CHAPTER 26: A THIEF'S THREAT
Elsa and Anna sat outside the Wilkerson Chocolate shop on a small bench by the street, enjoying the chocolatey, gooey goodness of the new treat that was just created, which the elderly couple named in honor of Elsa, Queen's Delight.
"A fitting name for the perfect chocolate treat," Anna commented, before placing another on her tongue to taste the fullness of the rich, sugary glory that graced her taste buds.
"Hmm," Elsa moaned with a satisfied sigh as she slowly chewed her piece. Chocolate was her guiltiest pleasure that she absolutely had to allow herself every once in a while, to cope with the stress of her duties as Queen. NO ONE was going to deny her the chocolate due to her.
The two sisters greeted various people in the streets with warm smiles, waves, and an occasional "Good Morning." Seeing her people happy and prosperous gave her immense pleasure and made all the stress that came from being Queen worth it. Her gentle blue eyes noticed a small group of young women about her age walking by. "Do they look new to you, Anna?"
Anna looked up at the same young women walking by. "Yeah, they do. You should greet them, Elsa. Maybe we can be friends with them and see where they're from?"
Elsa gave Anna a worried look. Anna gave her an encouraging nod, "You can do it. We practiced this. You talk to random citizens. You can make friends."
Elsa tried to speak when they got close enough, but her words failed her and the small group of young women passed them by. Elsa looked down and sighed tiredly as she covered her embarrassed face with her hand. Finally, she looked over at Anna who stared at her with disappointment. "I tried," Elsa defended herself as Anna shook her head.
"You call that trying, Elsa? Why were you so afraid to greet them? If you go after them, you can still catch them and greet them. Just think of them as another citizen of Arendelle," Anna encouraged.
"Just another citizen of Arendelle," Elsa repeated, working up her courage and stood up to follow them. Anna smiled proudly as Elsa went off to attempt to talk to them. She jumped out of her skin when Kristoff hugged her from behind and kissed her cheek. "Chocolate?"
Anna smiled, "Queen's Delight."
Kristoff recognized that from one of his clients, "Oh, yeah. A client kept saying how good they are. Can I try one?"
"Hmm-mm," Anna smiled and shook her head before popping her last piece in her mouth.
"Oh, come on," Kristoff wined.
Anna smiled widely, messing up his blonde hair with her hand when he pouted. He grinned when he noticed her lips still covered with chocolate. He stood behind the bench where she sat and leaned her head back before kissing her lips deeply to tenderly suck the chocolate residue from her strawberry lips. She smiled at him in her leaned back position. He leaned in to kiss her again, but she quickly moved. "You'll have to catch me first." Kristoff smiled as Anna ran off and pursued her.
Elsa was glad she wore one of her casual dresses, which was a gift from Anna. She prides herself on her appearance. Every morning she had a very strict routine. Wake Up. Take a bath. Do her hair. Do makeup. Get dressed. Get work done if Breakfast wasn't ready yet. Early to bed. Early to rise. She normally wore her royal dresses, but decided to give Anna's casual dress a chance. In her casual dress, she noticed she seemed to go down the street without very many people greeting her, which she secretly was okay with. She stopped when she noticed the young women from earlier sitting in a sitting place for customers outside a small restaurant. Just go, Elsa. Just walk up to them, introduce yourself and start a conversation. They're just another group of civilians.
She stepped closer, but quickly hid at a nearby table when the restaurant owner came out. His name was Rizzio. He was one of few foreigners who moved to Arendelle after news of Arendelle's queen wielding magic spread to other lands following the Great Thaw. He was from Italy and thus has brought a mouthwatering collection of Italian gourmet recipes. Elsa had to quickly hide or else he would blow her cover. Elsa wanted to introduce herself as herself, not as the Queen, because new visitors in the past were very intimidated and acted differently because of who she is and what she could do. While she waited for Rizzo to serve other guests and go back inside, she couldn't help but overhear the three women talk about her.
