If he was talking to Fresh Produce like it said on the big crate, then so be it. But he wanted to be sure that if his girl's cousins were trapped in there, they knew he was a friend and would come back.
Inside the crate, Anna and Elsa had been just sitting perfectly still in silence, worried that the person who had been checking all the delivered containers wasn't someone that should find them. Now Anna whispered for Elsa to unseal their crate. "Please, Elsa. We heard him say he was Rapunzel's husband and whoever the other people were listened to him even if they were displeased about it."
Eugene turned back, hearing Anna's whisper but not the exact words. "I get if you guys don't trust me but I will come back. I'll bring Blondie-I mean Rapunzel-so you can trust me."
"Wait," Anna called as loud as she dared. "Elsa, please. I know you're scared but we can't stay here indefinitely."
Elsa finally did as Anna asked. Anna pushed the crate open and blinked up at Eugene. "Hi!"
"Oh!" Eugene jumped and stared at the girl in front of him with messy red hair. How did she open that crate if I couldn't? Must be rigged. "You must be Anna. Let's get you guys inside. I brought a couple cloaks for you from Punzie."
"Great." Anna crawled back inside the crate and then emerged carrying Elsa. She kicked the crate closed. Elsa blinked at the sudden light and said a quiet hello. "Elsa's hurt. She needs help."
Eugene gulped. Getting an injured girl back inside unnoticed would be difficult and he hadn't been prepared for that. He whipped around when he heard someone coming and quickly shoved the cloaks at Anna and Elsa. "Put these on. Quickly. I'll get you both inside. Hide that you're injured if you can."
Anna knelt, setting Elsa down so she could put the cloaks on herself and Elsa. Elsa shook her head even as Anna pulled the cloak over her hair. "I'm ruining our chances already. I can't hide not being able to stand," she whispered, clearly nervous.
"We'll be fine. They can't see your hair and this isn't Arendelle. They're not going to think it's Princess Elsa," Anna said firmly. If anything we'll be in major trouble for trespassing, she thought but didn't say aloud. She gently lifted Elsa again, making sure the cloaks covered their clothes and Elsa's hair.
"Who are those girls?" the castle guard demanded of Eugene. "Bringing strangers into the castle walls again? I'm not sure King Thomas would approve of some of the company you keep," he said, referring to the people he'd known 'Flynn Rider' had associated with. He still did not like Eugene even if the Coronian royal family accepted him.
Eugene answered smoothly. "I'm not sure King Thomas would approve of you talking to his son-in-law with such disrespect," he blustered.
"Who are those girls?" the guard demanded again. "You cheating on the princess already?"
Anna was mad now and felt she had to speak up. "I should say not!" she exclaimed, using the same perfect accent she had demonstrated for Frederic before.
The guard looked at her and Elsa curiously. "Why are you here?"
"I, um...My friend and I are going to be Princess Rapunzel's new servants and he's just showing us the stables," Anna blurted, earning a good thinking glance from Eugene and a sigh from Elsa. Oh. Oh crap. It's just me that's supposed to be that. Not Elsa. She can't.
"Really." Clearly the guard wasn't convinced, though he no longer seemed mad. He looked more puzzled than anything. "How does your friend do her job?"
Eugene stepped between them. He appeared completely unruffled, though Elsa could tell he was nervous too. "She's a seamstress," he said quickly, going along with Anna's comment. "She's making Punzie some new dresses." Then he pushed Anna and Elsa in front of him and headed out of the stables before more questions could be asked.
They made it into the castle without being stopped again; it seemed that being with Eugene meant fewer questions would be asked. Two more guards asked who Eugene had with him, but they did so politely and didn't question the 'Punzie's new servants' explanation and didn't seem to look too closely at Anna and Elsa. Soon they were in the royal family's personal quarters of the castle, and Eugene relaxed. "Should be safe now. Here's Blondie's room. I think you'll be safest here, at least for now." He opened the door, and he was greeted by a very excited Rapunzel.
"Hi Eugene! Are these my cousins?!" Rapunzel exclaimed happily. "They must be. They look like paler versions of Mom. But way younger. And they're wearing my old cloaks. Come in. We're going to have so much fun while you're here."
Eugene shook his head. "Okay, I'm going to find your parents and let them know I successfully got Princess Anna and Princess Elsa in safely. Lock the door and don't open it for anyone but your parents or me. Please."
"Got it."
Anna felt sure everything was really going to be okay now. It was going to be like a nice vacation and poor Elsa would be able to finally relax. She stepped into Rapunzel's room, still holding Elsa, and she thanked Eugene before he shut the door. "Hi! I, um, I'm really happy to finally meet you, but could we have a place Elsa can lie down? Please? Elsa has got to rest. I'm scared she's not okay."
Rapunzel's excited expression faded as she looked at her cousins closer. Anna had a dark bruise forming on her forehead, Elsa looked way too pale, and Anna was carrying Elsa besides. Something had to be very wrong. "Sure. I'm sorry. I was just so excited you were here and I could finally meet you I didn't realize you guys were hurt. You can rest as long as you want." Rapunzel took her cousins to the adjoining room to hers that was supposed to be for the princess's personal servants. "I know this room isn't nearly as fancy as you probably have got at home, but Dad said we're gonna hide you in plain sight as my, ummmm, ladies-in-waiting. You don't have to do anything, obviously, but then you can hide out in here without anybody thinking something's weird. Just keep the door locked."
"That's fine," Elsa said quietly. "It...it looks nice. Thank...thank you." And please don't hate me, she couldn't help thinking. She winced as Anna gently on one of the two beds. Everything hurt worse now from being thrown around inside that crate, but she didn't want to say anything about it. Anna was hurt too. Elsa watched her little sister stretch stiffly and then sit beside her. "Anna, you're hurt. You hit your head," she whispered.
"Don't care. A bruise and headache won't kill me," Anna said firmly, looking at Elsa's drawn face. She looked worse than she had since right after Anna had carried her into the chocolate shop right after the incident. "I'm so worried about you." I don't think Elsa's unhappy, but she's hurting really bad and she can't hide it right now. On a sudden impulse, she gently pushed the cloak aside to try to check Elsa's back. The red on her old outfit explained the problem. Elsa's wound must have torn open being thrown around like that. No wonder she's hurting so much. "Elsa, why didn't you say anything?"
Elsa didn't answer; she was sure she knew what had happened and there had been absolutely nothing she and Anna could do hiding in that crate, so she'd just said nothing. Now she just closed her eyes, her cheeks flaming in embarrassment. She wished this wasn't the first impression Rapunzel had of her, and she couldn't change that now.
Rapunzel looked from one cousin to the other, feeling awkward. "What, um...what happened to you? Did you guys get attacked and have to escape or something? Where's the bad guys now?"
"Yes, it's a long story and I'll tell you all of it, I promise, but right now I gotta get Elsa help," Anna said quickly. "She was shot a few days ago, like right before we left Arendelle. We did get it tended to properly before, but I think getting thrown around in the crate we were hiding in tore the wound open again. That's how I banged my head. I tried to protect her but I guess I couldn't completely."
"Yikes! That sounds scary. You're right, let's get you guys taken care of first and then you can tell me all about it. Elsa, would you let me help or would you rather I got my mom? I'll do whatever you want." Rapunzel wished she still had her healing magic, but that couldn't be helped. They would have to heal Elsa the old-fashioned way. "Just lemme know what you need."
Elsa's blue eyes filled with tears, not because of the pain, but because Rapunzel was simply asking her what she wanted. Even though she had barely said anything at all, Rapunzel was still addressing her directly and was asking her what she needed. Somehow a bit of her had still expected to just be pushed aside or unwanted here, and instead she had gotten nothing but kindness. Even that guard that had snapped at them and Eugene...it seemed he'd just been trying to make sure there were no intruders and didn't completely trust Eugene. If Uncle Thomas and Aunt Primrose were like Rapunzel, she wished she could stay here forever, though she did miss Arendelle itself.
"Hey did I say something wrong? I'm sorry if I did! Or if it's 'cause you're hurting really bad, we'll fix it. You're both safe here."
"N-no. It's just..." Elsa looked to Anna. Please say something. I can't explain, I can't. It sounds ridiculous.
Anna held Elsa's cold hand tightly. "You made Elsa so happy she cried," she said simply, knowing that was exactly what had happened. Goodness knows Elsa's done the same with me before. "Maybe get Aunt Primrose? Or even just some supplies so we can take care of Elsa ourselves. Just...something. That would be great."