"I'm telling you; the Queen of this kingdom has magic. No other kingdom has that. That's why we moved here from England."
"Should we have though? I heard so many stories that she's cold, distant, and very intimidating. Did you hear she froze the fjord and covered her kingdom in snow and ice in the middle of summer?"
"Don't be prejudice about someone you haven't met. You can't listen to those stories."
"You're right. I've heard so many people here say only good things about her. I'm very eager to meet her myself one day. Think about it. What would it be like to meet the magical Queen of Arendelle? Maybe be even friends with her."
This caught Elsa's attention quick and she rose from her chair slightly to go and greet them, but stopped when Rizzo laughed, "Oh, you three! You make me laugh. The Queen is far too busy running this kingdom to become friends with you. Get real! You should stop dreaming about it, or you'll just embarrass yourselves."
The three young women immediately became down in spirit. One said, "He's right. What were we thinking moving here? We should leave. I'll write to Mother and inform her we're heading back to London."
Elsa stood up more and tried to say something, but couldn't and watched paralyzed as they walked off. You don't have to leave. I'd like to be your friend. Please…don't leave.
She noticed Rizzo staring at her with shock. She gave him an upset glance before walking off after them. "Excuse me?!"
The three women turned to see this young blonde approaching them. "Yes," one answered.
"My name is Elsa. You don't have to leave because of what Rizzo said," Elsa tried to convince them not to leave. "I've lived here in Arendelle my whole life, but don't recall ever seeing you here before. You said you were from London?"
The three young women smiled, feeling better by Elsa's interest and stepped closer. The tallest in the group introduced themselves, "Yes, that's right. I'm Lula. That's Eva and Fern. We're new to Arendelle and share a house here."
Eva had short black hair and was the second tallest and Fern had wild, curly red hair and was shorter than the other two. Fern stared at Elsa intently, trying to remember where she saw her. Elsa noticed and asked, "Is something wrong?"
"I'm sorry. Please, forgive me, Elsa. You just remind me of someone. Have we met before?" Fern asked, trying to remember.
"I don't believe we had," Elsa replied honestly, but struggled to remain calm after recalling that special trip she took with Anna to visit various kingdoms. England was one of them.
"Hey, since we're new to Arendelle and you've lived here your entire life. Maybe you can give us a tour of the kingdom," Eva suggested and the faces of the other two lit up with excitement.
"Uh- Sure! I'd be happy to," Elsa replied nervously before she was pulled into their personal space.
"Lead on, Elsa," Fern encouraged which calmed Elsa's nerves.
"Okay. Let's start with the docks. We also have a beach nearby," Elsa shared, which really excited her three knew friends.
Down at the docks, Anna ran from Kristoff who chased her. A ship was being unloaded. Anna, being smaller was quicker as she weaved through the crew with ease while Kristoff was delayed due to his larger build. Anna giggled when Kristoff met her eyes while struggling through. She waited for him to get closer before leaving to taunt him. Not looking where she was going, she tripped into a tall man's arms. She looked up to see a cloaked man. Under his hood, he gave her a charming smile, "Careful, Princess." After helping her back on her own feet, he pulled away and headed into the kingdom.
Anna stared as the cloaked man left her sight. Something seemed familiar about him, but she couldn't figure it out. She turned and quickly ran off as Kristoff came close to grabbing her.
Now more comfortable with her new friends, Elsa and the others ran down to the docks where Elsa bumped into a man in a clock who immediately caught her to keep her from falling. "You and your sister are so much alike, it's adorable," he joked as he smiled under his hood at Elsa with a charming, warm smile.
Elsa could feel something stir inside when she noticed how he was holding her close, gently with his hands. One hand touching the small of her back and his other hand, her upper arm to help steady her. It felt intimate to her, which made her blush.
"Have we met?" Elsa asked, feeling something familiar about his voice.