"Okay. I can do that."
Rapunzel took off, and Anna stayed put with Elsa, though she made sure to lock the door after her. "You're gonna be okay now, Elsa. We're safe. I know Aunt Primrose and Uncle Thomas will help. They already have." She wanted to sleep herself, but she wouldn't rest until Elsa was taken care of. Not til then.
"The outside of me feels terrible, but the inside part is so happy," said Elsa. "It feels...surreal." And I hope it doesn't stop.
Anna knew it probably made her entitled and greedy, but she thought their relatives were being kind, yes, but not any more than they should be. Of course they would take care of Elsa. And Elsa's happy because people are being kind to her. Family members are willing to care for her. I know that's what it is. She's still used to being treated like...before. "I'm very glad you're happy."
Rapunzel returned with her mother a few minutes later. Instantly Primrose went into action. First she greeted her nieces. She gave Anna a hug, and then she asked Elsa if she minded a hug too. Elsa blinked at her in surprise, her eyes big and round. "N-no, I don't mind," she whispered.
"Then, you shall have one the second we get your injuries cared for. Rapunzel tells me you were shot. I'm no doctor, but as it's not a good idea for us to let anyone know what happened, I think Rapunzel and I should take care of it as best we can for now. Will that be all right?" Primrose looked so much like Idun, and she didn't seem remotely nervous about being near Elsa, either. "Please give Anna some ice or snow for her head, if you can do that."
Elsa's expression grew even more surprised. She nodded and thrust a handful of snow at Anna, who grinned and accepted it. "Wonderful. Anna, help your sister get these ruined clothes off. Rapunzel, get an extra blanket and a dressing gown. Elsa, hold the blanket over yourself so you're more comfortable with this." Primrose gave more rapid-fire simple instructions to the girls, making the uncomfortable process go faster for Elsa, who still absolutely hated anyone trying to help when she was hurt. Elsa opened her mouth to protest, but Primrose only gave her shoulder a squeeze and shook her head. "No one's going to see anything except your back, I promise. It's okay, Elsa," Primrose said gently. "Please let us help you get better."
You can't fix me, Elsa wanted to say. Why are you trying to help? Aren't you going to be disappointed and leave me alone too? She thought of her aunt telling her to make snow to give Anna for her head. Primrose must not mind her, then. Elsa didn't protest any more.
Soon Elsa lay under the covers in the borrowed dressing gown, her back still burning with pain and feeling achy all over, but inside she felt safe and happy. And surprised. Despite Anna's claims that their Corona relatives would be happy to have her, it still surprised her. She and Anna had just appeared at their doorstep and still they were doing everything to care for her and Anna. She whispered a thank-you. Elsa felt an unfamiliar hand touching hers, and she pulled her hand away, closing her eyes again. "Why are you being so...kind to me?"
"Because Thomas and I love our not-so-little Arendelle nieces. Both of them," Primrose said simply. She sent Rapunzel back to get some snacks so she could talk to Anna and Elsa a little by herself. Rapunzel sighed disappointedly but obeyed. Anna just sat on the bed next to Elsa. "Now would you two like to try explaining what happened that made you come here, or would you like to sleep awhile first?"
Elsa glanced to Anna. Anna probably would want her to sleep for a few hours first, but she felt they at least owed their relatives an explanation. Certainly two nieces they never saw appearing on their doorstep in need of help needed to be explained. "We'll try to explain. I...we...just...thank you for everything," she stuttered awkwardly.
Instead of answering that, Primrose gave her the hug she had promised before. Elsa was no longer the tiny toddler she had been last time Primrose had seen her, but she still seemed shy and she still wanted hugs, even if she didn't ask for them.
Anna beamed at Primrose, the message clear that she loved seeing someone else care for Elsa and be kind to her. "I can explain mostly. Elsa, you just fill in what I miss. You know about the accident when Elsa and I were little. And the trolls changing my memories? Well we went back to the troll valley alone to fix them. That part was fine. But, we have had this creep Damian. He doesn't like Elsa's magic."
"Yes, Elsa sent a business letter asking for him to be searched for discreetly here. Thomas knows about this man, too." Primrose was nodding in understanding now. She looked at Elsa, who was lying down on her side again but definitely alert and wanting to hear this conversation. "Is this man Damian responsible for attacking you?"