He smiled more and stared into her blue eyes before his hand slid down her arm to her hand. Her skin tingled from the graze of his fingers. He formally raised her hand to his lips where he gave a tender peck on the top of her hand, which made Elsa blush even more. Her friends smiled at her from behind and whispered.
The stranger seemed somewhat sad as if she was supposed to remember him, but he smiled as he pulled her close and whispered, "I'll keep that to myself for now so we can have more fun. We'll have more time to catch up soon…under more dire circumstances. Good luck." He pulled away and gave the other three women a smile and a formal nod of his head before disappearing into the crowd of people in the streets. Elsa tried to go after him, but lost him in the crowd of people filling the streets.
Elsa was suddenly more alarmed by his last words. Under dire circumstances? She wanted to report this to her guards, but at the same time didn't want to also blow her identity with her new friends. Would they even be willing to be her friends if she told them the truth about who she was? Did they mean what they said earlier at Rizzo's.
"Who was that, Elsa?" Eva asked.
Elsa looked off, lost in thought, trying to place his face. His smile. His eyes. The scar above his left eyebrow. The blurry memory of him felt good, yet his warning shook her core. I have to warn the guards. She quickly wrote a small note and snuck it to a guard as they headed to the docks.
The guard seemed startled at first and noticed Elsa walking away with some women. He read the note, "Give to Captain Halden. Potential threat. Find a tall man in a green cloak. He has dark eyes and a scar above his left eyebrow. Find and contain. Queen Elsa." The guard was unsure why the Queen snuck him this note but did not question the task he had been given. He quickly rushed off.
Elsa showed them the ships and the beach as promised. She took them down the streets where shops were at. Certain people greeted her with great excitement, which seemed odd to the other three. "People sure like you, Elsa. You must have lots of friends," Lula joked.
Elsa forced a nervous smile, "Yeah. Lots of friends." She played it off as just that. I should return home, before they get too suspicious. "It's been a real privilege to meet you Lula, Eva and Fern, but I'm afraid I have to return to my sister, Anna. She's probably wondering where I am. I would like to continue this another time?"
The three smiled. "Of course, Elsa. We understand," Lula replied.
"We appreciate the tour. We definitely got some shopping to do tomorrow," Eva said and the other two agreed.
Fern had a sudden idea, "I know. Why don't you meet us at our house at noon tomorrow? We could enjoy some tea and some baked treats before we go shopping." The idea seemed really exciting to the other two.
"Yes, Elsa. You must," Lula encouraged with excitement.
Elsa felt hesitant. This was the first time she had ever been invited into someone's home before. This was new territory for her and it made her feel nervous suddenly, but she forced a smile and managed to reply, "That sounds fun. I'd love to."
Lula wrote their address down and handed it to Elsa. "What kind of treats do you like? We'll stock up."
"My sister and I may have a weakness for chocolates from the Wilkerson's shop in the market square. I assure you their treats are perfect," Elsa replied. "Anna is also man crazy, so maybe refrain from stocking up on those in particular."
"Good to know," Eva laughed. Nice meeting you, Elsa. We look forward to meeting your sister as well. You should bring her along." They returned home leaving Elsa in the street alone. Elsa looked down at the paper in her hands that had their address and smiled. Despite her overwhelming nervousness, she was also excited to have made new friends.
Anna and Kristoff were snuggling on the couch in the parlor. Elsa noticed them and entered. Anna jumped up when she saw her and asked, "How'd it go?"
"How'd what go?" Kristoff asked sitting up on the couch.
"Elsa made new friends," Anna replied, "Right?"
"I gave them a tour of Arendelle. Their names are Lula, Eva and Fern. They are all from London. They just recently moved here and are sharing a house. In fact, they invited me to their house tomorrow at noon for treats and tea."
"That's great, Elsa! I knew you could do it!" Anna replied happily.
Kristoff chuckled, "How did they react when you introduced yourself as Queen of Arendelle? Most people freak when the Queen herself greets them."
Anna looked at Elsa too, wondering the same thing.
Elsa smiled nervously before mumbling something under her hand.
Kristoff and Anna looked at each other confused before they looked at Elsa again. Kristoff asked, "What was that?"
"They don't know I'm the Queen of Arendelle," Elsa confessed.
Kristoff started laughing, louder than he should've, which earned him a defensive scowl from Elsa. Anna was just trying to process what Elsa just confessed. "They don't know you're Queen? Elsa, you have to tell them."
"I know. I just wanted to make friends with other's as Elsa, not as the Queen," Elsa explained.
"I understand, but it's best they hear it from you instead of hearing it from someone else," Anna replied.
Elsa couldn't argue with Anna, because she knew she was right. "Okay. I'll tell them tomorrow."
Anna held Elsa's face, seeing Elsa become anxious and worried again by wrapping herself in her arms. "If they are really your friends, they will understand completely."
"Come with me tomorrow. I mentioned I had a sister. I need you with me tomorrow for support. Please, Anna," Elsa requested, taking her sister's hands.
Anna was hesitant. She and Kristoff already made plans tomorrow to be together, but her sister needed her. "Elsa, I-"
"Anna would love to go with you, Elsa. Isn't that right, Anna?" Kristoff intervened. He gave Anna an understanding smile and she smiled gratefully.
"Okay, Elsa. I'll go with you," Anna replied.
A guard quickly entered the parlor doorway with alarm. "Your Majesty! We found him! They are waiting for you in the Throne room."
"Found who?" Anna asked. She was completely lost.
Elsa's demeanor instantly became more regal. "Tell them I'll be right there. I should change into something more appropriate."
The figure smiled under his cloak as he glanced around him. His wrists were cuffed in shackles and were surrounded by guards. Everyone turned when the doors opened and Kai announced, "All bow for Queen Elsa!"
All the guards bowed to Elsa as she approached the throne, except the stranger, who just continued smiling and watching Elsa closely as she walked to her throne and sat. Kai and Anna joined her side. She stared at the smiling cloaked stranger for a few seconds before ordering, "Remove his hood, Captain Halden."
Anna recognized the man from earlier and kept looking at Elsa with shock. Why did Elsa have this man chained and treated like a dangerous prisoner?
Captain Halden roughly removed the man's hood, earning a regal scowl from the stranger. "Easy, Captain. This is my father's cloak."
Elsa noticed Kai, the Captain and a couple of the older guards shaking when his face was revealed. She cleared her throat and the stranger looked at her again, his face softening instantly. He raised his hands to present his shackles. "Are these really that necessary? Would you like to explain this…QUEEN Elsa?"
One of the younger guards spoke up, "You should kneel when addressing Queen Elsa."
The stranger glanced at the young soldier. Elsa was about to address the soldier that it wasn't necessary but the stranger gave her a smile and humored the younger guard.
Elsa glanced at Kai and some of the others. Why are they so intimidated by him? It doesn't matter. I won't be intimidated. "I ordered my guards to find and detain you, because your final words to be disturbed me. The shackles I must admit may be a bit excessive. Tell me who you are and why you are in Arendelle."
"Of course," the stranger replied, somehow freeing his hands from the shackles and dropping them onto the floor. The guards became alarmed but calmed when Elsa raised her hand to halt them. The stranger met Elsa's eyes, "I come from the Eastern Isles. I heard much about you, Queen Elsa. The stories I hear from people who have seen and met you. They either said you were cold and distant or you were kind and generous to those in need. Others praised how smart and clever you are for such a young ruler. I propose a game of wits, a game of opposing strategy. Claim over me in three challenges of my choosing and I'll not only tell you my name but I'll also return it."
"Return what?" Elsa asked just before the treasurer barged in alarmed. "Your Majesty! The royal family heirloom-! The Arnadalr Horn has been stolen!"