Elsa nodded, her cheeks red in embarrassment again. "I know we shouldn't have been traveling alone..."
"Perhaps not, but how did he get to you? If he's been missing after the initial traitorous act, then how would he know where you were? You were assaulted outside the castle walls, yes? Not inside your home?"
Elsa nodded again.
Anna scowled. "We went to the chocolate shop on the way home. Elsa decided she wanted to wait outside for me. Damian found her and she ended up revealing herself and using her magic in public to protect everyone else from getting hurt. He wanted to expose her powers and get her targeted as a witch, but since she had just protected a little kid from getting hurt with said powers and caught Damian's stupid goons with ice, all the people just got mad at him instead." She paused and looked at Elsa. Why does she look embarrassed? She did a good thing!
"And somehow Elsa was shot by accident? Was he using citizens to force her into acting with her magic?" Primrose asked.
Elsa shook her head. "No, it was definitely on purpose. He wanted to kill me and appear a hero for it. The bullet was infused with some...some other kind of magic. At least one of his men was a mercenary. I don't know for sure, but...I-I think they did not c-care one way or the other. He...he offered Erik information in exchange for no death penalty. And supposedly Mom...mom a-and Dad are in Weselton." She hesitated before adding, "We left Arendelle because there is s-some sort of mole on the inside. It wasn't safe. Kai a-and Erik are going to try to find said mole discreetly so we...so we can go home." Why am I scared talking to Aunt Primrose? Stop it, Elsa. Just stop. "I'm sorry."
Primrose gave Elsa's hand a gentle squeeze. "Anna, Elsa, I think we need to tell Thomas all this as well. I'm going to fetch him for you now, paperwork be darned. He can tell you both hello now and help make plans to counter this another day. You both need sleep," she said firmly. She stood up and added, "And, Elsa, do not worry. He will be kind to you too." Elsa's already cautious expression had grown frightened the second she'd heard Thomas's name. Either she trusts us enough to let us see she's frightened, which I doubt-she doesn't know us-or she can't hide it, in which case...why didn't her parents get her help before? If they couldn't care for her they could have sent her here. Goodness knows I offered before. My sister wanted her to at least come for an extended visit and it never happened. "I'll be back. Do not open the doors for anyone but Rapunzel. You're safe in here."
"They are lucky to be alive then," was Thomas's immediate reaction when Primrose quickly told him what Anna and Elsa had told her. "We must keep them here at least until Elsa recovers. Certainly if it's true Agdar and Idun are trapped in Weselton, then Elsa is probably capable of rescuing them on her own if she uses her magic, but I am sure she wouldn't know how and she's still only one person. We'll need to assist her." He had a thoughtful expression as he headed with his wife back to Rapunzel's room which connected directly to Anna's and Elsa's simple but comfortable hideout.
"Thomas! The girl is not a weapon, poor thing. She can't even stand up. Anna and Elsa didn't say anything, but I think that shot paralyzed her. I wish we could just keep both of them here permanently," Primrose said quietly.
"She's capable of being one if she chooses, though, and I imagine she must have used her magic after being shot too, yes? One, she may fully recover, and two, if she doesn't, it doesn't prevent her from using her power. Elsa just needs a safe place to practice, that's all. No, she's not a weapon, but people will think she is. Therefore Elsa needs to be able to use her magic as one if necessary." Thomas knocked lightly on the door, and Rapunzel answered, recognizing her father's voice in the hall.
"Hi Dad! We're eating snacks and having tea," Rapunzel said happily. "And playing chess. My big ol' fancy bed is plenty big enough for all of us. Elsa can stay lying down and still be included and Anna and I can lie down too." She climbed back on the bed, making some of the chess pieces fall over. "Though, Elsa already fell asleep. She said she loves being here though."
Primrose smiled; she was not at all surprised that Rapunzel had wasted no time in turning a bad situation into fun for all three girls. "Did you lock the door that leads straight into the hallway from the other room though?"
"Yes and Elsa sealed it with ice, actually. The window too. Nobody's getting into that room unless they break through the wall or come in through Punzie's room," Anna piped up. "You're Uncle Thomas. Hi. And thank you for having us even all unexpected like this."