Elsa and stood with shock and looked at Anna who shared her alarm. The Horn of the royal family was a special gift to the royal family in Ancient Arendelle. Vikings would drink from it before battle to ensure they would have victory. It was a special gift passed down the line of monarchs who ruled Arendelle and held tremendous sentimental value to the royal sisters. Elsa came closer to look the man in the eye. Her demeanor became very serious and the room felt cold. "If I refuse?"
The stranger leaned down and whispered. "Then I came all this way for nothing…and Queen Elsa is just the scared princess hiding behind her lock door."
This struck something deep in Elsa, making her eyes widen as she stumbled back into Anna's arms. "You have three days to beat me in one of the three challenges."
"My sister is the Queen of Arendelle, not some slave you can command," Anna spoke up to defend her sister. Kai stepped forward to intervene, "Queen Elsa. Princess Anna. Do as he says, he's-"
Before he could say more, the stranger's regal scowl rendered him speechless and brought him to his knees, absolutely terrified. Elsa created a wall of ice between Kai and the stranger and commanded regally, "Enough! Guards, take him to the cells below!"
As the guards took the stranger away, Elsa and Anna rushed to Kai's sides to help him. "Kai?"
Kai got out of his fearful trance and met the worried eyes of the young, royal sisters. "That man is a VERY important person. Your parents did dealings with the Eastern Isles to ensure this kingdom's prosperity. The ruler of the Eastern Isles doesn't visit others, others visit him. For him to leave the Eastern Isles to visit…you, Queen Elsa. Don't take him lightly. Humor his request, for the sake of this kingdom and its people."
Elsa and Anna looked at one another, completely confused. Before Elsa could ask more, Kai dismissed himself by leaving.
The stranger was pushed into his cell, which he studied with a smile, "Ah, charming." He sat on a bench in his cell, staring at the door with a softened gaze. It was good to see you again, Elsa. I am somewhat saddened you could have forgotten me that easily. When I first met you, you were terrified and hid behind a locked door. I have no intention of keeping your family heirloom. I just need something to bring you to me so I could see you're not the scared princess anymore, but truly your father's daughter. Please, Elsa…come to me once more.
Elsa entered the dungeons. Kai revealed the stranger was the ruler of the Eastern Isles. It all makes sense. The way Kai and others acted when they saw his face. His demeanor was that of a regal king when he gave others a scowl, but it doesn't make sense. Why didn't he want everyone to know who he was? Why come before me as a criminal? He kept hinting we met before. She had a nice blanket with her. The dungeons were cold, especially during the winter…so she heard. She wasn't heartless. She approached the cell door and the guard opened it for her so she could enter. The stranger was asleep despite the cold. The guard was about to wake the prisoner, but Elsa intervened, "Wait, don't. You may return to your post."
The guard left her and she covered him with the wool blanket and watched him sleep peacefully. This man was a prince or a king, yet the way he had been acting since she bumped into him seemed strange. He pretended to be a criminal and took something all to play a game with her. She wasn't sure how she was supposed to look at him. She left, not wishing to disturb him. As soon as she left, he opened his eyes and smiled when he noticed the blanket.
The next morning after breakfast, a guard came to Elsa in her office. "Pardon the intrusion, Your Majesty, but the prisoner requests your presence. He says he's ready for the first challenge." Several minutes later, Elsa found herself sitting in his cell at a small table, playing a game of Chess, which Elsa found odd. She kept glancing up at him while he studied the board. He was sending in his pawns first to clear as many of her pieces as he could. She however sent in her more important pieces in first to protect her pawns, which intrigued the prisoner. "Interesting strategy, Queen Elsa. If you don't mind me asking…why send in your more important pieces and risk losing them?"
Elsa looked down at her side of the board. She believed in her ways as Queen, putting the people before herself. "Father once taught me something when I was very little. A ruler must be willing to lower themselves to serve his or her people, not put themselves first. I guess it was seared into my head."