"We did tell you that you were welcome anytime. I just didn't expect to see you under dangerous circumstances, that's all. We're happy to have you here and we'll help business-wise too. Rest for a day or two before any of us tackle the big issues," Thomas said. "You'll be here for Christmas, so we will make a nice holiday vacation for you as well, even if you just stay inside the princess suite the entire time."
Elsa woke up at the new voices and wondered what she should say now. It felt ironic to her that while they were again trapped indoors within a castle, she didn't feel trapped at all. If I didn't hurt so much, I'd feel like everything was perfect for me right now despite the outside trouble I need to take care of. And I feel something...different, too. What is it?
"I'm sorry I can't give you two a tour right now, but I think it will be safest if you stay hidden away here. At least for now. Elsa. Will that be all right?" Thomas noticed Elsa had woken up and seemed to be staring at him. Remembering Anna's previous letter, he did not want her to feel like she was forced into being locked away in a room again.
Elsa stared some more and slowly nodded. Is that all right? Is Uncle Thomas crazy? Of course it's all right! She wondered why he had even asked her that in the first place. Nobody was telling her to get away from Anna. Nobody was saying she shouldn't be near Rapunzel. Nobody had even just left her in the other room alone, which would have seemed reasonable to her and would not have made her sad. In fact, everyone was actually including her even though she couldn't really do anything right now. "I...I love it here. I don't mind staying inside just these rooms at all. It's cozy." I'm not even just pretending to be okay with that, or just making myself deal. I really don't mind.
"Well, if either of you need or want anything, let one of us know and we'll get it for you. Were you able to bring any luggage of any kind with you? Anything at all?"
"One trunk. I...I imagine Gerda is back on the ship wondering if we are okay. I don't need anything myself, but could y-you maybe...make sure she knows we're all right?" Elsa asked hesitantly. Is it really okay to request something? Stop it, Elsa, of course it is. Don't be ridiculous.
"Of course. Do you want her to come stay here or go home to Arendelle? We will get the trunk here somehow too." Thomas waited for Elsa to answer; she didn't seem scared of him so much now, but she was still staring at him and seemed very surprised.
"Stay. Please. I...if we will be here for Christmas, I want Gerda to be here." Elsa wanted the one grownup that had always taken care of Anna and her their whole lives, no questions asked, to be there for the first Christmas she was actually looking forward to for the first time since she was little.
Thomas nodded. "Very understandable. Let Primrose and I take care of her for you. You stay here and take care of yourself. I would like you and Anna to know about one other important thing for now. Both of you need rest, and the rest of us need to go about our everyday business so no one will think anything is different." He smiled at all three girls and nodded at Rapunzel. "Please show your cousins how to get into the tiny safe room and lock it closed from the inside. Hopefully none of us will ever need it, but just in case, I want them to know."
Elsa thought of the secret passages in her own castle back at home and wondered if the castle here had them as well. She watched curiously as Rapunzel pulled a bookcase in her room aside and slid a panel in the wall up, revealing a dark, narrow room beyond. It looked to be about six feet long and two or three feet wide. If all three of them had to hide in there, it would be very cramped. Elsa did not want to go in there one bit, but it was nice to know the safe room was there anyway.
Anna reached for Elsa's hand and gave it a squeeze. "That's cool. I hope we haven't got to go in there, but it's nice to know it's there," she said, mirroring Elsa's thoughts.
Elsa seemed to suddenly be intensely focused on Rapunzel, and she pushed herself up on one elbow. She was feeling a bit better now and sensed something different she hadn't noticed before. The different something she was feeling...she recognized it now. There is other magic here that isn't mine. I...feel it. Something in or on or near Rapunzel. "I...I don't know how I didn't know it before, but...you have something magical here. Something that is not mine," she said softly. There...there's something else like me here? Is my cousin magical like me? Is that why Uncle Thomas and Aunt Primrose didn't push me away and aren't scared?
Rapunzel was startled, and she twisted a bit of her short brown hair around a finger. "I...I used to have magic. Healing magic from a golden flower. But, um...I lost it. I mean, if I still had it, I'd have healed you guys."
"Lost it? Punzie, were you born with it like Elsa?" Anna asked curiously. Elsa could not lose hers because she had been born with it, so Rapunzel shouldn't have lost hers either. Right? If Punzie has healing magic, maybe she can help Elsa.
"Well, yeah, but after everything that happened trying to escape from Mother Gothel, Eugene cut my hair and-I guess this all probably makes no sense and I should tell all of it later, but...my hair used to be really really long and golden blonde and it would light up when I sing and it could heal. And after it's cut, I can't anymore." Rapunzel glanced at Elsa. But I did heal Eugene somehow after that. Like with a tear or something? We were so surprised with the miracle that I'm not really sure. I always thought that was a one-time thing. Maybe Elsa's right. "You really feel I have magic?"
Elsa slowly nodded. "Maybe it's...magical residue, if there is such a thing, but I feel something." Part of her wished she could lose her magic the way her cousin had. Why was she still stuck with potentially dangerous ice powers and Rapunzel had lost her healing powers, something that would never be dangerous to others and that she obviously missed? "Can you take mine away?" she asked hesitantly. But I did help. I moved a storm. I have had fun with Anna. I...don't want it to go away anymore. Not so much at least.
"Elsa, that is part of you. I don't think you would want anyone to do so even if it was possible," Thomas cut in.
Anna had a different idea. She thought about Elsa saying she couldn't channel her magic through her legs anymore after she'd been shot, but that she didn't feel like she had lost any of her innate magic. Elsa had only lost a channel for her magic to use because the injury had paralyzed her, not the magic itself. Maybe Rapunzel and her magic worked the same way. "Maybe your hair is just a channel and you can use it in a different way," she suggested.
"Gosh I hope you're right, but I don't know how and I've tried. Believe me I've tried," Rapunzel mumbled, feeling bad both because she had genuinely liked having her magic and because she didn't think she could help Elsa. "I'm really really sorry, Elsa. I...I don't think I can help you."
Elsa's quiet voice sounded sharp now. "Do not be sorry. You already helped me by being so nice. I, um...it makes me happy to know another girl has, or used to have, magic like me." I want to know what happened to my cousin. She hasn't always been safe here at home with her parents. Bad things happened to her too. Not just Anna and me. Elsa wondered if Rapunzel was scared of talking to people just like her, or if she basked in that sort of thing the way Anna did.
Rapunzel's cheeks turned a bit pink, and she impulsively gave Elsa a hug. "Me too. I didn't know I wanted to meet someone else with magic til I knew about you."
Anna was so happy, she pounced on both of them with a hug; then hopped up again. Elsa was clearly happy, but she had flinched and Anna was very sure pouncing on her with a hug had probably hurt. Either that or she simply felt overwhelmed with two people hugging her at once. Probably both, Anna thought. But Elsa was smiling and reached for Anna; she seemed more puzzled than hurt. "Are you okay?" Anna asked.
Elsa nodded. I'm fine. You both just startled me. She felt a bit as if she had landed in some other world or something similar. These relatives she didn't know at all were so nice, all of the surroundings were different than at home, and she was just dropped into the center of it. It wasn't a bad feeling, but it did feel strange. Even her physical hurts felt odd to her; it wasn't at all like when her magic had felt horrible before, and it wasn't something she was knowingly causing herself by refusing to let all that power buildup out. This was normal pain, the same Anna or anyone else would feel. The magic did not hurt. It was only sad because she couldn't use it the same way anymore, and somehow after helping move the natural storm, it didn't feel all wrong inside any longer either.
Elsa was very, very glad Damian had not tried to hurt Anna too.
Thomas spoke up. "Anna, Elsa, I'd like you two to sleep awhile. Rapunzel, you usually enjoy going out in the city with Eugene in the afternoon after your mom does lessons with you. You can skip lessons for today since that's private business, but I'd like you to still go off with Eugene today. People are used to seeing you do that now." Then he spoke to Anna only, "Make sure Elsa stays still. I imagine she'll listen to you. Maybe the three of you can figure out how to get Punzie's healing magic back, but for now we're stuck with ordinary means, so Elsa, you stay put. Understand?"
"We understand," Anna said quickly. Rapunzel and Elsa both nodded.
"Good. One of us will bring you dinner, and we'll find and bring Gerda here too. Please sleep. You're safe here."
Once all three of their relatives had left, Anna whispered to Elsa, "Why does Punzie still have her own room if she's married?"
Elsa laughed. "I don't know. Ask her when she comes back."
A/N: Next chapter coming soon!:)