The stranger smiled as if really liking her answer, "I see." He moved a piece. Elsa has been studying his strategy too. He played like most people, sending the pawn pieces in first, but took his time as if prolonging their game as long as possible, sparing her pieces often. What are you up to?
Anna came down and exclaimed, "There you are, Elsa. It's almost noon."
Elsa remembered and became shocked before quickly standing. "Noon! That's right! I completely forgot! We were meeting with our new friends from England!" She quickly turned to the stranger, "May I request a recess until after noon?"
So, she is making friends with foreigners? He smiled that same smile and replied, "No need. You won the game. It's checkmate."
Elsa came closer and took a closer look at the board. Her Queen Piece had his King piece trapped. Her pieces were in special locations on the board to keep his piece or others from moving. He…let me win? She looked up at him with immense confusion. He stood and stretched, "Before you leave to join with your friends, Your Majesty…May I request a cup of water?"
Elsa turned to Anna, but she had already taken off to get him water from Olina. Elsa studied his face while they waited, trying to figure out his game. He was manipulating her somehow. She knew it. She didn't know why he threw the game for her when he could have won. "What are you playing at?"
The disguised young monarch looked at her confused, "I beg your pardon?"
"You could've won that game. You had countless opportunities to claim my pieces," Elsa explained.
He seemed surprise as he studied the board. "Hmm. Didn't notice."
He's mocking me. Elsa was about to say something, but Anna returned and gave him a cup when he took with a grateful nod and drank it in three big gulps. "Thank you, Princess Anna."
Elsa left the cell and it was locked by the guard behind her. As Elsa walked up the steps behind Anna, she was deep in thought over what just happened. He was up to something. She looked up to see Anna grinning like an idiot with red cheeks. "Oh, Anna. What is it?" Anna followed Elsa as they left the dungeon door. "Kai said this man was someone important from the Eastern Isles and he's totally interested in you."
Elsa blushed from embarrassment. "He's a thief, Anna. He stole from us."
"A handsome thief who will steal your heart if you aren't careful," Anna teased, earning a look from Elsa.
"There's something strange about him. He threw the game, Anna. He's manipulating me for some unknown reason…and I am going to find out what after I reclaim the family heirloom," Elsa spoke confidently.
After changing into formal dresses, they purchased some treats from the Baker's and proceeded to the address. Since Elsa was so nervous to knock on the door, Anna knocked musically on the door. Lula lit up when she opened the door, "Elsa, welcome! And you must be Anna! Elsa has told us much about you!"
"Really, now? Like what?" Anna smiled at Elsa.
"Oh, just that you have no self-control when it comes to men or chocolate," Lula laughed. "Please, come in you two!"
"I'll have you know that Elsa is exaggerating. I have only had like two boyfriends. Scratch that, Hans doesn't count," Anna quickly rambled to defend herself, "And have you seen my sister's cheeks. She eats more chocolate than I do."
Elsa elbowed her in the side while smiling. All of them sat in the living room, sharing things about themselves while enjoying treats and English Tea. Things became awkward when the conversation shifted to careers. Lula worked in a bakery. Eva at a fruit shop. Fern, the herbalist on the Market Square. They all got jobs on the Market Square so they could walk each other home. "What do you two do for money?" Lula asked.
Elsa and Anna gave each other looks. Anna whispered, "We have to tell them, Elsa."
They turned back to their friends with worried glances, which concerned the other three. Elsa began to confess, "There's something I need to tell you. I should have said this when we just met, but-"
A knock came on the door, interrupting Elsa and Lula went to see who it was. It was Olaf, who noticed Elsa and Anna threw the doorway and waved, "Hi, I'm Olaf and I like warm hugs." Anna and Elsa quickly ran to Olaf, "Olaf, what are you doing here?"
"I was looking for you two since Kristoff mentioned you were at your new friends' house. So I've been knocking on each door down this street." The three friends of Anna and Elsa were shocked by seeing Elsa and Anna having a normal conversation with an actual talking snowman. Olaf looked up at them, "I had to meet these new friends, because any friends of Queen Elsa and Princess Anna are friends of mine."
Anna and Elsa both winced with their faces before standing.
"Did I say something wrong?" Olaf asked, seeing their faces.
Anna turned to see the immense surprise and shock on their faces.
Lula managed to speak up, "Elsa? Is this true?"
Elsa worked up the courage to turn and look her new friends in the eyes, but couldn't due to the large amount of guilt in her heart from keeping this information from them. "I'm sorry. I should go." Elsa quickly left and Anna chased after her, "Elsa!"
Lula. Eva. Fern. All three were overwhelmed with emotions. "We had the monarchs of Arendelle in our home."
Elsa entered the palace and walked past the staff upset before closing herself in her office. Anna finally caught up with her and went to the office when Kai whispered something to her. She went to the office door and knocked. "Come in, Anna."
Anna entered to see Elsa sitting at her desk with her hands covering her face. "You were right, Anna. I should've told them. I just wanted…Never mind, it's stupid."
"What? Tell me," Anna asked as she comforted Elsa by rubbing her back.
"Just wanted to be normal. Not the Queen. No magic. Just a normal young woman who lived in Arendelle," Elsa explained, lowering her hands so she could see Anna. Anna got closer and hugged Elsa.
"Everything is going to be okay, Elsa," Anna whispered. Kai refrained from entering when he saw the two hugging and left to not disturb them. Elsa returned to the cell. Her mysterious guest smiled as soon as she entered, which she found oddly calming considering what just happened.
His smile faded when he read her face. "How did things go with your friends?"
There he goes again. Stealing from her and then acting concerned. She stared at him with suspicion.
"What?"
"I believe I have two more challenges," Elsa replied regally, "You have something that belonged to my father."
His expression saddened as if his heart wasn't in it anymore. "I never stole the horn. You'll find it in the library."
Elsa became surprised, "What?"
"No more challenges. You win, Queen Elsa. Congratulations. If you'll excuse me, I feel a bit tired," he replied before laying on the bench, facing towards the wall.
Elsa processed this and was about to head out but turned back him, "I know you're like me. You're the monarch of the Eastern Isles. That much I know from Kai. What I don't know is why you went to such great lengths to just see me. Why come to me as a thief instead of royalty? Why play games? You claim we met before, but I don't remember you. I'm the Queen of Arendelle. I NEVER forget a face. Who-? Who are you?"
The prisoner sighed before closing your eyes. "Go find you heirloom, Queen Elsa. You'll find it above the first bookshelf. Ask me again when you come back."
Elsa quickly went into the library and used a chair to look above the first bookshelf. Her heart stopped beating, surprised to find it. She held it close, sighing with relief. The artifact itself wasn't important. It was the memories of her father and mother that it held. The loving memories of all of them together. It was worth more than all the gold in the world.
Ask me again when you come back.
She gave the heirloom back to Kai to put back and ran for the dungeon, surprised to find his cell door wide open and the guard's armor and weapon lying on the floor. She entered to investigate. On the floor laid Purple Heather that spelled, I AM DRACUS. The name and all Kai told her came together and Elsa remembered everything.
A week before Elsa's Coronation and Elsa still remained isolated behind her bedroom door. Since she wouldn't come out for certain tasks, servants would come to her room. Another suitor entered the palace with two guards, catching the eyes of the staff members.
Elsa sat in front of her window, taking in the world outside. She touched the window. It has been too long since she had been outside. She wanted to go outside, but fear kept her from leaving. She jumped when a knock came on her door. "Yes?"
"It's Kai, Your Majesty. You have another suitor," the aged servant said from the other side of the door. Elsa froze and thought with frustration, 'Another one? Why won't anyone listen to me?'
"Please, Princess Elsa," Kai encouraged.
"No! I'm not seeing any more suitors. Please, leave," Princess Elsa commanded regally, yet Dracus could hear a hint of fear in her voice.
He approached the door, "Your Majesty. I am Dracus of the Eastern Isles." He turned to his two guards and Kai, "Leave us, please." The guards were hesitant but Dracus was left alone outside her door.
Elsa spoke up, "Prince Dracus, I'm sorry, but I'm not seeing suitors at this time."
"That's okay. Neither am I. My father and his advisor kept pushing I at least met you. Your father and I knew each other well. My father spoke very highly of your parents," Dracus replied, "And please, Princess Elsa. Just call me Dracus. I don't like it when people use that title. It's complicated."
Elsa felt drawn to her bedroom door by the gentle sound of his voice. "Very well…Dracus." She stared at the door, feeling calmer. "Close your eyes for me."
"Close my eyes?"
"Yeah, just do it," Elsa replied.
Dracus closed his eyes, but heard the door unlocking and opening. The timid Princess peaked out her door at her visitor. He was handsome and groomed like royalty. He was holding a bouquet of her favorite flower, Purple Heather. He held it out to her with a smile and his eyes closed, "I hear you like Purple Heather."
"Thank you," Elsa said, reaching out and taking the flowers. She looked back at him. His skin looked smooth. He had dark hair. She noticed a scar above his left eyebrow. "How did you get that scar?"
He tensed up, making Elsa wish she hadn't asked. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked."
"It's fine. I just don't like reliving that day," Dracus replied. After a few long seconds of silence, he smiled and teased Princess Elsa, "So, like what you see, Princess?"
Elsa couldn't help but laugh to herself, enticing Dracus to open his eyes and see the beautiful princess for the first time. She was exceptionally beautiful when she smiled and was laughing. He smiled. She looked up at him and became stunned he was looking and quickly hid behind her door, locking it. "You know you don't have to hide."
"I think you should go, Dracus. Please."
Dracus sighed and touched the door. "I don't know what you are afraid of…but that's okay. You're not the only one with secrets."
Elsa quickly opened her door, but Dracus was gone.
Elsa was pulled back to the present, her eyes locked on the message. "Dracus. Of course."
Anna came up behind her, "Where's the prisoner, Elsa?"
"He's not a prisoner. He's an old friend. He told me where to find the horn." Elsa explained.
"Wait, what?"
"It's over now, Anna. I just wish I could talk to him more," Elsa said. Anna was still lost. As soon as they left the dungeons. Kai reported to them, "Your Majesties. Three young women have come to visit you."
Elsa tensed up instantly, but was comforted when Anna took her hand and nodded. They entered the throne room where Lula, Eva, and Fern waited. Elsa didn't approach her throne, but them. She avoided eye contact. "I'm sorry for not telling you. I just-"
The three smiled. Lula spoke up, "We know, Elsa. Anna revisited us and explained everything."
Elsa looked at Anna before Lula took Elsa's hand. "We understand why you did what you did. We don't see you any differently. You're out friend first."
Fern was getting really excited. "I knew I've seen you before. I know this is crazy…but I really want to hug someone."
Before Elsa could say anything, Fern hugged her and Anna and the other two joined the group hug.
A ship had left Arendelle. Dracus stood in his father's cloak, watching Arendelle as the winds pushed the ship farther and father away. His inside man, whopretended to be his guard was steering the ship. "Was it worth it? Defying the Council to come back here?"
Dracus smiled, "Yes. Every second. Don't worry about the council. I am the next heir since my father passed away shortly after King Agnarr and Queen Iduna. What are they going to do to me? I'm a dragon of the Eastern Isles and what is greater than a dragon?"
The guard smiled and bowed his head to Dracus, "None is greater, my lord."
(A/N: Sorry for the long chapter. Something was suggested and I had to include it. Dracus's part of the story was also too interesting to shorten. Let me know what you think in your reviews. We'll have one last chapter before finishing Year One of Frozen Tales.)